Our Book Recomendations for You

Guest Blog - I Wish I Knew Then ...

by Jodi Feldman

Growing up, I don’t remember being in many true bookstores. I remember lots of library visits. I remember the selection of Golden Books at every grocery check-out lane (and talking my mom into buying them). And I especially remember one particular day in the book section at Famous-Barr department store.

I had money to spend on a single title and found myself standing in front of all the Nancy Drew books agonizing over which to choose. I settled on The Secret of the Old Clock, and it was, um, fine. Looking back, though, I wish the ten-year-old me had been standing in an independent bookstore where the booksellers would have known to steer me to that shelf over there, to that particular book or this other one and that one, too. Those would have been better than fine. They would have been wonderful. They would have been excellent. They would have launched me into a fictional universe like I’d never known but had always hoped to.

Back then, we didn’t know the insider info, how true booksellers know their books, know their customers and know how to put the two together. Today, I’m privilege to that secret. And when I chose where to hold the official launch for my second children’s novel, I didn’t care that we’d have to crowd into Main Street Books. I wanted to make sure my guests had the inside information, too.

The Seventh Level

by Jody Feldman, Harper, HC, 16.99

Travis receives some messages that might be from a secret school organization known only as THE LEGEND. Could they possibly be? Or are they someone trying to make him believe they are from THE LEGEND? Feldman perfectly captures middle grade life – likes, dislikes, interests, worries – and the voice of a middle grade boy. Travis is believable and memorable. SEVENTH LEVEL was an Indiebound pick for Summer!

Call today to reserve your copy!

FIRST CONTACT

Evan Mandery, HC, Trade Paper, $13.99

This book is funny. The voice is terrific and the amount of useless information rivals any trivia compendium. Ralph is an aide to the President of the United States (who happens to be searching for the perfect pair of underwear and only eats macaroni and cheese for dinner) and he is put in charge of making first contact with aliens who have landed on Earth.

The aliens only want to help Earth survive. Meanwhile back on the alien’s home planet of Rigel-Rigel, the aliens are dealing with problems of their own. Hard to categorize but a great read.

Call today to reserve your copy!

31 WAYS TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Candlewick, pb, $8.99

Small actions multiplied by lots of people equals big change! That’s the driving belief behind the social change movement We Are What We Do -- and it infuses this lively, motivating book packed with action steps for younger readers.

Incorporating the suggestions of thousands of children, tips range from stirring (stand up for something) to silly (walk your dad); from earth-friendly (don’t charge your phone overnight) to eye-opening (where is that Waldo?); from social (teach your granny to text) to downright surprising (speak soccer!).

These thirty-one creative, original ideas are contributed by kids for kids -- and each is guaranteed to have a clear and positive impact. Of course, the book would not be complete without a final question to the reader: what’s the one thing you would do to change the world?

Children have lots of ideas for changing the world -- and here are thirty-one fun and simple ways to get started.

Call today to reserve your copy!

CREAK SAID THE BED

by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Regan Dunnick, Candlewick, hc, $15.99

It’s the middle of the night. Everyone’s snoozing in bed when out of the darkness, squeak goes the door. Mama’s eyes fly open. Who is awake? Evie? Ivy? Little Mo?

On a stormy night in a little house, only Papa keeps snoring away -- snurkle, snark -- unaware of the wild weather outside and the growing number of nervous bedmates within. Can nothing wake him? Creak! says the bed. . . .

With a cumulative series of comical events, this delightful story sends readers barreling toward bedlam.

Call today to reserve your copy!

HOW THE WORLD WORKS

by Christiane Dorion, Candlewick, HC, $17.99

Answering a multitude of questions about how our world works, this fun, engaging book introduces the earth’s important cycles and offers an exciting way to learn geography and science.

Packed with illustrations and paper fold-outs, flaps, pops, and more to boost interactive learning, HOW THE WORLD WORKS encourages children to think about the impact of human actions on our environment, while engendering respect for the natural world and all its harmonies.

Call today to reserve your copy!