Staff Picks

Here's to you, Dad! While dads are worth celebrating every day, Father's Day falls on June 20th this year. For inspiration, pick up Heroes for My Son by best-selling author Brad Meltzer (The Book of Lies). It's a unique book focusing on 50-some individuals selected by Meltzer as role models for his son. From well-known heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa and George Washington to personal picks like Frank Shankwitz, founder of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Heroes for My Son puts an interesting spin on a classic role-model theme. If you're a Daddy's girl, you'll also find much to love in What I Would Tell Her: 28 Fathers Writing on Raising Their Daughters, edited by Andrea N. Richesin. This collection includes essays by more than two dozen novelists, editors, poets and journalists, all offering insight into meaningful moments shared with their daughters.

At our staff meetings we take a few minutes to talk about the books we are reading. This is a list of recent favorites. STAFF PICKS for June

House Rules By Picoult, Jodi 2010-03 - Atria Books 9780743296434 Check Our Catalog BookPage Notable Title Picoult, the bestselling author of "Handle With Care, Change of Heart," and "My Sister's Keeper," is a rare writer who delivers book after book, a winning combination of the literary and the commercial ("Entertainment Weekly"). …More

Eight Days to Live By Johansen, Iris 2010-04 - St. Martin's Press 9780312368159 Check Our Catalog In #1 "New York Times"-bestselling author Johansen's latest thriller, Eve Duncan's adopted daughter Jane has been targeted by a mysterious cult, which has decided that she has only eight days to live. …More

In Shelter Cove By Freethy, Barbara 2010-04 - Pocket Star Books 9781439173251 Check Our Catalog "A long-ago shipwreck off the California coast led the survivors to the haven they named Angel's Bay. "Their shared adversity brought fellowship and joy . . . but also unsuspected secrets. Acclaimed author Barbara Freethy returns to the town where angels still keep watch, with a compelling story of a young widow trying to find the truth and bring closure for her son and herself."" The theft of three priceless paintings sent Derek Kane to prison and destroyed the dreams of his wife, Brianna. When Derek unexpectedly dies just weeks before his release, Brianna returns to Angel's Bay with her young son, determined to prove her husband's innocence and find the missing paintings. Her efforts are stymied by Jason Marlow, the police officer who sent Derek to jail-- betraying his former friend. And when unexpected passion flares between Brianna and Jason, she must choose between the past and the present, the guilty and the innocent, the truth and the lies. For nothing is what it seems. . . . …More

The Elegance of the Hedgehog By Barbery, Muriel Translator Anderson, Alison 2008-09 - Europa Editions 9781933372600 Check Our Catalog In this enthralling international bestseller, two girls live inconspicuous lives in the center of an elegant Paris apartment building. It is only when a stranger moves into their building--and sees through the girls' disguises--that Paloma and Rene discover their kindred spirits. …More

Hot Gimmick, Volume 4 By Aihara, Miki Illustrator Aihara, Miki 2010-03 - Viz Media 9781421523514 Check Our Catalog …More

Shakespeare Makes the Playoffs By Koertge, Ron 2010-03 - Candlewick Press (MA) 9780763644352 Check Our Catalog Fielding his social life is a bigger challenge for Kevin than hitting a fastball in Koertge's funny, insightful sequel to "Shakespeare Bats Cleanup." …More

A Good and Decent Man By Tyler, C. 2009-06 - Fantagraphics Books 9781606991442 Check Our Catalog This first graphic novel from the acclaimed cartoonist and short-story writer Tyler ("Late Bloomer") tells the story of her relationship with her World War II veteran father, and how his war experience shaped her childhood and affected her relationships in adulthood. …More

Late Bloomer By Tyler, C. 2005-12 - Fantagraphics Books 1560976640 Check Our Catalog - Tyler is one of the American underground's few first-generation female creators - This is Tyler's first book in 15 years …More

The Storm in the Barn By Phelan, Matt Illustrator Phelan, Matt 2009-09 - Candlewick Press (MA) 9780763636180 Check Our Catalog With phenomenal pacing, sensitivity, and a sure command of suspense, Phelan ushers readers into Dust Bowl-era America to tell the story of a young boy who is transformed by unexpected courage. …More

Bewitching Season By Doyle, Marissa 2008-04 - Henry Holt & Company 9780805082517 Check Our Catalog In 1837 London, young daughters of viscounts pined for handsome, titled husbands, not careers. And certainly not careers in magic. At least, most of them didn't. Shy, studious Persephone Leland would far rather devote herself to her secret magic studies than enter society and look for a suitable husband. But right as the inevitable season for "coming out" is about to begin, Persy and her twin sister discover that their governess in magic has been kidnapped as part of a plot to gain control of the soon-to-be Queen Victoria. Racing through Mayfair ballrooms and royal palaces, the sisters overcome bad millinery, shady royal spinsters, and a mysterious Irish wizard. And along the way, Persy learns that husband hunting isn't such an odious task after all, if you can find the right quarry. …More

I Was Told There'd Be Cake By Crosley, Sloane 2008-04 - Riverhead Books 9781594483066 Check Our Catalog Wry, hilarious, and profoundly genuine, this debut collection of literary essays is a celebration of fallibility and haplessness in all their glory. Crosby's strikingly original voice chronicles the struggles and unexpected beauty of modern urban life. …More