Please Pay Attention

Sumner, Jaime. Please Pay Attention. 2025. 240p. ISBN 9781665956079

Bea Coughlin's life is irrevocably altered by a school shooting that claims the lives of three of her school mates and her 6th grade teacher, dividing her existence into a stark "Before" and "After." Struggling to cope with the overwhelming grief and the sense of helplessness she experienced in her wheelchair during the tragedy, Bea finds herself disconnected from the wave of activism that sweeps through her community. The marches and protests, while well-intentioned, fail to alleviate her internal turmoil, leaving her feeling isolated in her grief.

Seeking solace and healing, Bea discovers the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding. Through her interactions with the horses, she gradually begins to reconnect with herself, her adopted mother, and  she rediscover a sense of normalcy. As her emotional wounds begin to heal, Bea finds her voice and the courage to advocate for change, transforming her personal trauma into a powerful force for action. She moves beyond her initial feelings of helplessness to become a driving force in the fight against gun violence.

Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us

Tubbs, Anna Malaika. Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us. 2025. 384p. ISBN 9781250876690

The American patriarchy has structured society to ensure its survival and undermine everyone else in what it perceives to be a zero-sum game. Erased offers a groundbreaking analysis of American patriarchy, arguing that the nation's gendered hierarchy is uniquely intertwined with a flawed binary logic that is also fundamentally tied to whiteness and racial supremacy. This constructed hierarchy has become deeply embedded in the United States over time, rendering it largely invisible along with the contributions and experiences of those it oppresses. Erased contends that this system of patriarchy has intentionally concealed the very tools needed for its dismantling.

Through a comprehensive examination spanning from the founding fathers to contemporary issues like the maternal health crisis and the absence of the ERA, Erased weaves together academic research, the narratives of past and present freedom fighters, and her own personal insights. It shifts the historical focus to center the experiences of those marginalized by American patriarchy, revealing what has been systematically overlooked. Ultimately, Erased empowers readers by reminding them that the means to dismantle this oppressive system – including intuition, courage, ancient wisdom, and collective power – remain accessible.

Fans of women's history and those intrigued by the history behind our current social policies will appreciate this thorough and well-researched book.

Love Spells Trouble

Davenport, Nia. Love Spells Trouble. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9781547612963. 

Cayden is intimately familiar with the historical tensions between witches and humans; her own witch mother was ostracized by her high-society family for falling in love with Cayden's human father. In the name of love, her mother cut off all contact with her family, and they moved to Ohio, where they opened a bakery. Years later, their bakery faces financial ruin due to wealthy witches gentrifying their neighborhood. The situation worsens when Cayden realizes she inadvertently went on a date with Khy Carter, the popular "it-boy" of the local witch community.

However, an unexpected solution emerges as Khy's newfound "girlfriend" status brings a surge of new customers to the bakery. Despite her family's strong anti-witch sentiments, Cayden decides to fake-date Khy to save her family's business. While this facade offers a lifeline, Cayden grapples with the betrayal she feels towards her parents, who chose love over everything. This forces her to question if she, too, is willing to prioritize love, even if it means defying her family's deeply ingrained beliefs.

Though there is magic in this story, it is heavily underutilized and barely noticeable. The narrative leans more towards contemporary romance with only a smidge of fantasy elements, leaving a desire for more magical integration. Fans of light fantasy or romance will enjoy this light read.

My Hero Academia, Vol. 7

Horikoshi, Kohei. My Hero Academia, Vol. 7. 2017. 192p. ISBN 9781421590400. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Though Midoriya has absorbed valuable lessons from Gran Torino in My Hero Academia, Vol. 6, he quickly learns that certain crucial understandings can only be gained through direct experience. This becomes painfully clear when the League of Villains launches an attack on the town of Hosu. Despite not being fully prepared, Midoriya instinctively rushes to aid Ida, who is locked in a desperate struggle for survival against the formidable Hero Killer Stain.

Stain, a ruthless ideologue, harbors extreme convictions regarding heroes and their societal role, believing many to be unworthy. Driven by this philosophy, he is committed to systematically eliminating every hero he encounters. This intense confrontation not only tests Midoriya's developing abilities but also forces him into a perilous situation where the ideals of heroism clash violently with Stain's brutal purge.

The story continues in My Hero Academia, Vol. 8.

What Fell from the Sky

Cuevas, Adrianna. What Fell from the Sky. 2025. 304p. ISBN 9780374390457.

Pineda Matlage, a middle schooler in rural Texas, finds his life turned upside down when the U.S. Army descends upon his town for a supposed training exercise. However, Pineda knows the real reason for their presence: he's secretly harboring an alien creature he named Luisa who crash-landed in his barn. He's promised to help Luisa find her family, but the army's occupation, complete with checkpoints and surveillance, makes this task seem impossible. Pineda soon discovers the army's true motive: to capture and study the alien visitors for their own purposes.

Enlisting the aid of his friends, a sympathetic Black soldier navigating a newly integrated army, and a group of disgruntled townspeople, Pineda embarks on a daring mission to protect his alien friend and reunite her with her parents. This unlikely alliance finds themselves caught in a high-stakes adventure, challenging the authority of the U.S. government and uncovering a conspiracy that extends far beyond their small town. The people of Lariat, united by their shared determination, will face unexpected dangers and forge extraordinary bonds in their fight for justice and understanding as they seek to free Luisa and her parents.

Mr. Einstein's Secretary

Reilly, Matthew. Mr. Einstein's Secretary. 2024. 450p. ISBN 9781761260766.

Hanna Fischer and her twin sister Ooma live in Germany. Ooma has mental health issues, and is frequently hospitalized. At the end of the First World War, their father was one of the negotiators at the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war but led to the myth that Germany had been stabbed in the back by its civilian government. An aspiring physicist, Hanna lives next door to Albert Einstein, and she dreams of studying physics with him. In 1919, her father is killed by assassins, and their house is burned to the ground. Escaping with only the clothes on her back, Hanna is helped by Einstein to immigrate to the United States.

This turn of events launches her into an extraordinary existence that encompasses roles as a student, secretary, sister, and spy. Her journey is fraught with peril, taking her from encounters with racist gangs in Berlin to dangerous gangsters in New York City, and later, into the menacing presence of Nazis in the 1930s and even Hitler's inner circle during World War II. Throughout these tumultuous historical periods, Hanna navigates a world filled with both brilliant minds and horrific events, all while desperately fighting for her survival, with several encounters with her sister Ooma, who successfully escapes and impersonates her on several occasions.

Over the course of forty years, Hanna serves a variety of "bosses," ranging from astute businessmen to vile Nazi officials, ultimately culminating in her working for the renowned Albert Einstein himself. Her unique position as a secretary places her at the heart of some of history's most dangerous moments. This thrilling tale of a young woman propelled through pivotal historical events promises a narrative where appearances can be deceiving, urging readers to pay close attention to the unfolding story.

Bleach, Vol. 7: The Broken Coda

Kubo, Tite. Bleach, Vol. 7: The Broken Coda. 2005. 200p. ISBN 9781591168072. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.  

Following the events in Bleach, Vol. 6, Rukia Kuchiki, the former Soul Reaper who imparted her powers to Ichigo, is now a fugitive. The Soul Society is highly displeased with her transgression of bestowing Soul Reaper abilities upon a human, and as a result, they have dispatched two of their most formidable agents to resolve the situation. Their mission is clear: apprehend Rukia and bring her back to the Soul Society to face punishment, and simultaneously, eliminate Ichigo permanently for possessing stolen powers.

However, an unexpected obstacle stands in the path of the Soul Society's elite agents: Uryū Ishida, a Quincy. As a member of the Quincy, a clan with a long-standing rivalry with Soul Reapers, Uryū's intervention introduces an unpredictable element to the confrontation. His presence complicates the Soul Society's mission, setting the stage for a three-way conflict as they attempt to execute their orders.

The story continues in Bleach, Vol. 8.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 16: Big Shot

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 16: Big Shot. 2021. 226p. ISBN 9781419749155. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

Following a humiliating performance at his school's field day, Greg resolves to abandon his athletic aspirations entirely. However, yielding to his mother's encouragement for one final attempt, he reluctantly signs up for the basketball team. Despite a chaotic and unimpressive showing at tryouts, Greg surprisingly secures a position, albeit on the squad widely recognized as the least skilled within the school.

As the basketball season commences, Greg and his ragtag teammates face the daunting prospect of likely failing to secure a single victory. Yet, the unpredictable nature of competitive sports leaves room for unforeseen possibilities. When the crucial moment arrives, with the game's outcome resting on Greg's actions with the ball in his possession, will Greg transcend his perceived limitations and seize the opportunity, or succumb to the pressure of the decisive shot?

Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare

Lechner, John. Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare

In 2014, the Wagner Group, a shadowy mercenary organization, emerged during Russia's initial incursions into Ukraine, setting a precedent for their future operations. Under the leadership of Yevgeny Prigozhin, "Putin's Chef," the group expanded its reach, engaging in conflicts across the Middle East and Africa, where their actions, marked by brutality and human rights violations, drew international condemnation. This expansion not only solidified Russia's influence abroad but also transformed Prigozhin from a mere caterer into a powerful figure, eventually challenging Putin's authority.

This investigative account reveals how the Wagner Group, leveraging both military expertise and strategic cunning, exploited geopolitical vulnerabilities to secure access to valuable resources and displace Western peacekeeping efforts. By partnering with authoritarian regimes and instigating conflicts, they became an integral part of Russia's foreign policy. Despite Prigozhin's dramatic rebellion and subsequent death, the Wagner Group's extensive network and business interests remain deeply intertwined with Russia's strategic ambitions, indicating their continued significance on the global stage.

Readers who enjoy recent history and who follow political events will gain an appreciation for the war in Ukraine and Russian aggression around the world.

Things in the Basement

Hatke, Ben. Things in the Basement. 2023. 240p. ISBN 9781250836618. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Milo and his family have just moved in a new house, and parts of it feel very creepy. When Milo's mother asks him to retrieve a special sock for one of his newborn twins, Milo hesitates. The basement of his family's new, historic home feels haunted. Summoning his courage, Milo descends the steps, but things takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a hidden door leading to a vast, unknown world beneath his house. Milo's initial apprehension gives way to curiosity as he ventures deeper into this subterranean realm, encountering its strange inhabitants as he looks for the missing sock.

As Milo navigates the wonders and potential oddities of this Basement World, he begins to understand a valuable lesson about overcoming his fears. He learns that instead of retreating from the unfamiliar, approaching even the most unusual creatures with kindness and understanding is the key to navigating this new environment. His journey becomes not just a physical exploration of a hidden world, but also a personal one of developing empathy and courage in the face of the unknown.

Kin: Rooted in Hope

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Kin: Rooted in Hope. 193p. ISBN 9781665913621.

While the author's family history in Maryland spans over three hundred years, her genealogical research, like that of many African Americans with roots in slavery, extends only five generations before the records cease. From these historical fragments are conjured the voices of their kin, crafting a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative of pain, resilience, and ultimate empowerment. Told through poems, ancestors regain their voices and historical figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman contribute to the story

Kin is a powerful and authentic portrait of a Black family's lineage, intricately shaped by the dual forces of enslavement and freedom. Author Carole Boston Weatherford and her son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford, collaborate to render this history through searing poems and stunning art. The work begins by invoking the names of ancestors listed as property, emphasizing that each possessed their own mind and an untold story, now finally brought to light.

Naruto, Vol. 29: Kakashi vs. Itachi

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 29: Kakashi vs. Itachi. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421518657. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The Akatsuki, a shadowy organization of powerful ninjas, launched their attack against the Sand Village in Naruto, Vol. 28. The intense battles escalate as Might Guy faces off against the shark-like Kisame Hoshigaki, while Kakashi Hatake, haunted by his past, confronts Itachi Uchiha, his former teammate and the brother of Sasuke. These clashes showcase the incredible skills and determination of the Leaf ninjas as they fight to protect their village and their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the fate of Gaara, the Sand Village's Kazekage, hangs in the balance. Naruto, driven by his strong bond with Gaara, learns of the Akatsuki's plans for him, realizing that he too is a target. As both Gaara and Naruto face the Akatsuki, they discover that they share a common enemy, a devious and formidable opponent who threatens not only their lives but the stability of the entire ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 30.

The City of Lost Cats

Lloyd Kyi, Tanya. The City of Lost Cats. 2025. 288p. ISBN 9781774882108.

Fiona, struggling to adjust to life with her distant Aunt Tanis and her slimy boyfriend Dex after her parents' death, finds solace in an abandoned mansion filled with stray cats and birds. She discovered the mansion while skipping on summer dance classes. When the mansion is threatened with demolition, Fiona is determined to save it, seeing it as a symbol of finding a safe home, a feeling she deeply understands. However, the mansion's feline residents, led by the self-proclaimed "King" Cot, and prowling black cat Piper, have their own agenda, suspecting the newly arrived birds are behind the demolition threat.

As the demolition begins, Fiona seeks help throughout her community while the cats clash over their preferred methods of dealing with the situation. Cot wants to expel the birds, while Piper believes she can intimidate the demolition team. The birds, meanwhile, simply long to return to their original home. Fiona realizes that saving "The City" will require more than just her efforts; she must unite the disparate animals and rally her community to stop the luxury condo development and create a better future for everyone.

You'll Do: A History of Marrying for Reasons Other Than Love

Zug, Maria. You'll Do: A History of Marrying for Reasons Other Than Love. 2024. 336p. ISBN 9781586423742.

Americans have historically placed an exceptionally high value on marriage, often promoting it as a solution to various societal problems. This has led to a system where marriage is incentivized and its benefits are idealized, sometimes to the point of overlooking or excusing harmful behaviors and systemic injustices. Throughout history, marriage has been used as a tool to address issues like racial inequality, population growth, and economic stability, with laws and social pressures designed to encourage its practice.

However, this reliance on marriage as a cure-all has created a significant problem: it has allowed individuals and society to ignore or downplay deep-seated inequities, such as gender and race-based discrimination, sexual violence, and financial disparities. By promoting marriage as a solution, governments and society have abdicated their responsibility to directly address these issues, effectively using marriage as a convenient excuse for inaction. The argument that women's influence through marriage was equivalent to voting rights exemplifies this tendency to use marriage as a substitute for addressing fundamental rights and systemic problems.

Readers who enjoy history and would like to know more about the institution of marriage will appreciate this well-researched book and will gain an appreciation for the role marriage played in our society.

Button Pusher

Page, Tyler. Button Pusher. 2022. 256p. ISBN 9781250758347. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

As a child, Tyler struggles with inattention in school and often acts out impulsively, leading adults to label him a troublemaker. However, as the story unfolds, Tyler's underlying curiosity, creativity, and artistic talent consistently reveal themselves, highlighting the disconnect between his behavior and his true nature. He doesn't intentionally cause problems but often feels a lack of control over his actions. He is simply unable to anticipate the consequences of his action, or even impose self-control.

As Tyler learns about ADHD, and begins to take Ritalin, he learns more about himself and his executive functioning skills. Button Pusher vividly portrays the challenges and realities of navigating childhood with ADHD, from the initial diagnosis to the various stages of treatment and self-discovery. Tyler's raw and honest journey provides an enlightening perspective on what it's like to experience the world with a differently wired brain.

Button Pusher is a memoir-based graphic novel that offers a personal and relatable account of growing up with ADHD through the experiences of its protagonist. It invites readers to empathize with the internal struggles of individuals with ADHD and to gain a deeper understanding of their unique ways of processing information and interacting with the world.

The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore

Quinn, Sine and Dermot Flynn, illustrator. The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore. 2025. 80p. ISBN 9781536240719.

The Faerie Isle unveils a captivating world of Irish folklore, introducing readers to fifteen extraordinary fae beings, ranging from mischievous leprechauns to powerful giants. The book warns of the enchanting yet perilous selkies, who dance ashore every ninth day, and the ill-omened sight of a mermaid combing her hair. It also cautions against the Charmer, whose seductive words can leave a person lovesick and heartbroken. These tales, inspired by the Irish National Folklore Collection, paint a vivid picture of a world where magic and danger intertwine.

Through dramatic illustrations and detailed descriptions of each fae's traits and origins, the book provides an illuminating glimpse into the lesser-known heroes and villains of Irish mythology. It serves as a treasured keepsake, offering a rich tapestry of stories that explore the complexities of the fae world. This collection not only entertains but also preserves the cultural heritage of Irish folklore, making it a valuable resource for anyone fascinated by the mystical creatures and their enduring influence.