Unbroken
By Laura Hillenbrand
On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared–Lt. Louis Zamperini. Captured by the Japanese and driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor.
Recommended by Alan
South Dade Regional
Everneath
By Brodi Ashton
Teenaged Nikki regrets her decision to forfeit her life on Earth to become an immortal on Everneath, a world between Earth and Hell, and is given the chance to return to the Surface for six months.
Modern Day Mythology… Persephone meets Hades, with a twist. Love, passion, romance and bravery.
Recommended by Miriam
Shenandoah Branch
Duckie’s Ducklings
By Frances Barry
Duckie wants to take her ten ducklings for a swim, and looks for them, but can't find them.
Recommended by Ana
West Kendall Regional
Nil
By Lynne Matson
On the mysterious island of Nil, the rules are set. You have exactly 365 days to escape–or you die. Seventeen‑year‑old Charley doesn't know the rules. She doesn't even know where she is. The last thing she remembers is blacking out, and when she wakes up, she's naked in an empty rock field. Lost and alone, Charley finds no sign of other people until she meets Thad, the gorgeous leader of a clan of teenage refugees. Soon Charley learns that leaving the island is harder than she thought… and so is falling in love. With Thad's time running out, Charley realizes that she has to find a way to beat the clock, and quickly.
Recommended by Ricci
Main Library
The Dark Portal
(Book One of the Deptford Mice Trilogy)
By Robin Jarvis
While on a rescue mission, a few daring mice journey below to the sewers to an evil world populated by rats that peel mice before eating them and worship the Dark Lord.
Engaging and unique, this is a great book for middle graders who enjoy Harry Potter and other series with good vs. evil themes.
Recommended by Edda
West Kendall Regional
The Catwings Books
By Ursula K. Le Guin
Ursula Le Guin's beloved series chronicles the many adventures of the winged cats who escape the dangerous and dirty city to live in the countryside.
Whimsical modern fantasies about four winged stray kittens and their escapades in the big city and countryside. These short books will equally delight children and adults.
Recommended by Susan
West Dade Regional
House of Cards
House of Cards is a perfectly written and directed drama about a manipulative mastermind, Frank Underwood, who skillfully positions himself into political power. Frank's witty epigrams offer the occasional chuckle while his depravity shocks even the most lenient of viewers. His wife, Claire, is equally cutthroat in her quest for power, as she keeps poised and polished.
Regardless of years of infidelity, Frank and Claire Underwood share a commitment that reaches beyond conventional love and vows into a mutual desire to leverage one another – an unrivaled symbiosis that pushes the notions of loyalty to unprecedented limits.
As the characters develop, you may find your feelings towards Frank and Claire wavering. Are they fundamentally good or bad people? Are their atrocious antics all for something greater?
This series is intoxicating and fearfully life like.
Recommended by Jessica
Main Library
Sleepyheads
By Sandra J. Howatt; illustrated by Joyce Wan
The sun has set, and sleepyheads all across the land are tucked into their cozy beds. Rabbit is snoozing in the weeds, and Duck is snuggled in the reeds. Bear is nestled in his cave, and Otter is rocking on a wave. But there's one little sleepyhead who's not in his bed. Where, oh where, could he be? This sweet, snuggly, and silly bedtime book with irresistible illustrations is sure to prepare little ones for a cozy night's sleep.
This is a beautifully illustrated book that is perfect for bedtime.
Recommended by Edda
West Kendall Regional