Staff Picks


  • Lucky One     by Nicholas Sparks
    2008; 326 pgs.

    Coming into the possession of a photograph of a smiling woman he has never met, a man experiences a chain of fortuitous events that cause him to regard the photograph as a lucky charm, a belief that prompts a heartfelt search for the woman. (ek 3/12)

    Wife-in-Law by Haywood Smith
    2011; 369 pgs

    Neighbors Betsy Callison and Kat Ellis were oil and water when they met 35 years ago, but the neighbors soon became best friends. But now Betsy’s unfaithful ex-husband has convinced newly widowed Kat to marry him. Should Betsy get involved in her friend’s marriage and help her wife-in-law figure out her philandering husband? (pw 4/12)

    Moloka’i by Alan Brennert
    2003; 389 pgs

    Rachel Kalama, a spirited seven-year-old Hawaiian girl, dreams of visiting far-off lands like her father, a merchant seaman. Then one day a rose-colored mark appears on her skin, and those dreams are stolen from her. Taken from her home and family, Rachel is sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined leprosy
    settlement on the island of Moloka'i. Here her life is supposed to end---but instead she discovers it is only just beginning. (pf 1/12)

    Lethal by Sandra Brown
    2011; 472 pgs

    After Honor Gillette is visited by Lee Coburn, a suspected murderer who is seeking a valuable object left behind by Honor's late husband, they find themselves running from the FBI and untangling a web of corruption and depravity. This is an excellent read with lots of mystery, suspense and thrills. Well worth the time it takes to read it. (bp 12/11)

     

    The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai
    2011; 336 pgs

    Who is in charge here?? Lucy Hull, an over-qualified library assistant who is trying to avoid making career decisions and Ian Drake, a ten year old reader who is running from his helicopter mother, inexplicably end up on the road together. Rebecca Makkai is a quirky, thought-provoking and hilarious author with an engaging style. (rg 7/11)


    Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
    Series: Frontier Magic, Book 1
    2009; 344 pages; Grades 7-9

    Magic combines with American history in this first Frontier Magic teen novel by a popular fantasy author. Eff, the twin of the magical and lucky seventh son of a seventh son, is the thirteenth child and considered bad luck by many of her family and friends. Her father takes a position as a Practical Magic professor at a land grant college in the wild new lands just east of the Mammoth River in the western United States. Eff’s powers are tested when the green beetles and mirror bugs threaten her brother, father and a frontier settlement. (kp 12/11)


    The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo
    Series: Detective Harry Hole, Book 5
    2006; 368 pgs

    What a page-turner by the latest "If You Like Stieg Larsson" Scandinavian writer! Frustratingly, as with many mystery series from Scandinavia, they are translated and published in the U.S. out of order. This book is actually #5 in the Harry Hole series; the first two have not yet appeared in the U.S. If you want to read them in order (at least the ones available here): Redbreast, Nemesis, Devil's Star, and Snowman. Nesbo is a fine writer, and Harry Hole a depressingly appealing hero who teeters on the edge of disaster. (mm 11/11)


    Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
    2011, 344 pages; Grades 8 and up

    Lina, a 15-year-old Lithuanian girl, is forced by Soviet officers in 1941 to leave her home along with her mother and younger brother. They are being deported out of their home country along with many other Lithuanians to labor camps.

    This eye-opening story based on true events during the 1940s tells of the harrowing journey Lina, her family, and new acquaintances must endure as they are eventually sent to live in Siberia. Lacking food, heat, and adequate shelter, they try to hold on to hope for news from loved ones they have been separated from and ultimately hope just to survive. (jw 5/11)

     

    The Help by Kathryn Stockett
    2009, 451 pgs

    In Jackson Mississippi, in 1962, there are lines that are not crossed.  With the civil rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women -- black and white, mothers and daughters -- view one another.

    I couldn't stop listening to this book on CD.  It's one of the best books I have listened to in a long time. (ac 4/11)


    The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell
    Series: Kurt Wallender Mysteries, Book 10
    2011, 367 pgs

    The final book in the acclaimed Kurt Wallander series.  A proper ending to a well-written, thought provoking mystery series (if you like depressed, brooding Scandinavian detectives). (mm 4/11)


    A Measure of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling
    Series: Home to Blessing, Book 1
    2009, 431 pgs

    Astrid Bjorklund, a Norwegian 18-year-old female physician-in-training during the early 1900s, loses one of her surgical patients and is finding it difficult to decide what God's will is for her life now.  To add to her complicated decisions, a former friend, Joshua Landsverk who cares a lot about her, comes back to Blessing, North Dakota, where Astrid lives. She also feels a tugging at her heart string to go to Africa where doctors are needed.  What should she do? (mll 10/11)

    Now You See Her by James Patterson
    2011; 383 pgs

    Nina Bloom risks everything she has gained since running away from her abusive husband, her daughter, and her career to return to Florida to help an innocent man framed for murder.  She knows who the real killer is and is determined to free him.  (pw 9/11)

     

    An Arsonist’s Guide to Writer’s Homes in New England by Brock Clarke
    2008; 317 pgs

    Sam Pulsifer, our hapless narrator in this quirky story, emerges from prison ten years after burning down the Emily Dickenson House and must immediately deal with several copycat crimes. (ml 1/11)

     

    The Book Thief by Markus Zusack
    2007; 576 pgs

    Death himself narrates the World War II-era story of a young foster girl living outside of Munich, who finds meaning in stealing books. An unforgettable, mesmerizing, and original story. (ml 1/11)

     

    Einstein’s Dreams by Alan P. Lightman
    1993; 179 pgs

    Thirty breathtakingly lyrical vignettes describe worlds in which time behaves quite oddly, as in one where time moves more slowly the higher up you go, so that people take to building houses on stilts.

     

    Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
    2003; 288 pages

    A writer journeys to Eastern Europe to find the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis.The story is told in letters from his hilarious young Ukranian translator. Funny and moving.

     

    Lark and Termite by Jayne Anne Phillips
    2010; 304 pgs

    Chapters in this story alternate from the point of view of 17-year-old Lark, her severely mentally disabled brother, Termite, their Aunt Nonie, and their father, fighting in the Korean War.

     

    Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris
    2007; 387 pgs

    This wickedly funny novel follows a group of coworkers as they cope with a business downturn in the time-honored way: through gossip, elaborate pranks, and increasingly frequent coffee breaks. (ml 1/11)

     

    To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
    1960; 376 pgs

    Through the young eyes of Scout Finch, Lee explores with rich humor and unswerving honesty the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race in the Deep South of the 1930’s. (ml 1/11)

    Top

  • The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer by Harvey Karp, M.D.
    2003; 267 pgs.

    Dr. Harvey Karp explains that babies are born three months early (so that their heads don't grow too big to make it through delivery) and that the fussiest infants just need some extra help coping with this difficult "fourth trimester."  He describes the steps to flip the "off-switch" on a crying baby - I didn't believe that it would work until my inconsolable baby suddenly calmed and fell asleep in my arms.  This book is a must-read for all new parents. (ml 2/12)

     

    At Home by Bill Bryson
    2011; 497 pgs

    During a virtual walk through his home, an English vicarage circa 1851, Bill Bryson explores the meaning and history of the rooms we live in. His charming digressions about the history of daily life, British history, the 1851 Exhibition and anything else that occurs to this extremely engaging author will enchant you. (rg 1/12)

     

    Walking to Vermont by Christopher S. Wren
    2004; 273 pgs

    When Christopher Wren retired from his job at the New York Times, he walked out of his office in Times Square nearly 400 miles to his retirement home in Fairlee, Vermont, following the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail for much of the hike.

    During this journey he met other hikers who also were on some sort of personal quest and discovered “how utterly irrelevant chronological age is.” After reading this book, you may want to create a discovery journey of your own. (kp 12/11)


    The Fiddler in the Subway: The True Story of What Happened When a World-Class Violinist Played for Handouts-- and Other Virtuoso Performances by America's Foremost Feature Writer by Gene Weingarten
    2010; 268 pages

    The best book I've read in a very long time. Usually in a book of essays, there are a couple that are just 'meh' or uninteresting, but I enjoyed every one of these, and went back to re-read a couple of them immediately. My favorites were "Ghost of the Hardy Boys," "Fatal Distraction" (horrifying - if I were a parent, I would have nightmares after reading it), "Fear Itself," "The Great Zucchini," and the title piece. The author is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for the Washington Post. (mm 11/11)


    The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose
    2009; 336 pages

    The author, a student at Brown University who grew up in a liberal Quaker family, decides to enroll for a semester at Liberty University, the largest Christian fundamentalist university in the U.S. Part journalistic endeavor, part honest attempt to try to understand a culture of his peers that was utterly foreign and at times repulsive to him, Roose's thoughtful observances and experiences are tremendously interesting, and not at all what this reader expected. (mm 11/11)


    Life Itself: A Memoir by Roger Ebert
    2011; 448 pages

    One of the best-reviewed books of the year, Urbana’s favorite son Roger Ebert’s autobiography is an exceptional read. It follows his childhood days, his life-changing experiences at the University of Illinois, his career at the Sun-Times, his personal battles with alcoholism and cancer, and marriage to Chaz, whom he calls “the great fact of my life.” If you have ever read one of Roger’s film reviews, followed his blog (highly recommended!), attended Ebertfest, or are just curious – don’t miss this book! (mm 11/11)

    Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz
    2010 reprint from 1956; 277pgs

    Describes the four-thousand-mile journey across the Gobi Desert and the Himalayas of seven men who escaped from a Siberian prison camp. The harrowing true tale of escaped Soviet prisoners' desperate march out of Siberia, through China, the Gobi Desert, Tibet, and over the Himalayas to British India.

    And check out the movie based on the book:

    Way Back starring Ed Harris, Jim Sturgess, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, and Mark Strong
    2011; 133 mins.

    Inspired by an incredible true story... begins in 1940 when seven prisoners attempt the impossible: escape from a brutal Siberian gulag. Thus begins a treacherous 4,500-mile trek to freedom across the world's most merciless landscapes. They have little food and few supplies. They don't know or trust each other. But together, they must withstand nature at its most extreme. (ek 8/11)

     

    Everything Bad is Good for You by Steven Johnson
    2006; 254 pgs

    Johnson argues that the pop culture we soak in every day has been growing more and more sophisticated and, far from rotting our brains, is actually making us smarter. (ml 1/11)

     

    Freakonomics by Steven D. Leavitt
    2006; 496 pgs

    Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? Freakonomics answers all! (ml 1/11)

     

    Gang Leader for a Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
    2008; 302 pgs

    First introduced in Freakanomics, this is the full story of the sociology grad student who infiltrated one of Chicago’s most notorious gangs, befriended their leader, and studied them from the inside out. (ml 1/11)

     

    How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer
    2009; 302 pgs

    Lehrer dives into fascinating studies and the real-world experiences of a wide range of deciders from pilots to serial killers and quarterbacks to help us understand how the human mind makes decisions. (ml 1/11)

     

    The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
    2010; 369 pgs

    She was a poor, black woman in the 1950s, yet her cells – taken without her knowledge – became one of the most important tools in medicine, helping to fight polio and cancer, study cloning, and more. (ml 1/11)

     

    Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
    2010; 336 pgs

    Demick brings to life what it means to be living under the most repressive totalitarian regime today—an Orwellian world, where most of the population starves and everyone is afraid. (ml 1/11)

     

    Rethinking Thin by Gina Bari Kolata
    2007; 257 pgs

    This fascinating look at scientific and psychological studies of weight-loss also dives into historical and societal perspectives on weight. It is the very best kind of non-fiction, entertaining and amazing. (ml 1/11)

    Top

  • Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham
    Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
    2012; Grades PreK-2

    Moose, terribly eager to play his part in the alphabet book his friend Zebra is putting together, then awfully disappointed when his letter passes, behaves rather badly until Zebra finds a spot for him. Laugh-out-loud fun! (kd 4/12)

    Powerless by Matthew Cody
    2009; 279 pgs; Grades 5-8

    Soon after moving to Noble's Green, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Daniel learns that his new friends have super powers that they will lose when they turn thirteen, unless he can use his own super power - his brain - to protect them. A great read for fans of superhero books. Winner of the 2012 Rebecca Caudill Award! (jw 3/12)

    Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners by Judy Sierra
    Illustrated by Tim Bowers
    2012; Grades PreK-2

    Instructs children on what to say when they meet a dinosaur in a grocery store.  Overall a very funny and useful book for teaching young children about manners for human and dinosaur kind. (kp 4/12)

    Ivy’s Ever After by Dawn Lairamore
    2010; 311 pgs; Grades 4-6

    Fourteen-year-old Ivy, an unconventional princess, joins forces with Elridge, a smaller than usual dragon who can’t breathe fire, to find her long lost fairy godmother and save both of their fates as well as the entire Kingdom of Ardendale. Tween readers will love this fractured fairytale full of action, suspense and humor. A second book, Ivy and the Meanstalk, continues their adventures. (tm 2/12)

    Darth Paper Strikes Back by Tim Angleberger
    Illustrated by the author
    Series: Origami Yoda, Book 2
    2011; 176 pgs; Grades 3 and Up

    In this sequel to The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, Dwight has been suspended from school for being a troublemaker. Tommy and his friends write a new case file to show how much Dwight has helped them. But Harvey and his Darth Paper finger puppet have a plan to make Dwight’s suspension permanent. (pw 2/12)

    Squish: Super Amoeba by Jennifer L. Holm & Mathew Holm
    Series: Squish, Book 1
    Graphic Novel; 2011; 90 pgs; Grades 1-5
    Who would think that a story about microscopic creatures like amoebas, paramecium, slime molds, and planaria could be so funny! Join Squish, the evil-fighting amoeba, and his friends for silly scientific romps and microscopic school yard fun. By the way, did you know that amoebas really love tacos? (kp 1/12)

     

    I am Regina by Sally M. Keehn
    1991; 240 pgs; Grades 6 and up

    In 1755, as the French and Indian War begins, ten-year-old Regina is kidnapped by Indians in western Pennsylvania, and she must struggle to hold onto memories of her earlier life as she grows up under the name of Tskinnak and starts to become Indian herself. (pf 1/12)

     

    Perfect Square by Michael Hall
    Illustrated by the author
    2011; Grades PreK-1

    A perfect square that is perfectly happy is torn into pieces, punched with holes, crumpled, and otherwise changed but finds in each transformation that it can be something new, and just as happy. A great concept book for colors and days of the week. (jw 12/11)

     

    Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor
    2011; 247 pgs; Grades 5 and up

    Twelve-year-old Raine spends the summer at a mysterious artists’ colony and discovers a secret about her past. (kd 11/11)



    Every Thing On It     by Shel Silverstein
    Illustrated by the author
    2011; 194 pgs; All Ages

    This collection of previously unreleased poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein is a great addition to his older works. Just as much fun as his poems and drawings from A Light in the Attic and Where the Sidewalk Ends, readers young and old will enjoy this book through and through.  (jw 11/11)


    Edward's Eyes     by Patricia MacLachlan
    2007; 116 pgs; Grades 4-8

    The first time Jake holds his new brother, he is mesmerized by Edward's blue eyes and knows that he is extraordinary. Edward's ability to throw a perfect knuckleball at the age of eight proves that he is indeed something special.  After Edward dies suddenly in a biking accident, Jake lashes out at his parents for donating Edward's corneas. (pw 9/11)


    A Ball for Daisy     by Chris Raschka
    Illustrated by Chris Raschka
    2011; Grades Pre-K-2

    A wordless picture book about all the fun a dog can have with her ball.  Adorable! (kd 9/11)

     

    Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt
    Illustrated by Melanie Watt
    Series: Scaredy Squirrel, Book 1
    2006; 32 pgs; Grades Pre-K-2

    Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of everything.  He’s afraid of things like green Martians, killer bees, and germs.  He always plans for the worst.  But because of his fears, he can never ever leave his tree house.  That is until one day when he is scared out of his tree and he finds out that maybe he doesn’t always have to be afraid. (kp 9/11)

     

    Lemonade and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word by Bob Raczka
    Illustrated by Nancy Doniger
    2011; 43 pgs; Grades 2 and up

    Poetry has never been so much fun! The poems in this book are made from only the letters from a single word. Once you see this new form of picture puzzle poetry, you’ll want to try it out for yourself! (jw 8/11)

     

    The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall
    Series: The Penderwicks, Book 3
    2011; 295 pgs; Grades 5-7

    When the three younger Penderwick sisters go to Maine with Aunt Claire and are separated from oldest sister Rosalind for the first time in their lives, an uncertain Skye is left in charge as the OAP--oldest available Penderwick. Will she be able to keep Batty out of trouble and Jane from falling in love? (jw 7/11)


    Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
    Illustrated by the author
    Series: Elephant and Piggie
    2011; 57 pgs; Grades K-2

    Should Gerald the elephant share his ice cream cone with his best friend, Piggie? Gerald has a big decision to make, but will he make it in time? Another great easy reader featuring best friends Gerald and Piggie! (jw 7/11)


    The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
    Illustrated by the author
    Series: Origami Yoda, Book 1
    2010; 141 pgs; Grades 4-6

    Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Includes instructions for making Origami Yoda. A fun and funny read! (jw 7/11)

     

    The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin
    Illustrated by Kevin Cornell
    Series: J.J. Tully Mysteries, Book 1
    2011; 119 pgs; Grades 2-4

    This is a hilarious new mystery series from popular children’s author Doreen Cronin.  While trying to relax on the farm, retired search-and-rescue dog, J.J. Tully, is coaxed out of retirement by Moosh the hen to help find her two missing chicks. This mystery, which will keep you laughing and guessing right up to the end, would be a great read-aloud and make a great choice especially for reluctant readers. Readers will look forward to more cases for J.J. Tully to solve. (tm 7/11)

     

    City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems
    Illustrated by Jon J. Muth
    2010; Grades PreK - 3

    This is a story about the cycle of friendship between City Dog and Country Frog. Each season, City Dog returns to the country to play city and country games with Country Frog. (pw 6/11)

     

    Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
    Series: Underland Chronicles, Book 1
    2003; 311 pgs; Grades 5-7

    Gregor, the Overlander is written by the same author as The Hunger Games and will keep you on the edge of your seat, asking for more.  There are five books in this series and plenty of characters, battles, excitement, and romance to keep you reading. (lc 6/11)

     

    Press Here by Henre Tullet
    Illustrated by the author
    2011; Grades PreK - 2

    This book is a reading adventure.  Follow the author’s instructions and get interactive with the colored dots that change, move, and multiply as you read. Silly fun!!! (kp 6/11)

     

    Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming
    Illustrated by G. Brian Karas
    2010; Grades PreK - 3

    Candace Fleming presents an original tale of Jack, a poor boy, who wants to impress a princess at her birthday party. Not having money to buy her a gift, he decides to bake a cake. However, as he proceeds to the party with the cake, he encounters birds, a troll, bears, and a royal guard, leaving him with nothing when he finally gets to see the princess. Just by being himself though, Jack is able to give the princess a great gift in the end. Read this story to find out just what it is! (jw 5/11)

     

    The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone
    2011; 300 pgs; Grades 4-7

    During World War II, eleven-year-old Felicity is sent from London to Bottlebay, Maine, to live with her grandmother, aunt, uncle, and a reclusive boy who helps her decode mysterious letters that contain the truth about her missing parents. (kd 4/11)