Books

FROM SARAH:

This is a powerful YA historical fiction about a young Japanese-American girl and her family in a small town in Western Washington, where they've carved out their lives through hard labor and loss. Then the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 happens, and everything changes. I was absolutely riveted by this powerful and inspiring story.

I appreciated the author's note about her own family's history and how the internment of Japanese-Americans in the 1940s impacted them. This book was clean, though deals with mature topics, particularly regarding racism and assault, discretion advised.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Stunning, devastating, poignant: Debut author Emily Inouye Huey paints an intimate portrait of the racism faced by America's Japanese population during WWII. Perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys and Sharon Cameron.

FROM SARAH:

This book is a fascinating true story about the most prolific art thief of all time. It's well-paced and hard to put down and is the perfect nonfiction read if you're in the mood for something a little different!

Recommended for adults.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, Michael Finkel gives us one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of our times, a riveting story of art, theft, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.

FROM SARAH:

My favorite book by Oliver Burkeman yet! I underlined and highlighted so many passages. This is structured to be read a little every day for 4 weeks, but I just gobbled it up in a week and then kept it on my favorite bookshelf so I can refer to it often. Recommended for anyone who likes to think about making good use of their time but also prioritizes relationships.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Addressing the fundamental questions about how to live, Meditations for Mortals offers a powerful new way to take action on what counts: a guiding philosophy of life Oliver Burkeman calls “imperfectionism.” It helps us tackle challenges as they crop up in our daily lives: our finite time, the lure of distraction, the impossibility of doing anything perfectly, the feeling that the world is spinning out of control.

FROM SARAH:

A delightful return to the world of Heather and Pickett for those who loved The Green Ember.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Heather and Picket must protect their precious charge in the forbidding wilderness, then return to face off against the crystal key conspirators. Intrepid detective Fiona Black looks for clues to unlock an ancient mystery’s connection to the present. Helmer, Jo, and the faithful heroes of the cause all fight on as rabbitkind’s resistance teeters on the edge of collapse.

FROM SARAH:

In this joyful, Caldecott Honor adventure, a tumble into a river becomes a wild ride with an adorable crew of forest friends. This story reminds us that sometimes the destination is not nearly as exciting as the adventure along the way.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This hilarious picture book and heartfelt message celebrates the joy and fun that's in store when you embark together on a ride of a lifetime.

FROM SARAH:

I love the way Deborah Underwood’s illustrations capture entire stories in each image. This stunning picture book is tribute to the nature that is not always as far away as we think.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From the New York Times best-selling author behind The Quiet Book comes a mindful contemplation on the many ways nature affects our everyday lives, even when we're stuck inside. Five starred reviews!

FROM SARAH:

This book is an incredible resource for homeschooling the high school years. Rachel masters the balance between practical tips and resources and heart encouragement for the journey. Highly recommend.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Whether you are thinking about homeschooling for the first time or continuing your child’s educational journey at home, Their Future is Shining Bright is more than a guide; it’s an invitation to reimagine the high school years as a time of God-given growth, closeness, exploration, and boundless potential.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A masterful, new translation of a perennial classic, now available in pocket size! The Confessions of Saint Augustine is considered the all time number one Christian classic. Augustine undertook his greatest piece of writing with the conviction that God wanted him to make this confession. The Confessions are, in fact, an extended poetic, passionate, intimate prayer.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Modern Miss Mason is your invitation into an adventure, a call to turn a corner on your already incredible journey of parenting and let Leah Boden show you the fresh face of an age-old perspective on motherhood, childhood, and education.

FROM SARAH:

David Small’s expressive illustrations and Heather Henson’s tender storytelling are a love letter to the real women of the Pack Horse Library Project and the power of books to open worlds, soften hearts, and change a life—one reader at a time.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An exquisitely illustrated paean to everyone who struggles to learn how to read, and to everyone who won’t give up on them.

FROM SARAH:

This vibrant picture book tells the story of a determined librarian and her faithful companion Junia, a sure-footed mule with hope in her saddlebags. You will be inspired by the courage and perseverance of this incredible team as they deliver stories to readers all across the rugged hills of Kentucky.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Junia, the beloved, spunky mule from the bestselling The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series, comes to vivid life for young readers in this picture book tribute to Kentucky's Great Depression Pack Horse Library Project.

FROM SARAH:

This beautiful picture book represents the stories of many brave women who traveled the dangerous paths of Appalachia to deliver books to families in the hills of Kentucky. If you loved Books Up the Mountain by Caroline Starr Rose, you'll be sure to enjoy Books By Horseback.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Edith, a young Pack Horse Librarian, and her faithful horse Dan, adventure through rough terrain and a pending storm in order to deliver books to kids who desperately need them in this richly illustrated tale. Edith, like all Pack Horse Librarians, heroically risked their own safety to serve the most vulnerable members of their community. Librarians like Edith helped an entire generation learn to read and gain lifesaving knowledge in a critical time in history.

FROM SARAH:

Illustrated by one of our very own Waxwing illustrators, Gabrielle Grimard, The Library Bus is a pervasive story of light in the darkness. Pairs perfectly with Books Up the Mountain.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Author Bahram Rahman grew up in Afghanistan during years of civil war and the restrictive Taliban regime of 1996-2001. He wrote The Library Bus to tell new generations about the struggles of women who, like his own sister, were forbidden to learn.

FROM SARAH:

Told in three incredible true stories, Mary on Horseback shows how one woman’s courage and compassion transformed the lives of families who had little access to medical care. I’d recommend it for readers 8 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Mary Breckinridge, trained as a nurse during World War I, rode on horseback into the isolated mountains of Appalachia and never looked back. Instead, she spent her life fording icy streams and climbing untracked mountains to bring medical help to those in need. More nurses on horseback joined Mary . . . and the Frontier Nursing Service was born. Mary’s story is amazing. And it is true.

FROM SARAH:

Caroline Starr Rose, a master of lyrical prose, delivers an absolutely riveting novel-in-verse. I recommend this story for readers aged 12 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Twelve-year-old Opal is preparing to become a fourth-generation lookout on Wolf Mountain, deep in the New Mexico wilderness. She, Mom, and Gran live at ten thousand feet in a single room at the top of a fire tower. They are responsible for spotting any hint of smoke before it becomes an uncontrollable blaze. But Opal has a secret: she’s deathly afraid of fire.

FROM SARAH:

This fascinating picture book introduces readers to the real Moonlight Schools of early‑1900s Kentucky, where adults who never had the chance to learn to read attended classes at night. It’s hopeful and inspiring, and the perfect compliment to Waxwing’s own Books Up the Mountain.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Best-selling Kentucky author Kim Michele Richardson’s delightful picture book is based on the early twentieth century’s real-life Moonlight Schools, pairing engaging, authentic text with vibrant, energetic artwork to craft a heartfelt and timely reminder of the power of education to connect and change lives.

FROM SARAH:

I love this title so much I can barely stand it. I'm just so glad I live in a world where books like this one exist. Lauren Wolk's language paired with Kristen Adam's luminous illustrations are nothing short pure enjoyment. So grab your people and cozy up, you're in for a treat.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A tiny-but-mighty little mouse faces down an incoming storm to protect her home. A tribute to courage and the rugged beauty of Cape Cod from Newbery Honor–winning author Lauren Wolk.

FROM SARAH:

This book begins like a nature guide and quickly devolves into chaos...in the best way possible. If you need a laugh (and honestly, who doesn't?), pick up a copy of this gem at your local library or bookstore. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

An absurdly laugh-out-loud funny picture book about the villainy of fish, illustrated by National Book Award-winning creator Dan Santat.