Naruto, Vol. 24: Unorthodox

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 24: Unorthodox. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421544816. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

All of the combats in Naruto, Vol. 23 reached their climax as Naruto and his friends were either forced to withdraw after suffering injuries, or found themselves in a deadly stalemate. When the Sound Ninjas tap deep in their chakra reserve, the chunins from Kohona are utterly spent. But as each of the remaining Sound Ninja seek to deliver a death blow, Naruto is joined first by Rock Lee, who survived his operation, and by the Sand Ninjas. Kankuro, Temari and Gaara join each of the fights, altering the balance in their favor.

Gaara and Rock Lee takes on Kimimaro, allowing Naruto to chase a now awakened Sasuke. Orichimaru still needs Sasuke to reach him, so he can take over his body. Shikamaru and Temari stop Tayuya's flute playing and destroy part of the forest when they take her out. Kankuro help Kiba and his dog Akamaru against the twice entity Sakon and Ukon. These deadly battles leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

Naruto finally catches up to Sasuke. Can he bring him back to Sakura as he promised? 

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 25.

Needy Little Things

Desamours, Channelle. Needy Little Things. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9781250334817. 

High school senior Sariyah Lee Bryant possesses a unique and unsettling gift: she can hear the unmet needs of those around her. As a result, she always carries a bag filled with strange items, for one never knows when someone will need a tissue, a key, an old wrench, or a ring. However, this ability proves to be more of a curse than a blessing when her friend Deja mysteriously vanishes shortly after Sariyah fulfills her need. Convinced that Deja's disappearance is more than just a coincidence, Sariyah, distrustful of the police and media, embarks on her own investigation.

This is not the first time Sariyah lost a friend. A few years ago, her best friend Tessa went missing, vanishing without a trace. She was never found, and Sariyah remains haunted by the loss of her friend, hoping against all hope that her memory will reveal a significant detail she has missed. With Deja missing, history seems to repeat itself. Her friend Malcolm, Tessa's brother, is all out on finding Deja, and attempts to move mountains to do so. Part of the problem is that both Tessa and Deja are Black girls, not the pretty and popular blonde girls who garner all of the attention when they go missing. Most people don't seem to care that Black girls are disappearing.

Complicating Sariyah's life are mounting challenges affecting her daily existence: her mother loses her job, her younger brother faces health complications due to sickle cell disease, and she herself struggles to manage her emotions and maintain a semblance of normalcy. Desperate to find Deja and help her family, Sariyah resorts to using her gift for profit, offering to fulfill others' needs for money. This risky decision, however, may not only jeopardize her own safety but also put her on a collision course with the same danger that led to Deja's disappearance.

Needy Little Things realistically portrays the social divide when girls disappear, as not all of them receive equal treatment in the media and by the police investigating their disappearances. Sariyah's character is realistic and relatable, making this a great read for fans of investigation with a light touch of paranormal.

Tales of World War II: Amazing True Stories from the War that Shook the World

Hearn, Hattie. Tales of World War II: Amazing True Stories from the War that Shook the World. 2023. 160p. ISBN 9781684493128.

From the daring exploits of a Canadian cabin boy evading German U-boats to the secret code developed by Navajo soldiers and the bravery of a jazz singer working as a spy for the French Resistance, Tales of World War II showcases a diverse range of human experiences. The book also features captivating anecdotes, such as the heroic efforts of a dog during the London Blitz and the remarkable story of a bear recruited by the Polish army. Interspersed throughout these inspiring tales are informative pages that provide essential context on key events of the war, offering readers a comprehensive and engaging understanding of this crucial period in human history.

Tales of World War II offers a unique perspective on this pivotal period in history, moving beyond the well-known figures like Hitler, Roosevelt, and Churchill to focus on the extraordinary stories of ordinary people. This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the incredible acts of courage, resilience, and ingenuity displayed by individuals from all walks of life during this tumultuous time.

Hellboy Omnibus, Volume 4: Hellboy in Hell

Mignola, Mike. Hellboy Omnibus, Volume 4: Hellboy in Hell. 2018. 286p. ISBN 9781506707495. 

After being cast in Hell following his death in Hellboy Omnibus, Vol. 3: The Wild Hunt, Hellboy finds himself back home, so to speak. But the denizens of Hell are still reeling from the destruction that the recent conflict between the witches and the humans wrought. The Princes of Hell have all been slaughtered by their own captains, as legions disintegrated. Satan, who still dwells in Pandemonium, sleeps away until he is awakened by Hellboy, who kills him. Hellboy even has a family reunion of sorts, with his uncle and his brothers, all of whom end up dead. His half-sister attempts to kill him a second time, but she fails.

In the end, Satan's hold on Hell has been broken, and the world is reborn once more. Hellboy discovers that there is no one left that cares about his right hand, and, for the first time, finds himself at peace, and he returns to find a semblance of home. 

This volume concludes the Hellboy saga, revealing his origin story. Against all odds, Hellboy demonstrates that he is more human than many of us, as he makes fateful decision after decision, seeking not the easy path, but the righteous one. 

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King

Trevaldwyn, Harry. The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9781250366788.

Patrick Simmons, who goes by the name of Patch, is a high school student who is determined to find a boyfriend this year. Armed with his mother's outdated self-help books and an unwavering belief in himself, Patch sets his sights on two new students who have recently joined the drama club: the sophisticated Peter, and his enigmatic friend, Sam. As the drama club prepares to put on Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Patch is sure that he will land the role of Sweeney Todd.

Together with his best friend Jean, and Tessa, who's really trying too hard to be part of their group, Patch sets to conquer both the theater and love. But he soon finds that he has competition. When he doesn't land the role, Patch is devastated. Then, he bungles opportunity after opportunity with the boys he's attracted to, and even sabotages his friendship with Jean. Facing competition from his classmates and navigating the complexities of teenage romance, Patch seeks to remain optimistic, but the situation has never been dire, even for one who has a healthy dose of self-confidence.

This heartwarming and humorous coming-of-age story explores themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Patch's comedic misadventures deliver a relatable and engaging tale that celebrates individuality and encourages readers to embrace their own unique journeys of self-discovery.

Stuff Kids Should Know: The Mind-Blowing Histories of (Almost) Everything

Bryant, Chuck and Josh Clark. Stuff Kids Should Know: The Mind-Blowing Histories of (Almost) Everything. 2023. 201p. ISBN 9781250622440.

Stuff Kids Should Know is a captivating nonfiction book from the creators of the popular podcast "Stuff You Should Know," Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. This book delves into a diverse range of fascinating topics, from the history of facial hair to the mechanics of demolition derbies. With humor and engaging storytelling, Clark and Bryant aim to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for learning.

Stuff Kids Should Know presents a collection of intriguing facts and stories, encouraging children to explore the world around them with a sense of wonder. By delving into the "whys" and "hows" of everyday phenomena, "Stuff Kids Should Know" aims to make learning an enjoyable and enriching experience. Through clever insights, witty illustrations, and a playful approach to knowledge, readers will embrace their inner explorer and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Maximum Ride, the Manga, Vol. 7

Patterson, James and NaRae Lee. Maximum Ride, the Manga, Vol. 7. 2013. 208p. ISBN 9780759529731. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

In Maximum Ride, the Manga, Vol 6, Fang posted on his blog the locations of all of the Itex facilities the Flock had discovered as they were chased around the world. Blog readers congregate to all of these facilities and violently protest Itex's evil plans. As the German facility come under attack, Max and the flock escape, taking Itex's head scientist in the air with her. The scientist, who claimed to be Max's mother, refuses to cooperate, and Max drops her, but her conscience does not allow her to let the woman die, so she saves her in the end.

Max and the rest of the flock returns to the UInited States to stay with Dr. Martinez. They participate in a meeting with the US government which turns sour, and a bomb in their hotel room reminds them that they are still hunted. As a result, Dr. Martinez secures a position on a research vessel heading to the Antarctic. There, the scientists, who are all young, hope that Max and the rest of them can help them study climate change. 

Though life on the ship comes with challenges, especially as Fang and a young scientist named Brigid Dwyer seem to be hitting off, upsetting Max who has mixed feelings towards Fang. Total also has difficulty connecting with the onboard ship dog. But as the flock settles into a routine and learn new powers and new skills, a villain somewhere else in the world is setting up an auction to purchase the flock members ...

The story continues in Maximum Ride, the Manga, Vol. 8.