Hit the Books With These Picks by Library Staff

Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library

School's back in session! Whether you're starting another school year or consider yourself a lifelong learner, Library staff have compiled lists of books perfect for bookworms of all ages.

Looking for something themed outside of the classroom? Check out the all latest lists from Library staff for kids, teens, and adults - and picks perfect for your book club!

For Kids

It's that time of year again! Get ready for school with one of these new books:

The World's Best Class Plant

"Deciding to name the class plant Jerry, Arlo and his classmates learn to take of care Jerry and it soon becomes apparent that something amazing has taken root in their classroom."

Mr. S

"Prepare for plenty of giggles as a kindergarten class arrives for their first day of school, but can't find their teacher--only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words 'Mr. S' scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether or not the sandwich must be their teacher."

Bitsy Bat, School Star

"Told from an autistic perspective, this adorable picture book stars Bitsy, a little bat with BIG dreams of making friends at her new school, but when things don’t go as planned, she comes up with a new plan and discovers that being a good friend is just one of the ways she shines brightly."

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For Teens

Whether you are going back to school or heading to college, it can be a stressful time of year. Find out ways to cope with one of these books:

Your New Playlist

"Popular speaker and New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff partners with his daughters to help teens tackle overthinking by replacing self-defeating thoughts with a positive, healthy mindset that pushes them forward in life rather than holding them back."

The Teen Anxiety Guidebook

"Keeping up with friendships, relationships, school, extracurriculars, and social media is already a lot of work. And when anxiety spikes, it sometimes feels like it's impossible to keep your life on track. You might feel like you're in a never-ending downward spiral. That's where this book comes in."

Stress Less

"Stress Less teaches concrete skills for managing stress and anxiety, organized into common "stress domains" such as family, friends, dating, school, and media."

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For Adults

Start the new school year with one of these new adult titles about education in America.

The Teachers

"Teaching is a time-honored profession, but lately has become something of a nightmare. Robbins takes readers through a school year, allowing teachers from all parts of the country to tell their stories."

Lessons Learned and Cherished

"ABC News journalist Roberts curates a collection of essays and musings from celebrity friends and colleagues alike that share how teachers changed them, imparted life lessons, and helped them get to where they are today."

Erasing the Finish Line

"For years, we’ve been led to believe that great grades, high test scores, and college acceptance are keys to a successful life. What if we've overlooked the critical skills young adults need to navigate an ever-changing world?"

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Looking for something themed outside of the classroom? Check out the all latest lists from Library staff for kids, teens, and adults - and picks perfect for your book club!