Foster Community Library

Category: staff recs

  • “Spare” by Prince Harry

    Olivia recommends: Spare by Prince Harry

    Genre: Autobiography

    Reading Level: Adult

    Summary: This is Prince Harry’s biography from childhood to adulthood. The book goes into detail about the many trials and tribulations he faces as a member of the royal family.

    Olivia says: I recommend this book because it as extremely eye-opening. It is easy to believe that the royal family is perfect in every way based on what the media portrays. Prince Harry’s side of the story was told well and is honestly very believable. I have a totally different picture in the my head of the family he as born into and the reason why he needed to get himself, his wife and two children out of the spotlight and somewhere more safe. I recommend listening to this book over reading it, as hearing his voice tell his own story makes the reader have a more sympathetic ear toward his cause.

    This book is available at Foster Public Library.

  • “The Dispossessed” by Ursula K. Le Guin

    Audrey recommends: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

    Genre: Science fiction

    Reading Level: Adult

    Summary: Shevek, a brilliant scientist in a utopian socialist society, visits the world where his people came from: a capitalist planet much like modern-day Earth.

    Audrey says: Le Guin wrote The Dispossessed in 1974. As we approach the 50th anniversary if its publication, it’s startling how it seems to be more relevant now than ever. The first chapter alone, where Shevek innocently questions the wasteful consumption that we take for granted as a part of everyday American life, is such an incisive critique of capitalism without being didactic. Throughout the text, the reader slowly learns that the supposed “utopian” society Shevek comes from is not quite so perfect either. After all, who decides what is best for the collective, when the collective is comprised of individuals with their own needs and wants? Le Guin writes in her introduction to The Left Hand of Darkness: “Science fiction is not predictive; it is descriptive […] I’m merely observing, in the peculiar, devious, and thought-experimental manner proper to science fiction, that if you look at us at certain odd times of day in certain weathers, [what] we already are.” The Dispossessed is a mirror through which we can see our world through the eyes of someone who wasn’t born into it, allowing us to name the flaws we misidentify as necessities. This novel deserves all the praise it gets, and I expect a lot of fanfare in 2024.

  • “Sweet and Sour” by Debbi Michiko Florence

    Audrey recommends: Sweet and Sour by Debbi Michiko Florence

    Genre: Contemporary fiction

    Reading Level: Middle grade

    Summary: Mai is furious with her best friend Zach for his awful behavior two summers ago… only problem is, he has no idea what he did.

    Audrey says: Debbi Michiko Florence’s novels are the best if you love complex characters and nuanced relationships. Mai and Zach’s memories of the past are different, but neither is wrong for feeling the way they do. The reader might feel compelled to take a side when they’re working with limited information, just like the characters do. When the full truth is revealed, it’s surprising to learn how many bad assumptions you’ve made. As an added bonus, this story takes place in Mystic, CT. Anyone who’s been to the seaport will instantly recognize all the locations in this book!

    This book is available at Foster Public Library.

  • “Waiting for Tom Hanks” by Kerry Winfrey

    Cathy recommends: Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey

    Genre: Contemporary fiction

    Reading Level: Adult

    Summary: Don’t look for love in all the wrong places.

    Cathy says: This is the quintessential rom-com. The protagonist, Annie, has blinders on about whom she should love and, as a result, is not even in the race. The reader is both amused and frustrated by Annie’s mulishness. As with most rom-coms, this easy read has a happy ending.

    This book is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings” by Ellen McVicker

    Cathy recommends: Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings by Ellen McVicker

    Genre: Junior nonfiction

    Reading Level: Age 3-8

    Summary: How a child can deal with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.

    Cathy says: When my sons were 10 and 4, I had cancer and was very sick with the treatments. This book would have been helpful. It’s written with insight as to the questions a child would come up with, not the least of all, “Will you die?” This came from my 10 year old and it echoes in my heart to this day.

    This book is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “The Haymeadow” by Gary Paulsen

    Audrey recommends: The Haymeadow by Gary Paulsen

    Genre: Western adventure

    Reading Level: Middle grade

    Summary: 14-year-old John Barron is tasked with herding his family’s 6000 sheep up to a grazing meadow high in the mountains, all by himself, for an entire summer.

    Audrey says: Most people my age read Hatchet in school when they were in 5th or 6th grade. The Haymeadow is a much less famous book, but it has the exact same emotional core. Nobody writes loneliness like Paulsen; though this survival story is packed with action, there are also plenty of quiet moments for John to reflect on how to live up to his family legacy of rugged pioneers and lone cowboys. I was surprised and delighted at the ways this book challenged the myths of masculinity. By the end, John and the reader realize that independence is a great skill to learn, but true strength comes from making connections. Whether you loved Hatchet as a child or not, this is an impactful story for readers of all ages.

    This book is available at Tyler Free Library.

  • “Little Pink Pup” by Johanna Kerby

    Cathy recommends: Little Pink Pup by Johanna Kerby

    Genre: Picture book

    Reading Level: Age 1-6

    Summary: For children who think they are different from the rest of their families; they love you just the same.

    Cathy says: Many children today are living with nonbiological parents and/or siblings. This book shows that even though you may look different, you’re still family. It’s about acceptance; receiving it and giving it.

  • “Answers in the Pages” by David Levithan

    Audrey recommends: Answers in the Pages by David Levithan

    Genre: Contemporary fiction

    Reading Level: Middle grade

    Summary: Donovan’s mom leads a crusade to ban a fifth-grade book assignment that features LGBTQ+ themes… but Donovan finds himself on the opposing side to fight back against censorship.

    Audrey says: This is one of my favorite new releases of 2022! The story follows three interconnected storylines, following unwitting community leader Donovan, gay student Gideon, and the text of the banned book itself. Each storyline is fascinating on its own, and watching them all click together is so satisfying. Everyone in the book had their own voice and opinion, creating a whole fleshed-out community. Even the characters who I thought would never be redeemed were given the time and sympathy to explain their motivations, which made them less “villain” and more “human.” I was pleasantly surprised to find myself forgiving them. And I can’t even describe how much the romance made me smile! Add this to your to-read shelf if you have an interest in contemporary issues, want to teach a lesson on censorship, or just want a really enjoyable short read.

    This title is available at Foster Public Library.