Pop Culture Ambassadors: A Library Internship

Originally written in Chinese, this is a novel set in late 1980s China, exploring a tumultuous love affair between a wealthy businessman and a working-class architectural student, set against the backdrop of political and social unrest, including the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. I chose it because it features a gay relationship, but in the context of China in the 1980s, which may be something we don’t have much fiction about. We may be able to learn about how sexuality was viewed in 1980s China.

Sildre’s biographical work discusses the life of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, and his reactions to living under Soviet occupation. The graphic novel also offers insight into the formation of self-identity and individuality in a time of conformity and trauma. Sildre’s illustrations combine visual art and sound, providing an interesting artistic dynamic backed by a story grounded in Sildre’s historical research.

This standalone fantasy follows Sciona, the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry. Alongside her lab assistant, Thomil, they begin to uncover an ancient secret that could change magic forever.

I chose this book because it was described as an underground of Tias starting a revolution to overthrow their dystopian government that has banned their books and overworked their people—and that sounded really interesting. In this book, under the authoritarian thumb of its tech industrialist mayor, Pablo Henry Crick, the town has outlawed reading and forced most of the town’s mothers to work as indentured laborers at the Big Tex Fish Cannery, which poisons the atmosphere and lines Crick’s pockets. After a violence conflict, two women decide they have had enough and their anger creates a revolution.

If you’re longing to escape your responsibilities and open a bookshop in a tiny town with more dragons than people, join Reyna and Kianthe on their journey to Tawney in the cozy fantasy “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea” by Rebecca Thorne.

Ieing the heiress of Greenway Discoveries, Daphne Green has always lived a life of privilege. But when there is a break-in at her father’s office, he enlists the service of Milosh Petrov to guard her as a precaution. The two try to deny their attraction but as the threats against Daphne’s life increase, Milosh realizes that he she matters more than a charge to him.

This story follows Saika, a witch disconnected from her powers after the death of her sister two years ago. Over time, she learns more about the magical arboretum her sister was buried in, and ultimately discovers how to allow joy and grief to coexist with the help of found family.

Join Emily Wilde, a Cambridge professor studying faeries as she seeks to write the first encyclopaedia on faerie lore in a small northern town, even as her insufferable academic rival Wendell Bambleby interferes with her research and confounds her at every turn.

I chose this because I believe that firstborn daughters don’t get enough recognition for being the pilot and enduring the firsts for their family that follows. This is a “powerful memoir exploring inherited trauma, family secrets, and the enduring bonds of love between mothers and daughters.” Readers travel through an emotional history beginning with her four-times enslaved great grandmother through the reconstruction era to Dr. King’s assisination. A journey of self-discovery and a history of family threads.

What everyone needs in their life, lesbian Vikings! Aydis is a warrior dealing with the fallout of her love affair going public, which she finds completely unfair. Alterici’s comic tackles patriarchal standards through the use of Norse mythology, all while providing beautiful imagery.

This story follows Saika, a witch disconnected from her powers after the death of her sister two years ago. Over time, she learns more about the magical arboretum her sister was buried in, and ultimately discovers how to allow joy and grief to coexist with the help of found family.

A coming-of-age novel set in 1960s Thailand, following a young boy named Little Frog (Justin), who navigates the clash between Thai traditions and Western influences. Born to an upper-class Thai family but educated in an English-speaking school, Little Frog struggles with his dual identity. Through encounters with eccentric relatives, British expatriates, and the vibrant cultural landscape of Bangkok, he explores themes of colonialism, sexuality, and self-discovery. The novel blends humor, nostalgia, and social critique, offering a rich portrait of a rapidly modernizing Thailand seen through the eyes of an imaginative and observant child. I chose this book because it provides a representation of Thai literature in our library while expanding on coming-of-age issues that may also be relevant to our American society.

Taking inspiration from her own life, Rosenfeld’s novel follows our deaf protagonist as she tries to come to terms with a difficult decision. Through the eyes of a charming main character, Rosenfeld presents a story about the relatable mental effects of living with a disability, but also the love and self-acceptance that follows.

The first novel in the Edinburgh Nights series, Huchu draws on his personal experience, growing up in Zimbabwe and later establishing a life in Edinburgh. In this dystopian Edinburgh, however, magic and the supernatural are definitely at play. Ropa, a ghostalker just trying to make a living, becomes mixed up in the strangeness when she’s asked to help discover what’s got a hold on the local children, all while calling on her own brand of Zimbabwean/Scottish fusion magic to guide her.

AAn unlikely pair, Yunho and Myunghee come together to in this dual-narrated graphic novel to cross the North Korean border. In search of different things, the two young children face many challenges, but grow together on their journey. Cho’s graphic novel is also illustrated by Deb JJ Lee, who uses beautifully vivid colors and expertise to bring Cho’s narrative to life.

A graphic memoir that explores the author's experience as a Korean adoptee raised in Sweden. Through a mix of illustrations and personal reflections, Sjöblom recounts her journey of self-discovery as she seeks to uncover the truth about her origins. I chose it because it may help expand on Korean literature representation in our library, as well as introduce a theme that is prevalent in Korean-American communities.

Set in 1920s Georgia, this novella follows Maryse and her fellow resistance fighters as they hunt demons known as the Ku Kluxes. P. Dèjlí Clark mixes horror with historical fiction in this quick read that brings a new perspective to American history.

The human daughter of a vampire king, Oraya seeks to prove herself in a tournament known as the Kejari and held by the goddess of death. Desperate not only to survive but to win, she forges an alliance with her mysterious rival, Raihn, and finds herself increasingly drawn to him, even as war brews in the kingdom.

JA historical mystery set in 1800s Joseon Korea. It follows Seol, a 16-year-old orphan who works as a 다모 (damo - a servant to the police) in the capital’s police bureau. When a noblewoman is found murdered, Seol becomes entangled in the investigation alongside Inspector Han, a kind officer who treats her with respect. However, as secrets unravel, she begins to question whom she can trust. This was chosen because of its focus on historical Korea and its genres of mystery and crime, which can work well together to introduce traditional Korean elements to popular genres. It can also give insight into traditional Korean life and laws.

The first book in a vampire duology where Remy, a vampire hunter, is forced to work with a kindhearted vampire heiress and her infuriating vampire lord fiancee to take down a new breed of monstrous vampire.

The sequel to “The House in the Cerulean Sea,” this novel follows Arthur and Linus as they bring a new child back to their home on Marsyas and face the consequences of Arthur’s dark past as he struggles to resist those who seek to tear his family apart.

ebut novel from trans Chicana author M. M. Olivias follows Liz Remolina on her journey back home after the loss of her aunt. A clairvoyant, Liz comes in contact with ghosts, monsters, and ancient Aztec Gods, while also being haunted by her own past and identity. Olivias tackles immigration anxieties, queer identity, and cultural constraints in this speculative horror novel.

A high Imperial officer is dead, killed by what appears to be a tree sprouting from his body. Ana Dolabra, the Empire’s greatest (and most mysterious) investigator, is called in to help. At her side is Dinios Kol, an engraver magically altered to remember all he sees or hears. Both uphold secrets, while trying to solve the murder mystery.

I chose this comic because I was surprised to learn that there was a comic series of The Twilight Zone, and figured we could start this series at the library. This is a dramatic fiction that follows a man that has somehow stepped back in time into his younger self that experienced life altering trauma. He’s stuck trying to decide whether to help his younger self or let the abuse he faced make him into the man he will become?

This bestselling Japanese novel showcases the Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul, only discoverable by struggling people who need help. This novel follows five individuals along their path to healing and hope with the help of their special prescriptions - cats.

Oxnard Matheson was twelve when his father taught him a lesson: Ox wasn’t worth anything and people would never understand him. Then his father left. Ox was sixteen when the energetic Bennett family moved in next door, harboring a secret that would change him forever. The Bennetts are shapeshifters and can transform into wolves at will. Drawn to their magic, loyalty, and enduring friendships, Ox feels a gulf between this extraordinary new world and the quiet life he’s known, but he finds an ally in Joe, the youngest Bennett boy. Ox was twenty-three when murder came to town and tore a hole in his heart. Violence flared, tragedy split the pack, and Joe left town, leaving Ox behind. Three years later, the boy is back. Except now he’s a man – charming, handsome, but haunted – and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them.

“Zegaajimo,” is an Ojibwe term meaning “to tell a scary story.” This title serves as an anthology of eleven horror stories by Indigenous authors from across Turtle Island (North America) with many stories drawing upon traditional narratives, reimagined within contemporary settings, serving as reminders that the known can be just as frightening as the unknown and that even the slightest mistakes can have dire consequences. I chose this because it features stories from acclaimed Indigenous authors and presents horror through an Indigenous lens, incorporating traditional storytelling methods, cultural themes, and lived experiences.

horror-thriller 만화 (Korean webtoon/comic) about Cha Hyun-soo, a reclusive teenager who moves into the Green Home apartment complex after losing his family. Soon, a mysterious apocalypse turns people into monsters based on their deepest desires. Trapped with other residents, Hyun-soo fights for survival while struggling with his own monstrous transformation. The story explores fear, humanity, and the thin line between man and monster. I chose this because it is a popular Netflix series that is not well adapted. The story is more complex and I think having the title will allow students to immerse themselves more into the world!

Diatoms is a tile-placing game based on the Victorian art form of creating microscopic mosaics out of algae. In this game, you will take on the role of a Victorian naturalist to collect diatoms and arrange them onto microscope slides to create your own beautiful mosaics.

Take the role of the Octopus, skillfully navigating the board with cards and hidden moves, or become the Shark, patrolling your territory, rolling dice, and unleashing unique abilities to track down the elusive Octopus. Each player can achieve victory in their own way, but only one can win.

Welcome to Machi Koro, where you’ve just been elected mayor! Armed only with a die, a bakery, and a field, you must realize your own dream of constructing Machi Koro. This is a fast-paced game about completing your own city before your fellow players can succeed.

Turing Machine is a competitive deduction game where you seek to decipher a mysterious code in as few turns as possible before your fellow players by questioning an analog computer with unique components. With more than 7 million problems of various complications you can crush your friends or even play solo, using your brain power to beat the game itself.

I chose this because I love any game that can create such chaos where suddenly the game feels real and the stakes are high. It’s a social game of hidden rules and deduction. “Stop your president from being blown up! But who is the president? More importantly ...who is the bomber?!”