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Seattle Staff Faves 2022: Kids Chapter Books, Graphic Novels & Nonfiction

By:

Seattle Kids Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

Every year we ask our staff across the library system for their favorite books published in a given year. Enjoy this list of some of our favorite chapter books, graphic novels and nonfiction books for kids - some with staff annotations, and others with annotations from Kirkus and Booklist, unless otherwise noted. (Created November 2022)

By:

Seattle Kids Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

1-25 of 32 items

1-25 of 32 items

The Door of No Return

The Door of No Return

by Alexander, Kwame

Book - 2022

CHAPTER BOOK / "Beautiful and harrowing, this novel-in-verse follows Kofi as he goes to school, challenges a bully, and has a crush on a girl - until...Show more CHAPTER BOOK / "Beautiful and harrowing, this novel-in-verse follows Kofi as he goes to school, challenges a bully, and has a crush on a girl - until the fateful night he is cruelly snatched from all he has known, and faces the door of no return." (A Peak Pick!) - Lauren Show less

CHAPTER BOOK / "Beautiful and harrowing, this novel-in-verse follows Kofi as he goes to school, challenges a bully, and has a crush on a girl - until...Show more CHAPTER BOOK / "Beautiful and harrowing, this novel-in-verse follows Kofi as he goes to school, challenges a bully, and has a crush on a girl - until the fateful night he is cruelly snatched from all he has known, and faces the door of no return." (A Peak Pick!) - Lauren Show less

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The Ogress and the Orphans

The Ogress and the Orphans

by Barnhill, Kelly Regan

Book - 2022

CHAPTER BOOK / "A really lovely children's chapter book about a town's insidious and subtle attack by a dragon, and how community trust can be broken...Show more CHAPTER BOOK / "A really lovely children's chapter book about a town's insidious and subtle attack by a dragon, and how community trust can be broken down, and then rebuilt." - Dawn / "A genuinely enchanting, entertaining middle-grade book with a clear, relevant moral." - Orion Show less

CHAPTER BOOK / "A really lovely children's chapter book about a town's insidious and subtle attack by a dragon, and how community trust can be broken...Show more CHAPTER BOOK / "A really lovely children's chapter book about a town's insidious and subtle attack by a dragon, and how community trust can be broken down, and then rebuilt." - Dawn / "A genuinely enchanting, entertaining middle-grade book with a clear, relevant moral." - Orion Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 24 on 14 copies

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The Whale Who Swam Through Time

The Whale Who Swam Through Time

A 200-hundred-year Journey in the Arctic

by Boersma, Alex

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A fine introduction for whale aficionados and a clarion call for climate change awareness." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A fine introduction for whale aficionados and a clarion call for climate change awareness." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A fine introduction for whale aficionados and a clarion call for climate change awareness." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A fine introduction for whale aficionados and a clarion call for climate change awareness." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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Blue

Blue

A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky

by Brew-Hammond, Nana Ekua

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "This was a tip from NPR - I learned a lot about color and other things." - Ken PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "This was a tip from NPR - I learned a lot about color and other things." - Ken Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "This was a tip from NPR - I learned a lot about color and other things." - Ken PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "This was a tip from NPR - I learned a lot about color and other things." - Ken Show less

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Frank and the Bad Surprise

Frank and the Bad Surprise

by Brockenbrough, Martha

Book - 2022

*LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "Frank, a tuxedo cat, lives the good life until ...his humans bring home a box—usually a fun thing to climb inside— and he is horrified to find a corgi puppy." [Kirkus Reviews] *LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "Frank, a tuxedo cat, lives the good life until ...his humans bring home a box—usually a fun thing to climb inside— and he is horrified to find a corgi puppy." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

*LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "Frank, a tuxedo cat, lives the good life until ...his humans bring home a box—usually a fun thing to climb inside— and he is horrified to find a corgi puppy." [Kirkus Reviews] *LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "Frank, a tuxedo cat, lives the good life until ...his humans bring home a box—usually a fun thing to climb inside— and he is horrified to find a corgi puppy." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Library Book

King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Library Book

by Butler, Dori Hillestad

Book - 2022

*LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "When one of Kayla's library books goes missing, King and Kayla's friend Jillian must help her solve the crime." [Publisher] *LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "When one of Kayla's library books goes missing, King and Kayla's friend Jillian must help her solve the crime." [Publisher] Show less

*LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "When one of Kayla's library books goes missing, King and Kayla's friend Jillian must help her solve the crime." [Publisher] *LOCAL AUTHOR* SHORT CHAPTER BOOK / "When one of Kayla's library books goes missing, King and Kayla's friend Jillian must help her solve the crime." [Publisher] Show less

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The Last Beekeeper

The Last Beekeeper

by Cartaya, Pablo

Book - 2022

CHAPTER BOOK / "In a dystopian future ravaged by climate change, a 12-year-old tech genius must save her community from an evil government...An insightful, action-packed, and thought-provoking adventure." [Kirkus Reviews] CHAPTER BOOK / "In a dystopian future ravaged by climate change, a 12-year-old tech genius must save her community from an evil government...An insightful, action-packed, and thought-provoking adventure." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

CHAPTER BOOK / "In a dystopian future ravaged by climate change, a 12-year-old tech genius must save her community from an evil government...An insightful, action-packed, and thought-provoking adventure." [Kirkus Reviews] CHAPTER BOOK / "In a dystopian future ravaged by climate change, a 12-year-old tech genius must save her community from an evil government...An insightful, action-packed, and thought-provoking adventure." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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Little Monarchs

Little Monarchs

by Case, Jonathan

Graphic Novel - 2022

GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Post-apocalyptic sci-fi for kids, but fresh and hopeful." - Dawn GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Post-apocalyptic sci-fi for kids, but fresh and hopeful." - Dawn Show less

GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Post-apocalyptic sci-fi for kids, but fresh and hopeful." - Dawn GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Post-apocalyptic sci-fi for kids, but fresh and hopeful." - Dawn Show less

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Narwhalicorn and Jelly

Narwhalicorn and Jelly

by Clanton, Ben

Graphic Novel - 2022

*LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Narwhal always claims to be the unicorn of the sea, but do they even know what a unicorn is? Jelly wants to know, and...Show more *LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Narwhal always claims to be the unicorn of the sea, but do they even know what a unicorn is? Jelly wants to know, and their waffle-fueled pondering sets the stage for the deep-sea duo’s latest adventure." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

*LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Narwhal always claims to be the unicorn of the sea, but do they even know what a unicorn is? Jelly wants to know, and...Show more *LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Narwhal always claims to be the unicorn of the sea, but do they even know what a unicorn is? Jelly wants to know, and their waffle-fueled pondering sets the stage for the deep-sea duo’s latest adventure." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 7 on 28 copies

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The Marvellers

The Marvellers

by Clayton, Dhonielle

Book - 2022

CHAPTER BOOK / "A Black girl embarks on an unprecedented journey to tap deeper into her magic, [in this] enthralling fantasy adventure full of bravery, love, and humor." [Kirkus Reviews] CHAPTER BOOK / "A Black girl embarks on an unprecedented journey to tap deeper into her magic, [in this] enthralling fantasy adventure full of bravery, love, and humor." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

CHAPTER BOOK / "A Black girl embarks on an unprecedented journey to tap deeper into her magic, [in this] enthralling fantasy adventure full of bravery, love, and humor." [Kirkus Reviews] CHAPTER BOOK / "A Black girl embarks on an unprecedented journey to tap deeper into her magic, [in this] enthralling fantasy adventure full of bravery, love, and humor." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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Frankie's World

Frankie's World

by Dooley, Aoife

Graphic Novel - 2022

GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A realistic graphic novel about a young autistic girl. Validating for those who need it, delightful reading for all." [Kirkus Reviews] GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A realistic graphic novel about a young autistic girl. Validating for those who need it, delightful reading for all." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A realistic graphic novel about a young autistic girl. Validating for those who need it, delightful reading for all." [Kirkus Reviews] GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A realistic graphic novel about a young autistic girl. Validating for those who need it, delightful reading for all." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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Miss Quinces

Miss Quinces

by Fajardo, Kat

Graphic Novel - 2022

GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A Quinceanera-resistant teen finds her own way." - Dawn GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A Quinceanera-resistant teen finds her own way." - Dawn Show less

GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A Quinceanera-resistant teen finds her own way." - Dawn GRAPHIC NOVEL / "A Quinceanera-resistant teen finds her own way." - Dawn Show less

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The Tide Pool Waits

The Tide Pool Waits

by Fleming, Candace

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / A delightful look at a unique aquatic environment that will nourish children’s natural sense of wonder. [Kirkus Reviews] "A fun introduction to the world of tide pools!" - Bean PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / A delightful look at a unique aquatic environment that will nourish children’s natural sense of wonder. [Kirkus Reviews] "A fun introduction to the world of tide pools!" - Bean Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / A delightful look at a unique aquatic environment that will nourish children’s natural sense of wonder. [Kirkus Reviews] "A fun introduction to the world of tide pools!" - Bean PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / A delightful look at a unique aquatic environment that will nourish children’s natural sense of wonder. [Kirkus Reviews] "A fun introduction to the world of tide pools!" - Bean Show less

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Invisible

Invisible

by Gonzalez, Christina Diaz

Graphic Novel - 2022

GRAPHIC NOVEL / “Illuminating and engaging -- with a sweet twist at the end, multifaceted characters, and moments of genuine comedy, this is pitch-perfect for anyone who loves Raina Telgemeier or Varian Johnson.” [Booklist] GRAPHIC NOVEL / “Illuminating and engaging -- with a sweet twist at the end, multifaceted characters, and moments of genuine comedy, this is pitch-perfect for anyone who loves Raina Telgemeier or Varian Johnson.” [Booklist] Show less

GRAPHIC NOVEL / “Illuminating and engaging -- with a sweet twist at the end, multifaceted characters, and moments of genuine comedy, this is pitch-perfect for anyone who loves Raina Telgemeier or Varian Johnson.” [Booklist] GRAPHIC NOVEL / “Illuminating and engaging -- with a sweet twist at the end, multifaceted characters, and moments of genuine comedy, this is pitch-perfect for anyone who loves Raina Telgemeier or Varian Johnson.” [Booklist] Show less

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You Ruined It

You Ruined It

by Higginbotham, Anastasia

Book - 2022

NONFICTION / "Higginbotham is a wonderful writer who has tackled some very tough subjects for kids (death, divorce, Whiteness), but this picture book...Show more NONFICTION / "Higginbotham is a wonderful writer who has tackled some very tough subjects for kids (death, divorce, Whiteness), but this picture book about incest may be her hardest read yet. Unfortunately, it will be the right book for some readers, and I'm glad she wrote it." - Dawn Show less

NONFICTION / "Higginbotham is a wonderful writer who has tackled some very tough subjects for kids (death, divorce, Whiteness), but this picture book...Show more NONFICTION / "Higginbotham is a wonderful writer who has tackled some very tough subjects for kids (death, divorce, Whiteness), but this picture book about incest may be her hardest read yet. Unfortunately, it will be the right book for some readers, and I'm glad she wrote it." - Dawn Show less

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H Is for Harlem

H Is for Harlem

by Johnson, Dinah

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "An alphabetic journey through Harlem, past and present, [this is] a gem that whets the appetite to learn more about a city where art is as alive as the people who live there." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "An alphabetic journey through Harlem, past and present, [this is] a gem that whets the appetite to learn more about a city where art is as alive as the people who live there." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "An alphabetic journey through Harlem, past and present, [this is] a gem that whets the appetite to learn more about a city where art is as alive as the people who live there." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "An alphabetic journey through Harlem, past and present, [this is] a gem that whets the appetite to learn more about a city where art is as alive as the people who live there." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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Strong

Strong

by Kearney, Rob

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "I adored this brightly colored and super empowered biography of gay professional Strongman Rob Kearney. Rob learns to embrace his LOUD and PROUD style while finding love and becoming a champion athlete." - Jennie PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "I adored this brightly colored and super empowered biography of gay professional Strongman Rob Kearney. Rob learns to embrace his LOUD and PROUD style while finding love and becoming a champion athlete." - Jennie Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "I adored this brightly colored and super empowered biography of gay professional Strongman Rob Kearney. Rob learns to embrace his LOUD and PROUD style while finding love and becoming a champion athlete." - Jennie PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "I adored this brightly colored and super empowered biography of gay professional Strongman Rob Kearney. Rob learns to embrace his LOUD and PROUD style while finding love and becoming a champion athlete." - Jennie Show less

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Listen to the Language of the Trees

Listen to the Language of the Trees

A Story of How Forests Communicate Underground

by Kelley, Tera

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "The nature of tree communication is laid out clearly, clarifying some remarkable facts. Smart, concise explanations of a tricky topic leave readers only wanting to learn more." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "The nature of tree communication is laid out clearly, clarifying some remarkable facts. Smart, concise explanations of a tricky topic leave readers only wanting to learn more." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "The nature of tree communication is laid out clearly, clarifying some remarkable facts. Smart, concise explanations of a tricky topic leave readers only wanting to learn more." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "The nature of tree communication is laid out clearly, clarifying some remarkable facts. Smart, concise explanations of a tricky topic leave readers only wanting to learn more." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 25 on 8 copies

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In the Key of Us

In the Key of Us

by Lockington, Mariama

Book - 2022

CHAPTER BOOK / "With lyricism and emotional honesty, Lockington tells the story of two talented Black girls who find hope and healing in each other at Harmony Music Camp. Features friendship and budding romance." --Kristin & Ren CHAPTER BOOK / "With lyricism and emotional honesty, Lockington tells the story of two talented Black girls who find hope and healing in each other at Harmony Music Camp. Features friendship and budding romance." --Kristin & Ren Show less

CHAPTER BOOK / "With lyricism and emotional honesty, Lockington tells the story of two talented Black girls who find hope and healing in each other at Harmony Music Camp. Features friendship and budding romance." --Kristin & Ren CHAPTER BOOK / "With lyricism and emotional honesty, Lockington tells the story of two talented Black girls who find hope and healing in each other at Harmony Music Camp. Features friendship and budding romance." --Kristin & Ren Show less

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Different Kinds of Fruit

Different Kinds of Fruit

by Lukoff, Kyle

Book - 2022

CHAPTER BOOK / "When Annabelle learns that her father shares something big--and surprising--in common with her new non-binary friend, she begins to see herself, and her family, in a whole new light." [Publisher] CHAPTER BOOK / "When Annabelle learns that her father shares something big--and surprising--in common with her new non-binary friend, she begins to see herself, and her family, in a whole new light." [Publisher] Show less

CHAPTER BOOK / "When Annabelle learns that her father shares something big--and surprising--in common with her new non-binary friend, she begins to see herself, and her family, in a whole new light." [Publisher] CHAPTER BOOK / "When Annabelle learns that her father shares something big--and surprising--in common with her new non-binary friend, she begins to see herself, and her family, in a whole new light." [Publisher] Show less

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Owl and Penguin

Owl and Penguin

by Madan, Vikram

Graphic Novel - 2022

*LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, Owl and Penguin’s friendship is deep and delightful." [Kirkus Reviews] *LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, Owl and Penguin’s friendship is deep and delightful." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

*LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, Owl and Penguin’s friendship is deep and delightful." [Kirkus Reviews] *LOCAL AUTHOR* GRAPHIC NOVEL / "Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, Owl and Penguin’s friendship is deep and delightful." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 15 on 14 copies

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Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women

by McDonnell, Christine

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A worthy social justice story about a compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A worthy social justice story about a compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A worthy social justice story about a compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "A worthy social justice story about a compassionate woman who dedicated her life to helping others." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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Book of Questions

Book of Questions

Selections = Libro De Las Preguntas : Selecciones

by Neruda, Pablo

Book - 2022

POETRY / "This new edition is bilingual and features beautiful illustrations." - Eliza POETRY / "This new edition is bilingual and features beautiful illustrations." - Eliza Show less

POETRY / "This new edition is bilingual and features beautiful illustrations." - Eliza POETRY / "This new edition is bilingual and features beautiful illustrations." - Eliza Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 3 on 11 copies

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What Feelings Do When No One's Looking

What Feelings Do When No One's Looking

by Oziewicz, Tina

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Identifying feelings can be tough even as an adult (for me at least!). This book helps readers to name a whole array of ex...Show more PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Identifying feelings can be tough even as an adult (for me at least!). This book helps readers to name a whole array of experiences through little portraits of creatures acting as characterizations of feelings. I love how well the author and illustrator seem to capture small, meaningful moments in these fuzzy, ambiguous little beings, while leaving lots of room for imagination on each page as well. I can imagine it being a book to look at for long stretches of time." -Bridget Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Identifying feelings can be tough even as an adult (for me at least!). This book helps readers to name a whole array of ex...Show more PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Identifying feelings can be tough even as an adult (for me at least!). This book helps readers to name a whole array of experiences through little portraits of creatures acting as characterizations of feelings. I love how well the author and illustrator seem to capture small, meaningful moments in these fuzzy, ambiguous little beings, while leaving lots of room for imagination on each page as well. I can imagine it being a book to look at for long stretches of time." -Bridget Show less

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So Much More to Helen

So Much More to Helen

The Passions and Pursuits of Helen Keller

by Pincus, Meeg

Book - 2022

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Helen Keller’s life and achievements are recounted in rhyme." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Helen Keller’s life and achievements are recounted in rhyme." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Helen Keller’s life and achievements are recounted in rhyme." [Kirkus Reviews] PICTURE BOOK NONFICTION / "Helen Keller’s life and achievements are recounted in rhyme." [Kirkus Reviews] Show less

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