January 2015

Written almost 2500 years ago to teach Chinese military strategy, this book is essential reading for anyone aspiring to lead. A great, quick read to begin the year in proper fashion.

I am just obsessed with psychology, and this book will hold a prominent and permanent place on my bookshelves besides titles by Martin Seligman, Carol Dweck, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the Bronstein and Heath brothers, Kevin Hogan and, of course, Robert Cialdini (who, incidentally, co-wrote this dynamite work). A GREAT READ!

The perfect purchase for those of us (and I include myself in this group) who take it upon ourselves to write down New Year's resolutions. The trick is not going to the gym in January; it's continuing the visits in April! Not only are Crum's suggestions practical, they are manageable!

After perusing the shelves of a popular book chain and seeing mainly titles geared for girls, I am on a mission to find books that will appeal to boys. This debut novel is hilarious and sure to engage even the most reluctant buy reader.

Combine one of the best authors working today with one of the most popular superheroes, and you get a graphic novel that will always be checked out and talked about by your boys.

Very few coming of age teen stories can make you laugh and cry in equal doses. Whaley is a masterful storyteller, and this book makes for terrific class discussions.

Bill Bryson is – without exception – one of my favorite writers. His travelogues are hilarious, and I was so psyched he wrote this book to allow me to discuss his work with high school students.

It seems to be rather apparent…for children who are frequently errant - that in order to read…all that they need…is direction from a literate parent. I may be no Shel Silverstein, but I owe a lot of my love for reading to him. His books are essential in every library.

This autobiographical yarn by one of my favorite children’s authors makes a perfect read aloud for upper elementary students – particularly mischievous young men.

Banyai is a master of creating wordless picture books that will attract the curiosities and imaginations of all ages.