How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming along? Any book clubs started? If so, stop by the desk and let us know….we’d love to hear about it! Meanwhile, here are the rest of the staff picks as promised…
Erin’s Picks:
Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry- AUDIO CD J F SPE and J SPE
In this classic story, young Mafatu sets out to prove himself to his father and his tribe by battling his fear of the ocean that swallowed up his mother years before. The audio book version, read by Lou Diamond Phillips, adds quite a bit of suspense and an additional edge to this gripping story of adventure and survival.
A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen- AUDIO CD J F NIE and J NIE
When the Berlin Wall goes up in 1961, young Gerta’s life is changed: she is stuck in East Berlin with her mother and older brother, while her father and younger brother are in the west. The city’s two sides are divided and vastly different. Border patrols are keeping watch 24/7 over communist East Berlin, making it almost impossible for its citizens to escape to freedom in the west. It’s been four years since Gerta has seen her papa and Dominic, and during that time, all she can think about is freedom and reuniting her family. Many have lost their lives trying to escape East Berlin-is the impossible dream of reuniting her family a risk worth taking?
Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer- E MES 
Penguin is in a grumpy mood and nothing is helping. How will he turn his frown upside down?
Jen’s Picks:
The Dream Jar by Lindan Lee Johnson E JOH
This is the perfect book to get your littlest friend to dream some wonderful dreams. Who doesn’t want to dream a “dreamy dream” every night? Sometimes you need a dream jar to fill up with happy thoughts to help you have magical dreams and not worry about sea monsters. This book offers beautiful, wistful illustrations that put you on a sweet path to dreamland!
The Girl Who Could Not Dream by Sarah Beth Durst J DUR
Sophie’s parents run a secret shop where dreams are bought and sold. When Sophie dreams, her dreams become real, so she is forbidden to have any. Sinister events are set in motion when she is accidentally seen by one of her parents’ customers, and it’s up to Sophie to save her family.
Rise of the Guardians by Dreamworks Animation J DVD RIS
This epic adventure tells the story of a group of heroes with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit named Pitch tries to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes and imagination of children all over the world.
Liz’s Picks:
Little Dog Lost by Monica Carnesi E CAR
Based on a true story, a dog is saved by the crew on a ship after he is found floating on sheets of ice in the Baltic Sea.
Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen J B PRE
A wonderful picture book biography of Elvis!
Mouseheart by Lisa Fiedler AUDIO CD J F FIE
An ordinary pet shop mouse escapes and finds himself on the streets of Brooklyn. It is quite an adventure for him as he tries to navigate the bustling city and learns some powerful secrets.
Chris’s Picks:
Capture the Flag by Kate Messner J MES
Join Annie, Jose, and Henry as they team up to solve a mystery which resembles the National Treasure movie. Three students with different interests join forces to find out who stole the original Star-Spangled Banner. Follow these super sleuths, who are stranded by a snowstorm at the Washington, D.C. airport, to see if they catch the thieves and recover the beloved artifact.
Chinese Cinderella and the Secret Dragon Society by Adeline Yen Mah J MAH
Following the traditional Cinderella plot, 12 year-old Ye Xian is thrown out of her home by her abusive stepmother. She finds safety with “Grandma Wu” and joins her martial arts school, and the Secret Dragon Society. While training, CC (Chinese Cinderella) discovers that the Dragon Society is part of the Chinese resistance movement, and she finds herself part of a dangerous mission helping American soldiers during WWII. Strong, loyal, and courageous female characters, but fast paced and interesting for a boys’ read too!
The Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan J GN PHE
Set in 1937 Kansas during the Dust Bowl, this graphic novel shows the challenges of 11-year old Jack, his father, the bullies, and a case of “dust dementia”. A cross between historical fiction and folklore will introduce readers to the struggles during this era.
Remember that this is only a partial sampling of our picks. The complete selection is located near the Monarch, Bluestem, and Caudill nominee shelves at the front of the Youth Department. And stay tuned for spring picks coming out soon!