Staff Picks
What should you read, watch or listen to next? We're so glad you asked!
Love stumbling on a fun book display at the library? Welcome to the online version! Dive into our Library staff’s top picks—books, movies, music, and more—by theme, age, awards, read-alikes, and all kinds of cool topics we just can’t stop talking about.
If You Liked: I Love Boosters
If you loved this surreal comedy about race, class, and fashion you might want to check out these other movies.
Adult Nonfiction Adapted for Young Readers
Great for young readers, but I would argue great also for adults who balk at dense books but are still *curious* about things (like me!).
Turmoil within 60 Minutes
Books about the history of 60 Minutes and titles by and about some of the current and former people who have worked on the show.
If You Liked: Such Charming Liars
These are also thrilling books you won't want to put down.
I Need a Hero: Boy Protagonists in Teen Fantasy
Does it sometimes feel like every teen fantasy novel has a girl in the spotlight? This list is the answer!
If You Liked: The Bletchley Riddle
These books are also about topics like World War II or teenagers in war or feature powerful female characters.
If You Liked: The Ballerina of Auschwitz
Read these picks for stories about teenagers in the Holocaust.
I Need a Hero: Boy Protagonists in Teen Fantasy
Does it sometimes feel like every teen fantasy novel has a girl in the spotlight? This list is the answer!
Adult Nonfiction Adapted for Young Readers
Great for young readers, but I would argue great also for adults who balk at dense books but are still *curious* about things (like me!).
If You Liked: Boy 2.0
These stories are also about superhero origin stories, many featuring kids of color.
If You Liked: Westfallen
Read these picks because they feature preteens solving mysteries or time traveling. Many are also historical fiction or alternate timelines.
2026 Picture Books Highlights - Part 1
Here are my favorite picture books published in the first half of 2026!
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Under Construction --> Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Please enjoy these books all about construction work and enjoying the great outdoors!
Library Joy
Here's a list of books for young readers to help them celebrate their library joy - for National Library Week (and any week)
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Kansas and U.S. History
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf's June focus is Kansas and U.S. History.
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
Nature and Outdoors in Kansas
The April Kansas 250 Bookshelf focuses on exploring nature and the outdoors in Kansas.
Kansas Poetry
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf was created by the State Library of Kansas in conjunction with America 250.
I Need a Hero: Boy Protagonists in Teen Fantasy
Does it sometimes feel like every teen fantasy novel has a girl in the spotlight? This list is the answer!
If You Liked: I Love Boosters
If you loved this surreal comedy about race, class, and fashion you might want to check out these other movies.
Adult Nonfiction Adapted for Young Readers
Great for young readers, but I would argue great also for adults who balk at dense books but are still *curious* about things (like me!).
If You Liked: Boy 2.0
These stories are also about superhero origin stories, many featuring kids of color.
Turmoil within 60 Minutes
Books about the history of 60 Minutes and titles by and about some of the current and former people who have worked on the show.
If You Liked: Such Charming Liars
These are also thrilling books you won't want to put down.
Northwest Region Reads: "Maybe Next" May
Here's what the staff of Monticello / DeSoto / Shawnee will read "maybe next". What's on your TBR? Will you add any of these titles?
Great Novels for Wedding Season (from the NYT)
These books dig into the thrilling, ugly and swoon-worthy drama of a happy couple’s big day.
The Nonfiction Everyone Will Be Reading This Summer
Slather on some sunscreen and lose yourself in a chlorinated haze with these memoirs, biographies and deeply-reported investigations.
If You Liked: The Bletchley Riddle
These books are also about topics like World War II or teenagers in war or feature powerful female characters.
90's Teens
Have you ever wondered what life was like for teenagers in the 1990's?
If You Liked: Westfallen
Read these picks because they feature preteens solving mysteries or time traveling. Many are also historical fiction or alternate timelines.
If You Liked: The Ballerina of Auschwitz
Read these picks for stories about teenagers in the Holocaust.
Pride
This is a selection of books celebrating Pride Month, sometimes specified as LGBTQ Pride Month.
The Trendy Twelve
The Blue Valley School District's Trendy Twelve for middle school readers is available and here are the books!
If You Liked: Louder Than Hunger
You'll like these books because they also feature teenagers dealing with strong feelings and tough situations.