Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: Wish of the Wicked

Wish of the Wicked by Danielle Paige

“I really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect mix of fantasy, adventure, plus some romance. The plot moved nicely; not too slow or fast. The characters and writing were very versatile as well. Would definitely read again." — Audrey S., age 13

Everyone knows a fairy godmother helped Cinderella get to the ball. But no one knows why.

For centuries, Farrow’s family has used their magic to guide the Queendom. Until the new queen outlaws magic and executes them all. Only Farrow manages to survive, but her magic is left warped: she can now only use it to fill the wishes of others.

Farrow dreams of nothing but revenge. The best way to reach the queen is through her son, who is nearing the age when he will need a bride. But the closer Farrow gets to the prince, the more she finds herself drawn to him. To reclaim her magic and destroy the queen, Farrow will have to question what—and who—she’s willing to sacrifice.

Bestselling author Danielle Paige launches a new series full of intrigue, magic, and romance, set in a lush fairy-tale inspired world.

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: Secrets We Tell the Sea

Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obon

“Sofia is going to live with her grandmother. She doesn’t want to, but at least she and the sea will meet in person. The sea has always been so nice to Sofia. They always were best friends. But one day, the sea betrays Sofia. Hurricanes fill the town and Sofia needs to stop them. I like this book and I recommend it for people who like mermaids.” — Cecilia S., age 7

The only good thing about Sofia's mom sending her to live with her abuela is that finally Sofia and the sea will meet face-to-face.

The sea has always called to Sofia. That's how she knows she’s a mermaid—that, and the fact that the ocean and its creatures are much easier to understand than people. Sofia longs to meet another mermaid, someone who understands her and the sea completely. And when she meets Louisa, it seems like she's found just that—until the sea betrays them both in one irreversible moment. Soon their town is overtaken by hurricanes and floods and emotions and questions so big Sofia doesn't know what to do with them. Like, how do you make friends with the sea again? And how do you calm the rough waters within yourself?

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: Vivan Van Tassel and the Secret of Midnight Lake

Vivan Van Tassel and the Secret of Midnight Lake by Michael Witwer

“The town of Midnight Lake isn’t only strange because Vivian just moved there. Even though she’s confident with a sword, mysteries can be confusing for her, but she manages to become a sort of detective. Fans of fantasy and mystery will devour this book. Ages 10 and up. Best for 12+.” — Genevieve D., age 11

Twelve-year-old Vivian Van Tassel is angry: angry about her mom’s mysterious and sudden death; at her dad for uprooting their lives in Chicago to move to the sleepy, creepy town of Midnight Lake; at the bullies who seem to be drawn to her no matter how much she tries to keep her head down…but mostly angry at herself for causing bad things to happen wherever she goes.

When a class assignment at her new school prompts Vivian to research the history of Midnight Lake, she quickly discovers her new home is even more peculiar than it seems. Not only was the infamous Beasts & Battlements (B&B) roleplaying game invented in Midnight Lake, but there are also some hard to explain coincidences about the town and its history that seem to tie back to the game in a way that’s as puzzling as it is disturbing.

When the biggest oddballs at school attempt to befriend Vivian and introduce her to their game of B&B, she’s torn between wanting to follow the path that has always worked for her—keeping everyone at arm's length—and giving these strange kids and their even stranger fantasy game a chance.

Maybe that’s what it will take to get to the bottom of the mystery of Midnight Lake…and why Vivian was really brought there in the first place.

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: Zilot and Other Important Rhymes

Zilot and Other Important Rhymes by Bob Odenkirk

“I really liked this book. It has some funny poems. I think this book is good for 6- to 8-year-olds. But there are some harder poems in the book and longer ones that will probably make it harder for younger readers.” — Lyle V., age 8

Bob Odenkirk began writing these poems with his children when they were little, compiling the poetry into a homemade book entitled Olde Time Rhymes. He wanted Nate and Erin to understand that actual people had written the books the family loved to read and to instill in them the feeling that they could be writers and illustrators themselves. Almost twenty years later, when the Odenkirks found themselves quarantined under the same roof, they revisited these mostly silly, sometimes poignant works. It wasn't until Erin began to create illustrations to accompany the words, though, that the book grew to be something much bigger than an Odenkirk family treasure.

From the titular made-up word for a blanket fort, an adorable dog with a penchant for the zoomies, and a father teaching his kids how umbrellas work, the subjects of these works, complemented by Erin’s whimsical and detailed linework, come alive on these pages. Featuring over seventy poems, Zilot & Other Important Rhymes will delight readers young and old.

Youth Advisory Council Recommendation: Wrath Becomes Her

Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros

“A historical fantasy novel about a golem. The golem was created when a father lost his child to the Nazis. She has to choose whether to save the Jewish people and her creator or escape with the one she loves. This book is for ages 13-16 and is very good. It is a really compelling read. 4/5.” — Arthur D., age 14

Vera was made for vengeance.

Lithuania, 1943. A father drowns in the all-consuming grief of a daughter killed by the Nazis. He can’t bring Chaya back from the dead, but he can use kishuf — an ancient and profane magic — to create a golem in her image. A Nazi killer, to avenge her death.

When Vera awakens, she can feel her violent purpose thrumming within her. But she can also feel glimpses of a human life lived, of stolen kisses amidst the tragedy, and of a grisly death. And when she meets Akiva, she recognizes the boy with soft lips that gave warm kisses. But these memories aren’t hers, and Vera doesn’t know if she gets—or deserves—to have a life beyond what she was made for.

Vera’s strength feels limitless—until she learns that there are others who would channel kishuf for means far less noble than avenging a daughter’s death. As she confronts the very basest of humanity, Vera will need more than what her creator gave her: Not just a reason to fight, but a reason to live.