A big year for reading at Halifax Public Libraries. As we do every year at The Reader, we polled our staff all across our entire library system to see their favourite books of 2014.
What a response! Stay tuned over the next few days for lists of our picks from the best published in fiction, nonfiction and children’s and young adult books. I know they’ve piqued my interest and have lengthened my “to read” list!
Children’s Books
Thank You, Octopus by Darren Farrell
“Darren Farrell’s newest picture book is a hilarious and silly story of Octopus and Buddy at bedtime. Octopus helps Buddy by preparing a warm bath… in egg salad! Similar antics follow – readers of all ages will find book this a delight!” Christine
The World of Mamoko in the Time of Dragons by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
““It’s a wonderful, wordless picture book (the third in a series about the inhabitants of Mamoko) where the reader gets to create their own narrative based on the busy action on each very full double page spread.” Ashley
El Deafo by Cece Bell
“It’s a memoir about overcoming of the trials of hearing loss at a young age. It was sometimes sad, but also sweet and uplifting, too.” Chantale
Young Adult Books
Lady Thief by A.C. Gaughen
““The second in A.C. Gaughen’s Scarlet series, Lady Thief is action-packed and imaginative. To all but a few, Scarlet was part of Robin Hood’s band of thieves—not a daring girl harbouring secrets of her own. When her identity is revealed and she is forced to marry against her will, she must rely on her wits and strength to protect the ones she loves.” Christine
The Girl Who Never Was by Skylar Dorset
“It’s about teenager Selkie Stewart, who thinks she’s living a relatively normal life in Boston but for whom things start getting very strange very quickly. This book has a bit of everything: fantasy, romance, friendships, action, and appealing characters. I love the two lead characters, Selkie and her friend Ben, and their touching loyalty to one another.” Ashlee
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki
“From Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki, creators of the multi-award-winning graphic novel Skim, comes a stunning and authentic story of friendship, illustrated with subtly heart-breaking moments and pure summer joy.” publisher
Ms. Marvel. Vol 1. No Normal by G. Willow Wilson
“Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City, until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm!” publisher.
Batwoman. Volume 4. This Blood is Thick by J.H. Williams
“After taking down Medusa, Batwoman expected her life to get easier. Not so much when caught in the crossfire between Batman and the D.E.O., Department of Extranormal Operations. The organization has their sights set on the Dark Knight, and could be using Batwoman to capture him. But is Batman the true threat?” publisher
Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of 2011—an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled readers and critics alike. Publishers Weekly called it “an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters.” publisher
