So far, this year has not looked quite how most of us envisioned it. However, books are a source of comfort, entertainment, and education for many folks, and our librarians are still reading amazing books. These five titles are just a teaser for the full list of more than 150 recommended books—adult fiction and nonfiction, teens, and kids—on our Fall Staff picks list this year.

The Heritage: Black Athletes, A Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism by Howard Bryant

"A deep dive into the parallel histories of civil rights protests and military involvement in American sports." —Benjamin Sapadin, Morris Park Library

Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy

"Set in the not-so-distant future, when most birds and animals have all but disappeared. Franny is determined to track the last migration of Arctic terns, who migrate from pole to pole every year. The language is so visceral you will feel the Antarctic chill." —Ronni Krasnow, Morningside Heights Library

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity From the Lyrical Genius by Rakim

"Music and hip-hop legend Rakim the God, hailed as “the greatest MC of all time”, gives us an insight into his brilliant mind. Part memoir, part writing guide, Sweat the Technique gives us insight into how Rakim thinks about words, writing, music and rhyming." —Elisa Garcia, Bronx Library Center

Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab

"Cassidy can see ghosts and is tasked with sending them on to the Afterlife. But when she awakens a poltergeist living in the Catacombs of Paris, all of Paris is in danger." —Sue Yee, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki

"A small child expresses admiration and delight in her new best friend. As the two girls run and play in the park together, the narration is brought to life by Jillian Tamaki's engaging artwork and unique color scheme." —Maggie Craig, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library

Please explore the rest of the list—your next great read is just waiting to be found!