GRAB A BOOKMARK

Grab a

Enjoy a picnic along the Fox River — complete with a new book! Here are two recommendations for your June reading list, courtesy of the librarians at Geneva Public Library.

 FOR YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS: "The Boys in the Back Row" by Mike Jung What do you do if your best friend in the world is going to move away? Plan one last grand adventure, of course! "The Boys in the Back Row" by Mike Jung provides plenty of hijinks as it celebrates the friendship between two boys who genuinely care about each other. Matt and Eric have been best friends since fourth grade, and then they learn that Eric is going to move away at the end of sixth grade. They can’t imagine a life without each other. They decide they have to go out in style and plan an epic adventure that will commemorate their friendship.

During an upcoming marching band competition, they will sneak away to a nearby comic book convention and meet their idol! While there are plenty of escapades to enjoy, the core of the story is all about the beauty of Matt and Eric's friendship. The two boys are proud nerds who share a great love for comics, band, orchestra and each other. The book does confront some of the challenges these boys face in middle school, including racism, bullying and the need for acceptance.

Jung handles these topics with humor and insight. This is a well-written, funny and touching book perfect for readers in grades 5 and up. — Ruth O’Brien, library associate  FOR OUR READERS: "A Study in Scarlet Women" by Sherry Thomas Everyone knows Sherlock Holmes. He is a brilliant, London-based detective celebrated for his prowess at using logic — and astute observation — to solve criminal cases. Along with his partner and friend, Dr. Watson, the duo solves high-profile crimes that evaded even Scotland Yard in Victorian England. "A Study in Scarlet Women" by Sherry Thomas challenges what we know about the famous fictional detective and offers a fresh perspective: In this book, Sherlock is really Charlotte, a blond woman forced to create a male proxy to build credibility as a detective. Charlotte does not want the traditional life of marriage and children, and this book traces her quest to make a place for herself in the world. Charlotte is every bit as clever as her male invention, but being a woman, she must be more creative and persuasive in her investigations. Her first case involves three murders that put her skills to the test immediately — especially since her sister and her father are both suspects. Thomas' incarnation of Sherlock as Lady Sherlock is as refreshing as it is absorbing. Sherlock fans will appreciate the references to the original character. And if you enjoy this book, it's the first of a series, so you can treat yourself to more of Lady Sherlock's adventures! — Mary Foster, library associate