Red Sled by Pat Thomas

This beautiful story is about a boy and his father who are feeling sad. They pull on hats and coats and climb a snow covered hill, pulling their red sled. They zoom down the hill under a starlit sky. With their spirits high once again, they go home for a mug of hot chocolate.

The Swallows and Amazons series by Arthur Ransome

Meet the Swallows and the Amazons, the D’s and the Coot Club. Whether they are camping or sailing, climbing mountains or escaping pirates, charting unknown waters or taking risks to protect wildlife, dealing with unexpected crises or learning new codes, they are sure to be resourceful, adventurous, and imaginative.

Swallows and Amazons begins the series with the four Walker children, sailors of the Swallow, meeting the Amazon pirates (Nancy and Peggy Blackett) and their fearsome Uncle Jim (AKA Captain Flint), fighting for the rights to camp on Wildcat Island, and recovering a stolen treasure.

In Swallowdale, an accident forces the Walker explorers to camp on shore—and what a perfect place they find for playing hide-and-seek with their piratical friends!

Peter Duck takes the Swallows, Amazons, and Captain Flint on a real seafaring voyage (or is it a tale of their own invention?), pursuing pirate treasure, and pursued by very real pirates bent on taking the treasure for themselves—at all costs!

In Winter Holiday, the D’s (Dick and Dorothea Callum) are introduced. The holiday is extended when Captain Nancy comes down with the mumps. But who will plan the adventures with their fearless leader in quarantine?

The D’s meet the Coot Club in the book of that name, and they learn to sail while helping their new friends defend the local waterfowl from horrible summer people called the Hullabaloos.

Pigeon Post finds all the young adventurers (except the Coot Club) camping out in the hills and searching for gold in abandoned mines.

Through a chain of accidental circumstances, the Walker children find themselves sailing across the North Sea alone in a borrowed yacht in We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea.

In Secret Water, the adventurers meet new friends and tidal adventures while they learn the science of mapping uncharted waters.

In The Big Six, the D’s return to their Coot Club friends, and help them to solve the mystery of who is trying to get them all in trouble with the law.

Another adventure which, like Peter Duck, takes the fictional aspects of the story to a higher level, is Missee Lee, in which the Swallows, Amazons, and Captain Flint take a trip around the world and get mixed up with some Chinese pirates.

In The Picts and the Martyrs, the D’s become "Picts," hiding out from the Blacketts’ formidable Great-Aunt, who is making "Martyrs" of them. Can the children accomplish all their summer plans without giving away their secret?

Finally, the Swallows, Amazons, and D’s are all reunited in Great Northern? in which they seek to identify and protect a rare pair of birds in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Sad but sweet, rough but beautiful, innocent but wise—these were my impressions of this touching story about faith and fatherhood. It is the memoire of a small-town preacher, reminiscing about his own life and the lives of his father and grandfather, his best friend, and his best friend’s children. The memories are written for his son, and the book is full of fathers and sons loving and misunderstanding and sometimes rejecting each other and each other’s faith, but always connected by a special bond. Mixed in with it all are some startling, sometimes funny, and sometimes shocking and heart-wrenching, historical anecdotes. And through it all runs the current of a deep love of life, the natural world, and the people who hurt and help and shape and bless one another.

Cape Light Novels by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer

If you enjoy feel-good stories in a small town setting, you are likely to enjoy this series, full of picturesque scenery and happy endings. There are ministers and medical students, mysteries and miracles, cranks and cooks, calamities and career changes… There are singles, married couples, and familes. There are people to love and to laugh with as they overcome obstacles, find romance, persevere through hard times, and find joy in helping others.

The books are sequential, as follows.

1. Cape Light
2. Home Song
3. A Gathering Place
4. A New Leaf
5. A Christmas Promise
6. The Christmas Angel
7. A Christmas to Remember
8. A Christmas Visitor
9. A Christmas Star

Becca's Story by James D. Forman

Authentic letters and diaries give haunting realism to this extraordinary Civil War story of two ordinary soldiers and the girl they both love.

Living in Michigan, far from the issues tearing the country apart, none of them wants the war. Responsible Alex feels duty-bound to serve his country when called, yet he hates the thought of killing anything, even an animal. Free-spirited Charlie doesn’t care about fighting the South—he wants to go West, not to join the army. Becca believes it would be dishonorable for them not to fight, but she loves them both dearly and can scarcely bear to choose one over the other. And none of them has any idea what a long and bloody war is before them.

Both boys will join the army, endure the daily hardships and the terrors of battle, and become experienced soldiers with a growing enthusiasm for the cause that brings them back to enlist a second time. But only one of them will come home.

This is neither a romantic adventure novel nor a cynical protest against war, but a moving story about common soldiers, unsung heroes, true friendship, and the uncertainties of life.

You Can Do It by Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy grew up in a home encouraged by his parents to have faith ...and dream big! Tony knew early on that football was going to be his dream. His sisters, Sherri and Lauren, always knew that becoming a nurse and a doctor were their dreams for the future . But his younger brother, Linden, couldn't seem to find a dream of this own...until a very special day when he stops being a class clown and becomes a kid on a mission. And Tony is always there to encourage him...well, in a big brother sort of way.

Freddy and the Perilous Adventure by Walter Brooks

Freddy, the world’s most talented pig, has no idea what he’s getting into when a fast-talking balloon man convinces him to make an ascent with his two duck friends, Alice and Emma. First, they have to go up alone (or at least nobody else knows that they have two spider stowaways), and second, the valve to release the gas and let them back down again is broken. And even if they can make a safe landing, the balloon man wants them arrested for stealing his property…

As usual, there is no stopping Freddy, who uses his wits and the aid of his friends (animal and human) from the Bean farm, Boomschmidt’s circus, and the surrounding countryside, to see that all ends as it should.

A great read-aloud and laugh-aloud book about courage, honesty, and friendship.

Alistair Cooke’s America

This must be the most interesting history of America that I have ever read (and possibly the only one I have voluntarily read from start to finish). Alistair Cooke, though an Englishman, spent so many years as a reporter in this country that he had a remarkably broad understanding of her geography, people, and history, and he writes with candor and charm. He also writes with the impartiality of someone who has discovered America as an adult and an ally, neither overly cynical nor shamelessly patriotic. Gently, he pokes fun at some of the assumptions we make, and the biases we learn from grade school, yet he shows that the truth is often as impressive as the historical fiction. As I read, I found myself repeatedly wanting to share fascinating tidbits with my family (sometimes to their annoyance!)—and the book reads aloud very well. Not a textbook, it has a frankly subjective quality, leaving out details that are included in most history books, perhaps because they did not fit the story line, or perhaps because they were not well known at the time the book was published (1973). But, on the whole, the book appears to be very well researched, and is an excellent read for anybody interested in a refresher course on American history.

Flush by Carl Hiaasen

A father in jail for taking the law into his own hands. A mother using the dreaded “D” word with her lawyer. A casino boat dumping raw sewage into protected waters—and getting away with it. A mysterious disappearance—possibly murder. How much worse could the outlook be?

When a clever brother and sister, with the aid of an angry waitress, step forward to do their part, everything really gets moving. But it will take a couple of bullies to really do the job in this surprise ending, which just goes to show that “what goes around comes around.”

 

The Witches of Dredmoore Hollow by Riford McKenzie

Elijah isn't known for his bravery. As his father says, his imagination tends to get the better of him. But Elijah's imagination isn't to blame when his two strange aunts arrive at Dredmoore Hollow and whisk him away to stay with them, right after his parents suddenly leave town.

Elijah discovers that secrets and magic are part of the Dredmoore family legacy and there's no hiding from your roots--no matter how deep and dark and tangled they may be.

"Things That Are" by Andrew Clements

A novel full of adventure, romance, and mystery, a story about learning to trust the things we know but cannot see.

Alicia's total blindness is a harsh fact. But she still sees what's going on. She sees how her parents want her to be independent, but can't quite let go. She sees Bobby edging closer, sees their relationship approaching new territory. And she sees William, at first just another invisible form, a voice. Except William is invisible to everyone, not just Alicia.

Oodles of Animals by Lois Ehlert

Come take a look--it's creatures galore! You will find crawlers,creepers,a green-legged leaper: Quackers, cluckers, a red-headed cheeper. A barker, a pincher a big-eared thinker: Honkers, howlers and oodles more.

Ms. Wiz Spells Trouble by Terence Blacker

Ms. Wiz Spells Trouble is the first book in a best selling series that was originally published in the United Kingdom.


Describing herself as a paranormal operative, the delightful Ms. Wiz uses her magic to rescue the students at St Barnabas School from one disaster after another - with outrageous results.

The Jewel of Gresham Green by Lawana Blackwell

Knowing my fondness for historical novels and for England, a friend recommended the Gresham Chronicles to me. Titles include The Widow of Larkspur Inn, The Courtship of the Vicar’s Daughter, The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark, and now The Jewel of Gresham Green (which appears to be the only one available at PPL as of this writing).

Technically, I was a little disappointed in the way the stories portray Victorian England (at least, I think it is supposed to be Victorian). The author obviously did a lot of research, but 21st Century American viewpoints have a way of slipping in anyway (typical of this kind of novel). But, forgetting the technicalities, I found I enjoyed them all immensely as a fun and entertaining read. The people are almost all likeable, though not impossibly perfect—and the author loves to invent characters with amusing quirks. The plots and sub-plots are interesting, but not overly agonizing. Although not all of the characters are sweet and innocent types, the content is "family friendly." And the “bad guys” almost all either ultimately reform, or get their come-uppance. So what if they’re not entirely realistic? That’s the fun of fiction!

The Black Glove by Grant Morrison

This book is a great addition to the Batman mythos. Along with Batman and Son, Morrison is taking risks and from a creative and artistic standpoint, succeeding admirably in proving that even the oldest of comic book icons can be as fresh and interesting as the newest creator owned characters.

Sail by James Patterson

Since the death of her husband, Anne Dunne and her three children have struggled in every way. In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again. But only an hour out of port, everything is going wrong. The teenage daughter, Carrie, is planning to drown herself. The teenage son, Mark, is high on drugs and ten-year-old Ernie is nearly catatonic. This is the worst vacation ever.Anne manages to pull things together bit by bit, but just as they begin feeling like a family again, something catastrophic happens. Survival may be the least of their concerns.

Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

What goes up must come down, and when we last saw Alex Rider, he was as up as can be—in outer space. When he crash lands off the coast of Australia, the Australian Secret Service recruits him to infiltrate one of the ruthless gangs operating across South East Asia. Known as snakeheads, the gangs smuggle drugs, weapons, and worst of all, people. Alex accepts the assignment, in part for the chance to work with his godfather and learn more about his parents. What he uncovers, however, is a secret that will make this his darkest and most dangerous mission yet . . . and that his old nemesis, Scorpia, is anything but out of his life.
From the slums of Bangkok to the Australian Outback to the middle of the Timor Sea, Snakehead is Alex Rider's most action-packed adventure yet

On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

"On the night you were born, the moon smiles with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, 'Life will never be the same.' " With clear, poetic text and soothing pictures, On the Night You Were Born celebrates the birth and worth of every wondrous child. A superb parent-and-child bedtime read-aloud; a soothing tone for the holidays.
For ages 3 to 6.

 

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The god of final fate and the leader of the Dark-Hunters, Acheron Parthenopaeus is used to being in charge... at least in this lifetime.
He answers to no one and no one questions him. Yeah, right.
Enter a woman on a forbidden quest out to answer an ancient mystery who won't take no for an answer. Not even from Acheron himself.

In spite of his impugning her reputation and foiling her attempts at every step of the way, she will not be denied.But when ancient guardians and old enemies threaten them, the only hope they have is to stand together or be destroyed individually. The only problem is Acheron isn't sure he can trust anyone with his past, but as the Fates have foretold, in your past lies your future. The time for truth is at hand...

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

I FELT LIKE I WAS TRAPPED IN ONE OF THOSE TERRIFYING NIGHTMARES…For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella ever could have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning. . . .

Elephant Quilt by Susan Lowell

The year is 1859, and Lily Rose and her family are on their way to California.“We’re going to see the Elephant!” That’s what people say when they head West on a journey promising to be “something powerful strange. Like a real live elephant, but even bigger – stranger – wilder – scarier!” Lily Rose is raring to go. Along the way she’ll help stitch her family’s adventures into a grand and glorious quilt.Come along on this exciting journey. It's sure to be,as Lily Rose would say,BO-dacious!

Diamond Willow by Helen Frost

Twelve-year-old Willow would rather blend in than stick out. But she still wants to be seen for who she is. She wants her parents to notice that she is growing up. She wants her best friend to like her better than she likes a certain boy. She wants, more than anything, to mush the dogs out to her grandparents’ house, by herself, with Roxy in the lead. But sometimes when it’s just you, one mistake can have frightening consequences . . . And when Willow stumbles, it takes a surprising group of friends to help her make things right again.
Using diamond-shaped poems inspired by forms found in polished diamond willow sticks, Helen Frost tells the moving story of Willow and her family. Hidden messages within each diamond carry the reader further, into feelings Willow doesn’t reveal even to herself.

“Bandit” by Karen Rostoker-Gruber

Poor Bandit! His couch is being moved. His toy basket, fuzzy mouse, blanket, and bed are gone. So is his litter box, food bowl, and tuna. Then his owner carries him to the car. What’s happening? Is he going to the vet, or on vacation, or … is he moving? Really cute story.

Maximum Ride School's Out - Forever

Meet Max, Fang, Iggy, Gasman, Nudge and Angel,six absolutely unforgettable kids with some major problems. THEY'RE BEING HUNTED BY KILLERS. BUT WHO? It's even worse than that. Max is sure that a microchip has been inserted under her skin--leading freakish forces of evil to ambush them at any moment. She and others are suposed to save the world. FROM WHAT? WHEN ? AND HOW? Max will stop at nothing to find answers. One thing she does know: it's got something to do with an astonishing ability they have that no others can claim.THEY CAN FLY. Max's heart-stopping quest to protect her " family," and investigate the mind-blowing mystery of her ultimate destiny continues in the scariest, strangest, and funniest James Patterson thriller yet.

Little Tiny Teeth by Aaron Elkins

Aaron Elkins' Gideon Oliver forensic mysteries employ an old device - the closed room mystery - with fresh settings and interesting characters. Oliver is known as "The Bone Detective," a man who can discern a world of information from old bones. He travels extensively, and usually manages to stumble upon a murder in some exotic location.

In "Tiny Little Teeth" the location is a boat in the Amazon jungle. With a limited number of suspects and no way to add or subtract from them, Oliver is faced with a perplexing series of events, including disappearances, reappearances, and pirhana-chewed bodies. If you enjoy classic mysteries combined with unique locales, you will enjoy this and the other of the Gideon Oliver series.

Raymond Ranier

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

Cole Matthews is filled with anger, rage and hate. He has been lying and stealing for years, This time all of his rage and anger comes out in a vicious attack on Peter Driscal, which leaves Peter with possible brain damage. Is there any hope for Cole? Cole is offered his choice of jail or Circle Justice, a Native American system based on the tradition that tries to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the community. Cole has been conning the legal system for years. Can he fool the Circle Justice council into giving him one more chance? Read the story and find out.