No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko

After Dad died, life became hard for the Tompkins. Then the day came when Mom could no longer even afford to keep their home. India, Finn, and Mouse would have to go and live with their Uncle Red. Despite their misgivings, the three set off on a plane to Denver, Colorado. But their plane lands in the strange town of Falling Bird instead. And what a mysterious place that is! Riding in a feather covered taxi seems almost normal in Falling Bird. They have to decide whether to stay in Falling Bird or not, and when they decide to leave, they’re in real trouble! No Passengers Beyond This Point is an engaging mixture of realistic fiction and fantasy.

Book reviewed by Loreen S., Youth Services Assistant

One-Handed Catch by M.J. Auch

One-Handed Catch by M.J. Auch. One thing that I thought was really interesting about this book was that it is loosely based on the childhood experiences of the author’s husband.  The setting for this book is just after the end of World War II and the main character is an 11-year-old boy named Norm, whose family owns a meat market.  On the fourth of July, while helping his dad in the store, his hand got caught in the meat grinder and he lost it.  Shortly after he was released from the hospital, there were a few times when Norm felt sorry for himself and he was tempted to use his new disability to try and get special treatment from people.  However, his mom quickly put a stop to that when she found out because she wanted him to learn to become independent.  His dad felt terribly guilty about the accident so he suddenly didn’t spend time or joke with Norm the way that he used to.  Luckily, his best friend Leon still stayed friends with him and once he knew what it was like to be teased, Norm also ended up befriending Carl, the quiet, new kid in town. However, he still had to face several other challenges.  How would he ever fulfill his lifelong dream of being a professional baseball player?  What instrument would he be able to play in the school band?  How would he ever re-learn how to do a simple thing like tying his shoes? You will have to read this inspirational story (and 2012 Rebecca Caudill Award nominee) to find out!

Book reviewed by Julie D., Elementary School Liaison

Przepis na miłość by Katharina Grossmann

Przepis na miłość by Katharina Grossmann. Mama i tata nie zawsze byli razem. Przez długi czas w ogóle się nie znali - do chwili, gdy zakochali się w sobie. Mama lubila różne kolory - tata tylko biel i czerń. Mama marzyła o mezczyźnie, który będzie lubił taniec do bialego rana i życie w kolorowym chaosie.
Tata chciał spotkać kobietę która zamieszka wraz znim w jego uporządkowanym, ciemnym mieszkaniu i bedzie grać z nim w szachy .Oboje czuli sie samotnie. Aż nagle, pewnego dnia, wpadli na siebie na ulicy. Mamie zakrecilo się w głowie, a tacie zaczęło mocno walic serce. A potem dzialy się rzeczy&nbsspp;zadziwiające i niesamowite. Ksiazka, ktora okreslam jako "przeczytaj ze mna , mamo".

Book reviewed by Maria G., Collection Management