South End Scoop: Books & More From KCLS — January 2023
TheKing County Library System(KCLS) and theSouth Seattle Emeraldare teaming up to bring you the "South End Scoop." Dig into this community-centered column each month for great book, music, movie, and event recommendations from your local librarians.
If you set new reading goals for yourself this year and need some recommendations to get started, take a look at the King County Library System's Best Books of 2022. Our highly anticipated annual list includes KCLS' favorite titles of the year, chosen by staff from across the Library System. Find your Best Book atKCLS.org/BestBooks!
Staff Picks
Children
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Rene Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
I love this poetic picture book because it brings the past to life in fresh ways. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery Honor-winning author Rene Watson, the children's companion book to The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story delves into a young girl's family tree. Through her grandmother's lessons, the girl learns about the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States. This moving story teaches the importance of knowing and understanding where you come from; history is powerful.
Recommendation courtesy of Marriam, public services assistant.
Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson, illustrated by Daniel Sousa
Kapaemahu pays homage to a beautiful Hawaiian legend about cultural recovery and inclusion. Four healers of dual male and female spirit sail to Hawaii to share their healing powers with the people of Waikiki. The islanders erect a monument of boulders in their honor and the healers transfer their powers to the stones before vanishing. Over time, the stones are lost and forgotten, then recovered and preserved. I especially enjoyed listening to the audiobook, which brings the story to life. Be sure to check out the Academy Award—contending short film from the author as well!
Recommendation courtesy of Jim, outreach services specialist.
Teen
The Red Palace by June Hur
The Red Palace is a fascinating piece of historical fiction set in 1758 Korea. A ghastly night of murders throws the capital city into chaos, and suspicion falls on the Crown Prince. Readers follow an unlikely pair — an intrepid nurse and an amateur inspector — as they embark on a dangerous journey to discover the truth. June Hur's latest book packs murder, mystery, historical court intrigue, and romance into one gripping read.
Recommendation courtesy of Brenna, Teen materials selector.
Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy
Based on author Huda Fahmy's childhood, this quirky coming-of-age graphic novel follows a Muslim family's move to Dearborn, Michigan, a small town with a big Muslim population. Huda is surprised to see so many girls wearing hijabs like her, and she struggles with her identity in the context of her new surroundings. In her signature style, Fahmy tackles growing pains, bigotry, and microaggressions with both gravity and humor.
Recommendation courtesy of JJ, Teen Services librarian.
Adult Fiction
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
When Tova starts working at the local aquarium, she doesn't expect to befriend an octopus named Marcellus. Grumpy Marcellus usually avoids his human captors, but Tova is different. When Marcellus learns that Tova's son vanished in Puget Sound, he will do anything to solve the mystery and help his new friend. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, author Shelby Van Pelt's heartwarming debut examines loneliness and the transformative power of friendship in a truly remarkable way.
Recommendation courtesy of Sona, library page.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Mika is a lone witch who flies under the radar in all ways but one — she pretends to be a witch on social media. Someone catches on to her shenanigans, and she receives an invitation to tutor three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House. Mika finds herself becoming attached to the children, their caregiver, and the promise of home in the cozy, feel-good fantasy you've been waiting for!
Recommendation courtesy of Jenna, Adult Serviceslibrarian.
Adult Nonfiction
Author and journalism professor Linda Villarosa reveals the centuries-long link between structural racism and health care discrimination in this chilling expos. Under the Skin presents compelling personal accounts, studies, and statistical analysis to show how racism affects Black Americans' health and quality of life.
Recommendation courtesy of James, library page.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Former child actor Jennette McCurdy delivers a funny, insightful, and at times gut-wrenching memoir about her traumatic childhood and her struggles with an eating disorder. McCurdy was abused by her mother and others, but reclaims her life through extensive therapy. This is an inspiring must-read for anyone currently on a healing journey, or who may need a push to start one.
Recommendation courtesy of Teresa, division administrative assistant.
Upcoming Events
KCLS offers a variety of in-person and online events and activities for all ages! All events are free. Find one that interests you at KCLS.org/Events.
Saturday, Jan. 14, 2:00—3:00 p.m.
Renton Library
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at this family-friendly event! Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with fun arts and crafts activities, and learn about Lunar New Year traditions, cultures, and stories. Presented in English and Mandarin.
Saturday, Jan. 14, 3:00—4:00 p.m.
Online
MeetTaanvi Arekapudi, a 13-year-old mental health advocate, speaker, and author, at this engaging event. Arekapudi will talk about her book, Uplift TeensToday which offers mental health coping strategies from a teen's perspective.
Thursday, Jan. 19, 4:00—5:00 p.m.
Federal Way Library
Join us for a zine-making class! What's a zine (pronounced "zeen")? It's a do-it-yourself (DIY) magazine, pamphlet, comic, or book on any topic. Bonus: Take advantage of lessons learned in class to get a head start on the Washington State Zine Contest (open through Feb. 24).
Multiple Dates, 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Tukwila Library
Learn about free employment services and skills training programs at drop-in events on Jan. 19 and Feb. 2, hosted by the Puget Sound Training Center.
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6:30—8:00 p.m.
Skyway Library and Online
Patricia Grayhall will discuss her memoir, Making the Rounds — Defying Norms in Love and Medicine which reflects on coming out during second-wave feminism while juggling love, life, and a medical career. Please register in advance if you plan to attend online.
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Online
Author and artist Molly Hashimoto pays homage to the West's iconic trees in her latest book,Trees of the West.She will talk about the variety of media she uses to capture the essence of each species and share handy identification tips to use on your next hike.
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30—8:00 p.m.
Skyway Library
Join Displacement author Kiku Hughes to learn about her graphic novel and the power of storytelling. In her autobiographical debut, Hughes travels back in time to World War II where she witnesses her grandmother's incarceration in a Japanese American internment camp firsthand.
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Online
Which public fountain has its own private DJ? Which bar is home to a museum of really bad art? And where can you float in a pool while orcas swim by? Harriet Baskas, author of111 Places in Seattle That You Must Not Miss,will lead you on a tour ofSeattle's most fascinating places and unexpected experiences, while sharing insights, cultural anecdotes, and insider tips.
Need a Library Card?
Residents in the KCLS service area (in King County, outside the city of Seattle) can sign up instantlyfor aphysical card to access our full collection, or a digital eCardto access our digital collection. Visit KCLS.org/Library-Cards to get started. Contact Ask KCLS at KCLS.org/Ask if you need assistance with your account, or call (425) 462-9600 or (800) 462-9600.
Featured Image: South Seattle Emerald and the King County Library System (KCLS) are teaming up to give you book, media, and event recommendations each month via the South End Scoop.
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