America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State

Balmer, Richard. America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State. 2025. 160p. ISBN 9781586424145.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established a fundamental principle: the government should not favor any single religion but must allow for the free exercise of all faiths and beliefs. This separation of church and state has been remarkably successful, shielding the government from religious factionalism and fostering a religious diversity that is unparalleled globally. For over two centuries, this framework has served as a cornerstone of American governance and societal harmony.

However, this long-standing principle is now facing significant challenges. Recent shifts in the Supreme Court have moved away from excluding religious practices from public institutions and laws, instead favoring the inclusion and promotion of religion in publicly funded initiatives. Concurrently, a growing movement of Christian Nationalists has become increasingly vocal and is gaining positions of power. These developments suggest that despite its historical success, the future of the separation of church and state is by no means guaranteed.

America's Best Idea explores the history behind the separation of church and state, and describes how this process is now being undermined by political partisanship. Fans of history will appreciate this deep dive into a central but threatened element of the American constitution and how it impacts our society.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25. 2020. 282p. ISBN 9781974718467. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Rin's visions of the past, which started in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23 and continued in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 24, culminate in the devastating climax of the Blue Night, where he witnesses Satan's cloned body fail to contain the immense cosmic energies within him. This catastrophic event unleashes an unprecedented crisis upon the Knights of the True Cross, as a wave of destruction begins to sweep across the entire world, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

Despite being a mere newborn, Rin possesses immense demonic power, his demon heart unleashing scorching blue flames that ravage the Knights of the True Cross. These destructive blue flames continue to spread relentlessly, ensuring that no one will be spared from their intense heat and the widespread devastation they cause.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 26.

It Found Us

Currie, Lindsay. It Found Us. 2023. 288p. ISBN 9781728259499.

Twelve-year-old Hazel Woods, a budding detective, finds herself unexpectedly drawn into a terrifying mystery when her friend Everett mysteriously vanishes after a game of hide-and-seek in the local cemetery. Hazel and her brother, Den, begin to uncover a series of eerie clues, including whispered counting, the scent of smoke, and a chillingly cold presence that seems to follow them. 

As they delve deeper, they realize that Everett's disappearance may be connected to the cemetery's dark history and the lingering spirits of its past. Hazel, with her keen observational skills and unwavering determination, must decipher the cryptic clues and uncover the truth before it's too late for Everett. 

This spooky mystery explores themes of friendship, loss, and the lingering power of the past, inviting readers to join Hazel on a thrilling and suspenseful journey to save her friend and unravel the secrets of the haunted cemetery.

No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity

 Piper, Ashlee. No New Things: A Radically Simple 30-Day Guide to Saving Money, the Planet, and Your Sanity. 2025. 288p. ISBN 9781250382160. 

In No New Things, author Ashlee Piper recounts her two-year personal challenge of purchasing nothing new, a journey that led her to financial freedom, decluttering, goal achievement, and an overall improvement in her health and happiness. She attributes her prior inability to achieve these goals to the distractions of mindless consumption. Now, after a decade of refining her method, Piper offers a simple yet transformative 30-day challenge that has empowered thousands globally to discover similar liberation and fulfillment.

This book delves into what Piper terms "conditioned consumerism," exposing how it subtly drains our time, money, and mental energy while simultaneously harming the environment. Readers are then guided through customizable daily actions designed to cultivate a more streamlined and abundant life, free from the burdens of excessive spending and material possessions, all without sacrificing personal style, convenience, or enjoyment. No New Things ultimately serves as a practical solution for anyone seeking to reduce their consumption, combat modern overwhelm, and live a more intentional life.

A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America

Lee, Trymaine. A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America. 2025. 272p. ISBN 9781250098016.

In this profound narrative, journalist Trymaine Lee confronts a life-altering event: a near-fatal heart attack at age 38, despite his physical fitness. His five-year-old daughter, Nola, innocently asked "why," prompting Lee to delve into the underlying causes of his health crisis. He realized the answer lay in the immense burden of being a Black man in America, grappling with the relentless exposure to Black death as a journalist, and the deep scars of his family's history. This includes the legacy of enslavement, lynching, the Great Migration, the pervasive yet insidious racism of the North, and the devastating impact of gun violence that claimed the lives of multiple family members, including two great-uncles, a grandfather, a stepbrother, and two cousins.

Lee masterfully interweaves three powerful threads throughout the book: the extensive and often brutal history of African Americans and firearms; his personal experiences documenting gun violence and exploring the economic forces behind both legal and illegal gun industries; and his own autobiography. This personal journey includes his near brushes with gun violence in his youth, a reflective trip to Ghana to trace his ancestors' journey from the Middle Passage, and the constant challenge of representing Black people accurately within a predominantly white and often antagonistic media landscape. Ultimately, A Thousand Ways to Die serves as Lee's comprehensive answer to Nola, offering a raw and complex portrayal of the Black experience while simultaneously celebrating the indomitable strength and beauty of his family and community, which forms Nola's inheritance.

Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor

Becket-King, Alasdair. Montgomery Bonbon: Mystery at the Manor. Book 3 of the Montgomery Bonbon series. 2025. 288p. ISBN 9781536241686.

As her keen alter-ego, Montgomery Bonbon, Bonnie Montgomery takes on the crucial task of delivering a priceless diamond to Adderstone Manor, the residence of the renowned, now-retired master thief, Fergus Croke. However, the situation quickly escalates when Croke is discovered dead mere hours later. Suspicion immediately falls upon each of his four protégés, all of whom are seasoned criminals themselves. This presents a unique challenge for even the brilliant Bonbon: with every suspect being a known crook, discerning the true culprit becomes an intricate puzzle.

With the assistance of Grampa Banks and an unexpectedly undercover best friend, Bonbon dives into the investigation. It doesn't take long for her to unravel a web of hidden identities and discover a multitude of motives. The mystery also leads her to a rather peculiar hedge maze populated by monkeys, adding an eccentric twist to the case. The pressing question remains: can Bonbon and her team unmask the killer before they strike again or disappear without a trace?

Fans of light mysteries will enjoy this action-packed adventure. 

My Hero Academia, Vol. 9

Horikoshi, Kohei. My Hero Academia, Vol. 9. 2017. 192p. ISBN 9781421593401. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following their end of term exam in My Hero Academia, Vol. 8, Midoriya and the U.A. students are headed to summer camp, but this is far from a typical vacation. Instead, it's an intensive training regimen designed to push them to further develop their unique Quirks. Their teachers have prepared a series of rigorous challenges, aiming to enhance their abilities and prepare them for future threats. However, these planned obstacles will pale in comparison to an unforeseen danger that looms large over the camp.

A new and formidable group of enemies emerges, posing a threat far more difficult and life-altering than any training exercise. The true horror of the situation lies not only in the villains' power but also in the identity of their specific target and the sinister motivations behind their actions. This unexpected confrontation promises to be a pivotal and potentially devastating moment for Midoriya and his classmates, forcing them to face a danger that will test their resolve and abilities to their absolute limits.

Love in 280 Characters or Less

Stringfield, Ravynn K. Love in 280 Characters or Less. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9781250899385.

Sydney Ciara Warren, a Black college freshman, is embarking on the exciting yet nerve-wracking journey of her first year at Coastal Virginia University. While thrilled about this new chapter, she faces the challenge of being separated from her best friend, Malcolm, and the uncertainty of her future academic and career path, much to the disappointment of her parents who envision law school for her. Fascinated by fashion, Sydney finds comfort and a means of self-expression through blogging about her experiences, curating meaningful outfits, and engaging on Twitter as she navigates campus life and searches for her place in the world.

Within the digital realm, Sydney develops a connection and a crush on a mysterious online persona known as YoungPrinceX. However, her real-life romantic landscape becomes more complex when she begins a relationship with a kind classmate named Xavier, who might just be the person behind the screen. As Sydney juggles academics, burgeoning relationships both online and offline, and the pressure to define her future, she hopes to not only survive her first semester but to truly flourish in her real life as much as she seems to be online.

Filled with realistic characters who live their lives while confronting issues such as racism and gender differences. Love in 280 Characters or Less is a great transition from young adulthood into becoming an adult.

Frog: The secret diary of a paramedic

Gould, Sally. Frog: The secret diary of a paramedic. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9781761633379

Ever since she was a child, Sally Gould knew she wanted to be a paramedic, just like her father. In Frog, Sally Gould reveals the multifaceted reality of life working in an ambulance, which she describes as an unpredictable mix of traumatic, gross, dull, hilarious, and even magical moments. To succeed in this demanding profession, one must possess an unconventional problem-solving ability, maintain composure amid chaos, have a robust stomach, and be able to quickly process patient fatalities. These traits are crucial, in addition to a deep understanding of human physiology and the skills to address its failures, all often complemented by a dark sense of humor.

Frog offers an intimate look beyond the sirens and intense emergency scenes, delving into the human toll of the job and the cumulative impact of trauma, which is often far removed from public perception. Drawing from years of detailed journals, Sally Gould shares a searingly honest and inspiring personal narrative of feeling like a fraud and eventually having to confront her depression. Her memoir stands as a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable resilience, unwavering courage, and strong camaraderie that are essential to navigating the high-stakes world of emergency medicine.

Gallows Hill

Ruby, Lois. Gallows Hill. 2023. 216p. ISBN 9781728431024.

 

In the year 1692, Salem, Massachusetts, becomes the backdrop for a gripping tale as Thomas, a young Quaker orphan, arrives from England. Immediately ostracized by the dominant Puritan community, he finds himself without shelter or means of support. In a twist of fate, he's taken in by Prudence Blevins, an elderly widow whispered to be a witch. This association only deepens his already precarious position in the distrustful town.

Meanwhile, Patience, a young Puritan woman who has always strived for piety, finds her structured world collapsing when her younger sister, Abigail, succumbs to a mysterious illness. This affliction, mirroring the torments of other Salem girls, leads to accusations of witchcraft and demonic influence. As Abigail and others begin to name their neighbors as witches, fear and paranoia grip the community. Amidst this escalating hysteria, Thomas and Patience are compelled to seek the truth, challenging their deeply held beliefs, loyalties, and their very identities in Salem as they desperately fight to protect those they care about.

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez

Paulino, Jasminne. The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez. 2025. 304p. ISBN 9780593859315.

Seventh-grader Alex Ramirez is captivated by space, spending his free time watching rocket launch videos with his Papi and immersing himself in the NASA website. His ultimate dream is to become an astronaut, a goal he knows will require rigorous study. However, Alex's aspirations are continually thwarted by his placement in the school's SC (self-contained) classroom, where he faces the monotony of repetitive worksheets and outdated reading materials. This segregation prevents him from joining Ms. Rosef's mainstream science class, which Alex believes is the crucial first step on his journey to NASA.

After hearing "not yet" from his teacher for what feels like the millionth time, Alex resolves to take matters into his own hands. Determined to prove his capabilities, he embarks on a mission to convince everyone—his teachers, parents, and schoolmates—that he is indeed capable of extraordinary achievements and is ready to pursue his goals of becoming an astronaut.

Fans of main characters overcoming limitations placed on them will appreciate Alex's efforts to overcome a system that deems him not able to fully participate. Alex feels real, and his issues, though subtle, subtly influence the way the story evolves without being front and center. 

Bleach, Vol. 9: Fourteen Days for Conspiracy

Kubo, Tite. Bleach, Vol. 9: Fourteen Days for Conspiracy. 2005. 200p. ISBN 9781591169246. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

The race to rescue Rukia from the Soul Society officially began in Bleach, Vol. 8, and Ichigo and his companions immediately encounter their first significant obstacle: Jindanbô. This monstrous, fez-wearing gatekeeper has maintained an impenetrable defense of the Western Gate for over 300 years, refusing entry to any soul, and he shows no inclination to make an exception for Ichigo's group.

Despite the formidable challenge posed by Jindanbô, Ichigo is not deterred. He had anticipated that his assault on the heavily guarded Soul Society would be anything but easy, embracing the difficulty as a necessary part of the mission. For Ichigo, an effortless victory would simply be boring, suggesting he relishes the struggle and the opportunity to prove his strength against such a powerful adversary.

The story continues in Bleach, Vol. 10.

Somadina

Emezi, Akwaeke. Somadina. 2025. 300p. ISBN 9780593309070.

When the land was devastated by the Split, the only people who survived were those who had a magical ability, called a gift. Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, share an unusually deep connection, almost functioning as a single entity. However, as they reach adulthood, their emerging gifts create a stark divide. While Jayaike's powers are admired and welcomed, Somadina's darkness and void evoke fear and ostracization within their community, exacerbating her lifelong status as an outsider and exposing her to open hostility.

When Jayaike, her closest confidant, mysteriously disappears after being kidnapped by a strange and vicious magical being bent on devouring him, Somadina is compelled to embark on a perilous quest to find and free him. This journey forces her to confront daunting challenges, including venturing into the forbidden Sacred Forest and undertaking grueling, otherworldly travel. She must delve into hidden realms avoided by even those deeply connected to the spirit world, testing the limits of her physical and spiritual strength in her desperate search for her missing twin.

Inspired by West Africa and Igbo cultures, Somadina's tale will resonate with readers who find themselves not identifying with their own culture and society.

Future Millionaire: A Young Person’s Step-by-Step Guide to Making WEALTH Inevitable

Rodgers, Rachel. Future Millionaire: A Young Person’s Step-by-Step Guide to Making WEALTH Inevitable. 2025. 208p. ISBN 9780310158110.

Future Millionaire is a motivational guide for young adults, asserting that anyone can become a millionaire by adopting the right mindset and financial habits. Drawing on insights from psychology and neuroscience, the book provides practical strategies to challenge limiting beliefs and take deliberate action towards achieving financial aspirations. Building wealth isn't just about money, but about enabling dreams and maximizing one's potential for personal growth and career success.

Having overcome her own experiences with financial hardship to build an eight-figure business, the author shares her journey and empowers readers to transform their own futures. Future Millionaire demystifies financial concepts often omitted from school curricula, covering essential topics like budgeting, debt management, and investing. Beyond practical advice, readers are encouraged to cultivate a "millionaire mindset" that includes healthy boundaries and using wealth to support social causes, ultimately challenging systemic inequities and making a positive impact on the world.

Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods… in Our Own Words

Campbell, Jen, editor. Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods… in Our Own Words. 2025. 368p. ISBN 9780571380022.

This book serves as an anthology that explores the experiences of growing up with a disability. It features twenty-two autobiographical stories from some of the most celebrated writers within the disabled community. Directly addressing the often isolating nature of childhood disability, Owning It acknowledges that even with supportive loved ones, it's rare to have peers facing similar challenges—until now, through the shared narratives in this collection.

These powerful, firsthand accounts cover a wide range of experiences, from navigating school sports and the awkwardness of receiving unsolicited free items, to balancing hospital visits with a burgeoning social life. For disabled children, this anthology offers a much-needed sense of companionship and recognition. For non-disabled children, it provides an invaluable own-voice perspective, fostering empathy and understanding. It's truly a powerful and essential book that fills a significant void.

Mumming: A Year of Trying (and Failing) to Be a Better Parent

Vanstone, Victoria. Mumming: A Year of Trying (and Failing) to Be a Better Parent. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9780645858099.

Victoria Vanstone initially envisioned herself as the quintessential organized mom, but instead found herself becoming a parent who sometimes resorts to shouting and throwing things. Determined to bridge this gap between expectation and reality, Victoria commits to a year of personal and parental development.

Her year of self-improvement encompasses everything from enrolling in a parenting course and attempting an exercise routine to navigating the complex world of adult friendships and even taking a solo vacation away from her family. Through these varied and often failed experiments, Victoria discovers that imperfection is not only inevitable but can also be the source of joy and a path to a more fulfilling family life. 

Mumming is a heartwarming and side-splitting read that celebrates the messy, authentic, and often funny reality of parenting. This memoir offers a hilarious and deeply relatable look at one mother's journey to reinvent herself and her parenting style, often through a series of comical missteps. 

Naruto, Vol. 32: The Search for Sasuke

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 32: The Search for Sasuke. 2011. 184p. ISBN 9781421519449. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Upon returning from their battle with Sasori in Naruto, Vol. 31, Team Kakashi faces the absence of their leader as Kakashi needs a week to recover. As a result, Naruto and Sakura are appointed a new leader and a new teammate, Sai, who is mysterious and has strange jitsu powers. Sai changes the team's dynamic for the worse, and both Sakura and Naruto are annoyed at his presence.

Meanwhile, Lady Tsunada convinces reluctant elders that it is better to send Naruto on missions than keeping him in Kohona, where he would be easy for his enemies to locate. Sent to make contact with a spy in Orochimaru's organization, Naruto's team head to a famous bridge in what could very well be an ambush!

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 33.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 18: No Brainer

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 18: No Brainer. 2023. 224p. ISBN 9781419766947. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

Greg Heffley's adventures continue as his middle school now faces closure based on horrible test scores. Large budget cuts have undermined the educational mission of the school, and as a result test scores have plummeted. Initially indifferent to the prospect, Greg's perspective shifts when he realizes the closure would mean being separated from his best friend, Rowley Jefferson. Suddenly, saving the school becomes a top priority, and Greg finds himself reluctantly joining forces with his classmates to prevent the inevitable.

Greg's efforts to rescue his school form the core of the story, as he and his classmates devise various schemes and plans. The potential closure of the school looms large, threatening to disrupt the established order of Greg's middle school life and usher in a new, uncertain chapter. 

No Brainer continues the familiar blend of humor and relatable middle school experiences that have made the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series a global phenomenon.