Staff Picks 2021: Children, Teens and Young Adult
Published on 13th December 2021
Well, here we are again, yet another year coming to a close. And while there’s no denying that it’s been challenging, thankfully it’s also been filled with lots of great books to help us navigate our way through it. So today we thought we’d share some of our favourites with you; some that you’ll know already, and some that may be new to you. We hope you’ll find something here that you like, and maybe even a new title or two to add to your ‘to-be-read’ list. You can reserve all the books listed at the links below, and collect from a library of your choosing. Or why not drop into your local library when you’re passing to stock up on your Christmas reading pile? There’s lots to choose from and friendly, helpful library staff to guide you.
If you don’t have a library card at the moment, contact your local library and they will help you to join; see here for more information on library membership. Or contact us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help.
Happy Christmas and happy reading to all of you from all of us here in Dublin City Libraries.
Teen/Young Adult
The New Girl / Sinéad Moriarty
The winner of the Teen and Young Adult Book of the Year in this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards: a Syrian refugee joins Ruby’s class in this is heart-warming tale of friendship, hope and courage.
When the Sky Falls / Phil Earle
A tense and extraordinary story about a boy charged with protecting a silverback gorilla in a run-down zoo as the bombs of the Second World War begin to fall.
Gut Feelings / C.G. Moore
A powerful coming of age verse novel that tells us the story of Chris and his battle with chronic illness; a powerful and a poignant read.
All Our Hidden Gifts / Caroline O'Donoghue
A dark and supernatural contemporary teen debut; a gripping, fierce and brilliant read.
Love is a Revolution / by Renée Watson
From a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, this love story is not just about a romantic relationship but about falling in love with yourself and who you really are; a warm and honest tale with lovable characters.
The Last Hawk / Elizabeth Wein
Nazi Germany as seen through the eyes of a shy girl with a stammer who finds confidence when she becomes a glider pilot. Ingrid learns dangerous truths about what’s happening in her country and must decide where her loyalties lie.
Children
The Summer I Robbed a Bank / David O'Doherty; illustrated by Chris Judge
Winner of this year’s Irish Children’s Book Award, this is a heart-warming, hilarious and madcap tale. And it’s got sheep in it too!
Aldrin Adams and the Cheese Nightmares / Paul Howard; illustrated by Lee Cosgrove
Shortlisted for this year’s Children's Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, this hilarious story has it all: adventure, mystery, magic… and some very smelly cheeses!
Lily's dream: a Lissadell Story / Judi Curtin; illustrated by Rachel Corcoran
The latest instalment in the popular series, Lily’s life as a maid in Lissadell House is always interesting, but with so much going on, she’ll need to keep all her wits about her.
My Big Mouth / Steven Camden
Big lies lead to big trouble in this funny and tender book about friendship, storytelling and the price of being cool.
The Small Things / Lisa Thompson; illustrated by Hannah Coulson
Inspired by a true story, a ground-breaking robot helps friendship blossom in this warm-hearted and uplifting tale.
Based on the author’s own experiences of growing up as an immigrant in America, this is a wonderful and moving story that touches on a lot of complex themes such as racism, bullying and poverty.