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

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

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