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Staff Picks
In a detailed biographical account of several crucial players, like Emma Goldman, Alexander Berkman, and their lawyer, American Anarchy discloses the development of key elements of our political lives: civil liberties, the extent of government's power in surveillance and censorship, and the brutality of law enforcement against the individual. It was intriguing to read, since the book presents how a government and its population interact when faced with antagonizing ideologies and war. [Blanca]
Oh this book was fun! And not just because the drinks were pretty easy to make and the ingredients fairly accessible (many of which you probably have already). Each drink has a little bit of history and a write up about it. The steps are simple and easy to follow and many of the drinks would make great mocktails if your not partial to alcohol. [Danielle]
My favorite kind of gift to give the young folks in my life are activities we can do together. Not only is this book chock-full of fascinating science and gorgeous illustrations, it also offers tons of ideas for getting outside and observing the night sky. A gift like this is an opportunity to make lasting memories. [Adrienne]
In a conversational tone, Vranjican guides us, from pre-planning to day-by-day instructions to the hour of the party, through several themed ideas--an Evening in India or a Night in Norway. But before the recipes, there is a general guide to entertaining: what to have in your kitchen, some don'ts, and some suggestions to keep things lively. This book will build confidence for the beginner and level up those who already have some experience. [Blanca]
Ida Vitale turned 100 in 2023 and this selection spans nearly seventy-five years. The perspective and insights of a long, full life are evident, yet even in her earlier works (the poems are presented in reverse chronological order) her words hold such weight, wonder, and power. I'll treasure this book. It's also fully bilingual in Spanish and English, making it a great gift for readers of either/both languages. [Adrienne]
I love Matthew McConaughey's message in Greenlights, and now here he is presenting it in rhyme! When we place our ups and downs in perspective, and we fill our moments with intention, we build resilience and confidence. The illustrations are also surprising views on the points he makes. Gotta think outside the box with this one. [Blanca]
Technology is often seen as the "solution" to disability, regardless of what disabled people think. This book, however, is from the perspective of disable people and how they interact with tech. It stresses that while many disabled people rely on tech in some way, they take a different approach to it. While short, this book does a fantastic job at unpacking the role technology plays and the many unresolved concerns surrounding it that disable people have. It also forces the reader to confront their ableism which is never a bad things. [Danielle]
There Was a Party for Langston: (Caldecott Honor & Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor) (Hardcover)
An ode to literary giant Langston Hughes and the many Black luminaries he helped inspire, this is a special picture book from acclaimed author Jason Reynolds and talented illustrators/brothers Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey. The pages positively thrum and dance with life. This is a celebratory book, a joyful book. A party indeed! [Adrienne]
This is a fascinating coming-of-age memoir of a gay Chinese American in 1980s Detroit. It was a fun and layered read that resonated with me on many levels. My ma is from Detroit, so we visited every summer in the 80s. Also, a lot of the queer coming-of-age moments were familiar. [sweet pea]
I can finally make my own delicious milanesas (which are hard to find around town) for my tortas! I did not learn how to cook from my Mexican mother. I self-taught through online recipes when I moved to the PNW, because I missed my mother's homecooking. Unlike online recipes, this book was rich with context: it taught me words (like sofrito), gave me a cultural and historical account of Latin American food, and it inspired me to try each recipe from cover to cover, all 300 of them! It has rekindled my love for learning how to cook not only my own heritage's foods but also those of other Latin countries. [Blanca]