Library Limelight: Jessica Mackey, Collection Support Aide, Cumming Library

Library Limelight is intended to be a quick read to help FCPL patrons get to know our librarians, staff, and volunteers. We hope you enjoy learning about the people who make our libraries great!

Jessica Mackey

Collection Support Aide

Cumming Library

Where is your hometown?

I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but grew up in Forsyth County, Georgia. 

 

How long have you been at FCPL?

I have worked here for four years. 

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

This is my only job here so far. 

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I’ve always loved going to the library, and I’ve always believed libraries were an important part of the community. I wanted to be a part of something that serves our community.  

Describe your job in five words or less.

Busy, exciting, fun, fast-paced 

What is unique about your job?

Since a big part of my job is checking in returns, I get to see what books people in our community are checking out. It has really helped grow my to-be-read list! 

What is your favorite part of your job?

There are so many things I love about my job! The best part is probably simply getting to be among all the books and working with such wonderful people.  

What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?

I do most of my travelling pretty close to home. I love to hunt for seashells on Tybee Island, and I love the serenity of the North Georgia mountains.  

What are your hobbies?

Reading, drawing portraits, painting, crocheting, and watching horror movies (especially the classics!) 

What are you reading right now?

 The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Alexander Michelle 

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

I enjoy paper books, but I love the accessibility of eBooks. I can bring my e-reader everywhere, so it’s like having an entire library in my pocket.  

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I love doing artwork based on classic horror. Since one of my favorite books is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I’ve done a few pieces based on that book and movie.

 

Reading Recommendations - Non Fiction Graphic Novels

Graphic novels aren't only about superheroes.  These non-fiction graphic novels from our adult collection offer first-hand accounts of historical and everyday events accompanied by powerful visual art. 

Good Talk by Mira Jacob

This autobiographical graphic novel offers a revealing look at culture, race, relationships, and parenting in the United States, including a first-hand account of living in New York during 9-11.   

March by John Lewis, Andrew Adin and Nate Powell 

March illustrates the story of Georgia Congressman and Civil Rights Leader, John Lewis, from attending a segregated school in Alabama to marching with Martin Luther King.  Read the entire March trilogy to learn more about Congressman Lewis' life.  

Anne Frank's Diary by Ari Folman

Text from Anne Frank’s diary alongside illustrations of the Secret Annex and its residents, vividly capture Anne’s aspirations and imagination. Illustrations help readers visualize the small apartment where the Frank family lived in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands and show Anne's adolescent struggles, her insight, and her unique humor.

 Hostage by Guy Delisle

The pencil drawings in this graphic novel chronicle the 1997 kidnapping of Christophe Andre, who was abducted while working for Doctors Without Borders and held in captivity for four months in Chechnya. Guy Delisle's thoughtful illustrations provide a captivating first-hand account of the ordeal. 

I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib

A young Filipino-Egyptian shares her struggles to balance cultural traditions with fitting into her life in California in this illustrated coming-of-age story.   

Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman

First published in 1986, MAUS's retelling of WWII events depicts Germans, Jews and Poles as cats, mice, and pigs. The story documents the experiences of Spiegelman's parents during the Holocaust and his relationship with his father.  

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

#WeKnowBooks 

Kids' Book Spotlight - Fact vs Fiction: Juvenile Nonfiction Books

Fact vs. Fiction. Which do you like better?  Try some of these nonfiction titles to find out!

Grades 1-3

Building Blocks of Science: Animal Behavior
by Joseph Midthun

A graphic nonfiction volume that introduces various animal life cycles, including birds, amphibians, butterflies, and mammals.

Make it Change!
by Anna Claybourne

Crafty experiments to explode and melt your way through material changes!

I Am Harriet Tubman
by Brad Meltzer

A biography of Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist leader who played a key role in helping enslaved people escape via the Underground Railroad.

What is LEGO?
by Jim O'Connor

The LEGO toy company was founded in 1934 by a Danish carpenter who loved making wooden pull toys. From its humble beginnings, the company has lived up to its name--which comes from the Danish phrase meaning to always "play well"--encouraging children to use their imagination and build whatever they can dream up.



Grades 3-5

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

by Rachel Ignotofsky

A collection of artworks inspired by the lives and achievements of fifty famous women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, from the ancient world to the present, profiles each notable individual.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
by Vashti Harrison

Profiles thirty-five prominent men in African American history, including James Armistead Lafayette, Thurgood Marshall, Alvin Ailey, and Leland Melvin.

My Survival: A Girl on Schindler's List
by Rena Finder

The astonishing true story of a girl who survived the Holocaust thanks to Oskar Schindler, of Schindler's List fame. Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and her family -- along with all the other Jewish families -- into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland.

The Day the Universe Exploded My Head
by Allan Wolf

Creative nonfiction poetry combines humor, creative imagery, and illustrations to explain topics in astronomy and other space sciences.







Stephani Lindsey
Youth Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Kids' Book Spotlight - Fact vs Fiction: Easy and Early Reader Nonfiction Books

Facts are fun too! Check out these great titles from our Easy Nonfiction Collection.

Picture Books

The Bug Girl
by Sophia Spencer

Real-life 7-year-old Sophia Spencer was bullied for loving bugs until hundreds of women scientists rallied around her. Now Sophie tells her inspiring story in this picture book that celebrates women in science, bugs of all kinds, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

You Can Respect Differences: Assume or Find Out?
by Connie Colwell Miller

Ben is uncomfortable when he meets Aisha, a girl in a wheelchair. Will Ben make assumptions or find out more about her? Readers make choices for Ben and read what happens next, with each story path leading to different consequences. Includes four different endings and discussion questions. 

Just one of the books in the Making Good Choices series!

The Oldest Student
by Rita L. Hubbard

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. The inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

Early Readers

Sharks!
by Sindy McKay

Learn all about these feared predators that live throughout Earth's oceans. Open the book to discover many unusual sharks, and read about their amazing abilities in hunting prey. 

Why is the Ocean Salty?
by Debbie Vilardi

This book introduces readers to the science behind salt water. Students learn about erosion and evaporation, two processes that contribute to the ocean's salinity. Vivid photographs and easy-to-read text aid comprehension for early readers. QR Codes in the book give readers access to book-specific resources to further their learning. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.

Hip, Hip, Hurray! It's Family Day! Sign Language for Family
by Dawn Babb Prochovnic

In this rhyming story accompanied by sign language diagrams, a child enjoys spending time with various family members, including Mommy and Daddy, Auntie Karen and Grandma Rosie, and Baby Jordon and Cousin Nikki.




Stephani Lindsey
Youth Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Staff Picks: Books to Enjoy While Social Distancing

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

You'll really appreciate your hand sanitizer after reading this inspiring (and suddenly timely!) historical fiction novel set in an English village during the bubonic plague of 1666.    

Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce

A young woman with journalistic aspirations experiences career and romantic setbacks in 1940's London and ruffles the feathers of a stern and opinionated advice columnist named Mrs. Bird. Dear Abby fans will appreciate the behind-the-scenes dramas involved in penning an advice column as well as the outdated advice for young women.  

Hikikomori and the Rental Sister by Jeff Backhaus

A husband takes social distancing to the extreme, isolating himself from the world and his own wife in this literary novel about agonizing choices. 

The Book of Ichigo Ichie by Hector Garcia

Feel as if you're missing out?  Combat FOMO (Fear of missing out) by focusing on the present to make every moment a lifetime experience using this traditional Japanese concept of mindfulness.  

The Invoice by Jonas Karlsson

This slim book poses interesting questions, what if we paid a tax on our happiness?  And how would you gauge someone's happiness? 

The Complete Peanuts by Charles Schultz

For a change of pace, enjoy classic comics featuring Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, and the whole gang. 

Creating Sanctuary by Jessi Bloom

Use your time at home to beautify your yard while practicing self-care. Create a sanctuary garden using aromatic and medicinal plants. 

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

#WeKnowBooks

Kids' Book Spotlight- Amazing Animals: Chapter Books

Is your favorite animal furry? Or maybe scaly? Or maybe even fire breathing? Check out these amazing animal books to find your favorite!

Beginning Chapter Books (Grades 1-3)

Mercy Watson to the Rescue
by Kate DiCamillo

To Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pig – she's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watsons are an excellent source of buttered toast, not to mention that buttery-toasty feeling she gets when she snuggles into bed with them. This is not, however, so good for the Watsons' bed. BOOM! CRACK! As the bed and its occupants slowly sink through the floor, Mercy escapes in a flash – "to alert the fire department," her owners assure themselves. But could Mercy possibly have another emergency in mind – like a sudden craving for their neighbors' sugar cookies? (Also available on OverDrive Kids.)

Rise of the Earth Dragon
by Tracey West

Eight-year-old Drake is snatched up by the King's soldiers and taken to the castle where he is told by the wizard Griffith that he has been chosen to be a Dragon Master like Ana, Rori, and Bo--and his first task will be to discover whether his dragon, Worm, has any special powers. 

    First in the Dragon Masters series. 

  Middle Grade Chapter Books (Grades 3-5)

 

  The Girl Who Speaks Bear
  by Sophie Anderson

 Found abandoned in a bear cave as a baby, and cursed with unusual size and strength, twelve-year-old Yanka the bear has never felt she belonged in the small village where she grew up; the Snow Forest seems to call to her and when she wakes up one day with her legs transformed into bear legs she flees the village, and embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover clues to her mysterious origin and identity.

 

Stella Diaz Never Gives Up
by Angela Dominguez

Stella gets a big surprise when her mom plans a trip to visit their family in Mexico! Stella loves marine animals, and she can't wait to see the ocean for the first time . . . until she arrives and learns that the sea and its life forms are in danger due to pollution.


Stella wants to save the ocean, but she knows she can't do it alone. It's going to take a lot of work and help from old and new friends to make a difference, but Stella Díaz never gives up!


 Don't forget to log your minutes and activities on Beanstack to earn your awesome Summer Reading Fun prizes!

Stephani Lindsey Youth Specialist #WeKnowBooks

Reading Recommendations: Books about Race in America

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

The founder of the Equal Justice Initiative illustrates the harsh realities and inequalities of the justice system and focuses on the redeeming potential of mercy.  (Watch the powerful 2019 film adaptation for free on digital platforms in the US this month.)  

Check out the original (available as an eBook and eAudiobook) or Young Adult edition. 

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds 

This young adult adaptation of Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning: the Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America challenges narratives that have been accepted by generations of American students and adults. It’s a quick read (in part because it’s hard to put down) that will leave you thinking about what you read long after you close the book.  Also available as an Audiobook on RBDigital.

Martin Luther King, Jr. by Marshall Freddy

Journalist Marshall Freddy offers a first-hand account of marching with Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s. This biography focuses on King's relationships with other Civil Rights leaders, J. Edgar Hoover's FBI, and Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.   

We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

A black father living in dystopian near-future United States goes to great lengths to protect his mixed-race son in this darkly comic futuristic story.  Fans of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man and Margaret Atwood's stories of gender dystopias will enjoy this satirical cautionary tale. Available as an eBook and eAudiobook.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Written in 1952, this classic novel illustrates dark decades of racial injustice in America and was honored at the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction in 1953. 

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

#WeKnowBooks

Kids' Book Spotlight- Awesome Animals - Teen Books

"When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul." ~A.D. Williams

Teen Middle (Grades 6-8)

The Day the World Stopped Turning

by Michael Morpurgo

In the unique landscape of the Camargue in the South of France during WW2, a young autistic boy lives on his parents' farm among the salt flats and the flamingos that live there. There are lots of things he doesn't understand, but he does know how to heal animals. He loves routine and music too; every week he goes to market with his mother, to ride his special horse on the town carousel. But then the Germans come, with their guns, and take the town. A soldier shoots a flamingo from the sky and it falls to earth terribly injured. And even worse is to come: the carousel is damaged, the horses broken. For this vulnerable boy, everything is falling apart. Only there's a kind sergeant among the Germans -- a man with a young boy of his own at home, a man who trained as a carpenter. Between them, perhaps boy and man can mend what has been broken -- and maybe even the whole town.

Lion Down

by Stuart Gibbs

For once, operations at the enormous zoo/theme park appear to be running smoothly (except for the occasional herring-related mishap in the penguin exhibit) and Teddy Fitzroy is finally able to give detective work a rest. But then a local lion is accused of killing a famous dog--and the dog's owner, an inflammatory radio host, goes on a crusade to have the cat declared a nuisance so it can be hunted. However, there's evidence that the lion might have been framed for murder and now a renegade animal activist wants Teddy and his girlfriend Summer to help prove it -- and catch the real killer. And if that wasn't enough, someone has poisoned FunJungle's beloved giraffes and the parks' owner wants Teddy on the case. Now, Teddy finds himself wrapped up in the middle of his most bizarre, hilarious, and dangerous case yet.

Teen High (Grades 9-12)

The Beast Player

by Nahoko Uehashi

Elin's family has an important responsibility caring for the fearsome water serpents that form the core of their kingdom's army. So when some of the creatures mysteriously die, Elin's mother is sentenced to death as punishment. With her last breath, she manages to send her daughter to safey. Alone and far from home, Elin soon discovers that she can communicate with both the terrifying water serpents and the majestic flying beasts that guard her queen. This skill gives her great power, but it also involves her in deadly plots that could cost her life. Can she save herself and prevent her beloved beasts from from being used as tools of war? Or is there no escaping the terrible battles to come?

All That I Can Fix

by Crystal Chan

In Makersville, Indiana, people know all about Ronney. He's from that mixed-race family with the dad who tried to kill himself, the pill-popping mom, and the genius kid sister. Then the local eccentric at the edge of town decides to open up all the cages of his exotic zoo-- lions, cheetahs, tigers-- before shooting himself dead. Now news crews, gun control supporters, and gun rights advocates are descending on Makersville, bringing around-the-clock news coverage, rallies, and anti-rallies with them. Ronney needs to tend to his sister's fears of roaming lions; stopping his best friend from going on a suburban safari; and shake loose a lonely boy who follows Ronney wherever he goes.

Remember to track your books and activities for Summer Reading Fun on Beanstack to have a chance to win our awesome Teen Only Grand Prizes!

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

#WeKnowBooks

Reading Recommendations: Books for Confusing Times

One of the many things that the COVID-19 crisis has changed is that library staff and patrons can’t talk face to face about our favorite reads. We’re still happy to offer recommendations though. Here are some titles that may address the emotions some of us are experiencing right now.

Feeling confused?  It’s a confusing time. Try one of these stories about characters searching for clarity.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, autistic fifteen-year-old boy puts his mind to solving a case close to home in this endearing novel for adult or young adult readers.

Available as an eBook from our digital catalog.

Who Are You, Calvin Bledsoe? by Brock Clarke

A fifty-year-old internet blogger is kidnapped by a woman claiming to be his aunt and taken on a European adventure in this dark and comic coming of age story.

The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin

Gentle, obsessive-compulsive Daniel embarks on a road trip to claim a prize for Most Average American and discovers that anyone can be a hero. Funnyman Steve Martin creates characters you won't soon forget in this sweet, slim story.   

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo

A beloved China bunny is lost and found, lost and found, and lost and found in this delightful story that readers of all ages will enjoy. 

Available as an eBook from our digital catalog.


Place holds for items you want to pick up using our contact-free curbside service or utilize our digital catalog to enjoy books from wherever you are.

Don't forget to register for FPCL's Summer Reading Program to win prizes!

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Staff Picks - Mystery Series Starters - Adult Fiction

Do you love a good series? Do you like to get to know your characters and stay with them through thick and thin? There are so many mystery series possibilities that it will take more than one blog! Here are some 1st books in these series whodunits to get you started.

Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt 

This series involves courtroom battles. The protagonist is a lawyer who has a sense of humor that frequently gets him in trouble in the courtroom. This first in the series has Andy Carpenter working a challenging, apparently open and shut case against his client. Andy's always a champion of clients he feels are innocent and combined with the fact our hero is a dog lover, make this a great series.

Fear of the Dark by Gar Anthony Haywood - eBook

Aaron Gunner made a lousy private detective. After a year's carnage in Vietnam and a quick exit from the police academy, private work was the only avenue he saw to be a hero. But the seediness, tedium, and lack of real power crushed his hopes and he quit the job after inadvertently setting a pregnant woman up for a violent death. But after a savage racial murder, it may be time to come out of retirement. This first in the series is set in Los Angeles and won the Shamus Award for Best First Private Eye Novel.

A Curious Beginning by Deanne Raybourne

Veronica Speedwell is intrigued by science and is independent in her lifestyle, uncommon in London in the late 1880’s. Her aunt passes away and she is making plans for her own future but is the victim of an attempted abduction. The person who saves her seems to have information about the reason for the attempted abduction. But instead, Ms. Speedwell finds herself solving a murder to help answer even more questions.

The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey  Available as an eBook 

Set in Bombay in the 1920’s Perveen Mistry becomes one of the first women lawyers in India when she joins her father’s law firm. Though women are not allowed to argue cases in court, she finds herself suspicious of the circumstances of a death resulting in settling a will for three widows. An interesting glimpse of India in the 1920’s and women’s rights along with an intriguing mystery to solve.

In the Woods by Tana French  Available as an eBook and eAudiobook

The first series of the Dublin Murder Squad, each of these series are from the perspective of a different member of the squad. Our protagonist is called upon to investigate the brutal murder of a child. He finds himself back in the very woods he explored as a child, and where two of his friends disappeared and were never found. Should he have recused himself from the case? Will this new case help to solve the long-ago mystery?

Lola Nicholas

Information Specialist

#WeKnowBooks

Virtual Browsing - Reading Recommendations for Dealing with Anxiety

The FCPL staff misses seeing patrons browsing our branches. Until the library reopens to the public, please enjoy virtually browsing online. Today we're highlighting titles that may address emotions brought on by the COVID-19 crises.

Feeling anxious? These books may help you manage that anxiety

10% Happier by Dan Harris

ABC News anchor Dan Harris writes about his own struggles with calming the voice in his head in 10% Happier.  He also shares his own approach to handling anxiety in Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics. 

Gmorning, Gnight by Lin-Manuel Miranda

These inspiring poems offer reassuring words and charming illustrations. Download the eAudiobook to hear them read by Lin-Manuel Miranda himself. Or check out the eBook or print edition to appreciate Jonny Sun's thoughtful illustrations.

First We Make the Beast Beautiful by Sarah Wilson

Long before COVID-19 existed, people were dealing with anxiety.  Sarah Wilson describes her journey coming to terms with it in this beautiful, hardbound book.

Simple Comforts: 50 Heartwarming Recipes

Download this aptly titled book of recipes to your smartphone to create delicious old-fashioned recipes like classic chicken pot pie, macaroni and cheese, and apple pie.  Yum!

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Browse our whole collection of Chicken Soup books. With books tailored for teens, golfers, parents, basketball fans, and cat lovers there's bound to be a book just for you.

One Zentangle a Day by Beckah Krahula

Zentangles offer meditation through drawing. Grab a pencil and paper and check out one of our zentangles books to try it out. No artistic skills needed to enjoy! 

Kyoto Gardens by Judith Clancy

Gorgeous photos from Japanese gardens offer instant relaxation. Browse our travel photography or gardening design books to discover your happy place.

Requested items can be picked up using our contact-free curbside checkout. Our digital collection is always available. Keep reading!

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks