Go ahead and get this unusual graphic novel for the kids. But first, you have to read it for yourself. This deceptively intelligent tale of two beetle friends and their bug buddies will have you laughing on one page, then thinking deep, philosophical thoughts the next. The lessons learned will delight you and warm your …
A Delicious Indie Assortment: Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle Imagine a set of cartoon characters who appear to be alien beings but who experience many of the same daily joys and frustrations that we do. Then imagine that these beings are somehow naive and curious AND wise, with complex vocabularies and gentle senses of …
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Timothy Egan puts himself into the story in this remarkable memoir. Raised in a devout Irish Catholic family, Egan has wrestled with his faith as the clerical abuse scandal and the Church’s position on women have impacted his family. He also notes the increasing popularity of secularism throughout the world. To work …
Do witches exist? And if so, do their spells really work? After reading this delightfully magical memoir, I certainly hope so. Known for his wicked humor in the face of real challenges, Burroughs does not disappoint in this latest tale, in which he comes out as a witch, descended from a centuries-long lineage of powerful …
Combine equal parts Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and Judy Blume’s Just as Long as We’re Together. Add a splash of Mary Oliver and you may begin to approach the essence of Elizabeth Ames’ gorgeously written debut novel. On its surface it is a story about the relationship between four college friends; going deeper it’s …
Karl Marlantes once again brings us an epic that can’t be put down, this time set in the forests and on the rivers of southwest Washington, all soon to be engulfed by logging and fishing. Deep River combines the story of immigrant siblings (from Finland) and a larger Scandinavian community, the desires of families escaping …
This engaging collaboration between Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman takes on an upcoming apocalypse with hilarious results. A prissy angel and a hedonistic demon team up to halt the coming rapture. Witty and well written, Good Omens proves that even the apocalypse can be enjoyable. –Katie, Eagle Harbor Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA Read it …
Keggie Carew’s father had more than his share of mysteries about him, and her compelling account of trying to fill in the blanks makes for a very satisfying, poignant, and humorous read. Tom Carew’s extraordinary exploits during World War II include parachuting into France and Burma to lead resistance movements. Following years of estrangement during her father’s …
“Okay, but after that I know what could happen!” It’s a constant refrain I hear from children I’ve visited in multi-purpose rooms and classrooms across the country once I tease them about my plans for the final book of my Hello There… trilogy. Some kids refuse to acknowledge that “trilogy” means “three,” and they’re quick …
This heart-breaking novel is storytelling at its best! It follows Rachel, a young Hawaiian girl whose dreams are shattered the day she is taken from her family and sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined settlement for lepers on the island of Moloka’i. Rich in history and characters, this special story will stay with you forever. And now after …
