All the books listed here are available at the library. Stop in, give us a call, or use the online catalog to place a hold and check one out. All book descriptions are provided by the publisher on the back of the book, on Goodreads, or through the library catalog.
Celebrate Independence Day with these American historical fiction books.
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian: A young Puritan woman–faithful, resourceful, but afraid of the demons that dog her soul–plots her escape from a violent marriage in this riveting and propulsive historical thriller. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book)
Booth by Karen Joy Fowler: An epic and intimate novel about the family behind one of the most infamous figures in American history: John Wilkes Booth. Booth is a startling portrait of a country in the throes of change and a vivid exploration of the ties that make, and break, a family. Available on Boundless (e-book)
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah: An epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras—the Great Depression. A portrait of the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book), Libby (audio/e-book), and Hoopla (audio)
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel: Inspired by the life of her own mother, Tiffany McDaniel sets out to free the past by telling this heartbreaking yet magical story set in the rolling foothills of the Appalachians in which a young girl discovers stark truths that will haunt her for the rest of her life.
Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead: Author of The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in 1960s Florida. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book)
Read, renew, repeat with these titles centered on the environment and our planet!
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver: Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is an enthralling narrative that will open your eyes in a hundred new ways to an old truth: You are what you eat. Available on Hoopla (audio/e-book)
Bewilderment by Richard Powers: With its soaring descriptions of the natural world, its tantalizing vision of life beyond, and its account of a father and son’s ferocious love, Richard Powers raises the question: How can we tell our children the truth about this beautiful, imperiled planet? Available on Boundless (audio/e-book)
Under Prairie Skies by Thomas Shay: Incorporating Native voices, ethnobotanical studies, personal stories, and research techniques, Under Prairie Skies shows how, since the end of the Ice Age, plants have held a central place in the lives of Native peoples.
Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson: A haunting novel spanning several generations, The Seed Keeper follows a Dakota family’s struggle to preserve their way of life, and their sacrifices to protect what matters most. Available on Libby (audio/e-book) and Hoopla (e-book)
An Immense World by Ed Yong: The Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every animal is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble. This book welcomes us into a previously unfathomable dimension–the world as it is truly perceived by other animals. Available on Boundless (e-book) and Libby (audio)
Get ready for the Summer Olympics with these books for all ages! Summer sports, past Olympics, and Olympic athletes!
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: The dramatic story of the American rowing team that stunned the world at Hitler’s 1936 Berlin Olympics. Daniel James Brown’s robust book tells the story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for an Olympic gold medal. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (audio/e-book) Also available for young adults on Boundless (audio/e-book)
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand: The inspirational true story of Louis Zamperini, who goes from talented Olympic athlete to airman to prisoner of war during the Second World War. He is driven to the limits of endurance while staying hopeful about his survival. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (audio/e-book) Also available for young adults on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (e-book)
The Horsewoman by James Patterson and Mike Lupica: Mother and daughter, both champion riders—but only one can make Olympic history. James Patterson’s first book with hall-of-fame sportswriter Mike Lupica. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book)
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells a story about the cost of greatness and a legendary athlete attempting a comeback. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (e-book)
Life Changing Magic of Skateboarding by Sky Brown: Meet Sky Brown, the youngest person to win a medal in skateboarding at the Olympics and discover how she fell in love with the sport. Then, give it a try yourself as she offers tips to get you started. Available on Hoopla (e-book)
Swimming Toward a Dream by Reem Faruqi: Dive into this courageous tale of an athlete, refugee, and hero who inspired the world with her resolve to pursue her Olympic dream.
The Ancient Olympics by SJ King: In this adventure, there’s trouble brewing in ancient Greece. If the Timekeepers don’t stop DeLay, it will cause big problems in the future–but time is running out!
How Do You Become an Olympian? By Madeleine Kelly: Come along to learn all about the Olympics and Olympic athletes! This fun question and answer book has everything from engaging facts to hilarious illustrations to help you learn about the history of the Games, how athletes become Olympians, famous Olympians and their accomplishments, and so much more.
Who is Simone Biles? by Stefanie Loh: With seven Olympic medals, twenty-five World Championships medals, and four gymnastic skills named after her, she is considered to be the G.O.A.T. of women’s gymnastics. She also became an advocate for mental health and protecting yourself even when the world is watching. Available on Boundless (e-book)
Tenacious by Patty Cisneros Prevo: An introduction to fifteen fascinating disabled athletes and their many achievements, daily challenges, and joys. Includes an author’s Note, glossary, and history of the Paralympics