August 2021

Written by National Geographic magazine writer Jennifer Holland, this book documents one heartwarming tale after another of animals who, with nothing else in common, bond in the most unexpected ways. Great book to reflect on starting the new school year with new friendships.

Three millennia ago, the Greek philosopher Zeno constructed a series of logical paradoxes to prove that motion is impossible. Today, these paradoxes remain on the cutting edge of our investigations into the fabric of space and time. Zeno's Paradox uses the motion paradox as a jumping-off point for an exploration of the 2500-year quest to uncover the true nature of the universe. From Galileo to Einstein to Stephen Hawking, some of the greatest minds in history have tackled the problem and made spectacular breakthroughs, but through it all, the paradox of motion remains.

A treasure trove of bright ideas guaranteed to give you hours of fun, this book will bring out the secret sorcerer and scientist in all of us.

Two Native-American boys have vanished into thin air, leaving a pool of blood behind them. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police has no choice but to suspect the very worst, since the blood that stains the parched New Mexican ground once flowed through the veins of one of the missing, a young Zuñi. But his investigation into a terrible crime is being complicated by an important archaeological dig – and a steel hypodermic needle. And the unique laws and sacred religious rites of the Zuñi people are throwing impassable roadblocks in Leaphorn’s already twisted path, enabling a craven murderer to elude justice or, worse still, to kill again. High school students LOVE Hillerman – and his books always make for great class discussions.

Eighteen-year-old Amir Azadi always knew coming out to his Muslim family would be messy – he just didn't think it would end in an airport interrogation room. But when faced with a failed relationship, bullies, and blackmail, running away to Rome is his only option. Right?

The summer Hattie turns 12, her predictable small-town life is turned on end when her uncle Adam returns home for the first time in over 10 years. Hattie has never met him, never known about him. He's been institutionalized; his condition involves schizophrenia and autism. Hattie, a shy girl who prefers the company of adults, takes immediately to her excitable uncle, even when the rest of the family – her parents and grandparents – have trouble dealing with his intense way of seeing the world. And Adam, too, sees that Hattie is special, that her quiet, shy ways are not a disability. Newbery Honor Book.

From the author of Tuck Everlasting comes the story of young Joe Casimir, a twelve old boy who’s been raised by his grandmother following the tragic death of his parents as an infant. Perfect alternative to all the negative and disheartening tales that seem to dominate YA lists.

From one of my favorite nature writers comes his personal tales of his childhood pets – which includes crows, magpies, gophers and a dog. His brood grows out of control with the addition of two cantankerous pet owls. The story of how Wol and Weeps turn the whole town upside down is warm, funny, and bursting with adventure and suspense.

Just what the doctor ordered for parents looking to improve their children’s language skills. This treasure boasts playground songs and classroom songs, silly songs and sweet songs, wake-up songs and bedtime songs. Classics that are fun and will truly benefit all young children.

How have I forgotten to include this one before now? A wide-mouthed alligator slithers out of the sewer and slips down the street and up the stairs of an apartment house. Children try to stop the advancing reptile, but to no avail. Filled with lots of onomatopoeic devices, this is a favorite read aloud with little ones.