Pick of the Week- Steve Jobs

is Steve Jobs: Insanely Great by Jesse Hartland. This graphic nonfiction book tells the story of Steve Jobs' life through the ages of technology that he helped define. For young people, it explains the dominant technology and how Jobs' innovation and leadership changed how we interact with music, information, and with each other. The book shows how volatile Jobs was and how his management style was sometimes difficult to contend with. Ultimately, it is an entertaining look at Steve Jobs' personal history and his impact on the world.

Pick of the Week- All American Boys

is All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. An emotional journey from start to finish, this book is contemporary and authentic in it's voice.  It tells the story of two boys, one black and one white as they deal with an instance of police violence. Rashad, who is black, is severely injured by a white police officer after he is falsely accused of stealing. Quinn, a white student at Rashad's school, witnesses the event and is shaken by what he sees. Both students wrestle with how race impacts their lives and closest relationships and decide that they need to take a stand to combat racism in their world.

Pick of the Week- The Porcupine of Truth

is The Porcupine of Truth by Bill Konigsberg and the 2016 recipient of the Stonewall Book Award. This is a heart wrenching story of the friendship of two seventeen-year-olds. Carson and Aisha, who embark on an adventure to discover what happened to Carson grandfather. Carson returns to his hometown of Billings, Montana to help his mother care for his dying father. As he learns more about his father's childhood, he becomes obsessed with the idea of reuniting his father and grandfather. He and Aisha travel thousands of miles retracing the journey his grandfather took to San Francisco thirty years before. Carson does find the answers he is looking for an makes a life long friend in Aisha in the process.

Pick of the Week- Better Nate Than Ever

is Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. This is a charming story about an eighth grade student that dreams of a life outside his small western Pennsylvania town.  His saving grace is his best friend, Libby, who is as obsessed with Broadway theater as he is. When she tells him about an open audition for E.T. the Musical, Nate sees his chance and buys a round trip bus ticket to New York. He encounters many interesting characters and identity shifting experiences along the way. This is great pick for students who love the theater and stories about pursuing your dreams.