Staff Picks

Did you know there are new genres and subgenres of literature constantly being invented? We’ve all heard of comedy, horror, adventure, romance, and historical fiction, but have you ever heard of postcyberpunk, a planetary romance, wuxia, or a fantasy of manners?

One of my favorite new genres that’s been picking up a lot of steam (pun intended) lately is Steampunk. Part alternate history, part science fiction, this genre usually takes place in an alternative version of the 19th or early 20th century where crazy technology reigns and giant steam powered machines and inventions roam the pages. Here are a couple Steampunk suggestions to whet your appetite if this new genre sounds intriguing:

Goblin Secrets by William Alexander
Part fantasy, part steampunk, this novel takes place in a world where magic is real, horses are powered by coal made of human hearts, and police are aided by steam powered, clockwork eyes.

On the run from Graba, a Baba Yaga figure with gear-worked chicken legs, Rownie is taken on a whirlwind adventure through the crowded and fantastical streets of Zombay when he teams up with an acting troop of goblins.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Set in an alternative version of World War I, German clankers (fantastical steam powered steel machines) and Allied Darwinists (giant genetically modified animals) clash. Deryn, a girl disguising herself as a boy to serve in the military, and Alek, an Austrian prince on the run from the Germans, find themselves an unlikely team when Deryn’s ship crash lands outside Alek’s castle. The title character is an airship built from a genetically modified, flying whale!

Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories
A collection of steampunk inspired stories by some of your favorite YA authors. A great introduction to this genre.

Visit your library to discover a new (or new to you) genre today!


Cleo Slaughter
Youth Services Supervisor

Georgia Peach Awards for Teens

Hey teens! Read a great book this summer? Voting for the Georgia Peach Awards is now open! The Peach Award is given to the best books in teen literature as chosen by YOU, Georgia teens. Voting goes through March 2014, so if you haven't read any of the titles on this year's list, check them out at FCPL today.

Vote for your favorite titles today!

Staff Picks

The Tiger’s Curse 
by Colleen Houck
If you enjoyed the Twilight series, then you will love The Tiger’s Curse! Kelsey gets a summer job helping out behind the scenes at the Circus. When she discovers the white tiger is actually an Indian Prince named Ren whom was cursed over 300 years ago, Kelsey vows to set him free and break the curse on his family. Follow Kelsey and Ren through a series of tasks to break the tiger’s curse. This series is fast-paced and full of Indian mythology sure to please fans of Rick Riordan.

 Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging
By Louise Rennison
Georgia Nicholson is a 14-year-old girl with a cute, but wacky, 4-year-old little sister and a cat named Angus who is part Scottish Wildcat. Rennison captures the angst and humor of the average life of a normal girl – striking the balance between life at home and at school and just growing up. This series is written as a set of diary entries describing Georgia’s life and adventures with her best friends, the Ace Gang. Although Georgia lives in England, there is a slang glossary at the end of each book, and her trials and tribulations translates well to American teenaged life. If you enjoy funny books, this series is for you! The books are suitable for teens --even adults!

Meredith Bowermeister
Information Services Supervisor