Looking for a new book to check out? Take a look at a few of the recommendations from the Pratt staff.
Nonfiction books
The Residence: Inside the Private World of The White House
By Kate Anderson Brower
“Stories from the White House staff–you couldn’t make them up!”
Recommended by Anne Calhoun, Herring Run Branch
Mr. Know-It-All: The Tarnished Wisdom of a Fifth Elder
By John Waters
“This collection of memoirs and essays from Baltimore’s own John Waters is hilarious, offensive in all the right ways, and even touching.”
Recommended by Morgan Stanton, Canton Branch
Children’s books
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
By Kwame Mbalia
“I love the portrayal of famous creatures and characters from African-American folklore being brought to life. Not only that, but the growth the main character goes through to get over his best friend’s passing is done very well.”
Recommended by George Richardson-Foster, Marina Interlibrary Loan Service (MILO)
This Kid Can Fly: It’s about ability (not disability)
By Aaron Phillip
“Such an endearing, raw, heartfelt story. Will challenge anyone’s ableist preconceived notions and force you to examine how you view people with disabilities.”
Faith Owhonda, Herring Run Branch
Young Adult books
“Three generations of a white family in Pennsylvania come to grips with their own racism and humanity. The language is beautiful and fierce, the plot is thorny, and the characters are true-blue.”
Recommended by Paula Willey, Southeast Anchor Library
Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds
“A 45-minute read, written completely in verse that is a powerful argument for seeing the effects of gun violence on young black teens. Jason Reynolds is a national treasure.”
Recommended by Ann Gordon, Govan Branch