FROM SARAH:
For your map-lovers, a collection of what the world looked like geographically during the middle ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
With sixteen full-color maps showing what the world was like from A.D. 500 to 1450, this book is sure to capture in the attention of students interested in knights and castles, Vikings, Crusades, the Aztecs, and the Incas.

**Description from Amazon: It's 1969 and Marty's family lives on the U.S. island of Guam, where his father manages the NASA tracking station. It's important work and never more so than during the Apollo 11 space mission, where the tracking station relays signals back and forth between the astronauts and Mission Control in Hou...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To a child, a day can last forever, and hurt feelings sink in deep. Whether they're having trouble making friends, struggling to learn something new, or just having a sad day, children need daily reminders of how much they're cherished. Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone soothes away loneliness by promising children that their parents or caregivers will always make time for them--they will squeeze away the sad and welcome back the glad every single day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Chris loves rockets and planets and pretending he's a brave astronaut, exploring the universe. Only one problem--at night, Chris doesn't feel so brave. He's afraid of the dark.

NARRATED BY: John Lee, BEST FOR AGES: 10+

FROM SARAH:

Jan Brett at her finest. This, along with The Mitten, are absolute must-haves for any home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Lisa's woolen stocking flies off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and pokes his nose in. He tries to pull it out, but the stocking gets stuck on his prickles--and the fun begins.

**Description from Amazon: One day you’re a typical student. You’re working part-time at McDonald’s to pay for your clothes and car. The next day, you’re a mother-to-be. You’re confused and scared. Emotional and standoffish. You feel like a kid, but now with a huge responsibility. How could your life change so fast?...

FROM SARAH:

I love this picture book, featuring Mama and Papa Seeton and their four beloved children who can be wooed home with a whistle for cake. Not enough people know about this book... it's a delight!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Mama Seeton whistles, her children run home for chocolate cake, hugs, kisses, and shared memories. But as time passes, they travel farther and farther away from the familiar sound. Can mama's whistle be heard all over the world, and bring her children home one more time?

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
This significantly expanded edition of W. H. Auden’s Selected Poems adds twenty poems to the hundred in the original edition, broadening its focus to better reflect the enormous wealth of form, rhetoric, tone, and content in Auden’s work.

FROM SARAH:

Ravi and his friends are back for the fantastic and thrilling conclusion to “The Restorationists” series. This trilogy is perfect for art-loving kids who enjoy courage filled quests and rich, creative worlds.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A foe-turned-friend must learn to trust his new allies or risk losing his chance of finding a forever home in this thrilling conclusion of the award-winning Restorationists trilogy.

FROM SARAH:

I love reading aloud this book before we're about to have company. There's just nothing quite like when the relatives come, is there?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When the relatives arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars.
When they finally had to leave, they were sad, but not for long. They all knew they would be together next summer.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The American Revolution comes to life through this graphic novel by Nathan Hale. Funny, informative, and eye-opening. Your kids need to be able to see the panels while you read this series aloud, so pull them close. (The whole series covers a wide range of historical events, so go see if whatever you're currently learning about is in the series! You can read the series in any order, but it's best to start here before moving on to any others.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Puffin in Bloom: A collection of classics with stunning cover art by renowned stationery brand Rifle Paper Co.'s principal artist, Anna Bond, now available as an exquisite gift set! Featuring all four Puffin in Bloom classics with illustrated covers by Anna Bond in a charming keepsake box designed in her signature style.

FROM SARAH:

This gem by a peronsal favorite Gail Gibbons takes readers through all 4 seasons of a New England fishing island.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discover what life is like season by season when you're surrounded by the sea. See the ferry that brings people and supplies to the island and the fisherman preparing their nets for the summer fishing season. Learn about the significance of buoys, the workings of lobster traps, and the variety of boats you can see from the shore.

FROM SARAH:

I think this book might be out of print, but I refuse to take it off our lists because it's just so darn delightful! Worth hunting down and adding to your permanent collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Oh, when will it snow again? wonders the little family who lives in the snow globe. They long for a snowstorm? if only someone in the big family would pick up the snow globe and give it a shake. Baby would love to. She notices the little family, but the snow globe is too high for her to reach. But then Baby is alone during a snowstorm. Will the snow globe family get a chance to go sledding, too?

**Description from Amazon: The first book in the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, featuring the funny and fantastic adventures of a wizard apprentice and his quest to become an ExtraOrdinary Wizard.New York Times Bestselling Series“A deliciously spellbinding series opener.” —Kirkus Reviews...

FROM SARAH:

This is the perfect book to enjoy looking at the skies together! Two bunny friends share what they see in the clouds—one is full of imagination, and the other is eager to share the science behind what makes a cloud a cloud. In the end, they find that each other's perspective makes their own even more fun.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What do you see when you look at clouds?

Two curious bunnies enjoy watching clouds go by. But when they look at the sky, they each see something completely different! While one bunny likes to use his imagination and sees cotton candy or whipped cream, the other bunny can only see the science behind them. Together they learn that cloud watching is much more fun when they can see it through each other's eyes.

FROM SARAH:

A funny, moving tale from one of today's very best authors for young adults. What would you do if an English butler just showed up at your house one morning during the before-school frenzy? Absolutely delightful to read aloud (especially if you can pull off the butler's English accent!) Meet the author in his Author Access video replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep--one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A king and some unexpected companions embark on a voyage that will take them beyond all known lands. As they sail farther and farther from charted waters, they discover that their quest is more than they imagined and that the world's end is only the beginning.

FROM SARAH:

This is Gary Schmidt's best yet (do I always say that? It's always true!). Hercules is about as lovable as they come, learning how to be here and how to be okay after the tragic death of his parents. This book will make you want to read Greek myths, listen to Vivaldi, and watch the sunrise on Cape Cod. The audio version is especially well done (Audible I Libro.FM).

Highly recommended for ages 14+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt, a warm and witty novel in the tradition of The Wednesday Wars, in which a seventh grader has to figure out how to fulfill an assignment to perform the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life—and makes discoveries about friendship, community, and himself along the way.

FROM SARAH:

The obvious recommendation. If your teen hasn't read this yet, it's time! :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frodo and his pals set out on a journey to find the Ruling Ring. Will the Hobbits’ friendships be enough to keep them safe?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
In Jennifer L. Holm's New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor winning middle grade historical fiction novel, life isn't like the movies. But then again, 11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple. She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending.

FROM SARAH:

There is everything to love about every book featuring Henry Huggins, and this is the best place to start! Great as a read-aloud, a read-alone, or an audiobook. All ages.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This book continues to delight kids for another generation. He might be an average boy, but he doesn't have average adventures! Especially wonderful for dog-lovers.

**Description from Amazon: Alfred Kropp is just trying to survive high school when his guardian uncle ropes him into a suspicious get-rich-quick scheme that changes his life forever: stealing Excalibur-the legendary sword of King Arthur. But when Alfred unwittingly delivers the sword into the wrong hands, he undertakes an unl...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Dirk Yeller scours the town for something to stop his itchin' and twitchin' and jumpin' and rattlin', no one seems able to help. But Sam, who's been following Dirk all day―and who can sometimes be a little fidgety, too―knows the perfect solution . . .

FROM SARAH:

First published in 1917. Utterly delightful and totally readable. I think it should have been titled The Revolt of Helen McGill, As Told By Herself. One of the best reads of the year, easy. It’s only 75 pages long. I wish more books were like this one! (fiction)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Helen McGill lives with her older brother Andrew until one day, when Roger Mifflin shows up on their farm. "When you sell a man a book," says Mifflin, "you don't sell him just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue; you sell him a whole new life." And just like that, Helen treats herself to a long-overdue adventure of her own.

**Description from Amazon: The New York Times bestselling memoir of the heroic young inventor who brought electricity to his Malawian village adapted for young readers. Now available in paperback! When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving th...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Andrea Davis Pinkney uses poetic, powerful prose to tell the story of these four young men, who followed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words of peaceful protest and dared to sit at the "whites only" Woolworth's lunch counter.

FROM SARAH:

An absolutely delightful read-aloud by none other than my favorite, Tomie dePaola.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Illustrated in dePaola's signature style, this has an inviting look. Buoyant watercolors are framed by thin orange borders....An engaging read-aloud choice for St. Patrick's Day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Since it was first published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel has delighted generations of children. A modern classic that no child should miss.

FROM SARAH:

I adored Amelia Bedelia as a child, and so do my own kids! These easy-to-read editions are excellent companions for your budding reader.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

From dressing the chicken to drawing the drapes, Amelia Bedelia does exactly what Mr. and Mrs. Rogers tell her to do. If things get a bit mixed up, well, that's okay. When Amelia Bedelia is involved, everything always turns out perfectly in the end!

FROM SARAH:

Geraldine McCaughrean is a master storyteller, and her retellings of classics for children are where she especially shines! Given the nature of the stories within The Canterbury Tales, I generally suggest this book for middle school and up, though I think you could read it aloud with kids slightly younger than that.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Chaucer's classic retold for children.

**Description from Amazon: Here is a rare perspective on a story we only thought we knew. For Apollo 11, the first moon landing, is a story that belongs to many, not just the few and famous. It belongs to the seamstress who put together twenty-two layers of fabric for each space suit. To the engineers who created a special he...

FROM SARAH

MESOPOTAMIA- The story of Gilgamesh is said to be one of the oldest stories every recorded. This is the first picture book in a trilogy, retelling the epic of Gilgamesh for children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. In answer, another kind of man, Enkidu, is sent to earth to live among the animals and learn kindness from them.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
One hundred years after its author’s death, this classic remains remarkably modern and poignantly relevant. In this brand new edition, Elijah Wood reads Huck in a youthful voice that may be the closest interpretation to Twain’s original intent.

**Description from Amazon: Everything changes the day you discover you're going to be a mom. It's not just yourself that you think about―you have a child to care for, too. While you wouldn't trade your child for the world, some days are just hard. Baby-daddy drama, dealing with your parents, and worries about school, work, ...

FROM SARAH:

An epic, faith-based fantasy full of courage and friendship; this novel is one you won’t want to miss. With its complex themes of light and darkness and wonderfully redemptive storyline, I’d recommend it for readers ten and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A band of misfits seek to fight the darkness that’s slowly overcoming their kingdom—the start of a grand adventure series in the tradition of The Chronicles of Narnia and the Wingfeather Saga.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: Tender watercolors capture the charm of this heartwarming story of an old woman who doesn’t know she’s lonely until she meets a plucky puppy who needs a name—and someone to love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this delightful, rhythmic sequel to One Odd Day, the young boy awakens to find that it is another strange day now everything is even, and his mother has two heads! This time, a school field trip to the zoo is dealt with in an odd, but even-handed manner. And, like its predecessor, children will s...

FROM SARAH:

Cynthia Rylant famously said that she wrote this book in an hour. Astounding. It stands the test of time for a reason. I love Diane Goode's American folk style illustrations!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An evocative remembrance of the simple pleasures in country living; splashing in the swimming hole, taking baths in the kitchen, sharing family times, each is eloquently portrayed here in both the misty-hued scenes and in the poetic text.
-Association for Childhood Education International

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Corinne La Mer claims she isn’t afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They’re just tricksters made up by parents to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest, and shining yellow eyes follow her to the edge of the trees. They couldn’t belong to a jumbie. Or could they?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The beloved debut of one of literature’s most irresistible young heroines. Sent to Green Gables farm by mistake, eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley prays that Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert will decide to keep her nevertheless.

**Description on Amazon: The beloved classic in a Spanish language edition, now available in board book format.Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a classic of children's literature. Bill Martin's rhythmic text speaks directly to young children, and Eric Carle's gorgeous illustrations hold children enraptured readin...

**Description from Amazon: Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict. Meet the boy who started it all....Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict has more problems than most children his age. Not only is he an orphan with an unfortunate nose, but also he has narcolepsy, a condition ...

**Description from Amazon: Harriet doesn't mean to be pesky. Sometimes she just is. And her mother doesn't mean to lose her temper. Sometimes she just does. But Harriet and her mother know that even when they do things they wish they hadn't, they still love each other very much.

FROM SARAH:

I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did! An interesting illustrative style that works remarkably well for the simple, relatable story. Ask your library to buy it, if they don't have it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Look out. Now look up. From the sky one flake falls, then another. And just like that—it's snowing. In this beautiful book from debut creator Bomi Park, a young girl wakes up to the year's first snowy day. From her initial glimpse out the window to her poignant adventures—rolling a snowman, making snow angels—the girl's quiet quests are ones all young readers will recognize. Simple, muted text and exquisite, evocative art conjure the excitement of a day spent exploring the wonder of snow—and the magic that, sometimes literally, such a day brings. As subtly joyful as a snow day itself, this book will find its home in the hearts of young adventurers everywhere.

FROM SARAH: Set in 1880s London, this series is full of Victorian England flavor, but with characters so relatable and genuine that you feel you could meet them in present-day. Emma herself is the kind of heroine you'd love to have as a friend, and she becomes that through her journal entries. The series is wonderfully witty, full of subtle humor, hidden details, and incredible character development. At present, there are eight-volumes in this series, with more planned from the author. The content is clean, and this could be a series enjoyed by teens as well. Half the RAR team is obsessed with these books!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

**Description from Amazon: The first book in the Caroline Years series, the story of Caroline Quiner—the girl who grew up to be Ma Ingalls in  the beloved Little House series.It's 1845 and Caroline lives in the bustling frontier town of Brookfield, Wisconsin. It’s been one whole year since Caroline’s father was lost at...

NARRATED BY: Lorna Raver, DIRECTIONS: Buy the Kindle version for .99, then select "Add Audible narration for $2.99" BEST FOR AGES: 7+

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a literary environment dominated by men, the first American to earn a living as a writer and to establish a reputation on both sides of the Atlantic was, miraculously, a woman. Hannah Adams dared to enter―and in some ways was forced to enter―a sphere of literature that had, in eighteenth-century America, been solely a male province.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A young girl’s beloved uncle is a talented barber without a shop who never gives up on his dream in this richly illustrated, stirring picture book.

NARRATED BY: Sisi Aisha Johnson, DIRECTIONS: Buy the Kindle version for $1.99, then select "Add Audible narration for $2.99" BEST FOR AGES: Publisher recommends grade 4-7-- I have not read this book yet, but it has won quite a few awards and has been recommended to me numerous times

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Introducing SQUISH—a new graphic novel series about a comic book-loving, twinkie-eating grade school AMOEBA trying to find his place in the world (or at least trying to make it through a school day).

     In this outstanding picture book collection of poems by Newbery Honor-winning poet, Joyce Sidman (Song of the Water Boatman, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night), discover how animals stay alive in the wintertime and learn about their secret lives happening under the snow. Paired with...

**Description from Amazon: Fourteen-year-old Francis Tucket is heading west on the Oregon Trail with his family by wagon train. When he receives a rifle for his birthday, he is thrilled that he is being treated like an adult. But Francis lags behind to practice shooting and is captured by Pawnees. It will take wild horses, ho...

FROM SARAH:

A collection of essays, articles, letters, and passages from the works of C.S. Lewis reflecting on the delight and depth that reading gives our lives. My favorite chapters were “Why Children’s Stories Are Not Just for Children” and “On Encountering a Favorite Author for the First Time.” (nonfiction)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The revered teacher and best-selling author reflects on the power, importance, and joy of a life dedicated to reading books in this delightful collection drawn from his wide body of writings.

FROM SARAH:

A classic from Leo Lionni!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Deep in the sea lives a happy school of fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and team work—they can overcome any danger.

FROM SARAH:

If this book doesn't put you and your kids into a nature-journaling type of mood, I don't know what will! Absolutely stunning illustrations from Jim LaMarche. A celebration of nature.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter. As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins. Silently she observes the world around her as it reveals its secrets. It takes time and patience to see the changes as, slowly but surely, winter comes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus and sparked a boycott that changed America. Harriet Tubman helped more than three hundred slaves escape the South on the Underground Railroad. Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The lives these women led are part of an incredible story about courage in the face of oppression; about the challenges and triumphs of the battle for civil rights; and about speaking out for what you believe in--even when it feels like no one is listening.