The Library Of Lost And Found by Phaedra Patrick is the most beautifully written novel that will make you smile and ignite your heart. The book is mainly set in the present day with a few forages into the 1970’s. It is a story about relationships and family. Family dynamics may be complicated but there are unbreakable bonds formed. A relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter is truly beautiful. Under love and care, a new life blossoms. They bring out the best in each other as they are united by their love of stories. Within the tale there are references to books as well as beautifully written unique tales that…

O Captain, My Captain encapsulates the Civil War through the eyes of its most famous poet. *O Captain, My Captain: Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and the Civil War by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Sterling Hundley.  Abraham, 2019, 54 pages + notes, bibliography, and index Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 8-12 Recommended for: ages 8-up There is no more dramatic, emblematic, and poignant period in American history than the civil War.  And no period features more compelling characters, foremost among them President Abraham Lincoln.  Lesser known but no less interesting is the main character of this outstanding picture-book history: Walt Whitman.  Already known as a poet and something of an eccentric,…

The New York City draft riots of 1863 form a dramatic background to this engaging tale of two young Irish immigrants. Last of the Name by Roseanne Parry.  Carolrhoda, 2019, 322 pages. Reading Level: Teen, 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-16 For the Irish, 1963 is not the best time to immigrate to America.  But the O’Carolans have no other option, with Da exiled to Australia, Ma dead, and all their siblings lost to starvation or English oppression.  Only Danny, age 12, and his teenage sister Kathleen actually make it to New York City.  Their only material asset is a mysterious family heirloom passed on by their grandmother. Kate won’t reveal…

It’s Independence Day this week, and, naturally, we’ve got you covered with a book list! Every few years or so, we compile a patriotic book list for the 4th of July or Veterans Day or Memorial Day or…. Today’s list is full of classic patriotic children’s literature plus some newer gems. Snag a few from your local library before you head to the lake or beach this week! Previous Patriotic Book Lists include: “We the People…” Book List (for Election Day, but includes lots of resources about the founding of our country)“We Hold These Truths” Book List (all about the Declaration of Independence and related issues)Fourth of July Round-Up (one…

Four homeless children in India find their own “bridge home” in this engaging novel for middle grades. The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman.  Random House (Nancy Paulsen Books), 2019, 187 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for : ages 10-14 Viji, age ll, sensed trouble on the night her father arrived home late and in a foul mood.  She was used to him hitting her mother and even herself, but when he kicked her little sister Rikku, running away seems the only option.  But once the two girls get off the bus in Chennai, what then?  Viji has always been the decision-maker and action-taker because Rikku is developmentally…

A middle grades novel packed with life in ancient Egypt and an orphan’s adventure among the tombs of the dead. *The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. Puffin, 1961 (Newbery Honor). 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 8-12, and up; makes a great read aloud Ranofer is glad to be working in a goldsmith’s shop, even if he’s not a full apprentice. Anything is better than being apprenticed to his cruel half brother, Gebu, in his stone cutting shop. A goldsmith needs delicate hands for delicate work; stone cutters inevitably end up with a crushed finger or two. Since his father died, Ranofer…