The story of Harry Potter, "the boy who lived," is a favorite among many lovers of fantasy novels. But what's a reader to do after reading all seven books set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Bring back that magical feeling with these series and standalone novels featuring magic-wielding characters, magical lands, and even magic schools. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
Locked-room mysteries are ones in which the victim, suspects, and criminal are all physically trapped together. How can someone commit a crime when they couldn't have been at the scene? How can someone get away with a crime when they can't leave the scene? How can the innocent escape when they are trapped with the killer? Read these stories to see who survives! Curated by Alyssa Devall
Humans have been fascinated by the fantastical creature known as the unicorn for centuries. According to some lore, unicorns are magical creatures whose horns are said to have healing powers. From finding unicorns in our world to visiting other lands they occupy, you can read a story featuring unicorns in celebration of our Tails and Tales 2021 Summer Reading Program. Check out the Fun with Unicorns collection on hoopla for ebooks, audiobooks, and streaming movies. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
Reading anthologies and collections of stories by one or more authors is a great way to sample an author's writing and read shorter works of fiction or essays. Most collections have a common element or unifying theme for readers to consider and explore. In June we challenge you to read an anthology or collection of short stories. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
Journaling is a great way to self-reflect and stay organized. The practice has gained popularity in recent years with new methods being used such as bullet or dot journaling and incorporating mixed media art in journals. These books about journaling contain writing prompts and motivation, method guides, art journaling inspiration, instructions for creating your own handcrafted journal, and more. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
Biographies and memoirs give us insight into the lives and personal journeys of individual people. They can help us to see people who are different from us in a new light or help us find comfort in the experiences of people who are similar. In April, we challenge you to read a biography or a memoir. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and children.
In this list, we have combined fiction based on stories and characters from Greek, Norse, Russian, Arabian, Slavic, Native American, and European mythology and folklore. Allow these magical stories to take you away to another time, another world, where anything is possible. Curated by Tabor Millien.
Nordic Noir is crime fiction with dark, bleak backdrops set in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Some well-known authors in this genre are Peter Høeg, Steig Larsson, Henning Mankell, and Jo Nesbø. Here are some highly regarded Nordic tales of murder and intrigue by less-familiar authors. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
The graphic novel format provides a refreshing new way to read classics and reach new audiences. From Shakespeare and Little Women to more modern classics such as Redwall and The Witches, you'll find a selection of graphic classics for teens and tweens. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
Love is a tale as old as time. Celebrate this Valentine's day with a journey to the past with these historical fiction romances. Curated by Jessica Schiefelbein.
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