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