Children’s books

“Flower Moon” by Gina Linko

Twins Tally Jo and Tempest are months away from their 13th birthdays and nothing is going right. Are the girls growing apart, or is there a mysterious force growing between them and pushing them away from each other? As they spend the summer traveling with their grandfather’s carnival, their hope is to figure out why this power seems to be growing stronger as their birthday nears. A wonderful story about growing up and sometimes apart. Recommended for ages 9 to 13.

“Lucky 8: Welcome to Deadwood Hill” by Lea Taddonion, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio

A “Stranger Things” vibe gives this first book in the a new “Lucky 8” early chapter series a great start. Makayla and her brother Liam arrive at their new house, Deadwood Hill, where Liam discovers a Magic 8 Ball that is no ordinary toy. It knows things it shouldn’t and is possibly keeping a young girl in another dimension. Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Teen books

“Truly Devious” by Maureen Johnson

An excellent addition to Johnson’s long list of great reads. Stevie jumps at the chance to study at a private school in Vermont. It was built in 1936 by the entrepreneur Albert Ellington, whose daughter went missing at the school and was never found. Stevie intends to solve the case, even when mysterious things begin to happen and threaten to keep her from finding the truth.

“Moonrise” by Sarah Crossan

In this heartbreaking story told in verse, readers become immersed in 17-year-old Joe’s desperate desire to free and support his brother who is in prison, on death row. On his own in Texas, Joe has plenty of time to reflect on his childhood and question why his mother abandoned them, what really happened with his brother and whether he will be able to love, trust and forgive.

— Sheila Grier, Deschutes Public Library community librarian

Adult books

“Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver

When Willa Knox inherits a rundown home in New Jersey, her research into the structure’s past connects her to one of the home’s former owners — a 19th century scientist. The parallels in the two families’ struggles and the house in eras of cultural change are “meticulously observed, elegantly structured,” according to Publishers Weekly.

“Burning Ridge: A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery” by Margaret Mizushima

There’s murder and mayhem in small-town Colorado in this fast-paced police procedural. But there’s a great animal cast to support the humans. In the fourth addition to the “Timber Creek” series, officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner, Robo, search for the killer of a burned corpse found in the wilderness. As the investigation heats up, Cobb realizes she may have a personal connection to the victim.

“Almost Everything: Notes on Hope” by Anne Lamott

Americans thrive on hope and optimism. When author Lamott finds herself brought down by current events, she searches out ways to live a positive life. Her wisdom and clear writing style help readers find their own path to “deliberately choosing joy” and remaining positive when surrounded by hardship. I am not a religious person, but this spiritual book spoke straight to my heart.

— Josie Hanneman, Deschutes Public Library community librarian