These are the young adult and children’s books our staff liked best in 2017. See our adult fiction and nonfiction staff picks for 2017 and find more book recommendations in Books Make Perfect Gifts for Kids.
Young Adult Fiction
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: While this book’s theme seems to be drawn from recent news (a black teenager shot by a white police officer), the author makes it a much more nuanced social commentary by creating very detailed, and appealing, characters. – Mary Catherine B., Doylestown Branch
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez: A teenage girl struggles to find herself in the midst of her parents’ expectations, her family’s traditions, society’s prejudices, and a profound loss. There are some challenging themes in the book, and they are handled with insight and sensitivity. – Mary Catherine B., Doylestown Branch
Little and Lion by Brandy Colbert: Colbert portrays this compassionate story about how to be a teenager coping with a mental illness and the unbreakable bond between siblings. – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds: 15-year-old Will has just lost his older brother – he was murdered and Will knows he needs to get revenge. In his long elevator ride down to seek the killer, Will encounters ghosts who show him more of the web of violence and loss connected with his gun. The book is told in verse and moves quickly. – Mary Catherine B., Doylestown Branch
Mars One by Jonathan Maberry: Excellent science fiction that could become a reality in the near future! Tristan and his family have been training for years to be among the first families to colonize Mars. They have to leave everything behind them on Earth and deal with someone who wants to sabotage the whole mission. Great mash-up of science fiction and mystery with great characters! – Holly A., Doylestown Branch
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera: This tragic, yet uplifting, book takes you on a journey to experience that sometimes it’s not what happens in the end, but it’s the compelling story of who you choose to be with and how in fact you get there. – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green: Green fans won’t be disappointed by his latest – another perfect heartbreaker. Drawn from his own experience, Green shows us what it’s like to live, sometimes struggling and sometimes thriving, with mental illness, but this book is about so much more than that. His characters are so complex you want to reach out and touch them, and his writing can take your breath away with a single sentence. Not to be missed. – Nicole L., Doylestown Branch
Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken (audiobook): Listen to this fantastical time-traveling journey in the stunning conclusion of Bracken’s Passenger series. – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
Juvenile Fiction
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson: The author of Roller Girl is back with another humorous and warming graphic novel about surviving family drama and the adventures of starting middle school. – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
Jack and the Geniuses at the Bottom of the World by Bill Nye and Gregory Mone: This is the first installment in an exciting new series for middle-grade readers to explore scientific mystery and adventures. – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell: Enter this epic adventure where the worlds of wizards and warriors collide in this first book of a new series by the bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon. – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
Picture Books
Claudia & Moth by Jennifer Hansen Rolli: this book is written and illustrated by a local author from Newtown. It’s a super cute story about a little girl who discovers that there’s beauty in everything – even in a little moth! The story is a great inspiration to stir-crazy kids during the cold-weather months, the illustrations are whimsical and warm, and we love supporting local talent! – Michelle W., Doylestown Branch
Hooray for Birds by Lucy Cousins: “Flap your wings” and imagine yourself as all kinds of birds in this vibrant and rhythmic picture book. Perfect for fans of Hooray for Fish! – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes: Perfect for fans of When Spring Comes, Henkes provides us with an engaging picture book portraying the autumn season, which is perfect for reading all year long! – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle: A beautiful picture book for children, explaining how farmers put their land “to bed” for the winter. From firewood to garden beds, chickens to equipment, the farmers tidy up and say “Good Night.” – Karen S., Doylestown Branch
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio: Join the nationwide movement to Choose Kind with this beautifully illustrated picture book based on the inspiring bestseller and major motion picture, Wonder. – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
We Are the Dinosaurs by Laurie Berkner: Berkner is at her best by adapting her well known rhythmic marching song by the same title into this playful picture book with dinosaur stomping adventures! – Kathleen L., Doylestown Branch
