Fall 2024 Reading Recommendations

9/22/24

Welcome to autumn with these back-to-school reads! Embrace new beginnings and unexpected friendships as we approach the season of stars and spookiness.

Cosmic Wonder: Halley’s Comet and Humankind by Ashley Benham-Yazdani

In a wondrous story told from the comet’s point of view, Benham-Yazdani weaves scenes of Halley’s hurtling through space with views of Earth and its evolving flora and fauna below. Each visit reveals how curious and creative humans transform the planet, contributing war and pollution but also a boundless capacity to love.

Never Whistle at Night by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

Many Indigenous people believe that one should never whistle at night because it can cause evil spirits to appear—and even follow you home. These tales introduce readers to ghosts, curses, hauntings, monstrous creatures, complex family legacies, desperate deeds, and chilling acts of revenge.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Having spent twenty-seven years behind in his enclosure, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

Cloud and Wallfish by Anne Nesbet

Noah Keller has a pretty normal life, until one wild afternoon when his parents pick him up from school and head straight for East Berlin, telling him on the ride that his name isn’t really Noah and he didn’t really just turn eleven in March. And he can’t even ask them why.

Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

When the letter “Z” topples from its statue in the fictional island of Nollop, authorities begin banning this letter from all use. As other tiles fall, additional laws are passed, and it is up to Ella Minnow Pea to restore order by finding a new pangram.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone…except the villains they once overthrew.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

A satirical and comedic play depicting the tangled affairs of two young men about town who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations, both assuming the name Ernest while wooing the two young women of their affections. 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Chemist Elizabeth Zott finds herself the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Her unusual approach to cooking proves revolutionary because she isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo. 

Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book? by Ally Carter

Have you always wanted to write a book, but don't know where to start? Fear not -- if you have writing-related questions, this book has answers! Whether you're writing for fun or to build a career, bestselling YA author Ally Carter is ready to help you make your work shine.