Ever wonder what the staff at Schertz Public Library is reading? Take a look at our monthly Staff Picks! Staff pulls both Adult and Youth reading material spanning all different genres. Are you participating in our Extreme Book Nerd Challenge and want to know books that qualify for specific prompts? Each recommendation lists the Extreme Book Nerd prompts it will satisfy. Here are the books we're excited to talk about.
Curly Locks means well but can’t cook. Folks in Toadsuck Swamp steer clear of her creative recipes, but when one of her dishes disappears, rumors fly about the Scares terrorizing the town at mealtime. While panic ensues, Curly hatches a plan. Could her quirky skills be just what’s needed to wrangle those pesky Scares once and for all?
Genre: Picture Book, Juvenile, Fiction, Halloween
Youth Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A fantasy book with at least one mythical creature, A book with magic, A book where the main character solves a problem using creativity, A book about an unlikely hero, A book where the main character has an unusual talent
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: Book of your choice, Foodie fiction, A book with non-human characters, A fiction book with mushrooms, toadstools, or fungi on the cover, Title begins with the letter "B"
This is the story of a bold idea and the child who nurtures it into something extraordinary. As the child’s courage grows, so does the idea, until it changes everything. This heartwarming story is perfect for dreamers of any age, reminding us that even the wildest ideas deserve a chance to grow.
Genre: Picture Book, Juvenile, Fiction
Youth Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A book that teaches you something new, A book about a major discovery or innovation, A book where a character has a big dream, A book with an even number of pages
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A book with an award on the cover
Willodeen loves all creatures, especially the misunderstood “screechers” that her village of Perchance sees as pests. She knows they play an important role in nature’s balance, but nature seems off lately. When the beloved hummingbears—once a major draw for tourists—don’t return this year, no one knows why. Determined to speak up for the animals she loves, she and her new friend Connor set out to discover why the hummingbears are missing.
Genre: Middle Grade, Chapter Book, Fantasy
Youth Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A book with an even number of pages, A book with a character who becomes a leader, A book with a character who loves the outdoors, A book set on a farm or in a rural area
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A book with non-human characters, Book set in a national park, forest, or wildlife area
Biscuit loves everything about fall—apple picking, leaf jumping, corn mazes, and even tractor rides! Biscuit and the Great Fall Day is a cozy read for autumn adventures, from pumpkin patches to Halloween fun. With simple words, repetition, and adorable illustrations, this book is perfect for sharing with early readers.
Genre: Early Reader, Picture Book, Fiction
Youth Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A book with a household pet in the story, A book with an even number of pages, A book with a character who loves the outdoors
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A book with non-human characters, Title begins with the letter “B”
The morning after Halloween in 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls happen upon the biggest story the world has ever known. Blending suburban life with cosmic mystery, this series explores nostalgia and the last moments of childhood.
Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Comics, Science Fiction
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: 1st book in a very long series (15+ books), A book by an indie author, A book with non-human characters, Set in a country with an active volcano, Set in the 1980s, Book written by two authors
Taro Sakamoto was once the most feared hit man alive—until he walked away to start a quiet life with his family and run a corner store. But peace doesn’t last forever. When a ghost from his past shows up with an ultimatum—return to the assassin world or die—Sakamoto must shake off the dad bod and pick up his old skills, or he will lose everything.
Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Comics, Action
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: 1st book in a very long series (15+ books), A comedy novel
Series: Pumpkin Queen #1
Sally Skellington is the new Pumpkin Queen, head over seams for her love, Jack. But she still is unsure about her royal role. Feeling trapped, Sally and her ghost dog Zero stumble upon a secret doorway to Dream Town. This discovery sparks dark forces that threaten Halloween Town and Sally’s reign. Can she stay true to herself and save her home before her future turns into a nightmare?
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Halloween
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: Audiobook or eAudiobook of your choice, A book with non-human characters, A book with a puzzle in the plot, Book is 300–400 pages long, Book with an odd number of pages, Book inspired by a play or musical
Series: Bethel #1
In Bethel, where the Prophet’s word is law, Immanuelle Moore is an outcast—her mother’s mixed-race marriage brought shame to their family. Living in strict obedience, Immanuelle’s world changes when she stumbles into the forbidden Darkwood. There, the spirits of four witches give Immanuelle her mother’s secret journal, revealing a hidden past and shocking truths about the Church. As she uncovers Bethel’s dark secrets, she realizes that real change must start with her.
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Historical Fiction, Paranormal
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: Book of your choice, Book is 300–400 pages long
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #22
In this emotional and intense addition to J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Nalla, the sheltered daughter of the legendary Zsadist, longs to break free from the safety that has always protected her. Her rebellious night out leads her to Nate, a tormented immortal warrior with a violent past and nothing left to lose. As they fight side by side, a fierce connection ignites—but their bond is threatened by Nate’s dark secrets, Nalla’s father’s disapproval, and a looming war. With love, loyalty, and life itself on the line, Nalla must choose between her heart and her family before it’s too late.
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: A book with non-human characters, Title begins with “B,” eBook or eAudiobook, Takes place in a country with an active volcano, A comedy novel, Book has an odd number of pages
In this heartbreaking yet funny memoir, former child star from the Nickelodeon show iCarly, Jennette McCurdy shares her harrowing journey from childhood fame to healing. Pushed into acting by her mother, Jennette endured eating disorders, abuse, and emotional manipulation—all under the spotlight of Hollywood. When her mother passed away from cancer, Jennette was forced to confront her trauma, quit acting, and take control of her life. I’m Glad My Mom Died is a powerful story of survival, self-discovery, and breaking free.
Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Autobiography
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: Audiobook or eAudiobook, Nonfiction book of your choice, The book that started your love for reading, Book with your favorite color on the cover, Book is about 300–400 pages long
Without her mother, Emma Johnson, Caryn Johnson would never have become Whoopi Goldberg. Emma’s love and strength gave her children the confidence to be themselves and pursue their dreams. After losing her mother and brother, Whoopi felt deeply alone. In this memoir, she reflects on a joyful childhood in the New York City projects—filled with trips, laughter, and magical holidays—and the quiet sacrifices Emma made to make it all possible.
Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Autobiography
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: Book of your choice, Audiobook or eAudiobook, Nonfiction book of your choice, Memoir by a BIPOC, Title begins with the letter “B,” Title that has the same word in it twice, A book with an odd number of pages
At 3 a.m. in New Delhi, a Mercedes plows into a crowd—five dead, and no wealthy driver in sight. Just a stunned servant at the wheel, unable to explain what happened. So begins Age of Vice, a sweeping, adrenaline-fueled saga of wealth, corruption, and power in modern India. As the infamous Wadia family’s influence casts a long shadow, three lives become dangerously entangled: Ajay, a loyal servant with a dark past; Sunny, the reckless heir chasing his father’s legacy; and Neda, a journalist torn between truth and desire. From rural villages to glitzy estates, this gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and survival asks: Will their connections free them—or destroy them?
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Adult Extreme Book Nerd Challenge: Book about a social justice issue, Author’s sophomore book, Book from a library display, A mystery set outside the US, Book set on a farm or in a rural area
Please note that staff picks may include information for Book Nerd Challenge categories that were featured in previous years challenges.
Please note that staff picks may include information for Book Nerd Challenge categories that were featured in previous years challenges.
