December Picks

Come and check out some new and noteworthy books at the Moultonborough Central School Media Center! Next month- Award Predictions! :) 

Ideas Are All Around by Philip C. Stead (Grades K-3)

As an author and his dog, Wednesday, walk through their neighborhood, they look at sunflowers, say hi to Frank, a turtle, who makes quick for the water and disappears, and watch a train rumble by as they walk uphill to a big purple house that belongs to their friend Barbara. Wednesday chases squirrels while the two friends discuss fishing and war and how back before the neighborhood was there enormous woolly mammoths roamed where houses now sit.

Thoughts open up to other thoughts, and ideas are born and carried forward, often transforming into other ideas until he finds that ideas really are all around, you just have to know what to do with them. This title has Common Core connections. ~Amazon 

The Storyteller by Evan Turk (Grades 1-4)

Folktales involving water abound in all cultures, but this tale is unusual in using water as a metaphor for story: just as we need water to nourish our physical selves, we need stories to feed our spirits. In Turk's fable, a lone storyteller remains in a Moroccan city where the water sources have all dried up. When a young boy seeks water, the water-seller has only a bowl to give him, but the storyteller tells him a tale that miraculously fills the bowl. In a series of nested stories, the boy's thirst is quenched, and by retelling the stories Scheherazade-style to a sandstorm in the form of a djinn, he is able to save the city and also replenish its water supply. In predominant hues of brown and blue, Turk's bold, semiabstract mixed-media illustrations conjure up swirls of sand and waves of water, evoking the environment and its people. The spreads contain concentric borders representing each of the stories as it is told. Using age-old literary elements and a loose, contemporary art style filled with symbolism, Turk successfully melds two equally important concerns of our time—the need to keep storytelling alive and the need to protect and conserve our drinking water. ~Susan Stan, School Library Journal 


A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers (Grades K-3)

A gorgeous, innovative musing on the power of storytelling. A nameless young girl who calls herself a child of books narrates in lyrical, spellbinding verse. Some, she says, have forgotten the importance of stories, but she finds a boy and introduces him to her world, a land created through a marriage of Jeffers's evocative art and Winston's masterly use of typography. In one scene, the children climb "mountains of make-believe" whose peaks and valleys are constructed from text from J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan; in another, the pair play hide-and-seek in a forest of trees whose branches are made up of text from various fairy tales. As the two travel farther into the land of imagination, the art slowly takes on a vibrant, joyful tone. Spots of color are added here and there until, finally, loose, sketchy black-and-white line drawings of the children against spare backgrounds are replaced with rich, full-color spreads. Even the choice of which books to excerpt is inspired, and those who take a closer look at the pictures will be rewarded (words and sentences from tales of terror such as Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow comprise a furry, horned monster who menaces a castle; the children escape by climbing down the castle on a rope made up of prose from "Rapunzel"). A full listing of the excerpted works is included on the endpapers; the majority of works are British classics from the Western canon. ~Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal 


Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty (Grades 1-4)

Ada Marie Twist is an inquisitive African American second grader and a born scientist. She possesses a keen yet peculiar need to question everything she encounters, whether it be a tick-tocking clock, a pointy-stemmed rose, or the hairs in her dad's nose. Ada's parents and her teacher, Miss Greer, have their hands full as the child's science experiments wreak day-to-day havoc. On the first day of spring, the title character is tinkering outside her home when she notices an unpleasant odor. She sets out to discover what might have caused it. Beaty shows Ada using the scientific method in developing hypotheses in her smelly pursuit. The little girl demonstrates trial and error in her endeavors, while appreciating her family's full support. In one experiment, she douses fragrances on her cat and then attempts to place the feline in the washing machine. Her parents, startled by her actions, send her to the Thinking Chair, where she starts to reflect on the art of questioning by writing her thoughts on the wall—now the Great Thinking Hall. Ada shines on each page as a young scientist, like her cohorts in the author's charming series. The rhyming text playfully complements the cartoon illustrations, drawing readers into the narrative. ~Krista Welz, School Library Journal 


The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas (Grades K-2)

A man who lives at the seashore has a unique—but lonely—job. The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles spends his days watching the waves for a glint of glass and delivering messages near and far. His only companions are an orange tabby cat and a cow. Befitting the slightly melancholy tone, Cuevas's text is appropriately lyrical ("Sometimes the messages were very old, crunchy like leaves in the fall. Sometimes the messages were written by a quill dipped in sadness."). When he discovers a bottle with an invitation to a party the next evening—with no recipient specified—the Uncorker is curious. After asking the maker of cakes, the candy shop owner, several townspeople, a seagull, and a one-man band if they recognize the handwriting (no one does, though they all profess a desire to attend such a party), the Uncorker decides to go to the event himself in hopes of returning the message to the original author. Lightly textured oil pastels in shades of warm tangerine and cool turquoise suggest a dreamy landscape of fog, waves, sand, and sun. But it's Stead's people and animals that tug the heartstrings. Like gentle zookeeper Amos McGee and the patient young explorer in If You Want To See a Whale, Stead's characters exude an endearing vulnerability and quirky charm. Though the impromptu celebration on the seashore at sundown won't necessarily come as a surprise, the message about connection and community is beautifully delivered. ~Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal 


School's First Day of School by Adam Rex (Grades K-3)

Step aside, other first day of school books: there's a new school in town. After construction and a summer of tender loving care from the janitor, Frederick Douglass Elementary's first day finally arrives. And what a day it is: hordes of children with all their feelings, mess, noise, new concepts, and even a fire alarm (which the school finds deeply embarrassing). Worried but curious, impetuous, and vulnerable, the school works as a perfect proxy for nervous child readers. Rex's warm and goofy text is brought to life by Robinson's vivid collage illustrations. His signature round-headed, tulip-handed figures are diverse and appealing, from the supportive janitor to the "little girl with freckles" who slowly warms up to school at the same time that the school is warming up to the children. ~Sarah Stone, School Library Journal 

Moo by Sharon Creech (Grades 3-6)

Creech offers a memorable family story featuring an especially difficult cow. When Reena, 12, and her brother Luke, seven, move with their parents to Maine from the noisy bustle of New York City, lots of adjustments are required. The siblings appreciate each other and generally get along. The citified family is thrust into small-town life, and things get awkward when Reena's parents force her and Luke to help out a neighbor, Mrs. Falala, who owns a small menagerie of animals, including one very cantankerous cow. Creech employs a mix of prose and poems. The free verse poems contain spare punctuation, inventive spacing, and clever use of font. As Reena and Luke learn about farm life, they also discover more about Mrs. Falala, who impacts the lives of the family in unexpected ways. ~Carol A. Edwards, School Library Journal 


Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks (Grades 3-6)

The phrase "save me a seat" is a life preserver. Four words that can make a kid feel safe in a sea of strangers. The story is told from two different points of view: Ravi, who just moved from India, is adjusting to his new American life, and Joe, who has long been a student at Albert Einstein Elementary and is acclimating to a new grade without his best friends. Popular and cunning Dillon Samreen does not miss their vulnerabilities. As the only Indian students in the class, Ravi assumes that he and Dillon will be best friends, but Joe knows better. Like Joe, readers watch the slow, drawn-out torture in silence. That feeling of helplessness will be a powerful one for students to discuss. Through their struggles, Ravi and Joe will capture the hearts of readers and inspire fans to cheer for them just as loudly as they did for Auggie from R.J. Palacio's Wonder (Knopf, 2010) and Ally from Linda Mullaly Hunt's Fish in a Tree (Penguin, 2015). Exceptional extras include glossaries and recipes from both characters. A window for some readers and a mirror for others, this noteworthy book is highly recommended for middle grade collections.~Beth Parmer, School Library Journal 


Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm (Grades 3-6)

Beans Curry and his family are down on their luck. Their whole town of Key West is; it's the Great Depression, and jobs and opportunities are scarce. Beans learned at an early age that adults lie to children, and he goes on to apply that logic to the New Deal stranger who shows up in town one day, claiming the government sent him to make their dumpy town a tourist destination. Sure that the man is a lunatic, Beans ignores him as he tries to find ways to make money for his family, and sometimes even for himself. Beans evolves as a character when he realizes the role he played in a tragedy. In an effort to make up for it, he spearheads his gang into helping the New Dealers make tourism successful in Key West. Those who have read Holm's Turtle in Paradise may remember Beans as Turtle's cousin. However, familiarity with the companion book isn't necessary to enjoy this new novel, which is told in a series of vignettes that build on one another, some humorous and others poignant. The book's younger characters have an "Our Gang" feel to them, with adult characters playing decidedly backseat roles. Holm peppers the characters' vocabularies with phrases and slang from the time, which may take some getting used to. The most surprising thing about the work is that it is based on real history. Holm weaves a charming combination of old family stories into the history of the New Deal's Key West experiment, including further information about the history of the project at the end of the book.~Juliette Morefield, School Library Journal 


The Somewhat True Adventures of Sammy Shine by Henry Cole (Grades 3-6) 

In this spare middle grade novel, an unassuming mouse named Sammy gets the ride of a lifetime when he's stolen from his human owner and used as the test pilot for a remote-controlled plane. Disbelief is suspended as readers travel with Sammy over the treetops, ultimately crash landing into the Great Woods some distance away from home. After climbing out of the wreckage, the rodent encounters a kingdom of mice who initially revere Sammy's powerful aviation skills. Sammy also learns about the mice's mortal enemy, a power-hungry weasel named Mustela. When his downed plane "mysteriously" disappears, it's up to Sammy and his motley crew of forest critters-Blackie, a crippled crow; Grace, a snarky newt; and Peewee, a perpetually hungry shrew-to locate and repair the Spirit of Sammy before it falls into nefarious claws. There is some mild suspense when Sammy and his crew's quest is endangered by Mustela and his gang of vermin. Stunning pencil illustrations complemented by gorgeously detailed passages about the natural surroundings are particularly standout elements. Unfortunately, these are undermined by a clichéd plot and weakly imagined characters. While this novel seems to be aimed at younger readers, odd moments such as Mustela's creepy advances toward the mouse princess, Phoebe ("He strolled over to Phoebe and brushed her face, stroking her whiskers. She slapped his paw away, furious") seem too mature for the target audience. ~Lalitha Nataraj, School Library Journal 

Ashes by Laurie Halse Anderson (Grades 5-6)

The final book in the trilogy finds escaped slaves Isabel and Curzon three years into their grueling search for Isabel's little sister Ruth and deeply divided in their beliefs of who is fighting for their freedom: the Patriots or the British. In 1781, the American Revolution rages on. When Isabel and Curzon discover 12-year-old Ruth on a plantation near Charleston, SC, they rejoice; agree to bring Ruth's friend, Aberdeen, with them; and quickly begin their secretive return journey north. After struggling to survive in the wilderness, the runaways are emboldened to separate and blend into the turmoil of the Patriot encampments, first at Williamsburg and then at Yorktown. Curzon becomes a Patriot soldier, Aberdeen lives a dual life as a spy for the British, and Isabel and Ruth find work in a laundry. When the sisters are threatened with recapture, they flee again and reinvent themselves as cooks for the soldiers at Yorktown. Their plight offers a less explored perspective on the motivations and hopes of black soldiers during the American Revolution—freedom from slavery, not just from England. Fascinating facts, anecdotes, and real personalities and events are smoothly woven into this fictional story. The unheralded supportive role of women on the battlefield is depicted. Ruth's stubborn nature adds emotional complexity that challenges and ultimately deepens Isabel's compassion and understanding of others.~Gerry Larson, School Library Journal 


Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo  (Grades 5-6)

Raymie Clarke has a plan. Her father has run off with a dental hygienist without a word, but Raymie is certain that if she wins the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, her father will see her picture in the newspaper and return. To this end, she begins baton-twirling classes with two other girls, Louisiana Elefante and Beverly Tapinski. Both girls have their own reasons for entering the competition: Louisiana needs the prize money, and Beverly wants to sabotage the event. While they never actually learn to twirl, the classes are nevertheless invaluable because of the unlikely friendship the girls form. All three have lost people close to them, and each girl deals with her loss in different ways. With each small adventure, whether it's finding a lost book or rescuing a beloved pet, their friendship grows into an undeniable bond. In short, precisely crafted chapters, DiCamillo once again demonstrates her ability to create unique characters that touch readers' hearts. Raymie, in particular, is observant, thoughtful, and sensitive as she struggles to make sense of the world around her. Her story unfolds in uncomplicated prose, even as the themes explored are complex. Surrounded by the fully realized Louisiana and Beverly, not to mention the adults in her town, Raymie searches for meaning, a search that will resonate with readers.~Amanda Raklovits, School Library Journal 

November Picks

Come and check out some brand new books at the MCS library! 

Hotel Bruce by Ryan Higgins

In this sequel to Mother Bruce, the bear and his quartet of goslings return home from winter migration to find that some mice have moved into his home and turned it into a hotel. Staying true to character, Bruce grumpily shoos the unwanted squatters out. However, a miscellaneous cast of woodland creatures keep turning up all over his home (including in the toilet). Not surprisingly, the next morning the mice return, managing to turn the geese into bellhops. When a rowdy group of elephant tourists show up, Bruce loses his cool and sends all the visitors out into the rain. Eventually Bruce's tender heart kicks in and he invites the mice back in to likely become additions to his adopted family. The illustrations are delightful, with lots of visual humor for those who pay attention to details. Subtle gags abound in this addition to the series. Students will laugh out loud at Bruce's misfortune and cheer when he has a change of heart. ~Jasmine L. Precopio, School Library Journal 


Rules of the House by Mac Barnett 

Ian likes rules. His older sister Jenny does not. The woodsy vacation house where their family is spending the summer comes with a posted set of rules, including a prohibition against opening a certain red door. Naturally, Jenny ignores all the rules, even the one about the red door. Her defiant opening of this door during an argument with Ian changes the genre of the story from realistic to fantastical, as all the household devices whose rules she's ignored ("Remove muddy shoes before you enter the house") come alive, each claiming that it will have rule-breaking Jenny for dinner. As the errant rug and appliances chop vegetables and sing made-up songs, Ian saves the day by citing a rule that they themselves have broken, giving Jenny the opportunity to help scare the creatures away. An early page showing trails through the woods literally causes the plot to wander, but occasional pages featuring just one line of text add suspenseful pacing. Painterly illustrations quickly transform frightening images into comical ones, creating a mixture of silliness and creepiness—and alert viewers will notice the red eyes on the stove and rug just before they awaken. ~Jill Ratzan, School Library Journal 


We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett 

The conclusion to the "Hat" trilogy offers the sly humor fans have come to expect along with a surprisingly tender ending. When a pair of googly-eyed tortoises find a 10-gallon hat—which they both agree would look good on either of them—they decide to leave it be rather than risk inequity between them. But as should be expected of any Klassen animal in close proximity to headgear, it becomes obvious that one of the tortoises still very much covets the hat. As in his previous works, Klassen takes a minimalist approach, with an economy of words and simple, textured shapes. The repetition of certain phrases and the organization of the title into three parts make this entry flow like an easy reader. Full-page compositions showcase the bare desert landscape, with soft gradients of muted orange as the sole bit of color in the gray and black palette. Fans of the previous "Hat" books who follow the subtle clues and motivations will likely suspect an ironic ending. In a charming turn, the conflict is resolved through empathy and the bonds of friendship—Klassen's animals have clearly evolved in their thinking since the bear in I Want My Hat Back and the fish in This Is Not My Hat. The lightest touch of the surreal adds to the dreamy melancholy of this tale. ~Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal 


Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by James Dean 

Pete makes the best cupcakes! Join Pete the Cat in a brand-new story and help him and his friends find the missing cupcakes! Pete the Cat and his friends are busy as can be baking cupcakes for a cupcake party, and Pete can’t wait to perform with his groovy band. But some of the cupcakes have gone missing. Who could have taken them? In this latest Pete the Cat picture book adventure, by New York Times bestselling authors James and Kimberly Dean, Pete and the gang solve the mystery of the missing cupcakes and learn that it’s cool to be kind. Don't miss Pete's other adventures, including Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses, and Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues. ~Amazon 

Night Animals by Gianna Marino

Something’s out there in the dark! First Possum hears it. Then Skunk. Then Wolf comes running. “What could it possibly be?” asks Bat. “Night Animals!” the animals declare. “But you are night animals,” Bat informs this not-so-smart crew. Children will love the oh-so-funny animals in this twist on a cozy bedtime book. ~Amazon 


Dog Tags: Semper Fido by Alexandr London  (Series of 6)

Man's best friend goes to war. When Gus Dempsey joins the US Marine Corps, he knows without a doubt that he will make a great dog handler. He's always been good with dogs. In fact, he's often better with dogs than he is with people. But Loki is not the dog that Gus was expecting. Fun-loving and playful, Loki acts more like a pet than the well-trained, bomb-sniffing Marine that he's supposed to be. When Gus and Loki deploy to Afghanistan, though, they have no choice but to learn to work together. Because in war, getting along is a matter of life and death. DOG TAGS is a series of stand-alone books, each exploring the bond between soldier and dog in times of war. ~Amazon 


The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

A sweet and pitch-perfect swan song to a wildly popular series. Reflecting on her good fortune and many blessings, Piggie decides to thank everyone who is important to her. Gerald thinks this is a bad idea, in that she runs the very big risk of forgetting someone. Piggie will not be dissuaded and embarks on her "Thank-o-rama!" She gives a shout-out to the Squirrels, Snake, the Pigeon, and other characters from the series, including Mouse, Birdies, Rhino, Hippo, Hippo's Big Sister, Barky Dog, Pelican, Bears, and Worms. Piggie turns into a thanking machine. Whale, Ice Cream Penguin, Doctor Cat, and Brian Rat all make appearances. Last, but hardly least, she remembers to acknowledge her partner in crime, Gerald, but there's still one important group that the effusive Piggie neglects to mention-their readers! Willems's brilliant, minimalist cartoon illustrations are as expressive and charming as ever. ~Luann Toth, School Library Journal 


Ninja Timmy by Henrich Tamm 

Timmy the cat, his pal Simon the mink, and the pig brothers Jasper and Casper are inventors, and they’re hoping to sell their fabulous new contraption to a local merchant. With high hopes, they haul their machine through the crowded streets of Elyzandrium—and are promptly robbed by a gang of bullies. With the help of two new friends, Alfred, a kindly old toymaker, and Flores, a skilled cat pilot, Timmy and his pals set out to get back what is rightfully theirs. As it turns out, they’re not the only victims of these dastardly criminals. But what can this band of misfits do? In this action-packed adventure, the intrepid Timmy and his wily friends transform themselves into crime-fighting ninjas—and quite possibly heroes! ~Amazon 


The Menagerie by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari H Sutherland 

A new arrival in small-town Xanadu, Wyoming, seventh-grader Logan spends more time than he'd like to thinking about his mother's mysterious disappearance. His life becomes exciting when he discovers a baby griffin under his bed. No bigger than a puppy, Squorp turns out to be an escapee from the Menagerie, a zoo filled with mythical creatures and run by his classmate Zoe and her family. Logan soon finds himself teamed up with Zoe and her merman friend, Blue, to find five other griffin runaways. As he helps track them down, the truth about his mother's secret life begins to surface. Meanwhile, members of SNAPA, the organization in charge of all menageries, will arrive soon for an inspection and if everything is not up to par the place will be shut down. Can the trio get the griffins back in time? Who really was Logan's mom? The characters are likable, unique, and well developed, and the narrative is filled with lively dialogue and humor. The creatures, including a pair of snooty unicorns and a charismatic but murderous kelpie, are delightful. The authors do a great job of creating an attention-grabbing magical world within the realistic setting. Readers who enjoy books like Brandon Mull's Fablehaven (Aladdin, 2007) will soak up the intermixing of mythological information and mystery. The first in a series, this page-turning fantasy will fly off library shelves.-Kira Moody, School Library Journal 

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose

In April 1940, occupying German forces made Denmark a "protectorate" of the Third Reich. The Danish government accepted the occupation, but a small group of teen boys, angry at their nation's cowardice, formed the secret Churchill Club to resist the Germans and conducted a six-month spree of sabotage and destruction. Incorporating lengthy first-person reminiscences of one of the group's leaders, Knud Pedersen, Hoose describes how the club recruited members, exploited their youth and innocent looks to deceive their parents and the Germans, appropriated weapons, and carried out guerilla-style attacks from their bicycles. Although the boys were eventually arrested and imprisoned, their exploits made them national heroes, shamed many adults, and fueled Danish resistance. After the war, Winston Churchill honored their efforts. The book is well organized, effectively integrating Pedersen's vivid descriptions of his group's motives, determination, and sometimes foolhardy bravery within the larger narrative, which includes information about Denmark, the war, and the boys' families and lives. Sidebars, detailed maps, and period photos supplement the text. ~Mary Muller, School Library Journal 

October Picks

Here are some new non-fiction titles that have been added to the library collection. Come and check one out today! :)


Fly Guy Presents by Todd Arnold (Grades 1-3) 

Sharks 

Fly Guy is buzzzzing on over to the nonfiction genre! Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold brings nonfiction to life with the help of his very popular main character, Fly Guy! This engaging nonfiction reader combines the kid-friendly humor of Fly Guy with the high-interest topic of sharks! Fly Guy and Buzz introduce young readers to sharks with straightforward fun facts, humorous asides, and full-bleed photographs throughout.

Space 

Fly Guy and Buzz are back with another great nonfiction book! Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold brings nonfiction to life in this engaging nonfiction reader! During a visit to a space museum, Fly Guy and Buzz learn all about planets, space crafts, space suits, and even dirty snowballs (i.e. comets!)! With straightforward fun facts, humorous illustrations of Fly Guy and Buzz, and vivid photographs throughout, this book is sure to be a hit with budding astronauts everywhere!

Dinosaurs 

Learn all about dinosaurs with Fly Guy and Buzz! Fly Guy and Buzz are ready for their next field trip! And in FLY GUY PRESENTS: DINOSAURS they visit a natural history museum to learn all about dinosaurs. With straightforward text, humorous asides, and kid-friendly full-bleed photographs throughout, young readers will learn lots of fun facts about these prehistoric creatures. Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold really brings nonfiction to life in this fun nonfiction reader!


The World's Greatest Artists (Grades 3-6) 

Claude Monet by Katherine Kreig 

Introduces Claude Monet as one of the greatest Impressionist artists by exploring the techniques he used to create such masterpieces as Impression, Sunrise and his many studies of light, color, and shadow.




Vincent Van Gogh by Linda Cernak 

Introduces Vincent van Gogh as one of the most unique Impressionist artists by exploring the techniques he used to paint masterpieces such as Starry Night.

Pablo Picasso by Darice Bailer

Introduces Pablo Picasso as one of the greatest modern artists by exploring the many styles and techniques he used to create such masterpieces as Guernica and works from his cubist, Blue, and Rose periods.

Unstable Earth (Grades 4-6) 

What Happens When an Ice Cap Melts? by Angela Royston

This book looks at the effects of global warming and asks what will happen to people, animals and the environment if the Earth's thick masses of ice melt. It imagines scenarios at varying stages in the future and examines whether and how disaster can be averted.

What Happens if the Ozone Disappears? by Mary Colson 

Using an inquiry approach, this title explores the serious issue of the disappearing ozone layer. The book offers accessible scientific explanations that reveal how the Earths processes are interlinked and how one event can trigger a chain reaction throughout the planet that can have consequential effects on both humans and nature. The volume includes fascinating case studies, critical thinking questions, and projected future outcomes and potential solutions to this important global issue.

What Happens if We Overfish the Oceans? by Angela Royston 

Using an inquiry approach, this title explores the serious issue of overfishing the ocean. The book offers accessible scientific explanations that reveal how the Earths processes are interlinked and how one event can trigger a chain reaction throughout the planet that can have consequential effects on both humans and nature. The volume includes fascinating case studies, critical thinking questions, and projected future outcomes and potential solutions to this important global issue.

Wanted: Famous Outlaws by Time Cooke (Grades 4-6) 

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 

Robert Leroy Parkers transformation into Butch Cassidy wasnt immediate. He worked on ranches as a cowboy, was a butcher for a time, and finally chose a path of crime in the American West in the late 1800s. Cassidys involvement with the band of outlaws known as the Wild Bunch and later partnership with Harry Longabaugh, the Sundance Kid, resulted in a crime spree and a life on the run. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid fled to South America, where their fate remains a mystery. This lively, well-researched volumefilled with fascinating photographs and fact boxes provides a gripping account of a fugitives life and legend.

Jesse James 

Jesse Jamess rise as a notorious outlaw was concurrent with the upheaval the West experienced before, during, and after the American Civil War. In fact, Jesse and his brother Frank became heroes to many who viewed them as Confederates battling the Union more than murderers and thieves. This thought-provoking volume tells the story of Jesse, from childhood to violent death, as well as relates valuable information about events in the United States that cultivated outlaws like the James brothers, including Bleeding Kansas and Reconstruction. The infamous man comes to life through photographs, illustrations, and an exciting narrative.

Ned Kelly 

Ned Kelly, famous outlaw and folk hero, grew up in Australia in the late 1800s. His life of crime began as a teenager stealing horses and later escalated to murder. Kelly soon had a price on his head, which could be collected through his capture or death. This high-interest volume relays the events that led to Kellys hanging in 1880 and why he became a hero to many Australians. Photographs of Kelly and his accomplices, additional information in sidebars and fact boxes, and direct quotations from those involved reveal much about Australias history and culture.

Billy the Kid 

Though born in Manhattan in 1859, William Henry McCarty, Jr.also known as Billy the Kid became a legend of the Wild West. Focusing on Billy as a horse thief, cattle rustler, and gunfighter, this stirring biography examines both the hard facts and what may be fiction about the infamous outlaw. His association with the Regulators, pursuit by Pat Garrett, and eventual demise are all included in this fast-paced volume. Historical photographs, intriguing quotations, and other appealing design features including a Rogues Gallery of criminals bring the era of the gunslinger to life.

Bonnie and Clyde 

Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, the notorious Bonnie and Clyde, ruled the front of newspapers and the publics imagination in the 1930s. While most of the nation suffered under the Great Depression, the duo and their gang pulled off a string of robberies, leaving many dead in their daring escapes. Readers will learn why these two famous figures have been romanticized by so many, even today, and follow Texas Ranger Frank Hamer as his posse tracks down and ambushes the outlaws. Primary sources, historical photographs, and revealing quotations shed more light on the dramatic true story.

Blackbeard 

Edward Teach, otherwise known as the pirate Blackbeard, was a terror of the seas in the 1700s. Merchant ships had little choice but to surrender to his 40-cannon Queen Annes Revenge. At one point, Teach accepted a pardon but couldnt retire from piracy for good. This adventurous volume takes readers into the background of the famous figure, explains the origins of his striking monikor, and describes the bloody skirmish that ended his life. Sidebars and fact boxes offer more information about both pirates and privateers and the perils of each chosen path. Beautiful illustrations and photographs further enhance this high-interest book.

Superheroes of Science (Grades 3-6)

Sir Isaac Newton by Angela Royston 

Most people know the story of Sir Issac Newton discovering gravity. An apple fell from a tree, hitting him on the head. However, Newton is also responsible for articulating the laws of motion and many early studies on light and color, including work with prisms. Learning about Newtons life during his discoveries engages readers with the curiosity and hypotheses involved in scientific inquiry. Colorful photographs and historic images highlight important events and scientific fact as readers discover Newton and his many breakthroughs.

Stephen Hawking by Robert Snedden 

One of the most important physicists of all time, Stephen Hawking isnt only a brilliant scientist hes an inspiration. Hawking was diagnosed with a muscular disease as a young adult, making movement and later speech very difficult. However, he still was able to make discoveries about space and time that no one could have imagined. In this detailed biography, readers learn about Hawkings life, including his childhood, schooling, and writing of A Brief History of Time. Full-color images and sidebars help readers understand Hawkings research as well as the inner workings of a legendary scientist.

Rachel Carson 

Rachel Carson loved nature since childhood. It was only natural for her to become one of the first conservation advocates and environmental scientists in the United States. Through detailed biography, the main content introduces readers to Carson as well as her work, including Silent Spring and its incredible influence on the United States and the pesticide industry. Sidebars complement understandable scientific content by adding interesting and illuminating information about each topic. Full-color photographs of Carson and accounts of work in the field encourage readers to care for the world around them even if its not popular to do so.

Mary Anning 

In 2010, the Royal Society named Mary Anning one of the 10 British women most influential in the history of science. Though she wasnt appreciated in her time because she was a woman, Anning certainly earned this distinction. Readers are introduced to one of the premier fossil hunters of 19th century England through biography, historic images, and detailed sidebars. Anning learned how to find and clean fossils from her father and began doing so when she was a child. With this in mind, readers can find inspiration as well as interesting scientific content in her story.

Galileo 

Questioning established knowledge isnt usually a popular course of action. Galileo learned this throughout his life as he tested scientific theories using mathematical calculations. He challenged the Catholic Church and Aristotle, which got him into trouble, but also added him to the pantheon of great scientists. Readers learn all about Galileos most important discoveries through the story of his life, complete with historical images. Sidebars add detail and understandable explanations to the main content, including concepts such as the scientific method and the planets orbiting the sun.

Louis Pasteur 

The number of scientific discoveries by Louis Pasteur is astounding. From his work on fermentation that led to the process of

pasteurization to the rabies vaccine, Pasteur made a huge impact on industry, medicine, and scientific theory. Detailed biography takes readers through Pasteurs life as he makes these incredible discoveries, uncovering the original use for pasteurizationin wine! Interesting sidebars enhance the main content with understandable explanations and surprising details. Full-color photographs and historical images highlight Pasteurs triumphs as a hardworking, influential scientist.

What Is? (Grades 3-6)

The Battle of Gettysburg by Jim O'Connor 

"Four score and seven years ago..." begins Abraham Lincoln's beautiful speech commemorating the three-day battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. The South had been winning up to this point. So how did Union troops stop General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North? With black-and-illustrations throughout and sixteen pages of photos, this turning point in history is brought vividly to life.

The Alamo by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso 

"Remember the Alamo!"" is still a rallying cry more than 175 years after the siege in Texas, where a small band of men held off about two thousand soldiers of the Mexican Army for twelve days. The Alamo was a crucial turning point in the Texas Revolution, and led to the creation of the Republic of Texas. With 80 black-and-white illustrations throughout and a sixteen-page black-and-white photo insert, young readers will relive this famous moment in Texas history.

The March on Washington by Kathleen Krull 

On August 28, 1963, more than 200,000 people gathered in Washington, DC, to demand equal rights for all races. It was there that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, and it was this peaceful protest that spurred the momentous civil rights laws of the mid-1960s. With black-and-white artwork throughout and sixteen pages of photographs, the March is brought to life!

The Boston Tea Party by Kathleen Krull 

"No Taxation without Representation!" The Boston Tea Party stands as an iconic event of the American Revolution—outraged by the tax on tea, American colonists chose to destroy the tea by dumping it into the water! Learn all about the famed colonialists who fought against the British Monarchy, and read about this act of rebellion from our history! With black-and-white illustrations throughout and sixteen pages of photos, the Boston Tea party is brought to life!

The Underground Railroad by Yonna Zeldis McDonough 

No one knows where the term Underground Railroad came from--there were no trains or tracks, only "conductors" who helped escaping slaves to freedom. Including real stories about "passengers" on the "Railroad," this book chronicles slaves' close calls with bounty hunters, exhausting struggles on the road, and what they sacrificed for freedom. With 80 black-and-white illustrations throughout and a sixteen-page black-and-white photo insert, the Underground Railroad comes alive!

The First Thanksgiving by Joan Holub

The history of the feast! After their first harvest in 1621, the Pilgrims at Plymouth shared a three-day feast with their Native American neighbors. Of course, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag didn’t know it at the time, but they were making history, celebrating what would become a national holiday.

The Gold Rush Joan Holub 

In 1848, gold was discovered in California, attracting over 300,000 people from all over the world, some who struck it rich and many more who didn't. Hear the stories about the gold-seeking "forty-niners!" With black-and white illustrations and sixteen pages of photos, a nugget from history is brought to life!

The Family Romonov by Candance Fleming (Grades 5-6) 

History comes to vivid life in Fleming’s sweeping story of the dramatic decline and fall of the House of Romanov. Her account provides not only intimate portraits of Tsar Nicholas; his wife, Alexandra; and the five Romanov children, but it also offers a beautifully realized examination of the context of their lives—Russia in a state of increasing social unrest and turmoil. The latter aspect is shown in part through generous excerpts from letters, diaries, memoirs, and more that are seamlessly interspersed throughout the narrative. All underscore the incredible disparity between the glittering lives of the Romanovs and the desperately impoverished ones of the peasant population. Instead of attempting to reform this, Nicholas simply refused to acknowledge its presence, rousing himself only long enough to order savage repression of the occasional uprising. Fleming shows that the hapless tsar was ill equipped to discharge his duties, increasingly relying on Alexandra for guidance; unfortunately, at the same time, she was increasingly reliant on the counsel of the evil monk Rasputin. The end, when it came, was swift and—for the Romanovs, who were brutally murdered—terrible. Compulsively readable, Fleming’s artful work of narrative history is splendidly researched and documented. For readers who regard history as dull, Fleming’s extraordinary book is proof positive that, on the contrary, it is endlessly fascinating, absorbing as any novel, and the stuff of an altogether memorable reading experience. Michael Cart, ~Booklist 

The Bubonic Plague by Gail Jarrow (Grades 5-6) 

In March 1900, San Francisco’s health department investigated a strange and horrible death in Chinatown. A man had died of bubonic plague, one of the world’s deadliest diseases. But how could that be possible? Bubonic Panic tells the true story of America’s first plague epidemic—the public health doctors who desperately fought to end it, the political leaders who tried to keep it hidden, and the brave scientists who uncovered the plague’s secrets. Once again, acclaimed author and scientific expert Gail Jarrow brings the history of a medical mystery to life in vivid and exciting detail for young readers. This title includes photographs and drawings, a glossary, a timeline, further resources, an author’s note, and source notes.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to school! Below are some new and noteworthy books to get your year started. Come and check them out! 

Quest by Aaron Becker (Grades K-3) 

Aaron Becker, creator of Journey, a Caldecott Honor book, presents the next chapter in his stunning wordless fantasy. A king emerges from a hidden door in a city park, startling two children sheltering from the rain. No sooner does he push a map and some strange objects into their hands than he is captured by hostile forces that whisk him back through the enchanted door. Just like that, the children are caught up in a quest to rescue the king and his kingdom from darkness, while illuminating the farthest reaches of their imagination. Colored markers in hand, they make their own way through the portal, under the sea, through a tropical paradise, over a perilous bridge, and high in the air with the help of a winged friend. Journey lovers will be thrilled to follow its characters on a new adventure threaded with familiar elements, while new fans will be swept into a visually captivating story that is even richer and more exhilarating than the first.

Frog and Friends by Eve Bunting (Grades K-2)

Welcome to Frog and his world. He enjoys nothing better than spending time floating in his pond or visiting with his friends. He appreciates the simpler things in life and would prefer that things stay just the way they are - nice and peaceful. From acclaimed children's writer Eve Bunting comes a new beginning reader series featuring the delightful Frog and his friends Rabbit, Possum, Raccoon, and Squirrel. In the first book Frog is alarmed when he finds a strange object in his pond, he tries to re-gift a scarf, and he makes friends with a runaway hippo. In Party at the Pond Frog is busy with his autumn party, he is overseen dancing around the pond, and he narrowly escapes being turned into a prince. Retro-style artwork by illustrator Josée Masse gives a fresh, distinctive look to this new series.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (Grades K-3) 

A girl decides to make something magnificent with the help of her assistant—her dog, but they "are shocked to discover that the thing isn't magnificent. Or good. It isn't even kind-of-sort-of okay. It is all wrong. The girl tosses it aside and gives it another go." From her efforts, children see the importance of planning, gathering supplies, building, and not giving up when a good idea doesn't initially work out. Ample use of white space makes the digital artwork pop. The text consists mainly of one- or two-line captions for the pictures, and the layout and design are spot-on, building action with a smart use of vignettes, boxed illustrations, and spreads. Clever use of artwork conveys the youngster's spectrum of emotions as she "saws and glues and adjusts," "smashes," "pummels," and "explodes" ("It is not her finest moment."). Then, finally, the girl finishes, and her scooter really is "the most magnificent thing." This is a solid choice with a great message that encourages kids not to quit in the face of disappointment but rather to change their perspective and start over.—Melissa Smith, School Library Journal 

The Night Gardener by Terry Fan (K-3)

With spare text and a simple palette, The Night Gardener tells the story of a depressed town's transformation with the help of a nocturnal gardener. The book begins on Grimloch Lane, a street where every head hangs down and an orphan boy, William, is down in the dumps. A dapper elderly man with a green leaf shining in his pocket passes him, and the magic begins. Every night, a new fantastical topiary appears in a tree on Grimloch Lane, to the neighborhood's delight. People begin playing outside, drawing, playing the tuba, and looking up in wonder: it's an urban planner's delight. William gets to tag along one night, and as the season changes, the work of creating community-revitalizing topiaries is passed to him. The illustrations look like a more cheerful Edward Gorey, done with a blend of fine-tip ink and pencil work and watercolor, with the night portrayed in pearly monochromatic blues. While most of the characters are white, a few background characters wandering through the trees are people of color. VERDICT An elegant picture book that celebrates creativity and community; for first purchase.—Lisa Nowlain

Claude in the City by Alex T. Smith (Grades 2-4)

Claude is a small, plump dog who wears a beret and a lovely red sweater. He has a best friend, Sir Bobblysock, a striped sock who is grubby and smells a bit like cheese. In the first episode in Smith’s debut chapter-book series, Claude shops for berets before inadvertently preventing a crime at an art museum. The second episode sees Sir Bobblysock feeling rather unwell. Claude roller-skates him to the hospital and, while Sir Bobblysock is wheeled away for tests, Claude pretends to be a doctor and solves a mystery illness. The tiny trim size and duo-tone artwork, all shades of black, gray, red, and pink, give this UK import a distinctly retro feel (it appears to be set in the 1960s), and Claude—mostly head and snout—is an amiable, unintentional hero. The sentence structure here varies, from short and declarative to more complex, and the stories are longer than in typical books for transitioning readers. It’s cool and hip-feeling and, at times, quite funny. Kids who dig quirky Claude will await his next adventures. Ann Kelley, Booklist 

Mercy: The Incredible Story of Henry Bergh, Found of the ASPCA and Friend to Animals by Mancy Furstinger (Grades 3-6)

Tackling the life of Henry Bergh (1813–88), the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Furstinger provides a satisfying account of an interesting, albeit little-known, figure whose contributions to animal and human rights were substantial. Although he never owned animals himself, Bergh felt a strong compassion for creatures that could not defend themselves. He spent many years of his life searching for a calling without finding a career path that suited him, until he learned of the animal rights work being done in England and decided to replicate a similar organization in the United States. Bergh's creation of the world's first child protection agency is also covered briefly but does not overshadow his work for animal rights. Furstinger creates tension as she describes the vile conditions of animal treatment in the United States and worldwide in the mid-to-late 1800s. Never overly graphic, the full-color illustrations do an effective job of depicting the injustices toward animals, enhancing the story, and evoking empathy in readers. While Bergh's story is engaging, Furstinger occasionally interjects sidebars of relevant information, creating possibly distracting interruptions. VERDICT This suitable biography about a somewhat obscure figure will find many interested readers and is unlikely to duplicate existing collection offerings.—Ellen Norton, School Library Journal 

Little Cat's Luck by Marion Dane Bauer (Grades 3-6)

From Newbery Honoree Marion Dane Bauer comes a heartwarming novel in verse that’s a companion to the “wholly satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) Little Dog, Lost. When an indoor calico cat named Patches spots a golden autumn leaf fluttering past her window, she can’t help but venture outside to chase it. But soon, Patches feels something tugging at her, telling her to find a special place—one she won’t know until she sees it. Why must she go on this search? She doesn’t know yet. Along the way, Patches finds herself in dire circumstances, but with the help of the other neighborhood animals, she faces off against the scariest dog in town and continues on her journey to her special place. Beautifully told in verse and accompanied by adorable illustrations by Jennifer A. Bell, this heartwarming novel from Newberry Honor­–winner, Marion Dane Bauer, is a timeless, touching, and fulfilling story about finding your way home.

I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871 by Lauren Tarshis (Grades 3-6) 

Could an entire city really burn to the ground? Oscar Starling never wanted to come to Chicago. But then Oscar finds himself not just in the heart of the big city, but in the middle of a terrible fire! No one knows exactly how it began, but one thing is clear: Chicago is like a giant powder keg about to explode. An army of firemen is trying to help, but this fire is a ferocious beast that wants to devour everything in its path, including Oscar! Will Oscar survive one of the most famous and devastating fires in history? Lauren Tarshis brings history's most exciting and terrifying events to life in this New York Times bestselling series. Readers will be transported by stories of amazing kids and how they survived!

The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan (Grades 4-6) 

At the end of the term, Emerson Elementary School will be bulldozed to make way for a shopping center and students will be reassigned to other schools in the district. This change is particularly hard for the 18 fifth graders in Ms. Hill's class. She tasks them with keeping a poetry journal throughout the year; their poems will be placed in a time capsule at the end of the year. The students write about their feelings, the project, the imminent changes to their community, and their worries about middle school through alternating poems divided into four quarters. One girl's mother is being deployed, a boy's father recently left the family, and another boy's beloved grandfather is ailing. With the gentle guidance of their teacher, who may have been arrested in the 1960s protesting the Vietnam War, they become socially aware and organize a movement to protest the school closure. The distinct personalities of the students shine through in a variety of poetic forms. Sadness, humor, anger, and hope are expressed in authentically young voices. The poetic forms are discussed in further detail in the back matter, making for a great teaching resource. VERDICT This gently evocative study of change in all its glory and terror would make a terrific read-aloud or introduction to a poetry unit. A most impressive debut.-Brenda Kahn, School Library Journal 

Two Miserable Presidents: The Amazing, and Totally True Story of the Civil War by Steve Sheinkin (Grades 5-6)

May 22, 1856: A MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA WALKS INTO THE SENATE CHAMBER, LOOKING FOR TROUBLE. That Congressman, Preston Brooks, was ready to attack Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts over remarks Sumner made slamming senators who supported slavery in Kansas. Brooks lifted his cane to beat Sumner, and here the action in the book stops, so that Steve Sheinkin can explain just where this confrontation started. In the process, he unravels the complicated string of events – the small things, the personal ones, the big issues– that led to The Civil War. It is a time and a war that threatened America's very existence, revealed in the surprising true stories of the soldiers and statesmen who battled it out. 

Booked by Kwame Alexander (Grades 5-6)

Twelve-year-old Nick loves soccer, and he and his best friend Coby have big plans for winning the Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup, the renowned world youth soccer tournament, even though they will be playing on opposing teams. Besides the big game, Nick has a lot of other things on his mind. For one thing, his mother wants to move away to pursue her dream of training race horses, and his linguistics professor father is pressuring him to improve his vocabulary by reading the dictionary. Throw in the twin eighth-grade tyrants who relentlessly want to pound him and weekly lessons at Miss Quattlebaum's School of Ballroom Dance & Etiquette, and his life at Langston Hughes Magnet School of the Arts is pretty hectic. But school is also where "the Mac" can be found, Langston's resident rapping, dragonfly-loving, red mohawk-wearing librarian and Nick's favorite adult. And then there's April, Nick's current crush. Newbery-winning poet Alexander once again brings to life a novel in verse that equally captures the rapid-fire excitement of a soccer match and the palpable pain of a young boy whose family is falling apart. Peppered throughout are useful and amusing vocabulary words as well as wise-cracking yet sage life lessons from a beloved librarian. Authentic characters and amusing situations abound, making this story one that will be welcomed by readers of all levels. VERDICT Another winning goal for Alexander and middle school readers alike.-Carol Connor, School Library Journal