STAFF PICKS!

Some notable books & CDs recently encountered by NPL staff...
May 2007

I Heard That Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark -- A woman falls in love with a man suspected in the drowning death of his wife, as well as the death of another young woman. A mysterious connection is revealed, which could send him to jail. (Mystery)

Life and Times of the Tunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson -- A hilarious memoir of Bryson's growing up in the 1950s in Des Moines, Iowa. (Biography)

True Stories of Law and Order: The Real Crimes by Kevin Dwyer -- This book compares the storylines of some of the best-known episodes"Law & Order" with true crimes. (364.109)

A New Journey by Celtic Woman -- A group of 6 women, individually talented, brought together to perform traditional Celtic songs. (CD Q 4126)

Book Thief by Marcus Zusak -- Death narrates this beautifully written account of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany. (YA)

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex -- These monster poems will have you laughing out loud throughout. (Children's)

Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventure of Mary "Jacky" Fiaber, Ship's Boy by Louis A. Meyer -- Mary Faber is thrown onto the streets of 18th century London when her family dies of plague. She joins a gang but when the leader is murdered, she takes his clothes and strikes out on her own, disguised as a boy. Because she can read, she is selected as a cabin boy aboard a ship of the Royal Navy. (YA - grades 6-8)

Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan -- What if the Greek gods really existed and are still active today? Percius Jackson discovers he is the son of one of the gods when he is sent from Camp Half-Blood on a quest to bring back Zeus' lightning bolt. (YA)

So Big by Edna Ferber -- 1924 Pulitzer Prize winner. Set in late-19th century Chicago, it is the story of widowed Selina DeJong struggling to support herself and her son Dirk. (Fiction)

Follow the River by James Alexander Thom -- Mary Ingles is taken prisoner by the Shawnee Indians. For months she lived with them until she escaped and followed a thousand mile trail to freedom. Fictional account of an historical figure.

Two for the Road: Our Love Affair with American Food by Jane & Michael Stern -- The well-known "Roadfood" critics discuss their journeys across the USA in search of memorable diners, people, and food. (917.304)

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy -- In this vivid fictional account of a true story, Roy retells a young girl's experience in Lodz Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. (YA & J Fiction)

Aaaarrgghh! Spider! by Lydia Monks -- A clever spider longs to be part of a family in this clever picture book with a fun ending. On the 2008 Monarch list. (PICTBK)

No Easy Answers: The Truth Behind Death at Columbine by Brooks Brown & Rob Merritt -- What really happened on that fateful April 1999 day? What motivated two young men to go on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School? This book examines Littleton, Colorado before, during and after the tragedy, concluding that the High School was not the sanctuary it was made out to be. The book helps readers to understand the dangers of bullying, and what can happen when bullying is ignored.

Reservation Road by John Burns Schwartz -- How would you feel if you were driving at night on a lonely road? Suddenly you hit something, and discover that you have hit a child - do you keep going or stop? The character in this story kept going, and the book follows the rage, guilt, depression and turmoil of both the driver and the family of the victim. Readers John Shea, Stanley Tucci and Anne Twomey are excellent. (Book on CD, V/SCHW)

Honor's Quest by Kristen Heitzmann -- The third book of the 'Rocky Mountain Legacy' series follows the married life of Monte and Abigail as they take in their niece, Jenny, to live with them on their Colorado ranch. Disaster strikes suddenly, and Abby fears losing the precious land that she treasures. Narrator Kate Forbes does an excellent job. (Book on Cassette, V/HEIT)

I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This by Bob Newhart -- Read by the author in his traditional style, this autobiography includes meeting and knowing other Hollywood stars and comedians. Includes complete re-telling of 'The Driving Instructor.' (Book on CD, V/NEWH)

Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scietific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel -- Imagine sailing across the ocean but not knowing when you will reach your destination because you don't know how to identify the longitude. This dilemma of early explorers was solved by an unknown carpenter. Reader is excellent - British accent, but easy to understand. (Book on CD, V/SOBE)