Research Center Guides: My Perfect Read: MPR Mondays

MPR Mondays⁠ — Overview

My Perfect Read advisors collaborate to create new theme-based lists every Monday. MPR Monday book lists:

Are developed with readers of all ages in mind, so you can find something for everyone,
Include direct links to the titles in our catalog, so you can place a hold or check the book out,
Include the recommending advisor's name, so you can connect with someone who matches your reading preferences.

Check back every week to see the latest theme and recommendations from the team.

Learn all about the My Perfect Read “concierge” readers’ advisory service.

Beach Reads

Fellowship of Fear by Aaron Elkins
Call Number: MYS ELK
ISBN: 9781497642997
Publication Date: 2014-07-08
When Gideon Oliver, anthropology professor, travels anywhere, someone is bound to stumble across a skeleton – or two. Germany is no exception. Luckily his forensic skills are more than up to the test of deciphering the clues offered up by the bones. This is the first installment in the gripping mystery series.

Recommended by Jill

Best. State. Ever. by Dave Barry
Call Number: 817 B 2016
ISBN: 9781101982600
Publication Date: 2016-09-06
A funny and jaunty exploration of the weirdness and eccentricities of the Sunshine State.

Recommended by Laurel

Chiggers by Hope Larson (Illustrator); Jason Azzopardi (Contribution by)
Call Number: YFIC LAR
ISBN: 9781416935841
Publication Date: 2008-06-17
A classic camp story with gorgeous artwork. A fresh and honest and emotionally intense story about friendships, cliques and growing up.

Recommended by Kylie

Scepter of the Ancients by Derek Landy; Tom Percival (Illustrator)
Call Number: JFIC LAN
ISBN: 9780061231179
Publication Date: 2008-03-25
When Stephanie Edgley inherits her uncle's estate, she doesn't expect to be pulled into a world of sorcerers and magic, or that she will be teaming up with a walking, talking, fireball-throwing skeleton detective to save the world.

Recommended by Stephanie

Sea of Dreams by Dennis Nolan (Illustrator)
Call Number: JP NOL
ISBN: 9781596434707
Publication Date: 2011-10-25
As a young girl leaves her sandcastle behind at sunset, a light turns on in one of the windows! This stunning wordless book will have your family working together to tell the story.

Recommended by Sunny

Summer Camp/Camping - July 27, 2020

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Call Number: FIC WOL
ISBN: 9781594488399
Publication Date: 2013-04-09
The summer that Nixon resigns, six teenagers at a summer camp for the arts become inseparable. Decades later the bond remains powerful, but so much else has changed. In The Interestings, Wolitzer follows these characters from the height of youth through middle age, as their talents, fortunes, and degrees of satisfaction diverge.

Recommended by Kelly

Under the Stars: How America Fell in Love with Camping by Dan White
Call Number: 796.54 W 2016
ISBN: 9781627791953
Publication Date: 2016-06-14
Part personal narrative, part history, this is a humorous look at one of America's favorite pastimes.

Recommended by Sharon

Lumberjanes Vol. 1 by Noelle Stevenson; Grace Ellis; Shannon Watters; Brooke A. Allen (Illustrator)
Call Number: YFIC STE
ISBN: 9781608866878
Publication Date: 2015-04-07
Join a pack of wild girls in this lovely graphic novel series that takes place at a traditional summer camp with some not-so-traditional magical beings getting in their way. Friendship to the max!

Recommended by Kelly

Like Bug Juice on a Burger by Julie Sternberg; Matthew Cordell (Illustrator)
Call Number: JFIC STE
ISBN: 9781419701900
Publication Date: 2013-04-02
Eleanor thought she would love summer camp but it isn't anything like she expected. This series written in verse is sweet and fun with great line drawings. A 4th grade favorite!

Recommended by Kylie

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
Call Number: JP VAN
ISBN: 0811836037
Publication Date: 2003-03-01
Mr. Magee and his little dog, Dee, head off on a camping trip. Everything is perfect - the views, the fresh air, the hot dogs and roasted marshmallows. But as they are falling asleep, a bear with poor eyesight and a sharp nose shows up, following the wonderful. sweet scent of marshmallows. This silly, rhyming book is sure to tickle your funny bone.

Recommended by Jill

Space - In Celebration of National Moon Day - July 20, 2020

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty
Call Number: SF LAF
ISBN: 9780316389686
Publication Date: 2017-01-31
A classic "locked room" mystery in space! The clones of a murdered crew of a lone spaceship have to find their murderer before he/she kills again. Suspenseful and with interesting characters.

Recommended by Kylie

Endurance by Scott Kelly
Call Number: B KELLY 2017
ISBN: 9781524731595
Publication Date: 2017-10-17
Astronaut Scott Kelly takes readers on his journey to become a Naval aviator, test pilot and finally astronaut on the space shuttle and International Space Station.

Recommended by Jeff

Saturn Apartments, Vol. 1 by Hisae Iwaoka (Illustrator)
Call Number: YFIC IWA
ISBN: 9781421533643
Publication Date: 2011-11-15
In the future, people have evacuated the severely damaged Earth in order to preserve it and now live on an orbiting space station, where the wealthy live on the highest, brightest levels. Mitsu has recently graduated from junior high and has just become a window washer, a dangerous job that allows him, from his precarious vantage point outside the space station, to glimpse the stories of other people's lives.

Recommended by Jill

Star Scouts by Mike Lawrence
Call Number: JSF LAW
ISBN: 9781626722804
Publication Date: 2017-03-21
After a boring night at Flower Scouts, Avani is accidentally abducted by Star Scout Mabel, opening up a universe of Scout fun and alien friends.

Recommended by Sunny

Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires (Illustrator)
Call Number: JFIC SPI
ISBN: 9781554534197
Publication Date: 2009-08-01
Binky is a space cat – an intrepid adventurer. He works tirelessly to protect his family and home from alien invasion. This graphic novel will make readers laugh out loud as they discover the truth behind brave Binky's adventures.

Recommended by Jill

Mysteries - Monday, July 13, 2020

Among the Ruins by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Call Number: MYS KHA
ISBN: 9781250096739
Publication Date: 2017-02-14
Canadian detective Esma Khattak is visiting Iran, connecting with his heritage, when the death of a Canadian-Iranian filmmaker interrupts his trip.

Recommended by Deb

Mrs. Sherlock Holmes by Brad Ricca
Call Number: 364.15 R 2016
ISBN: 9781250072245
Publication Date: 2017-01-03
Dive into the start of the 20th century and the life of Grace Humiston for a fascinating tale of how the New York lawyer and detective solved a famous cold case.

Recommended by Laurel

A Spy in the House by Y. S. Lee
Call Number: YMYS LEE
ISBN: 9780763652890
Publication Date: 2011-02-08
Orphan Mary Quinn is about to be hanged for theft when she is whisked away to The Scrimshaw Academy for Girls. The Academy turns out to be training for The Agency, an all female investigative group. Can Mary infiltrate a wealthy home to uncover fraud? Nothing is as it seems, but, it turns out, neither is Mary...

Recommended by Letitia

Greenglass House by Kate Milford; Jaime Zollars (Illustrator)
Call Number: JMYS MIL
ISBN: 9780544540286
Publication Date: 2016-11-01
A big old mysterious house with lots of hidden treasures, smugglers, role-playing games, thieves, a winter storm, and a locked-room, Agatha Christie-style mystery! Suspenseful and fun.

Recommended by Kylie

King and Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats by Dori Hillestad Butler; Nancy Meyers (Illustrator)
Call Number: JFIC BUT
ISBN: 9781682630150
Publication Date: 2018-03-01
Kayla's dog King helps her to solve mysteries in this series for beginning readers. In this first book in the series, Kayla has baked treats for her friend's new puppy, but some of them mysteriously vanish. Also available as an ebook through OverDrive.

Recommended by Letitia

Unicorns and Other Mythical Creatures - Monday, July 6, 2020

The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff
Call Number: FIC GRO
ISBN: 9781401322250
Publication Date: 2008-02-01
This richly detailed, playful and inventive story includes a mythical lake monster and a family mystery and is based on the author's home town of Cooperstown, New York

Recommended by Kylie

The World of Lore by Aaron Mahnke
Call Number: 001.944 M 2017
ISBN: 9781524797966
Publication Date: 2017-10-10
An illustrated guide to the monsters that are part of our collective psyche. Check out the podcast and streaming TV show, too!

Recommended by Sharon

Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black (Editor); Justine Larbalestier (Editor)
Call Number: YFIC 808.83 Z
ISBN: 9781416989530
Publication Date: 2010-09-21
Zombies vs. Unicorns - who will win? You decide by reading this fun anthology chock-full of stories featuring brain-hungry zombies and glittering, magical unicorns

Recommended by Kelly

Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures by Maggie Stiefvater; Jackson Pearce
Call Number: JFIC PEA
ISBN: 0545709261
Publication Date: 2015-04-28
Pip can talk to magical creatures, but sometimes it's more trouble than it's worth. But then the fuzzles start spontaneously combusting around town and setting fire to things, and Pip might be the only one who can figure out why.

Recommended by Stephanie

Signed Stories Series
Classic fairy tales are narrated in both English and American Sign Language. The collection includes The Frog Prince, Aladdin, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Little Mermaid and More. Available in streaming video from OverDrive.
Recommended by Letitia

Tennis - Monday, June 29, 2020 (In honor of Wimbledon, canceled for the first time since 1945)

Crooked Little Heart by Anne Lamott
Call Number: FIC LAM
ISBN: 9780679435211
Publication Date: 1997-03-25
The competetive world of tournament tennis in idyllic Northern California serves as the backdrop for this coming-of-age novel

Recommended by Sharon

Late to the Ball by Gerald Marzorati
Call Number: B MARZO RATI 2016
ISBN: 9781476737393
Publication Date: 2016-05-17
Discover what happens when you start training in your 50s to become a nationally competitive tennis player by the time you are 60.

Recommended by Sunny

The Prince of Tennis, Vol. 1 by Takeshi Konomi (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781591164357
Publication Date: 2004-04-21
Ryoma Echezen is a tennis prodigy who's just won four consecutive U.S. Junior tournaments. Now he's determined to make a name for himself in Japan. Does he have what it takes to retain the title "Prince of Tennis"?

Recommended by Stephanie

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
Call Number: JFIC JOH
ISBN: 9780545946179
Publication Date: 2018-03-27
When Candice moves to Lambert, South Carolina for the summer, she discovers a mysterious letter. Using clues from the letter, Candice and her friend Brandon try to find a forty-million-dollar fortune. Along the way, they learn about racial injustice in the town's past, and why a long-ago tennis game might hold the key to the treasure.

Recommended by Sunny

Nothing but Trouble by Sue Stauffacher; Greg Couch (Illustrator)
Call Number: JB GIBSON 2007
ISBN: 9780375834080
Publication Date: 2007-08-14
Althea is nothing but trouble! Everyone thinks so, her parents, her neighbors - even her teacher. But once she gets a tennis racquet in her hands, everything begins to change. This is a true story about a girl from Harlem who became a world-class tennis champion.

Recommended by Jill

Friends/Friendship ⁠— Monday, June 22, 2020

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore
Call Number: FIC MOO
ISBN: 9780307959928
Publication Date: 2013-03-12
Cry and laugh along with Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean as they grow up, overcome tragedy and grow older together.

Recommended by Letitia

MWF Seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche
Call Number: B BERTSCHE 2011
ISBN: 9780345524942
Publication Date: 2011-12-20
Rachel, recently married and new to Chicago, seeks the best friend she needs with humor and commitment.

Recommended by Deb

I Will Always Write Back by Martin Ganda; Caitlin Alifirenka; Liz Welch (As told to)
Call Number: YB ALIFIRENKA 2015
ISBN: 9780316241335
Publication Date: 2016-05-03
Moving true story about a pen pal friendship across continents that changed many lives. It will make you cry and inspire you!

Recommended by Kylie

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks; Gita Varadarajan
Call Number: JFIC WEE
ISBN: 9780545846608
Publication Date: 2016-05-10
Ravi is newly moved to the U.S. from India; Joe has learning disabilities. Both are outsiders, and they unite to take on a common enemy: the biggest bully in school.

Recommended by Kylie

My Friends Make Me Happy! by Jan Thomas
Call Number: JP THO
ISBN: 9780544966550
Publication Date: 2018-01-16
What makes Sheep happy? It starts with the letter F. It's not fish. Or fans. And it's definitely NOT turnips. That doesn't even start with the letter F!

Recommended by Jill

Fathers (In honor of Father's Day) ⁠— Monday, June 15, 2020

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Call Number: JFIC LEE
ISBN: 9780060935467
Publication Date: 2005-07-05
Atticus Finch - when I think of great literary dads, I think of this iconic character. Seeker of justice, good citizen, a father who makes time for his children and leads by great moral example.

Recommended by Ginger

Raising Cubby by John Elder Robison
ISBN: 9780307884848
Publication Date: 2013-03-12
John Elder Robison recalls the joys and challenges he faced as a dad with Asperger's raising a son with the same diagnosis. From marking his infant son Cubby with Sharpie to avoid a hospital mix-up to dealing with the ATF raiding Cubby's chemistry lab at 16, Robison shows us his world and all the neurodiverse people in it from a unique perspective.

Recommended by Letitia

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Call Number: YFIC SAE
ISBN: 9780544586505
Publication Date: 2017-03-07
Sal used to think he had everything in check: his relationship with his adoptive father, his friends, and even his school life. Suddenly things are changing, and maybe Sal does not have a firm understanding of who he is after all.

Recommended by Kelly

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Call Number: JFIC LEN
ISBN: 9780374386139
Publication Date: 1962-01-01
Meg's father is a scientist who does secret work for the government. When he disappears, Meg, her friend Calvin and her little brother embark on a perilous journey across space and time in order to find him.
A Wrinkle in Time: the Graphic Novel by Hope Larson (Illustrator); Madeleine L'Engle
Call Number: JFIC LAR
ISBN: 9781250056948
Publication Date: 2015-03-31
Graphic Novel version

Recommended by Jill

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry; Vashti Harrison (Illustrator)
Call Number: JP CHE
ISBN: 9780525553366
Publication Date: 2019-05-14
Zuri's fabulous hair has a mind of its own, but when she needs a special 'do for a special occasion, Daddy is determined to step up to the challenge.

Recommended by Stephanie

Black Authors ⁠— Monday, June 8, 2020

Native Son by Richard Wright
Call Number: FIC WRI
ISBN: 9780060837563
Publication Date: 2005-08-02
Powerful and gripping story. You will not believe it was written in 1940 - it is still so relevant today. You will never forget this one!

Ain't I a Woman by Bell Hooks; Adenrele Ojo (Narrated by)
ISBN: 9781541467804
Publication Date: 2019-03-12
A classic work of feminist scholarship examining the intersectionality of racism and sexism as it pertains to black womanhood.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Call Number: YFIC OKO
ISBN: 9780142420911
Publication Date: 2017-07-11
Sunny, an American, experiences culture clash when she and her Nigerian-born parents move back to Nigeria. There, she discovers she has latent magical abilities. With a murderer on the loose, she will have to learn to use those abilities fast if she's going to save herself and her new friends.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Call Number: JFIC ALE
ISBN: 9780544107717
Publication Date: 2014-03-18
"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering," This fast and furious free-verse novel features twin basketball stars who experience serious challenges on and off the court.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o; Vashti Harrison (Illustrator);
Call Number: JP NYO
ISBN: 9781534425361
Publication Date: 2019-10-15
When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.

Recommended by Tina

Celebrate Pride Month⁠ — LGBTQA+⁠ — Monday, June 1, 2020

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
Call Number: FIC WAT
ISBN: 9781594633119
Publication Date: 2014-09-16
In 1922, Francis Wray and her mother are forced to take in lodgers. Frances has no idea that the arrival of Lilian Barber and her husband will bring passion, love and murder.

Recommended by Letitia

Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
ISBN: 9780307809049
Publication Date: 2012
In this charged collection of fifteen essays and speeches, Lorde takes on sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and class, and propounds social difference as a vehicle for action and change.

Recommended by Laurel

Catfishing on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer
Call Number: YFIC KRI
ISBN: 9781250165084
Publication Date: 2019-11-19
Sentient AI helps a teen whose family is on the run from her abusive father. Hilarious scene where teens hack a sex education robot to provide GLBTQ positive information in the classroom

Recommended by Kylie

Star-Crossed by Barbara Dee
Call Number: JFIC DEE
ISBN: 9781481478489
Publication Date: 2017-03-14
Twelve-year-old Mattie navigates drama with her friends, both onstage and off, including brilliant, pretty -- and British! -- Gemma. Is it possible to have a crush on both boys AND girls?

Recommended by Laurel

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (Illustrator)
Call Number: JP LOV
ISBN: 9780763690458
Publication Date: 2018-04-23
Julian wants to dress as beautifully as the ladies he sees on the subway. He makes a costume from items in Abuela's house. But what will she think of the accidental mess he makes? And more importantly, of how he sees himself?

Recommended by Kelly

Audiobooks⁠ — Monday, May 25, 2020

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
Call Number: MYS THO
ISBN: 9780425281406
Publication Date: 2016-10-18
When Charlotte Holmes finds herself homeless on the streets of London, and her sister and father framed for murder, she will have to use every one of her wits to find a way to survive and clear their names. First in a series.

Recommended by Stephanie

The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
Call Number: 814 G 2019
ISBN: 9781616207922
Publication Date: 2019-02-12
Poet Gay - who also narrates the audiobook - spent a year chronicling the many ordinary things (among them nicknames, airplane rituals, and hummingbirds) that delight him.

Recommended by Sharon

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Call Number: YFIC LEE
ISBN: 9780062382801
Publication Date: 2017-06-27
Historical, swashbuckling, bisexual, crush-on-your-best-friend European adventure that reads like your favorite fanfic? Yes, please!

Recommended by Kerri

Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel José Older
Call Number: JFIC OLD
ISBN: 9781338268812
Publication Date: 2018-09-11
Kids fighting for freedom during the Civil War, talking to dinosaurs telepathically, and Channie Waites narrating the nonstop action with awesome dino sounds - what are you waiting for? First in a series

Recommended by Sunny

Matilda by Roald Dahl; Quentin Blake (Illustrator)
Call Number: JFIC ROA
ISBN: 9780142410370
Publication Date: 2007-08-16
Dahl's classic Matilda comes to life with an excellent narration by Kate Winslet

Recommended by Ginger

Humor ⁠— Monday, May 18, 2020

Burglars Can't Be Choosers by Lawrence Block; Richard Ferrone (Narrated by)
Call Number: MYS BLO
ISBN: 9781449872588
Publication Date: 2011-03-28
Bernie Rhodenbarr is a New York burglar who can't get a break...and can't let go of a mystery. Hijinks ensue.

Recommended by Deb

You Can't Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson; Jessica Williams (Foreword by)
Call Number: B ROBINSON 2016
ISBN: 9780143129202
Publication Date: 2016-10-04
Phoebe Robinson (half of Two Dope Queens) gives hilarious insights on everything from the hottest member of U2 to the racist microaggressions that come with being a black woman in America

Recommended by Letitia

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand; Brodi Ashton; Jodi Meadows
Call Number: YFIC HAN
ISBN: 9780062391742
Publication Date: 2016-06-07
Forget everything you know about about the Tudors as you join sixteen year old Lady Jane Grey and a colorful cast of characters in her attempt to rob King Edward of his throne. Sometimes history gets it all wrong.

Recommended by Kelly

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
Call Number: JFIC HIA
ISBN: 9780375868429
Publication Date: 2012-03-27
Wacky, surreal satire with a fast-paced, escalating plot. Light and funny with a serious message about protecting the environment.

Recommended by Kylie

Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator); Kate DiCamillo
Call Number: JFIC DIC
ISBN: 9780763622701
Publication Date: 2005-08-23
Mercy Watson, beloved pet pig, is on the loose! Full of action-packed hijinks, this book is sure to make readers laugh out loud.

Recommended by Jill