Books

FROM SARAH:

An unputdownable historical novel. I learned so much while reading this book. (And ignored a lot of laundry). Best for ages 12+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With the rise of the Berlin Wall, Gerta finds her family suddenly divided. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, yet she can't help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city.

But one day on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Gerta concludes that her father wants her and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?

FROM SARAH:

The number of boys who have told me they love this series astounds me. Or maybe it doesn't, because it's Brandon Sanderson, after all. Fast-paced.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On his thirteenth birthday, foster child Alcatraz Smedry gets a bag of sand in the mail-his only inheritance from his father and mother. He soon learns that this is no ordinary bag of sand. It is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians who are taking over the world by spreading misinformation and suppressing truth. Alcatraz must stop them, using the only weapon he has: an incredible talent for breaking things.

FROM SARAH;

A YA series by the prolific and wildly successful author Brandon Sanderson begins here, with Steelheart. This was one of my oldest son's favorite fantasy series when he was in his teens. Recommended for 14+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How far would you go for revenge if someone killed your father?
If someone destroyed your city?
If everything you ever loved was taken from you?
David Charleston will go to any lengths to stop Steelheart. But to exact revenge in Steelheart's world, David will need the Reckoners--a shadowy group of rebels bent on maintaining justice.

**Description from Amazon: A Newbery Medal WinnerProfessor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic ...

**Description from Amazon: NYT Bestselling series! Harlem’s favorite family returns in the third installment in the Vanderbeerkers series, wherein the Vanderbeeker kids find themselves racing to save their mother’s baking business from city closure. Illustrated with delightful black and white illustrations.For the Vanderb...

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

A story of dark love and passionate obsession that was considered "too sensational" to be published in the authors lifetime, A Long Fatal Love Chase was written for magazine serialization in 1866, two years before the publication of Little Women.

**Description from Amazon: The Blythes Are Quoted is the last work of fiction by the internationally celebrated author of Anne of Green Gables. Intended by L.M. Montgomery to be the ninth volume in her bestselling series featuring her beloved heroine Anne – and delivered to her publisher on the very day she died – it has ...

**Description from Amazon: For Anne and Gilbert Blythe, life in a small village is never dull because of all the entertaining gossip, and what strange and funny tales they hear: about the mischievous twins whose dearest wish comes true when they meet up with a bored and haunted millionaire; or clever Penelope Craig, who consi...

**Description from Amazon: Sense and Sensibility is a novel by Jane Austen, and was her first published work when it appeared in 1811 under the pseudonym "A Lady". A work of romantic fiction, better known as a comedy of manners, Sense and Sensibility is set in southwest England, London and Kent between 1792 and 1797, and port...

**Description from Amazon: “Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience - or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.” ― Jane Austen, Sense and SensibilityJust a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Fra...

**Description from Amazon: Follow the real Laura Ingalls and her family as they make their way west and discover that truth is as remarkable as fiction. Hidden away since the 1930s, Laura Ingalls Wilder s never-before-published autobiography reveals the true stories of her pioneering life. Some of her experiences will be fami...

**Description from Amazon: Which pony does the diamond horseshoe fit? In this clever retelling of Cinderella, Ponyella longs to show Princess Penelope her fabulous leaps and jumps at the Tippington 25th Annual Grand Royal Pony Championship. But Plumpkin and Bun Bun, the mean ponies she shares a farm with, say that Ponyella's...

**Description from Amazon: Read this sweet New York Times bestselling series from the author of If You Give a Pig a Pancake, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Mouse a Brownie, and other beloved books. The Jellybeans are ready for an art adventure when Bitsy enlists the other girls to help her paint a mural at their ...

FROM SARAH:

The delightful lyrical text in each of these books will have you singing them to yourself all day long! A favorite for many families!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This sweet hardcover collection features four complete books from the bestselling If You Give... series, as well as tons of fun recipes, songs, and activities for kids and parents to enjoy.

**Description from Amazon: The little pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake is back in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you give a pig a party, she's going to ask for some balloons. When you give her the balloons, she'll want to decorate the house. When she's finished, she...

**Description from Amazon: Mouse goes to school in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probab...

**Description from Amazon: Mouse is back in this ninth picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series! If you give a mouse a brownie, he's going to ask for some ice cream to go with it. When you give him the ice cream, he'll probably ask you for a spoon. He'll start drumming on the table. Drum...

**Description from Amazon: Mouse celebrates the holidays in this picture book in the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling If You Give... series!If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask you for some popcorn. If you give him the popcorn, he'll want to string it all together. Then he'll want to hang it on a Christmas tree.T...

**Description from Amazon: Chimps don't wear glasses And zebras don't cook And you won't see a kangaroo reading a book. So begins the sequel to Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers in which we find more animals in preposterous, hilarious situations. Laura Numeroff's understated text, combined with Joe Mathieu's vibrant art, creates a non...

FROM SARAH:

I'm not an introvert (I'm sure you're shocked! 🫢) but this book spoke to me all the same. I love Jamie's compassionate, gentle, bookish approach.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Jamie shares vulnerable stories from her own life as well as thoughts from other introverted mothers, letting you know you're not alone. Her practical suggestions and creative inspiration are enhanced with quotes and insights from four beloved writers--Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, L. M. Montgomery, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Together, Jamie and this band of fellow introverts gently point you toward hope, laughter, and joy.

FROM SARAH:

I think everyone I've ever read this book with adores it. How can you not? It's a joy to read aloud!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years!

FROM SARAH:

I lost track of how many times my daughter Clara listened to the stories of Clementine on audiobook when she was 8 and 9. She loved them! Excellent for fans of Ramona Quimby.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Clementine is not having a great week. On Monday, she's sent to the principal's office for cutting off Margaret's hair. Things only get worse from here. This week? It's turning out to be a disaster. (If you loved Ramona Quimby growing up, don't miss the whole series about Clementine!)

FROM SARAH:

A charming story of Anna Hibiscus, who lives in amazing Africa with her one-of-a-kind family. The whole series is worth owning for your personal collection. Ideal for ages 5-9.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This is a collection of four linked stories about family life set in modern west Africa. Anna Hibiscus lives in amazing Africa with her family in a wonderful house in a beautiful garden in a big city.

FROM SARAH:

You know I love a good tale featuring storybook rodents, and this collection by Emily Bearn is among the best! Makes for a great read-aloud for a large age range.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This book will make you want to brew a pot of tea nad whip up some scones! Don't be intimidated by its size—it's surprisingly engaging for even very young listeners. Tumtum and Nutmeg are a pair of mice your kids won't easily forget.

FROM SARAH:

This is the first in Gail Carson's series of very popular fairy tale retellings. It's been awhile since I've read it, and I haven't read the rest in the series. My kids, however, have enjoyed this one!

Recommended for ages 10+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At her birth, Ella of Frell receives a foolish fairy's gift—the “gift” of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it's to hop on one foot for a day and a half, or to chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate . . .

FROM SARAH:

A classic that girls love every bit as they ever did! I like to recommend books in this series to kids who love The Penderwicks series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Pauline, Petrova, and Posy love their quiet life together. They are orphans who have been raised as sisters, and when their new family needs money, the girls want to help. They decide to join the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training to earn their keep.

FROM SARAH:

An astonishingly good book. I don't like it much for a read-aloud as the narrator is Death, and it feels a little off to me to have mama's voice in that character. The audiobook is wonderfully done! Best for teens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

FROM SARAH:

The true story of Ji-li Jiang, who grew up in China under communist revolutionary Mao Zedong. Be ready for some conversations after this one! I recommend it for teens.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's 1966, and twelve-year-old Ji-li Jiang has everything a girl could want: brains, popularity, and a bright future in Communist China. But it's also the year that China's leader, Mao Ze-dong, launches the Cultural Revolution—and Ji-li's world begins to fall apart... a breathtaking true story your teens won't soon forget.

FROM SARAH:

Nobody else illustrates a book quite like Jim LaMarche! This is a feast for the ideas. Worth owning for your permanent home collection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The joy of the seasons, the wonder of discovery, and the appreciation and respect for the natural world is at the heart of this book, drawn from the childhood of award-winning illustrator Jim LaMarche.

FROM SARAH:

The best book I know to teach onomatopoeia while also taking in a feast for the eyes! This book is such fun.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In glorious onomatopoeia, Tim McCanna takes the reader on a dazzling journey as a fox seeks shelter from a rainstorm.

FROM SARAH:

Funny, funny, funny. Duck is just trying to keep order on the pond. Alas. ;)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Goose has gone on vacation and Duck is looking after her pond. But Duck is a bit TOO enthusiastic? "No splashing! No fishing! No racing!" he quacks.

FROM SARAH:

A beautifully illustrated story about a father and son's fishing trip is a gentle exploration of the immigrant experience and family bonding. Lovely.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event - a long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son - and between cultures, old and new.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

A gentle story that follows a young boy's interactions with turtles in a city park. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In Turtle Pond, a child and his parents visit their local public garden throughout the year, observing the turtles as they play, dive, feed, bask, climb, hide and doze. James Gladstone’s lively prose poem reveals the pleasure and curiosity that come from spending time with the turtles.

FROM SARAH:

Celebrate the joys of summer with this vibrant book that captures the essence of the season. I especially love Jaime Kim's illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A joyful, sun-drenched tribute to the anticipation and adventures of the warmest season of the year.When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Storyteller Jim Weiss brings classic fairy tales to life. These stories of magic and wonder include "Rapunzel," "Puss in Boots," and more.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Brings the world of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson to life for children. Features four classic Holmes mysteries.

**Description from Amazon: Narrator Jim Weiss brings you inspiring true stories of heroic scientists who risked everything for the truth. Includes Archimedes and his famous "Eureka!" moment, Galileo's telescope, Isaac Newton's discoveries, and more.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Perfect for children ready to move beyond musi to recordings of the spoken word. Features delightful tellings of Aesop's Fables, plus lively tales from Grimm, Chaucer, and others.

**Description from Amazon: A New York Times bestselling author and a rising-star illustrator present an utterly hilarious, oh-so-silly tale about Mr. Pockles, an odd little dog with a big hat collection--and an even bigger heart. For Mr. Pockles, going without a hat is as unthinkable as going around without any pants on. He h...

**Description from Amazon: From a New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning illustrator comes an utterly hilarious step-by-step guide to writing a book, as told by a child "author."Want to write a book? Well, the spunky, know-it-all narrator of this side-splitting story can tell you just how to do it. She walks r...

FROM SARAH:

An enchanting bedtime story. And who can resist such woodland creatures as these?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

It's time for these little squirrels to go to bed! Mick, Mack, and Molly, the three adorable squirrel siblings, are back in action—but not when they should be. This time, they are up and out in the middle of the night. After all, the owl children are wide-awake and playing. So why can’t squirrel children stay up late and play, too?

FROM SARAH:

Young kids especially may be entranced by the simple, bold illustrations in this summery picture book by Wong Herbert Yee.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On a hot summer day, a little girl finds ways to entertain herself and stay cool. She catches a butterfly, sips lemonade, jumps in a pool, and goes on a picnic. At night, she sees an owl in a tree and a frog in a pond, and hears leaves rustling. Before long, she's fast asleep, dreaming about more summer days and summer nights.

FROM SARAH:

This book is true to its name — it brings the glory of the outdoors into your home. It makes me want to get outside and will be sure to make you and your crew eager for your next adventure.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nothing takes the place of splashing in a puddle or jumping into a pile of autumn leaves. Along with the mud and sand that gets tracked indoors come memories that live forever! Mary McKenna Siddals has written a joyous anthem that encourages children to play in the dirt. It will surely resonate with today’s overscheduled as well as sedentary kids, and their parents.

FROM SARAH:

Clever! Britta Teckentrup created a peek-through format for this one that teaches kids about the phases of the moon.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Over deserts and forests, Arctic tundra and tropical beaches, the moon shines down on creatures around the world. Children will love discovering how it changes from day to day as the lunar cycle is shown through clever peek-through holes, each revealing the moon in a different size and shape.

FROM SARAH:

Especially good for a child who is anxious or nervous about new experiences. Here's a fun, lighthearted take that will put everyone (even your nervous Nellie) in the mood for the beach!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM SARAH:

Jan Brett’s masterful work gives readers a way to discuss belonging, self‑confidence, and kindness, all within a warm, fairy‑tale setting. It’s a reassuring reminder that every child—quiet, bold, quirky, or anything in between—has something beautiful to offer the world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this classic picture book from best-selling author-illustrator Jan Brett, Fritz the pony becomes a hero when he rescues the children of a walled city.

**Description from Amazon: When Piper the dog's grim new master treats him badly, he is terrified and runs away to the big city where his courage and desire to please makes him a hero and finds him a new, loving home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Caldecott Honor BookAn ALA Notable BookA breathtakingly beautiful and luminescent book that is pitch-perfect for anyone of any age who has experienced any type of loss or disappointment.

Histories of the book often move straight from the codex to the digital screen. Left out is nearly 150 years of audio recordings. Matthew Rubery uncovers this story, from Edison to today’s billion-dollar audiobook industry, and breaks from convention by treating audiobooks as a distinctive art for...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A Wall Street Journal writer’s conversation-changing look at how reading aloud makes adults and children smarter, happier, healthier, more successful and more closely attached, even as technology pulls in the other direction.

CD and book in great shape. Some minor wear from use. Quick ship gently used in smoke-free home

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

What would it be like if the moon was your friend? Find out as you walk alongside a little boy who journeys through life to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. And then blast off with your little one as you zoom to the moon together!

**Description from Amazon: In time for the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing, this father-daughter story celebrates a small community's big contribution to one of America's greatest accomplishments.Marthanne and her father sit side by side, looking out over their mill village as the moon glows in the sky. Marthanne hop...

**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...

**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 THE PUBLISHER:

On the heels of Lindbergh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse comes Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon—where dreams are determined only by the size of your imagination and the biggest innovators are the smallest of all.

**Description from Amazon: "Breakout is the story of a prison break narrated by three girls who live in the neighborhood surrounding the prison. What begins as just reporting on the event ends up saying a lot about racism and criminal justice, told in a very accessible style of texts, comics, letters, and more." - Seira Wilso...

**Description from Amazon: All it takes is one: one coral gamete to start a colony, one person to make a difference, one idea to change the world. The ongoing efforts to save and rebuild the world's coral reefs—with hammer and glue, and grafts of newly grown coral—are the living legacy of Ken Nedimyer, founder of the Cora...

**Description from Amazon: Einstein, Edison, DaVinci, Oppenheimer, Curie. The greatest minds in science are about to be illegally recreated―and Cat Grayson must stop it. After suffering a concussion, Cat is attending I-CAN, a groundbreaking facility that promises to cure her of constant headaches and lost memory. But I-CAN ...

**Description from Amazon: In the not-too-distant future, huge tornadoes and monster storms are a part of everyday life. In the heart of storm country, Jaden Meggs attends the exclusive summer science camp, Eye on Tomorrow that her dad founded. There she meets Alex, a boy from a nearby storm-ravaged farm, and together they di...