Brent Spiner
[isbn]
Brent Spiner, the actor who portrayed the beloved android Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation, pens this fictional memoir of his time on the show. It’s a delightful whodunit full of laugh-out-loud moments, twists, turns, and heart. I read the book in one sitting — it’s that entertaining. The perfect gift for the Star Trek fan in your life!
Recommended by Matt K.
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Dav Pilkey
[isbn]
I love Dave Pilkey’s newest series, which really focuses on how fostering creativity can help us in all aspects of our lives. Also, it shows just how much fun it is to make — and read — your own comics.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen
[isbn]
When I first heard that the Boss and the former president were collaborating on a podcast, I thought they’d make an odd couple, but then I listened and it made perfect sense. I’m glad to be able to read — and to give — this expansion with photos and additional material.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Rainbow Rowell
[isbn]
I am so, so excited for the conclusion to Rainbow Rowell’s Simon Snow trilogy! And I know that I’m going to be so, so satisfyingly sad when I finish it.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jeff Kinney
[isbn]
Scary stories are an endless source of fun for kids (and who are we kidding, for all of us!), but when they’re coming from the mind of Rowley Jefferson? Prepare yourself for more shrieks and ghoulish giggles than you can shake a broomstick at.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Mark Bittman
[isbn]
First, Mark Bittman brought us VB6. Now, he ratchets up his crusade to get people cooking and eating better by delving into our unsustainable, destructive, and unhealthy agricultural and food production systems. We don't need to buy more organic veggies, Bittman claims, we need to start a revolution. After reading this incisive book, I'm ready to appoint him leader.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jeff Kinney
[isbn]
Life is never boring for erstwhile adolescent Greg Heffley, and this new round of adventures involves a less-than-pleasant RV park, bad weather, and possible calamity. Diary fans will eat up the Heffley family's cascade of problems, and Greg's hilarious — if bad-mannered — take on the highs and lows of life.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Ernest Cline
[isbn]
Let’s face it: We all could use a nostalgia machine right now. Cline’s Ready Player Two is here to whisk you back into the riddle-riddled world of Oasis for a story of wit, trivia, and one-on-one combat.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jessica Hische
[isbn]
The end of the day is the perfect time to look toward tomorrow and plan for momentous things: like being brave, being strong, being curious. Through Jessica Hische’s bold designs and beautiful, shout-it-from-the-rooftops text, kids learn the joy of possibility and the power of words.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Margaret Wilkerson Sexton
[isbn]
This riveting, tautly written novel tells the parallel stories of Josephine, who escapes slavery to become a successful farmer, and her fifth-generation descendant, Ava, both of whom find themselves in the clutches of dangerous white women. The Revisioners illustrates how alive the connections between our past and our present remain, while delivering an intriguing cast of characters and suspenseful plot that make this book difficult to... (read more)
Recommended by Matt K.
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Anthony Doerr
[isbn]
If you feel paralyzed by the idea of choosing just one short story collection, pick up the 2019 edition of the Best American Short Stories series instead. The beauty of this collection is that you can skip the stories that don’t immediately engage you, read stories by well-known masters of the form, and be introduced to new favorites. Edited by Anthony Doerr (All the Light We Cannot See), the 2019 anthology is a perfect fit for folks who... (read more)
Recommended by Matt K.
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James Rallison
[isbn]
James Rallison is much more than a cult favorite at this point, but his work still feels like a special discovery or a secret handshake. This sequel is filled with more hilarious stories delivered in his candid, charming style.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Joel Christian Gill
[isbn]
Bessie Stringfield was the first black woman to cross the US by herself on a motorcycle! This story imagines Bessie as a young girl wanting to go as fast as the boys. A story for anyone who has been told they're not enough and wanted to fight back.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Adam Silvera
[isbn]
Adam Silvera’s new LGBTQ-inclusive fantasy world is set with demigods, power-hungry wannabes, phoenixes, and other creatures. In a novel bursting with color and action, twin brothers (who couldn’t be more different from each other) come of age in time of whirlwind social media. Explosive!
Recommended by Matt K.
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Brent Weeks
[isbn]
The fifth and final book in the Lightbringer series, The Burning White is a wholly satisfying read, full of even more plot twists, sacrifice, equally bad choices, epic battles, and much more. This is absolutely one of those books you won't want to stop reading, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Every fantasy fan should read The Burning White as soon as possible.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Marissa Meyer
[isbn]
Revelations come to light as alliances are exposed, and answers are divulged, in what is a truly spectacular conclusion to one of the best new YA trilogies out there. Without giving away any spoilers, there is also a hands-down, not-to-be-missed epilogue — because it’s not over, folks, until it’s OVER.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Maja Säfström
[isbn]
An engaging compendium of animal facts (bats give birth upside down! parrots name their young!) accompanied by playful ink drawings, Maja Säfström’s Amazing Facts About Baby Animals is a delightful way to celebrate the world’s diversity while refueling on fascinating conversation starters for all those holiday parties.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Debbie Harry
[isbn]
Debbie Harry may not take herself that seriously, but she deeply respects the creative process. In her memoir, she explains how the bygone friendships and locales of ’70s New York inspired her and helped make Blondie rock-and-roll superstars.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Edmund Morris
[isbn]
Thomas Edison was a colossus of American life, holding over a thousand patents when he died. The great inventor is a fitting subject for Edmund Morris’s final work, for which he spent seven years working through Edison’s voluminous archives.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jeff Kinney
[isbn]
New troubles arrive on the other side of a family inheritance for the Heffleys, once they begin fixing up their house. There are nothing like home improvement antics to drive everyone crazy, as Kinney continues doing what he does best, serving up relatable kids’ humor in a bestselling series.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Frank Miller and Thomas Wheeler
[isbn]
Cursed delivers a strong feminist retelling of the sword in the stone, where it’s the Lady of the Lake who is the chosen hero of legend. Nimue's ferocity combined with the freshness of the plot make this action-driven story one epic novel.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Alexandra Horowitz
[isbn]
In Our Dogs, Ourselves, Alexandra Horowitz takes us inside the relationship between humans and dogs, opening our eyes to the many rules and requirements that narrate our canine friends’ domestic existences. From naming them to the songs we sing to them, she shows us who we are by how we treat them, and also a better way forward for honoring the true nature of these most loyal of all companions.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Sandra Boynton
[isbn]
With simple verse and her well-known sweet and brightly colored cartoon illustrations, Sandra Boynton ushers kids along the process of getting ready for bed, from tooth brushing to PJ-ing to, yes, finally, snoring, in this delightfully gentle and decidedly Boynton-y take on the classic bedtime story.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Yuval Noah Harari
[isbn]
Having written about mankind’s past and future, Harari turns his keen eye and provocative fusion of historical and scientific reasoning to an examination of the present. Harari is a captivating writer, unafraid to follow the paths technology, climate change, national politics, and other hot button issues are leading us on. It’s a journey well worth joining.
Recommended by Matt K.
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DK
[isbn]
With over 50 plans for creative models including a Corellia hologram, a Vader Jet Ski, and a Scavenger crane, along with the bricks to create your own Cloud Car with Bespin Guard minifigure, this set is bound to keep young Jedi Knights dreaming up their own galactic creations.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Sara Beth Greene and Jimmy Thompson
[isbn]
One Max train, four dragon boats, ten Portland bridges… even the Chapman swifts make an appearance. With fun cartoons in bright primary colors, Portland 1 to 10 is an adorably small board book packed with delights. A great way for Portland kids to get to know their city.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Timothy Egan
[isbn]
Regional author Egan’s classic travelogue of the Pacific Northwest has only grown more prescient (and pressing) since its 1990 release. In The Good Rain, Egan follows the path of Theodore Winthrop, who in 1853 journeyed across Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Winthrop was overcome by the wild majesty of the Pacific Northwest; Egan is equally in awe, but also angry about the clear-cutting of old-growth forests, threats to local... (read more)
Recommended by Matt K.
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Dav Pilkey
[isbn]
An excellent series for reluctant readers continues, as Dog Man and Petey the Cat are faced with new problems, ranging from tackling supervillains and parental woes… to being chased by balls? No trouble is too great and no pun too silly for our favorite bunch of supa buddies.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Bob Shea
[isbn]
It’s Unicorn’s first day back at school! But getting his classmates’ attention is proving challenging. Will Unicorn’s plan to wow them with lots of razzle-dazzle do the trick? Through playful illustrations and prose, Bob Shea shows that even unicorns can struggle to find their magic.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Tui T Sutherland
[isbn]
The exciting dragon series continues as Sundew and her tribe of LeafWings get more than they bargained for when they head deep into the jungle, seeking a long-held secret to advance their war against the HiveWings. Could there be a new hidden tribe of dragons, or something altogether different that awaits them?
Recommended by Matt K.
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Randy Ribay
[isbn]
A young Filipino American visits the Philippines to determine what really happened to his murdered cousin in this fantastic, moving novel about immigration, survival, family secrets, and President Duterte’s ongoing war on drugs. Once again, acclaimed author Randy Ribay gives voice to a marginalized community to riveting effect.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jacob Shell
[isbn]
In his fascinating book, Shell illuminates the surprising working relationship between humans and elephants that has existed for millennia in Southeast Asia. Prized for their strength and ingenuity, elephants are paired with riders during the day and roam free at night. Giants offers a new perspective on a beguiling creature.
Recommended by Matt K.
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David McCullough
[isbn]
Prize-winning historian McCullough illuminates the national and regional politics of 18th-century America and the everyday lives of the extraordinary first band of pioneers to settle in the Northwest Territory. Little known, engagingly written, and meticulously researched, The Pioneers will satisfy a wide range of history fans.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jeff Kinney
[isbn]
Rowley Jefferson, Greg Heffley’s sunny and hapless best friend, is finally getting a book of his own and we’re thrilled. When Greg tasks Rowley with writing his biography (he'll be famous one day, you know), things go hopelessly and hilariously awry.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Peter Rock
[isbn]
A young man and a mysterious young widow spend their evenings swimming in Lake Michigan, until she disappears. Years later, the narrator reconstructs their relationship with the help of photographs, texts, and other remnants of that period, seeking answers in this unsettling, semiautobiographical novel from one of Portland’s best writers.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Ameet Studio
[isbn]
LEGO is back with another fantastic Harry Potter book, this time an activity book full of fun games, puzzles, comics, and much more. It also comes with a buildable figurine of Harry, complete with Hedwig and a broomstick!
Recommended by Matt K.
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Tom Barbash
[isbn]
Considering The Dakota Winters involves a famous late-night TV host, John Lennon, and malaria, it’s surprising how intimate, relatable, and comforting Barbash’s family drama is to read. Funny and bittersweet, this novel about fathers, sons, and the possibilities (and pitfalls) of New York City is a total charmer.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Michael Diamond, Adam Horovitz
[isbn]
No! Sleep! Till I finish this seriously entertaining book mixed together by Ad-Rock and Mike D (weaving in guest spots from famous fans like Amy Poehler, Jonathan Lethem, and Spike Jonze) that feels like a playfully constructed scrapbook and heartfelt personal chronicle all in one.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Doris Kearns Goodwin
[isbn]
An engrossing and nuanced look at the leadership styles of some of our most effective presidents (Abraham Lincoln, both Roosevelts, and Lyndon B. Johnson), Goodwin’s inspiring new tome is the perfect antidote for anyone feeling despondent over our current leadership.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Dav Pilkey
[isbn]
The wordplay pun-fun continues in this bestselling series as Dog Man and his pals are called upon to work together with the notorious Petey, the World’s Most Evil Cat, in order to bring justice to the town against a motley crew of bad guys.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Angela Duckworth
[isbn]
What motivates us, allows us to push through obstacles, and to stay committed to fulfilling our dreams? It turns out it's less about intellect and more about tenacity, according to Angela Duckworth's Grit. Through experiments, studies, and interviews, she demonstrates that it's never too late to learn how to start living your best life.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Lisa Margonelli
[isbn]
Termites are more than just the pests eating your new deck. In Margonelli’s articulate and often hilarious hands, they are a key to understanding the nature and direction of mankind. From genetics to robotics, Arizona to Africa, Underbug’s far-reaching quest to uncover the links between man and mite both fascinates and surprises.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jarrett Krosoczka
[isbn]
With a scary droid principal in charge and strange new rules in place, something seriously weird is going on at Jedi Academy. Join the intrepid Victor Starspeeder and his friends as they get to the bottom of the mystery!
Recommended by Matt K.
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Peter Wohlleben
[isbn]
Peter Wohlleben’s small, info-packed books reveal the elaborate interplay of the natural world in a remarkably accessible manner. Here he writes about the weather and its very local impact on our own gardens, offering up tips on how to read nature’s clues and appreciate its quiet ingenuity.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Anthony Horowitz
[isbn]
Horowitz makes murder practically delightful in this beyond-clever British puzzler involving a famous actor, his murdered mother, a disgraced detective, and a writer named Anthony Horowitz. Creepy and charming in equal measure, you can tell Horowitz had a blast writing The Word Is Murder, and you’ll have even more fun reading it.
Recommended by Matt K.
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James A. McLaughlin
[isbn]
Rice Moore becomes the caretaker of a private Appalachian nature preserve for the solitude and safety it offers, but when a trespasser finds a dead bear, Moore’s criminal past rears its ugly head. Terrifically atmospheric and charged, Bearskin shimmers like a midsummer haze between the real and the feared.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Neal Stephenson, Nicole Galland
[isbn]
With The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O., Stephenson and Galland have brought us a deliciously labyrinthine satire involving time travel, magic, witches… and mountains of bureaucratic paperwork. D.O.D.O. is ingenious and so much fun to read.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Daniel H Wilson
[isbn]
Imaginative and deeply learned, Wilson’s latest collection examines the empathic potential of artificial intelligence, and the fierce love between fathers and children.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jonathan Santlofer
[isbn]
Bringing together some of today’s most talented creative minds into one impressive anthology, It Occurs to Me features original stories and art as varied and expansive as our country’s many challenges. Though it doesn’t offer any easy answers, it is a hopeful collection, filled with empathy and acuity. I urge you to pick this up.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Matt De La Peña and Loren Long
[isbn]
Matthew de la Peña's writing is gentle and poetic, and Loren Long's lyrical illustrations are full of beautiful authenticity in this sweet homage to love. The book doesn't shy away from anxiety and sorrow, but it always depicts them surrounded by and lightened by love.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Tui T. Sutherland and Mike Holmes
[isbn]
Clay the dragonet has grown up under a mountain, and, along with four other dragonets, has been chosen to fulfill a prophecy to end the war of the dragon tribes. Warm illustrations and an epic adventure make this graphic novel adaptation of the bestselling series a great pick for all ages.
Recommended by Matt K.
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David Frum
[isbn]
David Frum is a senior editor at the Atlantic and was a speechwriter for George W. Bush; he's not exactly a progressive liberal. But he's been an eloquent voice sounding the alarm about Trump and his administration's dangerous and corrupt dismantling of American democracy. Trumpocracy is a clear-eyed, compelling, and astute appraisal of the way Trump's deception, narcissism, and incompetence are permanently damaging our country.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Rachel Renee Russell
[isbn]
As the end of the school year approaches, Nikki Maxwell is dealing with a lot of messy drama, and it all comes to a head in Tales From a Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe. Nikki is as charming and relatable as always in this 12th installment of the addictive Dork Diaries series.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Andy Ricker, Jj Goode
[isbn]
The food in this fantastic cookbook is celebratory, designed to be paired with drinks and friends. The recipes range from basic (fried peanuts), to adventurous (Pork Ribs Grilled Underwater), to the really adventurous (Northern Thai Frog Soup). It's (almost) as good as a trip to Thailand.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Nate Blakeslee
[isbn]
Take an intrepid wolf, put it in Yellowstone’s famous Lamar Valley, throw in a mix of conservationists, hunters, and ranchers, and you have the makings for an arresting story full of conflict, suspense, and heartbreak. Blakeslee’s beautifully written book may be nonfiction, but it reads like a novel.
Recommended by Matt K.
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Jonathan Eig
[isbn]
Jonathan Eig had incredible access both to enormous amounts of new material (including interviews and FBI files) and to the most important people in Muhammad Ali's life. His diligent research has produced this fascinating, readable, and definitive biography of Ali, which might change your understanding of one of the most absorbing figures in sports history.
Recommended by Matt K.
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