Hoopla – Charles County Public Library

Zaiqa Cooking: Drinks Rooh-Afsah Vol 2

webadmin — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:00:44 +0000

Ingredients Needed:

Serves 2

Spoon
Milk
Drinking glass
Jug
Basil/Chia Seeds
Water
Sugar (as needed)
Ice Cubes
Rooh Afza Syrup

If you have never been in 116-degree Fahrenheit weather, good for you because it is HOT! Summers in Pakistan can reach up to 120+ degrees Fahrenheit. I remember my first trip back to Pakistan was when I was 15 years old. I spent the whole summer in Pakistan. You could feel the temperature scorching as soon as we had landed and entered the airport. No matter how much water you would drink, nothing would quench your thirst.

Rooh Afza originated in 1906 by Hakim Hafiz Abdul Majeed. Hakim is the name of a medicinal doctor who provides natural herbal guidance/recommendations for the body.* Rooh Afza has many herbal properties and is refreshing on a hot summer day. Check out this book in COSMOS. You can mix Rooh Afza in water or milk or over top of ice cream or have it eaten as a dessert. Rooh Afza also can be eaten as a dessert.

Today, I will show you how to make a Rooh Afza Doodh (doodh = milk) drink. Browse through this ebook on Hoopla* and find tips on making other delicious drinks. This drink is also made during Ramadan, as it helps add to the body’s intake of liquids when you have been fasting all day.

Directions

Step 1: Take some water in a cup and place one tablespoon of chia seeds/basil seeds in it. Let soak for about 10-15 mins. Set aside.

Step 2: Pour in a milk of your choice (around 16 fl oz) in a jug and add the Rooh Afza syrup about 2- 2½ tablespoons).

Step 3: Mix really well until the milk turns a pastel pink color. Taste the milk. If you think it needs more sugar, you can add a sweetener of your choice.

Step 4: Scoop up a tablespoon (or so) of the soaking chia seeds/basil seeds and place them in your glasses.

Step 5: Pour your Rooh Afza milk over the seeds. Add ice. Stir.

Enjoy your refreshing delicious drink.

*Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Check out other Zaiqa Cooking posts!

Zaiqa Cooking: Khichri (Rice Porridge)

marianne2025-12-23T08:11:14-05:00December 16th, 2025|

Khichri is known as a savory comfort food in my household. Khichri is also therapeutic as it has healing abilities passed on from generation to generation in my family. What is khichri, [...]

Zaiqa Cooking: Saviyaan

marianne2025-10-20T11:20:58-04:00October 20th, 2025|

Hi there! Welcome back to our Zaiqa Cooking series, where we make some amazing Pakistani dishes together. Today, we will learn how to make Saviyaan (suv-wi-yaa), which are sweet, delicious vermicelli noodles [...]

Zaiqa Cooking: Vol 3. Lassi

marianne2025-10-20T11:24:37-04:00June 16th, 2025|

Ahhh, Lassi- a refreshing and cooling drink. Lassi can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is an ice-cold creamy drink made from milk, water, and yogurt. It is a perfect [...]

December is National Giving Month

webadmin — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 12:00:41 +0000

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How your support makes a difference!

Supporting the Charles County Public Library makes a local and lasting impact on the Charles County community. When you donate to CCPL, you make it possible for us to provide opportunities to engage, discover, and learn through free and equal access to information, technology, and programming that connects everyone.

Your donations help the library do the following:

Expand & Sustain Virtual and in-person Programming

We continually evolve and expand our virtual and in-person programs, services, and outreach to provide Charles County with new opportunities for learning. Our partnerships with other libraries across Maryland and several organizations in our community allows us to present new and unique programs that teach valuable skills, expose our community to new information and subject matter, as well as providing a source of free entertainment.
Bridge the Digital Divide in Charles County

The library has long since been a reliable source for technology including providing computer access, WiFi and Mobile Hotspots.
Ensure Lifelong Literacy in the Community

CCPL helps teach an early love of reading, and provides programming and resources that encourage the pursuit of literacy among all ages.
Broaden Physical & Digital Collections

The library will continue to be a reliable and trustworthy source of information within Charles County. We strive to provide the community with a connection to information, an extensive collection of library materials, and digital resources and databases they would not otherwise have access to.

A donation of ANY amount helps us provide these services:

Expand the number of various digital platforms (i.e. Zoom and Crowdcast) which allows us to provide additional virtual programming.
Increase the number of Chromebooks AND unlimited data wireless hotspots that we can provide our patrons.
Broaden youth literacy by expanding childhood education programs and growthing the Summer and Winter Learning Challenges.
Increase the number of Hoopla digital checkouts available to the community.
and much, much more!

Donate

Zaiqa Cooking: Besan Naan

webadmin — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:00:07 +0000

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If you’re a fan of fried food, then this recipe is for you. Thick batter-covered naan. Mmmm…I enjoy Besan Naan on rainy days. It is the best, most comforting, fun, and delicious snack to have. I remember growing up (and still till this day) when it poured down raining (while me and my siblings would play in the rain,), our Ami would make Besan Naans with Chai. We would take shelter from the rain, take a bite of the Besan Naan, and quickly run back into the rain to play. Besan is a form that comes from chickpeas, which are dry or roasted and then ground into flour. Besan has many nutritional benefits, such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Check out what other types of grain are great for making flour here on COSMOS. What other types of grains are there to eat? You may even find tasty ones here on Kanopy. Let’s not forget about the spices that help bring the levels of flavor to this recipe. Read about some of the spices that are used in this recipe here on Hoopla.

Ingredients:

2 cups Besan(Chickpea flour) **** (If you do not have store-bought, you can use the recipe at the end of this to make your own at home).
Water at room temperature as needed
½ Teaspoon Salt (If you use a dipping sauce, I would lower the salt to a pinch).
½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Cilantro seeds
1 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder
1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
2 Naan Flatbreads (Store bought is fine) cut in 1/2
½ Teaspoon Caraway Seeds
½ Onion sliced thick
½ Jalapeno sliced thinly
Chopped Cilantro (optional)

Paper towel
Plate
Oil
Wok (fry openly)
Stove
Chopping board/knife
Wide Bowl/stirring utensil/tongs

*****Parent/Guardian help as needed

WASH HANDS & PAT DRY.

Directions:

Step One: In a bowl, add your flour, salt and baking soda. The baking soda will help the batter grasp the naan better.
Step Two: Next comes the fun part. With the help of a grown-up, hold the bowl steady and pour the water slowly, a little at a time, into the flour. Using your dominant hand, stir the flour. Add water as needed until a thick, runny batter forms. My Ami would tell me that when you mix Besan batter with your hands, your hands create heat that helps the baking soda make the batter more puffier.
Step Three: Cover the batter with a lid and leave on the countertop for 20-30 mins. Then, prep your other ingredients.
Step Four: Take out your chopping board and knife. With the help of a grown-up, slice your onion, jalapeno, and fresh cilantro (if using). Set aside.
Step Five: With adult supervision, heat your wok/oil on medium-low heat. Tip: To test if your oil is hot, take a wooden skewer and place it in the oil. If there are bubbles around the skewer, then your oil is ready to fry.
Step Six: After 20-30 mins of the batter sitting, use a large spoon to stir the batter. Add your dry spices and your chopped ingredients. Give it a good stir.
Step Seven: With adult supervision, add one-half of the naan into the batter and cover it really well with the batter. Repeat on the other side and carefully place in the hot oil. Fry one side until it turns golden brown, and then flip using tongs to brown the other side until golden (not dark brown).
Step Eight: While the naan is frying, place paper towels on a flat plate to place the naan on. This is also a great time to help clean up any mess lying around.
Step Nine: Repeat with the rest of the naan pieces. Enjoy it hot. Try your Besan Naan with green chili dipping sauce.

Besan Recipe:

If you have UNCOOKED chickpeas they can be grinded in a coffee grinder right away and then sifted. One cup of chickpea makes about ¾ cup flour.

Let us know what you thought of the recipe if you tried it or even share your recipe turn out photos here at pdbrownref[at]ccplonline[dot]org

Happy Cooking!

Check out other Zaiqa Cooking posts!

Zaiqa Cooking: Khichri (Rice Porridge)

marianne2025-12-23T08:11:14-05:00December 16th, 2025|

Khichri is known as a savory comfort food in my household. Khichri is also therapeutic as it has healing abilities passed on from generation to generation in my family. What is khichri, [...]

Zaiqa Cooking: Saviyaan

marianne2025-10-20T11:20:58-04:00October 20th, 2025|

Zaiqa Cooking: Vol 3. Lassi

marianne2025-10-20T11:24:37-04:00June 16th, 2025|

Ahhh, Lassi- a refreshing and cooling drink. Lassi can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is an ice-cold creamy drink made from milk, water, and yogurt. It is a perfect [...]

Documentaries for Teens: Elstree 1976

webadmin — Mon, 27 May 2024 11:00:31 +0000

In honor of May the 4th, we will be watching a documentary called Elstree 1976, which is about the world of Star Wars being built in Elstree studio by the extras of the film.

As someone who grew up with Star Wars, this was a very cool documentary to watch. We were able to see behind the scenes of our favorite moments (like Han and Greedo facing off in the bar -who shot who first?), as well as bloopers like the infamous clip of the stormtrooper bumping his head – or, helmet into the door. However, what made this such an enjoyable film to watch was not only because of these peeks at such a cult classic but because we learn about the people who made the movie so enjoyable.

In between recaps and still frames of the actors being interviewed, we learn about how they started their career, the scenes they did, their favorite memories, and what it is like going to conventions with their fans. How they were people outside of their characters, and even though they moved on from a galaxy far, far, away, they will always be a part of something bigger.

Paul Blake, the actor who portrayed Greedo, said this, which I think encapsulates the importance of the actors, main or extra, “I have played Macbeth. I have played in Proust’s ‘A la recherche du temps perdu.’ I have played at the Royal Court Theater in London. Today, my tombstone will read, here lies Greedo, and that is fantastic! I have to say, after thirty years of living with that, I couldn’t have asked for a better epitaph.”

Even though they were behind the scenes in the original trilogy, they stay with us as A New Hope does with us all.

Thank you for reading, May The Force Be With You.

To watch this documentary, click the link here.

Zaiqa Cooking: Bhindi (Okra)

webadmin — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:00:35 +0000

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Growing up…. I disliked okra… I really did. The ooey, gooey slime from cutting the okra…My sister loved it, and when it was cooked in my house, I asked my Ami to make an alternative meal just for me (she said “no,” btw). It was not until I became an adult that I LOVED to eat it! I promise you will, too (maybe sooner than later)! Did you know Okra has a nickname of “Lady’s Finger”? The shape they grow into resembles a human finger. Okra is known to have many health benefits for all ages. My Ami says that Okra has vitamin B6 for brain development. Vitamin K is for the bones, and vitamin C is for the skin. She says, “Okra is good for the knees, too,” and it has many more health benefits. Learn all there is to know about Okra here on Hoopla. Okra also helps the digestive system. After you try this recipe, you may also want to try to cook Okra in a new way. Kanopy has some recipes with okra in stews, baked, and even fried. Okra also aids in lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar. I know this because my Dadi used to make this dish every other week, especially for my Dada. Need more recipes that have okra? Head over to COSMOS and discover another recipe or two to try with Okra. Share with the family.

Recipe for 3:

Can be stored in the fridge for three days. Serve with roti/bread.

Ingredients:

Wide saute pan
1 pound of okra, cut thick
1 onion, sliced thinly
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
Olive oil
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
1 ½ teaspoon Amchur Powder (dried mango powder)
1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon of Cumin powder

Directions:

Step 1: With the help of an adult, cut the Okra into small, thick pieces (the okra shrinks when cooked). In a wide saute pan, add olive oil and turn the heat to medium. Fry the okra until light brown, but still has a bright green color.
Step 2: While the okra is frying, have an adult help you slice the onion thinly. When the Okra turns light brown, take it out of the pan and set aside. Add onions in the same oil. ***Add more oil if needed.
Step 3: While the onion is frying, have an adult chop up the tomatoes while you keep an eye on the onions so they do not burn and set aside.
Step 4: Next, add your spices to the lightly fried onion. Stir for 3-4 minutes until the onions become aromatic.
Step 5: Add your chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes become soft. Add back in your okra and cook for another 10 minutes on medium-low heat so the okra can become incorporated together as a whole.
Step 6: Serve with roti, and enjoy.

Urdu Terms:

Bhindi- Bihn-dee: Okra
Ami- Ah-mee: Mama
Dadi- Dah-deeh: Grandma from the father’s side. A.K.A- father’s mother.
Dada- Dah-daah: Grandpa from the father’s side. A.K.A- father’s father.

Check out other Zaiqa Cooking posts!

Zaiqa Cooking: Khichri (Rice Porridge)

marianne2025-12-23T08:11:14-05:00December 16th, 2025|

Khichri is known as a savory comfort food in my household. Khichri is also therapeutic as it has healing abilities passed on from generation to generation in my family. What is khichri, [...]

Zaiqa Cooking: Saviyaan

marianne2025-10-20T11:20:58-04:00October 20th, 2025|

Zaiqa Cooking: Vol 3. Lassi

marianne2025-10-20T11:24:37-04:00June 16th, 2025|

Ahhh, Lassi- a refreshing and cooling drink. Lassi can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is an ice-cold creamy drink made from milk, water, and yogurt. It is a perfect [...]

Spring Self-Care Ideas!

webadmin — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:00:12 +0000

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It’s finally spring!! And that means it’s time to do some personal spring cleaning and shake off that winter funk. One of the most important things for any time of year is doing a personal check-in! Sometimes, your personal well-being gets left behind in the hustle and bustle, and the start of a new season is the perfect time to check in with yourself and practice a little self-care to reignite that spark! We’ve put together a list of five awesome self-care ideas for you to try this spring, and some of our books and other resources here at the library that go along with them!

1) It might be time to try a new hobby! It can be anything, from taking on a Minecraft coding project, playing around with a new art medium, or turning your bedroom into a houseplant oasis!

There are so many cool things out there to try! Even if it isn’t perfect, or you decide it might not be your cup of tea, it can still feel super rewarding to just get your hands dirty and try something new every once in a while. Take a browse, and who knows, you might just find something you love!

2) Take time to read something you actually like. If you can’t remember the last time you picked up something that wasn’t just for school, It might be time to grab something you love! Maybe you just picked up your Library Crate from our PD Brown Branch, a classic favorite you’ve read 100 times, a new graphic novel, or that series you’ve been dying to dig into but just haven’t found the time… now’s your chance!

3) Get crafty in the kitchen! Pick up a cookbook and try a new recipe! Whether just learning the basics or trying something new, it can be fun to branch out and test your skills in the kitchen. Plus, you’ll get something yummy out of it, too! If you’re just starting out, something like The Super Easy Teen Cookbook or The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs might be up your alley. And, for something a little different, we have tons of cool fandom cookbooks to tickle your tastebuds, like The Witcher Cookbook, Cook Anime, or even the Official Five Nights at Freddy’s Cookbook!

4) I’m a sucker for a good bubble bath, and skincare is such an important part of your daily routine! You can go all out with an all-over spa night, but even just taking time to add small habits to your routine can make a big difference in the long run. The most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to be fancy! We have tons of books on spa-day favorites like DIY bath bombs or titles like Hannah English’s Your Best Skin for a little more in-depth knowledge (in case you want to dig a little deeper into that advice you heard on TikTok).

5) Get moving! It feels great to get your body in action, and as the days get warmer, there’s no better time to put together a playlist on Hoopla or Freegal and go for a walk! They have tons of popular music to choose from! Hoopla even has audiobooks for longer treks, and the best part is they’re free with your library card. Walks can help clear your head at the end of a long day and can really be a great way to unwind and get some fresh air and sunshine while you’re at it.

Did any of these ideas spark your interest? We sure hope so! There are so many fun ideas out there for spending time with yourself and having a ton of fun while you’re at it. Hopefully, this spring is full of fun new hobbies, lots of sunshine, and time to make you feel like your best self!

Tween Comic Club Recommends 38

webadmin — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:00:27 +0000

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Tween Comic Club is a place for comic lovers ages 9-14 to discuss what they are reading each month. Here is the latest list of the books we’ve been talking about and that our tween readers recommend! Follow the links to check out a copy for yourself. And don’t forget to join a Tween Comic Club meeting if you would like to learn how you can submit your own recommendations to our feature! We typically meet on the third Tuesday of each month. Find our next meeting on the events calendar.

The Love Report by BéKa

Grace and Lola are BFFs. And they have a lot of questions about love. So they hatch a plan. They will observe the relationships at their Junior High and turn their findings into the Love Report.

Ms. Faith says: “This was a good middle-grade graphic novel about love and what that word truly means. Lola and Grace, through a series of ups and downs, explore relationships in all forms and try to determine what love is really all about.”

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi

Twins Zara and Zeeshan cannot stand each other, or each other’s hobbies. Zara is an environmental activist, while Zeeshan dreams of joining NASA. When they go on a family trip and won’t stop fighting, their parents punish them in the worst possible way–by taking their phones and making them explore the resort together. At first, it seems like the two will never learn to get along. But then Zara finds an injured turtle, and the two must work together to save it.

Ms. Krysta says: “Saving Sunshine explores sibling relationships through Zara and Zeeshan, who never stop arguing but who, in the end, learn to appreciate each other for their differences. Along the way, they also encounter a number of microaggressions, and learn how to stand up for themselves and for each other. Recommended for fans of contemporary graphic novels like Jerry Craft’s New Kid.”

Shakti by S. J. Sindu

When Shakti and her moms move to a new town, Shakti at first cannot figure out why everyone there seems to bend to the will of a trio of school bullies. Then she sees the girls casting an evil spells in the woods. Only by calling up on her own ancestral magic–and learning to let go of her anger–can Shakti save her family and the town.

Ms. Krysta says: “Shakti explores the importance of accepting one’s whole self, negative emotions and all, as it follows one girl’s attempts to control her temper and view her enemies with empathy. A fast-paced plot and plenty of action will keep readers flipping pages as they await the dramatic conclusion. Shakti will appeal to fans of witchy graphic novels like The Witch Boy and The Okay Witch.”

Pea, Bee, and Jay: Farm Feud by Brian “Smitty” Smith

After an argument, Pea and Bee leave Jay to find new friends. Pea thinks Blueberry and Lenny will be perfect for a new group, while Bee joins Acorn and Pea’s grandpa. Will the original trio ever get back together?

Ms. Faith says: “Another good book about a pea, a bee, and a jay on a farm with no pockets and a snake. Will Pea and Bee ever settle their dispute? What was their argument even about? Will Jay get his best friends back? Will Snake ever find something to eat? And, what’s up with the acorn security guard!? Find out all of these questions and more with the fourth installment of Pea, Bee, & Jay: Farm Feud. You’ll laugh, cry… no, you’ll just laugh!”

Cat’s Café: One Cup at a Time by Matt Tarpley

Based on the popular webcomic, this sequel to Cat’s Café collects a series of uplifting comic strips featuring the animals who frequent the titular café. Cat serves up plenty of support and wisdom as customers deal with relatable issues like self esteem and mental health.

Ms. Faith says: “I absolutely love this series and I cannot wait until there are more. Full of real-life situations, feelings, and solutions, this series is sure to find a home in everyone’s heart. So relatable, so sweet, and a must read for all ages.”

Previous Recommendations:

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Tween Comic Club Recommends 37

webadmin — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:00:25 +0000

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Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge

The Childe was switched with a fairy at birth and now Edmund lives his human life in his stead. But when an evil sorceress takes the throne of the World Below, Edmund and the Childe will have to work together to defeat her.

Ms. Krysta says: “Estranged invites readers into a magical world where fairies live under the earth and still occasionally swap out human babies for one of their own. In their realm, humans are a novelty, and the Childe is taken out for special events as a bragging piece. But when the king and queen are overthrown, the Childe must seek out his changeling counterpart in the World Above, hoping that together they can save the kingdom. A riveting story that will have readers feverishly flipping pages and reaching for the sequel.”

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

July Chen’s dad says ghosts are not real, but that does not prevent July from seeing them. And good thing! It’s Hungry Ghost Month, and ghosts are everywhere! When she rescues a boy named William from a Hungry Ghost, she finds herself embarking on an adventure to help him reattach his spirit to his body. But, to do so, they will need to travel to the underworld.

Ms. Krysta says: “Ghost Book is a hilariously imaginative story, where ghosts rise from the dead to take offerings, get embroiled in bureaucratic red tape, and sometimes get sidetracked from their nefarious schemes by delicious dumplings. I was absolutely delighted by July and her adventures; I wish we could get a sequel!”

Pea, Bee, & Jay: Wannabees by Brian Smith

Bee just wants to hang out with her friends, but when Lenny usurps her throne, the trio must prove that Lenny is not who he claims.

Ms. Faith says: “I like this series! It’s simple, easy to read, and loads of fun. In this adventure, it’s Bee who is in trouble, and her friends, Pea and Jay, are there to help. Can the beehive be saved? Can Bee get her job as Queen Bee back? Will the other bees trust her again? Will the corn and the potatoes ever get along? Read this second installment of Pea, Bee, & Jay to find out. You won’t BEE sorry!”

Four Eyes by Rex Ogle & Dave Valeza

Rex is not excited about middle school. He can’t see the board at all, and his teachers keep yelling at him for it. When he learns he needs glasses, his family can only afford the ugliest pair in the store–and now he’s being bullied for it. His mom just doesn’t seem to understand. Can a new friend help him feel confident again?

Ms. Krysta says: “Four Eyes, based on the author’s own life, is a touching look at the middle school experience. Rex just wants to keep his old friends and enjoy doing all the hobbies he has always loved. Instead, he finds his friends drifting away–and even joining the bullies who mock him for his glasses and his love of comics. Four Eyes will resonate with any reader who has ever felt misunderstood or desperate to find a place where they belong. Recommended for fans of Frizzy and School Trip.”

It’s Jeff by Kelly Thompson & Gurihiru

Jeff the land shark brings his adorable antics to the Marvel Universe in this new collection.

Mr. Jude says: “It’s a simple pantomime-style comic strip on Marvel’s Jeff the Land Shark. It’s a very cute and simple comic with artist and team Gurihiru nailing every single panel.”

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5 Tips for a Better Movie Night Using Your Library Card

webadmin — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:00:41 +0000

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Save Money.

Save money by borrowing or streaming content using your library card. Movies are available through Hoopla and Kanopy.

Ask a Librarian.

We love a good movie just as much as you, and we can offer personalized suggestions.

Make Snacks.

Browse our cookbook collection and get inspired.

Cosplay!

Plan a movie night around a theme or fandom and encourage your guests to come dressed for the fun.

Crafts.

Entertain your guests with themed crafts and activities.

Tween Comic Club Recommends 36

webadmin — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:00:22 +0000

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Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge

The Childe was switched with a fairy at birth, and now Edmund lives his human life in his stead. But when an evil sorceress takes the throne of the World Below, Edmund and the Childe will have to work together to defeat her.

Mr. Jude says: “The art is great. I love the details on the armor and the underworld. It looks very much like a Guillermo del Toro movie. A boy stolen by fairies teams up with the changeling who replaced him to save the magical underground world.”

Clock Striker, Vol. 1 by Issaka Galadima and Frederick L. Jones

Cast dreams of becoming a SMITH, one of the legendary warriors who used science to defend the world. Unfortunately, they have all disappeared. Until now. Ms. Philomena Clock takes on Cast as an apprentice, and suddenly she’s battling villains and trying to piece together what really happened to the SMITHs.

Skylan B. says: “Clock Striker is really good! There are plot twists and some funny parts to it. I would recommend it to manga fans.”

So I’m a Spider, So What!? (vol. 1) by Asahiro Kakashi

A teenage girl is reincarnated as a spider in a magical world. As one of the weakest creatures in the dungeon she now inhabits, she must use her human intelligence to overcome obstacles and gain power–all to stay alive.

Ms. Faith says: “I liked this one more than I thought I would. It’s very video game-ish, with leveling up and gaining powers and the spider needing to figure things out, like how to fight and save her powers. I’m confused as to how a teenage girl ended up becoming said spider…and clearly, she is, too. For that reason alone, I would continue reading. But I probably won’t because it’s too sci-fi for me. All in all, if you like sci-fi, spiders, video games, and manga, you will probably like this series. It’s easy to read and follow, and the plot thickens as you go, so you will always want to continue reading.”

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Ryan Parrott & Simone di Meo

The Power Rangers arrive in New York City, seeking their friend, the Green Power Ranger. But it looks like he has joined forces with Shredder and the Foot Clan!

Mr. Jude says: “It’s a fun, easy-to-jump-into crossover between the Power Rangers and the Turtles. The artist, Simone di Meo, is one of comics’ absolute best. Shredder kidnaps Tommy the Green Ranger to steal his power, only to meet with the Rangers and Ninja Turtles in an all-out brawl.”

Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

It’s 1981, and Feng-Li thinks she’s just on an amazing vacation to the U.S. But then her parents leave her and her siblings behind! The family’s visas have expired, and their mother explains that their parents want the best for their children–political safety and good schooling–but their father must keep his job in Taiwan to support them. Now Feng-Li and her siblings must navigate middle school while also learning a new language and figuring out how to run a household by themselves.

Ms. Krysta says: “Parachute Kids is an emotional roller coaster of a book. Feng-Li and her siblings find themselves on their own in the U.S. after their parents’ (and their) visas expire. They must learn to work together to survive but struggle as they try to navigate a new school and a new life while learning a new language. Though at times, their lives seem overwhelming, the book balances the sad parts with moments of humor and familial love. Recommended for fans of New Kid, Front Desk, and Swim Team.”

The Maze of Bones: A Graphic Novel by Ethan Young & Rick Riordan

Minutes before dying, matriarch Grace Cahill changed her will to offer her heirs a choice: one million dollars or a clue. The clues will lead her descendants, Dan and Amy, to the source of the family power. But others are seeking it, as well. Adapted from the novels.

Skylan B. says: “Brother and sister Dan and Amy are part of the Cahill family, full of famous and powerful people. They are related to people such as Benjamin Franklin and Harry Houdini. Amy and Dan’s grandmother has died, leaving her descendants two choices: one million dollars or a clue. When they choose the clue, it leads them on a wild ride from discovering their family history to finding out what really happened to their parents. There is suspense and betrayal in this thrilling graphic novel as they try to find out a family secret that could change the world forever.”

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