What We're Reading in the Kids' Library
June 2025
Lady of the Lines: How Maria Reiche Saved the Nazca Lines by Sweeping the Desert
by Michaela MacColl

Have you ever loved something so much you would do the impossible to keep it? That is what Maria Reiche did to preserve the Nazca Lines in Peru. Read all about her life's work to preserve the Nazca Lines until they were eventually named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and great background information to captivate the explorers and scientists in all of us.

Best for Grades 2-5.

Suggested by Amanda.
The Girl & the Galdurian
by Tim Probert

In the heart of planet Irpa lies the Salty Pig’s House of Tonics & Tinctures, home to the wise Pig Wizard and his granddaughter, Bea. They live a quiet and peaceful life, guarding the Endless Flame and crafting potions for their fading world. Everything changes when Bea meets Cad, a Galdurian thought to be from a long-lost race. He seeks the Pig Wizard’s help to find his missing people, but upon returning home, the Pig Wizard is nowhere to be found — all that’s left is the jar of Endless Flame and a mysterious note. Join Bea and Cad on their journey into this three-part series as they try to find the beloved Pig Wizard and prevent eternal darkness from blanketing their world.

Best for Grades 3-6.

Suggested by Kamilla.
A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall
by Jasmine Warga

Middle school has not been going well for Rami since his friends ditched him, and now things get worse when a painting goes missing from the art museum where his mom works, leaving her high on the short list of suspects. Things get stranger with the appearance of a ghost-like girl, whom only Rami and his classmate Veda can see, and an artistic tortoise who may have witnessed what happened to the painting. Unraveling the mystery brings the new friends closer and helps Rami open up in other areas of his life. Short chapters and a compelling tale will keep readers flipping the pages of this sweet and slightly magical mystery.

Best for Grades 3-6.

Suggested by Erin.
Haru: Spring
by Joe Latham

In the first book of this developing four-part series, go through all the seasons with Haru, a small bird who dreams of flying. Embark on a mysterious quest alongside Haru and their best friend Yama, a talkative boar, as they find a strange artifact that causes sinister effects. This coming-of-age story with underlying themes of bullying, trust, believing in yourself, friendship, and forgiveness will sweep you into Haru and Yama's epic journey to destroy the artifact and save the world!

Best for Grades 3-6.

Suggested by Kamilla.
Atlas of Cats
by Frances Evans

 
You may have heard of Siamese cats, Maine coons, pumas, and snow leopards, but how about ocelots, Mekong bobtails, or ragamuffins? Explore the Atlas of Cats to discover fun facts and adorable illustrations of over 60 kinds of domestic cats and 40 species of wild cats. You will learn that the sphynx is actually a modern breed from Canada and not from ancient Egypt, a toyger is a cross between a tabby and a Bengal, jaguars are the largest cats in South America, and much, much more! Cat lovers will delight in this “claw-some” collection of tales (and tails).

Best for Grades 3-6.

Suggested by Erin.
Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement
by Jill Tew

Kaya Morgan's favorite place to spend her summer is the Renaissance Faire. She hopes to one day achieve her dad's dream of being crowned the first Black Queen of the Renaissance Faire. As Kaya works towards that goal, she encounters obstacles and microaggressions as people try to place her in a different role - the court jester. Readers will be rooting for Kaya as she tries to navigate personal challenges and defy others' expectations of her.

Best for Grades 4-6.

Suggested by Amanda.
How to Draw a Secret
by Cindy Chang

In this graphic novel based on the author’s childhood, Cindy struggles with having to keep her family’s big secret: her dad moved back to Taiwan four years ago and she rarely sees him. When the family suddenly has to travel to Taiwan for Nai Nai’s funeral, more secrets start to come out. How is Cindy supposed to create an award-winning project for the art competition when she has no idea how to draw something for the theme of “What Family Means to Me”? Cindy’s story is an endearing look at complicated family dynamics, perfect for fans of Squished by Megan Lloyd Wagner and Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang.


Best for Grades 4-6.

Suggested by Erin.
The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien
by John Hendrix

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis wrote two beloved fantasy series. But did you know that they were friends and colleagues? Learn more about the friendship and lives of these two great authors in this fantastic graphic novel biography. This book is also filled with fascinating facts about mythology that are sure to interest any fantasy fan.

Best for Grades 4-8.

Suggested by Amanda.
A First Time for Everything
by Dan Santat

Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat's awkward middle school years. From his first Fanta to his first love, follow Dan's experience through a trip to Europe the summer after graduating 8th grade while being encapsulated into a story that is absolutely beautiful to look at. It celebrates a time that is universally challenging for many of us but at the same time life changing.

Best for Grades 6-8.

Suggested by Kamilla.
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Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
(630) 279-8696

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