OverBOOKed to Read: I See You by Clare Mackintosh

I See You by Clare Mackintosh

You do the same thing every day.

You know exactly where you're going. You're not alone.

Zoe Walker has an hour commute on the train every morning and every evening. She knows where to stand to be the first onto the train car; she has a usual corner in the car that shields her from the worst of the jostling. She tends to buy a newspaper to while away the time.

One evening on her commute home, Zoe sees her own face pictured in the classified ads of her local paper, paired with a phone number and a website address. The address leads to a password-protected page and her family dismiss the picture, saying it's too grainy to tell if it is her or not. However, more pictures appear in the same ad, a different woman each day, and when Zoe digs a little deeper she discovers that many of the women in the ad are victims of violent crimes.

Could Zoe be next?

Join the overBOOKed book club for a virtual discussion of this title on Thursday, July 15, at 10:00 a.m. OverBOOKed meets virtually at 10:00 a.m. every third Thursday of the month. Register here to receive your GoToMeeting link to join the discussion!

The eBook and eAudiobook versions of I See You are available through OverDrive. Anyone with a Forsyth County Library card can sign up for a free OverDrive account. Sign up for a free card today and start enjoying FCPL's digital catalog from wherever you are!

Melissa
Information Specialist
Cumming Library
#WeKnowBooks

Staff Picks: Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

Papa can’t get through a bedtime story without being interrupted by the Interrupting Chicken who likes to shout out warnings to the characters in familiar books.  

Take a walk through the pages of Interrupting Chicken while visiting the Sharon Forks Library's Book Walk. Have fun with shadow puppets and make a craft. The program runs through July 3rd.  

Can’t make it to the branch?  Check out the video on FCPL’s YouTube channel.  

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

#WeKnowBooks

Listen to the Storyline this Summer

 Have you called the Storyline lately? June features three new stories, including a new line dedicated to stories for 2^nd-5^th graders!

The Storyline now features three different stories: one for pre-K-1^st graders, one for 2^nd-5^th graders, (both in English) and one in Spanish for pre-k-1^st graders. 

The stories for June are:

Pre-k-1st: When the Moon Fell from the Sky: When the moon falls into an old man’s well, can he fish it out and put it back in the sky?  Listen and find out!

2nd-5th: The Boat:  When people claim to own the same boat, the judge has an ingenious way of telling who the true owner is.  What does the judge do in order to decide?  Listen and find out!

Spanish pre-k-1^st: Arroz Con Leche: The Spanish storyline features the song, “Arroz Con Leche,” and children can have fun learning and singing along. The song is a delightful listen even if children are not native Spanish speakers.

You can reach the Storyline by calling 678-513-4199 and following the menu prompts to choose your story. Stories change monthly so be sure to check back in July for three new stories. 

Happy listening!

June 2021 Reading Challenge: Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

 

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

This month we challenge patrons and staff to read a book by or about someone with a similar background to their own. For me, Allie Brosh’s autobiographical graphic novel, Solutions and Other Problems, fits the bill and was an entertaining and relatable read. 

Allie Brosh is an American blogger whose hobbies include baseless speculation, walking around and looking at things from a safe distance, and learning about math and physics. In Solutions and Other Problems Allie Brosh shares introspections and personal stories from her childhood and adult life that are a mix of funny and sad but mostly off the wall. Her illustrated narrative describes a lifelong struggle to manage anxiety, make sense of the world, and find her own happy place. Strange encounters with family, friends, strangers, and pets make up the bulk of the novel though it also tackles tough topics like managing grief and loss. 

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

#WeKnowBooks

June 2021 Reading Challenge - Kids' Book Spotlight - Teen Collection

Did you know you can complete more than one reading challenge this summer? 

FCPL's June Reading Challenge is to "Read a Book By or About Someone with a Similar Background to Your Own". 

The Read Your World challenges include a diverse range of characters! Reading diverse books allows readers of all ages to see themselves in a story. If these challenges are not about a background similar to yours, that's ok because next month's challenge is to read about someone with a different background from yours! 

Here are some diverse books from our Teen collection to get you started!

Teen Middle (Grades 6-8)

Read a Book by a South Asian Author

Red, White, and Whole

by Rajani LaRocca

Reha feels torn between two worlds: school, where she's the only Indian American student, and home, with her family's traditions and holidays. But Reha's parents don't understand why she's conflicted--they only notice when Reha doesn't meet their strict expectations. Reha feels disconnected from her mother, or Amma, although their names are linked--Reha means "star" and Punam means "moon"--but they are a universe apart. Then Reha finds out that her Amma is sick. Really sick. Reha, who dreams of becoming a doctor even though she can't stomach the sight of blood, is determined to make her Amma well again. She'll be the perfect daughter, if it means saving her Amma's life.

Read an Award Winner Featuring a Diverse Character

Hurricane Season

by Nicole Melleby

Eleven-year-old Fig enrolls in an art class to better understand her father, a composer and pianist whose mental illness she tries to conceal from classmates, neighbors, and social services.

(Skipping Stones Book Award- 2019)

Read a Book about Poverty or Homelessness

The Dollar Kids

by Jennifer Jacobson

Twelve-year-old Lowen Grover, a budding comic-book artist, is still reeling from the shooting death of his friend Abe when he stumbles across an article about a former mill town giving away homes for just one dollar. It not only seems like the perfect escape from Flintlock and all of the awful memories associated with the city, but an opportunity for his mum to run her very own business. Fortunately, his family is willing to give it a try. But is the Dollar Program too good to be true? The homes are in horrible shape, and the locals are less than welcoming. Will Millville and the dollar house be the answer to the Grovers' troubles? Or will they find they've traded one set of problems for another? 

Teen High (Grades 9-12)

Read a Book Featuring a Character on the Autism Spectrum

Things I Should Have Known
by Claire LaZebnik

Chloe Mitchell's older sister, Ivy, is on the autism spectrum. Chloe decides Ivy could use a boyfriend, and already has someone in mind: Ethan Fields, a sweet, movie-obsessed boy from Ivy's special needs class. Ivy and Ethan aren't comfortable going out on their own so Chloe and his brother David have to tag along. Soon Chloe, Ivy, David, and Ethan form a quirky and wholly lovable circle, bonding over frozen yogurt dates and movie nights. Chloe is forced to confront her own romantic choices-- and the realization that it's okay to be a different kind of normal.

Read a Book by a Latin American Author

Running

by Natalia Sylvester

When fifteen-year-old Cuban American Mariana Ruiz's father runs for president, Mari starts to see him with new eyes. A novel about waking up and standing up, and what happens when you stop seeing your dad as your hero--while the whole country is watching.

Read a Book by a Black Author

Not So Pure and Simple

by Lamar Giles

High school junior Del Rainey unwittingly joins a Purity Pledge class at church, hoping to get closer to his long-term crush, Kiera.

And don't forget Summer Reading Fun! You can count these books towards your reading goal as well!

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

#WeKnowBooks

Wrapped Up in Reading

 

Get Wrapped Up In Reading this summer with the Carlos Museum! Travel around the world and through time with great books, all while earning cool prizes.

To participate, read five books from the Wrapped Up In Reading list and record the titles in your reading diary. The list features great books for all ages including fiction, nonfiction, picture books, graphic novels, and more. Send your list in to the Carlos Museum and they’ll mail you an awesome prize! Prizes include bookmarks, book plate stickers, keychains, and bracelets.

The best part, if you’re already participating in the library’s Summer Reading Program, Tales and Tails, you can count any books you read for the Wrapped Up in Reading Challenge towards Tales and Tails and earn even more prizes!

Click here for more information on how to participate in Wrapped Up In Reading, including accessing the book list, printing your own reading diary, and information on how to redeem your prizes.

And don’t forget that you and your family can visit the Carlos Museum for FREE with FCPL’s Michael C. Carlos Museum Pass. For information on this pass and more, see our Museum and Park passes information page. Click here to learn more about all the Carlos Museum has to offer.  

Support Your Favorite Author!

Some writing speaks to us in a very personal way and certain authors consistently entertain us so much that we eagerly anticipate their next title and ensure our chance to read it by requesting a hold through our library or pre-ordering their upcoming new release. Authors can always use assistance in getting the word out about their books and they want to know if their writing has touched a reader. There are many ways you can show support for your favorite author. Try one or two of the suggestions below!

Buy the author's book for yourself and buy extra copies to give as gifts.

Recommend their books to friends, family, and colleagues.

Post a review on Amazon or on other retailer sites.

Make a request for your library to purchase copies for their collection.

Post about the book on social media.

Attend book signings.

Visit the author's website.

Send the author an email telling them how much you enjoyed their book and specifically which part.

Better yet, write the author a real pen and paper letter for them to treasure.

Your favorite author writes for you, their reader, so take a few minutes today to reach out to them or help them spread the word about their latest book.

Holly Raus
Youth Specialist
Cumming Library
#WeKnowBooks

June 2021 Reading Challenge - Kids' Book Spotlight - Juvenile Collection

Did you know you can complete more than one reading challenge this summer? 

FCPL's June Reading Challenge is to "Read a Book By or About Someone with a Similar Background to Your Own". 

The Read Your World challenges include a diverse range of characters! Reading diverse books allows readers of all ages to see themselves in a story. If these challenges are not about a background similar to yours, that's ok because next month's challenge is to read about someone with a different background from yours! 

Here are some diverse books from our Juvenile collection to get you started!

Beginning Chapter Books (Grades 1-3)

Read a Book by a South Asian Author

Astrid and Apollo and the Fishing Flop

by V.T. Bidania 

Hmong-American twins Astrid and Apollo are on their very first fishing trip, but while Astrid catches three fine fish, Apollo's line keeps snagging on non-fish things, and when a summer storm brings the trip to a sudden end Apollo admits he is disappointed with the experience--until he gets a look at the funny pictures their dad has taken.

Read a Book by a Black Author

Sadiq and the Bridge Builders

by Siman Nuurali

A young Somali American and his classmates design a model city to withstand floods, using river walls, floodgates, gutters, and rain gardens.

Read a Book by a Latin American Author

13th Street: Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats

by David Bowles

Cousins Malia, Ivan, and Dante are visiting their aunt Lucy for the summer. But on their way to Gulf City's water park, they get lost on 13th Street. Only it's not a street at all. It's a strange world filled with dangerous beasts! Will the cousins find their way back to Aunt Lucy's?

Chapter Books (Grades 3-5)

Read an Award Winner Featuring a Diverse Character

The House That Lou Built

by Mae Respicio

Longing for an escape from her extended Filipino family, Lou plans to build a tiny house on land she inherited from her father, but difficulties quickly arise.

(APALA Honor Award in Children's Literature- 2019)

Read a Book Featuring a Character on the Autism Spectrum

We Could Be Heroes

by Margaret Finnegan

Fourth-graders Maisie and Hank, who has autism, become friends as they devise schemes to save a neighbor's dog, Booler, from being tied to a tree because of his epilepsy.

Read a Book about Poverty or Homelessness

Worse Than Weird

by Jody J. Little

Hoping to ditch two months of chicken coops, kale, and her parents’ antiscreen rules, Mac MacLeod sets out to win a citywide food cart scavenger hunt and the money she needs for the summer coding camp of her dreams. But Mac discovers more than just clues during her cross-city sprint—like how her weird parents might not be the worst thing compared to the circumstances of those around her.

And don't forget Summer Reading Fun! You can count these books towards your reading goal as well!

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

#WeKnowBooks

Library Limelight: Anuradha Murari, Youth Specialist, Sharon Forks 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!

Anuradha Murari 

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

 

Where is your hometown?

 

I’m originally from Chennai, India. I moved to New Jersey in 2000 and then to Georgia in 2016.

How long have you been at FCPL?

 

Almost three years

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

 

I was a Collection Support Aide before becoming a Youth Specialist.

Why did you choose to work in a library?

 

Growing up I spent a lot of time in my college library. It was my “happy place.” When I moved here I was completely enamored of the public library and all the fun programs it offered for all ages. This made me want to become part of the library team.

 

Describe your job in five words or less.

 

Creativity, fun, dancing, singing, public relations  

What is unique about your job?

 

What makes it unique is the instant gratification. As a youth specialist, I get to see the children smile when we perform programs for them and it is priceless.    

What is your favorite part of your job?

 

I love everything about my job. I love all the work that goes into putting a program together. I particularly enjoy storytime!

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

 

The most interesting place I have lived is India, which is where I was born and raised. The diversity of languages, religions, cultures, and traditions of India still fascinates me.

What are your hobbies?

 

Paper crafting which includes making cards, stamping, and making scrapbooks. I also love knitting, crocheting, and singing.

 

What are you reading right now?

 

I love reading non–fiction and currently I am reading Work Simply: Embracing the Power of Your Personal Productivity Style by Carson Tate.

 

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

 

I like paper books when I am relaxing, I love audiobooks when I am cooking, and find eBooks handy when I am travelling.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

 

I have two dogs named Maya and Milo. Maya is 10 years old and Milo is 2 years old. Any free time I get I love playing with them and taking them with me to explore different parks. 

June 2021 Reading Challenge - Kids' Book Spotlight - Easy Collection

Did you know you can complete more than one reading challenge this summer? 

FCPL's June Reading Challenge is to "Read a Book By or About Someone with a Similar Background to Your Own". 

The Read Your World challenges include a diverse range of characters! Reading diverse books allows readers of all ages to see themselves in a story. If these challenges are not about a background similar to yours, that's ok! Next month's Reading Challenge is to read about someone with a different background from yours! 

Here are some diverse books from our Easy and Early Reader collections to get you started!

Picture Books

Read a Book Featuring a Character on the Autism Spectrum

It Was Supposed to Be Sunny 

by Samantha Cotterill

Laila's birthday party, perfectly planned with her autism in mind, goes awry due to a change in weather and an accident with her cake, but with the help of her mom and her service dog, Laila knows she can handle this.

Read a Book about Poverty or Homelessness

Lubna and Pebble

by Wendy Meddour

Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does.

Read a Book by a Latin American Author

Mango, Abuela, and Me

by Meg Medina 

Mia's Abuela has left her sunny house with parrots and palm trees to live with Mia and her parents in the city. The night she arrives, Mia tries to share her favorite book with Abuela before they go to sleep and discovers that Abuela can't read the words inside. So while they cook, Mia helps Abuela learn English ("Dough. Masa"), and Mia learns some Spanish too, but it's still hard for Abuela to learn the words she needs to tell Mia all her stories. Then Mia sees a parrot in the pet-shop window and has the perfecto idea for how to help them all communicate a little better.

Early Readers

Read a Book by a South Asian Author

Yasmin the Superhero

by Saadia Faruqi

Yasmin gathers a cape and mask and sets out to find a villain to defeat with her "super powers"-- however there are no villains hiding on her block, just neighbors who need a little help.

Read an Award Winner Featuring a Diverse Character

Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!

by Kelly Starling Lyons

Ty cannot wait to ride his new scooter, but when he has a hard time learning and wants to quit, a new friend encourages him to give it another try.

(ALA Notable Children's Books- 2021)

Read a Book by a Black Author

I Love Being Me!

by Mechal Renee Roe

Illustrations and rhyming text reveal all of the things girls love about themselves, from their nose, toes, and skin to their ability to spin, run, and cook.

And don't forget Summer Reading Fun! You can count these books towards your reading goal as well!

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

#WeKnowBooks

FCPL Reading Challenge: June 2021

June Reading Challenge

This month we challenge our staff and our patrons to read a book by or about someone with a similar background to your own.

We'd love to hear about the books you chose and how they resonated with you!

Leave a comment on this blog post, join our conversation on Facebook, or tag us in a photo of what you're reading on Instagram.

#WeKnowBooks

If you need help selecting a book for any Reading Challenge in 2021, please Email a Librarian, use our book lists for kids, teens, and adults, or visit the Ask Us desk of any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

May Reading Recap

We read books from the decade we were born or graduated high school. Here are a few highlights:

• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia
• The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine

We're so glad to have you reading along with us and crushing your reading goals for 2021. You're doing great!