Free Library Of Philadelphia: Best Books Of 2021 Selected By Parkway Central Children's Librarians

Philadelphia PA

22 December, 2021

4:11 AM

Description

Press release from the Free Library of Philadelphia: December 21, 2021 Which were the best books you read this year? The Children's Librarians at Parkway Central Children's Department have all the extremely specific book awards and recommended reads you never knew you needed! Ms. Becky's Awards Becky Shaknovich – Department Head of Children's Department and Field Teen Center Most Magical Historical Fiction Book Root Magic by Eden Royce Best "Love Yourself" Middle-Grade Book Starfish by Lisa Fipps Best "Love Yourself" Picture Book Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder Best (and only) New Age Board Book Series Mind Body Baby Best Kids' Mindfulness and Yoga Book Mindful Moves written by Nicole Cardoza, illustrated by Marta Antelo Best Book about Senior Dogs, Gender, and Feelings Both Can Be True by Jules Machias Best Celebrity Alphabet Book to Read While Wearing Cowboy Boots C is for Country written by Lil Nas X, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III Mx. Kate's Awards Kate Eckert – Assistant Department Head, CCD The Middle-Grade Novel That Gave Me All the TransFeelings and That Every CisParent Should Read The Ship We Built by Lexie Bean The Book with the Most Magical Girl Root Magic by Eden Royce Runner-up The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman Best Novel featuring Brotherly Love and Non-Toxic Masculinity Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewel Parker Rhodes Miss Mary Loved These Books Mary Westbrook – Children's Librarian Ok, as you may know, I read a lot of books throughout the year. Most of these tend to be graphic novels and middle-grade fiction that make me cry. Today I will highlight some of my favorites. The Picture Book That Was Inspiring and Made Me Cry Daisy by Jessixa Bagley Daisy is a warthog who gets made fun of by her classmates. This causes her to keep her head down, where she begins to find treasure. This ends up being just one more thing for her classmate to make fun of. This beautifully-illustrated picture book is about being yourself even when it's hard, and finding a friend with whom you can share your treasures. It's heartwarming, sad, and beautiful. Other Picture Books that Inspire and Made Me Cry Middle-Grade Graphic Novel That Made Me Laugh Out Loud, Even While on the Reference Desk Monster Friends by Kaeti Vandorn Reggie is determined to brood all summer long after his last disastrous adventure. Well, that proves impossible when he meets his funny, highly-energetic neighbor Emily. This graphic novel is filled with laughs, friends, and adventure. Lovely artwork immerses the reader in this monster-filled world. Light and fluffy, much like Emily! Other Graphic Novels I Couldn't Stop Laughing While Reading Middle-Grade Novel in Verse That Was Beautifully-Written and Made Me Cry, Of Course Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca Reha doesn't know where, and how, she fits in. At school, she is the only Indian American and at home she feels tied down by traditions. When her Amma gets very sick, Reha tries to reconnect and hold everything together. This book is heart-wrenching and beautifully written. This book is a fantastic mix of family and friends, with Reha at the center. Be sure to grab your tissues! Other Middle-Grade Novels-in-Verse That Made Me Cry (yes, I cry a lot reading books) Ms. Scout's Awards Scout Mayor – Children's Librarian Favorite Ghost Story Ophie's Ghosts by Justina Ireland A fascinating magic system, an atmospherically creepy setting, and my favorite of all - uncovering secrets about the past. Honorable Mentions Favorite Found Family Story Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera A fantastic adventure story involving ancient spirits, a magical underground fighting ring, and an epic quest to save a sibling. Honorable Mentions Favorite Book to Read as You Get Ready for a Revolution The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu Makes you ask: who benefits from this story? Who is left out? And what, exactly, will happen when the story is challenged? Honorable Mentions Favorite Book About Complicated Family Dynamics Rule of Threes by Marcy Campbell I loved the main character, Maggie - even when she's making decisions you're sure will turn out badly you understand exactly why she's doing it, and the slow evolution of her relationship with her surprise brother was beautiful and satisfying to watch. Honorable Mentions Ms. Naomi's Awards Naomi Socher-Lerner – Children's Librarian Most Represents The Year 2021 Cleo Porter and the Body Electric by Jake Burt In a future society where everyone lives in their own pods for fear of catching Delta Flu, interaction with anyone outside the household only happens virtually. What could be more 2021 than this setup? Incredibly, the book was written before the pandemic hit, and just had great timing on publication. Runner-up Paranorthern and the Chaos Bunny A-hop-calypse written by Stephanie Cooke; illustrated by Mari Costa Best Emotional Realness Without Getting Too Preachy or Teary Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff A heartwarming ghost story about grief and coming out that left me with the warm fuzzies. Runner-up Black Brother Black Brother by Jewel Parker Rhodes Most Engaging Nonfiction When Cloud Became a Cloud by Rob Hodgson An anthropomorphized cloud explains the water cycle. Did you know that thunderstorms are caused by cloud parties? Runner-up Moth: An Evolution Story written by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus Best Purple Cover with Polka Dots Stella's Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises Afrofuturism in a picture book about traditional Black hairstyles and body positivity. Runner-up Perkins Perfect Purple written by Tami Lewis Brown and Debbie Loren Dunn; iIllustrated by Francesca Sanna Best Magical Adventure with a Brave Heroine Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston A whole new magical school and society to explore! Plus, the race and class discussions are well done—not overshadowing the magic and not being ignored either, just integral to life in the way these things are. Runner-up Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (not published this year, but the 3rd in the series was!) What were some of your favorite books you read with the children in your life this year? Let us know in the comments! This press release was produced by the Free Library of Philadelphia. The views expressed here are the author's own.