Our Staff Recommends
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Churro Stand
From award-winning author-illustrator duo Karina N. Gonzálezand Krystal Quiles comes Churro Stand, a heartwarming picture book celebrating love, community, and the POP, SIZZLE, and CRUNCH of a perfect churro--inspired by the author's relationship with her own mother.
Everybody loves churros!
On a hot summer's day, Lucía and her brother accompany their mother to sell delicious, sugary churros on the bustling streets of New York City. But when a thunderstorm rolls in, and the customers are chased away, Lucía's mother must improvise with a little bit of magic and lots of amor. -
Chunky
In this full-color middle grade graphic memoir for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Yehudi Mercado draws inspiration from his childhood struggle with his weight while finding friendship with his imaginary mascot, Chunky, as he navigates growing up in a working class Mexican-Jewish family.
Hudi needs to lose weight, according to his doctors. Concerned about the serious medical issue Hudi had when he was younger, his parents push him to try out for sports. Hudi would rather do anything else, but then he meets Chunky, his imaginary friend and mascot. Together, they decide to give baseball a shot.
As the only Mexican and Jewish kid in his neighborhood, Hudi has found the cheerleader he never had. Baseball doesn't go well (unless getting hit by the ball counts), but the two friends have a great time drawing and making jokes. While Hudi's parents keep trying to find the right sport for Hudi, Chunky encourages him to pursue his true love--comedy.
But when Hudi's dad loses his job, it gets harder for Hudi to chart his own course, even with Chunky's guidance. Can Chunky help Hudi stay true to himself or will this friendship strike out?
* A TLA Maverick Graphic Novel of the Year *
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Sink or Swim
Summer is here! School’s out, the pool is open, and new adventures with friends await! But what happens when twelve year old Ty’s anxiety has other plans? From the world of Just Roll With It comes a boy-centric graphic novel about accepting yourself even when it’s a little scary.
Bouncing back from a broken arm should be no big deal—but when Ty spends a month off the swim team the thought of getting back in the water is suddenly not as fun as it used to be.
After weeks of ignoring his friends, Ty isn't sure how to connect with them again in summer camp. They used to have swim team together but after so long without swimming he's out of shape and afraid of failing in front of them. With his friendships fracturing, will Ty be able to gain confidence in himself and fix everything before it's too late? -
Soup for One
Shoo, fly, shoo! One little fly thinks he’s getting a big bowl of hot soup all to himself. Little does he know, interlopers wait around every corner. Help him to count the unwelcome pals that join him for lunch—one after another after another—up to ten! Who will get the last slurp of soup? Does the ravenous chef have a chance against ten hungry flies? Or will the sneaky spider hiding on every page be the one to triumph?
Bright colors, sly humor, and a fun seek-and-find element are all contained within the pages of a durable, kid-friendly, paper-over-board format, making Soup for One a delectable picture book treat.
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I Survived the Black Death, 1348 (I Survived #24)
The Black Death was a pandemic of unimaginable propotions, taking the lives of 75 - 200 million people worldwide. Lauren Tarshis's story of one girl surviving the plague pulses with terror, action, and hope.
The deadliest disease in the history of the world... Elsie dreams of becoming a brave warrior like her father, who is an archer fighting in England's war against France. But life isn't fair in 1348 Europe. Peasant girls like Elsie can't be archers or knights or anything exciting.
Then one day in the forest, Elsie and her best friend, Humphrey, discover a chest filled with stolen treasures -- and a dangerous secret. At last Elsie has a chance to prove that she's as brave as any knight.
Little does she know that a deadly illness -- the Black Death -- has begun its attack on England. It's already killed millions around the world.
And now it's come for Elsie.
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis tells the story of how one girl finds incredible hope amid illness and grief. Includes a section of nonfiction back matter with more facts and photos about the real-life event.
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A Copycat Conundrum (The Misfits)
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • When San Francisco is under strange attacks—like earthquakes affecting only two city blocks at a time—who're you gonna call? An elite team of crime-fighting underdogs, that's who! The Misfits are on the case in this hilarious illustrated series!
“For any kid who’s felt like a misfit, this crackling adventure packs a wallop!” —Lincoln Peirce, creator of Big Nate
Oof! After solving the case of the Royal Rumpus, Olive Cobin Zang and her elite team of underdogs are on top of the world. As the awkward, crime-fighting Misfits, they’re acing every mission thrown at them from NOCK (aka No One Can Know, the covert agency they work for).
But when their classmate Zeke starts receiving threatening notes, the Misfits are stumped. They’re no strangers to danger, but this case is a total head-scratcher. Who would target kind, friendly Zeke . . . unless he’s not what he seems to be?
At the same time, unusual earthquakes start shaking up San Francisco just as priceless art goes missing, and the Misfits are called to investigate. Is it a coincidence that the city is under attack while Zeke is getting mysterious messages? Or is it all just a cover for a scheme bigger than any they’ve faced before?
For other Misfit adventures from Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, don't miss The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum! -
The Night School for Young Mystics
The magic of the Night now made thrilling for a middle-grade mystic: Learn the basics about magic, divination, spells, rituals, and more in this enchanting and practical guidebook for middle grade mystics by award-winning author Maia Toll.
You, young Firefly, have been chosen to join into the Night School's esteemed program for the study of mysticism. Your teacher, Bea Marlowe, will guide you as you embark on five eye-opening, educational, and enlightening field trips to better connect with the magic of your Night self. From astrology and divination to creating rituals and spellcasting, middle-grade readers interested in magic and mysticism will delve into the mystical depths of both the Universe and the You-niverse--the mysteries that exist outside oneself, and those they will discover in their very core.
A very practical guide set within a creative fantasy school setting, young witches will learn the basics of a magical existence tfrom the author of The Night School and the Wild Wisdom series, Maia Toll. Including illustrations by Khoa Le, sidebars, and a glossary of unfamiliar terms, The Night School for Young Mystics promises to be a fantastical guidebook and a captivating read for middle graders interested in the world of magic and mysticism. -
Ten Magic Butterflies
Learn at home with help from The Wonder Years/Hallmark actress, math whiz, and New York Times bestselling author Danica McKellar using her acclaimed McKellar Math books! Fairies, butterflies, and magic help to make this math-focused picture book positively enchanting!
Join ten flower friends for a night of excitement that mixes a little math with a lot of magic. As each flower turns into a butterfly, children will discover different ways to group numbers to create ten, an essential building block of math, all while watching each flower's dream come true. (And keep an eye out for the adorable caterpillar who wishes he could fly, too!)
In this, the second book in the McKellar Math line, actress, math whiz, and New York Times bestselling author Danica McKellar once again sneaks in secret addition and subtraction concepts to help make your child smarter and uses her proven math success to show children that loving numbers is as easy as a wave of a wand and a BING BANG BOO!
"[Danica McKellar's] bringing her love of numbers to children everywhere." --Brightly on Goodnight, Numbers
"Danica McKellar is now on a mission to make math fun for even the youngest of kids." --L.A. Parent Magazine -
Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word
"The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark."
As an English corset-maker's son, Thomas Paine was expected to spend his life sewing women's underwear. But as a teenager, Thomas dared to change his destiny, enduring years of struggle until a meeting with Benjamin Franklin brought Thomas to America in 1774-and into the American Revolution.
Within fourteen months, Thomas would unleash the persuasive power of the written word in Common Sense-a brash wake-up call that rallied the American people to declare independence against the mightiest empire in the world.
This fascinating and extensively researched biography, based on numerous primary sources, will immerse readers in Thomas Paine's inspiring journey of courage, failure, and resilience that led a penniless immigrant to change the world with his words. -
The Librarian Who Measured the Earth
A perfect introduction to mathematical concepts for young readers, written by a Newbery honor-winning author!
This colorfully illustrated biography of the Greek philosopher and scientist Eratosthenes, who compiled the first geography book and accurately measured the globe's circumference, is just right for budding mathematicians, scientists, historians, and librarians! Filled with fascinating details about Eratosthenes's world (and in print since 1994), kids are sure to flip through the pages time and again. -
Counting Creatures
A gorgeous lift-the-flap counting book that pairs parent animals with their babies, from the bestselling author of Room on the Broom.
From a bat and its pup, to a frog and its twelve tadpoles, young readers will delight in counting each creature's babies and learning unusual scientific names for young animals. With rhyming text, lift-the-flaps and peekaboo holes, and a surprise search-and-find element, this is a read-aloud delight and preschool must-have.
* "Engaging, rewarding, and utterly delightful."—Kirkus, starred review
Indie Next List pick
CCBC Choices selection
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You Are a Wildlife Warrior!: Saving Animals & the Planet
World-renowned conservationist Bindi Irwin has a message for animal-loving kids: You can help protect the planet and all who call it home! Featuring exclusive Irwin family photos and animal fun facts.
Calling all Wildlife Warriors! Step inside the Australia Zoo and see what nature has to offer. There are lemurs and rhinos, kangaroos, and—of course—crocodiles.
On your tour, learn about these amazing animals and their habitats. Observe how they live and grow and all the ways we can protect them. Get inspired to take part in nurturing your own environment and all that inhabit it. Most important, discover the Wildlife Warrior within!
From the daughter of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, comes an illustrated picture book encouraging readers to walk on the wild side and uncover their inner conservationists. -
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free
Booklist starred review
Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."
Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic--a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865--over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person's voice make a difference Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.
Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:
- all people are created equal
- the power of bravery and using your voice for change
- the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today
- no one is free unless everyone is free
- fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way
Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.
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Canto Contigo
STONEWALL BOOK AWARDS – MIKE MORGAN & LARRY ROMANS YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE AWARD WINNER
When a Mariachi star transfers schools, he expects to be handed his new group's lead vocalist spot—what he gets instead is a tenacious current lead with a very familiar, very kissable face.
In a twenty-four-hour span, Rafael Alvarez led North Amistad High School’s Mariachi Alma de la Frontera to their eleventh consecutive first-place win in the Mariachi Extravaganza de Nacional; and met, made out with, and almost hooked up with one of the cutest guys he’s ever met.
Now eight months later, Rafie’s ready for one final win. What he didn’t plan for is his family moving to San Antonio before his senior year, forcing him to leave behind his group while dealing with the loss of the most important person in his life—his beloved abuelo. Another hitch in his plan: The Selena Quintanilla-Perez Academy’s Mariachi Todos Colores already has a lead vocalist, Rey Chavez—the boy Rafie made out with—who now stands between him winning and being the great Mariachi Rafie's abuelo always believed him to be. Despite their newfound rivalry for center stage, Rafie can’t squash his feelings for Rey. Now he must decide between the people he’s known his entire life or the one just starting to get to know the real him.
Canto Contigo is a love letter to Mexican culture, family and legacy, the people who shape us, and allowing ourselves to forge our own path. At its heart, this is one of the most glorious rivals-to-lovers romance about finding the one who challenges you in the most extraordinary ways. -
Sign Me Up
"Alyssa is an ice skater who prefers to skate alone. She lives in rural Alaska, where a quiet frozen lake is her happy place. But now she's moving to sunny, loud Los Angeles. As the new girl in town, Alyssa isn't sure if she'll ever fit in. When the local roller derby team takes Alyssa under its wing, she's not sure she wants to trade her ice skates and solitude for roller skates and teammates. Alyssa decides to leave her comfort zone. Will she find her place, or will the pace and volume of roller derby be too much to handle?"--Provided by publisher.
Local History
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The Civil War in Missouri
Guerrilla warfare, border fights, and unorganized skirmishes are all too often the only battles associated with Missouri during the Civil War. Combined with the state’s distance from both sides’ capitals, this misguided impression paints Missouri as an insignificant player in the nation’s struggle to define itself. Such notions, however, are far from an accurate picture of the Midwest state’s contributions to the war’s outcome. Though traditionally cast in a peripheral role, the conventional warfare of Missouri was integral in the Civil War’s development and ultimate conclusion. The strategic battles fought by organized armies are often lost amidst the stories of guerrilla tactics and bloody combat, but in The Civil War in Missouri, Louis S. Gerteis explores the state’s conventional warfare and its effects on the unfolding of national history.
Both the Union and the Confederacy had a vested interest in Missouri throughout the war. The state offered control of both the lower Mississippi valley and the Missouri River, strategic areas that could greatly factor into either side’s success or failure. Control of St. Louis and mid-Missouri were vital for controlling the West, and rail lines leading across the state offered an important connection between eastern states and the communities out west. The Confederacy sought to maintain the Ozark Mountains as a northern border, which allowed concentrations of rebel troops to build in the Mississippi valley. With such valuable stock at risk, Lincoln registered the importance of keeping rebel troops out of Missouri, and so began the conventional battles investigated by Gerteis.
The first book-length examination of its kind, The Civil War in Missouri: A Military History dares to challenge the prevailing opinion that Missouri battles made only minor contributions to the war. Gerteis specifically focuses not only on the principal conventional battles in the state but also on the effects these battles had on both sides’ national aspirations. This work broadens the scope of traditional Civil War studies to include the losses and wins of Missouri, in turn creating a more accurate and encompassing narrative of the nation’s history. -
Jefferson City
Named in honor of Pres. Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson City was established specifically as the home of Missouri's state government. The city has a rich history as the seat of the Missouri General Assembly and state government operations. Beginning in the 1820s with the construction of a capitol building and commercial developments, people came to the new capital city to work and live. The vintage postcards in this collection illustrate and enliven the historical significance of Jefferson City as capital of the Show-Me State-vivid history is interwoven with informative text that both entertains and educates.
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Whispers from the Maple on the Hill
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Big Muddy
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Cape Girardeau Faces and Places
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The Cape Girardeau UFO Incident
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Finding Julia
Beginning with a 105-year-old house at 313 Themis Street in Cape Girardeau--and its mysterious inside arch that suggested a once-outside doorway--Kaye Smith Hamblin has created a book that charts not only the history of a magnificent home but the history of a region and a family that influenced that history. A trip to the County Archives introduced Hamblin to family records of Julia E. Harris, who built the Themis home with her husband. Hamblin's quest for Julia's story stretches back to 1799 in southeast Missouri, when Julia Harris's ancestor, George Frederick Bollinger, led German settlers to the area. The search then travels through the founding of Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and nearby settlements; the 1811 mighty earthquake; Missouri's statehood; the Mormon Wars; slavery in the state; the Civil War and its division of Missouri; famous architect Jerome B. Legg; the amazing and progressive women of Bollinger; women's rights; and desegregation in the area. Through it all, Hamblin weaves the personal stories and major influences of Julia's indomitable family--Bollinger, Frizel, Daugherty, Russell, Williams, Sanford, Harris, Vandivort, and their many extended relatives.
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A Rough Business
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Haunted Cape Girardeau
For nearly 250 years, the mighty Mississippi has granted Cape Girardeau a legacy of prosperity and dealt it some fearsome scars. Walk through buildings cut by the shrapnel of exploding steamboats, swamped in the debris of sudden floods and haunted by the restless spirits of those who washed ashore. And beyond the riverfront, tragedy's indelible mark can be found in places like the back row of the Rose Theater or the ashen mists of Spook Hollow. Joel Rhodes keeps company with the most forlorn figures and entrenched phantoms in this history of Cape Girardeau, where the river turns a thousand chilling tales.
Intro to Solo RPGs and Journaling Games (ages 18+)
Whether you're someone whose creativity could use a little jumpstart, or someone whose creativity could use some guide rails, creating within constraints can be a fun way to make things you never even considered!
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
The library is closed for Memorial Day.
Library Legends Adult TTRPG: The Crawl Formerly Known as the Terror on the Tundra! (ages 18+)
Join us for role-playing adventure in Dungeons and Dragons and beyond! We will have short campaigns telling a complete story arc, with new sessions beginning every four weeks.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Food Allergies
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Let's Talk Board Games: Everdell
Watch as the Youth Staff teach you this family-friendly game - Everdell. There will be no Game and Gather this m
Gentle Yoga
Join us for an hour of gentle yoga. Please bring your own yoga mat or bath towel, as well as a yoga block for your practice. Space is limited and registration is required.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
If you:
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Are you interested in chess? Join our Chess Club. This club is designed for adults who are interested in playing chess. This club will be held in the Genealogy Room in Adult Services. Registration is required.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
Adult Coloring
Join us for a casual adult coloring session where we provide the pages, colored pencils, and a fun atmosphere to color and socialize.
This month we are getting creative with patterns! Join us as we color intricate patterns and mandalas!
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.