Hauntingly Good Reads for All Ages
It’s “spooky season,” and our staff has some fun book recommendations to share!
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards by Susan Tan
Moving to a new town is a big change for Mo and her family. Besides the normal worries about fitting in at a new school and making sure her family is adjusting, a ghostly elephant starts to haunt Mo's dreams, and she's pretty sure a mysterious spirit is attacking her home. With the help of a new friend, she embarks on an investigation that leads to more than she was prepared for.
This contemporary novel for middle grade readers seamlessly blends paranormal adventure with a realistic setting, and thoughtfully explores themes of family, friendship, and mental health.
The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Lonely and clever Morrigan Crow’s next birthday will be the fulfillment of a curse. But as danger looms on the eve of her deathday, she is whisked away to Nevermoor, a land for those with “knacks” or abilities. But Morrigan doesn’t have a knack –– at least not one she knows of yet.
The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend invites readers into a whimsical fantasy world perfect for fans of fast-paced fantasy with magical school settings. Written for children but engaging for all ages, this novel centers around the power of unlikely friendships, finding hope and taking charge of one’s destiny.
The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Canas
This atmospheric novel for an adult audience immerses readers in 18th century Mexican history, gothic themes, and the paranormal.
In 1765 Zacatecas, Mexico, Alba and her family flee from a plague to an isolated mine. They have no idea they’re running from one danger to another ... until Alba starts having troubling visions.
Read this one with the lights on!
Stories that Inspire –– Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15–October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month.Discover the richness of Hispanic and Latino culture through the pages of a library book! Reading is a wonderful way to celebrate and learn about the contributions, stories, and influence of Hispanic and Latino communities on our nation’s history, culture, and achievements. Irvine Public Library staff recommend these titles for readers of all ages—children, teens, and adults:
My Papi has a Motorcycle, Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, a young girl zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle and observes the people and places she loves. A poignant homage to the enduring spirit of family and community, with an inland California setting that will feel familiar.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Erika L. Sanchez
Readers won't want to put down this New York Times bestselling title about a teenager coming to terms with losing her sister and finding herself amid the pressures, expectations, and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home.
Solito, Javier Zamora
A memoir by an acclaimed poet that reads like a novel, Solito not only provides an immediate and intimate account of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, but also the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments.
Many more titles exploring the Hispanic and Latino experience are available at the Irvine Public Library and our staff members are eager to offer recommendations –– during National Hispanic Heritage Month and all year long.
Our Librarians on the National Stage
Did you know members of the Irvine Public Library team are helping shape the future of children’s literature? Three of our staff are currently serving on prestigious book award committees at the state and national level. Their work not only highlights the dedication of our librarians, but also brings direct benefits to our community. By evaluating and selecting the year’s most notable titles, our librarians ensure that Irvine’s shelves are stocked with the very best—and our whole team is ready to share those recommendations with you.
Lauren Regenhardt, Senior Librarian for Children’s Services, and Children’s Librarian Megan Geli are serving on the California Library Association’s John and Patricia Beatty Award Committee, which honors outstanding books for children and teens that celebrate California and its people. Regenhardt, now in her second term, is Co-chair of the committee.
Library Services Manager Allison Tran is serving on the School Library Journal’s Best Graphic Novels 2025 Committee, continuing her work in evaluating the most distinguished graphic novels for children and teens. Her 2024 committee’s picks are available online now.
This recognition showcases the caliber of professionals serving our community—and ensures Irvine readers have access to the books making waves across the country.
Kick Off the School Year with Your Irvine Public Library
The new school year is here — it’s time to help your child start strong! Parents and caregivers can get a jump on the year by adjusting sleep schedules, talking through feelings about new routines, organizing study areas at home, and setting up study habits that fit the whole family.
The Irvine Public Library is here to make school success easier and more fun. Students can explore nonfiction books at every reading level for research and assignments, dive into newspapers and journals through our Digital Library, or enjoy fiction for in-class reading and independent discovery.
Library staff are ready to help every step of the way. Ask a librarian for reading recommendations or guidance finding materials tailored to school projects.
Beyond books, the library offers engaging programs for school-aged children to connect, create, and explore their interests — like After School Club and Teen STEAM. For younger learners, our storytimes provide a fun way to build early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading.
With the library by your side, this school year is off to a bright start!
Read More. Think Better.
Reading isn’t just a pastime — it’s a workout for your brain. For adults, diving into novels or thought-provoking non-fiction can boost memory, enhance cognitive function, and even lower the risk of cognitive decline. Each page you turn stimulates different parts of your brain, supporting lifelong learning and mental agility.
Now, accessing this mental boost is easier than ever with the Libby app. Irvine Public Library cardholders can explore a vast collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks from the comfort of home, offering endless options across genres and authors. It’s a relaxing, stress-relieving way to keep your mind active and engaged at any age.
Explore our Digital Library to get started.
Questions? Email irvinepubliclibrary@cityofirvine.org.
Stay Curious
Stay Curious. As the school year winds down, many families look forward to a break — but time away from the classroom can lead to the “summer slide,” where students lose some of the progress they made during the year. The good news? Just 15 to 30 minutes of learning activities a day can make a big difference. Our Senior Librarian for Children’s Services has shared some easy, effective strategies to keep young minds sharp all summer long.
Daily reading is one of the most powerful ways to stay on track. Talk about what your child is reading to build comprehension or make it fun with flash cards for new vocabulary words. A few math problems or puzzles each day can help maintain those hard-earned skills, and reviewing grammar concepts or writing short paragraphs on fun topics encourages language growth and creativity. Identify any subjects your child found challenging last year and use the summer as a chance to build confidence through focused practice.
We’re here to help! Our Summer Reading Program, hosted on Beanstack, rewards kids for reading and offers free activities that keep learning fun and engaging. The Summer Reading Program is open to all ages, so adults can model great reading habits for the kids in their lives. Small learning moments each day can lead to big progress — let us help you make this summer count.
Smart Start
Smart Start. Early childhood literacy is foundational for lifelong learning, fostering cognitive development, imagination, and the skills necessary for academic and personal success. Summer with the Library includes a series of Storytime events to partner with parents and guardians in helping promote early childhood literacy.
Looking for activities to do at home? Talk, Sing, Read, Write, Play is a great technique to help children develop early literacy skills through five simple practices: singing to build language, talking to encourage communication, reading to engage with stories, writing to enhance fine motor skills, and playing to foster cognitive and social development. These activities can be adapted to suit each child's individual needs, including those with disabilities, and can be incorporated into daily routines to support lifelong learning.
Reading aloud to your child not only strengthens their language skills but also nurtures a love for stories, sparks imagination, and creates lasting bonds through shared moments of learning.
