Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly Yes, Chef is the new novel by Grace Reilly author of the Beyond the Play Series. In this story a social media influencer falls for the handsome chef her father just fired. The two of them work to launch a new restaurant in Florida. Both have ADHD, which leads them to bond over the struggles they experienced growing up in neurotypical world. The book is inhabited by a diverse group of characters representing a variety of sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds. Yes, Chef will appeal to those fond of grumpy/sunshine romances and who enjoy foodie fiction. Chapters alternate between the two main characters giving insight into both their experiences falling for each other. Beyond the romance there are also strong stories about the complexity of biological and found family relationships. Interested in more culinary romances? Check out T.J. Alexander’s Chef’s Kiss and Casey McQuiston’s The Pairing.
Murder at First Slice by Valerie Burns Murder at First Slice, which comes out next Tuesday, is the latest charming entry in Valerie Burns cozy A Baker Street Mystery series about Maddy Montgomery a content creator who inherited her grandmother’s bakery (and her giant pet dog). In this serving Maddy is preparing for her wedding and dealing with the feud between her future grandmother-in-law, Hannah, and Hannah’s cousin, Dorothy. When Dorothy is murdered, it is up to Maddy to exonerate Hannah before she walks down the aisle. I always appreciate a mystery series that allows it’s protagonist to develop their relationships and life making it rewarding to enjoy the overall story arc, but the mystery will appeal to those who have not read the previous entries as well. If you enjoy this series, you may also enjoy Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series and Mia P. Manansala’s Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series.
Written by: Aimee Harris Information and Digital Services Manager
July is Disability Pride Month! Here is a round up of our favorite middle grade and young adult books that feature disabled characters, providing the perfect opportunity to see one’s self reflected or to learn about other people’s experiences. All featured titles are available in our BCCLS collection. Interested in picturebooks featuring disabled characters? Check out our Disability Pride Month part 1 post here!
Middle Grade
Song for a Whaleby Lynne Kelly (large print, physical book, e-audiobook) Deafness Twelve old Iris is great with technology, but often feels isolated by her peers because of her deafness. When she learns about Blue 55, a whale who can’t speak to other whales, she decides to use her talents to create a device to sing to him.
Wonderby R.J. Palacio (physical book, eBook, large print, e-audiobook, audiobook on CD, audiobook media player) Facial difference Ten old Auggie Pullman is about to make a difficult transition from being homeschooled to a private school with other kids. The situation is further complicated by his facial differences caused by Treacher Collins syndrome. Auggie must navigate his new environment and how his peers treat him because of his appearance.
Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid (physical book,eBook) Cerebral palsy Bay Ann’s tap dance performance at the school talent show is overshadowed by her crush, Alyee Maq, catching her after a fall. The moment goes viral with people “inspired” by Bay Ann’s cerebral palsy instead of her dancing talent.
Maysoon Zayid: The Girl Who Can by Dr. Seema Yasmin (physical book) Cerebral palsy Maysoon dreamt of being an actress, comedian and dancer. Only problem? As a Muslim girl with cerebral palsy, people often didn’t believe that she could. As the title suggests, Maysoon can – defying any odds set against her!
Just Like Me: 40 Neurologically and Physically Diverse People Who Broke Stereotypes by Louise Gooding (physical book) Various Disabilities A collection of true stories from famous figures like Simone Biles, Daniel Radcliffe, Selena Gomez and Greta Thunberg.
Airby Monica Roe (physical book, e-audiobook) Wheelchair use Twelve ½-year old Emelyn has used a wheelchair her whole life. She dreams of doing wheelchair motocross, but her community makes plenty of assumptions about what she should want instead, especially since the death of her mother in an accident. Emmie and her best friends hatch a plan to make her dreams a reality.
My Aunt is a Monsterby Reimena Yee (physical book, Libby ebook) Blindness Safia is used to experiencing adventure only through audiobooks. But that quickly changes when she’s sent to live with her mysterious aunt, Lady Whimsy. It turns out Safia’s blindness isn’t limiting her ability for adventure after all.
Young Adult
All the Noise at Onceby DeAndra Davis (physical book) Autism Aiden finally makes it on the football team with the star quarterback – his brother, Brandon. Their teammates wonder how Aiden’s autism will affect their season. A fight breaks out, Brandon is charged with assaulting an officer, and Aiden must clear his brother’s name.
Something Moreby Jackie Khalilieh (physical book,ebook) Autism Fifteen year old Jessie is determined to keep her recent autism diagnosis a secret as she enters high school. Despite the goals she set for herself, her plans go awry when two boys steal her heart.
Time and Time Againby Chatham Greenfield (physical book) IBS Phoebe has been stuck in a Groundhog Day-esque loop for almost a month until a car crash with her crush, Jess. After the accident, Phoebe and Jess are stuck in the time loop together…and that might not be so bad. But Phoebe fears what’s on the other side of it all.
You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh (physical book) Anxiety, IBS Seventeen year old Jamie Taher-Foster has senior year all planned out – that is, until her boyfriend, Ben, breaks up with her. She decides the perfect way to get him back is by pretending to date a TikTok dancer named Axel. In time, their relationship might not be so fake after all.
The Tank Chair series by Manabu Yashiro (physical books) Wheelchair use Nagi has to use a wheelchair after taking a bullet to protect his sister, Shizuka. After he recovers, the two become a dangerous assassin duo.
Disability Visibility: 17 First Person Stories for Today adapted for Young Adultsedited by Alice Wong (physical book) Various disabilities Essays written by disabled people about their lives: the complexities, facing ableism, and wisdom.
Written by: Alison Woodley Information and Digital Services Assistant
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