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October 2025 Staff Recommendations

 

A framed graphic showcasing cartoon-style avatars with the title "Staff Recommendations" curated monthly.

 Click on the titles to learn more!

Ana Recommends: The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry 
The image features a book cover for "Play Nice" by Rachel Harrison, labeled as Ana's October staff pick at a library.

A chilling haunted house story filled with family drama and buried secrets. When influencer Clio Barnes inherits her childhood home, she plans to flip it—but the house holds dark memories, unsettling truths from her mother’s writings, and a sinister presence.
Can Clio confront the terrifying legacy of her family home before it consumes her? A suspenseful, twist-filled read you won’t want to put down!

Ashleigh Recommends: The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart 
The image features a library staff pick for October: "The Butcher and the Wren" by Alaina Urquhart with a cartoon representation of Ashleigh.

A gritty cat-and-mouse thriller set in the Louisiana bayou. A calculating serial killer obsessed with medical experimentation taunts investigators, while forensic pathologist Dr. Wren Muller faces her toughest case yet.
Told from the alternating perspectives of predator and pursuer, this chilling debut dives deep into obsession, brutality, and the relentless hunt for justice.

Betty Recommends: The President's Daughter by James Patterson and Bill Clinton 
A library graphic featuring "The President's Daughter," a staff pick by Betty at Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library.

Former president and ex–Navy SEAL Matthew Keating must rescue his teenage daughter Melanie after she’s kidnapped by a ruthless madman. A high-stakes, action-packed thriller testing his courage, skills, and resolve.

Colleen Recommends: Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism by Eve L. Ewing 
A library staff pick featuring "Original Sins" by Eve L. Ewing, addressing racism and education.

This New York Times bestseller exposes how U.S. schools were designed to uphold racial hierarchies, shaping Black and Native children for unequal futures. Ewing explores curricula, testing, discipline, and resource gaps in a powerful, eye-opening look at American education.

Evelyn Recommends: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher 
Evelyn's October Staff Pick features the book "Hemlock & Silver" by T. Kingfisher at Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library.

Healer Anja drinks poison to save the incurable, but her skills are tested when the King’s daughter, Snow, falls gravely ill. With a taciturn guard, a mischievous cat, and her scientific expertise, Anja uncovers a hidden magical realm that may hold the cure—or a deadly threat.
A tale of magic, danger, and moral dilemmas that will keep you hooked until the last page.

Henry Recommends: The Bakery Dagon by Devin Elle Kurtz 
The image features "The Bakery Dragon" book, marked as Henry's October Staff Pick at Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library.

A heartwarming, national bestseller picture book about Ember, a tiny dragon whose roar is more sneeze than fearsome. When Ember meets a kind baker, he learns that earning gold through kindness and sharing is far sweeter than hoarding it.
Filled with magic, humor, and delightful illustrations, perfect for read-alouds at bedtime or brunch time.

Jessica Recommends: The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Canas 
A library poster featuring Jessica's October staff pick: "The Possession of Alba Díaz" by Isabel Cañas.

In 1765, Alba Díaz seeks refuge in her fiancé’s remote silver mine during a plague, only to be haunted by visions, convulsions, and a sinister force. Forbidden desire ignites with the one man she cannot trust, and survival means confronting both the demon within and the darkness around her.
An atmospheric gothic tale of love and horror, perfect for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Martha Recommends: In Edith's Kitchen: Recipes from My Mostly Mexican-American Home to Yours by Edith Galvez 
The image features a book titled "In Edith's Kitchen" by Edith Galvez, highlighted as Martha's October Staff Pick at a library.

Beloved social media star Edith Galvez shares approachable, flavorful recipes inspired by her Mexican-American heritage—from quick weeknight meals to Huevos Rancheros and Mexican Tiramisu. A joyful debut celebrating family, culture, and cooking made simple.

Melissa Recommends: The Mountain is You by Brianna West 
A library staff pick for October, featuring "The Mountain Is You" by Brianna Wiest, about overcoming self-sabotage.

An international bestseller and #BookTok favorite, this transformative guide uncovers why we self-sabotage and how to break the cycle. Through emotional intelligence, healing past wounds, and reshaping habits, Brianna Wiest shows that the real mountain isn’t the obstacles around us—it’s the one within.

Sal Recommends: Here for It All by Mariah Carey (Album) 
The image features a staff pick from Sal at a library, highlighting the album "Here for It All," along with a cartoon avatar of Sal.

Mariah Carey’s 16th studio album blends pop, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop, featuring 11 new tracks—including a cover of Paul McCartney’s “My Love” and an exclusive Mariah-only version of “Sugar Sweet.” Guest appearances include Anderson Paak and the Clark Sisters, with top producers like The Stereotypes and HARV.

Shay Recommends: Killer's Kiss (Fear Street #42) by R.L. Stine 
The image features R.L. Stine's "Killer's Kiss" as Shay's October staff pick at Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library.

Shay’s Staff Pick: Killer’s Kiss (Fear Street, No. 42) by R.L. Stine
 At Shadyside High, rivals Delia and Karina compete for grades, popularity, and Vincent—the hottest guy in school. Karina will do anything to win, even putting Delia in danger. Packed with suspense, twists, and teen drama, this Fear Street installment proves some rivalries are truly lethal.

Victor Recommends: Final Destination: Bloodlines (Film) 
The image features a DVD of "Final Destination: Bloodlines," highlighting it as Victor's October staff pick at a public library.

The latest chapter in New Line Cinema’s iconic horror franchise returns to Death’s deadly game. College student Stefanie must confront the one person who can break the cycle before her family faces a grisly fate. Packed with suspense, twists, and signature thrills, Bloodlines is a chilling ride for horror fans.

 

 

 

 

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