Author: Mary Metcalf

ADULT FICTION

“A Good Yarn” by Debbie Macomber — “Macomber offers another tale of women meeting and becoming good friends in a knitting class. When Lydia Hoffman, owner of A Good Yarn, offers a class in knitting socks, Elise Beaumont,… appears. Embroiled in a lawsuit, she has little patience with the foibles of others. Meanwhile, Bethanne Hamlin’s husband left her for another woman on Valentine’s Day. ….now, bereft of self-esteem and support, she has to find a job. And, finally, there’s Courtney Pulanski, …After her mother’s death four years ago, Courtney went a little wild and stuffed all her emotions down with food; now she’s alone, overweight, and unhappy. But soon an unbreakable bond is formed among the knitters in this sweet and poignant story of real women with real problems becoming real friends.” — Maria Hatton Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

“A Peculiar Grace” by Jeffrey Lent — “An uncomfortably brilliant novel both in the human dimensions of the story and the intense grace of the writing.” — Jim Harrison, author of Returning to Earth

“Afterlife” by Julia Alvarez — “In one moving scene after another, Alvarez dramatizes the sustaining power of stories, whether for immigrants in search of a better life or for widows surviving a spouse’s death. True to its title, Afterlife cannily explores what it means to go on after a loss . . .This is a beautiful book.” —BookPage, starred review

“Back on Blossom Street” by Debbie Macomber — “Macomber’s latest Blossom Street tale begins with a new knitting class at the shop Lydia Goetz owns in downtown Seattle. Lydia’s business is doing well, and in attendance are Susannah, who runs the flower shop next door; Colette, a young widow who lives upstairs; and Alix Townsend, a baker and former hoodlum engaged to a future minister. … These involving stories along with Macomber’s familiar characters continue the Blossom Street themes of friendship and personal growth that readers find so moving.” — Maria Hatton Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

“Brunch and Other Obligations: A Novel” by Suzanne Nugent — “Brunch and Other Obligations is an engaging, often sweet, and absolutely laugh-out-loud story of how relationships can evolve even among individuals who would like to believe they are vastly different―and lifelong frenemies. Suzanne Nugent’s writing is sharp and masterful, with spot-on dialogue and scenes that jump to life on the page.” ―Sherry Stanfa-Stanley, author of Finding My Badass Self: A Year of Truths and Dares

“Good Hope Road” by Lisa Wingate — “The tornado that levels the town of Poetry, Missouri, does more than change the topography of the small town; it changes lives. Jenilee, a 21-year-old with no real future, helps her elderly neighbor, Eudora, who is grateful for her rescue from the cellar of her demolished home, although perplexed by the identity and generosity of her savior. …Jenilee’s courage helps Eudora realize that she, too, can change. Wingate has written a genuinely heartwarming story about how a sense of possibility can be awakened in the aftermath of tragedy to bring a community together and demonstrate the true American spirit.” – Patty Engelmann; AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2003.

“Hideaway” by Nora Roberts — “Roberts once again offers a master class in storytelling as she displays her formidable ability to portray easily relatable characters and engineer a plot spiked with chilling suspense and layered with life affirming love, which, together, generate a captivating read.” – Booklist

“The Paris Architect: A Novel” by Charles Belfoure — “Architect and debut author Belfoure’s portrayal of Vichy France is both disturbing and captivating, and his beautiful tale demonstrates that while human beings are capable of great atrocities, they have a capacity for tremendous acts of courage as well.” – Library Journal

“The Shop on Blossom Street” by Debbie Macomber — “Four lives knit together… … These four very different women, brought together by the age-old craft of knitting, make unexpected discoveries —about themselves and each other. Discoveries that lead to friendship and acceptance, to laughter and dreams. Discoveries only women can share….” — ONIX Annotations

“Starting Now: A Blossom Street Novel” by Debbie Macomber — “… Macomber returns to Seattle’s beloved Blossom Street in this heartfelt tale of friendship, renewal, and discovering what’s truly important in life….Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love. “Macomber understands the often complex nature of a woman’s friendships, as well as the emotional language women use with their friends.”-New York Journal of Books

ADULT MYSTERY

” A Plain Vanilla Murder” by Susan Wittig Albert — “A Plain Vanilla Murder is a flavorful blend of mystery and herb lore, present sins and past secrets, and characters who are as real as your next-door neighbors—stirred together in an absorbing novel that only Susan Wittig Albert could create.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“A Rule Against Murder: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel” by Louise Penny — “Reminiscent of classic Christie… This latest treat in the series will keep fans salivating in anticipation, savoring each delectable morsel and yearning for more.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Close Knit Killer” by Maggie Sefton — “A mystery with more twists and turns than the scrumptious yarns in the fictitious shop of Lambspun…A clever, fast-paced plot, with a spunky sleuth and a cast of fun, engaging characters…Delivers the goods.”—Margaret Coel, New York Times bestselling author

“Devonshire Scream” by Laura Childs — “A charming cast of characters, a cultivated and genteel setting, plenty of tea and scones, a plausible slate of suspects, and an exciting climactic chase…Another enjoyable outing with Theodosia and friends.”—Publishers Weekly

“Dread of Winter” by Susan Alice Bickford”Fair Warning” by Michael Connelly — “There’s so much to love in Susan Bickford’s newest novel, Dread of Winter: a profound sense of place, the visceral evocation of a bitter winter’s cold, a dead-on depiction of the pit of despair that is the opioid epidemic, and language so beautiful on the page it’ll give you goosebumps.  I’m a newcomer to Bickford’s work, but I’m putting her on my list of must-read authors. You should, too.” —William Kent Krueger

“Fair Warning” by Michael Connelly — “Score another one for the dean of America’s crime writers… Fair Warning sheds light on the murky billion-dollar world of DNA testing… the subject [is] ripe for a good mystery. And Michael Connelly is just the guy to write it.”―Sandra Dallas, Denver Post

“Kill One, Kill Two” by Maggie Sefton — “…busy CPA Kelly Flynn leaves her frantic career in DC to investigate her elderly aunt’s suspicious death in Fort Connor, CO, and becomes a part of that thriving community and an integral member of the cozy knitting club situated at the House of Lambspun knit shop. This chatty series features a large cast of regulars, both men and women, whose interests extend beyond knitting. Infused with gentle humor, these leisurely paced cozies also include recipes and knitting patterns.” — LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2010.

“Pekoe Must Poison” by Laura Childs — “A love letter to Charleston, tea, and fine living.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Purl Up and Die” by Maggie Sefton — In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Yarn Over Murder, Kelly Flynn and the Lambspun Knitters must unravel the truth from the lies to clear a friend’s son suspected of murder…” — Amazon.com

“The Last Chance Olive Ranch” by Susan Wittig Albert — In this exciting mystery from New York Times bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert, China Bayles fears for her husband&;s life as an escaped convict targets him… ‘ — Publisher’s Annotation

“The Long Call” by Ann Cleeves — “Cleeves makes good use of Devon local color and populates this subtle, expertly paced mystery with distinctive supporting characters.” ― Publishers Weekly

“The Shooting at Chateau Rock” by Martin Walker — “When a local’s troubling death is linked to a Russian oligarch and his multinational conglomerate, Bruno faces one of his toughest cases yet, one that brings together a French notary and a rock star–and, of course, Bergerac red and white.” — Amazon.com

“Toucan Keep a Secret” by Donna Andrews — “This long-running cozy series shows no signs of losing its freshness.” ―Publishers Weekly on Toucan Keep a Secret

ADULT BIOGRAPHY

“The Price of Peace: Money, Democracy and the Life of John Maynard Keynes” by Zachary D. Carter — “Making an impressive book debut, journalist Carter offers a sweeping, comprehensive biography of economist, political theorist, and statesman John Maynard Keynes (1883–1946), one of most influential figures of his time. . . . An absorbing, thoroughly researched life of a singular thinker.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir” by John Bolton — “The most substantive, critical dissection of the president from an administration insider… lays out a long series of jarring and troubling encounters between the president, his top advisers and foreign leaders.” – Washington Post

“Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man” by Mary L. Trump — “[T]he most devastating, most valuable and all-around best Trump book since he started running for president. In the vast Trump literature, this one is something new…[W]hat this book does do is help us understand him, offering the most incisive rendering yet of why he is the way he is.”—Politico

ADULT NON-FICTION

“American Dialogue: The Founders and Us” by Joseph J. Ellis — “American Dialogue tries to break the conversational deadlock by going back to the beginning and exploring the controversial choices made by the Founders themselves, asking hard questions about who they were, what they did, and what legacies they left behind. . .”—San Francisco Book Review

“Cook’s Illustrated 2014” — “Perfect for long-term reference, the Cook’s Illustrated 2014 Annual contains all six 2014 issues bound in one cloth-covered edition.” — Annotation

“Greenhouses for Homeowners and Gardeners” by John W. Bartok

“Hand Hewn: The Traditions, Tools, and Enduring Beauty of Timber Framing” by Jack Sobon — “An essential book for every builder — of anything — revealing the world of timber framing from a true master craftsman.” — Will Beemer, author of Learn to Timber Frame and director of the Heartwood School for the Homebuilding Crafts

“Hardy Roses : An Organic Guide to Growing Frost- and Disease-resistant Varieties” by Robert Osborne“How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi — ““A boldly articulated, historically informed explanation of what exactly racist ideas and thinking are . . . [Kendi’s] prose is thoughtful, sincere, and polished. This powerful book will spark many conversations.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World” by Matt Parker — “A pleasant exploration of our deeply held incompetence at mathematics. . . . Fun reading for nonmathematicians.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Living with Cancer: A Step-by-Step Guide for Coping Medically and Emotionally with a Serious Diagnosis” by Vicki A. Jackson — “Ryan and Jackson offer patients and their families useful step-by-step advice. It comes at a time of unusual excitement in the field, thanks to new treatments that hold the promise of making long, full lives with cancer far more common.” — (Boston Globe Magazine)

“Making a Life: Working by Hand and Discovering the Life You Are Meant to Live” by Melanie Falick — ““A remarkable series of 30 vignettes that simultaneously comfort and stimulate. . . . Falick’s treasury, sumptuously photographed, will appeal to anyone who admires the people dedicated to making the world around them more beautiful.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Say Nothing : A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland” by Patrick Radden Keefe — “[Keefe] incorporates a real-life whodunit into a moving, accessible account of the violence that has afflicted Northern Ireland… Tinged with immense sadness, this work never loses sight of the humanity of even those who committed horrible acts in support of what they believed in.” —Publishers Weekly, *starred review*

“Say We Won and Get Out: George D. Aiken and the Vietnam War” by Stephen C. Terry — “…Aiken was neither “hawk” nor “dove”, but a “wise owl” who spoke his mind forcefully and bluntly to all against the war. He advised President Johnson to declare that the U. S. won the Vietnam War and to get out. Later, Aiken told President Nixon to stop bombing in Cambodia or he couldn’t be elected “dogcatcher.” This is pure Aiken speaking truth to power for ending America’s most controversial war, a common-sense voice that the Nation sorely needs today.This book demonstrates that bi-partisan Senate leadership has worked in the past and must be present in order to solve urgent national problems….” — Publisher’s Annotation

“Science of Running: Analyze your Technique, Prevent Injury, Revolutionize your Training” by Chris Napier — “Discover the hard science that will help you run faster, endure for longer, and avoid injury.” — Amazon.com

“Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” by Ibram X. Kendi — An “engrossing and relentless intellectual history of prejudice in America…The greatest service Kendi [provides] is the ruthless prosecution of American ideas about race for their tensions, contradictions and unintended consequences.” —The Washington Post

“The Land of Milk & Honey: A History of Beekeeping in Vermont” by Bill Mares — Land of Milk and Honey: A History of Vermont Beekeeping follows the trials and tribulations of beekeepers in Vermont.” — Amazon.com

“The Next Great Migration: The Beauty and the Terror of Life on the Move” by Sonia Shah — “A masterful survey of migration in both nature and humanity, countering some long-held misconceptions…a valuable treatise on how humanity can ‘reclaim our history of migration’ and adopt a more pan-global perspective.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Those Who Hold Bastogne: The True Story of the Soldiers and Civilians Who Fought in the Biggest Battle of the Bulge” by Peter Schrijvers — “A fast-paced story. . . . Schrijvers does an admirable job of weaving personal accounts into the larger picture of Bastogne’s horrors.”—Wall Street Journal

“Umami Bomb: 75 Vegetarian Recipes That Explode with Flavor” by Raquel Pelzel — “This satisfying and handy take on the fifth taste will please vegetarians and omnivores alike.” —Publishers Weekly

“Under Our Skin: Getting Real About Race and Getting Free From the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us” by Benjamin Watson — “Can it ever get better? This is the question Benjamin Watson is asking. In a country aflame with the fallout from the racial divide―in which Ferguson, Charleston, and the Confederate flag dominate the national news, daily seeming to rip the wounds open ever wider―is there hope for honest and healing conversation? For finally coming to understand each other on issues that are ultimately about so much more than black and white?” — Amazon.com

BLUE/DVD

“Emma”
“Fly Away Home”
“The Iron Giant”
“Mary Poppins”
“Paddington”
“The Princess Bride”
“Stuart Little”
“Stuart Little 2”
“Stuart Little 3”
“Onward”

KIT

“Bird Watching Kit”
“Circus Kit”
“Fairy Houses Kit”
“Journal Making and Creating Kit”
“Music and Puppet Kit”
“Orienteering and Hiking Kit”
“StoryKeepers and Family History Kit”

PICTURE BOOK

“Mustang Canyon” by Jonathan London
“Ocean Meets the Sky” by Terry Fan
“Sonya’s Chickens” by Phoebe Wahl

JUVENILE AUDIO BOOK

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” by J. K. Rowling

JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY

“I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer” by Carole Boston Weatherford

JUVENILE FOREIGN LANGUAGE

“Cattus Petasatus: The Cat in the Hat in Latin” by Seuss — “A Latin-English glossary and a note on the verse form and rhythm supplements the story of two children sitting at home on a rainy day who are visited by the Cat in the Hat, who shows them some tricks and games.” — Publisher’s Annotation

JUVENILE FICTION

“Changes for Samantha: A Winter Story” by Valerie Tripp

“Collision Course” by Gordon Korman — “Korman manages to tell the story of the Titanic smoothly while also introducing other elements of the early twentieth century…Altogether an enjoyable read that makes this tragic story come alive with personal narratives.” ― Resource Links

“Elmer and the Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannett — “”Rich, humorous, thoroughly satisfying.”–(starred) Library Journal.  

“Finn Family Moomintroll” by Tove Jannson — “These charming fantasies are propelled by a childlike curiosity and filled with quiet wisdom, appealing geniality, and a satisfying sense of self-discovery.” ―School Library Journal.com

“Happy Birthday, Samantha! The American Girls Collection/Samanatha #04″ by Valerie Tripp — “Samantha’s birthday party is nearly ruined when Eddie Ryland plays a mean trick. Then Agnes and Agatha, Cornelia’s ten-year-old twin sisters, save the day with an invitation to visit New York City. Samantha loves the twins’ carefree attitude and can’t wait to go–especially since the trip will include a stop at a fancy ice cream parlor. But when the girls carelessly break some rules, they suddenly find themselves racing dangerously through the big city–and the path they take leads to surprising discoveries.” — Amazon.com

“How to Be a Pirate” by Cressida Cowell — “Filled with bright colors, soaring spirits, and a timely feminist message.” ―Publishers Weekly

“How to Train Your Dragon: How to Train Your Dragon #01″ by Cressida Cowell — “…This is a goofy and exciting tale of an underdog who proves that brains can be just as important as brawn. Kids will hoot at the ridiculous names and sympathize with Hiccup’s exasperation with his truly obstinate but strangely lovable dragon. A delightful read.”―School Library Journal

“It’s All Greek to Me” by John Scieszka — [The Time Warp Trios] tongue-in-cheek humor, laced with understatement and wordplay, makes for laugh-out-loud reading.” — (“School Library Journal,” starred review)

“Magic by the Lake” by Edward Eager — “The combination of real children and fantasy is convincing and funny.”  —Booklist

“Maybe He Just Likes You” by Barbara Dee — “Important for its relevance and examination of the otherwise little-discussed topic of sexual harassment among younger teens, Maybe He Just Likes You will appeal to middle-grade readers as well as parents and educators seeking to bolster a child’s awareness of this rampant problem.” —Booklist

“My Father’s Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannett” — “A real delight.” — The New Yorker

“Other Words for Home” by Jasmine Warga — “Convincing and authentic, infused with thoughtfulness, humor, determination, and hope…. A realistic portrait of the strength it takes to move to a new country, as well as of the complicated dynamics between first- and second-generation immigrants.” (Horn Book (starred review))

“S.O.S.” by Gordon Korman — “[Korman] knows how to spin a lively and engaging tale. Hanging it on an already fascinating, albeit tragic, slice of history means it wins on all levels: a thrilling account of a heart-stopping disaster, and a set of fictional characters seamlessly intertwined with real life.” – The Montreal Gazette

“Sam Samurai/Time Warp Trio #10” by John Sciezka– “…the Time Warp Trio spins back to seventeenth-century Japan, mixing with Samurais and royalty for more nail-biting adventures, near catastrophes, and raucous humor. But there’s a new ingredient in this title: poetry. The fun of making up haikus plays a large role here, and even readers sworn off poetry will find themselves captivated by Scieszka’s use of haiku and haiku-esque observations in the text, particularly towards the end. …” — Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

“Samantha’s Surprise: The American Girls Collection/Samantha #03” by Maxine Schur — “The two weeks before Christmas are filled with activity as Samantha finishes her homemade presents and makes peparations for visiting relatives” — Amazon.com

“Strawberry Girl” by Lois Lenski — “A vivid regional story, with the humor and kindliness of an understanding writer.” — (Horn Book Magazine)

“The Castle Mystery” by Gertrude Chandler Warner — “The Boxcar Children are visiting a castle! But as they help to restore it, they see mysterious lights, hear strange music, and see spooky faces in the windows. Who is haunting the castle?” — Amazon.com

“The Dragons of Blueland” by Ruth Stiles Gannett — “In this third and final installment of the classic My Father’s Dragon trilogy, Boris, the baby dragon, is excited to be heading home to Blueland and looks forward to reuniting with his family.” — Amazon.com

“The Ghost Ship Mystery” by Gertrude Chandler Warner — “While vacationing in an old New England town, the Aldens learn of a ship that was lost at sea years ago.” — Inside flap

“The Gravity of Us” by Phil Stamper — ““A openhearted novel that shows a realistic, imperfect queer relationship and a young man growing to know and to be true to himself even when everything is shifting around him.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The High Power of Lucky” by Susan Patron — “”Patron [is] a master of light but sure characterization and closely observed detail. A small gem.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks — “Skyhigh fantasy that will enthrall readers.”–Publishers Weekly

“The Lighthouse Family: The Octopus” by Cynthia Rylant — “Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the fifth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family explores the shore with an octopus friend.” — Amazon.com

“The Mystery in Washington DC #2” by Gertrude Chandler Warner — “The Boxcar Children take a trip to Washington, D.C, and visit the Capitol Building and the Air and Space Museum. But when things start disappearing from their hotel, and they realize they are being followed, the children know there’s a mystery.” — Amazon.com

“The Magic Fox” by Paula Harrison — “It’s up to the Secret Rescuers to outwit Sir Fitzroy and save a baby fox in this fourth book in the adorable Secret Rescuers series.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“The Mystery of the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks – “In the fourth book in Bank’s acclaimed INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD saga, Omri and his family move to an old farmhouse, where he finds an ancient notebook that reveals a family secret-and the mysterious origins of his magical cupboard.” — Amazon.com

“The Return of the Great Brain” by John Dennis Fitzgerald — “Tom Fitzgerald, better known as the Great Brain, is struggling to stay reformed now that his friends have threatened to shut him out if he pulls even one more swindle. But his younger brother J.D. knows Tom’s reformation makes for a dull life, and is not altogether unhappy–or blameless–when his brother’s money-loving heart stealthily retums to business as usual.” — Amazon.com

“The Return of the Indian” by Lynne Reid Banks — “Now, helplessly caught between his own life and his cupboard life of war and death, Omri must act decisively if he is to save Little Bear and his village from being completely destroyed. What began as a harmless game has tumed into a horrible nightmare, a nightmare in which Omri is irrevocably involved, and from which he may never escape.” — Inside Flap

“The Sea Pony” by Paula Harrison — “Grace works to save her beloved sea ponies from the evil Lady Cavendish in this sixth book in the adorable Secret Rescuers series.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“The Secret of the Indian” by Lynne Reid Banks — As his adventures with Little Bear continue, Omri travels from the French and Indian wars to the present, and then back to the Old West at the tum-of-the-century.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“The Sky Unicorn” by Paula Harrison — Ava and her friends race to rescue a unicorn in the second book in the adorable, new Secret Rescuers series.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“The Star Wolf” by Paula Harrison — Emma rescues a baby star wolf who was caught in a trap in this fifth book in the adorable Secret Rescuers series.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“The Storm Dragon” by Paula Harrison — A group of friends set out to save magical creatures from a cruel queen and her wicked soldiers in the first book in the brand-new Secret Rescuers chapter book series.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“The Strangers” by Margaret Haddix Peterson — “Maintains suspense from the beginning to the cliffhanger ending. A high-stakes adventure full of teamwork with a multifaceted mystery and complex themes.” — (Kirkus Reviews)

“Tom’s Midnight Garden” by Philippa Pearce — “From beloved author Philippa Pearce, a transcendent story of friendship that Philip Pullman, bestselling author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, called “a perfect book.” — Publisher’s Annotation

“Training Camp: Rain, Twig, Cash, Peno, Lab” by Wesley King — “A youth basketball team is challenged to face their inner fears by a mysterious and magical coach named Rolabi Wizenard.” — Publisher’s Annotation

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

“Hackers” by Tom Jackson — What are hackers? Are they good? Bad? What can we do to protect ourselves, businesses, and society against hackers? How can we control them? And should we try? Get the facts and make up your own mind on these and more questions with Hackers, part of the new What’s the Issue? series.” — Amazon.com

“The Young Adventurer’s Guide to (Almost) Everything: Build a Fort, Camp Like a Champ, Poop in the Woods–45 Action-packed Outdoor Activities” by Ben Hewitt — “Outdoor-adventure activities combine wisdom and fun in this practical guide to the wild. The instructions are remarkably clear, and black-and-white illustrations add visual interest, levity, and clarity when needed. Fascinating enough to read cover to cover without setting foot outside, it will also be a reliable companion on camping and hiking trips to augment hours of outdoor exploring. This in-depth guide offers plenty to learn and do for adventurers of all skill and experience levels.”—Kirkus, starred review

YOUNG ADULT

“Someday We Will Fly” by Rachel DeWoskin — “An unusual portrait of what war does to families in general and children in particular . . . affirms the human need for art and beauty in hard times.” –Booklist, starred review

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins — “It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined — every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute . . . and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.” — Hunger Games series — Publisher Annotation:

“The Gravity of Us” by Phil Stamper — “A openhearted novel that shows a realistic, imperfect queer relationship and a young man growing to know and to be true to himself even when everything is shifting around him.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The Grief Keeper” by Alexandra Villasante — “Villasante writes of first love with an authentic voice, beautifully capturing its nervousness, excitement, and awe. . . A story worth reading.” —Booklist

“The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea” by Maggie Tokuda-Hall — “Not just mermaids, a witch, and the sea, Tokuda-Hall also covers pirates, double agents, and the lure of forgetting…this is a dark and creative story, laced with romance, and not for the faint of heart.” —School Library Journal

ADULT FICTION

“A Long Way from Home” by Peter Carey — “A Long Way from Home is a novel full of riches. The road race propels the plot along, but it’s really a book about cultural identity, about family, about the ability to empathise with others. As such, it’s hugely relevant for our times.”
—Arminta Wallace, Irish Times

“All Adults Here” by Emma Straub — “Deliciously funny and infectiously warm … It’s an ideal read for anyone trapped at home with their family while self-isolating. Read it while hiding in your bedroom from the people who are driving you crazy, but who you’d go crazy without.” — The Philadelphia Inquirer

“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins –“This extraordinary novel about unbreakable determination will move the reader to the core.”―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Big Summer: A Novel” by Jennifer Weiner — “Weiner’s story of female friendships (after Mrs. Everything) mixes a splash of romance, a dash of humor, and a pinch of mystery to create a deliciously bloody poolside cocktail. Weiner’s surprising tale is hard to put down.” —Publishers Weekly

“The Book of Lost Friends: A Novel” by Lisa Wingate –“Emphasizing throughout that stories matter and should never go untold, [Lisa] Wingate has written an absorbing historical for many readers. . . . Enthralling and ultimately heartening.”—Library Journal 

“Book of Longings” by Sue Monk Kidd — “Richly imagined . . . Ana’s ambition and strong sense of justice make her a sympathetic character for modern readers . . . In addition to providing a woman-centered version of New Testament events, Kidd’s novel is also a vibrant portrait of a woman striving to preserve and celebrate women’s stories—her own and countless others.” —Publishers Weekly (starred) 

“Bubblegum: A Novel” by Adam Levin — “Monumentally imaginative. . .Levin’s vibrant voice is unlike anyone else in contemporary fiction. . .Breathtakingly bizarre, this relentlessly inventive novel teems with humanity, humor, and pathos like few other recent works and is a book many will obsess over and delight in.” —Booklist, starred review 

“Camino Winds” by John Grisham — “#1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham returns to Camino Island in this irresistible page-turner that’s as refreshing as an island breeze. In Camino Winds, mystery and intrigue once again catch up with novelist Mercer Mann, proving that the suspense never rests—even in paradise.” — Publisher Annotation

“Chosen Ones: A Novel” by Veronica Roth — “Roth’s first novel for adults (after the wildly popular Divergent series for teens) is driven by Sloane, a stubbornly unlikable heroine who wears her troubles on her sleeve but doesn’t truly understand her full power until the shocking ending. Those who like twisty power plays and very detailed worldbuilding will appreciate this…The many fans of Roth’s YA series will be clamoring for her adult debut, which features magic, lots of sarcasm, and a hint of romance.”—Booklist

“The City We Became” by N. K. Jemisin — “A love/hate song to and rallying cry for the author’s home of New York… Fierce, poetic, uncompromising.”―Kirkus (starred review)

“Code Name Hélène” by Ariel Lawhon — “Magnificent. . . Lawhon carries us into the heart of the French resistance [and] into the mind of a badass heroine with uncanny instincts who takes on the Nazis and men’s arrogant sexism with uncommon bravado. . . Even long after the last page is turned, this astonishing story of Wake’s accomplishments will hold readers in its grip.”—BOOKLIST, *STARRED*

“The Happy Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez — “A powerfully life-affirming love story that walks the line between romantic heartbreak and hope with great finesse, while also delivering exceptional character development…and a dangerously addictive sense of humor.”―Booklist, starred review

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T. J. Klune — “This is a sweet narrative about the value of asking questions and the benefits of giving people (especially children) a chance to be safe, protected, and themselves, regardless of what assumptions one might glean from, say, reading their case file.” ―Booklist

“How Much of These Hills is Gold” by C. Pam Zhang — “An aching book, full of myths of Zhang’s making (including tigers that roam the Western hills) as well as joys, as well as sorrows. It’s violent and surprising and musical. Like Lucy and Sam, the novel wanders down byways and takes detours and chances. By journey’s end, you’re enriched and enlightened by the lives you have witnessed.” –The New York Times

 “How to Pronounce Knife” by Souvan Thammavongsa — “Fourteen piercing sketches illuminate the workaday routines and the interior lives of Laotian refugees. Characters who undertake ‘the grunt work of the world’, laboring in poultry plants, hog farms, and nail salons, also harbor vivid fantasies… brief glimpses of freedom in otherwise impenetrable places.”―NEW YORKER

“If It Bleeds” by Stephen King — “Suspenseful and chilling…This set of novellas is thought-provoking, terrifying, and, at times, outright charming, showcasing King’s breadth as a master storyteller…a powerful addition to his megapopular oeuvre.”—Booklist, STARRED review

“Jane Austen Society” by Natalie Jenner — “Delightful… Jenner’s immersive character development is juxtaposed against her study of Austen’s characters, providing clever insight into how the trials of Austen’s life were revealed through her books.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The Love Story of Missy Carmichael” by Beth Morrey — “Morrey has deftly created a series of love stories, interwoven together and told in snippets through time. . . . Pain, grief, and hurt are all part of life in this moving portrayal of the many forms love can take.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel — “Brilliant… From that opening sentence―‘Once the queen’s head is severed, he walks away’―axes and the shadow of death are everywhere…Mantel takes what is known of Cromwell―his meteoric rise, his autodidactic scholarship, his reformist tendencies―and weaves them into a masterful portrait of a man at mid-life, facing up to his past.” ―The Boston Globe

“The Night Watchman: A Novel” by Louise Erdrich —   “Erdrich’s inspired portrait of her own tribe’s resilient heritage masterfully encompasses an array of characters and historical events. Erdrich remains an essential voice.” (Publishers Weekly)

“The Resisters: A Novel” by Gish Jen — “Subtle dystopian fiction . . . beautifully crafted and slyly unsettling . . . The juxtaposition of America’s pastime and the AI-enabled surveillance state Jen presents here is brilliant.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Simon the Fiddler” by Paulette Jiles — “Imbued with the dust, grit, and grime of Galveston at the close of the Civil War, Simon the Fiddler immerses readers in the challenges of Reconstruction. Jiles brings her singular voice to the young couple’s travails, her written word as lyrical and musical as Simon’s bow raking over his strings. Loyal Jiles readers…will adore the author’s latest masterpiece.” —  (Booklist (starred review))

“Under Occupation: A Novel” by Alan Furst — “Suspenseful and sophisticated . . . No espionage author, it seems, is better at summoning the shifting moods and emotional atmosphere of Europe before the start of World War II than Alan Furst.”—The Wall Street Journal

“What Happens in Paradise: A Novel” by Elin Hillenbrand — “Once again, Hilderbrand demonstrates her mastery of immersive escapism with a carefully deployed pineapple-banana smoothie or the blue tile of an outdoor shower. . . .The absolute pleasure of the reading experience combined with a cliff-hanger ending will have readers anxiously awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy.”―Booklist (starred review)

ADULT MYSTERY

“Dead Land” by Sara Paretsky — “As usual, Paretsky is less interested in identifying whodunit than in uncovering a monstrous web of evil, and this web is one of her densest and most finely woven ever. So fierce, ambitious, and far-reaching that it makes most other mysteries seem like so many petit fours.” — (Kirkus Reviews on Dead Land)

“A Divided Loyalty: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery” by Charles Todd — “Todd’s astute character studies… offer a fascinating cross section of postwar life…. While delivering a satisfying puzzle-mystery, the story also tasks us to think about the women who lost their lives during the war, too.”  (The New York Times Book Review on A Divided Loyalty)

“The Girl Who Lived Twice” by David Lagercrantz — “A quest for revenge and atonement that plumbs the depths of Russian troll factories and scales the heights of Mount Everest.” –TIME

“The Last Passenger” by Charles Finch — “This tightly plotted mystery…is rich in historical detail…[Lenox] coming into his own as a detective is a delight.” ―Booklist

“Masked Prey” by John Sandford — “Addictive…Sandford always delivers rousing action scenes, but this time he’s especially good on character, too….There’s enough violence to satisfy bloodthirsty tastes, enough information on neofascism to give us a chill, and enough sly humor to make American teenagers and their would-be killers sound as if English were their second language.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

“Walk the Wire” by David Baldacci — “With twists and turns and mysteries right up until the end, you will not want to put this book down.”―Red Carpet Crash

ADULT BIOGRAPHY

“Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs” by Jennifer Boylan — “Everything I know about love I learned from dogs,” writes New York Times columnist Boylan in this eloquent memoir. Expanding on her 2003 account of life as a transgender woman, She’s Not There, Boylan examines her transition through seven dogs who were there for her at pivotal points. The “magic of dogs,” Boylan writes, is not that they love their owners unconditionally, but that their owners have an unconditional love for them, an ideal that can be harder to realize with fellow human beings. ….Filled with insight and remarkable candor, this is a sterling tribute to the love of dogs.” — Agent: Kris Dahl, ICM. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2019.

“Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco” by Alia Volz — “Volz had been a part of her mother’s special marijuana-brownie business for as long as she could remember…From the turbulent ’70s through the ravages of the AIDS crisis (during which Mer and Alia distributed marijuana to AIDS patients), Volz recounts her mother’s exploits with admiration, along the way tracing how attitudes about cannabis have shifted toward more acceptance.” —Booklist 

“Inge’s War: A German Woman’s Story of Family, Secrets, and Survival Under Hitler” by Svenja O’Donnell — “Vivid and meticulously researched . . . An incisive and multilayered account of family trauma, the dangers of nationalism and anti-Semitism, and the plight of refugees. This exceptional account transforms a private tragedy into a universal story of war and survival.” —Publishers Weekly (starred)

ADULT NON-FICTION

“Biography of Resistance: The Epic Battle Between People and Pathogens” by Muhammad H. Zaman — “A vivid portrayal of our fight against an opponent that has been around for more than 3 billion years. Zaman, a professor of biomedical engineering and international health, portrays a conflict—between humans and harmful strains of bacteria—that has played out in plagues and epidemics over millennia.” — (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” by Dan Buettner — “The Blue Zones Kitchen is so much more than a cookbook! I like that the recipes have a backstory thanks to Dan Buettner’s research. I really enjoyed all aspects of the book.” –Living My Best Book Life

“Bowls: Vibrant Recipes with Endless Possibilities” by America’s Test Kitchen — “… the most wonderful book for foodies who love that umami feeling on their tastebuds. Packed with nutrient-dense, flavorful bowls with vibrant colors, there is a bowl in this book for everyone… Although the recipes may look complicated at first because of the number of ingredients, they are actually pretty simple and can be altered to the taste of the chef or to the individual person…” — Manhattan Book Review

“The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan: Discover the Joy of Spending Less, Sharing More, and Living Generously” by Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller — “In the spirit of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning and The Joy of Less, experience the benefits of buying less and sharing more with this accessible 7-step guide to decluttering, saving money, and creating community from the creators of the Buy Nothing Project.” — Amazon.com

“The Complete Summer Cookbook: Beat the Heat with 500 Recipes that Make the Most of Summer’s Bounty” by America’s Test Kitchen — “Ready to take the party outside? You’ll find all you need for casual patio meals prepared entirely on the grill (from meat to veggies, even pizza). Throw a fantastic cookout with easy starters, frosty drinks, and picnic must-haves like Picnic Fried Chicken, Classic Potato Salad, and Buttermilk Coleslaw. Visited the farmers’ market? Find ideas for main dishes as well as sides inspired by the seasonal bounty, plus the best fruit desserts worth turning on the oven for. To end your meal on a cooler note, turn to a chapter of icebox desserts and no-bake sweets.” — Amazon.com

“Delish Insane Sweets: Bake Yourself a Little Crazy: 100+ Cookies, Bars, Bites” by Joanna Saltz — “… The editors of Delish.com know one thing for sure: ANYONE can bake an amazing dessert. Crammed with surprising ideas for treats that are both fun and easy, the …cookbook features 100 recipes: new classics and reader favorites that have been shared hundreds of thousands of times. …This indulgent book will appeal to food lovers who bake the way most of us do-sometimes with a boxed mix, sometimes from scratch; as therapy for a bad day; or to impress friends on Girls’ Night.” — ONIX annotations

“Every Penguin in the World: A Quest to See Them All” by Charles Bergman —“Part travelog, part conservation, part philosophical musing, the book supplies ample, frequently adorable photos of every species, along with tales of wet, often cold, and occasionally uncomfortable adventures.” —Library Journal

“The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate” by Tom Brokaw — “Tom Brokaw arrived in Washington as the rising young star of broadcast news just as the presidency of Richard Nixon was collapsing. Brokaw has intertwined his own story with Nixon’s in a way that is readable, revealing, and always fascinating.”—Evan Thomas, author of Being Nixon

“The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945″ by James D. Hornfischer — “An impressively lucid account . . . Mr. Hornfischer crisply and satisfyingly sketches all these figures, and his big Iliad contains a hundred smaller ones, as he propels his complex story forward with supple transitions that never leave the reader behind in the details. . . . At the end of his admirable, fascinating book, Mr. Hornfischer makes a strong case that America’s failing to use the most terrible weapon yet born would have meant many hundreds of thousands more deaths, theirs and ours alike.”—The Wall Street Journal 

“The Healthy Brain Book: An All-Ages Guide to a Calmer, Happier, Sharper You: A Proven Plan for Managing Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD, and Preventing and Reversing Dementia and Alzheimer’s” by William Sears M.D. — “Internationally renowned family doctor William Sears and noted neurologist Vincent M. Fortanasce present an accessible, all-ages guide to optimum brain health, from treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD to preventing Alzheimer&;s and dementia, with or without medication.” — Annotation

“How Things Work: The Inner Life of Everyday Machines” by Theodore W. Gray — In How Things Work he (Theodore W Gray) explores the mechanical underpinnings of dozens of types of machines and mechanisms, from the cotton gin to the wristwatch to an industrial loom.” — Amazon.com

“Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War” by S. C. Gwynne — “Engrossing….A riveting Civil War history giving politics and combat equal attention.” —Kirkus, starred review

“Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life” by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein — “A tidy guide to finding joy at work. Full of psychological wisdom and practical tips — I loved it!”―Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit

“The Language of Butterflies: How Thieves, Hoarders, Scientists, and Other Obsessives Unlocked the Secrets of the World’s Favorite Insect” by Wendy Williams — “This entertaining look at ‘the world’s favorite insect’ tells about butterflies’ captivating beauty, and the ways these bugs have fascinated people throughout history…[Williams’] enthusiasm is convincing and contagious.” —Booklist, starred review

“Ledger: Poems” by Jane Hirschfield — “Masterful . . . Hirshfield urges a reckoning of human influence on—and interference with—the planet . . . [Her] world is one filled with beauty, from the ‘generosity’ of grass to humanity’s connection to the muskrat. This is both a paean and a heartbreaking plea.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Lonely Planet’s Global Chocolate Tour” by Matthew Ankeny — Packed with 150 of the world’s tastiest chocolate experiences, from South America to Europe to Australia, this globetrotting guide features master chocolatiers and artisan producers, exotic cocoa plantations and must-visit shops, plus illustrated spreads on the history, production and science of chocolate making.” — Amazon.com

“Love Poems for Anxious People” by John Kenney — “Thurber Prize-winner John Kenney presents a hilarious new collection of poetry for anxious people. With the same brilliant wit and hilarious realism that made Love Poems for Married People and Love Poems for People with Children such hits, John Kenney is back with a brand new collection of poems, this time taking on one of the most common feelings in our day-and-age: anxiety. Kenney covers it all, from awkward social interactions and insomnia to nervous ticks and writing and rewriting that email.” — Onix annotations

“No-till Intensive Vegetable Culture : Pesticide-free Methods for Restoring Soil and Growing Nutrient-rich, High-yielding Crops” by Bryan O’Hara — “Bryan O’Hara has huge experience: His book has grown out of healthy soil and reveals an impressive amount about how to grow great food, practically and economically.”―Charles Dowding, no dig gardening expert; creator of the Charles Dowding No Dig website

“Nobody Will Tell You This but Me: A True (As Told to Me) Story” by Bess Kalb — “Funny, tender and incredibly moving . . . Both a family history and a celebration of the bond between grandmother and granddaughter—a book that gives you a solid cathartic weep and a renewed sense of joy in family ties.” —Mackenzie Dawson, New York Post 

“Origami Made Simple: 40 Easy Models with Step-by-Step Instructions” by Russell Wood — “This is a nicely laid out book, with clear instructions that are easy to follow. I’d be happy to give this to any beginner. It has a great choice of simple models with some playful original folds!” ―Larry Hart, origami creator (origamiworkshop.co.uk)

“Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory that Changed American History” by Brian Kilmeade — “A fast-paced romp through the Texas Revolution that feels more like a novel than nonfiction. Kilmeade presents the leaders of the Lone Star State as the flawed and fearless heroes they truly were, and their David and Goliath story that changed American history is riveting reading.” —Stephen L. Moore, author of Eighteen Minutes and Texas Rising

“The Sprout Book: Tap into the Power of the Planet’s Most Nutritious Food” by Doug Evans — “Sprouting increases nutrient levels without increasing calories. And growing sprouts at home is inexpensive, safe, easy, and fun. The Sprout Book is the source for adding this superfood to your diet!”―Dr. Mehmet Oz

“The Undocumented Americans” by Karla Villavicencio Corneo — “Memorable . . . compelling . . . heartwrenching . . . a welcome addition to the literature on immigration told by an author who understands the issue like few others.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Watercolor Botanicals: Learn to Paint Your Favorite Plants and Florals” by Eunice Sun — “Learn to paint gorgeous watercolor flowers, houseplants, and arrangements with this inspiring guide that includes 30 step-by-step tutorials.” — Amazon.com

“What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing – What Birds Are Doing, and Why” by David Allen Sibley — “A fascinating work that fulfills its goal to ‘give readers some sense of what it’s like to be a bird’ . . . [Readers] will emerge with a deeper appreciation of birds, and of what observable behaviors can reveal about animals’ lives.” —Publishers Weekly

“Why We Swim” by Bonnie Tsui — “Tsui opens her eclectic, well-crafted survey with a fascinating story about an Icelandic fisherman who swam six kilometers in 41 degree water after his boat capsized . . . Readers will enjoy getting to know the people and the facts presented in this fascinating book.” —Publishers Weekly

“Why We’re Polarized” by Ezra Klein — “Superbly researched and written . . . Why We’re Polarized provides a highly useful guide to this most central of political puzzles, digesting mountains of social science research and presenting it in an engaging form. . . . An overall outstanding volume.” —Francis Fukuyama, The Washington Post

“The Animal One Thousand Miles Long: Seven Lengths of Vermont and Other Adventures” by Leath Tonino — “In The Animal One Thousand Miles Long, Leath Tonino draws a lyrical map for Vermont with a voice that is part scientist, part poet, part historian, and part adventurer. Tonino’s map shows us not the major cities and highest peaks but the lesser known places and ideas at the heart of Vermont―the abandoned towns, uncommon sports, and forgotten people.” ― Sean Prentiss, author of Finding Abbey

ADULT AUDIO BOOK

“The Secret Life of Bees [sound recording]” by Sue Monk Kid — “This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love – a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.” — Amazon.com

BOARD BOOK

“Counting Cows” by Woody Jackson
“The Goodnight Train Rolls On!” by June Sobel

PICTURE BOOK

“All in a Day” by Cynthia Rylant
“A New Kind of Wild” by Zara Gonzalez Hoang
“Backyard Fairies” by Phoebe Wahl
“Boxitects” by Kim Smith
“Camilla, Cartographer” by Julie Dillemuth
“Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure (Mouse Adventures)” by Torben Kuhlmann
“Goodnight, Veggies” by Diana Murray
“Gwen the Rescue Hen” by Leslie Crawford
“The Heart of a Whale” by Anna Pignataro
“Hike” by Pete Oswald
“Hummingbird” by Nicole Davies
“The Imaginaries: Little Scraps of Larger Stories”
“I Wonder” by K. A. Holt
“In a Garden” by Tim McCanna
“In My Garden” by Charlotte Zolotow
“The Lighthouse Family: The Octopus” by Cynthia Rylant
“The Lighthouse Family: The Turtle ” by Cynthia Rylant
“Nesting” by Henry Cole
“The Heart of a Whale” by Anna Pignataro
“The Otter” by Cynthia Rylant
“Roar Like a Dandelion” by Ruth Krauss
“A Ruckus in the Garden” by Sven Noreqvist
“Sea Bear: A Journey for Survival” by Lindsay Moore
“Sofia Valdez: Future Prez (The Questioneers)” by Andrea Beatty
“Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind” by Jessica Hische
“The Violin Family” by Melissa Perley

JUVENILE AUDIO BOOK

“Other Words for Home” by Jasmine Warga — “Warga portrays with extraordinary talent the transformation of a family’s life before and after the war began in Syria.… Her free-verse narration cuts straight to the bone… [and] confront[s] the difficult realities of being Muslim and Arab in the U.S. Poetic, immersive, hopeful.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY

“The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia” by Esther Rudo Hautzig — “This is the remarkable true story of a family during one of the bleakest periods in history, a story that “radiates optimism and the resilience of the human spirit” — (Washington Post).

“The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read” by Rita Lorraine Hubbard — “A lovely, inspirational picture-book biography about beating the odds and achieving your dreams.” —Booklist, starred review

“Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré” by Anika Aldamy Denise — “Belpré’s story is told in rhythmic language with a good dose of Spanish sprinkled throughout. Escobar’s vibrant illustrations are filled with details that help bring to life the story of this remarkable librarian.” — (Kirkus Reviews)

“When Stars Are Scattered” by Victoria Jamieson — “”Tragedy is certainly present throughout the story, yet Mohamed and Jamieson’s focus on deep familial love and education works to subvert many refugee stereotypes.” —Horn Book, starred review

JUVENILE FICTION

“Ahimsa” by Supriya Kelkar — “Anjali’s family joins India’s freedom movement in 1942, opposing both Britain’s control and India’s caste system. The complexities of nonviolent protest (ahimsa) are insightfully depicted as Anjali confronts ingrained prejudices and discovers that unchecked privilege can cause well-meaning advocates to hurt rather than help oppressed groups. An authentic, candid look at a fight for social change, inspired by Kelkar’s great-grandmother’s experience.” — THE HORN BOOK, c2018.

“All the Colors of Magic” by Valija Zinck — “This imaginative middle grade fantasy, a German import, introduces 10-year-old Penelope who lives with her mom and grandma in “a little village, right next to a swamp forest.” She discovers that her unusual abilities are rooted in her hair …. It turns out her magic is inherited from her long-absent father. Angry when she learns the truth of his abandonment, she resolves to find and confront him, leading her on an adventure in which she must rescue him from villainous captors instead. She does this with the help of her cat, an invisibility device, and her own ingenuity. The tidy ending satisfies.” Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2019.

“The Bear “ by Cynthia Rylant — “Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the eighth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family meets a bear who has just woken up from hibernation!” — Amazon.com

“Before the Sword” by Grace Lin — In this original fantasy … Hua Mulan accompanies the Jade Rabbit of Chinese lore on a quest to save Mulan’s younger sister, Xiu. A formidable, shape-shifting foe named Daji, the White Fox; Daji’s pitiable servant, Xianniang, the Red Fox; and a few Chinese Immortals round out the cast. When a nine-legged spider bites the perfect, demure Xiu, she falls ill. Mulan, along with her beloved horse, Black Wind, is sent to fetch a healer visiting the next village. Revealed to be the Jade Rabbit, the Healer discloses that Xiu has been poisoned by Daji and will die if not given the antidote “before the night of the new moon.” Because a Hua daughter is prophesied to save the Emperor, Daji is intent on Xiu’s death. With the Jade Rabbit also poisoned by Daji, and waylaid at every step by Daji and her minions, Mulan has her work cut out for her. In the midst of this fast-paced quest, Lin’s distinctive peppering of folkloric tales throughout the narrative adds engaging layers, providing backstory and fleshing out characters’ relationships and motives.” — Agent: Rebecca Sherman, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2020.

“The Bird and the Blade” by Megan Bannen — “A rich, imaginative tale that delivers thrilling characters, heartstopping action, and exciting intrigue with every turn of the page.” — (Booklist)

“The Blackbird Girls” by Anne Blankman — * “A deeply affecting testament to the power of unlikely friendship in the face of bias, tragedy, and distance.” – School and Library Journal, starred review

” Bloom” by Kenneth Oppel — ““Wilderness survival and alien invasion combine for an exciting page-turner.” —Booklist

“The Bookwanderers” by Anna James — “Steeped in magical world building, James’ debut pays loving testament to the power of books.” —Booklist

“Bridge Home” by Padma Venkatraman — “Exquisitely narrated novel set in Chennai, India. . . . Venkatraman vividly sketches the group’s precarious economic situation. . . . This is a poignant portrait of love, sacrifice, and chosen family in the midst of poverty.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Chirp” by Kate Messner — “Layering mystery elements, strong and myriad female characters, and a poignant analogy involving chirp-less female crickets, Messner gently guides Mia on a journey of resilience that both comforts and inspires.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The Deceivers” by Margaret Pet Haddix — “This mystery and science fiction adventure features sleuthing reminiscent of Lemony Snicket’s ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events.’ Haddix weaves a dystopian tale about government control, prison reform, fair trials, scapegoats, and the importance of believing people are innocent before proven guilty. ” — (School Library Journal)

“Echo Mountain” by Lauren Wolk — “Complex and fiercely loving, Ellie is a girl any reader would be proud to have as a friend…. Woven with music, puppies, and healing, Wolk’s beautiful storytelling turns this historical tale of family and survival into a captivating saga.” –Booklist, starred review

“From the Desk of Zoe Washington” by Janae Marks — “This powerful debut packs both depth and sweetness, tackling a tough topic in a sensitive, compelling way. An extraordinary, timely, must-read debut about love, family, friendship, and justice.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“Girl Who Speaks Bear” by Sophie Anderson — “A gem of a fairy tale, Anderson’s sophomore effort offers a dynamic, memorable cast with rich personalities amid lasting messages about belonging, graceful acceptance of aid, and the power of stories.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“I Can Make This Promise” by Christine Day — “The novel is enlightening and a must-read for anyone interested in issues surrounding identity and adoption. Debut author Day (Upper Skagit) handles family separation in Native America with insight and grace.” — (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“In Darkling Wood” by Emma Carroll — “A haunting and poignant exploration of family, loss, and redemption.“—Booklist, Starred Review

“Indian No More” by Charlene Willing McManis — “What begins as a story of displacement quickly turns into a story of childhood fun and antics colored by Umpqua culture and the racial tensions of the civil rights movement set in the lively and culturally diverse city of L.A. ––Starred review, Booklist

“Journey of the Pale Bear” by Susan Fletcher — “A stupendous coming-of-age tale stuffed with adventure and laced with deeper questions.” — Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Just Dance” by Patricia MacLachlan — “MacLachlan’s economic writing is sure and knowing, and her characters are likable and fully realized….A quiet tale about finding your own voice.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The Line Tender” by Kate Allen — “Kate Allen writes with lyric grace, and her beautifully textured narrative, of a girl struggling to understand and move beyond tragedy, is a triumph.”—The Buffalo News

“Lighthouse Family: The Eagle” by Cynthia Rylant — “Two of the lighthouse children, Whistler and Lila, go for a walk in the woods to see what adventure is there. When they get lost and try to search for the way home, an Eagle teaches them how to use their instincts to find their way home.” — BRODART CO.

“Lighthouse Family: The Octopus” by Cynthia Rylant — “Every once in a while, a full moon shines over the lighthouse and causes the tide to recede. For Cloe the octopus, this turns out to be a wonderful opportunity to explore the world that exists outside of his ocean home. As he embarks on his expedition, he encounters the lighthouse family by the beach and they explore the treasures of the uncovered ocean floor together.” — Amazon.com

“Lighthouse Famly: The Turtle” by Cynthia Right — Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the fourth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family rescues a trapped turtle.” — Amazon.com

“The Line Tender” by Kate Allen — “Allen tackles the complexities of grief with subtly wry humor and insight in this richly layered middle grade debut about the power of science and love.”—Publishers Weekly, starred

“Makoons” by Louise Erdrich — “Warm intergenerational moments abound. Erdrich provides fascinating information about Ojibwe daily life. Readers will be enriched by Erdrich’s finely crafted corrective to the Eurocentric dominant narrative of America’s past.” — (Horn Book (starred review))

“Mañanaland” by Pam Munoz Ryan — “Ryan skillfully balances Max’s day-to-day concerns with his longing for his mother and his growing awareness of a moral responsibility to help others… rich and relevant.” — The Horn Book

“Maybe He Just Likes You” by Barbara Dee — “Important for its relevance and examination of the otherwise little-discussed topic of sexual harassment among younger teens, Maybe He Just Likes You will appeal to middle-grade readers as well as parents and educators seeking to bolster a child’s awareness of this rampant problem.” —Booklist

“More to the Story” by Hena Khan — “Khan tells the story of a modern-day Pakistani American family while retaining the charm, familial warmth, and appeal of Alcott’s classic.” — The Horn Book Magazine

“The Mystwick School of Musicraft” by Jessica Khoury — “A toe-tapping fantasy novel mixes music and mystery.”—Kirkus

“Narwhal on a Sunny Night” by Mary Pope Osborne — “When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to Greenland, they’re not sure what time they’ve landed in, but they immediately know what their mission is: save a narwhal! Then they meet a young hunter named Leif Erikson and they ask for his help. But Leif has other ideas…” — Magic tree house series series

“The Oddmire, Book 1: The Changeling” by William Ritter — “Ritter crafts a well-paced adventure filled with whimsy and peril, in which the bonds of family and love prove stronger than any spell or curse. With memorable characters—especially the irrepressible protagonists, who make a delightful team—and an atmospheric setting, this is a strong series opener.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Other Words for Home” by Jasmine Warga — “[In] this timely book… rhythmic lines distill Jude’s deepest emotions…. Warga effectively shows, as she writes in an author’s note, that “children who are fleeing from a war zone… want the same things all of us do—love, understanding, safety, a chance at happiness.” — (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“Prairie Lotus” by Linda Sue Clark — “”Fans of the Little House books will find many of the small satisfactions of Laura’s stories…here in abundance. Park brings new depth to these well-trodden tales, though, as she renders visible both the xenophobia of the town’s white residents, which ranges in expression from microaggressions to full-out assault, and Hanna’s fight to overcome it with empathy and dignity…. Remarkable.”—Kirkus, STARRED review

“Redeemed: Redeemed (8) (The Missing)” by Margaret Peterson Haddix –-“A satisfying end to a long-running series.”, Kirkus Reviews

“Show Me a Sign” by Ann Clare Lezotte — “LeZotte’s engrossing historical novel explores prejudice and racism through the eyes of 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf. … LeZotte, who is deaf, deftly connects the islanders’ prejudice against the Wampanoag to the mainlanders’ view of deaf individuals as lesser; Mary’s progressive attitudes feel modern while aligning with her character’s sensibilities.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly — “The strength of the book is its strong portrayal of Iris as a deaf girl in a hearing world and an intelligent 12-year-old in headlong, single-minded pursuit of her goal.” —Booklist

“The Story That Cannot Be Told” by J. Kasper Kramer — “Kramer captures the tense, frightening atmosphere in the months preceding the Romanian Revolution, as well as the different forms of bravery that went into toppling an oppressive government. . . . An affecting account of a historic event characterized by monsters, hope, and the power of words.” — Booklist

“Tigers, Not Daughters” by Samantha Mabry — “Borrowing elements of magical realism and Latinx folklore, this is a story that is often uncomfortable; in its quest to explore grief, family, and the traumas inflicted by each, it lays its characters utterly and unforgettably bare.”
—Booklist, starred review

“The Turnaway Girls” by Hayley Chewins — “Writing in Delphernia’s wry voice, Chewin, a poet, weaves an unusual, beautiful debut that sings with all the grace of the cloisterwings that Delphernia brings to life with her soaring voice. Entwining themes of rebellion, freedom, identity, and finding one’s destiny are at the center of this lovely tale.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“When You Trap a Tiger” by Tae Keller — “A heartfelt reminder of the wonder and beauty in our everyday lives.” —Booklist, starred review

” A Wolf Called Wander” by Rosanne Parry –“Parry offers a wolf’s-eye view of the Pacific Northwest’s forests, mountains, and prairies in this harrowing survival tale based on the story of OR-7, a wolf electronically tracked by scientists. . . .An action-packed novel perfect for reluctant readers as well as animal lovers.” — (Publishers Weekly)

“The Wolf Wilder” by Katherine Rundell — “Rugged cross-country adventure with a diverse cast of two- and four-legged fellow travelers and a sturdy main character who is more than a little “wilded” herself.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Zenobia July” by Lisa Bunker — “Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she’s in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she’s coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she’s able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was. When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school’s website, Zenobia knows she’s the one with the abilities to solve the mystery, all while wrestling with the challenges of a new school, a new family, and coming to grips with presenting her true gender for the first time. Timely and touching, Zenobia July is, at its heart, a story about finding home.” — Publisher Annotation

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

“Bluffton: My Summers with Buster Keaton” by Matt Phelan — “This graphic novel illustrates this simple story of a boy finding his true self with soft watercolor illustrations, using words only when necessary. The work has an overall charm and simplicity that goes with its time period.” — Library Media Connection“

A Butterfly Is Patient (Nature Books)” by Dianna Hutts Aston — “”This lovely combination of elegant watercolors and lyrical text is both eye-catching and informative” – School Library Journal Starred Review

“Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU” by Rachel Brian — “With clear explanations, fun illustrations, and expertly-presented information, Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering introduction to consent, bodily autonomy, and how to respect yourself and others.” — Amazon.com

“Crows: Genius Birds” by Kyla Vanderklugt — “That’s something to crow about! Learn all about these genius birds in Kyla Vanderklugt’s Science Comics: Crows, the latest volume in First Second’s action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middle-grade readers!” — Amazon.com

“The Deep and Dark Blue” by Niki Smith — “Smith’s artwork, recalling classic manga, delivers clearly choreographed action and intense facial expressions, which capably communicate poignant emotion during the many bittersweet scenes. […] A rich tapestry of a story, with action and character development in equal measure.”―Booklist

“Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles” by Philippe Cousteau — “Delivers an eloquent environmental message while demonstrating how kids can change the world through teamwork and perseverance.”-School Library Journal

“Oil” by Jonah Winter — “Lyrical prose and textured illustrations in layered colors distinguish this picture book treatment of the environmental disaster….With this latest, the mother-son team behind The Secret Project again demonstrates an aptitude for clear and concise storytelling, here around detrimental alterations to the natural landscape. — Publishers Weekly

“Olympians: 10 Hermes Tales of the Trickster” by George O’Connor — “Vibrant, energetic illustrations portray athletic gods and goddesses, grotesque beasts, and frenzied battles, veering between cartoonish humor and intense drama. As always, O’Connor’s copious research is evident and his love of all things Greek is contagious.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

“The Only Living Girl: Volume #1, The Island at the Edge of Infinity” by David Gallagher — The Only Living Girl hooks you right from the high-stakes start. Zee Parfitt has a second chance at life on a patchwork planet, but she’s haunted by her own troubled legacy, danger is looming, and epic adventure awaits. It is impossible not to turn these pages!” — Michael Northrop, author, DEAR JUSTICE LEAGUE

“Plastic Sea: A Bird’s Eye View” by Kirsti Blom — “”A clear explanation of a pressing problem and an invitation to take action.” ― KIRKUS REVIEWS

“The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama” by Bstan-odzin-rgya-mtsho — “…With simple, powerful text, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion, which Bao Luu illustrates beautifully in vibrant color. In an increasingly confusing world, The Seed of Compassion offers guidance and encouragement on how we all might bring more kindness to it.” — Amazon.com

“This Was Our Pact” by Ryan Andrews — “Andrews’ marvelously melancholic, earnest graphic novel, [is] at its core an exercise in whimsical self-reflection. This story’s a quiet one in which danger flickers and hope flares at odd but fruitful moments…the primarily blue and red mixed-media pictures underscore how nighttime sometimes promises transformation. Brilliantly enchanting.” ―Kirkus, starred review

“Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom” by Sara Jose — Packed with more than 1,000 incredible images and full of fascinating facts, this beautiful children’s book takes you on an exciting adventure through the wonders of the plant kingdom” — Annotation

“What Will These Hands Make?” by Nikki McClure — “Careful viewers will be delighted to find scenes revisited in closer detail and from different vantage points. . . The clever bookmaking technique, which moves between the busy scene and its individual sections, produces the joy of a shared experience in which all hands combine.” — Booklist

YOUNG ADULT

“The Bird and the Blade” by Megan Bannen — “A rich, imaginative tale that delivers thrilling characters, heartstopping action, and exciting intrigue with every turn of the page.” — (Booklist)

“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi — “Poses thought-provoking questions about race, class and authority that hold up a warning mirror to our sharply divided society.” –The New York Times

“Dig” by A. S. King — “This visceral examination of humanity’s flaws and complexity […] cultivates hope in a younger generation that’s wiser and stronger than its predecessors.”—Booklist, starred review

“Internment” by Samira Ahmed — “Taking on Islamophobia and racism in a Trump-like America, Ahmed’s magnetic, gripping narrative written in a deeply humane and authentic tone, is attentive to the richness and complexity of the social ills at the heart of the book.” ―Kirkus, starred review

YOUNG ADULT NON-FICTION

“Hotel Dare” by Terry Blas — It’s not your typical family vacation when Olive, and her adopted siblings Darwin and Charlotte find themselves falling into other worlds as they explore Grandma Lupé’s strange hotel” — Amazon.com

“Witchlight” by Jessi Zabarsky — Gently atmospheric and suffused with intriguing magic, this graphic novel traces the unlikely but heartening friendship between Sanja, the put-upon daughter of a merchant, and Lelek, a witch with a hard secret in her past. …” — Sarah Hunter. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2020.