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