Categories
Full List of New Arrivals

NEW ARRIVALS – MARCH 2017

ADULT FICTION

“Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders — “The novel beats with a present-day urgency—a nation at war with itself, the unbearable grief of a father who has lost a child, and a howling congregation of ghosts, as divided in death as in life, unwilling to move on.”—Vanity Fair

“The Principles Behind Flotation” by Alexandra Teague — “Set alongside a miracle-induced inland sea in Arkansas, The Principles Behind Flotation is a buoyant, soulful ride through a teenage girl’s summer of self-discovery. Alexandra Teague has an ear for sharp, witty dialogue and an eye for the metaphysical reaches of American culture, and her main characters, A.Z. and Kristoff, are as memorable for their brilliant capacity to see beyond their lives as for their funny, flawed love story.” — Maria Hummel, author of Motherland

“The Prisoner” by Alex Berenson — “As always, Berenson brilliantly blends global politics into an adrenaline-pulsing spy novel. But, most of all, there is Wells, a stone-cold killer who nevertheless does what we all wish we could do: stand up to the powerful and make them pay.”—Booklist

“The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey — “THE SNOW CHILD is a vivid story of isolation and hope on the Alaska frontier, a narrative of struggle with the elements and the elemental conflict between one’s inner demons and dreams, and the miracle of human connection and community in a spectacular, dangerous world. You will not soon forget this story of learning to accept the gifts that fate and love can bring.” ―Robert Morgan, author of Gap Creek

“Sweet Lake” by Christine Nolfi — “[Sweet Lake] has such a charming small-town vibe and endearing characters that readers will find themselves falling in love with quirky Sweet Lake and hoping for a series. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber or Nora Roberts’ romances.” —Booklist

“To Name Those Lost” by Rohan Wilson — “A fast-paced, hard-nosed fable about revenge, pursuit, and the search for a moral compass in a place where chaos and rage and injustice set every dial wildly aquiver.” —Kirkus Reviews 

ADULT MYSTERY

“Mississippi Blood” by Greg Iles — “[The] terrific conclusion to his Natchez Burning trilogy is a sweeping story that remains intimate… Relentless pacing keeps the story churning… The trial scenes are among the most exciting ever written in the genre.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Mississippi Blood)

“Rather be the Devil” by Ian Rankin — “Rankin is an expert at manipulating multiple plots…Along with his plotting prowess, Rankin has cultivated a fluid style that accommodates mordant cop talk, coarse gangster lingo and the occasional honest expression of compassion.” –―Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

“Right Behind You” by Lisa Gardner — “Lisa Gardner is the master of the psychological thriller…The world of the FBI, the terror of abduction, and victim advocates blend into this tense ….thriller.” — Associated Press on Find Her

“The Sleepwalker” by Chris Bohjalian — “Sex, secrets and the mysteries of sleep: These are the provocative ingredients in Chris Bohjalian’s spooky thriller The Sleepwalker. It’s a dark, Hitchcockian novel… Trust me, you will not be able to stop thinking about it days after you finish reading this book.” —Carol Memmott, The Washington Post 

“Sorry to  Disrupt the Peace” by Patty Yumi Cottrell — “Patty Yumi Cottrell’s prose does so many of my favorite things–some too subtle to talk about without spoiling, but one thing I have to mention is the way in which her heroine’s investigation of a suicide draws the reader right into the heart of this wonderfully spiky hedgehog of a book and then elbows us yet further along into what is ultimately a tremendously moving act of imagination.” —Helen Oyeyemi, author of What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours

BIOGRAPHY

“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen – ““Springsteen can write—not just life-­imprinting song lyrics but good, solid prose that travels all the way to the right margic…And like a fabled Springsteen concert—always notable for its deck-clearing thoroughness —Born to Run achieves the sensation that all the relevant questions have been answered by the time the lights are turned out. He delivers the story of Bruce—in digestibly short chapters—via an informally steadfast Jersey plainspeak that’s worked and deftly detailed and intimate with its readers—cleareyed enough to say what it means when it has hard stories to tell, yet supple enough to rise to occasions requiring eloquence—sometimes rather pleasingly subsiding into the syntax and rhythms of a Bruce Springsteen song.”—Richard Ford, The New York Times Book Review

“Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren — ““Lab Girl surprised, delighted, and moved me. I was drawn in from the start by the clarity and beauty of Jahren’s prose. . . . With Lab Girl, Jahren joins those talented scientists who are able to reveal to us the miracle of this world in which we live.” —Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone

“Three Days in January: Dwight Eisenhower’s Final Mission” by Bret Baier — ““Superb. … A quintessential American story of transcending dignity and success, of personal humility and enormous self-confidence, and unique achievements of which all Americans can be proud. … Many have tried to assess Ike. Few succeed. Baier does.” — (U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, Washington Times)

ADULT NON-FICTION

“Fodor’s Essential Australia” — “Australia teems with cultural and natural treasures. Its diverse habitats are home to countless strange and amazing creatures, while its extensive coastlines include a wealth of beautiful beaches. With color photos throughout, Fodor’s Essential Australia captures the country’s stunning diversity, from vineyards to Outback adventures, from hikes through Tasmania to fine dining in Sydney, from tropical rainforests to majestic underwater reefs.” — Amazon.com

“Fodor’s 2016 Alaska” — “Alaska is a trip of a lifetime. Nowhere else can travelers kayak to glaciers; fly over the highest peak in North America; wonder at the Aurora Borealis; stay out all night celebrating the midnight sun; visit quirly towns; spot bears, eagles, moose, and whales; and learn the true meaning of the word “remote”–all in the same trip. Fodor’s Alaska makes it easy to create a perfect trip from start to finish.” — Amazon.com

“Fodor’s Essential Europe” — “With its sophisticated culture, rich history, and abundant beauty (both natural and man-made), Europe is a top destination for travelers. But for those with limited time who want more guidance on must-sees, this book covers the top spots and must-see sights in 25 countries.” — Amazon.com

“Tears We Cannot Stop” by Michael Eric Dyson — “A hard-hitting sermon on the racial divide… The readership Dyson addresses may not fully be convinced, but it can hardly remain unmoved.” ―Kirkus Reviews (Starred)

“The Secret Life of Fat: The Science Behind the Body’s Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You” by Sylvia Tara, PhD — “Finally, a book that sheds some light on understanding body fat―specifically, its role, why it is so difficult to fight, and how it works differently for different people… This genuinely enlightening book will be a revelation to those engulfed in self-blame and shame about their weight.” — (Publishers Weekly)

ADULT AUDIO BOOK

“The Nix” by Nathan Hill — “Hill has so much talent to burn that he can pull of just about any style, imagine himself into any person and convincingly portray any place or time. The Nix is hugely entertaining and unfailingly smart, and the author seems incapable of writing a pedestrian sentence or spinning a boring story. . . . [A] supersize and audacious novel of American misadventure.” —Teddy Wayne, The New York Times Book Review

MUSIC

“Shostakovich Symphony No. 7 ‘Leningrad’

BLUE/DVD

“The Accountant”
“Arrival”
“Doctor Zhivago”
“Fences”
“Hacksaw Ridge”
“Manchester By the Sea”
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
“Moana”
“Moonlight”
“Never Go Back”
“The Secret Life of Pets”
“The Secret of Six Wives”
“Trolls”

BOARD BOOK

“Dinosaur vs. Mommy” by Bob Shea
“Nighty-Night” by Leslie Patricelli

PICTURE BOOK

“Bee & Me” by Alison Jay
“Bunny’s  Book Club”
by Annie Silvestro
“The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra”
by Marc Tyler Nobleman
“Daniel Finds a Poem”
by Micha Archer
“Did Tiger Take the Rain?”
by Charles Norris-Brown
“Egg”
by Kevin Henkes
“The Green Umbrella”
by Jackie Azua Kramer
“Flowers for Sarajevo” by John McCutcheon (with audio CD)
“The Freckle Fairy” by Bobbie Hinman (with audio CD)
“Happy Dreamer” by Peter H. Reynolds
“I Am Not a Chair” by Ross Burach
“If I Had a Little Dream” by Nina Laden
“Mighty, Mighty Construction Site” by Sherri Duskey Rinker & Tom Lichtenheld
“My Awesome Summer” by Paul Meisel
“A Perfect Day” by Lane Smith
“The Prince and the Porker” by Peter Bently
“Princess Cora and the Crocodile” by Laura Amy Schlitz
“The Storm Whale in Winter” by Benji Davies
“This House, Once” by Deborah Freedman
“Tidy” by Emily Cravett
“The Very Fluffy Kitty Papillon” by A.N. Kang
“What Color is the Wind?” by Anne Herbauts

JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY

“I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark” by Debbie Levy  — “Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has spent a lifetime disagreeing: disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment, and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.” — Amazon.com

“Survivors Club: The True  Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz” by Michael Bornstein — “Enhanced by meticulous archival research, Bornstein’s story unfolds in novelistic form . . . This moving memoir [is] an important witness to the capacity for human evil and resilience.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Some Writer! The Story of E. B. White” by Melissa Sweet — “In this spirited and splendidly illustrated biography, Sweet brings the beloved author to life for a new generation of readers, capturing his love of words, bighearted sensibilities, and reverence for the natural world. In addition to containing the artist’s colorful assemblages, the book is full of photos, letters, realia, and excerpts from E.B. White’s most famous works, making it a treasure trove for Charlotte’s Web fans and aspiring writers everywhere.”– Mahnaz Dar, Shelley Diaz, Della Farrell, Daryl Grabarek, Kiera Parrott, Luann Toth, Kent Turner, Tyl. SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2016.

“Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions” by Chris Barton — This picture book biography tells the story of Lonnie Johnson, kid rocket launcher, teen robot builder, adult NASA engineer, and inventor of the Super Soaker water toy. The story documents his perseverance in overcoming obstacles, some stemming from being African American–a school aptitude test that indicated he was not cut out to be an engineer, the prejudice he and his high-school team experienced while winning the 1968 University of Alabama science fair, and professional doubts concerning his abilities. The narrative also covers his initial failure at becoming a self-employed entrepreneur, remedied only by the hard-won success of the Super Soaker. The text emphasizes the continuing support he received from his family, and the vibrant illustrations are especially effective at capturing expressions and mannerisms that bring Johnson to life (as when Johnson and his fellow Tuskegee Institute students party to a sound and light system constructed from leftover electronics)….” – Booklist

JUVENILE FICTION

“Braced” by Alyson Gerber — “Braced is an honest, inspirational story about perseverance in the face of adversity. Readers will come away wishing they could be best friends with Rachel and believing that they, too, are stronger than they ever expected.” — Alison Cherry, author of The Classy Crooks Club

“Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire” by Susan Tan — “Cilla’s empathy, candor, and skill at turning a phrase indicates that her claim to be a future author extraordinaire is completely justified . . . Anyone who spends time with Cilla Lee-Jenkins will look forward to reading her in the future.” ―Booklist, starred review

“Forever or a Long, Long Time” by Caela Carter — “This nuanced novel highlights the struggle to trust an adoptive family after a traumatic history in foster care.Carter’s layered narrative doesn’t shy from pain as it testifies to resilience and the expansive power of love.” — Publishers Weekly

“Forget Me Not” by Ellie Terry — “Terry, who has Tourette syndrome herself, offers enormous insight into an often-misunderstood condition, writing in verse for Calliope’s chapters and prose for Jinsong’s. Her poetic explorations of Calliope’s anxiety and Jinsong’s moral struggles are honest and moving.”–Publishers Weekly

“Graceful” by Wendy Mass — “The saga of the magic vortex in Willow Falls that began with 11 Birthdays (2009) concludes with a final episode that ties up loose ends neatly and peeks into each character’s future. It’s fifth-grader Grace’s turn to wield the magic, and she faces a big decision far earlier than she and her friends expected. Luckily, she turns out to be up to the challenge. Readers who have followed the fortunes of Amanda, Leo, Rory, Tara, Connor, David, and Grace through four previous titles will be satisfied by the conclusion, but, as the author warns, new readers should not start here.” —  Isaacs, Kathleen. Booklist Online. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2015.

“Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?” by Liz Kessler — “Eighth grade seems pretty normal to Jessica Jenkins until the day her best friend Izzy tells her she started going invisible during geography class. The two girls work hard to find out how and why this is happening and in the process discover that there may be other kids who have developed superpowers. The explanation for these powers is science-based and surprisingly believable, considering the fantasy aspects of the story. Jessica and her newfound allies struggle to come to grips with the changes not only in their own capabilities but in their relationships with each other and those around them. It all comes to a head when Jessica and her friends discover that the source of their powers are threatened. The mix of kids from different backgrounds and social groups makes for an interesting look at the challenges of crossing cultural and social barriers. A light, fun read ….”  — Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2015.

“The Invaders: Brotherband Chronicles, Book 2” — The second book in the Brotherband Chronicles takes up where The Outcasts (2011) left off, with Hal and his friends pursuing Zavac, the pirate who has stolen a treasured Skandian relic called the Andomal. Stormy seas lengthen the journey, and an unstable alliance threatens their plans. Rescued at sea, Lydia joins them in fighting Zavac’s forces, but the presence of a beautiful young woman aboard the Heron brings new challenges. In this Ranger’s Apprentice companion series, sailing and warfare take place within the context of strong friendships, human foibles, and occasional humor.” — Phelan, Carolyn. Booklist Online. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2012

“Me and Marvin Gardens” by Amy Sarig King — “Mystical, fablelike… just right for a sensitive sixth-grader with a growing self- and world awareness trying to navigate the troubled waters of uncertain friendships and demeaning bullying. A finely wrought, magical coming-of-age tale with a convincing message.” — Kirkus Reviews

“My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George — Every kid thinks about running away at one point or another; few get farther than the end of the block. Young Sam Gribley gets to the end of the block and keeps going–all the way to the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. There he sets up house in a huge hollowed-out tree, with a falcon and a weasel for companions and his wits as his tool for survival. In a spellbinding, touching, funny account, Sam learns to live off the land, and grows up a little in the process. Blizzards, hunters, loneliness, and fear all battle to drive Sam back to city life. But his desire for freedom, independence, and adventure is stronger. No reader will be immune to the compulsion to go right out and start whittling fishhooks and befriending raccoons.” — Amazon.com

“The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and  Score in This Game Called Life” by Kwame Alexander — “Alexander uses sports as a metaphor for life in this earnest gathering of personal reminiscences. …he offers advice from his experience. Many of these rules are similar in principle: learn from failures, accept and appreciate coaching, always be prepared to take the shot when it comes, and know the rules of play–but “say yes to the possibility of sometimes making up your own.”…” Peters, John.  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“The Poet’s Dog” by Patricia MacLachlan — “A spare, moving tale. Using simple words that even youngest readers will understand and enjoy, MacLachlan tackles subjects such as death and mourning with understated grace.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“The Secret Keepers” by Trenton Lee Stewart — “Stewart… has created an exciting, fully imagined world filled with mystery and danger, where children can have real adventures without parental supervision. He doesn’t shy from putting the children in true danger, both physical and moral, keeping readers on tenterhooks until the final page.”―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The Siege of Macindaw: Book 6 (Ranger’s Apprentice)” by John Flanagan — “Will, his friend Horace, and a sorcerer/healer join forces with a fierce but loyal troop of Skandians to recapture Castle Macindaw, rescue Alyss from its tower, and restore the castle to its rightful owner. Series fans will relish the familiar details of warfare and comradeship as well as the surprising fireworks in both war and love.” –Carolyn Phelan

“Word of Mouse” by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein — “As Isaiah comes to recognize his own skills, courage, and self-worth, he emboldens others….Isaiah’s friendship with a human girl named Hailey (it’s implied she has albinism) further drives home the novel’s themes of celebrating individuality and belief in oneself. Sutphin’s detailed line drawings pair perfectly with this sweet tale.”―Publisher’s Weekly

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

“Children Just Like Me: A New Celebration of Children Around the World” by Catherine Saunders — “[R]eaders get an eye-opening glimpse of the lives of 44 children living in countries across the globe today.” — Publishers Weekly

“Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey — Part canine, part human, Dog Man is a crime-fighting sensation. He fights crime, sniffs out wrongdoing, and battles his doglike tendencies. His nemesis is Petey, a cat who cooks up devilish plans in his secret lab. The pages are filled with bold lines and colorful artwork that has a childlike feel and will delight readers. …”—Lisa Gieskes, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC

“Dog Man Unleashed” by Dave Pilkey — …Thankfully for Dog Man, the chief’s birthday is almost here, which means a party! Dog Man is in charge of getting the chief a pet fish for a present, but he wreaks such havoc at the pet store–all those bones and balls were irresistible, after all–that the salesman gives him an evil fish with world-dominating aspirations. Meanwhile, criminal cat Petey inadvertently makes an even more dastardly paper version of himself, which proceeds to bring a T. rex skeleton to life. Who will save everyone from this madness? Dog Man, of course (but only if he can stop chasing balls and rolling around in stinky dead fish). …” Hunter, Sarah.  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“A Gift from Greensboro” by Quraysh Ali Lansana — ”A Gift From Greensboro is just that . . . an accessible, layered, and utterly moving treasure for children and their parents. Lansana’s gorgeously illustrated poem tells a story about what was, what is, and what’s possible as it pertains to race relations in a country that is split at the root. Its tale of interracial friendship against a backdrop of historic division is a perfect tool for parents who wish to engage in dialogues with their children about the world that they are inheriting, which is to say, a world they have the power to change.” –Samantha Thornhill, poet for Odetta: The Queen of Folk –Reviews

“Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World” by Rachel Ignotofsky — “In this wittily illustrated, accessible volume, Rachel Ignotofsky highlights 50 women who changed the course of science.” – Wall Street Journal

YOUNG ADULT

“Scythe” by Neal Shusterman — “Elegant and elegiac, brooding but imbued with gallows humor, Shusterman’s dark tale thrusts realistic, likeable teens into a surreal situation and raises deep philosophic questions. A thoughtful and thrilling story of life, death, and meaning.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Smithsonian Maker Lab 28 Super Cool Projects” by Jack Challoner — “…what sets this book apart is that each experiment is accompanied by real-world applications that tie new observations to kids’ existing understanding and offer endless opportunities for STEM-related discussions.” — Booklist