2019 Staff Favorites, Part 2

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

Book | eBook

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

Read the book


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)

Book | eBook

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

Book | eBook


Young Adult books

Dig
By A.S. King

“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

Book | eBook |eAudio

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

Book | eBook |eAudio

Thank You, Dr. King!

Happy Birthday Dr. King! At the Pratt, we are celebrating the legacy of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all month long. Besides observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (All Pratt branches will be closed on Monday, January 20), there’s a variety of events being held this January.

Selma Screening
Saturday, January 18 at 1pm
Reisterstown Road Branch

Come and watch the award-winning film from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay starring David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Carmen Ejogo, Common, and more.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture: D.O.P.E. (Dedication, Opportunity, Positivity, and Excellence) Dad 101
Sunday, January 19 at 3:30pm
Central Library

This panel discussion featuring Stephen McGill II, Sherman Barksdale, Kenji Jackson, and Glen Mourning will highlight the abilities of Black Fathers and their ability to have a lifelong impact on our children.

Documentary & Discussion: In Remembrance of Martin
Monday, January 27 at 6pm
Washington Village Branch

Join in a thought-provoking film featuring comments from Dr. King’s family, friends, and advisors. You won’t want to miss a discussion with refreshments.


Can’t make it to one of the events? Check out one of these books and films.

A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
By Clayborne Carson

Book | eBook
Becoming King: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Making of a National Leader
By Troy Jackson

Book | eBook
Dear Martin
By Nic Stone

Book | eBook
Día De Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Aaron Carr

eBook
MLK: An American Legacy
By David J. Garrow
eBook
Martin Luther King Jr. – We Shall Overcome
Watch on Kanopy

Envision Financial Freedom in 2020

By Katy Troeschel, Business, Science and Technology Department

We all know that the library promotes literacy, but did you know that financial literacy is a thing? Learn the ins and outs of mastering your money with these upcoming programs at the Central Branch.

Conquering Debt
January 15th at 12pm

Investing 101
February 12th at 12pm

Earn It, Plan It, Keep It
March 18th at 12pm

You Can Bank On It
April 15th at 12pm

No need to register, just show up! These free programs are hosted by CASH Campaign of Maryland, who also provides tax assistance for those who qualify. To find out if you qualify for free tax preparation and to set up your appointment, please contact CASH directly at 410-234-8008 or online at bmorefreetaxes.org  

Don’t forget to add these books to your reading list!

What Matters Most
By Chanel Reynolds

Read the book
How Money Works
By DK Publishing

Read the book
You are a Badass at Making Money
By Jen Sincero

Book | eBook | eAudio

2019 Staff Fiction Favorites

Happy New Year! There’s nothing like starting a new year than by reflecting on all of the great things that happened in the past year. At the Pratt, we are doing just that. Here’s a look at the books our staff couldn’t put down in 2019.

Queenie
By Candice Carty-Williams

“Queenie was hilarious and heartfelt while tackling inter-generational trauma.”

Recommended by Tracy Dimond, Programs and Outreach

Then We Came to the End
By Joshua Ferris

“Joshua Ferris’ novel is a laugh out loud highly original portrait of the modern American corporate business world. The book is narrated by “we” — the employees. One of the funniest novels ever — in a tough genre to write.”

Recommended by Ann Gordon, Govans Branch

Binti
By Nnedi Okorafor

“The writing is smooth and seamless.  The story becomes more and more interesting.  The relationships Binti builds are unusual, and the concepts throughout are imaginative.”

Recommended by Julia Forde, Mobile Job Center

Other Fiction books Pratt Staff recommend…

A Better Man
By Louise Penny
Book | eBook | eAudio
Grief is the Thing with Feathers
By Max Porter
Book | eBook | eAudio
Red, White & Royal Blue
By Casey McQuiston
Book | eBook | eAudio
The Institute
By Stephen King
Book | eBook | eAudio
The New Girl
By Daniel Silva

Book | eBook | eAudio
The Water Dancer
By Ta-Nehisi Coates
Book | eBook | eAudio