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