Categories
Full List of New Arrivals

NEW ARRIVALS – SEPTEMBER 2016

ADULT FICTION

“All the Ugly and Wonderful Things” by Bryn Greenwood — “Greenwood’s strong debut, set throughout the United States, is about a young girl’s triumph over the sordid life she might have led as the daughter of drug addicts, one of whom is a meth dealer. The author skillfully creates widely varied and original voices, as the story unfolds from a variety of characters’ viewpoints, whether it’s Wavy, the main character, whom we see growing from a six-year-old to a young adult; Wavy’s grandmother, who takes care of her for a time before succumbing to cancer; or the loving Kellen, whose street smarts makes up for his lack of education. The relationship at the heart of the novel is between Wavy and Kellen, a drug runner for her father who changes her life. In Wavy, Greenwood has fashioned a resilient girl who doesn’t speak much, hiding a fierce intelligence and strong will that enables her to take care of herself and her infant brother despite her parents’ drug habits. This is a memorable coming-of-age tale about loyalty, defiance, and the power of love under the most improbable circumstances.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2016.

“Dark Carousel: A Carpathian Novel” by Christine Feehan — “Feehan has a knack for bringing vampiric Carpathians to vivid, virile life in her Dark Carpathian novels.”—Publishers Weekly

“Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch — ““You’ll gulp Dark Matter down in one afternoon, or more likely one night… Alternate-universe science fiction [and] a countdown thriller in which the hero must accomplish an impossible task to save his family. There’s always another door to open, and another page to turn.” –New York Times Book Review

“Driftwood Point” by Mariah Stewart — “New York Times bestselling author, Mariah Stewart, returns to the cherished Maryland shores of St. Denis with this romantic tale of a man who takes a second chance on love with the high school crush who broke his heart.” — Back cover

“End of Watch: A Novel” by Stephen King — “King has dealt before with this novel’s different themes—endowment with dangerous supernatural powers, the zombifying effect of modern consumer electronics—but he finds fresh approaches to them and inventive ways to introduce them in the lives of his recurring cast of sympathetic characters, whose pains and triumphs the reader feels. King’s legion of fans will find this splice of mystery and horror a fitting finale to his Bill Hodges trilogy.” — (Publishers Weekly, STARRED review)

“Half Wild: Stories” by Robin MacArthur — “With lush and loving attention to detail, MacArthur’s collection of 11 stories covers 40 years of life in rural Vermont. In “Maggie in the Trees,” a man looks back on a romance with a troubled, passionate woman, who also happens to be married to his best friend. In “Karmann,” perhaps the most memorable story, a teenager is in love with her best friend’s older brother, who is deployed in Vietnam. In “The Women Where I’m From,” a woman returns to her hometown to care for a sick mother and reunites tentatively with old friends. Loneliness, lost loves, dilapidated trailers, parties littered with empty beer cans, and women running through the woods all feature prominently throughout the book. Though the protagonists in each story are certainly different–hippies, farmers, young girls, old women–they can tend to blur together. Still, MacArthur is able to render complicated situations precisely and depict tenderness and harshness with an equally deft hand.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Last Days of Night: A Novel” by Graham Moore – “The Last Days of Night is a wonder, a riveting historical novel that is part legal thriller, part techno-suspense. This fast-paced story about the personal and legal clash over the invention of the light bulb is a tale of larger-than-life characters and devious doings, and a significant meditation on the price we as a society pay for new technology. . . . Thoughtful and hugely entertaining.”—Scott Turow

“Mrs. Queen Takes the Train” by William Kuhn – “One day after lunch, Queen Elizabeth II breaks routine and disappears, the only clues to her whereabouts a Scottish railway timetable on her computer screen and a cheddar cheese. The queen has been feeling a bit, well, depressed, and she goes to the Mews to see her favorite horse. Next, wearing a borrowed hoodie, she makes her way to a shop in Jermyn Street, where the horse’s favorite cheese is sold. Then she boards a train for Edinburgh to pay a visit to the former royal yacht Britannia, a reminder of happier days. The idea of the queen wandering about on her own would constitute a national emergency, so her dresser, her butler, a lady-in-waiting, and an equerry all follow after her, hoping to shield her from the press and MI5. Also in her wake are Rajiv, a young man who works in the cheese shop, and Rebecca, a young woman who works in the Mews. This book is the perfect cup of tea for the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Give it to lovers of all things British….” — Quinn, Mary Ellen.  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2012.

“My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” by Fredrik Backman — “Every bit as churlish but lovable as Backman’s cantankerous protagonist in his debut, A Man Called Ove (2014), precocious Elsa will easily work her way into the hearts of readers who like characters with spunk to spare. A delectable homage to the power of stories to comfort and heal, Backman’s tender tale of the touching relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter is a tribute to the everlasting bonds of deep family ties.” —  (Booklist (starred))

“People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks – Brooks…blends mystery and history in this splendid novel. At the center of the story is an actual Jewish religious work called the Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the first texts of its kind to feature illuminated images. The volume endured several centuries’ worth of religious conflicts and wars due to the vigilance of a brave group of individuals, who endangered their lives in order to preserve it. This fascinating fictionalization of the Haggadah’s survival features Hanna Heath, a rare-books specialist in Sarajevo who is working to restore the text. Over the course of her labors, Hanna finds that the book reveals clues about itself and its background. Through small discoveries in the volume–a wine stain, a strand of hair, some salt crystals–Hanna is able to research the text’s mysteries from a scientific standpoint. But these efforts only serve to lead her deep into sinister territory. In addition to Hanna’s spine-tingling discoveries about the Haggadah, readers are treated to accounts of critical incidents in its remarkable history, which are presented in the form of short, beautifully crafted chapters. The Haggadah’s story is compelling in itself, yet Brooks fleshes out the narrative many clever elements of suspense and an appealing love story.” —  BOOKPAGE, c2009.

“Sweet Tomorrows: A Rose Harbor Novel” by Debbie Macomber — Macomber (Love Letters, 2016) concludes her popular Rose Harbor series. … Series readers will enjoy the scenes with past guests, and Macomber provides plenty of realistic doubt and conflict while still sending the characters toward a satisfying conclusion to this series.” — Alessio, Amy,  Booklist Online. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2016.

ADULT MYSTERY

“A Great Reckoning: A Novel” by Louise Penny — “A compelling mystery and a rich human drama in which no character is either entirely good or evil, and each is capable of inspiring empathy.”
―Booklist (starred)

“Insidious” by Catherine Coulter — “Two complex cases propel … married FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock (after 2015’s Nemesis). In Washington, D.C., businesswoman Venus Rasmussen, who still runs Rasmussen Industries at age 86, believes that it isn’t just her old-lady stomach the third time she suffers from food poisoning. She’s certain, as she tells Savich, that someone close to her wants her dead. No one is above suspicion as Savich and Sherlock investigate Venus’s family members and her staff. Meanwhile, a serial killer out of Los Angeles breaks pattern and murders a young actress in Las Vegas, Nev. The MO is identical to four previous murders of young and up-and-coming Hollywood actresses. Savich dispatches agent Cam Wittier, who’s highly recommended by Sherlock, to L.A. to assist the local police. As the body count rises, Cam desperately searches for links among the victims and a motive. ” — Robert Gottlieb, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2016.

“An Obvious Fact” by Craig Johnson — “”The [Longmire] series continues to be fresh and innovative. . . . Devoted series fans won’t feel a sense of déjà vu in Dry Bones, but they will easily identify Johnson’s tendency toward innovative imagery . . . crack dialogue, humor and a strong sense of place. Absaroka’s maker brings dem bones to life, and readers are sure to rejoice.” —Shelf Awareness

“Smooth Operator (Teddy Fay)” by Stuart Woods — “Woods offers another wild ride with his hero, bringing readers back into a world of action-packed adventure, murder and mayhem, steamy romance, and a twist you don’t see coming.”—Booklist

BIOGRAPHY

“Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill” by Candice Millard — “It should come as no surprise that Winston Churchill was an ambitious, young go-getter long before he became Sir Winston Churchill—but you might be surprised by how interesting his young life was. The son of Lord Randolph Churchill—who ascended to the position of leader of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the Exchequer before dying at the age of forty five—Winston Churchill set off as a young man to find glory on the battlefield, with an eye toward ultimately emulating his father’s success in politics. The young Winston played a part in four wars on three different continents, the last of which was the Boer War. His experience as a prisoner in that war is the jumping off point of this book, and author Millard puts her narrative gifts to work as she describes his harrowing escape, setting the man in his time, and illustrating the man to describe his times.” – Chris Schluep, The Amazon Book Review

“Hillbilly Elegy” by J. D. Vance — “Things could have so easily turned out differently for Vance. Growing up in a working-class family riven by strife and seemingly incapable of escaping its rural Kentucky roots, Vance spent his youth bouncing between homes, a succession of father figures, and ever more explosive situations. The story of how he overcame his upbringing to graduate from Yale Law School and embark on a stable and happy adulthood poses the bigger question of how the obstacles facing other such “hillbillies” can be surmounted. Vance compellingly describes the terrible toll that alcoholism, drug abuse, and an unrelenting code of honor took on his family, neither excusing the behavior nor condemning it. Instead, he pulls back to examine the larger social forces at work for white, working-class Americans with ties to Appalachia. The portrait that emerges is a complex one, where die-hard cultural beliefs contribute to a downward spiral for Vance’s family and those like them. Unerringly forthright, remarkably insightful, and refreshingly focused, Hillbilly Elegy is the cry of a community in crisis.” — Thoreson, Bridget. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2016.

ADULT NON-FICTION

“Bush” by Jean Edward Smith — “Hard-hitting. . . . A shrewd, nuanced view of Bush. . . . Smith embeds this portrait in a lucid, highly readable narrative, balancing rich detail with clear delineation of the larger shape of policy through the chaos of politics. This is a superb recap and critical analysis of Bush’s controversial administration.” — (Publishers Weekly)

“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval N. Harari — “Sapiens” takes readers on a sweeping tour of the history of our species…. Harari’s formidable intellect sheds light on the biggest breakthroughs in the human story…important reading for serious-minded, self-reflective sapiens.”– (Washington Post)

“Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging” by Sebastian Junger — “An electrifying tapestry of history, anthropology, psychology and memoir that punctures the stereotype of the veteran as a war-damaged victim in need of salvation. Rather than asking how we can save our returning servicemen and women, Junger challenges us to take a hard look in the mirror and ask whether we can save ourselves.”―The Guardian

ADULT AUDIO BOOK

“Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE” by Phil Knight – “”A touching, highly entertaining adventure odyssey, with much to teach about innovation and creativity. Phil Knight takes us back to the Big Bang of the swoosh, recalls how he first begged and borrowed from reluctant banks, how he assembled a crew of eccentric but brilliant misfits, how they all worked together to build something unique and paradigm-changing. An inspiration for everyone with an unconventional dream.”—Michael Spence, Nobel-prize winning economist

MUSIC

“Sing Me Home” by Yo-Yo Ma & the Silk Road Ensemble
“Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditons of Adele”

BLUE/DVD

“Captain America: Civil War”
“The Doctor Blake Mysteries: Season One”
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2”
“London Spy”
“The Angry Birds Movie”
“Brokenwood Mysteries: Season 2”
“Joy”
“The Jungle Book”

BOARD BOOK

“Barnyard Dance!” by Sandra Boynton
“Blue Hat, Green Hat” by Sandra Boynton
“The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear” by Audrey Wood
“I Love You Through and Through” by Berndette Rosetti-Shustak

PICTURE BOOK

“An Undone Fairy Tale”  by Ian Lendler
“Are We There Yet?”
by Dan Santat
“Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon”
by Torben Kuhlmann
“A Child of Books”
by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
“Cleonardo, The Little Inventor”
by Mary GrandPre
“The Good Dog and the Bad Cat” by Todd Kessler
“Hank’s Big Day: The Story of a Bug” by Evan Kuhlman and Chuck Groenink
“How This Book Was Made”
by Mac Barnett
“King Baby”
by Kate Beaton
“Little Elliot Big Fun”
by Mike Curato
“Penguin Problems” by Jory John and Lane Smith
“Pedro: First-Grade Hero” by Fran Manushkin
“Quit Calling Me a Monster!” by Jory John
“Return” by Aaron Becker
“Snail Has Lunch” by Mary Peterson
“Steamboat School” by Deborah Hopkinson
“The Thank You Book” by Mo Willems
“This is Our Baby, Born Today” by Varsha Bajaj
“Toby” by Hazel Mitchell
“We Are Growing!” by Laurie Keller
“We Found a Hat” by Jon Klassen
“What Do You Do With a Problem?” by Kobi Yamada
“What Do You Do With an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada
“What a Beautiful Morning” by Arthur A. Levine

JUVENILE AUDIO BOOK

“Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry – “On an island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her–that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can’t live without her. The frenzied roundup that follows on the next “Pony Penning Day” does indeed bring Phantom into their lives, in a way they never would have suspected. Phantom would forever be a creature of the wild. But her gentle, loyal colt Misty is another story altogether.” — Amazon.com

JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY

JUVENILE FICTION

“Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories” by R. J. Palacio — “These stories are an extra peek at Auggie before he started at Beecher Prep and during his first year there. Readers get to see him through the eyes of Julian, the bully; Christopher, Auggie’s oldest friend; and Charlotte, Auggie’s new friend at school. Together, these three stories are a treasure for readers who don’t want to leave Auggie behind when they finish Wonder.” — Amazon.com

“Blue Moon” by James Ponti – “Finding, fighting, and even protecting zombies is serious extracurricular work for Molly Bigelow and her three Omega team pals….  Their assignment? Monitor the Unlucky 13, the Blackwell family men killed in an 1896 subway tunnel digging explosion. The Blackwells roam freely as undead with constantly changing names. Forced to rely on old-school deductive reasoning and methods, Molly and her friends unearth plans for the biggest undead event ever, scheduled for New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Manhattan landmarks (the Flatiron Building, Grand Central Station, museums) roll history, science, and geography into the story.” — Fredriksen, Jeanne E.  Booklist Online. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

“Dark Days” by James Ponti – “Twelve-year-old Molly, a member of secret zombie-policing society the Omegas, and her team investigate undead entrepreneur Marek Blackwell’s latest scheme. Meanwhile, Molly struggles with her suspicion that a teammate might be newly undead. This third volume continues the series’ well-balanced mix of comic adventure, light zombie-related suspense, and science-based mystery; heartfelt interactions among characters add nuance and depth.” —  klb. THE HORN BOOK.

“Dead City” by James Ponti – How did seventh-grader Molly Bigelow become a “superhero zombie terminator”? Blame her deceased mother, who was part of an underground force known as Omega and whose gifts have been passed on to Molly. The Omega mission: “to police and protect the undead.” Decades ago, a Manhattan subway drilling accident created the Unlucky 13s, the original zombies, and they have proliferated ever since, though most aren’t bad sorts–except for the bloodthirsty Level 3s. While senior Omega team members Natalie, Alex, and Grayson teach Molly the ins and outs of undead interaction, a mystery hatches: why is one of the Unlucky 13s after them, and why does he want Molly’s mother’s old copy of Little Women? This is no splatter fest; rather, the mostly bloodless fight scenes take a backseat to a good old-fashioned mystery with loads of clever puzzle breaking (Omegas send secret messages via the letters and numbers of the periodic table). …” — Kraus, Daniel.  Booklist Online. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

“Dragon on Trial” by Tui T. Sutherland – “After safely returning the litter of griffins to their enclosure in The Menagerie (2013), Zoe and Logan are dismayed to find Pelly–the haughty, demanding, gold-egg-laying goose–missing and her nest covered in blood and feathers. A dragon stands accused and faces possible extermination, but the kids are sure he is innocent, so they launch an investigation. This second volume in the lighthearted series is just as full of madcap adventures, animated magical creatures, and crackerjack detective work from the cast of well-rounded, multicultural kids as the first title. Fans will be thrilled at the promise of deeper mysteries in subsequent volumes.” — Hunter, Sarah. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2014.

“The Fairy-Tale Detectives: The Sisters Grimm: Book One: “ by Michael Buckley — “Buckley has created a world in which humans and fairy-tale creatures live side-by-side in rural New York in an uneasy alliance. Brought here by Wilhelm Grimm in an attempt to save them, the Everafters are now kept in check by the man’s descendants. Enter Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, two sisters seemingly abandoned by their parents, who have been brought to live with a grandmother whom they thought was dead. Heartbroken and wary, the girls are immediately swept up in a mystery that includes giants, pixies, fairies, and witches. Readers well grounded in their fairy tales will get the most pleasure from recognizing the characters–Prince Charming, Jack-the-Giant-Killer, the Three Pigs, the Magic Mirror, and more–but the fast pace, sly humor, and cleverly inserted vocabulary lessons will entertain even those who are meeting the characters for the first time. …” –Sharon Grover, Arlington County Department of Libraries, VA

“The Gallery” by Laura Marx Fitzgerald — “This lively and inventive mystery successfully incorporates history, art, and literary classics…readers will certainly be swept up by Martha’s pluck and the mystery’s many layers.”—Booklist, starred review

“Gravity Falls: Journal 3” by Alex Hirsch — “Gravity Falls is a place you wouldn’t want to live in. But it sure is fun to visit. A perfect combination of scary stuff and riotous humor that always keeps me coming back for more.”―R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps and Fear Street

“Harry Potter  and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two” by Jack Thorne —  “Series fans can breathe easy knowing this play has been respectfully and lovingly wrought. Tensions thrum, spells fly… but at center stage, as always in the Potterverse, is the overriding importance of love and friendship, especially in the face of danger.” —Booklist, starred review

“The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog” by Adam Gidwitz – “The Inquisitor’s Tale is a well-researched and thoroughly engaging adventure, which beautifully imagines the feel and texture of thirteenth-century France. It is also a moving exploration of friendship, curiosity, and love of learning in a world all too filled with narrow-mindedness and hate.” — Sarah Lipton, author of Dark Mirror

“Jack: The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk” by Liesl Shurtliff — “With a healthy dose of honor and integrity to accompany his wisecracking ways, Jack is a winning hero, and his adventures—both unexpected and recognizable—will please those readers with rollicking spirits or a yen for tales retold.” —The Bulletin

“The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon” by Jonny Duddle — “After pirates plunder treasures from the Dull-on-Sea museum, the town panics, and Matilda sends a note to her pirate friend, Jim Lad, asking for help. When Jim’s Jolley-Rogers family arrives, Grandpa Rogers announces the ghosts of Captain Twirlybeard and his crew are likely to blame! Matilda joins the Jolley-Rogers aboard their ship as they seek the spectral scalawags and unlock a surprising secret. This early chapter book is full of intrigue, spookiness, and pirate tales that will capture the attention of emerging and struggling readers. …” — Petty, J. B. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2016.

“Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood” by Liesl Shurtliff — “… Shurtliff deftly weaves familiar characters and subplots into an original jaunt through the fairy tale genre. …The dialogue between characters is contemporary and humorous. Every secondary character leaves a lasting impression on Red, setting up readers to anticipate each new encounter with dwarfs, sprites, or beasts. As moralizing as fairy tales can be, the author wisely lets Red make mistakes and draw her own conclusions. VERDICT This is pure fun for fans of classic stories cleverly retold.” — Jane Miller, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2016.

“The Secret Horses of Briar Hill” by Megan Shepard – “In the midst of WWII England, Emmaline is sent to the countryside to live at Briar Hill Hospital…. When she discovers an injured winged horse named Foxfire has escaped the mirror world and taken shelter in the sundial garden, Emmaline’s life takes on purpose: she must help protect Foxfire from Volkrig, the black-winged horse that threatens Foxfire while she heals. Narrated by Emmaline, whose health grows steadily weaker as the story progresses, this quietly powerful novel draws in the reader with its magic realism. Endearing characters, metaphors for life and death, and a slow revelation of the horrors of war give this slim novel a surprising amount of heft. In her middle-grade debut, Shepherd blurs the line between real and imaginary, leaving room for readers to debate the story’s meaning. …” —  Moore, Melissa.  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2016.

“Some Kind of Happiness” by Claire Legrand — “Legrand handles the tough subject of childhood mental health gently and honestly, and. . . . paints a realistic picture of a girl trying to figure out what’s wrong with her. Finley’s quest to uncover family secrets reveals not just what kept her father away from his relatives but how a family sticks together through good times and bad.” (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)
“Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?” by Kate DiCamillo – “This story is certain to resonate with anyone who has ever felt overpowered by authority. To her credit, DiCamillo explores the Lincolns’ complicated relationship without completely dumping on Eugenia. Yes, Eugenia is overbearing, but the sisters do love each other. Stella’s parallel struggles (as Frank’s younger sister) help to move the plot forward and demonstrate other acceptable ways of gaining agency. As always, Van Dusen’s signature artwork is pleasing to the eye and will help emerging readers make sense of the story’s nuances and quirkiness. This Deckawoo Drive adventure is sure to inspire anyone taking his or her own tentative steps toward independence.
Booklist (starred review)

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

“365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts” by R. J. Palacio — “This browsable companion to Wonder collects the kindness-themed precepts (including some submitted by readers) that protagonist Auggie’s teacher uses to inspire his class, interspersed with bits of student-teacher correspondence that tie up some of the novel’s loose ends. Slight and somewhat precious as a collection, this is nevertheless a useful teaching tool with enough narrative ephemera to satisfy fans.” — THE HORN BOOK

“Giant Squid” by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann — “The assembling of this creature from its parts to the whole, through both pictures and poetry, will captivate audiences young and old.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Ghosts” by Raina Telgemeier – “Catrina and her family have just moved to Northern California. Bahía de la Luna is different from Cat’s hometown—for one thing, everyone is obsessed with ghosts—but the sea air makes it easier for Cat’s younger sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis (CF), to breathe. Carlos, a new friend and neighbor, introduces the girls to a different perspective on the spiritual world. Ghosts, he says, aren’t frightening; they’re the spirits of loved ones. Cat has her doubts—especially after a ghostly encounter puts Maya in the hospital—but as Day of the Dead celebrations draw closer, she starts to reconsider. Readers will relate to these realistically flawed characters. Maya is frank about her illness and optimistic despite her awareness that her prognosis is poor, while Cat struggles, feeling intensely protective of her sister, anxious about her illness, and resentful about the limitations that Maya’s condition places upon the whole family. Themes such as the sibling bond, death, and culture are expertly woven throughout. …”—Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

“Grumbles From the Town: Mother-Goose Voices With a Twist” by  Jane Yolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich — “Creative… broad-ranging… spins on Mother Goose nursery rhymes… Whimsical, cartoonish acrylic-and-pencil illustrations incorporate playful details and decorative page embellishments, blending classic scenarios and contemporary settings and elements. A playful addition to any poetry section.” — Booklist

“A Storm Too Soon: A Remarkable True Survival Story in 80-Fott Seas” by Michael J. Tougias — “Tougias’ third-person narrative, condensed and more tightly focused than the adult version, brings to life the struggles and heroism of the sailors and rescuers alike, highlighting life lessons learned. . . A sure-fire hit with young readers who are always ready for a good disaster tale.”-Kirkus Reviews

YOUNG ADULT

“Maxi’s Secrets: (or what you can learn from a dog)” by Lynn Plourde — “Plourde’s skillful blend of humor, pathos, and wisdom creates a story that begs to be shared with middle-grade students, who will fall in love with a deaf dog, her steadfast owner, and the rest of the characters who populate the novel. . . . A story of love and friendship that deserves to join the ranks of other unforgettable canines and their owners.”—Booklist