December 2018

Inspiring memoir of former French Elle magazine editor Bauby, written after his stroke that left him completely paralyzed, save one eye. He transcribed his life by blinking letter-by-letter with one eye to his assistant. Truly remarkable. Now I want to see the movie.

From the beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Pardlo comes an extraordinary memoir and blistering meditation on fatherhood, race, addiction and ambition. A richly realized, deeply felt ode to one man's remarkable father, to fatherhood and to the frustrating yet redemptive ties of family that is also a scrupulous, searing examination of how manhood can be fashioned in our cultural landscape.

Especially appropriate for the holidays when many of us spend time with loved ones and reflect on our years. As Hooks explores the question “What is love?” her answers strike at both the mind and heart. In thirteen concise chapters, she examines her own search for emotional connection and society’s failure to provide a model for learning to love. By looking at “love” as a verb and not a noun, Hooks breaks down what it really means to practice love in a revolutionary way.

Kyle Hildebrand comes from a family of legendary NASCAR drivers. His older brother, Kris, is the heir apparent to the family business and shows great promise. Kyle, meanwhile, is seemingly content to play trumpet in a brass quintet. After Kris is injured, Kyle takes his place behind the wheel and proves himself to be a skilled and savvy driver, and he questions if he should pursue his interest in music or turn to racing. Lipsyte taps into the ever-growing popularity of NASCAR with this effort. As usual, he is at his best when conveying the high-octane sports details, filling readers in on what it is like to be in the middle of a race, as well as the other elements of the NASCAR life, from the sponsors that need to be schmoozed to the ever-available groupies. Fans of the sport will love this and hope for more installments of Kyle's story.

The Oscar-nominated actress shares her one-of-a-kind life story in a voice as fresh and challenging as many of the unique characters she’s played onscreen. With full-throttle honesty, she examines her unconventional rise to fame with personal insights into depression, friendship, “haters,” weight, race and a variety of other issues in this enlightening, engrossing and often humorous autobiography.

Great way to get reluctant boy readers into reading. Prince Corum Jhaelen embarks on an epic journey of fate and vengeance through all the fifteen planes of Earth, even to the very center of Time-the still, blue city of Tanelorn. Acclaimed author Moorcock weaves stunning blend of magic, heroism, and wonder.

David Da-Wei Horowitz has a lot on his plate. Preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah would be enough work even if it didn't involve trying to please his Jewish and Chinese grandmothers, who argue about everything. But David just wants everyone to be happy. That includes his friend Scott, who is determined to win their upcoming trivia tournament but doesn't like their teammate (and David's best friend), Hector. Scott and David begin digging a fallout shelter just in case this Cold War stuff with the Soviets turns south, but David's not so convinced he wants to spend forever in an underground bunker with Scott. Maybe it would be better if Hector and Kelli Ann came with them. But that would mean David has to figure out how to stand up for Hector and talk to Kelli Ann. Some days, surviving nuclear war feels like the least of David's problems. Fast-paced and funny.

Conservation. Environment. Coming of age. Bullying. Friendship. Intrapersonal communication. Science. History. Family. The narrative of this story by 11-year-old Obe bounces around bringing together a variety of relative themes for young people. Perfect way to approach environmental issues with the middle grade audience! Fans of "Hoot" by Carl Hiassen will love this. Excellent portrayal of how some kids handle bullying, as well. Great book for class discussions.

Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can do. Too bad the potato is anything but interested. Filled with comedian Michael Ian Black’s trademark dry wit and accompanied by charismatic illustrations from newcomer Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Madeline Finn does NOT like to read. But she DOES want a gold star from her teacher. But, stars are for good readers. Stars are for understanding words, and for saying them out loud. Fortunately, Madeline meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn’t so bad; when Madeline gets stuck, Bonnie doesn’t mind. As it turns out, it’s fun to read when you’re not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline that it’s okay to go slow. And to keep trying. With endearing illustrations, Papp brings an inspiring and comforting book to all new readers who just need a little confidence to overcome their fears.