Book Lists

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A Dynamic Pairing: Black History/Women’s History

Explore titles that showcase this intersection featuring women and issues that left their mark on history.

A Fine Romance

There's someone for everyone, or so they say. Enjoy this collection of older and newer titles this Valentine's Day and beyond.

African-American Genealogy

This is a sample of the materials available on African-American genealogy in the Local History collection in the Princeton Room.

African-American History Located in the Princeton Room

A selection of the materials that make up the African American history collection in the Local History neighborhood.

Amanda’s Picks

Amanda enjoys illustrated works like graphic novels, manga, and picture books. She is also drawn to diasporic lit across genres.

America’s Pastime: Baseball Books and Films

Check out this collection of books and films that center America's pastime, baseball.

Andrew’s Picks

Andrew has a soft spot for works that explore that explore the absurd and irrational aspects of the human condition.

Anti-Racism Primer for Adults

Interested in learning more about how to be an anti-racist? Use this list to get started on the road to knowledge and change.

Anytime Resolutions

The turning of the year isn't the only time to take stock and make changes in your life.

Arab American Heritage for Teens

Explore Arab American heritage with this selection of teen books that highlight Arab American experiences and perspectives as well

Armchair Travels: Movies with Vibrant Settings

Some movies inspire readers to travel, and some - some movies leave viewers feeling like they've just returned from a long trip!

Armchair Travels: Stories with Vibrant Settings

Some books inspire readers to travel, and some books leave readers feeling like they've just returned from a long trip!

Arts and Health Month

This internationally-recognized month celebrates and raises awareness about art's contributions to health, healing, and wellbeing.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Fiction

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but these books are worth reading all year.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Nonfiction

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander Heritage Month, but these books are worth reading all year.

Asian American Memoirs & Essays

Explore memoirs and essay collections by Asian American writers.

Asian American Poets

Check out one of these collections by Asian American and Asian Canadian poets.

Asian Pacific American Heritage for Teens

Explore Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage with this selection of teen books that highlight the AANHPI experience as wel

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Back to School DIY for Adults

Just because you're not returning to school doesn't mean you can't embark on a new learning adventure this September.

Back to School for Adults

If you miss your school days, then perhaps reading a novel set in a school or book about education will help ease those pangs.

Banned Books Week

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom tracks challenges to library, school, and university materials and services.

Beach Mysteries

Summer is a perfect time for a chilling mystery. Grab one of these mysteries and thrillers set at the beach.

Black Biographies and Memoirs

There's no time like the present to pick up one of these biographies and memoirs about Black Americans.

Black History for Teens

Nonfiction and fiction books for teens on Black creators and leaders, historical events and movements.

Black History Month – Fiction

February is Black History Month, but these titles are worth reading throughout the year.

Black History Month – Nonfiction

February marks Black History Month, but these titles are worth reading throughout the year.

Black Voices in Fiction

Check out some of these titles written by contemporary Black authors.

Black Voices in Nonfiction

Memoirs, politics, and culture - check out some recent picks from Black authors today.

Black Voices in Poetry

By no means comprehensive, check out this eclectic list of the voices and words of Black poets.

Body Positivity and Acceptance for Kids

Bodies can do amazing things and come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Read and learn more about wonderful, amazing bodies.

Books About Libraries

Some of our favorite books about our favorite places.

Books to Make You Smile (Fiction)

A collection of happy, feel-good titles!

Books to Make You Smile (Non-Fiction)

When you're in the mood for a lighter read.

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Celebrate Pi Day and All Things Einstein

Learn about Albert Einstein and pi for Pi day (3.14)!

Citizenship Study Resources

These resources can help you prepare for the civics portion of the United States citizenship test.

Cliff’s Picks

A scholar of Greek & Latin Classics, Cliff's reading tastes inevitably trend toward literature, philosophy, history, & criticism.

Climate Action for Teens

Books for teens about our planet, climate change, and environmental movements as well as stories of teens taking action.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Find information and historical context for the commemoration of the U.S. Constitution's ratification on September 17, 1787.

Contemporary Jewish Authors

Celebrate Jewish American heritage with this list of works by contemporary Jewish authors published within the last several years.

Creativity

Get inspired!

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Dana’s Picks

Dana enjoys action movies, sports, traveling, and a great story or book of any kind.

Democracy Matters

Explore the concept of our nation as a democracy.

Disability Awareness

Explore perspectives on the ADA's past, present, and future.

Disability Pride for Kids

Celebrate, read, and learn about Disability Pride in July and all year long with these selections of books for kids.

Disability Pride for Teens

Celebrate, read, and learn about disabilities with these selections of books for teens.

Down to Business

Inspiration for established business owners or career changers trying to get a new business idea off the ground.

Drawing and Painting

Pick up a new hobby, or develop new skills in an activity you love!

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Earth Day

Earth Day builds awareness of global environmental issues, promotes sustainability, and encourages actionable steps.

Erica’s Picks

Erica enjoys contemporary & historical fiction, memoirs, and essay collections.

Eva’s Picks

Eva likes adventures, tragedies, storytellers, liars, and books about characters making long, dangerous journeys.

Exploring Disability Pride Month – Nonfiction

July is Disability Pride Month, but these books are worth reading all year.

Exploring Labor Day

The first Monday in September marks Labor Day, a federal holiday in the United States.

Exploring LGBTQIA+ Pride Month – Nonfiction

June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, but these books are worth reading all year.

Exploring LGBTQIA+ Pride Through Fiction

June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, but these books are worth reading all year.

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Family Movie Night

Movies the whole family will enjoy!

Female AAPI Voices

We've gathered a handful of extraordinary female AAPI voices. Any of the books very well may become your next favorite read.

Fiction Picks for Book Groups

These are some of the selections that have been the focus of both library and/or local book groups.

Folk Horror

These atmospheric tales feature natural settings and usually incorporate elements of folklore.

Frederick Douglass Day

Although Douglass was born into bondage, and never knew his birthdate, he chose to celebrate every year on February 14th.

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Gardens and Gardeners in Fiction

It's a fine time to think about reviving a garden. Why not enjoy some books to get you into the mood?

Gayle’s Picks: Historical Mysteries

Gayle is partial to historicals, chiefly those set in Medieval, Victorian, or Roman times, but will read pretty much anything.

Gayle’s Picks: International Mysteries

Travel the world, in modern times or days of old, to solve a mystery or two without leaving the comfort of your home.

Gayle’s Picks: Women Sleuths

Mysteries by women authors, featuring women sleuths of all varieties.

Graphic Novels: History and Memoir

You may be surprised at the variety of entertaining, challenging, and unexpected fiction and nonfiction you'll find.

Great Audiobooks for Teens

Check out these great listens for teens.

Great Backyard Bird Count – Movies

Get ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count by cuddling up and watching films!

Great Backyard Bird Count – Picks for Bird Enthusiasts

This annual February event brings people around the world together to watch, learn about, count and celebrate birds.

Great Books for Eighth Grade

Great books for teens in eighth grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Eleventh Grade

Great books for teens in eleventh grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Fifth Grade

Great books for children in fifth grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Fourth Grade

Great books for children in fourth grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books For Ninth Grade

Great books for teens in ninth grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Second Grade

Great books for children in second grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Seventh Grade

Great books for teens in seventh grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Sixth Grade

Great books for children in sixth grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Tenth Grade

Great books for teens in tenth grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Third Grade

Great books for children in third grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Books for Twelfth Grade

Great books for teens in twelfth grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Great Classroom Read Aloud Picture Books

Reccommendations for fun and engaging read-alouds to early elementary school-aged children.

Gun Violence in America

The people of the United States continue to bear witness and become victims of a brutal gun violence epidemic.

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Handy Kitchen Gadgets

The list was created for a class at the library that covered a variety of tools for making cooking fun and efficient.

Hispanic Heritage for Kids

Explore titles that highlight the Hispanic/Latinx experience, storytellers and artists, and history and culture.

Hispanic Heritage for Teens

Celebrate the varied histories and cultures of people from Hispanic and Latin-American backgrounds with this list of books that hi

Holiday Cooking – Desserts and Sides

Looking for recipes for your holiday meals? Check out some of these items.

Holiday Romances

Winter holidays are the perfect background for romantic sparks to fly.

Holocaust Days of Remembrance – Nonfiction

Nonfiction to help you explore the Holocaust, its context, and its legacy.

Housing Crisis in America

The housing crisis has its roots in many facets of everyday life, and this booklist begins to explore those facets.

How Did It Get Made? : Books about the Makings of Movies

Enjoy some books about the how some of the most acclaimed and beloved films in Hollywood history came to be.

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I am Innocent: Books and Resources about the Wrongfully Convicted

A sampling of stories conveying the physical and emotional upheaval experienced by men and women who were wrongfully imprisoned and released.

International Human Rights Day

2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in1948.

International Transgender Day Of Visibility

TDOV raises awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people while also highlighting their victories and accomplishments.

Irish-American Heritage Month

Discover a variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the Irish in America and also penned by Irish-American authors.

Israel Palestine Conflict

Check out some of these resources for greater context of the history between Israel and Palestine.

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Jazz Appreciation Month

Celebrate April, Jazz Appreciation Month, by checking out a sample of jazz offerings at the library, and beyond.

Jewish American Heritage for Kids

Explore this selection of contemporary stories, historical experiences, and biographies of Jewish Americans.

Jewish American Heritage for Teens

Celebrate Jewish American heritage with this selection of contemporary stories, historical experiences, and biographies of Jewish

Ji Hae’s Picks

Ji Hae loves to peruse cookbooks and food memoirs and has a personal interest in books on the American immigrant experience.

Job Seekers Booklist

These books, ebooks, and audiobooks relate to all aspects of job seeking

Jolabokaflod (Book Flood) 2022

Enjoy these titles that were shared by library staff and community members at the library's annual Book Flood.

Jordan Bimm’s NASA History Reading List

Space historian Jordan Bimm lists his recommendations for the space race and NASA history.

Jordan’s Picks

Jordan has a passion for diverse literary journeys that transcend time and genre boundaries.

Juneteenth

The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is a legal holiday in New Jersey.

Juneteenth for Kids

Book recommendations for children celebrating and honoring Juneteenth.

Juneteenth for Teens

Explore nonfiction and fiction titles about honoring and celebrating Juneteenth, emancipation, Black history, and culture.

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Katie’s Picks

Katie is fond of contemporary and historical middle grade fiction, YA romances, and fairy tale retellings of all kinds.

Kim’s Picks

Kim has a preference for nonfiction, particularly history, science and and nature, communication, and issues around civil rights.

Knit Picks

This is a small sample of the knitting books that are available in the Home neighborhood on the second floor.

Kristin’s Picks

A fan of literary fiction, poetry, memoirs, and short stories, Kristin has led the library’s fiction group for well over a decade.

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Laura’s Picks

Laura enjoys literary fiction and is drawn to essays, poetry, memoir, music, and film/TV that explore a wide range of topics.

Learn about the Supreme Court

Learn about the history of the country's highest court and the personalities who have shaped it over centuries.

Lenape History, Art, and Culture: A Living Land Acknowledgement

The Library sits within the Lenapehoking, a part of the traditional homelands of the Lenape peoples.

Leslie’s Picks

Leslie loves going through the journey with the characters and seeing them develop along the road.

LGBTQIA+ History for Teens

Check out this selection of LGBTQIA+ memoirs, historical fiction and non-fiction titles.

LGBTQIA+ Pride for Kids

Celebrate and explore the history of Pride with a selection of children's books that highlight LGBTQIA+ experiences and stories.

LGBTQIA+ Pride for Teens

Celebrate and explore the history of Pride with this selection of teens books that highlight LGBTQIA+ experiences and stories.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Books about TV and popular television shows.

Literature & the Environment

To accompany the Literature and Environment: A Reading and Creative Writing Colloquium.

Lori’s Picks

Lori enjoys character driven stories, uniquely illustrated books, reading cookbooks as novels and just about anything nonfiction.

Love is in the Air

Love is in the air and on the pages in this collection of books.

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Maker Culture

Celebrate the intersection of science, crafts and making!

Marissa’s Picks

Marissa likes historical fiction with strong female leads...and dinosaurs.

Martha’s Picks

No matter what genre or format, Martha is drawn to books with quirky, unique and unforgettable characters full of heart.

Megan’s Picks

Megan is drawn to coming-of-age stories, fiction or nonfiction, especially by writers who turn tragedy into comedy.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, commemorated on the last Monday of May, is a day to honor the men and women who have died in military service.

Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness month, but these books could be helpful year-round.

Mental Health Awareness for Kids

Titles that can help kids become more in tune with their own mental health and how to best support the mental health of others.

Mental Health Awareness for Teens

A selection of nonfiction resources and stories featuring mental health.

Middle Eastern Heritage for Teens

Explore Middle Eastern Heritage with this selection of books highlighting the various cultures, histories, and stories of the Midd

Migrations in Black History

Explore these nonfiction books on migration: to new places, social realities, professional spheres, to adulthood, and more.

More Like: Amanda Gorman, Poetry

This list highlights young poets sharing their stories and changing the world with their words.

Moving to a New Home Picture Books

These stories for the littlest readers will help make saying goodbye a little bit easier.

Mu-Hsi’s Picks

Mu-Hsi enjoys mystery, sci-fi, fantasy and historical fiction. Play, manga and animation are her favorite narrative forms.

Musical Novels

Check out these books in which music or musicians figure prominently.

Muslim American Heritage for Kids

Books for kids that highlight Muslim American experiences and perspectives as well as history, culture, and stories.

Muslim American Heritage for Teens

Books for teens that highlight Muslim American experiences and perspectives as well as history, culture, and stories.

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National Arab American Heritage Month – Fiction

Explore the experiences and perspectives of Arab Americans through works of fiction, poetry and graphic novels.

National Arab American Heritage Month – Nonfiction

April marks National Arab American History Month, but these titles are worth reading throughout the year.

National Hispanic Heritage Month – Fiction

Celebrate the varied histories and cultures of people from Hispanic and Latinx backgrounds through fiction.

National Hispanic Heritage Month – Nonfiction

Celebrate the varied histories and cultures of people from Hispanic and Latinx backgrounds through nonfiction.

National Hispanic Heritage Month – Poetry

Celebrate the varied histories and cultures of people from Hispanic and Latinx backgrounds through poetry.

National Humor Month

Did you know that April is also National Humor Month? In honor of it, we've put together some books to make laugh until you cry.

National Native American Heritage Month – Fiction

November commemorates the history and culture of Indigenous peoples with ties to the land now occupied by the United States.

National Native American Heritage Month – Nonfiction

November commemorates the history and culture of Indigenous peoples with ties to the land now occupied by the United States.

National Poetry Month: Books for Adults

April is National Poetry Month. We've compiled a diverse (but, by no means, comprehensive) list of selections.

Native American Heritage for Kids

Celebrate and explore books that highlight the Native American experience, storytellers, and history and culture.

Native American Heritage for Teens

Celebrate Native American heritage with books highlighting Indigenous experiences, storytellers, history and culture.

Native Plants

The New Jersey State Assembly passed a joint resolution on March 30, 2023, to officially designate April as Native Plants Month.

Nature Explorers!

A list of recommended books and online resources to inspire families to get outside and explore the natural world.

Needle Arts

Explore titles related to crochet, knitting, embroidery, and cross stitch.

New Year Resolutions

Each new year, it has become customary for us to consider different habits, ideas, and possibilities.

Nonfiction Picks for Book Groups

This is a selection of nonfiction book groups that library and/or local book groups have read.

Nonfiction that Reads like Fiction

There's nothing laborious about these works of nonfiction, which will keep you riveted through the end.

Nora’s Picks

Nora watched a lot of odd, dark fantasy films during her formative childhood years, leading to a love of speculative fiction.

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Olympics Stories

The Olympic Games bring astounding athletic feats, political turmoil, and unexpected twists.

Outdoor New Jersey

Take advantage of any opportunity to explore the outdoors right in our own backyard.

Own Voices Writers with Disabilities

The term #OwnVoices attempts to indicate that an author is a member of the underrepresented group portrayed in their book.

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PEFF 2023: Top 10 Books for Adults

Each year the Princeton Environmental Film Festival picks ten recent books that reflect timely environmental themes.

Poetry for Kids

Hooray for haiku! Stupendous sonnets! Rollicking rhymes! Check out one of the titles below to celebrate poetry.

Poetry for Teens

A selection of poetry, novels in verse, anthologies, and more for teens.

Poets Laureate

Find a sampling of works by the current U.S. Poet Laureate and previous Poets Laureate of the 21st century in this list.

PPL Fiction Book Group 2023

These are the books the library's fiction book group will be reading in 2023.

PPL’s Top 100 Books for Babies and Toddlers

Great books for babies and toddlers recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

PPL’s Top 100 Books for First Grade

Great books for children in first grade recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

PPL’s Top 100 Books For Kindergarten

Great books for children in kindergarten recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

PPL’s Top 100 Books for Preschoolers

Great books for children in preschool recommended by Princeton Public Library's Youth Services staff.

Princeton Documentaries

Documentaries about Princeton that can be found in the Princeton Room.

Princeton History Resources

A list of some of the best resources to get you started on your research of Princeton,

Princeton Public Library: Dystopia Meeting

Members of the PPL staff met on 10/8/19 to discuss works of dystopian fiction. Below are some of the titles we selected.

PSRC Library Reads – April

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – August

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – February

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – January

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – July

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – June

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – March

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – May

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – November

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – October

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

PSRC Library Reads – September

Every month, librarians share books they are excited about with the members of the Princeton Senior Resource Center.

Put Your Dukes Up

Check out some of these selections, featuring some memorable rakes, rogues, dukes, and duchesses.

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Race, Racism, & Social Justice for Teens

Fiction and nonfiction to help facilitate discussions about race, racism, anti-racism, discrimination and racial social justice.

Read It and Eat

Pair your reading with an ideal recipe, cookbook, or food-related resource.

Read the Book Before Seeing the Film

Check out these books that are scheduled to be produced as films in 2023.

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

Explore works written by and about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., activist, Baptist minister, and Civil Rights movement leader.

Rhiannon’s Picks

Rhiannon can often be found with her nose in a book with a unique narrative structure. She loves retellings of classic stories.

Road Trip Reads

Enjoy these mostly fictional stories of families, individuals, friends, and more striking out on the road.

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Sci-fi, Fantasy & Horror Climate Fiction

Apocalyptic, dire, and full of dread, check out these titles.

Science! Math! Humans! Earth!

Welcome to the nerd zone. Please enjoy this list of popular science reads.

Senior Sleuths

Life is exciting and full of surprises for these oldies, be they spies, detectives, or just in the right place at the wrong time.

Sewing and Quilting

Consider this a sampler. Visit our Home neighborhood for more inspiration!

Short Stories in Translation

A selection of short stories and novellas translated into English.

Slavic Stories: Folklorica

These stories are infused with folklore from Slavic countries.

Snowy Reads

Face any weather with these snowy reads!

Social Emotional Learning Picture Books

These books are great for talking with young children about how a character is feeling and showing social-emotional growth.

Spooky Fall Reads

Let one of these books give you the shivers.

Stephanie’s Picks

Stephanie enjoys historical fiction and novels-in-verse, and she can often be found browsing new JU non-fiction.

Strange Schools

Sometimes, education goes beyond reading, writing, and all the rest. These stories for adults feature unusual educational systems.

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The Stories Behind the Sports

The stories behind the teams and successes make sports even more exciting. Here is a list of some of our favorites.

Time for a Digital Detox

Take a moment (or more) to shift your focus from what has become a largely digital world.

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Under-the-Radar Staff Picks

No one can read every book, but we asked our staff to suggest some titles they wish more people would read.

Understanding 9/11

A list of nonfiction books and other resources that illuminate the events of 9/11, its context, and its continuing implications.

Understanding Death and Grief Picture Books

While never an easy subject, these picture books can help start a conversation with children about death and grief.

Understanding the Crisis in Ukraine

Explore a sampling of nonfiction books offering context for the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Unreliable Narrators

Readers often believe that they can trust the narrator, but that's not always the case.

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Vegan Cooking

These resources will get you excited about making meals free from animal products.

Votes for Women: Celebrating the 19th Amendment

We recognize the efforts of all those who worked with or without recognition to secure women the vote.

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Winter Chills – Mysteries and Thrillers

Whether you want to get cozy or get goosebumps, check out these wintry selections.

Winter Reads

Grab a mug of cocoa and settle down with one of these wintry titles.

Women in Historical Fiction

A sampling of historical fiction that features strong female leads, some inspired by real-life heroines throughout the centuries.

Women in STEM

Discover just a handful of the women and girls who have made great discoveries and continue to shape the world today.

Women in Translation

August is Women in Translation Month, a time to both celebrate and read works in translation by women authors.

Women’s History for Teens

Teen nonfiction about and from notable women past and present.

Women’s History Month – Nonfiction

March is Women's History Month, but these books are worth reading all year.

Woodstock, Music, and 1969

Books, music, and movies to give you the background story of the music scene in 1969 and the lasting legacy of Woodstock.

Wordless Picture Books

Wordless picture books can be great literacy tools for language development, oral storytelling, and vocabulary building.

Writer’s Guide

Whether you write for business or pleasure, find practical guidance in this starter list.

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Yule Flip!: Holiday Stories

Enjoy these stories full of wintry settings, heartwarming family gatherings, icy battles, delectable drama, and true love.

Yun-Yi’s Picks

Yun-Yi is unabashedly fond of clever picture books, modern graphic novels, & middle grade/YA books with a mix of social justice.

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