Knots in my Yo-Yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid

Spinelli, Jerry. Knots in my Yo-Yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid. 1997. 160p. ISBN 9780679887911.

Jerry Spinelli's autobiographical work offers a candid and engaging look into his formative years, spanning from his earliest memories to his high school experiences. Drawing on the same storytelling prowess that made his fictional works beloved, Spinelli recounts pivotal moments like his first kiss, his first fight, and his first encounters with authority. However, this is not just a chronicle of unique personal events; it's a relatable exploration of the awkward, emotional, and often humorous transitions of adolescence.

The memoir, much like Spinelli's fiction, resonates with readers due to its accessibility and universal themes. It captures the essence of growing up, with all its embarrassing, painful, and unexpectedly wonderful moments. The fast-paced and entertaining narrative makes it a highly readable experience, offering fans of all ages a deeper connection to the author and the experiences that shaped his writing.

Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back

Chan, Ruth. Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back. 2024. 288p. ISBN 9781250855343. Available as a graphic novel on the library shelves.

Ruth Chan, a Toronto native, is devastated when her family relocates to Hong Kong for her father's new job. While her mother is thrilled to reconnect with her family, Ruth struggles to adapt to her new environment. The academic challenges, her limited Cantonese, and her parents' frequent absences leave her feeling isolated and displaced. She misses her familiar life in Toronto, her best friends, and her beloved ketchup-flavored potato chips.

However, as her father shares stories of their family's resilience and courage through hardship, Ruth begins to find her own inner strength. She gradually starts to build a new life in Hong Kong, forming connections and creating a sense of belonging. Through these experiences, Ruth learns that "home" is not just a physical location but a feeling rooted in her heart and her connections to family and community.

Readers who found themselves at a new school will relate to Ruth's challenges as she adapts to her new home.

When Devils Sing

Kaur, Xan. When Devils Sing. 2025. 388p. ISBN 9781250357175.

When Dawson Sumter vanishes, leaving only blood in a room at Neera Singh's family's struggling motel, it marks another unsettling disappearance in the rural Georgia town of Carrion. Such incidents are disturbingly common, particularly every thirteen years when a periodical cicada brood emerges, filling the air with their deafening cries. For Neera, Dawson's disappearance is a stark reminder of Carrion's harsh reality: the wealthy prosper, while the impoverished face grim fates.

Determined to uncover Dawson's whereabouts, Neera embarks on an investigation, joined by an unlikely trio: Isaiah, a judge's son and secret true crime podcaster; Reid, the son of the region's wealthiest man; and Sam, the estranged daughter of the local hitman. As they delve into a complex web of secrets and lies, they unearth a terrifying truth: the prosperity of the neighboring Lake Clearwater community is linked to an ancient source of power, rooted in the town's founding and an urban legend of three increasingly sinister devils. The teens must now confront the pervasive corruption and find a way to escape its insidious reach, before they become the devils' next victims.

Gritty and dark, When Devils Sing feature strong characters who aim to escape their own fate and set out on a life of their choosing, instead of suffering the circumstances imposed by others. The alternating point of views propel the story forward, and add to the tension building as the teens discover dangerous clues. Fans of horror will enjoy this story.

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4. 2020. 704p. ISBN 9781506715216. 

With Griffith imprisoned and with Casca and Guts now more than friends following Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3, the Band of the Hawk is reunited to conduct an extraction operation to free Griffith from his prison cell underneath the dungeon of the Midland Castle, where he has been brutally tortured for his affair with the King of Midland's daughter. Though isolated and suffering, Griffith is not alone in the castle's dark depths.

Within the dank catacombs of Windham Castle lurk unspeakable horrors, far more terrifying than mere imprisonment and torture. As Guts descends into this nightmarish realm to liberate his former commander, he will confront not only human adversaries but also the monstrous denizens of the castle's underbelly. The dangers are so profound that the living within these walls might indeed envy the fate of the dead.

With Griffith freed, another terror begins chasing the Band of the Hawk. And just as Guts and Casca think that they have escaped, another, more ancient horror arises and claims Griffith as its own!

Bad Badger: A Love Story

Wood Maryrose. Bad Badger: A Love Story. Book 1 of the Bad Badger series. 2025. 192p. ISBN 9781454953456.

Septimus, a badger living a solitary life by the sea, struggles with traditional badger expectations. He prefers sunsets and dreams of Venice over typical badger activities, leading him to question his own identity. Though content with his tidy cottage and quiet routine, he longs for companionship. This longing is fulfilled when a laconic gull named Gully lands on his windowsill, sparking an unlikely friendship that blossoms over time.

When Gully mysteriously disappears, Septimus embarks on a quest to find his only friend, venturing into unfamiliar territory and encountering a diverse group of characters. This journey tests Septimus's courage and heart, forcing him to confront his insecurities about being a "bad badger." Ultimately, his adventure becomes a journey of self-discovery, teaching him that true strength lies in embracing his unique qualities and understanding who he truly is.

Shadows of Tyranny: Defending Democracy in an Age of Dictatorship

McGoogan, Ken. Shadows of Tyranny: Defending Democracy in an Age of Dictatorship. 2024. 320p. ISBN 9781771624244.

Shadows of Tyranny draws parallels between contemporary political trends and the rise of authoritarianism in the 20th century, echoing the dystopian warnings found in novels like 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale. Figures like Donald Trump are replicating the tactics of past tyrants, exploiting paranoia, polarization, scapegoating, and demagoguery to undermine democratic institutions. By referencing authors like Orwell, Atwood, Wells, Zamyatin, London, and Arendt, the author emphasizes the cyclical nature of history and the persistent threat of totalitarianism.

Shadows of Tyranny raises critical questions about how Canadians should respond to the potential collapse of democracy in the United States and the expansionist rhetoric of far-right figures. It explores whether such rhetoric is mere sensationalism or a harbinger of a resurgent authoritarianism that could threaten Canada's sovereignty. In the tradition of cautionary tales, It hopes to be a galvanizing call to action, urging readers to recognize the warning signs and take proactive steps to safeguard democratic values and prevent a descent into a dark future.

Brownstone

Teer, Samuel and Mar Julia. Brownstone. 2024. 320p. ISBN 9780358394747. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Almudena, raised by her white mother, finds herself spending an unexpected summer with her Guatemalan father, Xavier, whom she's never truly known. Left behind while her mother travels, she's thrust into a world vastly different from her own, living in Xavier's dilapidated brownstone and struggling to bridge the language gap created by his fluent Spanish and her own lack of English. As she tries to acclimate to her new surroundings, Almudena is introduced to the vibrant, diverse Latin American community that surrounds her father.

Within this community, Almudena encounters a range of perspectives and expectations, as residents grapple with their own personal struggles and offer unsolicited advice on how she should embrace her Latina identity. Some question her lack of cultural knowledge, while others deem her "not brown enough." Despite these challenges, Almudena and Xavier attempt to forge a connection during their limited time together, discovering that their shared history and the bonds of family may lie in uniting the diverse elements of their community. While repairing the physical structure of the brownstone is a tangible task, building a family from these disparate individuals proves to be a more complex and time-sensitive endeavor.

Beautifully illustrated and featuring plenty of clever one liners, Brownstone will warm your heart as Almudena learns and discovers what it means to be of two worlds. 

Bump

Atik, Chiara. Bump. 2019. 66p. ISBN 9780822239444.

When Claudia becomes pregnant, she meticulously plans her ideal birth experience. However, her prenatal anxieties inadvertently inspire her father, a car mechanic, to invent a device aimed at safer deliveries, leading Claudia to realize that expectations rarely align with reality. This personal journey into the mechanics of childbirth forms the core of Bump, a narrative that explores the universal uncertainties surrounding maternity across different eras and communities.

Inspired by the true story of Jorge Odón and his garage-invented birthing device, Bump traverses time and space, connecting a modern-day car mechanic and his pregnant daughter, a vibrant online community of expectant mothers, and a pregnant woman in colonial New England. Through these interwoven stories, the book grapples with the profound mystery and miracle of childbirth, offering a multifaceted perspective on the challenges and unexpected turns of bringing new life into the world.

Blue Lock, Vol. 4

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 4. 2019. 192p. ISBN 9781636991535. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their first victory in Blue Lock, Vol. 3, The final and crucial match of the first Blue Lock selection round is underway, with Isagi's Team Z facing a must-win situation to avoid elimination. Their formidable opponents are Team V, recognized as the strongest squad in Wing 5, spearheaded by the prodigious talent of Seishiro Nagi. The impending clash pits Team Z's desperate need for victory against Team V's seemingly insurmountable offensive capabilities, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

As the game progresses, the central strategic element for Team Z's potential triumph is revealed to be the concept of "a goal's reproducibility." This suggests that their path to victory lies not in overwhelming power, but in identifying and replicating a successful scoring formula. The narrative teases whether Team Z's strategic desperation and ability to exploit this principle will be enough to overcome the raw talent and offensive dominance of Team V, led by the exceptional Nagi.

The story continues in Blue Lock, Vol. 5.

Our Infinite Fates

Stevens, Laura. Our Infinite Fates. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9781250333889.

Evelyn possesses the extraordinary ability to recall all her many past lives. But this gift comes with a deadly curse. She's destined to be murdered by Arden, a supernatural entity, before her eighteenth birthday in each reincarnation. This cyclical tragedy is driven by Arden's soul being inextricably linked to hers, making her death before they turn 18 a necessity for his own sake. However, in 2022, Evelyn is determined to break this pattern, especially since her current life holds immense value, particularly her little sister who relies on her for life-saving bone marrow transplants. Were Evelyn to die before being able to donate her marrow, her sister would also die.

To protect her sister and end the relentless cycle of death once and for all, Evelyn must embark on a perilous quest. She must find the centuries-old Arden, who hunts her through time, before he finds her again. Simultaneously, she has to unravel the mystery behind their cursed connection to sever the link and finally gain freedom. Adding to the complexities of her mission, she must also navigate the treacherous waters of romance, attempting to avoid falling in love, a distraction that could prove fatal.

Fans of paranormal and historical novels will enjoy this marriage as the novel is told through Evelyn's perspectives but jumps between multiple centuries, exploring many of the encounters that have shaped her life up to this point and explaining her desire to escape this misery of dying before her 18th birthday once and for all.

Boys with Sharp Teeth

Howell, Jenni. Boys with Sharp Teeth. 2025. 400p. ISBN 9781250334596.

Seventeen-year-old Marin James has always lived on the periphery of the prestigious Huntsworth Academy, where students often look down on the town folk. When her cousin's dead body is discovered on school grounds, she immediately points the finger at Adrian Hargraves and Henry Wu. These two enigmatic yet dangerously alluring boys are the undisputed leaders of Huntsworth's social elite, and Marin is convinced they are responsible for her cousin's death.

Determined to seek justice, Marin trades her usual ripped jeans for a prep school skirt and infiltrates Huntsworth. However, her mission quickly becomes complicated as she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to her new life and to Adrian and Henry, who, despite their dysfunctional and depraved nature, seem to understand her in a way no one else ever has. As Marin unearths an otherworldly secret hidden within the academy's ivy-covered walls, the distinctions between good and evil, love and hate, and even reality itself begin to blur, revealing that nothing at Huntsworth is truly as it appears.

Despite intense attraction and repulsion between characters, Boys with Sharp Teeth is explicitly not a romance. It successfully creates an addictive, tension-filled reading experience, but the plot's direction is often unclear. Readers will ultimately experience the close relationship between love and hate, but will be left to wonder which of the two won in the end.

Naruto, Vol. 27: Departure

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 27: Departure. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421518633. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Having returned from their failed attempt at rescuing Sasuke in Naruto, Vol. 26, Naruto is confronted by Sakura, who is disappointed Naruto failed. However, he tells her that a promise is a promise, and he will bring Sasuke back. Jiraiya returns to Kohona, and tells Naruto he must forget his pursuit of Sasuke if he wishes to become a great ninja. Naruto tells him he can't do that. Reluctantly, Jiraiya agrees to continue training Naruto. Sakura, for her part, requests to train with Lady Tsunade, who accepts her as an apprentice. Sasuke, who rejoined Orichimaru, is likewise involved in his own training.

Naruto's behavior reminded Jiraiya of Kakashi's own story. As a young ninja, Kakashi led a small team and had to make decisions that proved wrong. Kakashi's fafeful delay in rescuing Rin caused the death of Obito, who gave him his own sharigan eye after Kakashi had lost his left eye in battle. Having rescued Rin but lost Obito, Kakashi learned a valuable lesson that sometimes rules are meant to be ignored. 

As Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura embark on their individual journeys of growth and self-discovery, they prepare to face their destiny and the challenges and dangers that lie ahead.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 28.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 13: The Meltdown

 Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 13: The Meltdown. 2018. 218p. ISBN 9781419727436. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

When a massive snowstorm closes Greg Heffley's middle school, his neighborhood undergoes a dramatic transformation into a frozen combat zone. Suddenly, the familiar streets become the stage for intense territorial disputes, with kids constructing elaborate snow forts and engaging in large-scale snowball battles. Caught in the middle of this wintry chaos are Greg and his loyal best friend, Rowley Jefferson, who find themselves navigating the shifting allegiances and potential betrayals of the neighborhood's warring factions.

As Greg and Rowley try to navigate this unexpected and icy social landscape, they face a true test of survival amidst the neighborhood meltdown. They must carefully choose their allies and avoid becoming targets in the ongoing conflicts. The question looms over their snow-covered world: when the snow finally melts and life returns to normal, will Greg and Rowley emerge as neighborhood heroes, or will they simply be relieved to have made it through the winter unscathed?

Puerto Rico: A National History

Meléndez-Badillo, Jorell. Puerto Rico: A National History. 2024. 312p. ISBN 9780691231273. 

Puerto Rico: A National History provides a panoramic history of Puerto Rico, from pre-Columbian times to the present day. It explores the island's history, shaped by conquest and resistance, and the centuries-long process of crafting and negotiating complex ideas about nationhood. The narrative gives voice to the archipelago’s people, while offering a lens through which to understand the political, economic, and social challenges confronting them today.

Puerto Rico: A National History sheds light on the vibrant cultures of the archipelago before the arrival of Columbus, and captures the full sweep of Puerto Rico’s turbulent history in the centuries that followed. It details events ranging from the first indigenous insurrection against colonial rule in 1511 to the establishment of the Commonwealth in 1952. The contemporary period and the intertwined, though unequal, histories of the archipelago and the continental United States are deftly portrayed. 

This is an engaging, sometimes personal, and consistently surprising history of colonialism, revolt, and the creation of a national identity, offering new perspectives on Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic world more broadly.

Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope

Krosoczka, Jarrett. Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope. 2023. 240p. ISBN 9781338356328. Avaialble at B KRO on the library shelves.

Sunshine recounts the author's transformative experience as a high school camp counselor at Camp Sunshine, a haven for seriously ill children and their families. The camp bills itself as a space where individuals can find freedom from the constraints of their illnesses, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Initially apprehensive about the somber nature of the camp, Jarrett discovers a vibrant community brimming with resilience and hope. Instead of the expected despair, he encounters extraordinary children and dedicated counselors who face their challenges with unwavering determination. He participates in typical camp activities, from wilderness adventures to campfire stories, while also witnessing the profound impact of a safe and supportive environment on those facing life-altering illnesses.

Through his interactions with the campers and fellow counselors, Jarrett gains a deeper understanding of the struggles associated with chronic illness, but more importantly, he witnesses the power of human connection and the strength of the human spirit. Jarrett shares his personal journey, introducing readers to the remarkable individuals who profoundly influenced his life and reshaped his perspective on resilience and hope.