The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story Emma Bland Smith , Jenn Ely (Illustrator)

The Gardener of Alcatraz is a great book to add to any school library all ages. It's up for the California Young Readers Medal 2025. True story of a man who turned his life around from crime to gardening. Add this one to your library. Note the illustrations reflect the mood of Elliott in the story.

Nour's Secret Library by Wafa' Tarnowska , Vali Mintzi (Illustrator)

Nour's Secret Library is a picture book for all grades. It's based on real events but with characters created for the story. It's also up for 2025 California Young Reader's Medal. It's a good book for any library.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood

Within These Wicked Walls give the feel of Jane Eyre just a little bit. Paranormal beings, murders, ammulents and more plus a bit of romance. Did I like the story? No, it was dark and gloomy. Wasn't my cup of tea.

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science is a farcicle story of a unusal mad scientist teacher with her fanciful animals recruiting orphans who don't fit in various etiquette schools. Fine for middle school libraries

Reading Between the Lies by Lynn Cahoon

Reading Between the Lies is a cozy murder mystery. I am hooked on them. It's a good read/listen too. If you like cozy mysteries you'll enjoy.

Windswept by Margi Preus , Armando Veve (Illustrator)

Windswept is a children's book that also paralells parables. A good book to add to school libraries for children.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Bookshops & Bonedust is an entertaining fantasy book to read or enjoy. For adults.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Book Lovers is a sexy adult romantic story. A nod to Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally, A good read/listen too.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Impossible Creatures is a good book with similarities of the real world if you look for it. A good read and a good listen. Fine to add to any middle school library.

Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Bad Blood is an intense thriller that wraps up the series. A good audiobook and strong characters. FIne for any high school library.

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice is a sexy cozy murder mystery. Think Lucy and Ethel meets Thelma and Louise. A good read/audiobook. Enjoy this adult story.

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank is a great cozy but also sexy murder mysteries series. You get the back story of her and how she becomes who she is. A good read for adults.

The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit by Krista Davis

The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit is a good cozy murder mystery. The audiobook also very good. Enjoy.

The Diva Says Cheesecake! by Krista Davis

The Diva Says Cheesecake! is a great murder mystery and also a good audiobook to enjoy.

The Diva Delivers on a Promise by Krista Davis

The Diva Delivers on a Promise is a cozy murder mystery. The audiobook is entertaining. A good read.

Soul of Stars by Ashley Poston

Soul of Stars is a science fiction story, part 2. There is a cast of characters with their own back stories to create a unified story. Good vs Evil in science fiction story. Enjoy.

Black Star by Kwame Alexander

Black Star takes us back in time when things were unkind and unfair toward black people. A good book to add to any children and middle school library. Audiobook also very good. Add this one to your library.