Books

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science.

FROM SARAH:

A classic for a reason! Sir Cumference always brings a little giggle and lots of problem-solving silliness to our math lessons. Check out the whole series!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Join Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius for wordplay, puns, and problem solving in this geometry-packed math adventure. King Arthur was a good ruler, but now he needs a good ruler. What would you do if the neighboring kingdom were threatening war?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On a remote jungle island, genetic engineers have created a dinosaur game park.An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now one of mankind's most thrilling fantasies has come true and the first dinosaurs that the Earth has seen in the time of man emerge. But, as always, there is a dark side to the fantasy and after a catastrophe destroys the park's defense systems, the scientists and tourists are left fighting for survival...With this masterful cross of science fiction and action-adventure, Michael Crichton created one of the biggest bestsellers of all time.

**Description from Amazon: In Gatefather, the third installment in the Mithermages series, New York Times bestselling author Orson Scott Card continues his fantastic tale of the Mages of Westil who live in exile on Earth.Danny North is the first Gate Mage to be born on Earth in nearly 2000 years, or at least the first to surv...

**Description from Amazon: Freshman Daniel Pratzer gets a chance to prove himself when the chess team invites him and his father to a weekend-long parent-child tournament. Daniel, thinking that his father is a novice, can't understand why his teammates want so badly for them to participate. Then he finds out the truth: as a t...

**Description from Amazon: In his signature style of grand storytelling, James A. Michener transports us back thousands of years to the Holy Land. Through the discoveries of modern archaeologists excavating the site of Tell Makor, Michener vividly re-creates life in an ancient city and traces the profound history of the Jewis...

**Description from Amazon: On the right side of the law. Sort of.   Sebastian Rudd is not your typical street lawyer. He works out of a customized bulletproof van, complete with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, fine leather chairs, a hidden gun compartment, and a heavily armed driver. He has no firm, no partners, no associates,...

**Description from Amazon: Don't Miss the Original Series Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Starring John Krasinski!Tom Clancy reveals Jack Ryan’s origins in this electrifying #1 New York Times bestselling thriller that pits the former Marine turned family man against a vicious group of international terrorists.As an American in Lon...

In an Arizona desert a man wanders in a daze, speaking words that make no sense. Within twenty-four hours he is dead, his body swiftly cremated by his only known associates. Halfway around the world archaeologists make a shocking discovery at a medieval site. Suddenly they are swept off to the headq...

**Description from Amazon: Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? How much do parents really matter? These may not sound like typical questions for an economist to ask. But Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life...

**Description from Amazon: How does magic in J. K. Rowling’s universe work? Finally, the scientific secrets of the Harry Potter universe are revealed!The insanely popular Harry Potter books and movies have brought the idea of magic and sorcery into mainstream. Modern muggle scientists have uncovered explanations to the seem...

**Description from Amazon: In a book perfect for readers of Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit, David Eagleman’s Incognito, and Leonard Mlodinow’s Subliminal, the cognitive neuroscientists who discovered how the brain has aha moments—sudden creative insights—explain how they happen, when we need them, and how we ca...

Following his blockbuster biography of Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson’s New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed The Innovators is a “riveting, propulsive, and at times deeply moving” (The Atlantic) story of the people who created the computer and the Internet.What were the talents tha...

**Description from Amazon: Bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Louis Sachar knows how to make readers laugh. And there are laughs galore in perennial favorite Sideways Stories from Wayside School!Accidentally built sideways and standing thirty stories high (the builder said he was very sorry for the mistake), Wayside...

**Description from Amazon: The Wheel of Time ® is a PBS Great American Read Selection! Now in development for TV! Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time® by Robert Jordan has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters.The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and g...

**Description from Amazon: You can be a great parent while still enjoying yourself. From the experts at Parenting magazine and popular mommy blogger Meagan Francis, The Happiest Mom brings the latest happiness research--and the experience of a mother of five--to moms who want to make parenting a little more joyful. With its s...

**Description from Amazon: When you’re in the baby and toddler phase of motherhood, life is intense - and often exhausting.But slowly things change. That baby who couldn't go an hour without nursing starts eating table food, and suddenly he's happy to hang out at Grandma and Grandpa's for an evening. The toddler who was int...

**Description from Amazon: Trixie’s summer is going to be sooo boring with her two older brothers away at camp. But then a millionaire’s daughter moves into the next-door mansion, an old miser hides a fortune in his decrepit house, and a runaway kid starts hiding out in Sleepyside!

FROM SARAH:

We can't get enough of Mercy Watson around here, and these chapter books from Kate DiCamillo take the Deckawoo delights to a whole 'nother level! These make for fun read-alouds or audiobooks.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The first three tales of Kate DiCamillo’s hilarious and heartfelt Deckawoo Drive series are collected in a convenient, affordable bind-up. Dive into a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books.

FROM SARAH:

When you think of winter, do you think: warm? With scarves and mittens and toasty fires, why ever not? This clever book is a lot of fun to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A unique twist on the traditional wintertime picture book, the beautiful visual narrative follows a boy and his family through a day of hot breakfasts, steaming afternoon cocoa, and a festive candlelit party before bed. With its inviting scenes, poetic text,and gorgeous illustrations, Winter Is the Warmest Season celebrates all the wonderful things that make winter the coziest time of the year.

FROM SARAH:

I'm a fan of Laura Purdie Salas, and I love how she combines scientfic knowledge with lyrical prose! This is a fun and informative read-aloud, perfect for a morning basket or a winter unit study.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

There is more than one way for animals to prepare for winter. This rhyming nonfiction picture book by Laura Purdie Salas tells you all about how animals survive chilly weather.

FROM SARAH:

The cool color palette in this book makes me want to sit on every page a little longer than necessary. If your library doesn't have this book, ask them to get it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A snow-day journey with Grandma highlights all of the beauty, magic, and fun of winter. With sparkling flakes calling from outside, this sister and brother bundle up for an outdoor adventure with Grandma. In the hushed woods, they see and hear wildlife thriving under a new blanket of snow.  In the bustle of town, they help their grateful Grandpa dig out. Then, it’s time to get sledding! Snowy scenes capture the beauty of freshly fallen snow, and the lyrical verse delights in the magic of playing in the snow and the warm comfort of family.

FROM SARAH:

A delightful book for kids who love stories about tractors or construction vehicles. The color palette is especially dazzling!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Small Walt and his driver, Gus, take on a blizzard! All the bigger snowplows doubt that Walt has what it takes to plow the roads in the storm, but Walt is determined to prove them wrong. Brimming with onomatopoeia and Walt’s affirming chants, this sweet picture book shows that when it comes to strength, size doesn’t matter. Bestselling illustrator Marc Rosenthal’s wintry scenes make this book the perfect cozy read-aloud.

FROM SARAH:

Some kids just can't get enough stories about cars and trucks nad things that go...and if you've got one of those kiddos yourself, you're always on the hunt for a new one! The Small Walt books by Elizabeth Verdick are worth adding to your collection or borrowing from the library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Small Walt befriends a tow truck when he comes across a car in need of help in this irresistible companion to Small Walt, which Kirkus Reviews called “charming and endearing” in a starred review. A bitter blizzard. A snowbound town. When a car skids off the road, Small Walt and Gus might not have what it takes to save the day on their own. But who does? Mo the Tow to the rescue! Text filled with onomatopoeia and Walt’s affirming chants make this story about friendship and accepting help from others a real winner.

FROM SARAH:

An homage to Martin Luther King, this picture book is longer than most and best for older kids. Gorgeous.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In a rich embroidery of visions, musical cadence, and deep emotion, Andrea and Brian Pinkney convey the final months of Martin Luther King's life--and of his assassination--through metaphor, spirituality, and multilayers of meaning.

FROM SARAH:

Best for those who love quiet books that stay with you long after you read them.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One sunny day Samson, a large and friendly woolly mammoth, encounters a little red bird who is looking for yellow flowers for her mouse friend (whose favorite color is yellow). As she flies off with the flowers, Samson wonders what it must be like to have a friend. He wonders this for so long, in fact, that he falls asleep and wakes up to a world covered in snow. In the midst of a blizzard, Samson finds and shelters the little red bird and flower-loving mouse in a tender tale of kindness and unexpected friendship.

FROM SARAH:

There's a reason this book won all the awards it could possibly win! A picture book biography told in MLK's own words.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life.

FROM SARAH:

When Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney pair up, I always pay attention. This is an especially good book to read with older kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.

FROM SARAH:

The story of MLK from a perspective we don't always think about: his son's. Truly wonderful.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son.

FROM SARAH:

Kadir Nelson is one of the finest picture book illustrators working today, and his skills are on full display here. It's stunning. If I was getting just one book to read about MLK, this would be it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: "My father's dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing I Have a Dream speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us--those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone."

FROM SARAH:

Tells the story of the 1963 children's march in Birmingham, Alabama. Beautifully illustrated.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This powerful picture book introduces young readers to a key event in the struggle for Civil Rights. Winner, Coretta Scott King Honor Award. In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison's emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson's moving and poetic words document this remarkable time.

FROM SARAH:

I'm willing to bet you'll learn a little something new while reading this with your kids! Displays the power of strong-minded women and their expertise both in the kitchen and in the world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This stunning picture book looks into the life of Georgia Gilmore, a hidden figure of history who played a critical role in the civil rights movement and used her passion for baking to help the Montgomery Bus Boycott achieve its goal.

FROM SARAH:

Learn about the sanitation strike of 1968 from the perspective of a young girl in this award-winning picture book. Recommended for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This picture book tells the story of a nine-year-old girl who in 1968 witnessed the Memphis sanitation strike - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final stand for justice before his assassination - when her father, a sanitation worker, participated in the protest. Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Booklist Editors' Choice, Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book, Booklist Top 10 Diverse Books for Middle Grade or Older Readers, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books.

FROM SARAH:

Oh goodness, the language in this book is positively delicious to read aloud. The longer-than-normal picture book text makes this an especially good read-aloud for a wide age range.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When Thomas misplaces the basket of dried fruit he needs to make his seasonal wintercake, friends old and new come together to save the day. Newbery Medalist and acclaimed picture book creator Lynne Rae Perkins weaves a delightful holiday tale full of surprises and gentle humor. Wintercake is a book about holiday traditions and why they matter. It’s also a story about making mistakes and how mistakes can sometimes lead to wonderful things. With colorful and detailed paintings depicting the winter forest and its animal inhabitants, this seasonal title is perfect for classroom and family sharing all year round.

**Description from Amazon: "Hest simply and faithfully holds a mirror to the milestone event for millions of turn-of-the-century immigrants." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)When a young girl from a poor eastern European village learns that she must leave her beloved grandmother for a new life — and a new love — i...

**Description from Amazon: A Parents Best Children’s Book of 2019A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children’s Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can reme...

FROM SARAH:

I just love P.J. Lynch's illustrations. This longer picture book tells the story of the pilgrims voyage, their deadly first year, and settlement with help from Squanto and local tribes, all told from John Howard's perspective.

Recommended for older kids (ages 7+)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Leaving the docks of London on the Mayflower as an indentured servant to Pilgrim John Carver, John Howland little knew that he was embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. By his great good fortune, John survived falling overboard on the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, and he earned his keep ashore by helping to scout a safe harbor and landing site for his bedraggled and ill shipmates. Would his luck continue to hold amid the dangers and adversity of the Pilgrims’ lives in New England? P.J. Lynch captures this pivotal moment in American history in precise and exquisite detail, from the light on the froth of a breaking wave to the questioning voice of a teen in a new world.

**Description from Amazon: This collection of magical tales brings to life the boggarts, gowks, fools, hobgoblins, and other strange and wonderful creatures that populate English and Welsh folklore

**Description from Amazon: Witnessed through the eyes of a young boy, a captivating story beautifully evokes John F. Kennedy’s return to his ancestral home.When the beloved president visited Ireland in 1963, he described it as the best four days of his life. And for a generation of Irish people, it was a trip they never for...

**Description from Amazon: “Rarely does a biography so robustly engage the audience's emotions.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)Historians claim him as one of America’s most revered presidents. But to his rambunctious sons, Abraham Lincoln was above all a playful and loving father. Here is Lincoln as seen by tw...

FROM SARAH:

My kids all l-o-v-e-d this book as a read-aloud so much, we read it more than once! The chapters are short, there are plenty of Peter Brown's excellent illustrations to keep you company, and you'll just fall in love with Roz and her wild adventures. Highly recommended. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

FROM SARAH:

In this delightful story, the king refuses to leave his bathtub and rule the kingdom. It was, in fact, my own favorite picture book as a child, and I well remember the library storytime that introduced it to me!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One by one, the Knight, the Queen, the Duke—and eventually all the members of the King's Court—try to persuade King Bidgood to leave his sumptuous bath. No luck!

Why the King finally leaves his bath makes for a delightful surprise ending to this delightful tale.

FROM SARAH:

Perhaps the greatest middle grade novel ever written. Is that too bold a statement? 😆 It doesn't matter how many times you read it, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe simply never disappoints. It's a perfect example of a whole-family read-aloud. I strongly recommend starting the Narnia series with this book and then reading the rest of the series in publication order. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The four Pevensie children are sent to live in a large house in the country, a house with many rooms, which are filled with many things. But one of the rooms is absolutely empty, except for a single piece of furniture: a large wardrobe.

FROM SARAH:

One of the most innovative nonfiction picture books I've ever seen. Do not miss it! (Especially good for when you're learning about the water cycle, but you can read it with enjoyment anytime.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup. Water is water unless...it heats up. A picture about the water cycle? Oh, but this one is a delight! Your older kids will be delighted by the many surprising ways water shows up in our lives.

FROM SARAH:

Based on a true story, this book tells of a brave woman and her eight children who restart their life from scratch in a ramshackle house in the woods. The power of resilience and the beauty of family shines through. A favorite. Meet the author/illustrator in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This stunningly beautiful picture book from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Eliza Wheeler is based on her grandmother's childhood and pays homage to a family's fortitude as they discover the meaning of home.

So your teens think they're too old for picture books, do they? See what think of this clever and artistic tale of a young boy, his grandfather, and the language barrier that keeps them apart. Captivating.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A small boy tries to discover the meaning of "memory" so he can restore that of an elderly friend. Mem Fox's perfect text and Julie Vivas's delightful illustrations make this a winner for all ages.

FROM SARAH:

In this book we encounter the story of Joe Rantz, a boy who suffered mightily during childhood but rose up to grab life by its horns anyway. This is a true story teen athletes will especially enjoy. I recommend the Young Reader's Adaptation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Out of the depths of the Great Depression comes the astonishing tale of nine working-class boys from the American West who at the 1936 Olympics showed the world what true grit really meant. With rowers who were the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast teams, yet they did, going on to shock the world by challenging the German boat rowing for Adolf Hitler.

FROM SARAH:

The first in a series about a family during the fall of Imperial Russia. I would never have picked this book up based on the cover, but once I did, I swallowed the whole series up... then pressed the books into my teens' hands to read, as well! Gloria Whelan is one of my favorite authors for kids and teens, and this one is the best kind of compelling historical fiction.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The daughter of a lady in waiting to the Empress, Katya spends all her time with the Grand Duchesses, and the royal family feels like her own. But outside the palace, a terrible war is sweeping through Europe, and Russia is beginning to crumble under the weight of a growing revolution.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Who said picture books are just for little kids? Henry Brown doesn't know how old he is—nobody keeps records of slaves' birthdays. In an act of utter bravery, Henry mails himself to the North. This true, dramatic story of Henry Brown should not be missed.

FROM SARAH:

We're big fans of Barb Rosenstock's picture book biographies around here! This one tells the incredible story of  Nek Chand Saini nad his secret labyrinth of curving paths, mosaics, and repeating patterns. A feast for the eyes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The incredible story of the world’s largest visionary environment: the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, kept secret by outsider artist Nek Chand for fifteen years.

FROM SARAH:

Ezra Jack Keats, who brought us Peter from The Snowy Day, takes us on another ordinary, yet magical, adventure through the eyes of a young boy who wants to learn to whistle for his dog. The vibrant illustrations and relatable story are just timeless!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The (wonderful) author of The Snowy Day. Oh, how Peter wished he could whistle! Then he could whistle for his dog, Willie, and Willie could come running.

FROM SARAH:

This one is quite a sad (though beautifully told) story. Written by the one and only Jane Yolen, and illustrated by RAR favorite, Barbara Cooney. See if your library has it!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the middle of this century, the Swift River towns in western Massachusetts were drowned - purchased by the government and flooded in order to form the Quabbin Reservoir. "Letting Swift River Go" tells of this dramatic event through the eyes of a young girl, Sally Jane, as she watches her thriving hometown transformed into a wilderness and then submerged. Sally Jane's story vividly recalls life and changing times in rural America: playing by the Old Stone Mill and later watching it be torn down; harvesting maple sap and seeing those same trees uprooted; walking to school along a winding balcktop road and returning many years later to float above the same road in a rowboat on the new reservoir.

**Description from Amazon: A young girl from Brooklyn, New York enjoys her summer at the beach where she can paint and listen to the wild waves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From celebrated author Gary D. Schmidt comes a picture book biography of a giant in the struggle for civil rights, perfectly pitched for readers today. Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Ever since she was a young girl, Eliza Hamilton hoped to help people in need. From the private quarters of her family home to her national platform as Hamilton’s partner, Eliza was a lifelong advocate for fairness, freedom and faith. The remarkable acts of charity and public service she performed after Alexander’s death are considered a significant contribution to the Hamilton legacy the world celebrates today. Here is a thoughtful, historical account of her life beginning with her childhood influences.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In 1889, New York reporter Nellie Bly—inspired by Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days—began a circumnavigation she hoped to complete in less time. Her trip was sponsored by her employer, The World. Just hours after her ship set out across the Atlantic, another New York publication put writer Elizabeth Bisland on a westbound train. Bisland was headed around the world in the opposite direction, thinking she could beat Bly's time. Only one woman could win the race, but both completed their journeys in record time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As a young girl, Beverly Cleary struggled to learn to read and found most children's books dull and uninteresting. She often wondered if there were any books about kids just like her. With hard work, and the encouragement of her parents and a special teacher, she learned to read and at a young age discovered she had a knack for writing.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Because Bobbi Gibb is a girl, she's not allowed to run on her school's track team. But after school, no one can stop her--and she's free to run endless miles to her heart's content. She is told no yet again when she tries to enter the Boston Marathon in 1966, because the officials claim that it's a man's race and that women are just not capable of running such a long distance. So what does Bobbi do? She bravely sets out to prove the naysayers wrong and show the world just what a girl can do.