All of these books are available from the Nashville Public Library (use your Limitless Libraries account to check out!), either as a physical copy via curbside pickup OR as an instant download using Overdrive on your phone or laptop. Click on the title for a direct link to check-out!

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If you like...

SPORTS HISTORY, check out:

GAMES OF DECEPTION: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany by Andrew Maraniss

This is a non-fiction story about the 1936 Olympics, when the 1st-ever U.S. Olympic Basketball team played for the gold. It's also the story of a turbulent time in history; Berlin in 1936 was home to the growing Nazi party. We know now that war was coming and Germany was a troubled country, but that's not the image seen by visitors. While the Nazis were targeting Jews and other opponents with violent mistreatment, they presented a picture of perfection to their international visitors. This isn't just a story about a moment in history, though; it's also about the rise of a sport that, before then, wasn't very popular at all. This is basketball's story of rising to fame amid a turbulent political setting, and how sports and politics have always been intertwined.

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If you like... 

POETRY & DRAMA, you need to try:

SWING by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

Best friends Walt and Noah are kind of nerds but are determined that this is their year of cool. Things aren't starting off too well, though, until Noah finds a stash of love letters in a bag he got at a thrift shop that perfectly put words to his feelings for his crush, Sam. In fact, they inspire him to begin putting words to his own feelings...but then Walt decides to share them without Noah's permission! Meanwhile, American flags start appearing all over town, building tension in the community as people speculate the meaning of it.

This is a novel written in verse (as a series of poems), similar to the author's other books (The Crossover, Booked, Rebound). It's a unique and artistic format to tell this story of finding your voice, both in your own life and in your community.

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If you like...

STORIES OF FRIENDSHIP, you should read:

STARGAZING by Jen Wang

Moon and Christine have grown up in the same Chinese-American community but could not be more different. Christine has strict parents and does all the high-achiever activities they push her towards, like orchestra and academic extra-curriculars. Moon is the total opposite, more of a free spirit that is way more out of touch with her Chinese heritage. She's definitely uncool, viewed as kind of weird, but also super confident about herself. When Moon and her mom move into the apartment at the back of Christine's house, the two become unlikely best friends and learn a lot from each other and overcoming their own insecurities.

Oh, and this is a graphic novel by the same author that wrote The Prince and the Dressmaker, so definitely check it out if you liked that one!