Children’s books

“Caves,” by Nell Cross BeckermanReaders are invited on a journey under water and ground to explore caves of all types around the world. Swim along with divers in the Wakulla-Leon Sinks cave system in Florida, but know that it will be a 7-mile long trip and take 29 hours. Cueva de los Cristales in Mexico has some of the largest natural crystals ever found — some as big as 39 feet!

The illustrations by Kalen Chock are astoundingly beautiful, giving the reader a sense of scale and wonder. This nonfiction book may be enjoyed by children of all ages.

“A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters,”

by Duncan Tonatiuh

Award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh has created an introduction to the little-known history of codices in ancient Mesoamerica. Thousands of years before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, the Mesoamerican people were creating books and, while there were no words, the drawings told stories that could be read.

The author frames the informative text in a story explaining how the paper was created, how the ink was produced from plants, animals and rocks, and how the books were folded in an accordion fashion with wood covers. Grievously, of the thousands of books that were made before the 1500s, only 15 survive. The stunning illustrations mirror some of the conventions of the ancient codices. This is a fascinating glimpse into a world rich with books that has been woefully unexplored in children’s literature.

Teen books

“Never Ever Getting Back Together,”

by Sophie Gonzalez

A delightful rom-com perfect for fans of “The Bachelor.” Maya loved Jordy. Until he cheated on her with Skye, that is. Skye also loved Jordy. Well, until he stopped calling. And now that his sister is married to the crown prince of some small European country, the whole world is in love with Jordy. When they’re both invited to be on Jordy’s new reality dating show, Maya agrees to participate so she can finally expose him as the cheater he is and get her revenge.

Skye, on the other hand, is more interested in rekindling her romance. But the ending of this show might have an unexpected plot twist as Maya and Skye begin to fall for … each other. This is a fun, banter-filled romp that still manages to look critically at gender and the role media plays in our perceptions of ourselves and others.

“Bloodmarked,”

by Tracy Deonn

In this second installment of The Lengendborn Cycle, Bree has infiltrated the Legendborn Order — a secret society descended from King Arthur’s knights. All she wanted was to find the truth behind her mother’s death, but Bree has discovered her own ancestral power and her connection to King Arthur himself. With the war between demons and The Order escalating, Bree must learn to wield her unpredictable and dangerous powers if she has any hope of saving herself and the people she loves. Deonn has created an innovative fantasy world that successfully blends ancient lore and contemporary social issues like race, class, and gender while still including a few fan-favorite tropes.

Overall, a stellar addition to this series that will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.

Adult books

“Now Is Not the Time to Panic,”

by Kevin Wilson

What would make you reveal a secret you’d hidden for 20 years? Frankie, now Frances, thought her secret would never be revealed until she received a call that could change her life forever. Twenty years ago, this awkward teenager was determined to make it through another summer in Coalfield, Tennessee.

Luckily Zeke, a talented artist, moved to town staying at his grandmother’s house. The two connected and created an unsigned poster with an unforgettable phrase. Chaos arose when they made hundreds of copies and posted them all over town. Rumors and danger quickly took over as people interpreted the poster’s message with some panicking. For those who loved “The Family Fang,” Wilson offers another unique story about family, identity and love. An honest coming-of-age story filled with talent and secrets. Imagine the impact one art piece could have on a small town.

“Ms. Demeanor,”

by Elinor Lipman

What would you do with six months of home confinement? It’s summertime — picture a NYC rooftop, a romantic moment and a nosy neighbor who sees too much and complains! Jane Morgan was a valued member of her law firm but is now under house arrest with a suspended legal license. Luckily another tenant is under house arrest, too, so she turns to him and cooks to pass the time. Also, her twin sister provides support and advice.

But who is the mysterious neighbor who accused her of public indiscretion? Lipman’s new novel is fun and savory! The perfect weekend read. Readers will appreciate the neighborhood connections and a series of delightful surprises. Love under house arrest — what could possibly go wrong?