Staff Picks by Maureen
Maureen (shown here with her two daughters, Amelia and store manager, Jessica) is the proud owner of Once Upon A Time and is always trying to find the time to read more books after working 7 days a week at America's Oldest Children's Bookstore. She loves mysteries (she started the Adult Mystery Book Club), action-packed adventures, and the perfect picture books for story time.
$19.99
ISBN: 9780062402363
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Katherine Tegen Books - October 10th, 2017
First in a series by renowned animator Armand Baltazar, this 600 page tome is filled with over 150 full color illustrations that lend a deeper meaning to this terrific fast paced action-fantasy time mash-up with dinosaurs, robots, steam engines, pirates, WWII planes and gravity boards all coexisting along with teenager Diego and his 3 friends who fight the villians wanting to undo time. This epic novel for ages 9+ is a worthy heir to the Harry Potter series. I absolutely LOVE this book and am predicting great things for Diego's continuing story. -- Highly recommended by Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9780553538182
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers - October 10th, 2017
A beautiful retelling of the legend of Snow and Rose, this gentle fairy tales brims with all the requisite traditions: dwarfs, missing person, enchanted forest and strange creatures. As in her highly imaginative picture books, first time middle grade novelist Emily Winfield Martin paints the sisters, Snow and Rose, as not exact opposites, but more like complimentary gears, who thrive on different aspects of the same thing. Recommended as a read-aloud, this beautifully illustrated tale will delight the young and young-at-heart! - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780062421647
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: HarperCollins - October 25th, 2016
Wow - what a page turner! 8th grader Ryan Quinn has no idea his parents are part of a super secret "Underground Railroad"-type organization that operates in many of the world's most dangerous places. And now he must try to save both of them, with the help of some of his school friends. I loved the way debut author McGee gets inside the head of his protaganist, as well as his technogeek friend Danny. These characters ring true, the action is non-stop and fans of adventure, spy thrillers and plain fun will be eagerly awaiting the next installment. - Maureen
$8.99
ISBN: 9781481419437
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - September 6th, 2016
Readers will enjoy terrific descriptions, action-packed adventure and a superb sense of the brutality, harshness but beauty of the wintery existence that surrounds these characters. It's no wonder dogs are descended from misunderstood wolves, as the bravery and ultimate loyalty of these canines can not be refuted. As with Rooftoppers, Rundell lets readers truly inhabit her world and are fully invested in this satisfying tale. Highly reommended! - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9780062354853
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: HarperCollins - May 3rd, 2016
This lilting, fun picture book exploding with energetic drawings is a riff on folk tales of old. Author Daniel Bernstrom's debut, with shades of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, is perfectly suited to Brendan Wenzel's colorful, animated illustrations. Storytime readers will find much to do in this imaginative eucalyptus, eucalyptus tree. - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780425290408
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Viking Books for Young Readers - August 22nd, 2017
$17.99
ISBN: 9781338112436
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Orchard Books - October 10th, 2017
No childhood is complete without singing Old MacDonald, and given artist Gris Grimly’s own personal connection to the poem, his wild and wooly spin makes perfect sense for a new generation (and son). Hueing to a watercolor palette of oranges & browns and with Grimly’s signature creature concoctions, this inventive take will delight the plethora of storytime folk who will squeal in delight at the surprise ending. E-I-E-I-O indeed-O! - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781101940440
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers - September 5th, 2017
At her parents’ wit’s end, 15 year old Wren is sent away to a last-chance desert survival camp due to her out-of-control weed-smoking, alcoholic bingeing, petty thievery and lying. The camp counselors (“jailers”) use tough love, directness and surprising storytelling-therapy to try to straighten out the wayward teens in the camp. Wren bristles at everyone who tries to help her, and her hard won survival skills – finding water, making fire – coupled with her own breakdown and realization that she was heading down the extreme wrong path is painful with hidden truths. The quest to find oneself in the desert is just the beginning of Wren’s story to find the correct path in life, once home. This book will resonate with both wayward teens, perhaps exploring the darker side of their misdeeds, as well as a teen looking for an adventurous read. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781681195513
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Bloomsbury USA Childrens - January 30th, 2018
This utterly delightful debut picture book tells the relatable tale of Lola Dutch, who just is TOO MUCH! As in goes overboard with enthusiasm, goes beyond the boundaries of sense, as in borders on catastrophes along with her 4 funny sidekick friends – Pig, Crane, Gator and Bear. The expressive watercolors and delicate pencil art are literally bursting with joy and energy from the page, as is Lola Dutch herself. It is a book you could hand to a grandparent with a knowing, sly smile………”I think you may know someone like this”. Can’t wait for more Lola Dutch adventures from husband and wife team of Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright. Bonus appeal: Endpapers that turn into play scenes using the included paper doll cutouts of Lola Dutch and Bear! - Maureen
$6.99
ISBN: 9780545665827
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Scholastic Press - December 27th, 2016
Following 12-year old recently orphaned Joseph on his quest to get his only family back -his beloved horse Sarah- author Gemeinhart brings together race relations in the late 1800's, western lore and a clear-eyed pragmatism that, coupled with his signature action/adventure plot twists and a kindheartedness thread permeating the story, this wonderful, evocative and first rate middle grade title builds on his exceptional debut (The Honest Truth). This is an author that has clearly established himself as a must read for warm hearted, realistic adventures. - Maureen
$16.00
ISBN: 9781938849824
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Prospect Park Books - February 14th, 2017
Debut novelist J.J. Gesher tells an intimate, grief-filled story about Jacob Fischer - a sometimes wayward, sometimes obedient Brooklyn Orthodox Jew who breaks down after a devastating loss. Slowly rebuilding and rediscovering himself in a small-town Alabama town, Jacob has support from a cast of well-drawn characters - who also have their own demons to deal with. I loved learning more about the Orthodox Jew and the rich history of its sometimes stifling traditions, butting heads with modern sensibilities and realities. This highly readable title, right down to the very last sentence, is a natural pick for book clubs. A strong debut from the writing pair of J.J. Gesher. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781452150147
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Chronicle Books - March 20th, 2018
Wenzel's charming, signature animals delight the eye. This is what a concept book is meant to be -- simple, fun and brilliantly executed, this is the new "Best Toddler Book EVER"! - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780062421692
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: HarperCollins - October 24th, 2017
The fantastic follow up to McGee’s first Ryan Quinn adventure for middle grade readers will keep your adrenaline high, your heart thumping with suspense as the pages fly by. Ryan is once again teemed with his funny sidekick, Danny, a kid computer genius “aka” hacker, as well as numerous others. Ryan’s last adventures didn’t really include his parents, who are members of a secret Emergency Relocation Committee, who help at-risk people get out of their countries to safety. This time, Danny and Ryan are in a fictional African country trying to help old ERC friends and their parents are in the middle of the action with them. Reading the 1st adventure is not necessary in this high octane thriller for action-adventure fans. Perfect book for Rick Riordon, James Patterson or Stuart Gibbs fans. - Maureen
$25.99
ISBN: 9781250139467
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Minotaur Books - February 20th, 2018
Finch's creation story of legendary gentleman detective Charles Lenox is the perfect book for Agatha Christie, Donna Leon and Louise Penny fans as the atmosphere is thick as clotted cream and with indelible characters that will become more comfortable as comfy slippers! Standout sequel to be read either before or after Finch's other Lennox books. Not to be mistaken for a cozy, but still one to enjoy with a good Earl Grey and scones. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781250168450
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Wednesday Books - April 24th, 2018
Swashbuckling for a new generation, Eelyn from the Aska clan lives for her fighting season with the dreaded Riki clan. This is a story when raw, physical power and ancient beliefs dictate warriors come from either sex. Family, fighting and feuding are keys to this strong debut Young has crafted of a Viking culture that may need to compromise its deeply held beliefs in order to survive. Harrowing, and bloodthirsty with a high body count, this kickass heroine surely has crossover appeal to fans of Wonder Woman. Could not put this down, your heart will be racing to the end. - Maureen
$18.99
ISBN: 9780451478733
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Viking Books for Young Readers - March 20th, 2018
Chilling, propulsive narrative and unforgettable characters bring this wholly original take on Nazi-obsessed Germany into light as our former gymnast - turned "actress" Jewish Sarah plays strong, Aryan Ursula to rave reviews. She infiltrates a German school for party loyalist's children, where cruelty, cunning and spycraft are employed by everyone - good & evil. Relentlessly paced, this high-octane thriller will keep the pages turning and you thinking long after the book is over. Superb debut by newcomer Matt Killeen. - Maureen
$15.99
ISBN: 9781492656029
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Sourcebooks Landmark - September 5th, 2017
This slow burning suspenseful novel will keep you up at night. Right from the start, an asteroid hits Scotland and all heck breaks loose! Families torn apart, way of life non-existent and trying to survive when the odds are stacked against you. Your heart will be beating frantically in this suspenseful thriller. Not to be missed. - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9781939100146
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Tanglewood - March 13th, 2018
Looking for Dad in all the wrong places, Weil's musical background lends flair and realism to this unique plotline that will pull readers in immediately. Defying odds, the 806 crew find family on this teen road trip full of hijinks, humor and plenty of heart. One wild ride not to be missed! - Maureen
$7.99
ISBN: 9781250093967
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Square Fish - July 3rd, 2018
Original with inventive twists in the journey of finding horses! - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780062570703
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: HarperCollins - September 11th, 2018
This delightful family read aloud skillfully weaves empathy, compassion and family into a beautifully realized story – universal and timeless – I dare say a new classic, in the mold of Charlotte’s Web (without the talking animals). Ten-year old Louie is trying his best to save a mini-donkey, he named Winston, who was born prematurely and whose mother died giving birth. Louie’s track record is not so good at keeping animals in his care alive, but he has faith in Winslow and gives him everything he has – most especially his love. Louie is sure Winslow will survive, and uses his plight as connection to his older brother Gus’ absence serving in the army. Strong, fully developed characters come to life in Creech’s vividly, and deceptively short novel which will stay with you long after the satisfying last page. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781481470377
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - May 15th, 2018
In this exquisite picture book, there need be only a few words - boy, boat, journey equals ........magic! In the hands of master storytellers, the brothers Fan have simply created a masterpiece where we will be transported to the mesmerizing magical wonders in this book. A true stunner! - Maureen
$18.99
ISBN: 9781524713928
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers - May 29th, 2018
This propulsive sci-fi thriller is sure to be loved by Kristoff's Illuminae series fans. This novel is more intimate, though, following Eve, as she soldiers on in the robot gladiator wars by using her uber-skilled mechanical gifts to win. Trying to outrun the evil doers and give her grandpa enough meds to live, this twisty tale will surprise you up through the final page! Do not miss this. - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780399170904
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers - March 13th, 2018
Readers will love meeting Natsumi, the little spirited girl who sometimes is MORE than a bit spirited! This effective marriage of Lendroth's well-plotted story and Illustrator Buriss's brightly designed drawings will surely have readers asking for multiple tellings. A true delight! - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9780525579649
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers - July 10th, 2018
Bright colorful pictures bursting with a diverse and glorious cast of young students, parents, & teachers framed by the repeated uplifting message of "All Are Welcome Here", this should be a mandatory 1st day of school book. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781492657101
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky - June 1st, 2018
A delightful numbers book with both "bad" and "good" cats along for the ride. Such subtle, loose drawings capture these mysterious and unpredictable felines beautifully. A gloriously told journey for a young sailor (& reader)! - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9780152000967
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HMH Books for Young Readers - February 1st, 1997
Terrific book for a family to read aloud. This is the Palacios family's most favorite picture book! Silly indeed! - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780763686659
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Candlewick - October 2nd, 2018
Mr. Snore is tired and just wants a comfortable bed at the Sharemore Hotel. Encountering sleeping companions from a mouse, a pig, spiders, giraffes and even burrowing hamsters, poor Mr. Snore finally tries the 13th floor where a twist of gigantic proportions awaits! Hawkes’s playful illustrations match perfectly with the absurdity of Bradford’s delightful romp. Instant storytime classic! - Maureen
$26.00
ISBN: 9781501177361
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Atria/Emily Bestler Books - September 4th, 2018
Leave No Trace captures, in extreme focus, the brutal cold and harsh winter conditions of the Boundary Wilderness area in Minnesota as psychiatric hospital speech therapist, Maya, works hard to develop her patients. When the hospital assigns her the tough nut to crack Lucas Blackthorne, whom was thought to be missing and presumed dead for 10 years, she is thrust into a role way above her paygrade and experience. The extreme conditions for both staff and patients will be eye opening, and Maya’s previous life unravels in layers as she tries to uncover truths from Lucas. Your body will instinctively curl up for warmth as Mejia deftly and elegantly describes how the wonder, beauty, majesty and cruel nature living in the Boundary Wilderness invades your soul. Highly-propulsive storytelling, with revealing truths parsed out until the very end, this is suspense at new and arresting heights! - Maureen
$26.00
ISBN: 9780735220447
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Viking - August 21st, 2018
With an unforgettable lead character, an epic story line and Western details that ring true to life it rightfully will take its place next to other classics such as Lonesome Dove and True Grit. A fantastic debut from a gifted author. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781492662204
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky - September 1st, 2018
What a sweet, gentle book this is! Sister tells how her younger brother finds objects, and in his quest, he finds a shining fallen star. After they realize it may be someone else's, Massini's whimsical illustrations point to some usual suspects - but alas! no one claims the star. Ah, but greater things are in store for the pair, and with Hay's imaginative telling, a happy ending is clearly seen. Gorgeous, vibrant artwork make this a standout for storytime. Be ready for multiple tellings! - Maureen
$26.95
ISBN: 9781616959661
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Soho Crime - October 23rd, 2018
With North Korea so prevalent in the news, this superb 13th outing of 8th Army investigators Sueno and Bascom from former soldier-turned-author Martin Limon, clearly shows the fragile nature of the DMZ in the 1970s, with its immense pressure for peace coupled with volatile situations so palpable and real, you could feel the tension in the air. At first, an investigation into a murdered South Korean soldier’s death turns into a mystery surrounding an American officer’s missing wife. Readers will surely appreciate Limon’s penchant for using all those military acronyms and blessedly (!) with occasional complete nomenclature for the non-military mystery buffs. This outing can be a standalone, but will inspire fans of this investigating pair to read all the others in the series. So topical and relevant, Limon nailed this mission! - Maureen
$18.99
ISBN: 9781335994134
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harlequin Teen - May 1st, 2018
With a truly authentic voice, debut YA novelist Dana L. Davis brings to glorious life teenage Tiffany Sly in all her angst, uncertainty and intelligence as she navigates her new situations - family, city, friends. Moving to the Los Angeles area from Chicago to live with her new-found dad and his family, Tiffany's emotions are never far from the surface and sometimes explode out at inopportune times -- but that is what is so refreshing about her and how Davis expertly shows us the many facets of a real teen as she struggles to come to grips with grief and separation. Highly recommended! - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780765394590
Availability: Not in Stock - Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Starscape - October 2nd, 2018
Bringing to vivid life a realistic tale of homelessness & poverty. debut novelist Marie Miranda Cruz introduces us to feisty, resilient 12-year old Nora, who lives with her mother in her father's grave crypt in the Philippine capital of Manilla. The truly harsh elements of survival and hunger are coupled with the kindness and community that Nora finds while searching for her mother, who has inexplicably gone missing. There are some scary elements such as beatings & kidnapping and young readers may flinch when confronted with these, but Cruz' memorable title character is so worthy of compassion, you will be rooting for her the whole way to the satisfying ending. This novel is a true gem and one that should be read and discussed. I loved the interspersed Tagalog words (glossary in back) and additional teachers guide. Exceptional for ages 10 and up. - Maureen
$16.99
ISBN: 9780544790858
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Clarion Books - February 5th, 2019
With a gentleness of wit, emotion and spot-on humor, Schmidt brings to life 6th grader Carter Jones as he navigates a tough time in his life, with the help of one Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick, who drives an eggplant-hued Bentley and gives advice, both needed and not wanted, as the Jones' family new butler. Interspersed with cricket references - "the finest game in the world" - wonderful and enlightened vocabulary fit for a proper gentleman, Schmidt tackles grief and abandonment with his signature insight, lightness and heart. As the butler says to his charges "make good decisions and remember who you are" -- Carter Jones' story will stay with you for a very long time. Highly recommended! - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9780544530942
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HMH Books for Young Readers - November 6th, 2018
What a fantastic fantasy read! Author Emiko Jean makes full use of Japanese words & mystical elements of the yokai, to craft a feudal-like world of historical Emperor-led Japan, all the while with a kick-ass young woman with powers beyond mortal humans. Her Hunger Games-like quest of survival of the fittest in the bewitched Season Rooms brings together love, trust and loyalty themes. A real page turner, this young adult fantasy is sure to be hit. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781534404458
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - March 5th, 2019
Raw, gritty and acutely tuned to his community, Matt Mendez' debut blends authenticity with poignancy, heartbreak with heartfelt, this emotionally true contemporary story about 2 El Paso teens and a mom of one of the boys, will keep you riveted and engaged. Comparisons to Jason Reynolds, Matt de la Pena and Angie Thomas are accurate but Mendez is a break out star to be watched. This wallop of a tale should be handed to high school kids en masse. - Maureen
$17.99
ISBN: 9781524740955
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers - August 13th, 2019
Could there be a better young adult historical fiction storyteller than Stacey Lee? The Downstairs Girl rings with honesty about the plight of Jo Kwan, living in Atlanta in 1890 in an abandoned basement below an unsuspecting family that runs one of the town's newspapers. Jo becomes the unseen advice columnist "Dear Miss Sweetie" as she uses her considerable wit to answer letters - all the while working as a maid to a privileged and cruel teen. Romance, racial inequities and family squabbles all result in Lee's outstanding development into a glimpse of Atlanta's storied genteelness. This is a sure winner! - Maureen
New Year, New Books!
