Our librarians are constantly seeking out books to recommend— recent and classic, fun and serious, dense and breezy, for young folks and old. Throughout the year we release new batches of Staff Picks. Our current list includes almost two hundred titles which you can filter by genre. Below is just a taste of the full selection of books for adults, teens, and kids. Please explore the rest of the list—your next great read is just waiting to be found!

Adult

Love after Love by Ingrid Persaud

The novel paints a rich tapestry of contemporary local life and customs in Trinidad and New York's immigrant community. Told in the first person narrative of each main character, it explores themes of self injury, addiction and murder.

—Hyacinth Persad, Stavros Niarcos Foundation Library

 

 

 

Carry by Toni Jensen

This memoir about the author's relationship with gun violence feels both expansive and intimate, resulting in a lyrical indictment of the way things are.

—Michael Maxwell, Columbus Library

 

 

 

 

Accidentally Engaged by Farrah Heron

This rom-com will have you in stitches as Reena and Nadim pretend to be a couple madly in love in order to win a Canadian baking show. Perfect for romance lovers who also love to eat and bake bread.

—Kate Fais, Bloomingday Library

 

 

 

The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore

The fascinating story of family and feminism behind one of the world’s most iconic superheroes, expertly told by Harvard historian and New Yorker staff writer Jill Lepore.

—Michelle Fernandez, Bronx Bookmobile

 

 

 

Teen

Super Fake Love Song by David Yoon

To impress a beautiful girl, the very uncool Sunny Dae accidently, kinda-sorta, tells her that he's the front man to a rock band. Then, or course, he has to convince his nerdy, role playing game friends to form a rock band with him. So easy. How hard can it be?

—Anne Rouyer, Mulberry Street Library

 

 

 

Imaginary Borders (Pocket Change Collective) by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez

Earth Guardians Youth Director and hip-hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez shows us how his music feeds his environmental activism and vice versa. Martinez visualizes a future that allows everyone to direct their anger, fear, and passion toward creating change.

—Maria Gomez, Grand Concourse Library

 

 

 

Cheshire Crossing by Andy Weir, illustrated by Sarah Andersen

Alice survived Wonderland. Dorothy survived Oz. Wendy survived Neverland. But can these three girls survive living with each other? They’ll find out when they meet at the Cheshire Crossing boarding school.

—Andrea Lipinski, Kingsbridge Library

 

 

Kids

Stargazing by Jen Wang

This uplifting graphic novel incorporates themes of friendship, acceptance, trust, and self confidence. Despite their differing personalities, Christine and Moon become best friends. People's cultural traditions may differ but they can have mutual respect for one another.

—Florence Nicosia, Jerome Park Library

 

 

 

My Rainy Day Rocket Ship by Markette Sheppard, illustrated by Charly Palmer

What is a boy to do when it's raining, he has to stay inside, and all of his toys are tired and boring? Make a rocketship and blast off into space! This book will inspire little ones to grab as many household items as they can and create their own rocketship. Vibrant and bold illustrations by Charly Palmer. 

—Lisa Bova, Bronx Library Center

 

 

Evie's Field Day: More Than One Way to Win by Claire Annette Noland, illustrated by Alicia Teba

Evie loves to win and dreams of adding more trophies and ribbons to her collection.  However, she struggles on the field and has to learn how to handle losing.  A great story of sportsmanship and being kind to others.

—Kim Barrett, Yorkville Library

 

 

 

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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.