Thursday, April 2, 2009

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.

Friday, March 6, 2009

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

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

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

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

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