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Staff PicksStaff Picks<div class="ExternalClass488633DC1C80418F83F8B87CB53548F5"><p>​Discover a world of recommendations and more with Staff Picks! Arranged by subject and audience, these lists are carefully selected by Phoenix Public Library staff and offer the best in suggested reading, listening and watching. Explore these lists and see what you discover!<br></p></div>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antiracism Books for KidsAntiracism Books for Kidshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/antiracism-kidsRaising antiracist children means starting the conversation about race early and not stopping as they grow up. Here are some books to help along the way.<div class="ExternalClass22AB55311BB44E45834592BB39148FF1"><p>​Raising antiracist children means starting the conversation about race early and not stopping as they grow up. Here are some books to help along the way.<br></p></div>antiracism-kids
Antiracism ResourcesAntiracism Resourceshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/antiracism-resourcesWhen you know better, you can do better. Don't know where to start? Start here.<div class="ExternalClassFD15C28A27314F9FA33F02C63C6DD884"><p>​When you know better, you can do better. Don't know where to start? Start here.<br></p></div>antiracism-resources
Best New Science BooksBest New Science Books<i class="fas fa-atom"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/best-new-science-booksSee what Collection Development Manager Kathleen Sullivan has chosen as the Best New Science Books!<div class="ExternalClass14A5299571654DB9BA64170D09A11288"><h2>​See what Collection Development Manager Kathleen Sullivan has chosen as the Best New Science Books!​<br></h2></div>best-new-science-books
Bookish BooksBookish Books<i class="fa-solid fa-book-heart"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/bookish-booksBibliophiles unite! Get lost in a novel about all things books. <div class="ExternalClass64BE8FE265FE451795030DEDA52B8BCD"><h3>​Bibliophiles unite! Get lost in a novel about all things books. Whether set in a bookstore, featuring a library, or a love letter to books themselves, these books about books will tickle your literary fancy.​<br></h3></div>bookish-books
Classics RetoldClassics Retold<i class="fa-duotone fa-books"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/classics-retoldBrowse this list of the most interesting, unique, and diverse classic story adaptations staff member Mary has come across. <div class="ExternalClassF4AE6EBC7CEE450390EA0032066C3B46"><h3>Browse this list of the most interesting, unique, and diverse classic story adaptations staff member Mary has come across. ​<br></h3></div>classics-retold
Hispanic Heritage HorrorHispanic Heritage Horror<i class="fa-sharp fa-regular fa-skull"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/hispanic-heritage-horrorhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/100-best-books-of-the-21st-century<div class="ExternalClassBF31B4D14897474BAA88828235595574"><div><h3>​Discover a captivating yet eerie list of reads celebrating Hispanic culture and written by today's brightest Hispanic authors brought to you by Phoenix Public Library Librarian Laura.<br></h3></div></div>hispanic-heritage-horror
Indigenous Peoples' DayIndigenous Peoples' Day<i class="fa-regular fa-people-group"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/indigenous-peoples-dayIndigenous Peoples' Day celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples as well as their heritage and cultures.<div class="ExternalClass416CD4FD1BC44E57881979DBA9421038"><p>​Indigenous Peoples' Day, observed each year on the second Monday in October, celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples as well as their heritage and cultures.<br></p></div>indigenous-peoples-day
KidsKidshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids<div class="ExternalClass63C060273F2D473FAB9DC80B3302A36E"><h2>Whether you're looking for books in a specific reading level or want to browse different topics in books, movies or music, this is the place for you!</h2><br></div>kids
Local Arizona Poets: Past and PresentLocal Arizona Poets: Past and Present<i class="fa-solid fa-cactus"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/local-arizona-poets-past-and-present​Discover the poetic talent of the Grand Canyon State with our selections.<div class="ExternalClassDA39AF40C8AB4E30BD33EECA02F2F367"><p>​Discover the poetic talent of the Grand Canyon State with our selections.<br></p></div>local-arizona-poets-past-and-present
Mythology FictionMythology Fiction<i class="fa-solid fa-building-columns"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/mythology-fictionRetellings of mythological stories<div class="ExternalClass1BE23B01367C4B34BF7B50F8C577D357"><p>​​They are the tales as old as time itself and their varieties are impossible to count. Writers today have drawn rich inspiration from these stories and what has resulted is a diverse and entertaining body of work that has only grown in popularity among modern readers. This list is for existing lovers of the genre as well as those wanting to dip their toe into the melodramatic and addicting world of the gods. <br></p></div>mythology-fiction
Queen Elizabeth IIQueen Elizabeth II<i class="fa-solid fa-crown"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/queen-elizabeth-iiRemembering Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Britain's longest-reigning monarch.<div class="ExternalClass07E8F8C324B14538ACCABE0201446E15"><div><h2>Remembering Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Britain's longest-reigning monarch.<br></h2><h2>Delve into her life, her reign and the accompanying decades of world history with the resources below.​</h2><p><br></p></div></div>queen-elizabeth-ii
Ruth Bader GinsburgRuth Bader Ginsburghttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/ruth-bader-ginsburg<div class="ExternalClass7F5D560CF173433B908273F3374B64FD"><p>​Celebrate the iconic life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by learning about her life and career.​<br></p></div>ruth-bader-ginsburg
Set in ArizonaSet in Arizona<i class="fa-solid fa-cactus"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/set-in-arizonaTravel to your own back yard with these novels set in the Grand Canyon State.<div class="ExternalClass8C70D3A01E8A495F982A2A326B7FA0ED"><h3>​Travel to your own back yard with these novels set in the Grand Canyon State.​<br></h3></div>set-in-arizona
Small Book Big PunchSmall Book Big Punch<i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-burst"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/small-book-big-punchCelebrating the tiny but mighty, this list contains our suggestions for powerful books that are short and sweet.<div class="ExternalClass6A94986EC0894D40A323F02FA6FA51F4"><h3>​Celebrating the tiny but mighty, this list contains our suggestions for powerful books that are short and sweet.​<br></h3></div>small-book-big-punch
Staff Picks for TeensStaff Picks for Teenshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/teensBrowse different topics in books, just for you!<div class="ExternalClass4DC1743EE52D4BD5AE4DB91EE34431BD"><h2>​Browse different topics in books, just for you!</h2><p><br></p></div>teens
Teen Dystopian ReadsTeen Dystopian Reads<i class="fa-solid fa-bookmark"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/teen-dystopian-readsA list of recommended YA reads featuring imagined societies that have gone very, very wrong.<div class="ExternalClassBE40CEE384C64378A1781C83289D7341"><div><h3>Enjoy this list of recommended YA reads featuring imagined societies that have gone very, very wrong.<br>​</h3><h2>dys·to·pi·a</h2></div><div><p>NOUN<br>an imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or post-apocalyptic. Compare with utopia.</p></div><div><p></p></div></div>teen-dystopian-reads
The Best Fresh ReadsThe Best Fresh Reads<i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-stars"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/the-best-fresh-readsThese books are what's hot to read now. They are what's best and fresh. They are the moment. Dive in.<div class="ExternalClass7E6F34B35167484EB38A218C3F3E8119"><p>These books are what's hot to read now. They are what's best and fresh. They are the moment. Dive in.</p><p>These titles ​come recommended from<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/02/books/new-nonfiction-books-fall.html" target="_blank"> The New York Time's 22 Non-Fiction Books to Read for Fall</a>.​<br></p></div>the-best-fresh-reads
The Movie Was BetterThe Movie Was Better<i class="fa-duotone fa-film"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/the-movie-was-better​“The movie is better than the book,” said no one ever. <div class="ExternalClass298CB3FE0AC74BB68EF73EC3C0F9C6AB"><p class="h3">​"The movie was better than the book," said no one ever. While mostly true, it is not always the case. Here is a list of movies that are better than the book from which they were constructed.</p>​<br></div>the-movie-was-better
The New York Times's 100 Best Books of the 21st CenturyThe New York Times's 100 Best Books of the 21st Century<i class="fa-solid fa-books"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/100-best-books-of-the-21st-centurySee what's on the list and get it from Phoenix Public Library! <div class="ExternalClassF00D9923C58C40739CE2BBAB489E3B2C"><h2>​"As voted on by 503 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets, critics and other book lovers — with a little help from the staff of The New York Times Book Review." - The New York Times<br><br></h2><h4><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/best-books-21st-century.html" target="_blank">See what's on the list​</a> and get it from Phoenix Public Library here!<br></h4></div>staff-picks
The Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022The Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022<i class="fa-solid fa-flag-pennant"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/banned-books-week​Exercise your freedom to read what you want.​<div class="ExternalClass0C5002C226BD4AD49876DA154D0C8A2E"><h3>​Exercise your freedom to read what you want.​​<br>​</h3><p>"The American Library Association documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. Of the record 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, these are the most challenged, including reasons cited for censoring the books."<br></p><p>- the American Library Association<br></p></div>banned-books-week
What You're ReadingWhat You're Reading<i class="fa-solid fa-book-heart"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/what-youre-readingWe asked and you answered. This is what Phoenix Public Library's social media community is reading lately.<div class="ExternalClassC00B1E4F6B4845A5B335E875B76B1A03"><h2>​We asked and you answered. </h2><h2>This is what Phoenix Public Library's social media community is reading lately.​<br></h2></div>what-youre-reading
​Antiracism Books for Teens​Antiracism Books for Teenshttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/antiracism-teensGet some perspective on how to be antiracist. Here are some books to help along the way.<div class="ExternalClass4F0A9B68CC394A7DBFF8E6D70738E81B"><p>​Get some perspective on how to be antiracist. Here are some books to help along the way.<br></p></div>antiracism-teens
​​Good Reads by Black Authors: Classic Fiction​​Good Reads by Black Authors: Classic Fictionhttps://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/black-authors-classic-fictionSelect one of these classic novels, or dig deeper and explore more by these influential authors.​Select one of these classic novels, or dig deeper and explore more by these influential authors.black-authors-classic-fiction