Library Shelf Talk March 19

Reading recommendations by the staff of the Dripping Springs Community Library, chatted up by columnist Alice Adams.

In like a lamb, out like a lion or vice versa, the Month of March is upon us…and in this month, the early Romans celebrated “The Ides of March.” The Ides (March 15th) was  marked by several religious observances and notable for the Romans as a deadline for settling debts -- much like April 15th here in the USA. In 44 BC, the Ides became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar which made the Ides of March a turning point in Roman history…the month named for Mars, the Roman god of war.

The month of March is designated Irish American Month, National Celery Month, National Nutrition Month, Red Cross and Social Workers Month, National Peanut Month and National Women’s History Month. National Women's History Month and the second week of March is National Crochet Week, so get out those needles and get to work!

Other remarkable dates in March include (for those interested) are Peace Corps Day, National I Want You to Be Happy Day and Peanut Butter Lover’s Day. March 3 is National Anthem Day, St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17, Girl Scout Day is March 12, there’s a National Pi Day (the math pi) on March 14th, the same day as National Potato Chip Day…and the month ends on the 31st with National Bunsen Burner Day, National Crayon Day and International Backup Day. If you are seriously curious, you can learn about other special Days in March by going to www.holidayinsights.com. 

Here in Dripping, March -- like every month -- is a great time to visit the Dripping Springs Community Library, try out some of the new additions to the library’s technology, sign up for one of their learning opportunities and check out some of the great books recently added to the shelves. We have sample new titles below: 

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

A Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton by David A. Adler -- How the extraordinary patriot made soaring accomplishments but then met his devastating end, the life of Alexander Hamilton for picture book readers. From his youth in the Caribbean to his immigration to New York City, this picture book covers the highlights of Alexander Hamilton's legacy, including his part in the American revolution, his influence on the monetary system we still use today, and his tragic death. 

Matt Collin's hyper-realistic art style will transport readers right alongside Hamilton, while David A. Adler deftly chronicles pivotal moments in the Founding Father's short but hugely influential life. 

A timeline of important events is included.

For almost thirty years, David Adler's Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler's "expert mixtures of facts and personality" (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers.

These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history, or who need reliable sources for schoolbook reports.

YOUND ADULT DEPARTMENT

The Hand on the Wall: Truly Devious series, book 3 by Maureen Johnson -- 

New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson delivers the witty and pulse-pounding conclusion to the Truly Devious series as Stevie Bell solves the mystery that has haunted Ellingham Academy for over 75 years.

Ellingham Academy must be cursed. Three people are now dead. One, a victim of either a prank gone wrong or a murder. Another, dead by misadventure. And now, an accident in Burlington has claimed another life. All three in the wrong place at the wrong time. All at the exact moment of Stevie’s greatest triumph . . .

She knows who Truly Devious is. She’s solved it. The greatest case of the century.

At least, she thinks she has. With this latest tragedy, it’s hard to concentrate on the past. Not only has someone died in town, but David disappeared of his own free will and is up to something. Stevie is sure that somehow—somehow—all these things connect. The three deaths in the present. The deaths in the past. The missing Alice Ellingham and the missing David Eastman. Somewhere in this place of riddles and puzzles there must be answers.

Then another accident occurs as a massive storm heads toward Vermont. This is too much for the parents and administrators. Ellingham Academy is evacuated. Obviously, it’s time for Stevie to do something stupid. It’s time to stay on the mountain and face the storm—and a murderer.

In the tantalizing finale to the Truly Devious trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson expertly tangles her dual narrative threads and ignites an explosive end for all who’ve walked through Ellingham Academy.

ADULT DEPARTMENT

Love lettering by Kate Clayborn -- In this warm and witty romance from acclaimed author Kate Clayborn, one little word puts a woman’s business—and her heart—in jeopardy . . .

 Meg Mackworth’s hand-lettering skill has made her famous as the Planner of Park Slope, designing custom journals for her New York City clientele. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Knowing the upcoming marriage of Reid Sutherland and his polished fiancée was doomed to fail is one thing, but weaving a secret word of warning into their wedding program is another. Meg may have thought no one would spot it, but she hadn’t counted on sharp-eyed, pattern-obsessed Reid.

 A year later, Reid has tracked Meg down to find out how she knew that his meticulously planned future was about to implode. But with a looming deadline and a bad case of creative block, Meg doesn’t have time for Reid’s questions—unless he can help her find her missing inspiration. As they gradually open up to each other, both try to ignore a deepening connection between them. But the signs are there—irresistible, indisputable, urging Meg to heed the messages Reid is sending her, before it’s too late.