How to Save a Library
Will be published approx. on 25. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-1-77278-365-0 (ISBN)
Description
Junior Library Guild selection, How to Save a Library, is now available in a quality paperback and is "highly recommended" by School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Publishers Weekly.
Every year Casey's life seems to be boxed up and shipped to a new city. His dad thinks moving is an adventure, but at this point, Casey is so over adventure. In Armstrong's Point, Casey's life finally feels stable. His talent on the soccer field has made him a natural fit with the popular kids and he loves the apartment he shares with his dad.
But when Casey discovers the local library, where his dad works, is in need of extensive restorative repairs, his future once again feels uncertain. In order to save the one place in the world that feels like home, Casey joins the Kids Community Action Network (C.A.N) where his team will compete for community funding. Unfortunately, this means working with Addison-a former friend turned not-so-friend-who isn't going to make it easy on him.
Award-winning author Colleen Nelson weaves together a story of heart and humor, highlighting the power of libraries to bring communities together.
Every year Casey's life seems to be boxed up and shipped to a new city. His dad thinks moving is an adventure, but at this point, Casey is so over adventure. In Armstrong's Point, Casey's life finally feels stable. His talent on the soccer field has made him a natural fit with the popular kids and he loves the apartment he shares with his dad.
But when Casey discovers the local library, where his dad works, is in need of extensive restorative repairs, his future once again feels uncertain. In order to save the one place in the world that feels like home, Casey joins the Kids Community Action Network (C.A.N) where his team will compete for community funding. Unfortunately, this means working with Addison-a former friend turned not-so-friend-who isn't going to make it easy on him.
Award-winning author Colleen Nelson weaves together a story of heart and humor, highlighting the power of libraries to bring communities together.
Reviews / Votes
Praise for How To Save A Library!A Junior Library Guild Selection
CBC November Hot Off The Press Feature
"Highly recommended for all library shelves as many resonant topics are expertly woven into one satisfying story."-School Library Journal
"Nelson's wholesome novel features short?chapters that move quickly, making it a feel-good option for reluctant readers, library lovers, and?kids who need a primer on the value of true friendship."-Booklist
"[A] spirited story of friendship and forgiveness that serves as a love letter to the communities that libraries foster."-Publishers Weekly
"An ode to public libraries and youth empowerment"-Kirkus Reviews
"Author Colleen Nelson has written a very engaging story that is filled with middle-grade drama, some nasty bullies, great friendships, and family issues that will keep young readers turning the pages right to the end...This would make a great classroom read-aloud as it would engender great discussions. Don't miss this one."-Los Angeles Book Review
"In [How To Save a Library], kids work together and host a contest for community funding. So you know what that means, don't you? Activist kids!"-Fuse 8, Betsy Bird
"When Winnipegger Colleen Nelson writes a book, you know it will be characterized by strong writing, rich vocabulary and contemporary issues that kids ages 8-11 might face."-Winnipeg Free Press
"How To Save A Library captures the highs and lows of Middle School life through the eyes of a reluctant hero young readers will be rooting for."- Jean Mills, author of After the Wallpaper Music
More details
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Third Grade to Seventh Grade, Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
With flaps
Dimensions
Height: 201 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
240 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-77278-365-0 (9781772783650)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
An author and elementary school teacher, Colleen Nelson earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba in her hometown of Winnipeg. Her previous novels include the critically acclaimed Harvey Comes Home, Sadia, winner of the 2019 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, and Blood Brothers, selected as the 2018 McNally Robinson Book of the Year for Young People. Colleen writes daily in between appearances at hockey rinks and soccer fields in support of her two sports-loving sons.