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Staff Picks

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]

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]

Clara Tornvall does a wonderful job of giving any reader a working basis of information to go into the rest with. She gives scientific and historical context that help break up a lot of the stigmas that folks have about autism, along with making it easy to understand. As an autistic woman, I found it comforting to read of her experiences and find comfort in being able to relate. [Zephyr]

This is much more than a cookbook. Through interviews with dozens of Black women & femmes, Klancy Miller has created a rich, archival text for current and future generations. It's a treasure trove of stories and wisdom from some of the most creative and boundary-pushing folks working in food today. Rounded out with delicious recipes and gorgeous photography, this book is a must-have for home cooks, newcomers & veterans of the food industry alike, and everyone who appreciates the power of food in community. [Adrienne]

Major Jackson's newest collection of poems brings together both new, brilliant poetry as well as some of his most-loved poems. Jackson's poetry is eclectic and unique. This collection was a fresh joy to read and a good introduction to his work. [Karen]

From the perspective of a librarian, a cat, and a boy, we get a lovely mystery story that gives tribute to little libraries, reading, and storytelling. I loved how it touched on themes of transition, with the protagonist worried about entering middle school, and of kids' relationships with their parents, focusing on the importance of communication between them. It was a cozy, optimistic book, perfect for a winter read! [Blanca]

A cuter book about fungi does not exist. This nonfiction picture book would make a wonderful gift for kids of many ages. The vibrant illustrations will capture the attention of little ones, while the introductory science information is great for older kids. Frankly, I'm enchanted by this charming book even as an adult. [Adrienne]

Fans for drag rejoice! Whether you are a fan of Drag Race, Dargula, or just the art form in general, there is drink inspired by your favorite artist! The drinks even match their personas. If a queen is avant-garde and bombastic, the drink will be experimental with complex flavors. If they are feminine and sexy, the drink is more warm and sensual. Some are even bases on iconic moments and fashion. [Danielle]