Al Capone Does My Shirts and Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko – JF CHO

The first title is a Newbery-Honor book, and the second is just as good. It’s the mid-1930s, and the Great Depression brings tough changes to the Flanagan family. Twelve year-old Moose and his folks have more to worry about, though, than the average family. Moose’s older sister Natalie has autism, and Moose’s father takes a much-needed job on Alcatraz Island, home of the infamous prison. He moves the family to the island filled with hard-core criminals, such as Chicago gangster, Al Capone, and Willy One-Arm. Moose just wants to play ball and see his parents and sister happy, but that proves to be a very tall order - one that endangers him and the other children on Alcatraz until Moose clearly sees and bravely does the right thing. That Choldenko grasps the challenges facing families living with autism is without doubt as she clearly and compassionately describes Natalie and the family’s loyalty to each other. That she understands history is also clear – both books are accurate, fine additions to historical fiction collections. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

Wild Things by Clay Carmichael – JF CAR

If you like cats, you’ll enjoy the one informing on the humans in this complex story, and by the end, you’ll see that the cat is only one of many wild things creating a ruckus. Zoe, the eleven year-old hero, and her Uncle Henry are two others. Set in modern-day rural North Carolina, this story takes you on a spirited ride into the troubles of a broken family en route to wholeness through the power of love, loyalty, and art. Wordsmiths and writers will love lines, such as, “The heavy summer darkness oozed over the yard like molasses.” The story’s emotional intensity, (for example, Zoe’s mother dies from suicide), makes this a better read for older children. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming - YA B BAR

This book is splendidly illustrated and thoroughly researched. When you read it, you’ll feel as though you’re almost there. Find out why the Barnum & Bailey Circus was “the greatest show on earth” and who the showman was who pulled it off for fifty years to the delight of millions. Injustices, such as the exploitation of people with physical differences called “Curiosities”, and discrimination against African-Americans, expose important, though sad, past history. Immersing yourselves in the old-time circus through this book, though, is a journey well worth the ride. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo – JF DIC

Are you someone who asks, “What if?” and who believes that anything can happen? If so, then this story’s for you. Follow young Peter on his journey to find his sister and put the pieces of his life back together. The world in this dreamy tale is harsh, but it is also beautiful, with time, always, to do the right thing. This is another good DiCamillo story about the power of hope, of love, and of believing. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry – JF PAR

The hero of this story is simply called “Brother” because he has many older brothers who sometimes underestimate what he can do and all the feelings he has. But, as Dad goes off to Iraq and the brothers go off to college and the army, Brother stays on the sheep ranch with Grandma and Grandpa and shows everyone what he is capable of. This thoughtful account of a present-day family’s life in the Red River Valley will touch your heart – an impressive first novel, written in a tree house in her back yard! - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise – JF KLI

If you’re looking for a laugh, crack this book and meet I. B. Grumply and Seymour Hope. Cleverly-written and illustrated by Peoria born-and-bred sisters, Kate and Sarah Klise, it’s about an abandoned boy, a haunted house, a grouchy writer, and a feisty ghost who definitely get off on the wrong foot. Guaranteed to make you smile. Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman - Y 576.8 HEI

This biography of Charles Darwin, author of The Origin of Species, covers the expected topics of science and evolution. Its success, however, lies in author Deborah Heiligman’s presentation of the great scientist through the lens of marriage to his beloved Emma, a woman of faith. That Darwin’s theory of evolution remains controversial is well-known, but the debate that it caused within Darwin’s own marriage and home life comes as a surprise and makes the biography a fascinating read about the power of love, marriage, family and inquiry. Heiligman’s fascination with Darwin and his devotion to Emma comes naturally – she is a religious studies major, a lover of science, and very happily married to a writer of science and evolution. This book would be another outstanding selection for sacred institutions’ youth and book groups. Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian