Music - At Your Library by Bill Harley

Click on the url below and hear this lively song about the wonderful things you can see and do at your library. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/initiatives/kidscampaign/Harley_Song_Full.mp3

My Path to Math: Fractions – J 513.26 DOW

One in a series making math concepts simple, this book promises to attract the most math-phobic readers because of its colorful format, food-based illustrations, and clear text. Fractions never looked so good – I dare you to take a look! Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

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

Unsettled: The Problem of Loving Israel by Marc Aronson Y 956.9404 ARO

This exciting, sleek volume is a must-read for anyone committed to world justice and peace. For those who aren’t, I dare you to read it and say you still can’t understand the Israeli-Palestinian conundrum. The goal of the book is to clearly present the “debates about Israel’s past, present, and future that are occurring right now in Israel itself.” Written for teens but eye-opening, as well, for adults, this very personal yet accurate investigation into Israel’s journey to nationhood is a shining addition to the jewels already in Aronson’s crown of non-fiction writing. Aronson effectively puts his Phd in American History to use with analogies between the USA and Israel - for example, both nations’ infatuation with the idea of being destined to inherit and rule certain land. As he wrestles with his own attachment to the State of Israel, he challenges readers to wrestle with complex why’s and how’s that, left unanswered, will bring Israel and the world continued anguish and moral demise. On one hand, he writes, “Israel is the answer to the tragedy of the Holocaust” while on the other, “what of conqueror Israel? Has a brutal side of Israel that was not visible in its early days now emerged full-blown?” By repeatedly weighing the rights a nation gains by conquering versus “the moral rights that belong to all people as human beings”, Aronson leaves us thinking hard about the nature of democracy and evil on any home front and the requirements for achieving justice for all. His bottom line for Israel is, “The idea of Israel was never simply to have land with borders and an army. It was meant to be a place where people could live better lives. For the Israel of hope to exist . . . Jews need to learn how to live with fellow citizens who do not share their religion, history or culture. . . I want to say to those Jewish high school students and those Arab Israelis: You can make your Israel, your nation, greater. The more each of you can see that Israel is both of you – Jew and Arab – the stronger Israel will become.” This book would be an outstanding selection for sacred institutions’ youth and book groups. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Raul Allen – NEW E LEN

Waiting for Papa to return from a year at sea with the China trade is very hard for Mama, Baby and Sister. But the seasons change, and the children grow, and Papa returns at last! Exquisitely illustrated in styles reminiscent of Homer and Wyeth, this succinct story-in-rhyme set in 19th-century Cape Cod touches the heart. The family’s love, longing and dreams are as deep and as wide as the ocean. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

I Don’t Like to Read! by Nancy Carlson – NEW E CAR

First-grader Henry likes stories and read-alouds but cannot make sense of letters. Help from his teacher and family, however, pushes him over the hump - everything clicks, and he can read! With illustrations bright and bold, this is the perfect story for a child who needs reassurance about taking the monumental step towards reading. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Guys Write for Guys Read, edited by Jon Scieszka – YA GUY

Do you have a reluctant male reader? Are you looking for authors and laughs? Then, this is the book for you! From fantasy writer Lloyd Alexander to illustrator Paul Zelinsky, this collection of 88 autobiographical snippets lets readers in on secrets and surprises related to growing up male and reading, writing and illustrating children’s books. My favorites? – Will Weaver’s “Training the Bear” (the “bear” is not what you think), and Jon Scieszka’s “Brothers”. What are yours? Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Secrets of Greymoor by Clara Gillow Clark - JF CLA

Family secrets, pride and fast–dwindling fortune are the driving forces behind our imperfect heroine. Hattie lives with her Grandmother when social rank means everything. Her only worries are making friends and passing exams to enter the Academy. But this all changes when Hattie discovers an overdue tax notice. Secrets of Greymoor is a sequel to Hill Hawk Hattie and Hattie On Her Way. Hattie readers will delight in her revelations about the consequences of hiding information. New readers can dive in without missing a beat of Hattie's adventures.

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson - J 796.357 NEL

Sometimes a book comes along with illustrations so impressive, you see them in your sleep. This is one of those books. Nelson, a painter, tells the remarkable story of unsung heroes who overcame untold hardships to do the one thing they loved most – play baseball. His splendid visual narrative, told in the first person, makes you feel as though you’re sitting right there in the bleachers, basking in the colors and tones of the day and in the triumphs and defeats of Negro League baseball. This documentary about our national game will prompt laughter and tears in those who recall the legendary Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson and awe and disbelief in those who see them, and many others, for the first time. The title comes from the league’s founder, Rube Foster, who said in 1920, "We are the ship; all else the sea." Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson – YA LAR

Orphaned as a child at the turn of the twentieth century, Hattie lives in Iowa with a gentle cousin, whom she calls “Uncle Holt”, and his domineering, sour wife. World War I has just begun, and her friend, Charlie, has already gone overseas. Then, a letter arrives that changes her life forever. Hattie’s recently-deceased maternal uncle has willed his Montana homestead to her if she wants it. She siezes the opportunity and heads west as a 16 year-old homesteader, or “honyocker”. There, while tackling back-breaking work, she learns the true meaning of family, friendship and love of country. This Newbery Honor book – inspired by the author’s personal family history - will make you laugh, wonder, and cry. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Reaching for the Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer – YA ZIM

This gem of a story, written in free verse, follows four seasons of narrator Josie's life as she comes of age on a family farm with her grandmother, single mom, and new friend, Jordan. Each faces challenges - Josie has cerebral palsy - but they come through them together, strengthened by familial love, friendship, and the rejuvenating power of nature. This is a heartfelt story for all ages. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Twenty-one Elephants and Still Standing by April Jones Prince - E PRI

Upon completion of the Brooklyn Bridge, P.T. Barnum and his twenty-one elephants parade across to prove to everyone that the bridge is safe. Submitted by Pam Phillips, Youth Services Assistant

Philippa Fisher’s Fairy Godsister by Liz Kessler - JF KES

Philippa Fisher’s world is changing around her. Charlotte, Philippa’s best friend, is moving away. That same weekend, Philippa tries to summon a fairy only to discover that she cannot. Monday morning during school she is taken aback when the new girl, Daisy, announces she is Philippa’s godsister. Philippa’s life is soon spinning with three wishes, a displeased godsister, and a new-found friendship. She learns how a wish can change life and reveal important qualities about herself. Submitted by Heather Mullaney, Youth Services Librarian

Tales of the Frog Princess by E.D. Baker - YA BAK

Did you ever dream of being more than just a princess? Are you tired of princesses who need someone to rescue them at every turn? If so, then the Tales of the Frog Princess series is for you. Princess Emeralda (Emma) lives in a world filled with adventures and magic. The series takes readers on a journey as Emma is turned into a frog, befriends a bat and a family of dragons, ends the family curse, and more. Naturally, all this happens in the first four books. In the fifth book, Salamander Spell, readers are treated to the tale of Princess Emma's mother, Queen Chartreuse, and Aunt Grassina when they were teens. Then, in the sixth book, we meet Millie, daughter of Princess Emma and Prince Eadric. Millie is a tad bit cursed. When she gets upset, which is often, she turns into a dragon - not ideal for a princess trying to find her prince. Submitted by Heather Mullaney, Youth Services Librarian

Dark Water Rising by Marian Hale - MP3 or Inter-library Loan

The setting for this coming-of-age story about a teen named Seth is the Galveston Storm of 1900. His family has just moved to Galveston, Texas, where he is not content with family chores or the pressure to attend college. But soon he finds a summer job, and he meets a girl he likes. Just as things begin to look up, a storm warning pierces one sweltering afternoon. A north wind always brings change, but no one could have imagined anything like this.Submitted by Pam Phillips, Youth Services Assistant

Brooklyn Rose by Ann Rinaldi – JF RIN

After the Civil War on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, fifteen year-old Rose meets and marries Rene, a Yankee from Brooklyn, New York, who takes her north to his home where she encounters many differences in attitudes and lifestyles. This story is based on the life of the author's great-grandmother.Submitted by Pam Phillips, Youth Services Assistant

Bird Lake Moon by Kevin Henkes – JF HEN

Spencer and Mitch, adolescent co-heroes in this realistic story about death and divorce, harbor secrets and grapple with loss while summering on Bird Lake in Wisconsin. Their friendship and their families' love grow around wilderness and water as they struggle to put the past behind them and face the future. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Anila's Journey by Mary Finn - YA FIN

Anila Tandy must make her own way in Colonial India—definitely a man’s world! Her mother has just died, her dad has vanished, and she has no one to guide her. But she is a talented artist and loves to draw birds. She joins an expedition down the Ganges to look for her future and finds her past! Submitted by Ginny Stephens, Youth Services Assistant