Lists

Staff recommend their favorite classic horror novels.

Young adult (YA) literature, broadly defined as books intended for those ages 12 to 18, wasn’t officially recognized as a category until the 1960s. Even though these books are based on the lives of teens, readers of all ages enjoy them. Here are some of the most influential YA titles throughout the years.

Our staff members enjoy these young adult titles.

From movies to TV series, we've got something to cast the right viewing spell.

These influential directors have broken barriers in film and have established themselves as "directors to watch." Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.

Enjoy this wide variety of critically acclaimed international feature films from around the world. Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.

Enjoy this wide array of critically acclaimed documentaries from around the world. Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.

These influential directors have broken barriers in film and have established themselves as "directors to watch." Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.

Enjoy a wide variety of our favorite fantasy picks, all recommended by our wonderful staff.

In 2013, the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a globally peer reviewed report that concluded, "climate change is real and human activities, largely the release of polluting gases from burning fossil fuel (coal, oil, gas), is the main cause. Here are some books to help make sense of the impact of climate change.

Whether the nature you know is outside your back door or a wilderness destination, there is endless beauty and wonder to be celebrated in the natural world. Here, Skokie librarians share some favorite books about nature and the benefits of getting outdoors.

Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and life experiences of Native and Indigenous people in these adult fiction books.

An introduction to disability, these books showcase the diverse worlds of disabled children and adults to help foster a community of inclusion and accessibility. When able, I focused on titles that were created by authors and illustrators who identify as disabled. I also noted which titles are set in dyslexic-friendly fonts or have other formats, like eBooks or audiobooks.

From slashers to haunted houses, these books are perfect for any spooky occasion.

Enjoy these films.

Books featuring Hispanic characters, settings, and stories, with a focus on Hispanic authors and illustrators.

From funny to fantasy, realistic to historical, there's something for every middle-schooler to love here.

The list includes books for kids just learning to read, through independent readers. Also see the staff picks list for picture books for this age group.

In this list, you'll find funny books, fantasies, realistic stories about kids trying to fit in, true adventure stories, and more.

From books about zombies to escape rooms to spies to time travelers to spooky stories to friend and school stories , this list has staff favorites for every kind of reader.

These are books we think grown-ups will love to share with the littlest readers in their lives. They range from silly to unusual to deeply meaningful, and everything in-between.

Many kids love to share picture books with their grown-ups, and these books were specially chosen for this purpose. Also see the 2024 staff picks list of readers, chapter books, and nonfiction for grade K-2.

Hit the basketball court with your friends and face your greatest opponent, solve the mystery of a summer camp slasher, explore the glittering streets of a fantastical city, kill the mutant monster stalking you in detention, and more! If you're in grades 6, 7, or 8, all of these stories are waiting for you.

Great books for new young readers in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade, to enjoy.

Staff recommend their favorite classic horror novels.

Library staff share their favorite audiobook titles.

Whether you are looking for books with teens who are Muslim or wonderful stories that happen to be written by Muslim authors, explore these books from a variety of genres that everyone can enjoy.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

These books honor the achievements and contributions of women in history.

Although it is impossible to fully encompass the breadth of women's experiences, these are some of our recent favorites.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. These books for younger readers discuss the significance of Ramadan.

Be inspired by the lives and creative passions of extraordinary women artists and creators. Enjoy these picture book biographies and great stories to stir your artistic imagination.

Enjoy these books showcasing aspects of neurodiversity, autism, and sensory processing disorders. When possible, we focused on books created by authors and illustrators who identify as neurodivergent.

For lovers of the cottage-core lifestyle and aesthetic, these titles explore the joys of simple living and the magic that can be found when we take a step back from the rush of city life.

These stories highlight the experiences and perspectives of Asian American and Pacific Islander authors.