Plano Reads: Book Selfies, Episode 7
3 mins read

Plano Reads: Book Selfies, Episode 7

The libraries may be closed, but our love of reading and recommending never ends! 

Your Plano Public Library staff are virtually recommending our latest favorite reads, and below is the list of these titles, with additional read-alikes you can checkout on Overdrive and the Libby app. 

See all Book Selfies posts here.



In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming

Recommended by: Melanie at Haggard Library, available as an eAudiobook

Genre: juvenile fiction, juvenile literature

Description from Overdrive: Spring is here in this cheerful introduction to the seasons. Frogs leap, tadpoles wriggle, geese waddle, and minnows scatter. Young kids won’t want to miss a single splash. Stunning art is a feast for the youngest eyes.

In the Small, Small Pond Read-alikes

Ten Little Catepillars by Bill Martin
Tree by Britta Teckentrup
No Two Alike by Keith Baker


Author Neil Gaiman

Recommended by: Sarah at Haggard Library, available as eBooks and eAudiobooks

Genre: fiction, literature

From NoveList: Gaiman evokes a creepy, sometimes horrifying, atmosphere, but balances this with whimsical interludes and comic relief. The novels are complex, with frequent use of literary and cultural references. Despite their complexity, Gaiman’s prose is straightforward and reader-friendly, and the stories move quickly with multiple storylines resolving just in the nick of time.

Titles include: Good Omens, Coraline, Stardust and American Gods

Neil Gaiman Read-alikes

The Magicians series by Lev Grossman
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher


Author Jan Thomas

Recommended by: Andrea at Haggard Library, available as eBooks

Genre: juvenile fiction, picture books, beginning readers

Description from Overdrive: Jan Thomas has a wonderfully wacky humor, rowdy repetitions and hilarious characters

Jan Thomas Read-alikes

Books by Jackie Urbanovic
Books by Laurie Keller, on Overdrive
Books by Margie Palatini


Author Terry Pratchett

Recommended by: Erik at Davis Library, available as eBooks and eAudiobooks

Genre: juvenile fiction, juvenile literature

Description from NoveList: Terry Pratchett won a large following for his Discworld series by creating interesting characters, placing them in a well-crafted world, and combining humor and compassion. Pratchett used humor to parody elements of literary genres, and also to raise questions about contemporary society. Pratchett’s writing style uses cinematic techniques, cutting from scene to scene to show different perspectives, as well as lots of dialogue and a fast pace to propel the reader along.

Terry Pratchett Read-alikes

Books by Neil Gaiman
Books by Douglas Adams
Books by Eoin Colfer


了凡四训 (Liao-Fan’s Four Lessons) by 袁了凡(Yuan Liaofan)

Recommended by: Amy C. at Davis Library, available as an eBook

Genre: classic Chinese literature, drama

Description from Overdrive: 《了凡四训》为明代袁了凡六十九岁时所作,以此来教戒他的儿子袁天启,认识命运的真相,明辨善恶的标准,改过迁善。内容平实而无虚华,深奥而不迷信。也因此数百年来历久不衰,为各界人士欣然传诵,时至今日,仍然被人们广为传颂,脍炙人口。本书为了读者阅读方便,对原作进行了精心加工,配以注释及译文,并辅以精美插图,使全书更具可读性。本书除了对《了凡四训》内容进行了详细解读,还收录了《袁了凡居士传》《云谷先大师传》《云谷禅师授袁了凡功过格》《安士全书》等,并配以译文,使本书内容更为翔实,性价比更高。The Liao-Fan’s Four Lessons was written by Yuan Liaofan of the Ming Dynasty when he was 69 years old, to teach his son Yuan Tianqi to learn the truth of fate, identify what is good and what is evil and correct mistakes.

了凡四训 Read-alikes

庄子 by Chuang-tzu
中国书法 (Chinese Calligraphy) by Chen Tingyou
中国文学 (Chinese Literature) by Yao Dan

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6 thoughts on “Plano Reads: Book Selfies, Episode 7

  1. A book I got from the library that I would recommend is “The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue” by Mackenzi Lee. The story follows Henry “Monty” Montague’s travels through Europe, full of pleasure, action, and vice, with his best friend Percy and his sister Felicity. The novel contains wonderful amounts of romance, adventure, and humor, which is why I love it so much!

  2. I would recommend ” The False Prince” by Jennifer a. Nielsen. The story is historical fiction about an orphan boy who is caught in a bold plan. I absolutely love love love the plot twists of the book and the characters personalities! It is a great book to read during this time!

  3. A book I got from a Plano Library would be “The Honest Truth” by Dan Gemeinhart, it was a beautiful book about the ups and downs of a life in the cancer ward. It had the switching perspectives between the boy diagnosed with cancer himself and the family and friends around him. The storyline and journey of the boy in the book just builds and grows into something that will capture your interest with each turn of the page. The character development was outstanding and it although it was fiction, it really made you get emotionally attached to his story.

  4. I would recommend the book “Night” by Ellie Wiesel. The book details the authors real experiences in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. The pain that is reflected through his writing is truly moving. Although there is a serious undertone of gloom associated with the book, it is definitely worth reading in order to understand the horrors that took place during that time period. A definite must read!

  5. A book I recommended is “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. The book is very heartwarming as well as shows a beautiful theme throughout the story. “You should never judge a book by its story”. It is an amazing book to read and I highly recommend everyone to read this book!

  6. A book I would recommend is “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. I’ve read this book several years ago and I just can’t stop thinking about it. The story line is so well written and it almost had me in tears. I would recommend this book to people who want to read about real world hardships. It’s great!

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