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Staff Picks by Amanda

Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Why is it a pick?

In this semiautobiographical book Arnold Spirit decides to transfer from his reservation school to the all white high school in the nearby town of Reardan. Even though Alexie touches on tough issues such as poverty and alcoholism his sense of humor is always present. This story will break your heart even as you laugh out loud.

Collection

Teen Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

All Aboard to Work-Choo-Choo!

Why is it a pick?

Animal mommies and daddies take the train to work. And at the end of the day they take the train home again. Rhyming text and bright funny pictures make this book a great read-a-loud.

Collection

Juvenile Picture Book

Picked by

Amanda

An American Plague

Why is it a pick?

This absorbing book tells the story of the 1793 Yellow Fever Epidemic in Philadelphia, which was then the nation’s capital. Included are complete medical details as well as information about the role that freed black Philadelphians played in saving the city.

Collection

Juvenile Non-fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

Why is it a pick?

Fourteen-year-old Georgia Nicholson has a lot going on in her life. She must reduce the size of her nose, stop her cat from terrorizing the neighborhood and win the heart of the handsome hunk Robbie. The audio of this entertaining book will leave you laughing out loud!

Collection

Teen CD Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Astronaut Handbook

Why is it a pick?

This illustrated book is a great introduction for young aspiring astronauts. Fun facts, such as a space suit weighs 280 pounds on earth, are included.

Collection

Juvenile Non-fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Baby Steps

Why is it a pick?

Beautiful drawings and tender words chronicle the first year of Suki’s life. This book will resonate with anyone who has watched a baby grow and develop.

Collection

Juvenile Picture Book

Picked by

Amanda

Bark, George

Why is it a pick?

George is a dog who can make all kinds of noises except a bark! When his mother takes him to the vet it doesn’t take long to get to the bottom of the problem.

Collection

Juvenile Picture Book

Picked by

Amanda

Book of Sleep

Why is it a pick?

This picture book has beautifully fascinating illustrations. The simple text describes how each kind of animal sleeps differently. A perfect book for bedtime.

Collection

Juvenile Picture Book

Picked by

Amanda

Castle

Why is it a pick?

This Caldecott Honor book is illustrated in beautiful detail and provides lots of interesting information about how castles were built in thirteenth century England.

Collection

Juvenile Non-fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Chronicles of Narnia

Why is it a pick?

All seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia are brought together in this impressive audio. Each book is skillfully read by a different narrator. This is a fun way to experience all these wonderful tales as one complete story.

Collection

Juvenile CD Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Come to the Castle!

Why is it a pick?

The Earl of Daftwood has decided to host a tournament. Several characters, including the Earls steward, knights and teenage daughter, then share their thoughts about their lives in the castle. Children interested in learning about medieval times and castles will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Collection

Juvenile Non-fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Cookbook for Girls

Why is it a pick?

This delightfully girlie cookbook has lots of fun recipes and even a few crafts. Girls and moms of all ages will appreciate the many photographs and simple recipes.

Collection

Juvenile Non-fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Diamond Willow

Why is it a pick?

Willow is a shy young girl living in Alaska. What she wants most in the world is to mush her dogs all the way to her grandparents house by herself. But when her favorite dog gets hurt Willow must learn to live with the consequences and make things right.

Collection

Juvenile Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Diary of a Fly

Why is it a pick?

Kids will have lots of fun reading about the daily activities of Fly while learning interesting facts about flies at the same time

Collection

Juvenile Picture Book

Picked by

Amanda

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Why is it a pick?

Middle school kids love this enormously funny book. Greg Heffley recounts his adventurous school year including figuring out how to be popular and avoiding the dreaded "cheese touch". A great choice for reluctant readers.

Collection

Juvenile Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Does My Head Look Big In This?

Why is it a pick?

Amal has normal sixteen year old girl stresses, like what to wear and how embarrassing her parents are. But the big difference between Amal and everyone else at her school is that she is the only Muslim. When Amal decides to start wearing the hijab (the head scarf some Muslim women choose to wear) she knows that it will be the most important decision of her life.

Collection

Teen Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Everywear

Why is it a pick?

This fun craft book has lots of fashionable projects for young ladies.

Collection

Juvenile Non-fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Facing Future

Why is it a pick?

Listening to this CD it is easy to see why Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole is so deeply popular in Hawaii. IZ’s gently passionate voice will make you feel as if you are sitting on a beach breathing in the sea breeze.

Collection

Adult CD Music

Picked by

Amanda

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Why is it a pick?

This book, which won the 2008 Newbery Award, was originally written as a collection of plays for a group of students studying the middle ages. This book is sure to entertain children while teaching them fascinating facts about the Middle Ages.

Collection

Juvenile Non-fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Hello, Day!

Why is it a pick?

In this gorgeously illustrated picture book each animal takes a turn greeting the day.

Collection

Juvenile Picture Book

Picked by

Amanda

Hoboken Chicken Emergency

Why is it a pick?

When Arthur's mother sends him out to find a turkey for Thanksgiving the last thing she expects him to come home with is a 266-pound live chicken. This hilarious book makes a great audio for the whole family to listen to.

Collection

Juvenile CD Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Hondo and Fabian

Why is it a pick?

This lovely picture book tells the story of a day in the life of Fabian the cat and Hondo the dog. The serene illustrations perfectly portray a peaceful day.

Collection

Juvenile Picture Book

Picked by

Amanda

I Am Invited to a Party!

Why is it a pick?

Piggie is invited to a party. Luckily Elephant "knows parties". The Elephant and Piggie books are a great way to get your child started reading.

Collection

Juvenile Easy

Picked by

Amanda

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Why is it a pick?

Cammie is a spy-in-training at the top secret Gallagher Academy. At this special school for girls students learn to speak over a dozen different languages and study advanced encryption and covert operations. But Cammie’s life becomes even more exciting when she starts to date a local boy who can never know her true identity.

Collection

Teen Fiction

Picked by

Amanda

Life As We Knew It

Why is it a pick?

Miranda's life is changed forever when an asteroid hits the moon and changes its orbit. Suddenly her worries change from getting a prom date to whether or not her family have enough food to survive the winter. This book will give you a lot to think about!

Collection

Teen Fiction

Picked by

Amanda