Jill's Staff Pick:
Megiddo's Shadow by Arthur Slade
Megiddo's Shadow is a fictional account of an underage WWI soldier. It tells of the challenges he faced, the friends he made, and how different he was when he came home to small town Saskatchewan. Arthur Slade has once again provided a fantastic book.
Lisa's Staff Pick:
Ten Little Lady Bugs by Melanie Gerth
Watch as the ladybugs disappear as you count backwards. A perfect springtime counting book,
Lori's Staff Pick:
Go, Dog, Go! by P. D. Eastman
When asked what my favourite book is, this comes first to my mind. Takes me back to my childhood.
Allison's Staff Pick:
The Secret World of Og by Pierre Berton
Pierre Berton's book written for his children is a true Canadian classic. Filled with adventures, mystery and suspense, this tale of an underground world explores themes of responsibility, loyalty and all the foibles of family life.
Tamar's Staff Pick:
Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway
California high school student Audrey Cuttler dumps her self involved boyfriend Evan who just happens to be the lead singer in a little band called the Do-Gooders. Evan pens a break up song called "Audrey Wait!" which immediately becomes a smash hit. Overnight Audrey becomes famous and her her whole world is turned upside down. Take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, has outrageous fun and shows the world who she is.
Faye's Staff Pick:
Stuck in the Mud by Jane Clarke
With colorful and expressive illustrations, this is the humorous tale of a little chick who gets, as the title suggests, stuck in the mud. Can the other animals pull him out? Children will enjoy the silly rhyming text and the surprise ending. This book is a must-read for the young and young at heart.
Christy's Staff Pick:
Shiv
er by Maggie Stiefvatar
I picked this book because it is an unconventional love story. I love her poetic writing.For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf - is a haunting presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human -- until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears and the temperature drops, Sam must fight to stay human or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.
Christina's Staff Pick:
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Lucy has 9 months to break a curse that's plagued the women in her family for generations. Inspired by the ballad A Scarborough Fair, this novel combines suspense, romance in fantasy as Lucy fights the curse with all that she can. If Lucy does not break the curse she will succumb to madness.
Lindsay's Staff Pick:
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
The Unwanteds is a great book for youth who aren't quite ready for the themes of the Hunger Games. In the dreary land of Quill 13 year olds are sorted into 3 categories. There is the Wanted who are sent to Wanted University where they train and become valued and highly respected members of Quill. Most end up holding positions in the military and the government. Next we have the Necessary's. They are the workers of Quill. Nothing stands out about them. They are there to perform the necessary tasks of Quill such as food production, garbage removal etc. Then last we have kids who are sorted into the Unwanted category. These are kids who were caught doing something creative or imaginative. Too many strikes against them means that they get taken away to the death farm. Unbeknownst to the High Priestess these kids are not put to death as it is universally assumed, but they are taken to a hidden magical place where they are encouraged to develop their creative gifts and learn magic. What happens when there are a pair of twins, one Wanted and the other Unwanted?
Katherine's Staff Pick:
Moomin Builds a House by Tove Jansson
The Moomins are a close-knit family of full of funny characters with shining personalities. They are always looking for exciting new adventures that undoubtedly will land them in a sticky situation. When something unexpected happens the Moomins have to use their quick thinking and act quickly to make things right again. This whimsical story with lively illustrations would be most enjoyable for readers aged 10 & up!
