Science Fiction Novels by Latin American Authors

National Hispanic Heritage month recognizes the contributions and achievements of Latin Americans. Two of my favorite recent reads are science fiction novels that highlight environmental issues written by authors from Latin American.  

Pink Slime by Fernanda Trías; translated by Heather Cleary

Living in a nearly abandoned coastal South American city, a woman balances her relationship with her aging mother and hospitalized ex-husband while caring for a boy who suffers from a strange eating disorder. Pink Slime’s unnamed narrator watches the world around her deteriorating while struggling to maintain normalcy amid toxic winds, food shortages, power outages, and police patrols. As she recalls key moments from her past she wonders if there’s any connection between her town's new meat processing facility and some of the odd happenings. 

Author Fernanda Trías was born in Montevideo, Uruguay and currently lives in Bogotá, Colombia, where she teachers a creative writing MFA program. She is the award-winning author of three novels. Pink Slime has been Longlisted for the National Book Award for Translated Literature and named a Best Book of 2024 by NPR, Esquire, Publishers Weekly, and ScreenRant. 

Novel Realities Book Discussion October 14 at Sharon Forks Library: Hum by Helen Phillips

 

Hum by Helen Phillips

What role do humans play in a world where artificial intelligence has replaced most of the workforce?

Technological advancements don't seem to have improved daily living for the characters in Helen Phillips’ slightly futuristic novel Hum. 

Air quality forces families indoors where children watch videos of animals they will only ever encounter at pop-up zoos with conditions so abysmal they scare the visitors. Constant video surveillance produces targeted advertisements and androids called hums replace human workers while families struggle to pay for basic necessities. 

Hum centers around May, a mother of two who loses her job to artificial intelligence and undergoes an experimental procedure that distorts her features to evade facial recognition software in order to pay for her family's living expenses.  

Feeling friendless and disconnected from her husband, worried about finances and her children's increasing tech-dominated isolation, May spends part of her earnings treating her family to a visit to the luxurious Botanical Garden where they can reconnect and experience a convincing approximation of the natural world. 

The garden’s lush environment offers a refreshing change of pace until the children wander off, setting into motion a chain of events that threatens the whole family.

I've been a fan of Helen Phillips' unique human-centered science fiction since reading her 2015 novel The Beautiful Bureaucrat which was a finalist for the New York Public Library’s Young Lions Fiction Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. 

In Phillips' suspenseful and mind-bending 2019 novel The Need, a woman is confronted by an alternative version of herself. The Need was named a New York Times Notable Book and longlisted for the National Book Award.

FCPL’s Novel Realities book club will discuss Hum on Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. at the Sharon Forks Library and newcomers are always welcome. If you enjoy speculative fiction and are looking a unique book club, please take a look at our upcoming Novel Realities book selections and make plans to attend one of our upcoming discussions.  

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

Image by wweagle from Getty Images Signature via Canva

Staff Picks: Art for Self Care by Jessica Swift - Adult Nonfiction

Art for Self-Care by Jessica Swift

You will be okay. 
This will not stop you. 
This will not break you. 
This will not end you.

When her husband passed away in 2018, Jessica Swift found comfort in listening to a voice that spoke from within. Widowed with two young children to care for, Swift soon discovered an unexpected inner strength. She began journaling and started scheduling time to listen to her inner voice after putting her babies to sleep each night.

In Art for Self-Care, Swift chronicles her healing journey as she simultaneously grieved her spouse while nurturing her children and working on what she calls 100 Messages to Myself. The book is both a memoir and guidebook for anyone who wants to grow more in touch with their own inner voice. It includes colorful illustrations and practical advice on the tools and techniques that anyone can use to create fun and meaningful art; whether they are a beginner or an experienced artist.  

Staff Picks: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters - Adult Fiction

 

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

Summer reading isn't just for lighthearted, easy reads. Are you like me and prefer your summer reads to be emotionally fraught, with important themes of loss, love, family ties, and memory? If so, then The Berry Pickers might be your next read. The debut novel of Canadian writer Amanda Peters was the winner of the 2024 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award, 2024 Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence, and 2024 Dartmouth Book Award for Fiction. 

The story centers around Ruthie, a four-year-old Mi'kmaq girl from Nova Scotia, who goes missing while her family is berry picking in Maine. Alternating between the point of view of Ruthie and her brother, Joe, readers journey across the years to witness the effects of  trauma and family secrets. Ruthie (later known as Norma) tries to make sense of her childhood dreams that hint at the truth. Meanwhile, Joe spends his life trying to outrun his own demons. Ultimately, The Berry Pickers is a tale of the familial ties that bind, the enduring nature of love and family, and the lasting consequences of our actions. 

The audiobook version of the book is beautifully narrated by Aaliya Warbus and Jordan Waunch. 

Tracy MacNaughton

Information Specialist

Color Our World Adult Nonfiction Book Recommendations: When the Earth was Green by Riley Black - Adult Nonfiction

This year's Summer Reading Fun theme is Color Our World. Here is a colorful book recommendation from our adult nonfiction collection. 

When the Earth was Green by Riley Black

Alone, a dinosaur is meaningless. We put them on literal pedestals in our museums, behind glass and railings as befits their place as the world's most ancient and long-standing celebrities. But what is a Tyrannosaurus without a forest to conceal its shadow as it stalks? What is a Triceratops without a buffet of ferns and cycad fronds to eat? 

  

Riley Black            

When the Earth Was Green       

In vivid detail, science writer Riley Black describes the complex relationships between plants and animals that has evolved from 1.2 billion to 15,000 years ago along with interesting facts about biology. The scent of catnip, for instance, irresistible to our feline friends, evolved as a way for plants to defend themselves against insects. 

        

Visit Forsyth County Public Library to sign up for Summer Reading Fun and take part in summer programs for all ages. Library events are open to the public, free to attend, and all supplies are provided. Check out our digital Summer at Forsyth County Public Library magazine or pick up a copy at any branch. Please note that some programs require advance registration.

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

Novel Realities Book Discussion July 8 at Sharon Forks Library The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

 

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

Anxiety-inducing global conflicts, overpopulation, and food scarcity weigh heavy on the mind of draftsman George Orr who believes that his nightly dreams impact reality. Guilt-stricken and terrified by the power of his subconscious, George self-medicates in an attempt to ward off sleep. When George's drug use is discovered, he's forced into a psychiatric treatment program under the care of psychiatrist and sleep researcher Dr. William Haber. 

Like everyone else, Dr. Haber is certain that George is delusional and forces him into an experimental sleep therapy. Even after awakening to a world altered by Dr. Haber’s suggestions during their session, George is unable to convince his therapist that anything has changed. Still, Dr. Haber is so fascinated by George's disorder that he decides to test his new patient's abilities.  

Color Our World Staff Picks: The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand by Matthew Gray Gubler an Juvenile Graphic Novel

The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand by Matthew Gray Gubler

What would you do if you had a big green hand? 

Lenore in Matthew Gray Gubler’s graphic novel The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand tries to hide her unusual appendage under a long scarf. Kids at school wonder why she always has a scarf wrapped about one of her hands even on the hottest days of summer and Lenore dreams of having two normal hands. Then one night, Lenore’s hand shares its own frustrating story of how it learned to accept the soft, pink blob that it’s always been attached to and Lenore gains a whole new perspective. 

Filled with simple pencil drawings, The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand is a cute and insightful story for anyone who has ever felt uncomfortable about their physical appearance and needs to relearn that our physical differences aren't what define us. 

Staff Picks Masked Hero: How We Lien-teh Invented the Mask that Ended an Epidemic by Dr. Shan Woo Liu and Kaili Liu Gormley

Masked Hero: How We Lien-teh Invented the Mask that Ended an Epidemic by Dr. Shan Woo Liu and Kaili Liu Gormley; Illustrated by Lisa Wee

In 2020, N95 masks protected people from spreading the COVID-19 virus to others. Did you know that the earliest version of the N95 mask was invented over one hundred years ago in China to help control the spread of a pneumonic plague?

During the recent pandemic, Dr. Shan Woo Liu, an emergency medicine physician, realised that the N95 mask she wore while helping patients in Massachusetts General Hospital was designed like the one invented by her grandfather, Dr. Wu Lien-teh. Dr. Shan Woo Liu wrote this book to share her grandfather’s story. 

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Local Author Spotlight: Ravi Prakash, Author of Safar: An Immigrant's Journey of Life & Leadership

Safar: An Immigrant's Journey of Life & Leadership by Ravi Prakash

In Safar: An Immigrant’s Journey of Life & Leadership, Ravi Prakash describes his personal journey coming to the United States from India as a college student and rising from hourly retail jobs to leadership positions in global corporations. Through the lens of personal stories, the inspiring memoir encourages readers to lead a meaningful life. 

Safar: An Immigrant's Journey of Life & Leadership is filled with practical wisdom that demonstrates the importance of perseverance, integrity, and gratitude. While readers at any stage in their careers will gain valuable insights from Safar, it seems ideal for people experiencing a transition. “Wherever you are, you have to take the next step. You don’t have to be perfect but don’t give up. Even if you aren’t sure, show up. Growth is the way we become better.” 

Inspiring Illustrated Biographies about India's Independence

These picture books from our children's collection tell inspiring stories of two people who made unique contributions to India's independence.  

She Sang For India: How M.S. Subbulakshim Used Her Voice For Change by Suma Subramaniam; Illustrated by Shreya Gupta

Kunjamma loved to sing at home with her family, but when she was growing up in early 1900s India, girls were not allowed to attend concerts or perform in public. Kunja’s mother encouraged her to sing at school. A man in the audience loved her singing so much that he encouraged her to make a record when she was only ten.  As more people heard her sing, she received invitations to perform at concerts, including charity concerts for Mahatma Gandhi when he was fighting for India’s independence. She Sang for India is an inspiring biography and illuminating history lesson filled with colorful illustrations. 

 

Picture Books for Mental Health Awareness Week May 12 through May 16

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance focused on raising awareness about mental health and well-being. Mental Health Awareness Week is May 12-16 and serves as an opportunity to reduce stigma and promote resources for mental health support. The theme of Mental Health Awareness Month for 2025 is “Turn Awareness Into Action”.

These picture books from our collection address mental health struggles with easy to understand vocabulary and engaging illustrations.

I Think I Think A Lot by Jessica Whipple; Illustrated by Josee Bisaillon

Overthinkers young and old will enjoy this beautifully illustrated picture book that asks whether other people have extensive internal dialogs, question their choices, and worry if they've inadvertently caused offense or been misunderstood. 

Author Jessica Whipple says she wrote I Think I Think A Lot for people like herself who are managing obsessive-compulsive disorders and to share a bit of her own experience as a child who was obsessed with "being good."  

Picture books about the Hawaiian Islands for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

During Asian Pacific Islander Month, Forsyth County Public Library highlights Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. These picture books from our Easy collection feature inquisitive young girls living in the Hawaiian Islands. 

Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George and Mae Waite

A young girl learns about her island home and heritage in a picture book that depicts vibrant scenes of native Hawaiians alongside the island's breathtaking scenery. This beautifully illustrated book describes Hawaii's colorful plant life and animals of the land and sea.  

Staff Picks: Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto

I've always been fascinated by the unique culture of Japan. Here are two of my favorite recent reads from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto

When Shoji Morimoto’s boss criticized his job performance and accused him of doing nothing, Morimoto wondered if doing nothing could become his life’s work. In 2018 he started accepting requests to show up and do nothing. It’s a unique hobby that’s proved worthwhile as thousands of customers in and around Tokyo have requested Morimoto’s humble presence. 

Morimoto candidly describes the types of requests he receives. He’s been asked to share meals with strangers, wave to departing vacationers, visit people in the hospital, and accompany people on various outings.  

Morimoto rejects the idea that one's worth dereives from their productivity and says, “people have a value even if they do nothing.” 

This slim memoir is an interesting look at modern Japanese culture and the universal desire for human connection. I love the fact that Shoji Morimoto found people who would appreciate his presence in silence and that he was able to author an international bestseller while “doing nothing.” 

Inspiring Illustrated Biographies for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In 1978, May was designated as Asian American Pacific Islander Month to commemorate the first Japanese immigrant to arrive in the United States on May 7, 1843. May was also chosen as way to remember the Chinese immigrants who worked tirelessly to create the first transcontinental railroad in America from May of 1843 through May of 1869.  These illustrated biographies highlight the contributions of two scientists who came to the United States from China.

Mr. Pei's Perfect Shapes: The Story of Architect I.M. Pei by Julie Leung; Illustrated by Yifan Wu

Inspired by nature, Ioeh Ming Pei imagined buildings that would last as long at the rock formations at the Suzhou gardens he visited as a boy in China. Mr. Pei studied architecture to design skyscrapers and beautiful buildings. One of Mr. Pei's first projects was the two-story Gulf Oil corporate office building he built in Atlanta in 1949. He later designed larger and more impressive structures like the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and the Suzhou Museum in the place that inspired his visionary designs, Suzhou, China.   

Inspiring Picture Books About India

The Forest Man: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Anne Matheson and Kay Widdowson

Only by growing plants, the Earth will survive.

                                                        Jadav Payeng   

Young Jadav and his family lived on a river island in India filled with many animals and exotic birds until heavy rainfalls caused by monsoons washed away the forests, leaving only sand. The birds and animals had no shade or trees to use for shelter. 

When he was fourteen years old, Jadav began planting trees like mango and banyan trees. He even brought insects and fertilizer to the island to help his forest grow. 

Today, people from all over the world can visit Jadav's beautiful forest and observe the animals that live there. 

Children will love the colorful illustrations of animals in Jadav's garden that include Indian elephants, wild water buffalo, chitals, and bengal tigers. This inspiring picture book shows how Jadav Payeng worked to restore a functioning ecosystem on his beloved island.  

Staff Picks for Autism Acceptance Month A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond

 April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Awareness Month; a time dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Tiffany Hammond's picture book A Day With No Words invites readers into the world of a family who communicates without spoken language.    

A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond; Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove

This colorful picture book describes a day in the life of a young boy who communicates with the use of a tablet, hugs trees to comfort them, enjoys chicken nuggets, orange sodas, and fries, dances barefoot in the grass, and sometimes feels overwhelmed by the sights and sounds around him. 

Some books are mirrors; reflecting characters that readers can relate to, while others are windows; offering a view of someone else's world. Children on the autism spectrum may see themselves reflected in the story's thoughtful rhyming sentences and colorful illustrations, while others may learn to better understand people who view and interact with the world in a unique way. As Aidan's mother explains to parents they meet at the park, "My son does not speak, but his ears work just fine. The words that you say go straight to his mind."

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

    

  

Teen Poetry Books for High School Students

 April is National Poetry Month. For teens, poetry can provide a powerful creative outlet for their growing emotions and experiences. The writing style helps them experience new vocabulary, experiment with creative language, and invoke critical thinking. Here are some of the best poetry books available in our collection for High School students. 

You Don't Have to Be Everything: Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves; Edited by Diana Whitney

This anthology helps teen girls explore a very formative time of their lives through poetry. Curated specifically with young women in mind, the writing will help them explore themselves and embrace everything they are becoming. It shows how poetry can be a powerful tool of expressing empathy, growth, and understanding. 

Teen Poetry Books for Middle School Students

April is National Poetry Month. For teens, poetry can provide a powerful creative outlet for their growing emotions and experiences. The writing style helps them experience new vocabulary, experiment with creative language, and invoke critical thinking. Here are some of the best poetry books available in our collection for Middle School students. 

The Little Mermaid, or How to Find Love Underwater by J.M. Farkas

Perfect for those in middle school learning about poetry, this book uses the blackout method to retell the classic tale of The Little Mermaid. Rather than a love story, this book is rewritten as a tale of empowerment, body positivity, and finding where you truly belong. 

Picture Books for Earth Day

Earth Day began in 1970 and is celebrated annually on April 22nd. This global event raises awareness about environmental issues and encourages action to protect our planet, with the goal of inspiring people to take care of the Earth and its natural resources. These illustrated books from our collection explain the origins of Earth Day and the history of the environmental movement in the United States.

Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day by Shaunna and John Stith; Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

After a devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969 that harmed wildlife and habitats, local citizens, including school children, joined clean up crews to try to help. They picked up debris, rescued seabirds covered in oil, and collected oil in bottles to send to politicians in Washington. Those small actions led to more people across the country taking actions to help the environment. Twenty million people celebrated the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Black Beach explains how children helped draw attention to environmental issues and includes practical ways to protect our environment. 

Picture Books for Autism Acceptance Month

 April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism. These picture books from our library collection feature children on the autism spectrum.   

How to Build a Hug; Temple Grandin and Her Amazing Squeeze Machine by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville; Illustrated by Gisell Potter

Young Temple Grandin loves folding paper into kites, swinging on the playground, and building things but she absolutely does not like hugs. Inspiration strikes when Temple visits her aunt's ranch and notices how the ranch hands use a squeeze chute to calm the cows for vet exams. Using her imagination and building skills she invents a unique hug machine that allows her to control the timing and pressure of a hug. How to Build a Hug is an inspiring biography about Dr. Temple Grandin, an advocate for people living with autism and spectrum issues and for the humane treatment of animal livestock.