Explore these titles to honor Thanksgiving, a day dedicated to expressing gratitude for the things we cherish most. This year, I am especially thankful for my friends, family and my dog, along with the fantastic books in our library and the amazing programs available at ACPL.
“I Am Thankful” by Sheri Wall is a heartwarming children’s book that beautifully captures the spirit of gratitude. This book follows three different families as they celebrate the holiday with their own traditions and acts of kindness. A wonderful book that teaches readers the meaning of giving and sharing.
Fans of The Day the Crayons Quit will love this holiday version with new characters. This book will surely deliver laughter and fun to readers of all ages. Follow along as the Crayons share what they are thankful for, from food to family and everything else in between.
Join Peyton as she discovers her favorite Thanksgiving pie. Despite trial and error, Peyton learns how to overcome her fear of trying new foods and uncovers her love of cooking. This book also includes an America’s Test Kitchen recipe for the perfect pie.
This timeless story is bound to be a delightful read for the whole family. Follow the adventures of a curious puppy filled with gratitude. Find out how Biscuit and the little girl get ready for Grandma and Grandpa’s special visit.
A New Look at History for Native American Heritage Month
In the past 5 years, several books have been published showing a different side of the conquering and “civilizing” of the Americas. Native Americans had lived on the continent for several thousand years when Europeans arrived (Native Americans arrived somewhere between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago), and had complex and sophisticated societies. But their societies looked different than what European settlers had seen before, and were judged as being primitive and uncivilized. The books listed below will give you a different view of the colonization of the Americas and how U.S. history has left out Indigenous contributions to our society.
This book posits that history we were told in school didn’t tell the whole story of European settlement of the Americas. Indigenous tribes still controlled much of the Americas until the 1890s, according to the author, and won battles against the European settlers. Far from being primitive, Indigenous tribes had sophisticated diplomacy and leadership structures that helped them thrive and survive. If you’re interested in learning the history of Indigenous peoples in America and Canada, this is a fascinating read.
One of the fascinating facts this book shares is that North American cities once rivaled cities elsewhere in size and influence. But after a period of instability, North America communities moved away from urbanization and many smaller nations immerged. Thus, when European settlers arrived, they assumed the Indigenous peoples were less developed groups, rather than groups that had developed differently because of circumstances of nature and experience. Like Indigenous Continent, this book presents a new way of looking at colonial history in the Americas.
As more scholars research the beginnings of the United States, more information emerges to show that Native tribes were thriving before Europeans came, and continued to thrive for many years afterwards. They were a huge part of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and influenced law and policy. Blackhawk weaves new information into what we’ve always been taught, and a better picture of what happened in the past emerges.
True-crime aficionados as well as history buffs will enjoy this book about the murder of an Indigenous hunter by two fur traders in colonial Pennsylvania on the eve of a summit between the Iroquois and the colonists in 1722. The different types of justice championed by the two groups – restorative versus punitive, forgiveness versus harsh punishment – led to a clash of ideals and the fear of an all-out war.
While this book is not non-fiction, we couldn’t make this list without including this work by Daye, a local author. The book consists of poems and short stories about the Afro-Indigenous culture in this area. This provides local connection to issues that affect Indigenous people across the country, and highlights the ways we can support Afro-Indigenous people in our community.
Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. She can be reached at madams@alamancelibraries.org.
Meet Sarah, the new Library Assistant at the Graham Public Library. New to our library system doesn’t mean that she’s not ready and willing to help with your technology questions and fill in as she’s needed. We’re looking forward to seeing how she makes her impact on the Graham community.
How long have you worked with the County? Just over three months.
Where are you from originally? Greensboro, North Carolina
What are you most passionate about? Crafting, accessibility, and learning new things.
Do you have a hobby? Reading (obviously), writing, and I’ve recently started crocheting!
When you were little, what was your dream job? English teacher or forensic anthropologist
If your life was a song, what would the title be? “Kaleidoscope” by Chappell Roan
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Haggis flavored potato chips.
What’s your favorite TV show? Psych or Derry Girls
What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Clothes, stationery, and yarn.
What’s the most interesting thing you learned recently? The common starling was brought to the United States in the late nineteenth century as part of an effort to introduce all the birds mentioned in William Shakespeare’s works to North America.
The best part of fantasy fiction? The incredible worlds the authors make up! These new(ish) YA books have compelling worlds for us to enjoy as readers, as well as rich characters to populate them.
Heir by Sabaa Tahir – The world is the Martial Empire, and there’s a killer loose. Three young people have to overcome history, huge mistakes, and bad reputations to come together to save the world. Aiz uses her anger to better the lives of her people, until she makes a mistake and ends up in jail. Sirsha is tasked with capturing the killer to improve her reputation and earn some coin, but it’s not just her life on the line, it’s also her heart. Quil is the crown prince who doesn’t want to take the throne because he sees how power corrupts, but can he overcome his doubts and be the heir his people need? This book is set in the same world as her previous series, An Ember in the Ashes.
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas – The world is Reino del Sol, and the Obsidian gods have been released into the chaos. All because Teo refused to kill one of his fellow semidioses. What can he do but be the Hero he never thought he could be, and return to Sol with the Sol Stone? Luckily, he has his best friend Niya and his crush Aurelio to help him fight the monsters and retrieve the stone. This is the second of a duology, the Sunbearer Trials.
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer – It’s our world, but after a deadly virus wipes out much of the population (which then came back to life as Ticks). Mara was a Tick, but now has been treated. She’s Mostly Dead, and sent to a resettlement program to live with her former friend Rory, who she kissed just before the end of the world. Rory is Barely Alive, and is expecting the worst at any time. She survived on the Island, one of the few places where people still live. But what does she do with her former best friend/crush who was a Tick, the monsters she’s learned to hate? This is a new twist on the zombie trope!
Draw Down the Moon by P.C. and Kristin Cast – The Academia de la Luna, a secret magic school off of the coast of Seattle, is the world. Wren isn’t supposed to have powers, but here she is, at the Academia, learning alongside Lee. Lee has been in love with Wren for years, but his original goal this year was to pass the trials, impress the Moon Council and improve his family’s standing in the world. Wren and Lee realize quickly that something is different this year with the trials, and Lee must to decide to save his family’s reputation, or the girl he loves. This is the first book of the series; the second will be released next spring.
Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender – The world is New Anglia, and Ash Wood is learning alchemy in secret because it is a crime to study magic without the direction of the Lancaster College of Alchemical Science. He’s caught by Ramsay Thorne, but instead of turning him in, she instead makes a deal with him. Help her find the Book of Source, and she’ll forget what she saw. Their journey leads to romance, danger and a reckoning – what is the price for power, and is it worth it? This is the first of a duology; the second will be released next spring.
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faisal – The world is White Roaring, where Arthie’s teahouse turns into an illegal bloodhouse at night, serving the city’s working-class vampires. Her business is threatened by the powers that be, and she must partner with some strange bedfellows – a member of the Horned Guard, a vampire and a daughter of a shipping magnate – to take them down and save her shop. And maybe she’ll find some friends (and a love interest) along the way! This is the first of a series, with the sequel coming out in September 2025.
Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. She can be reached at madams@alamancelibraries.org.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a cozy fantasy romance about an isolated witch and an unconventional found family in the English countryside battling forces that seek to tear them apart. Simmering with a love of magic and a dash of the grumpy-meets-sunshine trope, Sangu Mandanna crafts an enchanted story that will warm your heart like one of Mika Moon’s magical cups of tea.
Mika Moon is a witch—which means she has spent most of her life alone, keeping her head down, unable to share this core part of herself with anyone outside of a small group of witches scattered across Britain she calls The Very Secret Society of Witches and its straitlaced leader, Primrose. No one can know she is a witch. No one does… except, when Mika posts videos online “pretending” to be a witch as an outlet for her loneliness, someone seems to take her claims seriously.
An anonymous message is sent to Mika that begins with “WITCH WANTED,” begging her to travel to the secluded and mysterious estate of Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to use and control their magic. At first, she thinks it’s a joke. Even if it weren’t, it breaks one of the most important rules she’s grown up learning: stay away from other witches, because too many witches in one place cause their powers to mingle and draw unwanted attention. Mika goes anyway and becomes entangled in their lives as the clock is ticking down before the girls must be able to control their magic, else they would be taken away from Nowhere House.
I easily fell in love with this motley cast of characters: Nowhere House’s jovial housekeeper (Lucie), a retired actor with a love for flamingo pink yarn (Ian), a gardener (Ken), three lovely little witches with big personalities that occasionally clash, and a grumpy librarian who is fiercely protective of the young girls and deeply distrusting of Mika (Jamie).
As Mika warms up to the inhabitants of Nowhere House and finds herself getting attached, she is confronted with the reality that her time there is limited and that she cannot stay—no matter how much she wants it. Despite her painful past, Mika Moon finds the courage to fight for the people she loves and, more importantly, for herself. There’s a comfort in seeing these characters, each isolated in their own way, finding a place to belong and people to call home.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches shows us the healing power of letting yourself be truly loved and that the family you choose is its own little kind of magic.
It is available as a physical copy through Alamance County Public Libraries as well as an ebook or audiobook via Libby.
Meet Nicole, our new Youth Services Coordinator for the county. New to our area, she’s jumped right in getting to know the people and organizations to make new partnerships and connections that will ultimately help children thrive!
How long have you worked with the County? Started on 3 June 2024
Where are you from originally? Originally a Carolina girl from the Coast
What are you most passionate about? Passionate about Folks (especially children) recognizing their light Within
Do you have a hobby? Not a traditional hobby, however I do practice Capoeira Angola (“a martial art”)
When you were little, what was your dream job? I wanted to be an Obstetrician (because of the Cosby show)
What was the best part of your week/weekend? Waking up slowly on a Sunday
If your life was a song, what would the title be? Soundtrack: Dream On by Aerosmith
Are you involved in any community projects or organizations? Not on any community projects Yet but grateful to be meeting phenomenal people in the community from various organizations from BHA, ACC, CSW, United Alamance & United Way
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? A snail
What’s your favorite TV Show? Keeping Up Appearances
What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Trips that require a Passport
Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a holiday that is celebrated in Mexico on November 1 and 2. It is a special occasion where friends and family honor passed loved ones. Some traditions include hanging hand-cut paper banners, making colorful paper flowers, decorating sugar skulls and displaying it all together to make an ofrenda (altar). To read and learn more about Day of the Dead check out the following titles.
“Gustavo, the Shy Ghost” by Flavia Z. Drago is a charming tale about a timid ghost who learns to overcome his fears and embrace his unique qualities to make friends.
“Día de Muertos: Números: A Day of the Dead Counting” by Duncan Tonatiuh is a bilingual picture book that introduces young readers to the vibrant and cultural traditions of Day of the Dead through numbers.
“Celebrate the Day of the Dead!” by Diane de Anda explores the traditions and cultural significance of this Mexican holiday with characters Cristina and Carlos.
“Our Day of the Dead Celebration” by Ana Aranda is a book that follows Mar’s family gathering, in which readers learn about their favorite dishes, games, and, most importantly, stories.
“All books are magic. An object that can take you to another world without even leaving your room? A story written by a stranger and yet it seems they wrote it just for you or to you? Loving and hating people made out of ink and paper, not flesh and blood? Yes, books are magic.”
For all grown-up lovers of fairy tales, this book is perfect.
In the Red Crow State Forest in West Virginia, people tend to get lost. First, it was Shannon. Then, five years later, it was Ralph and Jeremy. Ralph and Jeremy came back after six months of being lost, and the community rejoiced. But they also questioned. Ralph remembers nothing. Jeremy says that they lived off of the land until they were able to make it back to a trail they recognized. These are reasonable assertions, except for the fact that the boys came back taller and broader and well-fed, and honestly, there’s not enough of Red Crow State Forest for them to be lost for six months and not be found.
Fifteen years later, Rafe (Ralph changed his name after this experience) lives a life as a recluse. He still remembers nothing, and feels that Jeremy abandoned him after they got back from the woods. Jeremy finds people who are lost, with an uncanny ability to rescue injured hikers, kidnapped children and missing family members.
Emilie has a missing person she needs to find – her half-sister Shannon. Emilie was adopted when she was a baby. She respected her mother’s wishes and didn’t do a DNA database like 23 and Me while she was alive. But after her mother’s death, her curiosity and desire to make connections with her biological family lead to her submitting her DNA. The match she finds is to a missing girl named Shannon, who disappeared at Red Crow State Forest 20 years ago. She reaches out to Jeremy, who drops a bombshell on her – when they were lost, they saw Shannon. More than that, they lived with Shannon in another world. And he wants to take her to her sister, but they need Rafe’s help to do so.
Then the fairy tale begins, and like all fairy tales, there are good guys and bad guys and magic and the power of stories to shape a world. I fell in love with Jeremy and Rafe immediately. Their love for each other and for their family (biological and chosen) is the balm my heart needed this year. Likewise, Skya (Shannon) and Emilie’s love for each other, even though they barely knew each other before they were separated, makes me want to call my brother and really reconnect with him.
This book has many echoes of The Chronicles of Narnia and other well-loved fantasies, but it has created a wonderful world of its own. I’m adding Shanandoah to my list of fantasy worlds I’d like to visit (along with Narnia, Hogwarts, Neverland, Oz, Middle Earth and Wonderland).
This is the second book I’ve read of Shaffer’s, and both have been absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to see what she writes next (and hope that there’s a sequel to this book, because there are still things I need to know and “see”).
Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. She can be reached at madams@alamancelibraries.org.
