Books

**Description from Amazon: Four Months Ago Sara Zapata's best friend disappeared, kidnapped by the web of criminals who terrorize Juarez.Four Hours Ago Sara received a death threat -- and with it, a clue to the place where her friend is locked away.Four Weeks Ago Emiliano Zapata fell in love with Perla Rubi, who will never be...

**Description from Amazon: Paul Fisher sees the world from behind glasses so thick he looks like a bug-eyed alien. But he’s not so blind that he can’t see there are some very unusual things about his family’s new home in Tangerine County, Florida. Where else does a sinkhole swallow the local school, fire burn undergroun...

FROM SARAH:

The way I understand it, the author of this book was homeschooled for a time, in which she and her sister (also an author) spent the majority of their time... reading! Being read to, reading to each other, and reading alone. This sparkling story is well-loved by boys and girls alike.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.

**Description from Amazon: Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner An Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2017 A Vulture Best YA Book of 2017 A Buzzed Best YA Book of 2017 An ode to Put the Damn Guns Down, this is National Book Award finalist and New York T...

**Description from Amazon: Can it ever get better? This is the question Benjamin Watson is asking. In a country aflame with the fallout from the racial divide―in which Ferguson, Charleston, and the Confederate flag dominate the national news, daily seeming to rip the wounds open ever wider―is there hope for honest and hea...

**Description from Amazon: When a novel like Huckleberry Finn, or The Yearling, comes along it defies customary adjectives because of the intensity of the response it evokes in the reader. Such a book, we submit, is Old Yeller; to read this eloIquently simple story of a boy and his dog in the Texas hill country is an unforget...

FROM SARAH:

On Tuesdays, the Castle changes. Sometimes it adds a new room, a turret, a staircase... or even a whole wing. This one is fun, fun, fun. I bet you'll hear "Just one more chapter, pleeeease!" from everyone in the room. Your kids can meet author Jessica Day George in RAR Premium in 2020. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the Castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the Castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions.

**Description from Amazon: Nominated for the 2017 National Book Award for Young People's Literature ★ Horn Book ★ School Library Journal ★ Publishers Weekly ★ Booklist ★ Shelf Awareness ★ VOYAFive girls. Three generations. One great American love story. You Bring the Distant Near explores sisterhood, fir...

NARRATED BY: Christopher Cazenove, BEST FOR AGES: 10+

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood except how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: "Julia's House for Lost Creatures." Soon she's hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet isn't a problem anymore for Julia...but getting her housemates to behave themselves is!

FROM SARAH:

A fun tale of friendship and redemption from one of my favorite author/illustrators. Ben Hatke has given us an intergalactic hero we'll never forget in Zita. This is a graphic novel, so pull your kids close so they can see the panels while you read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When her best friend is abducted, Zita leaps to the rescue and finds herself a stranger on a strange planet. Humanoid chickens and neurotic robots are shocking enough as new experiences go, but Zita is even more surprised to find herself taking on the role of intergalactic hero.

FROM SARAH:

An excellent entry into graphic novels by RAR favorite, Ben Hatke. Highly recommended for ages 5+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When a little girl finds an adorable robot in the woods, she presses a button and accidentally activates him for the first time. Now, she finally has a friend. But the big, bad robots are coming to collect the little guy for nefarious purposes, and it's all up to a five-year-old armed only with a wrench and a fierce loyalty to her mechanical friend to save the day!

FROM SARAH:

Ben Hatke, what else do I need to say? This twist on Jack and Beanstalk is told in graphic novel form. Heads up for mild language. I typically recommend it for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jack might be the only kid in the world who's dreading summer. But he's got a good reason: summer is when his single mom takes a second job and leaves him at home to watch his autistic kid sister, Maddy. It's a lot of responsibility, and it's boring, too, because Maddy doesn't talk. Ever.

**Description from Amazon: In this steampunk satire about freedom of speech and religion, two men, a devout Catholic and an atheist, become unwilling allies when they vow to fight a duel to the death over their beliefs, and discover to their astonishment that an unbelieving world won't let them. An abridged reprint of Cheste...

**Description from Amazon: Julia and Simla are two young friends who agree that you can never use too much butter -- and that it is best to be a child forever. Sharing a love of cooking and having no wish to turn into big, busy people who worry too much and dawdle too little, they decide to create a feast for growing and stay...

FROM SARAH:

In this historical novel, Koly, a thirteen-year-old girl in India, must leave her childhood home to face an arranged marriage. After the ceremony is complete, however, Koly learns that her future has been traded for a dowry, and her life changes abruptly. Gloria Whelan writes some of the best books for older kids and teens today- don't miss this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like many girls her age in India, thirteen-year-old Koly faces her arranged marriage with hope and courage. But Koly's story takes a terrible turn when in the wake of the ceremony, she discovers she's been horribly misled--her life has been sold for a dowry. Can she forge her own future, even in the face of time-worn tradition?

**Description from Amazon: It was the day before Christmas in a small Russian village. Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl-before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed...

FROM SARAH:

The story of a black teenage girl who is trying to make her way in a world that doesn't make it easy. Best for teens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And Jade has: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But some opportunities she doesn't really welcome, like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls.

**Description from Amazon: From the first games held in ancient Greece to the cultural extravaganzas of recent years, there have been some incredible and amazing events and milestones in the world of Olympic sports. Now in G is for Gold Medal: An Olympics Alphabet, writer Brad Herzog showcases those athletes and events that n...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Four-time World Champion and professional figure skater Kurt Browning replaces his boots and blades with pen and paper in A is for Axel: An Ice Skating Alphabet. From holding an edge to laces and hooks, Kurt glides and dances through the alphabet explaining the history, techniques, and memorable moments of the sport.

**Description from Amazon: In the mold of our very popular series of state alphabet books, we offer "Z is for Zamboni" to hockey fans young and old across North America. Matt Napier's "breakaway" rhymes and "hard-checking" expository text team up with the "top-shelf" illustrations of Melanie Rose to elucidate this increasingl...

**Description from Amazon: Two fearless Olympians sled to victory in this delightful new picture book Max and Marla are best friends. And aspiring Olympians! With their eyes on the prize, they know exactly what it’ll take to reach sledding success: preparation, practice and perseverance. So when rusty blades, strong winds a...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Written in rhyme and stunningly illustrated with full-page watercolors, this is the second volume in the award-winning Snowman Paul picture book series. This adorable story will delight young children, parents and grandparents alike. It is a perfect bedtime story, and it is ideal for beginner readers. It makes a great Christmas gift, and it is fun to read again and again with your entire family.

**Description from Amazon: "A-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff" "WHAT'S HAPPENING?" Tacky the penguin wants to know. The Winter Games, that's what's happening. And Tacky and his fellow penguins Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect have to work hard to get in shape so they can represent Team Ni...

**Description from Amazon: What kind of cat would go sliding off on skis, and who'd believe it anyway? When the family accidentally leaves Henry, their sassy Siamese, behind at the ski lodge, he takes matters into his own paws in this beguiling adventure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Get ready for the 2018 Winter Olympics with this full-color book for young readers (ages 8-12) that introduces all 15 sport disciplines for the Winter Olympics as well as some of the top Team USA athletes.

**Description from Amazon: Celebrate international sportsmanship with Winter Games Mad Libs®! With everything from bobsledding to figure skating, Winter Games Mad Libs® is jam-packed with hours of fun! Who knew Phil N. DeBlanks was such an all-around athlete?

**Description from Amazon: The New York Times bestselling account of a courageous eighteen-year-old from Nashville who gave up every comfort and convenience to become the adoptive mother to thirteen girls in Uganda.What would cause an eighteen-year-old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to ...

**Description from Amazon: How do you hold on to hope when you don’t get the ending you asked for?When Katie Davis Majors moved to Uganda, accidentally founded a booming organization, and later became the mother of thirteen girls through the miracle of adoption, she determined to weave her life together with the people sh...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce (1759-1833). This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce's extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The doctrine of adoption—God’s decision to adopt sinful men and women into his family—stands at the heart of Christianity. In light of this, Christians’ efforts to adopt beautifully illustrate the truth of the gospel.

**Description from Amazon: The luminous art of three-time Caldecott Honor recipient Jerry Pinkney transforms the nineteenth-century Danish girl of Andersen's tale into a child plucked straight from America's melting pot, shedding new light on the invisibility of the poor among the prosperous-a circumstance as familiar in Ande...

**Description from Amazon: This story of a woman who travels to China to adopt a baby girl, based on the author's own experiences, is a celebration of the love and joy a baby brings into the home. Full color.

**Description from Amazon: In I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, Rose Lewis and Jane Dyer told the heartfelt story of one woman's adoption a baby girl from China. These sentiments are brought to life again in this touching portrait of birthday celebrations and unforgettable moments between a mother and her little girl: from joyous ...

**Description from Amazon: A king and queen should be full of joy and contentment, but they both feel a strange pain that worsens every day. Then a peddler's magic spectacles reveal a red thread pulling at each of their hearts. The king and queen know they must follow the thread.

**Description from Amazon: I Don't Have Your Eyes... but I have your way of looking at things. This begins beautifully illustrated and uplifting book that help to create the intimate parent/caregiver and child bond that is so important within a family. While others may notice the physical differences, there are so many ways w...

**Description from Amazon: Though she came from a wealthy and privileged family, Eleanor Roosevelt grew up in a cheerless household that left her lonely and shy. Years passed before Eleanor began to discover in herself the qualities of intelligence, compassion, and strength that made her a remarkable woman. In Eleanor, two-ti...

FROM SARAH:

I gained a tremendous amount of wisdom from this highly readable book, and so did my oldest daughter. An ideal graduation gift. I'd recommend it for ages 14+, I tihink.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From one of the world’s most celebrated and admired public figures, a wise and intimate book on how to get the most of out life. Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight.

**Description from Amazon: A lyrical adaptation of the writings of Opal Whiteley, a young girl growing up in the early twentieth century, describes Opal's love of nature and her life in an Oregon lumber camp at the turn of the century. Reprint.

**Description from Amazon: This collection chronicles the fiction and non fiction classics by the greatest writers the world has ever known. The inclusion of both popular as well as overlooked pieces is pivotal to providing a broad and representative collection of classic works.

**Description from Amazon: Eleanor H. Porter's classic sequel to her adored novel, "Pollyanna". In "Pollyanna Grows Up", the maturing Pollyanna teaches her "Glad Game" to more of the townspeople and makes new friends, including Sadie and Jamie. When Pollyanna and her Aunt must support themselves following the death of Dr. Chi...

**Description from Amazon: Chatty, idealistic Pollyanna can always find something to be glad about. Even when the newly orphaned girl has to live with her cold, unloving Aunt Polly, she remains full of hope and joy. But then a horrible accident leaves her crippled—and it may finally be too much for Pollyanna to bear. Will a...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

**Description from Amazon: From Sharon Creech, the Newbery Medal winning author of Walk Two Moons, comes a heartwarming adventure about finding family, and a home, when you least expect it.Ruby Holler is a Carnegie Medal-winning novel, and with its quirky protagonists and exciting journey, captures the imaginations of readers...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 
In this heartwarming collection of nineteen short  stories L.M. Montgomery returns to the enchanting  shores of beautiful Prince Edward Island to tell  about orphans much like Anne of Green Gables --  vulnerable, sensitive, and full of hope and courage.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The American classic about a young girl's coming-of-age at the turn of the century. From the moment she entered the world, Francie needed to be made of stern stuff, for the often harsh life of Williamsburg demanded fortitude, precocity, and strength of spirit.

FROM SARAH:

Tired of wasting Saturdays doing nothing, the four Melendy children start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club (I.S.A.A.C.). If they pool their resources and take turns spending the whole amount, they can each have at least one memorable Saturday afternoon of their own. Before long, and every Saturday is definitely one to remember. I love this kind of classic big-family tale!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet the Melendys, an unforgettable family that lives with their beloved housekeeper in New York City. The Melendy kids are tired of wasting Saturdays, so they start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club. And just what will happen on those Saturdays, I wonder?

**Description from Amazon: "[In this] story of a young Ojibwa girl, Omakayas, living on an island in Lake Superior around 1847, Louise Erdrich is reversing the narrative perspective used in most children's stories about nineteenth-century Native Americans. Instead of looking out at 'them' as dangers or curiosities, Erdrich, d...

**Description from Amazon: “I haven't read anything that has moved me this much since Wonder.” —Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright PlacesA space-obsessed boy and his dog, Carl Sagan, take a journey toward family, love, hope, and awe in this funny and moving novel for fans of Counting by 7s, Walk Two Moons, and...

**Description from Amazon: From Newbery honor author Jacqueline Kelly comes Skunked!, a new illustrated chapter book series for younger readers featuring the beloved characters from The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. In Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet, Callie Vee, Travis, and Dr. Pritzker help animals big and small.When soft-hearted T...

While banished to a dusty study one day "to think things over", a boy pulls a book off a shelf and with great reluctance begins to read. As the afternoon passes, the story nabs him and carries him away. Before long, this good little book becomes his loyal companion, accompanying him everywhere ... u...

FROM SARAH:

A lighthearted and playful picture book about gratitude, perfect for November reading before an afternoon spent outside.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.

From the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, with over two million products sold, comes Found based on Psalm 23. Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, little ones will fall in love with this padded cover board book that reminds them of God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbr...

Snuggle Time Prayers, written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Cee Biscoe, is a perfect bedtime collection of fifteen prayers. This padded cover board book will help children settle down at bedtime and remind them of their blessings as they draw closer to God.

I’m going to give you a bear hug.A show you how much I care hug.A good night     Sleep tight        Way beyond compare hug. I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney and illustrated by Tim Warnes, is a playful and comforting bedtime padded boa...

Love surrounds you, beauty, too.Notice how God blesses you!Clap your hands, shout and sing:Thank you, Lord, for everything.A comfortable and relaxing rhyme tells the story of God’s great blessings in this padded cover board book. P.J. Lyons’ engaging text and Tim Warnes’ playful illustrations ...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Linsey Davis, New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning ABC News anchor, invites us to celebrate the everyday miracles that surround us in this inspiring and diverse picture book. From blooming flowers in the backyard to the roaring animals at the zoo to the breeze in the evening trees … the world is awake!

The Baby Wren and the Great Gift, written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jen Corace, is a celebration of all the wonderful gifts God has given us. The tiny wren marvels at the incredible creatures around her, all the while wishing she had a special gift to share. As she t...

Gramps and Gran go on a picnic with Mama and Papa Bear and the cubs. As the family searches high and low for the perfect spot, they end up learning a few things about respect.

The baobab tree story, which I wrote (the church version) is actually based upon a true story, told by Limakatso Nare, a Lutheran pastor who is currently serving a congregation in Louisiana. When he was growing up in his native Africa, he gathered for Sunday school under the baobab tree. Here he lea...