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The Latest In Progress
Laszlo is a little boy who has always been afraid of the dark. Windows seem friendly during the day but at night they become scary. And the basement is completely creepy! When the Dark comes to visit him in his room one night, Laszlo faces his biggest fear head on. This story of facing one's fears is perfectly complemented by Klassen's understated art work. Up to Seven. Joan Kindig
A family of ducklings,following their mother, fall through the grate into a storm sewer but are rescued by the townspeople. Then, "Fireman Dennis knew just what to do." In words and pictures, this homage to Make Way for Ducklings is satisfying storytelling based on an actual incident in Montauk, NY. Up to Seven. Kathy Isaacs
A striking combination of photographs of children enjoying the out-of-doors and adult explorations illustrate an ode to discovering the possibilities of the natural world. Many of the images come from National Geographic archives, and the back matter identifies them, with names and actions for the adults, and geographic location for all. One photograph is a paleontologist, another Sylvia Earle, another an astronaut,and another a bunch of spelunkers, scientists and explorers climbing among giant crystals in a Mexican cave. 7-10, Kathy Isaacs
Jennifer Strange thought she was a fairly normal 15-year-old foundling indentured servant managing a magician's employment agency. Then came the prophecy of the last dragon's death. Now Jennifer's life is inextricably caught up in Maltcassian's fate. Subtle humor and gradual world-building combined with excellent narration make this an enjoyable and satisfying audiobook. -Colleen Beaupre
An ode to the wonders, and the end, of childhood. Jack is about to "transition" into adolescence from the land of Hokey Pokey, where only childhood cares exist. He and his Amigos mostly play their days away, flying around on bikes, enjoying delicious snacks, and avoiding girls. Not everything is always great; occasionally they have to care for the newly minted kids, and there are bullies. Jack's tomorrow will soon be upon him, and readers usher him along with their own wistful memories. Ten to fourteen. -Todd Krueger
Scarlet is the second installment Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles, which began with last year's Cinder. Though a sequel and part of a planned quartet, Scarlet is able to stand on its own. The narrative in Scarlet alternates between the title story of Scarlet's search for her missing grandmother and her entanglement with Wolf and Cinder's story, which picks up from where it left off in the first book. Though Scarlet continues and builds on the previous book's story line, Meyer provides enough background information to allow readers who haven't read Cinder to easily jump right into the action. Though the two threads are at first separate, they slowly move towards each other before converging in a thrilling climax. Not to be confused with a work of fine literature, Scarlet is all about the story: the characters, the mystery and the suspense. Clocking in at 464 pages, it is a page turner that will keep readers glued to their books. Fourteen and Up. Alicia Blowers
Set in 1986 and filled with references to new wave and punk music, Eleanor & Park is the quintessential tale of first love. Told in alternating third person perspective, what makes this book stand out, are the voices of Eleanor and Park and the exquisite language. Instead of jumping right into romance, their friendship and eventual romance takes time to evolve, and is worth every page. The simple act of holding hands for the first time is world-changing event: "Holding Eleanor's hand was like holding a butterfly or a heartbeat. Like holding something complete and completely alive" (p. 71). The scene leading up to their first kiss is also memorable for its dialog and execution (p. 166-167). Eleanor’s sarcastic demeanor almost never lets up and provides for exchanges like Park: “I just…we’re alone.” Eleanor: “Sort of.” Park: “So we should be doing alone things.” Eleanor: “You sound so creepy right now.” These are just a few of the many tender, realistic and humorous moments that make the novel unforgettable and un-put-down-able. As with almost all first loves, Eleanor and Park go there separate ways (not a spoiler, you know this from the first page), but the way that it happens is both heartbreakingly sad and even suspenseful. Readers will find themselves hoping until the last word (and beyond!) that Eleanor and Park are able to find their way back to each other against all odds. Fourteen and Up. Alicia Blowers
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