In Progress List 2014

Josie has grown up in New Orleans, the daughter of a prostitute who could not care less about her. But Josie is smart and intent on making something of herself. Just as she starts dreaming of applying to Smith College, her world turns upside down. A man she met briefly in the bookstore where she works is found dead, her mother takes off with a low life criminal, and Josie is left to make sense of it all. This is a great portrait of the shady underbelly of 1950 New Orleans and a young girl who wants more than anything to put it in her past. Fourteen and Up. Joan Kindig

Horace Pippin was a self-taught African American painter who worked around the time of WWI. Serving in France during the war, he was wounded in such a way that his right arm was relatively useless. Upon returning home he turned to other jobs but nothing fulfilled him the way painting did. By training his left arm to support his right arm, he was able to pick up painting where he left off. The famous painter, N.C, Wyeth, saw Pippin's paintings and arranged for him to show his work. Pippin's determination paid off and his primitive paintings are considered American classics. The prose is lovely and Sweet's illustrations are superb. The back matter tells much about Pippin's life, his painting style, and where his work can be seen. Seven to Ten. Joan Kindig

When thirteen-year-old Jack Baker's mother dies, his father a naval officer moves Jack from landlocked Kansas to Maine, and enrolls him in al all boys prep school. When his father is supposed to come for a visit but does not, Jack decides to accompany Early Auden, an odd classmate on a quest on the Appalachian Trail. Early is on a mission - to search for his brother whom he believes is still alive although he was reported missing in action in WWII and presumed dead. Jack is rutterless. However, he does need a friend and Early will do. This is a wonderful story of friendship, loss and discovery. This novel is possibly better than Newbery winner Moon over Manifest, for it delves deeper into the soul. The audio is narrated in a matter of fact way by Tobbie Daymond with the story within the novel narrated with an adult voice by Mr. Bramhall which makes for a nicely paced and entertaining audio. Ages 10+ Maria E. Gentle

Slow Snail moves S-L-O-W-L-Y over, under and through objects close to the ground, like a stone, a boot and a stick. Board book with a very simple text and bright cartoon style illustrations. Pairs opposites with "Quick Duck!." Up to Seven. Ruth Anne Champion