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April 2026 Staff Picks

Apr 18, 2026 | Book Lists, News, Staff Picks

Spring into your next great story with these hand-picked April favorites.

Michelle:

Midnight Flyboys by Bruce Hendersen

Bruce Henderson’s Midnight Flyboys: The American Bomber Crews and Allied Secret Agents Who Aided the French Resistance in World War II  “Operation Carpetbagger,” tells the story of a top secret initiative of the OSS (precursor to the CIA) to aid the French resistance. The operation involved B-24 Liberators taking off in the dead of night, without lights, and flying low in order to drop steel containers that held everything from munitions to bicycle tires, and on some nights, secret agents (not in steel containers) parachuted down to assist the French resistance. The story was classified for more than 50 years and following extensive research and interviews, Henderson’s retelling is riveting.

 

Barb:

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

My favorite of 2026 so far! A mysterious stranger arrives in the southern city of Golden and quietly gives away 92 framed portraits to their rightful owners. Through his acts of anonymous generosity, he sparks stories, friendships, and transformation, celebrating the power of creativity, wonder, and kindness.

Devin:

Impossible Creatures  by Katherine Rundell

A classic fantasy reminiscent of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Impossible Creatures explores the depths of friendship and love through a patient, atmospheric adventure.

 

 

 

Terri:

The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes

The White Hot is a short, punchy novel written as a letter from April Soto to her daughter. April is a young mom in Philly who is completely burnt out by the weight of expectations and a “white hot” rage she can’t quite name. One night, she just… walks out. She hops on a bus and goes on a wild, messy, ten-day (turned ten-year) journey to find out who she is when she’s not being a mother, a daughter, or a “good girl.”
I recently listened to this novel (read by the author) and was captivated by the rawness, honesty, beauty and heartbreak of this event.  The letter isn’t an apology, excuse or explanation- it just is.

 

 

 

Erin:

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villian Anymore  by Emily Krempholt

Who doesn’t love a magical redemption story, a sentient (somewhat homicidal) plant, and a love story to boot? 

 

 

Lynn:

The Compound by Aisle Rawle

Told from the perspective of 20-something Lily, “The Compound”  is an extreme reality show set in a dystopian future. Contestants arrive at a compound in the middle of the desert. The condition of the property relies on the contestants that came before. Twenty people (10 women and 10 men) are filmed constantly and put through both group challenges and individual challenges. The group challenges, if won, may get you things like food, water, basic appliances, lumber for a door, or other house supplies. Individual challenges will get you personal, sometimes luxury items- perhaps a comb, a mirror or even expensive clothing and jewelry. In return, contestants are expected to speak to the cameras and endorse the products. As the competition goes on and contestants are eliminated by various non-lethal methods, Lily has no desire to leave and face the tumultuous outside world. As the stakes get higher, what will she have to do to win?