Categories
Full List of New Arrivals

NEW ARRIVALS – SEPTEMBER 2017

ADULT FICTION

“Any Dream Will Do” by Debbie Macomber — “Emotional, romantic and inspirational, the latest novel from romance maven Macomber is a must read! . . . Shay’s journey is one of courage, and there’s something in her story for every reader.”—RT Book Reviews

“The Baker’s Secret” by Stephen P. Kiernan — ”Nothing is more audacious or more inspiring than the human spirit, as we well see Stephen Kiernan’s luminous new novel, The Baker’s Secret. . . . Emma is an unforgettable heroine, and Kiernan’s novel will have you weeping, and then cheering. A tale beautifully, wisely, and masterfully told.” –Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun

“Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate — “A powerful tale of family, of sisters, of secrets kept and secrets shared. I absolutely loved this book. I’m still basking in the afterglow, in shock at the true-crime elements, in awe at the journey of these characters who seem to have immortal souls.”—Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

“The Boat Runner” by Devin Murphy – “A stellar account of wartime sacrifice, loss, and suspense…Jacob’s final salvation is satisfying and inspiring. As one character says, ‘It’s the incidents we can’t control that make us who we are.’”  —  (Publishers Weekly) 

“The City Always Wins” by Omar Robert Hamilton — “Omar Robert Hamilton’s The City Always Wins is a vivid, powerful portrait of Egypt’s failed revolution in 2011. Through the eyes of Mariam and Khalil, two young people fighting at the front lines of the revolution in the streets of Cairo and its political underground, The City Always Wins is an urgent and relevant work that captures the realities of class friction, war, torture, and dictatorships.” ―Jarry Lee, Buzzfeed

“A Column of Fire” by Ken Follett — “A fiery tale set in the latter half of the sixteenth century . . . As always, Follett excels in historical detailing, transporting readers back in time with another meaty historical blockbuster.” —Booklist

“Dark Chapter” by Winnie M Li — “This debut, based on true events, is a thoughtful, empathetic portrayal of the challenges rape victims face when seeking justice.” –Booklist

“A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway –“The greatest novel to emerge from Word War 1,  A Farewell to Arms cemented Hemingway’s reputation as one of the most important novelists of the twentieth century…” inside front cover

“The Heart’s Invisible Furies” By John Boyne — “A big, sweeping novel…Cyril’s intelligent, witty voice takes us all the way through to the end of his life. The Heart’s Invisible Furies is a brilliant, moving history of an Irishman, and of modern Ireland itself.” — Minneapolis Star Tribune

“A Legacy of Spies” by John Le Carre — ““Any reader who knows le Carré’s earlier work, and quite a few who don’t, will assume that any attempt to second-guess the mandarins of the Service will backfire. The miracle is that the author can revisit his best-known story and discover layer upon layer of fresh deception beneath it.” — Kirkus

“Look Homeward, Angel” by Thomas Wolfe — “Look Homeward, Angel is one of the most important novels of my life. . . . It’s a wonderful story for any young person burning with literary ambition, but it also speaks to the longings of our whole lives; I’m still moved by Wolfe’s ability to convey the human appetite for understanding and experience.” — Elizabeth Kostova, author of The Historian

“Serenity Harbor” by RaeAnne Thayne — “”This quirky, funny, warmhearted romance will draw readers in and keep them enthralled to the last romantic page.” — Library Journal

“The Story of a New Name” by Elena Ferrante — “An engrossing, wildly original contemporary epic about the demonic power of human (and particularly female) creativity checked by the forces of history and society.” —The Los Angeles Review of Books

“This Is How It Begins” by Joan Dempsey — “In this remarkable novel, Joan Dempsey brings together contemporary America and Holocaust-era Warsaw to tell a riveting tale of family secrets, civil rights, and the persistence of memory. Here are pastors and politicians, teachers and activists, historians and spies—all of them, on every side of the cultural divide, imbued with genuine humanity. This Is How It Begins is an essential story for our time.” —Matthew Goodman, New York Times-bestselling author of Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World

“We Were Witches” by Ariel Gore — “A scathing indictment of a system that works again people who are poor and female as well as a piercing and wise look at one woman’s struggle to overcome it.” —Booklist

BIOGRAPHY

“From Prague to Jerusalem: An Uncommon Journey of a Journalist” by Milan J. Kubic — “Kubic presents his interesting journey from youth behind the iron curtain through a long and successful career with Newsweek culminating in extended coverage of the Middle East debacle. The memoir illuminates myriad important historical events on three continents over the course of about a quarter century of Kubic’s eventful journalistic career and contains many thought-provoking insights. The insider’s account of the Arab-Israeli conflict is especially valuable.”
—Walter L. Hixson, author of American Foreign Relations: A New Diplomatic History

“Obama: The Call of History” by Peter Baker — “With his unique gifts as a diligent journalist and a first-rate historian, Peter Baker has given us a compelling first look at a consequential presidency—an eight-year reign that will be studied forever. And here is where we will all start that conversation: with Baker’s graceful and insightful account of Barack Obama’s victories, defeats, and evolving legacy.” — (Jon Meacham, author of Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush)

“What Happened” — Hillary Rodham Clinton -“The writing in What Happened is engaging — Clinton is charming and even funny at times, without trying to paint herself in too flattering of a light…. Ultimately, the book might be a historical artifact most of all — the chronicling of what, exactly, it was like to run for president as the first woman major-party candidate (and, yes, a Clinton as well). Plenty may disagree with Clinton’s opinions on what went wrong for her, but her story will still be an important part of that history when America looks back on the melee that was the 2016 election.” —NPR

ADULT MYSTERY

“Close to Home” by Robert Dugoni — ““An immensely—almost compulsively—readable tale…A crackerjack mystery.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Glass Houses” by Louise Penny — “Penny’s poetic style of writing and her deeply realized characters, with their mix of flaws and heroism, make her novels irresistible….Penny delicately explores the tension of an officer who may be sworn to uphold the law, but who feels compelled to do something else, in a fascinating novel that is sure to appeal to a variety of readers―whether they typically enjoy mysteries or not.” ―ShelfAwareness

“The Gloaming” by Melanie Finn -“A propulsive literary thriller. Finn, who writes with a psychological acuity that rivals Patricia Highsmith’s, switches between Europe and Africa in tense alternating chapters, rewarding close attention. The book is terrific… subtle and thrilling. Remarkably well-paced and well-written… Don’t expect to be able to set this book down or forget its haunted characters.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred

“The Good Daughter” by Karin Slaughter — “Though this is a crime novel, suspenseful and thrilling in every way, at its heart it is an exploration of family and the ties that persist through the most difficult moments… Slaughter delves into our darkest selves to reveal what is truly human.” — (Library Journal)

“I Am Death (A Robert Hunter Thriller)” by Christ Carter — “…a detective in the LAPD’s two-man Ultra Violent Crimes unit is trying to track down an especially sadistic murderer. How sadistic, you ask? Well, one of the killer’s victims died by having her face literally sanded off (by an electric sanding machine). Another, the book’s first victim, was apparently killed by being hung upside down, a slow and torturous way to die. Oh, and that victim also had a note shoved down her throat reading: I AM DEATH. Who is the killer, and what is the motive? The Hunter thrillers are popular with their fans, but, surprisingly, not widely known….Carter has realistically drawn characters, psychological terror, and clever plotting. Here’s hoping Carter’s latest brings new readers into the fold.” — Pitt, David. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“A Killer Harvest” by Paul Cleaves –“Starting with a macabre setup, Cleave keeps upping the stakes till any scrap of plausibility is left far behind and only an increasingly effective series of hair-raising thrills remains.” — (Kirkus Reviews)

“Murder Games” by James Patterson — “Publisher Annotation: A serial killer is loose on the streets of Manhattan. His victims appear to be total strangers. The only clue that unites the crimes is the playing card left behind at each scene that hints at the next target. The killer, known in the tabloids as The Dealer, is baiting cops into a deadly and scandalous guessing game that has the city increasingly on edge. Elizabeth Needham, the gorgeous, tenacious cop in charge of the case turns to an unlikely ally–Dylan Reinhart, a handsome and brilliant professor whose book turned up in connection with the murders. As the tabloid frenzy over The Dealer reaches a fever pitch, Dylan and Elizabeth must connect the clues to discover what the victims have in common before The Dealer runs through his entire deck.”

“Paradise Valley” by C. J. Box — “[Box has] crafted fascinating characters and put them in riveting, challenging circumstances that test their mettle and threaten their worlds.” ―The Durango Herald

“Secrets in Death” by J.D. Robb – “Someone finally found a permanent way to silence gossip reporter Larinda Mars: they murdered her. Unfortunately, Larinda’s killer didn’t realize that NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas was at the same upscale wine bar in which Larinda whispered her last salacious secret. Larinda might have liked to style herself a “social information reporter,” but Eve quickly discovers she was nothing but a mercenary gossip who had been blackmailing an A-list of New York’s movers and shakers. Now, with the help of her professional crew and her husband, Roarke, Eve must sift through her list of suspects to find out which one of them finally got tired of paying Larinda hush money…” — Charles, John.  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“What’s Become of Her” by Deb Caletti – “National Book Award finalist Caletti (He’s Gone) elevates reader discomfort to the maximum in this nuanced suspense novel. Compassionate, kindhearted Isabelle Austen is still processing several significant life changes–the death of her difficult mother; leaving her editorial job at a small press to assume ownership of her mother’s charter airline business on Parrish Island, Wash.; and the end of her marriage–when Henry North, a professor on sabbatical from Boston University, arrives on the island. Despite internal and external warning bells and potential omens of danger, Isabelle responds to the narcissistic Henry’s romantic overtures. Meanwhile, across the Pacific, the mysterious Professor M. Weary divides his time between studying the habits of New Caledonia crows and monitoring Henry. Warnings Isabelle receives from Dr. Weary cause her to wonder about Henry, whose first wife died in an accident and whose second wife has gone missing. The plot builds to a surprising and well-developed conclusion.” –Agent: Ben Camardi, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2017.

ADULT NON-FICTION

“Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home” by Nicole J. Georges  – “Fetch is beautiful. Georges’s artwork is inviting and frank as she tells a touching story of companionship and personal growth. A dog pack of two, she and Beija form a special bond, a friendship that hits home.” —Shelf Awareness

“Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow” by Yuval Noah Harari  — “Harari is an intellectual magpie who has plucked theories and data from many disciplines – including philosophy, theology, computer science and biology – to produce a brilliantly original, thought-provoking and important study of where mankind is heading.” –(Evening Standard (London))

“The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and his Family’s Quest to Bring Him Home” by Sally Mott Freeman — “In her moving new epic The Jersey Brothers, Sally Mott Freeman captures a story of love, devotion and perseverance shared by three inspiring siblings caught in the epicenter of some of the war’s most crucial actions… A rare look into the deepest personal emotions of a family of America’s Greatest Generation.” — The Dallas Morning News

“No Apparent Distress: A Doctor’s Coming-of-Age on the Front Lines of American Medicine” by Rachel Pearson, MD – “Engrossing….Pearson’s vivid writing sometimes lulls you into the trance of a good story―character, voice, plot, conflict―but there’s always the sucker punch at the end to remind you of the gruesome endpoint of the American healthcare system….Her literary skill is apparent in her book. Her courage, honesty and doggedness are evident on every page.”
– Danielle Ofri, New York Times Book Review

“The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II” by Svetlana Alexievich “A monument to courage . . . It would be hard to find a book that feels more important or original. . . . Alexievich’s account of the second world war as seen through the eyes of hundreds of women is an extraordinary thing. . . . Her achievement is as breathtaking as the experiences of these women are awe-inspiring.”—The Guardian

“The Vietnam War: An Intimate History” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns — “A sweeping, richly illustrated narrative of a conflict fast retreating in memory… As they have done in numerous collaborations, Ward and Burns take a vast topic and personalize it… Of particular value is the inclusion of Vietnamese voices on both sides of the conflict, most of whom agree more than four decades later that the question of who won or lost is less important than the fact that no one really prevailed… The text is accompanied by more than 500 photographs, some of them immediately recognizable…many others fresh… Accompanying the PBS series to be aired in September 2017, this is an outstanding, indispensable survey of the Vietnam War.”  —Kirkus, (starred review)

“We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled: Voices from Syria” by Wendy Pearlman — “Pearlman spoke with hundreds of displaced Syrians…. Common among the spare and haunting testimonies of these mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters are the loss and reappearance of hope, humanity, and dreams of new freedom. This powerfully edifying work of witness is essential reading.” — Booklist (starred review)

ADULT AUDIO BOOK

“Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Commanches,the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History” by S. C. Gwynne — “Man for man, the Comanches were the fiercest and most resourceful warriors in North America, and they held onto their domain with an almost otherworldly tenacity. In this sweeping work, S.C. Gwynne recreates the Comanche’s lost world with gusto and style—and without sentimentality. After reading Empire of the Summer Moon, you’ll never think about Texas, or the Great Plains, in quite the same way again.” –Hampton Sides, author of Blood and Thunder and Hellhound On His Trail

MUSIC

“You Want it Darker” by Leonard Cohen

BLUE/DVD

“All Governments Lie”
“The Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season”
“The Game of Thrones: The Complete 6th Season”
“How to Train Your Dragon”
“Smurfs: The Lost VIllage”
“The Vietnam War: Volume One”
“The Vietnam War: Volume Two”
“The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season”

BOARD BOOK

“The Monster at the End of this Book: Starring  Lovable, Furry Old Grover” by Jon Stone
“So Many Feet”
by Nichole Mara
“Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle
“Welcome” A Mo Willems Book for New Arrivals” by Mo Willems

PICTURE BOOK

“All the Way to Havana” by Margarita Engle
“The Antlered Ship”
by Dashka Slater
“The Bad Seed”
by Jory John
“Bertolt”
by Jacques Goldstyn
“Come With Me”
by Holly M. McGhee
“Creepy Pair of Underwear”
by Aaron Reynolds
“A Different Pond”
by Bao Phi
“Flashlight Night”
by Matt Forrest Esenwine
“The Forever Garden” by Laurel Snyder
“Frog and Toad Are Friends” by Arnold Lobel
“Hector the Collector” by Emily Beeny
“Hello Goodbye Dog” by Maria Gianferrari
“In the Middle of Fall” by Kevin Henkes
“La La La” by Kate DiCamillo
“The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors” by Drew Daywalt
“Life” by Cynthia Rylant
“LIttle Red and the Very Hungry Lion” by Alex T. Smith
“Meanwhile Back at the Ranch” by Anne Isaacs
“Monster’s Trucks” by Joy Keller
“The One-Day House” by Julia Durango
“The Paper Bag Princess” by Robert Munsch
“Pink and Say” by Patricia Polacco
“Princess Truly in I am Truly” by Kelly Greenawalt
“Renato and the Lion” by Barbara DeLorenzo
“Robinson” by Peter Sis
“You Must Bring a Hat!” by Simon Philip
“When’s My Birthday?” by Julie Fogliano
“You Must Bring a Hat!” by Simon Philip

JUVENILE AUDIO

JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY

“Dangerous Jane” by Suzanne Slade – “An inspiring testament to the power of activism.… An afterword and timeline round out a solid introduction to a woman who ‘kept doing what she’d always done: helping people. No matter where they were from. No matter what others thought. No matter the cost.'” —Publisher’s Weekly

“Marti’s Song For Freedom =Marti y sus versos por la libertad” by Emma Otheguy — “Otheguy debuts with a bilingual story, written in gentle and measured verse, about activist José Martí, detailing his efforts to free Cuba from Spanish rule and its people from slavery by disseminating pamphlets and writing for newspapers. After being jailed and exiled to New York, Martí continued his campaign to liberate the Cuban people while finding solace in the Catskills: the grass grew wild/ and seemed to whisper/ that Cuba still needed him. Vidal (Little Bek Longtail Learns to Sleep) uses a subtle folk art style in her detailed gouache illustrations, creating people who resemble terra-cotta figurines. Excerpts from Martí s Versos sencillos thoughtfully underscore this moving account of his crusade for justice.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“She Persisted” by Chelsea Clinton –“Exemplary . . . This well-curated list will show children that women’s voices have made themselves emphatically heard.” —Booklist 

JUVENILE FICTION

“Almost Paradise” by Corabel Shofner – “One undersized but indomitable tomboy tackles tough issues with wry humor as she attempts to create the home and family for which she yearns . . . Idiosyncratic characters and plot twists and turns keep the story going, but it is Ruby’s distinctive voice that shines in this debut novel and makes even the most far-fetched twist seem trustworthy. Ruby’s folksy precociousness and determination are as endearing as her realization that the world is not perfect and that love comes in pieces. . . . a rollicking read.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Bronze and Sunflower” by Cao Wenxuan –“In Wang’s translation of his leisurely, languid prose, Hans Christian Andersen winner Cao captures both the infinite joys and harsh realities of rural farming life…While seemingly idealized, the story and its protagonists reflect the Confucian values of filial piety and society above self—the very foundation of Chinese culture. Readers of all ages should be prepared to laugh, cry, and sigh with satisfaction.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The Emperor’s Ostrich” by Julie Berry — “Berry…creates a lively, magic-laced folktale featuring a self-centered emperor, a dairymaid, a farmer boy with grand romantic ideals, and two very stubborn animals…. Whimsical details, including an enchanted map and a pot of mustard that changes flavor, will delight readers, and the nonstop action will keep them on the edge of their seats.” Agent: Alyssa Eisner Henkin, Trident Media Group.PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2017.

“The Mysteries of Harris Burdick” by Chris Van Allsburg – “Layered in mystery, this extraordinary book will stun imaginative readers of all ages.” School Library Journal, Starred

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas — “Angie Thomas’s searing debut about an ordinary girl in extraordinary circumstances addresses issues of racism and police violence with intelligence, heart and unflinching honesty.” — inside front cover

“The House at Pooh Corner” by A. A. Milne – “Return to the Hundred Acre Wood in A.A. Milne’s second collection of Pooh stories, The House at Pooh Corner. Here you will rediscover all the characters you met in Winnie-the-Pooh: Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Owl, Piglet, Kanga, tiny Roo, and, of course, Pooh himself. Joining them is the thoroughly bouncy and lovable Tigger, who leads the rest into unforgettable adventures.” — Amazon.com

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell — “Winner of the 1961 Newbery Medal, Island of the Blue Dolphins  tells the story of a girl left alone for eighteen years in the aftermath of violent encounters with Europeans on her home island off the coast of Southern California. ” — ONIX annotations

“Karma Khullar’s Mustache” by Krisit Wientge — “Debut author Wientge neatly captures how it feels to be different, especially as an adolescent . . . The novel’s ending—hopeful but not completely happily-ever-after—sends a strong message of self-acceptance and resilience.” (Publishers Weekly June 5, 2017)

“Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess” by Shari Green –“Macy is fed up with all the changes impinging upon her: she’s finishing sixth grade and will have to move on to a new school and a new sign language interpreter; her mother is getting married to Alan, who already has two young daughters; and her house is now up for sale. In a fit of pique, Macy alienates her best friend–and consequently feels even more disgruntled and isolated. But then Macy’s mother sends her next door to help their elderly neighbor Iris, who’s packing up to move to an assisted living facility. Iris’s words of wisdom and propensity for communicating through cookies… bring Macy solace and understanding as she learns to celebrate the story of her own peculiar family. Green’s free verse makes this a quick, accessible read, focusing on Macy’s realistic reluctance to share her mother and her gradual acceptance of the changes in her life … Macy’s deafness is a feature but not the focus of this gently didactic, sympathetic rendering of a twelve-year-old’s angst.” —  deirdre f. baker. THE HORN BOOK, c2017.

“Patina” by Jason Reynolds — “Reynolds tells readers almost all they need to know about Patty in two opening, contrasting scenes. In the first, Patty misjudges her competitors in an 800-meter race she’s certain she should have won. Running well but second is not enough for the ferociously competitive Patty. In the other, she braids her little sister’s hair before church, finishing off each of Maddy’s 30 braids with three beads. She does this every Sunday because their white adoptive mother can’t (“there ain’t no rule book for white people to know how to work with black hair”) and because their birth mother insists they look their best for church. Their father dead and their birth mother’s legs lost to diabetes, the two girls live with their father’s brother and his wife, seeing their mother once a week in an arrangement that’s as imperfect as it is loving and necessary. Writing in Patty’s voice, Reynolds creates a fully dimensional, conflicted character whose hard-earned pragmatism helps her bring her relay team together, negotiate the social dynamics of the all-girls, mostly white private school she attends, and make the best of her unusual family lot. When this last is threatened, readers will ache right alongside her.” —  KIRKUS MEDIA LLC, c2017.

“Refugee” by Alan Gratz —  “[A] hard-hitting novel. . . . Filled with both tragic loss and ample evidence of resilience, these memorable and tightly plotted stories contextualize and give voice to current refugee crises, underscoring that these journeys are born out of a desperate need for security and safety.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade” by Jordan Sonnenblick — “Maverick Falconer has a difficult home life. Since his father died on active military duty several years ago, his alcoholic mother has entertained a string of abusive boyfriends. Maverick may be short in stature, but he is large of heart, and it’s not hard to root for this underdog as he starts sixth grade. On the first day of middle school, he overreacts to some pranks, landing in the vice principal’s office. Maverick navigates various social obstacles at school (a couple of frenemies and difficult teachers) and family challenges at home before his mother’s younger sister, Aunt Cat, steps up when Mom hits rock bottom and finally seeks treatment. Sonnenblick’s latest chronicle of middle-school life follows the same winning formula as his previous stories …: a child in crisis, lots of humorous situations and one-liners, and moments of genuine warmth and emotion.” — jonathan hunt.  THE HORN BOOK, c2017.

“Soldier Boy” by Keely Hutton – -“A story that stands up for the unrelenting power of the human spirit to reject evil, the nigh-impossible odds that must be conquered to escape enslavement, and the deep scars that remain for a lifetime . . . Unapologetically searing and catastrophically truthful.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street” by Karina Yan Glaser — “With rich dialogue and detailed descriptions of the neighborhood, the text provides a humorous and heartwarming story about siblings uniting to save their home. Through the Vanderbeekers, Glaser provides a portrait of the splendors of Harlem and the sense of community that can be built among neighbors of all backgrounds. . . This will draw fans of rollicking family stories, and while it’s centered on Christmas, it would be enjoyable any time of the year.” —Bulletin

“A Wind in the Door” by Madeleine L’Engle – “Meg becomes concerned about Charles Wallace’s problems in adapting to school life. The precocious little boy is not only disliked and bullied by his playmates but his health is deteriorating. When he insists that there are dragons in the twins’ garden, she investigates and finds that dragons are indeed there and other alien creatures, as well. Soon she and Charles are caught up in a fantastic and terrifying series of adventures, and the ultimate conflict of good and evil.”– BRODART CO., c2004.

“Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate — “The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate’s graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts. Narration comes from Red, an enormous red oak near an elementary school that also serves as a “wishtree” for the neighborhood―once a year, residents deposit wishes in Red’s branches and hollows….Red’s openhearted voice and generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of observation. It’s a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever!” — Sarah Aronson – “sabelle wants to be a fairy godmother and loves the idea of waving a wand to grant wishes for or amuse princesses. When she begins training though, she has some misgivings. For starters, she hasn’t studied, much less read, the rule book. To make matters worse, her mother is known as the worst fairy godmother ever, and she was banished long ago (secretly, Isabelle wants to find her, wherever she is). When the trainees are assigned practice princesses, Isabelle is dismayed she isn’t paired with a princess at all, but a regular girl who seems sad and lonely and hasn’t made a wish. This sweet entry to a magic-packed series deals with confidence and knowing how to be a good friend, and Aronson’s descriptions are lively and detailed enough to paint a rich picture…” Pino, Kristina. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

Beauty and the Beak: How Science, Technology, and a 3D-Printed Beak Rescued a Bald Eagle” by Deborah Lee Rose and Jane Veltkamp — “… an eagle injured by a hunter comes under the care of biologist and coauthor Veltkamp. At her Idaho raptor center, she concocts a plan to repair Beauty’s beak, which has been reduced to a stump, using a 3-D-printed prosthetic. The tense narrative recounts how Veltkamp enlisted the help of a dentist and engineer to design and attach the new beak: “Just when they were ready to glue the beak on, Beauty started to struggle. Her wings were so strong, she burst open the wrap around them.” Readers will be fascinated by the photographs of Beauty before, during, and after the beak attachment, and although the story concludes abruptly, following the successful surgery, substantial end notes explore Beauty’s progress, bald eagles in general, and the threats they face.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2017.

“Bees: A Honeyed History” by Piotr Socha — “This book is .. admirable in its scope, which goes beyond the scientific (anatomy, pollination, communication, etc.) to include the bee’s place in history and culture…both whimsical and comprehensive; Socha has created what is quite possibly the sweetest resource on honey bees around.” –-(Booklist)

“Bound by Ice: A True North Pole Survival Story” by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace — “Extensively researched and illustrated with engravings and paintings contemporary to the 1879 Arctic voyage of the Jeannette, (this) book presents an exemplary example of how to piece together an intriguing story from a variety of sources. Readers of historical adventure will be drawn to the story and appreciate the crew’s bravery.” ― Booklist, starred review

“Castle in the Stars: The Space Race of 1869” — Alex Alice — “… In 1869, a year after Seraphin’s mother disappeared in her hot air balloon while in search of the mysterious energy source called Aether, an unsigned letter arrives in which the writer claims to have found her logbook. On their way to Bavaria to claim it, Seraphin and his father become entangled with Prussian spies who are also on the hunt for the logbook, hoping that the secret of Aether will help them overthrow King Ludwig II and take over the world. The romantic setting of the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle is the perfect backdrop for this steampunk adventure story, and the author and artists use both interior and exterior views to good advantage. Done in soft watercolors, the illustrations are gorgeously detailed and alive with color and motion, giving the whole book a cinematic feel….”  Volin, Eva.,  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins” by Sandra Markle — “…Markle discusses the two-century decline of African penguins. First, the guano that sheltered their nests was taken for fertilizer. Next, their eggs were stolen and sold for food. Modern fishing practices decimated their food supplies and, more recently, climate change has shifted their feeding grounds farther out to sea. The book’s dramatic focus is the extraordinary response to a catastrophic oil spill off the coast of South Africa in 2000, when an astonishing 45,000 volunteers helped rescue the penguins by cleaning oil from their feathers, from the ocean, and from the beaches where they live, as well as moving whole penguin colonies and caring for abandoned chicks. A dependable science writer for kids, Markle offers a lucid, well-organized text, telling a story that is engaging as well as informative. Drawn from many sources, well-chosen photos appear on every page of the book and illustrate the text very effectively. As few creatures are as photogenic as penguins or adorable as their chicks, the illustrations also heighten interest in the birds’ plight. A vivid introduction to African penguins, their remarkable rescue, and their still precarious existence.” —  Phelan, Carolyn.  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly – “… four women worked for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in the mid-twentieth century. Each displayed early aptitude for math, sharp curiosity about the world around them, and marked confidence in the face of discrimination. They contributed to discoveries about space and to sending manned missions into orbit. Their life stories are the perfect impetus for discussion on a host of important historical themes germane to the 1950s, such as gender roles, racial prejudice and segregation, and scientific exploration. In any context, these women’s contributions to science and aerospace technology would be impressive, but the obstacles imposed by the norms of their society make their achievements all the more impressive. Middle-schoolers will find their story, here in a young readers’ edition of Shetterly’s 2016 adult book (the basis of a current movie), engaging and inspirational.” Anderson, Erin.  Booklist Online. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“Meatless? A Fresh Look at What You Eat” by Sarah Elton — . “Elton begins by diving into the history of meat eating with a discussion of why humans began including meat in their diets. The following chapters examine the environmental impact the meat industry has, what a vegetarian lifestyle looks like, and how to make the dietary switch in a way that still allows for getting all of the required nutrition a growing body needs. Elton presents the information in a straightforward way that is both informative and sensitive to her audience. She wisely keeps the focus on the idea of choice and allows readers to come to their own decisions. The engaging, insightful text is nicely matched by McLaughlin’s colorful, photo-filled spreads, which contribute to the upbeat tone and include diverse images of people throughout.” —   Linsenmeyer, Erin.  AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2017.

“Revolutionary Rogues: John Andre and Benedict Arnold” by Selene Castrovilla — “No name in the annals of U.S. history is more synonymous with treachery and betrayal than Benedict Arnold. This in-depth look at Arnold’s personality, rooted heavily in primary source materials, creates a far more complex portrait than the one provided by most textbooks…(with) countless opportunities for critical thinking and discussion. With colorful illustrations and insightful observations, books like this one make the names recorded in history much more human.” – Booklist

“Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero” by Patricia McCormick –“Vividly brings to life the story of Sergeant Reckless, the only animal to officially hold military rank in the United States…This endearing story of wartime camaraderie won’t soon be forgotten.” –-(Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“Two Truths and a Lie” by Ammi-Joan Paquette — ““An engaging, entertaining compendium that will inform and confound.”– (Kirkus Reviews)

“When Planet Earth Was New” by James Gladstone — “Will start a discussion of the Earth’s development and future and spark interest in biology, geology, and evolutionary connections.” (School Library Journal)

YOUNG ADULT

“Alex & Eliza: A Love Story” by Melissa De La Cruz — “de la Cruz has struck while the iron is hot and shone a light on the extraordinary wife of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, Eliza Schuyler. . . . Fans of the musical will be excited to see this novel.”—School Library Journal