RRMM February 2022

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE!

9

Must-Read Novels by Black Authors

PLUS OUR LISTS OF... romantic movies for Valentines Day, musical teen reads, Family Day picture books and MUCH MORE!

FEBRUARY 2022

9

Must-Read Novels by Black Authors

Washington Black

by Esi Edugyan The story follows an eleven-year-old field slave in his search for freedom and meaning.

An emotionally engaging novel about slavery, friendship, and betrayal.

Gutter Child

by Jael Ealey Richardson Elimina is forced into a cruel life of servitude. She must learn to survive and fight for her freedom. A dystopian style novel about colonization, racism, and social injustice.

Reproduction

by Ian Williams Felicia and Edgar meet in a hospital room and form a special bond. A profound story about unconventional relationships and the concept of family.

The Vanishing Half

by Brit Bennett Born in a small black community, the Vignes twin sisters run away at age sixteen and pursue completely different paths. A thought-provoking story about interpersonal relationships, a sense of identity, and racial issues.

Such a Fun Age

by Kiley Reid An unpleasant incident in a grocery store makes Emira feel angry and humiliated. An eye-opening story that tackles a range of issues related to race, class, and privilege.

www.vaug

Are you looking for books to read during Black History Month?

Try these powerful titles!

The Girl With the Louding Voice

by Abi Daré An inspiring novel about the journey of a young Nigerian girl who is determined to fight for her right to get an education. She is ready to face the challenges in order to achieve her goals.

The Underground Railroad

by Colson Whitehead Cora, a young slave on a cotton plantation, attempts to escape to gain her freedom. An insightful depiction of the horrors of slavery and enslaved lives.

It’s Not All Downhill From Here

by Terry McMillan Loretha is trying to cope with feelings of loss, depression, and challenges related to aging.

She’ll need strength and determination to thrive forward.

An American Marriage

by Tayari Jones Newlyweds Roy and Celestial are unexpectedly separated by brutal circumstances. Will their relationship be strong enough to endure? A powerful story about love, family, and injustice.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! FEBRUARY 2022

10

Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Da

Every Day

In this unconventional supernatural romance, a teenage girl falls in love with a spirit who becomes a new person each day.

Berlin, I Love You

A collection of ten heartfelt stories of people experiencing love in all its forms, set against the beautiful backdrop of the city of Berlin.

About Time

When Tim discovers he can time travel, he uses his new ability to gradually win over his girlfriend, Mary. But he soon discovers even he can’t escape life’s ups and downs. A touching romantic comedy that will make you both laugh and cry.

Love, Simon

In this endearing coming-of-age story, Simon struggles with coming out while trying to identify his secret admirer. Based on the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli.

Elsa & Fred

In this tender romance, when elderly curmudgeon Fred meets bold spitfire Elsa, he discovers it’s never too late to fall in love.

www.vaug

ay

Emotional stories of finding love even when you least expect it.

The Sun Is Also a Star

Two teens, romantic Daniel and sceptic Natasha, fall in love over the course of a single day in this charming adaptation of Nicola Yoon’s popular young adult novel.

Love, Weddings & Other Disasters

This hilarious romantic comedy features three intersecting plotlines about people who work to make others’ wedding days special while navigating their own messy love lives.

Stuck in Love

This raw and affecting movie follows a year in the life of a writer and his teenage children as they each grapple with the complexities of love and relationships.

Carol

In this well-acted film set in the 1950s, an aspiring photographer finds herself drawn to a captivating older woman.

The Best of Me

In this tearjerker based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, high school sweethearts Dawson and Amanda discover they still have feelings for each other when they are reunited twenty years later.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! FEBRUARY 2022

10

Musical Teen Reads

Seraphina

by Rachel Hartman Humans and dragons have had an uneasy peace for the last 40 years, but the murder of a human prince puts that peace and court musician Seraphina’s life in danger. An intricately plotted slow-burn fantasy novel.

The Haters

by Jesse Andrews In this humorous, character-driven story, three friends form a band and escape from jazz camp for a road trip tour where wacky hijinks ensue (as one expects).

The Kingdom of Back

by Marie Lu Nannerl Mozart wishes to be remembered as a composer, a profession forbidden to her as a woman. An encounter with a faerie boy from another world could change her fate, but at what cost to her and her brother Wolfgang?

When It’s Real

by Erin Watt A classic rom-com setup: a famous musician dates an ordinary girl to fix his image, and things get off to a rocky start. This engaging, fast-paced book told from alternating perspectives may use classic tropes, but it has heart and humour all its own.

Prelude for Lost Souls

by Helene Dunbar A pianist with an unfinished prelude from her deceased mentor is stranded in a town whose residents can speak with the dead. Finding the rest of the piece uncovers dark secrets that some townsfolk would have preferred remain hidden.

www.vaug

Recipe for Hate

by Warren Kinsella Punk rockers in 1970s Portland investigate a series of murders that the police don’t seem interested in solving. A dark, gripping tale that keeps tensions high throughout.

Ghost Wood Song

by Erica Waters When Shady Grove’s brother is arrested for the murder of their stepfather, Shady uses a magic fiddle to speak to the dead so she can clear her brother’s name. A bi-sexual love triangle and the time constraints of an upcoming trial complicate matters in this lyrical, haunting mystery.

I’ll Be the One

by Lyla Lee Skye Shin enters a K-Pop competition where her being plus-sized makes waves with the public, both positive and negative. Realistic fiction that tackles a known issue in the entertainment business in a relatable way.

Sing Me Forgotten

by Jessica S. Olson This atmospheric gender-swapped Phantom of the Opera is as melodramatic as its inspiration.

Isda can manipulate memories while people sing and owes her life to a calculating opera-house owner, but the new cleaning boy with a great voice complicates Isda’s hidden existence.

The One Thing

by Marci Lyn Curtis Maggie was struck blind by meningitis, so why can she see 10-year-old Ben? And why does his brother have to be the lead singer of Maggie’s favourite band? Just a touch of magic seeps into this otherwise realistic romance, but it offers acceptance, not a cure, for the main character’s disability.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! FEBRUARY 2022

10

Teen Reads about Love and Roman

Love, Jacaranda

by Alex Flinn When a video of Jacaranda singing goes viral, she receives an exciting offer that will change her life. A mysterious romance that will keep you turning pages.

A Taste for Love

by Jennifer Yen Liza is a smart and attractive young lady who refuses to follow her mother’s fundamental rules for dating. An entertaining novel about first love and cultural values.

The Code for Love and Heartbreak

by Jillian Cantor Emma loves numbers because they are always reliable and absolutely correct. Will her flawless algorithm solve something as complicated and unpredictable as love?

Love in English

by Maria E. Andreu Sixteen-year-old Ana tries hard to master English and adjust to a totally new environment. Her feelings become more confused when she finds herself in a love triangle.

Suffer Love

by Ashley Herring Blake Sam and Hadley cherish their romantic relationship, but their family secrets may ruin everything. A bittersweet novel about love, betrayal, forgiveness, and healing.

www.vaug

nce Windfall

by Jennifer E. Smith Who would imagine that a lottery ticket could become a big turning point? A well-crafted story about the values of love and friendship.

Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss

by Kasie West Lacey has always dreamed of being an actress, but the road to success is not as smooth and easy as it may seem. An uplifting romance novel mixed with a bit of mystery.

Once and for All

by Sarah Dessen After having witnessed several perfect weddings end in divorce, Louna no longer believes in happily-ever-after endings. Will she ever have faith in the power of love and romance?

When Dimple Met Rishi

by Sandhya Menon A heartwarming novel about two Indian-American teens who attend the same summer program for aspiring web developers. Is it just a coincidence or something carefully arranged in advance?

Jo & Laurie

by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz Jo goes on a trip with Laurie to find inspiration for the sequel of her first novel. Will she finally embrace love? A charming story inspired by “Little Women” and by the life of Louisa May Alcott.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! FEBRUARY 2022

10

Picture Books for Family Day

How to Raise a Mom

by Jean Reagan In this humorous role-reversal story, two children offer their tips for raising a “happy, healthy mom,” such as feeding her snacks and making sure she has plenty of playtime.

More People to Love Me

by Mo O’Hara An adorable little girl realizes having a big extended family just means having more people to lover her in this charming picture book.

My Day with Gong Gong

by Sennah Yee May is nervous about her day with her Gong Gong (grandfather). He doesn’t speak much English, and he doesn’t understand her at all. Or does he? A warm and beautifully illustrated tale of love overcoming language barriers.

Plenty of Hugs

by Fran Manushkin In this tender story, a young family enjoys a day exploring their neighbourhood. Detailed illustrations and gently rhyming text make this a fun story to read at bedtime.

It’s Big Brother Time!

by Nandini Ahuja In this touching picture book, a young boy learns that being a big brother is an important job.

www.vaug

The Family Book

by Todd Parr This colourful book celebrates what makes families different while recognizing the special things all families have in common.

Our Class Is a Family

by Shannon Olsen In this brightly illustrated book, a diverse group of children learn that family can be more than just the people we’re related to.

Mila Has Two Beds

by Judith Koppens Things at Mila’s daddy’s house are different from her mommy’s house, but both Mommy and Daddy love her a lot. A sweet and simple story about a child with divorced parents.

Papa, Daddy, & Riley

by Seamus Kirst When a classmate tells her a family means a mother and a father, Riley worries she will have to choose between her two dads, until they reassure her that what really makes a family is love. An endearing and upbeat story about the meaning of family.

A Most Unusual Day

by Sydra Mallery Today is a big day for Caroline - her baby sister is coming home! A moving story of adoption and the joy of becoming an older sibling.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! FEBRUARY 2022

10

Winter Sports Books For Kids

Peasprout Chen Future Legend of Skate and Sword

by Henry Lien Figure skating and martial arts combine in this series-starting novel for advanced readers.

Peasprout and her brother head to a Wu Liu school in another country, and are quickly caught up in competition and intrigue.

A Good Team

by Heather Ayris Burnell Yeti and Unicorn each have unique talents that makes finding a sport to do together difficult, but figure skating equalizes them. A fun book about friendship for beginner readers.

The Missing Barbegazi

by H. S. Norup Tessa finds a mythical Barbegazi while in a skiing competition, and embarks on a journey that teaches her the importance of family. A fantasy adventure for more mature readers.

Blizzard Besties

by Yamile Saied Méndez When Vanessa’s brother goes missing during a blizzard on their ski resort vacation, it’s up to Vanessa and her friends to go find him. Pre-teen angst mixes with adventure (and a big dog) to form a great middle grade read.

No Girls Allowed

by Natalie Corbett Sampson 10-year-old Tina wants to play hockey, but it’s 1977 and there’s no girls hockey team in the Novia Scotian town she lives in. She fights for her right to play in front of the Human Rights Commission, and this fictionalization of her story can teach us all about the power of determination.

www.vaug

Hockey Night in Kenya

by Danson Mutina When Kitoo is given a book of sports from around the world, he falls in love with hockey.

Realistic fiction with Kenyan orphans as the main characters, the book shows that love for sports is universal.

Hockey Timeout

by Irene Punt Is a star player really a star if they show poor sportsmanship? The Glenlake Hawks have to answer this question before they face off against their rivals in an exciting big game.

Ice Time

by David Skuy Rocket gets picked for the NHL draft, but is sent to the AHL afterwards for being “too small”. Ice Time portrays the struggles of a major league hockey player in a realistic fashion.

Dog Driven

by Terry Lynn Johnson A tense survival adventure through the Canadian arctic with a girl who is going blind and her team of sled dogs. Sure to raise questions about ability and disability, Dog Driven is a pageturner for middle grade readers.

Balto of the Blue Dawn

by Mary Pope Osborne A musher and his sled dogs race across Alaska in 1925 to save a town from a diphtheria outbreak, with a little help from the Magic Treehouse kids Jack and Annie.

ghanpl.info

RECOMMENDED READS, MOVIES & MORE! FEBRUARY 2022

RECOMMENDED

READS, MOVIES AND MORE! is published monthly by the Marketing & Communications Department in collaboration with the Public Service Team of Vaughan Public Libraries.

Design & Layout Elyse Trojman 905-653-7323, Ext: 4615 elyse.trojman@vaughan.ca Vaughan Public Libraries 2191 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario, L6A 4W2 905-653-READ (7323) www.vaughanpl.info

Subscriptions

eNewsletter

Weekly e-mails about what's happening at the library. www.vaughanpl.info/newsletters VPL staff blog on recommended titles and themed lists. www.vaughanpl.info/blog Up-to-date progress reports of new libraries and renovations. www.vaughanpl.info/building

Connect with Us! Vaughanpl Vaughanpubliclibraries

FEBRUARY 2022

Vaughan Public Libraries Vaughan Public Libraries