Books & More

Staff Picks

Read a Book

Download Books & Music

Best Books 2011

What was the County of Los Angeles Public Library reading this year? Here are some suggestions from our staff of the best books we read. Some are newcomers, some are classics, but all are great!

Printer-friendly

Fiction

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Summer 1968, Oakland. Delphine and her sisters haven't seen their mother in years. This summer they will visit her for four whole weeks, whether she wants them or not. The story is full of great writing, humor, and sisterhood.

Genre: Chapter Book

recommended by Katherine at East Los Angeles Library

Zita the Spacegirl. Book One, Far From Home by Ben Hatke

A funny, fast-paced, graphic novel adventure! Zita’s friend Joseph is sucked through a portal to a doomed alien planet. Can Zita’s new friends – including a robot and a giant mouse – help her save Joseph before the planet is destroyed?

Genre: Fantasty

recommended by Karen at Hawaiian Gardens Library

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

When 12-year-old Raina falls and injures her front teeth, she will have to spend her teenage years facing surgeries, braces, headgear, retainers with fake teeth and friends who aren't really so friendly. This book will make you value your dentist. :)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Biography

recommended by Katherine at Hermosa Beach Library

The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy

A delightful story about a grouchy librarian who doesn't want children touching her library books with their dirty hands, eventually realizes the library belongs to them. Children enjoy spotting items, naming colors, and wordplay with "fire."

Genre: Picture Book

recommended by Elizabeth at View Park Library

The Barking Mouse by Antonio Sacre

A Spanish mouse family enjoys their picnic, until a cat threatens them, and mother mouse must save the day by demonstrating her ability to speak another language. Story is interspersed with various Spanish words.

Genre: Picture Book

recommended by Allan at Library Headquarters

1, 2, 3: A Child's First Counting Book by Alison Jay

My daughter and I delighted in reading this book over and over again. She liked the simple forms that she could recognize (moon, star, sun, cow!). I loved the beautiful illustrations and fairytale inspired dreams of a young girl. Great for young and old alike!

Genre: Picture Book

recommended by Heather at Library Headquarters

Oh, David! by David Shannon

Baby David gets into lots of trouble from unraveling the toilet paper to playing in his crib instead of napping. My son’s favorite part was the two page spread of David in a dirty diaper titled “P.U.” My favorite part was David cuddling with his mommy at the end.

Genre: Picture Book

recommended by Michele at Leland R. Weaver Library

The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee

From the moment the baby arrived, it was obvious that he was the boss.  Thus starts a great book that cleverly reminds readers who's really in charge when a new baby joins the family.  Hilarious text and illustrations depict the baby as a hardcore corporate boss who demands food, comfort, and entertainment around the clock at the expense of his bone-weary employees (a.k.a. parents).  This fabulous book will be enjoyed by all, even the most weary new parent.  Highly recommended!

Genre: Picture Book

recommended by Tina at Carson Library

Looking for more lists? Try these!

Our Picks

• Books for Teens
• Books for Adults

On the Web

• Publishers Weekly: Picture Books , Children's Fiction
• Kirkus Reviews: Best Books for Children
• New York Times: 2011 Best Illustrated Children's Books
• Notable Children's Books
• Youth Media Award Winners for 2011
• Amazon.com: Best of 2011 for Picture Books , Best of 2011 for middle grades