September 2023 Shelf Talk
Evan and his dog did everything together. They shared many adventures and created a beautiful garden, but when the dog passes away Evan is devastated. The Rough Patch, by author/illustrator Brian Lies, would be a wonderful place to begin a discussion about death and grief with young children. Children and adults will identify with Evan and how he works through his sorrow. This beautifully written and illustrated picture book for ages 3-10 is a 2018 Caldecott Honor winner.
“Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait: the story of a photograph that became an American icon” by Leonard S. Marcus
Leonard Marcus offers a unique middle-grade depiction of America's sixteenth president through the story of one famous photograph. Abraham Lincoln made the milelong walk from the Executive Mansion to photographer Mathew Brady's Washington, DC, studio, to be joined there later by his ten-year-old son, Tad. Lincoln grasped the power of a picture, especial one recorded so expertly through the new marvel of photography. He was intent on securing a portrait that cast him in a favorable light as a re-election campaign loomed and the war continued. At least four iconic photos were taken that day. One was Lincoln in profile, the image that later found its way onto the penny and two more would be adapted for future five-dollar bills. The fourth was a dual portrait of Lincoln and Tad. That endearing pose spread around the world barely a year later following news of Lincoln’s assassination.
“I’m Tough!” by Kate and Jim McMullan
Young enthusiasts of machines and things that move and work will enjoy I’m Tough a picture book about a hard-working pickup truck that is able to adapt and haul very different loads. Try other similar McMullan books, from I’m Stinky (a garbage truck) to I’m Smart (a school bus) there are so many working parts to enjoy!
“Where in the World are You?” by Marie G. Rohde
We may live in one tiny corner of the world, now enjoy the ride as this beautifully illustrated picture book takes you further and further and further out into the universe. Ideal for young adventurers and their families with each page spread including one concept with lots of wonderful color adjectives and a small black cat that leads the way on each page spread. Hunting for the cat is half the fun!
YOUNG ADULT “Give Me a Sign” by Anna Sortino
Lilah is stuck in the middle. At least, that's what having a hearing loss seems like sometimeswhen you don't feel 'deaf enough' to identify as Deaf or hearing enough to meet the world's expectations. But this summer, Lilah is ready for a change.
When Lilah becomes a counselor at a summer camp for the deaf and blind, her plan is to brush up on her ASL. Once there, she also finds a community. There are cute British lifeguards who break hearts but not rules, a YouTuber who's just a bit desperate for clout, the campers Lilah's responsible for (and overwhelmed by)-and then there's Isaac, the dreamy Deaf counselor who volunteers to help Lilah with her signing.
Romance was never on the agenda, and Lilah's not positive Isaac likes her that way. But all signs seem to point to love. Unless she's reading them wrong? One thing's for sure- Lilah wanted change, and things here . . . they're certainly different than what she's used to.
“Not Here to Stay Friends” by Kaitlyn Hill
Fans of The Bachelor and friends-to-lovers romance will fall for this hilarious and charming rom-com!
Childhood besties Sloan and Liam reunite to spend the summer in L.A. after five years apart-but when they both get involved with a teen reality dating show, their lives take an unexpected turn for the unreal.
Sloane McKinney feels like a background character in her own life. But this summer will be different, because she's spending it with her childhood best friend, Liam Daniels, in her dream city, Los Angeles. Sure, she's surprised to find that Liam just happens to have had a Hot Guy glow-up since she last saw him, but so what? A little attraction won't ruin her plans for their fun-and completely platonic-reunion.
What might, however, is that Liam has been roped into working for his producer dad's new teen reality dating show, Aspen Woods's Future Leading Lady. It turns out the show is one contestant short . . . and Sloane is the perfect last-minute addition.
But it's behind the scenes where the drama really picks up. Because wanting to kiss your best friend? That's a plot twist neither Sloane nor Liam ever saw coming.
“Enhanced” by Candace Kade
Lee Urban is living a lie.
In a society where everyone's DNA determines their destiny, being a Natural means automatic relegation to the gritty and dangerous Outskirts. With the harnessed power of gene-editing, the ability to create a super-human race has transformed the world and offered the opportunity of a genetically enhanced life. But only to those who can afford it.
Born a Natural, Lee Urban was adopted into the Enhanced high society of the Asian Federation and forced to conceal her genetic roots. When her dream of attending Peking University becomes a reality, she is determined to go despite a warning from a mysterious source.
Targeted by a hacker bent on exposing her true DNA, Urban faces off with an Artificial Intelligence Game that puts her--and her lies--to the test. What was supposed to be a dream come true turns into a lethal gamble of hide-and-seek with her genetics. Can Urban continue the act, or will the cracks in her story expose her and endanger her family?
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
When Death has a story to tell, you listen.
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
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 resistbooks. 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.
ADULT “The Twilight World” by Werner Herzog
This debut historical fiction by Herzog weaves the tale of the incredible story of Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier who defended a small island in the Philippines for twenty-nine years after the end of World War II. The author immortalizes and imagines Onoda's years of absurd yet epic struggle in an inimitable, hypnotic style--part documentary, part poem, and part dream. The result is a novel completely unto itself, a sort of modern-day Robinson Crusoe tale: a glowing, dancing meditation on the purpose and meaning we give our lives.
“ Three Fires” by Denise Mina
This historical fiction thriller follows Dominican friar, Girolamo Savonarola, who resides in Florence at the end of the fifteenth century. Mina brings a modern take to this novel as she takes a historical story and draws the “parallels between the febrile atmosphere of medieval Florence” and the present-day culture wars. Publishers Weekly calls this book a triumph.
“President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier” by C.W. Goodyear
Considered the first comprehensive biography of the tragic life of James Garfield, biographer C.W. Goodyear charts the life and times of one of the most remarkable Americans ever to win the Presidency. Progressive firebrand and conservative compromiser; Union war hero and founder of the first Department of Education; Supreme Court attorney and abolitionist preacher; Congressional chieftain and gentlemanfarmer; the last president to be born in a log cabin; the second to be assassinated. James Abram Garfield was all these things and more.
“Muscle: The Gripping Story of Strength and Movement” by Roy A. Meals, MD
This lively non-fiction title, by orthopedic surgeon, Meals, takes the reader on a journey through human anatomy, history, health and biology to unlock and help the reader understand the mystery of our muscles. Full of fun facts, fitness advice and “infectious enthusiasm” this title will “shed the light on the astonishing, essential tissue that moves us through life.”