Here’s the second installment of our favourite books of this year. We asked staff, library users and author pals for their recommendations for young people and here’s what they suggested.
We’ve made it really easy for you to get your hands on these title. Head to our library catalogue Best of Year slideshow to click and collect your copy from your local library.
Picture books
Our Young People’s Librarian, Lynne, loved Joesph Kuefler‘s charming environmentally-friendly picture book The Digger and the Flower. Imagine Wall-e was great big construction vehicle and not a robot.
One of our Falkirk borrowers was delighted by Billy and the Beast by Nadia Shireen, in which the hero, Billy, all dressed up in her cagoule and wellies, saves her furry friends from a monster. Lovely.
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith and Katz Kowley is recommended by, well, everyone who has discovered it following the now infamous video of the Scottish granny cracking up as she tries to read it.
Younger readers
For children here’s two books about youngsters from other countries finding their place in their new home Scottish home. One of our lovely customers suggested The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle via Facebook and Author Alex Nye recommended Lauren St. John’s beautiful The Snow Angel .
Who Let the Gods Out?, by Maz Evans, not only wins the prize for best book title of the year, but it’s also a rip-roaring fantasy adventure that’s as funny as it is exciting. It’s about a boy named Elliot who gets roped into helping Olympian Gods vanquish a demon. Perfect for youngsters who have just discovered and are loving the Percy Jackson series.
And let’s not forget the Potter heads. Primary-age readers will adore Jessica Townsend‘s Nevermoor series, as recommended by Librarian Tanya and her kids.
Young adults
We start off with more fantasy, but this time for young adults, recommended via Instagram by Helen. Tomi Adeyemi‘s Children of Blood & Bone, is the first stunning instalment in a new series. It’s a dark, gripping story about one girl trying to bring back the magic in time to save her world from strange creatures, vengeful spirits… and other people. The film rights have already been purchased, so read it now so you can say you were there first! Isn’t the cover beautiful?
Several borrowers, picked the incredible The Hate You Give, which was re-released on paperback this year following the release of the movie. Angie Thomas‘s incredible fiction tale, which is rooted firmly in real life, tells of a young African American girl who is the sole witness to the police shooting of her unarmed friend.
Got any recommendations for young people? Comment below! Remember you can click and collect most of these books via the Best of Year slideshow on our library catalogue.
