The first time Steve sees the white-winged wasps he is sure they are really angels. Not only do they look like ethereal creatures, they can also speak to him. They say, “We’ve come because of the baby. We’ve come to help. We can fix what’s wrong with the baby.” The theme of a sick baby and the promise of extraordinary helpers echoes David Almond’s haunting novel, Skellig. In Skellig the boy happens upon a wraith-like, owl-like, angelic figure, whose loose, feathery wings are similar to the beating white wings of the wasps.
And, yes, the new baby in The Nest needs help. He has so many things wrong with him — including his heart, his eyes, and his brain. He may never talk, walk, or even feed himself. Steve’s parents go back to the hospital countless times, but never return with a positive diagnosis.
It is a bad summer for wasps. So bad, that one of the strange white ones stings Steve. He has an allergic reaction that requires medical attention. In fact, he goes home with an EpiPen in case he gets stung again.
Steve learns that the wasps will “fix” the baby by replacing him with a new, perfect child. The wasps are growing him in their nest. They need Steve’s consent and his help in putting the new baby into the crib. Steve says, “yes,” but then has second thoughts.
So much depends on Steve; watching the sick baby, possibly replacing him with a healthier one. Steve worries about wasps, his consent, and most of all, replacing his brother. Oppel asks probing questions about right and wrong, playing with fate, deciding who should live and who should die in this phantasmagorical story. It’s a heavy burden for a young boy, or for anyone, for that matter.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York (2015) Reviewed by Lillian Hecker, Children’s Services Librarian. For readers 8 – 11.
Looking for some spring Saturday fun? Join us for an outdoor parent-child Yoga & Play session! Geared towards toddlers and babies (and their grown-ups). Older siblings are welcome to join the fun too! Led by local yoga instructor & twin-toddler mom Samantha Scinta.
This program will take place outdoors. In case of inclement weather or high…
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Join us on Tuesday afternoons to crochet an amigurumi. "Amigurumi" means crocheted or knitted stuffed toy in Japanese. We'll work on a new critter every month. All supplies (yarn, crochet hooks, and stitch markers) will be provided but feel free to bring your own.
This drop-in program is for ages 13 and up, no registration is…
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WHAT IS THE BATTLE OF THE BOOKS?
Battle of the Books is a book-based trivia tournament for Westchester Youth. The Pelham Library will have a 4th-6th grade team and a 7th-12th grade team. We may need to adjust the age groups based on interest level. We will compete against teams from other Westchester libraries. The…
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The Town of Pelham Public Library is pleased to welcome Antoinette Vitale as the new bookkeeper.
Antoinette Vitale is excited to bring her accounting, bookkeeping, and treasury experience to the Pelham Library. Having moved to Pelham with her family in 2010, Antoinette has enjoyed becoming part of this wonderful and warm community. While raising her…
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Our stuffed animal sleepover at the Library was a huge success! We had so much fun hosting your stuffed animals for the night! Watch our video to see all the mischief our overnight visitors got into.
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Anyone else have a case of déjà vu? Due to the storm, the Library will be closed Monday, February 23, 2026. We will be opening with a delayed start on Tuesday. February 24 at noon. Stay safe and warm!
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Due to the storm, the Library will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026. We expect to reopen at 10 am on Tuesday, January 27. Stay safe and warm!
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In honor of National Canned Food Month, we are partnering with United Way for a canned food drive benefitting Westchester and Putnam Food Pantries. A box is located at the Library by the Carol Place entrance where you can leave your donations. Thank you for your help! The drive will run from Monday, February 2,…
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January 22, 2026, The Town of Pelham Public Library is seeking a conscientious and detail-oriented part-time Bookkeeper to manage the Library’s financial records and support its day-to-day fiscal operations.
Click here to read the full job posting.
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On Saturday, December 27, 2025, we plan to open the Library at noon and close at 4 p.m. This is subject to change depending on the weather. Please check our voicemail for the most up-to-date information before heading over to the Library. The phone number is: 914-738-1234.
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