Fable Comics edited by Chris Duffy

This collection of fables, familiar and unfamiliar, has been retold in graphic novel format.  While most of the fables are taken from Aesop, there are several from Middle Eastern, European, and Russian cultures.  Each fable has been retold and drawn as seen by the graphic novelist -- so some are strict retellings while others have been embellished and expanded.  This book, the third in a series including Nursery Rhyme Comics and Fairy Tale Comics, is a great book for kids, teens and adults.

Who-Dun-It? It's a Mystery!

This week, I'm sharing some of my favorite mystery chapter books for kids . . .

Horton Halfpott by Tom Angleberger
Horton, an upstanding kitchen boy in a castle in nineteenth-century England, becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding a series of thefts, which is also connected to the pursuit of a very eligible and wealthy young lady's affections.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny -- Detectives Extraordinaire by Polly Horvath
Middle-schooler Madeline's hippie parents have been kidnapped from Hornby Island, Canada, by foxes, and Madeline, upon discovering that she can understand animal languages, hires two rabbit detectives to find them.

Below by Megan McKinlay
On the day Cassie was born, the mayor flipped a lever and everyone cheered as Old Lower Grange was submerged beneath five thousand swimming pools' worth of water and now, twelve years later, Cassie is drawn to the mysterious manmade lake.


More Mysteries for Kids --
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
The Forgetting Machine by Pete Hautman
The Inquisitor's Apprentice by Chris Moriarity
Knightley & Son by Rohan Gavin
Madhattan Mystery by John H. Bonk
Murder Is Bad Manners by Robin Stevens
The Mystery of Meerkat Hill by Alexander McCall Smith
Ruby Redfort: Look Into My Eyes by Lauren Child
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
Sensible Hare and the Case of Carrots by Daren King
Snowize & Snitch: Highly Effective Defective Detectives by K.H. Briner
The Trouble with Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin
Walls Within Walls by Maureen Sherry
Who Could That Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through January 13, 2016.

My Favorite Christmas Books

With Christmas only a few days away, I thought I would share some of my favorite Christmas books with you . . .

Santa Duck by David Milgrim
When Nicholas Duck, wearing a Santa hat and coat he found on his doorstep, goes looking for Santa to tell him what he wants for Christmas, all the other animals mistake him for Mr. Claus.
A sweet story of Christmas cheer.

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
On his eleventh birthday Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, destined to seek the six magical Signs that will enable the Old Ones to triumph over the evil forces of the Dark.
While not a traditional Christmas book, the story does take place during the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany.

Sweet Rein series by Sakura Tsukuba
Sad at the thought of spending Christmas alone, Kurumi Sagara goes out for a walk. While she's crossing the street, a boy bumps into her, and a rein suddenly appears that binds them together. The overjoyed boy tells her she's his master and that she's a Santa Claus. Kurumi dismisses him as a crazy person, but then he transforms into a reindeer?!
A whole manga series based on an original Christmas myth.

Stories for a Snowy Evening

It's that time of year when cold weather makes us want to cuddle up under the blankets and read a good book.  Hear are some of my favorite picture books to share on a cold and snowy evening . . .

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
Snowmen play games at night when no one is watching.

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Katy is a crawler tractor who saves the city when it is snowed in by a blizzard.

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
Some children create a family out of snow.

Winter Woes by Marty Kelley
Rhyming lament of a young worrywart who wants to go outside and play in the snow but fears what could happen if he does, from slipping on steps to freezing his brain.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz
As snowflakes slowly come down, one by one, people in the city ignore them, and only a boy and his dog think that the snowfall will amount to anything.


More Snowy Books --
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming
First Snow by Bernette Ford
First Snow by Peter McCarty
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root
A Hat for Minerva Louise by Janet Morgan Stoeke
A Kitten Tale by Eric Rohmann
A Little Bit of Winter by Paul Stewart
The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg
Moon Glowing by Elizabeth Partridge
Old Bear by Kevin Henkes
Sleepover with Beatrice and Bear by Monica Carnesi
Snow Day! by Lester Laminack
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen
Snowball Fight! by Jimmy Fallon
Snowbots by Aaron Reynolds
Straight to the Pole by Kevin O'Malley
Supertruck by Steven Savage
Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester
The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan
Winter is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer
The Winter Visitors by Karel Hayes

Check out these and more "snowy" books on display at the Arnold Branch through January 5, 2017.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a truly heroic Viking known as the "dragon whisperer".  But it wasn't always that way.

Once, Hiccup was just a Viking boy trying to become a member of the clan by passing his dragon training test.  He must overcome many obstacles including a dragon that refuses to be trained.


This is the first book in the How to Train Your Dragon series.  While it is the book that the movie is loosely based on, it is not very similar to the movie.  It is a great read about an underdog becoming the hero.

Also, try listening to the series on audio as narrated by actor David Tennant.

Once Upon a Time . . . Fairy Tales for Teens

I love to read re-imaginings of fairy tales -- whether it is a strict retelling with more character development or a fractured tale.  Here are some of my favorite fairy tales for teens . . . .

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
When Sunday Woodcutter, the youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week, kisses an enchanted frog, he transforms back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland--a man Sunday's family despises.

Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen
Recasts the tale of Snow White, setting it in West Virginia in the 1940s with a stepmother who is a snake-handler.

Zel by Donna Jo Napoli
Based on the fairy tale Rapunzel, the story is told in alternating chapters from the point of view of Zel, her mother, and the prince, and delves into the psychological motivations of the characters.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
A girl travels east of the sun and west of the moon to free her beloved prince from a magic spell.

Into the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst
Having escaped from the Wild and the preordained fairy tale plots it imposes, Rapunzel, along with her daughter Julie Marchen, tries to live a fairly normal life, but when the Wild breaks free and takes over their town, it is Julie who has to prevent everyone from being trapped in the events of a story.


More Fairy Tales for Teens --
Curse of the Thirteenth Fey by Jane Yolen
Dark Shimmer by Donna Jo Napoli
The Door in the Hedge by Robin McKinley
East by Edith Pattou
The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman
Lies, Knives and Girls in Red Dresses by Ronald Koertge
Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell
Mira, Mirror by Mette Harrison
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Rose & Thorn by Sarah Prineas
Roses by G.R. Mannering
The Rumpelstiltskin Problem by Vivian Vande Velde
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
Toads & Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson
Towering by Alex Flinn
The Wrath & the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through December 30, 2016.

Spontaneous by Aaron Starmer

Mara is sitting in her senior calculus class when all of a sudden the student two desks in front of her explodes.

A week later in group therapy another senior explodes.

Then a third explodes during the football game.

It seems the seniors of Covington High are spontaneously combusting.
Now Mara must survive quarantine, shunning, and suddenly exploding classmates to make it to graduation.


The plot of this book is truly unique.  I have never seen another book tackle spontaneous combustion among high school students.  While the plot is outlandish, the book is both sad and funny.  It causes the reader to think about what they would do in that situation.

If You Liked Harry Potter . . .

With the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them recently coming out, I have once again been struck with Harry Potter fever.  However, what should you read if you've already gone through all the Harry Potter books.  Here are some of my favorite Harry Potter read-alikes for kids . . . .

Hollow Earth by John Barrowman
Possessing extraordinary powers, including the ability to bring artwork to life, twelve-year-old twins Matt and Emily are sought by villains trying to access the terrors of Hollow Earth, a place where demons and mythological beasts lie trapped for eternity.

Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer
Ten-year-old Frederick, who is surreptitiously watched over by a household elf, is plucked from a London orphanage to be a servant to a wealthy wizard,  and eventually his uncanny abilities lead him to become the wizard's apprentice.

The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo
Gifts from Gwyn's grandmother on his ninth birthday open up a whole new world to him, as he discovers he has magical powers that help him heal the breach with his father that has existed ever since his sister's mysterious disappearance four years before.

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci series by Diana Wynne Jones (volumes 1-3)
Adventures of the Chrestomanci, an enchanter with nine lives, whose job is to control the practice of magic in the infinite parallel universes of the Twelve Related Worlds.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
In a society that purges thirteen-year-olds who are creative, identical twins Aaron and Alex are separated, one to attend University while the other, supposedly Eliminated, finds himself in a wondrous place where youths hone their abilities and learn magic.


More Great Harry Potter Read-Alikes --
The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein
The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler
Half Upon a Time by James Riley
Island of the Aunts by Eva Ibbotson
The Magician's Boy by Susan Cooper
The Magickers by Emily Drake
Not Just a Witch by Eva Ibbotson
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through December 22, 2016.

Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat by Gary Paulsen

Jordan is in the bathroom after school trying to stop his latest nosebleed when the loudspeaker crackles and announces a storm warning.  All kids are to take shelter.  Five other boys quickly gather in the bathroom to wait out the storm.

Six boys are in the bathroom -- talking and passing the time.

Jordan, who has social anxiety and gets nosebleeds when he has to deal with more than a couple of people at a time.

Avery, the new kid, who hid and slept through his entire first day of school.

Taylor, the kid who is struggling and takes out his frustrations on others.

Mason, the smart kid without friends who is tutoring Taylor.

Reagan, the overachiever who has so many extracurriculars he doesn't have a free moment.

Dylan, who spends all his time in his own world rocking out and playing air guitar.

And then there is the stuffed cat . . . .


This is a great story for kids.  While it is short without a lot of action, it does contain a lot of character development.  You really get to know the six boys as they spend the afternoon in the bathroom.  As an added bonus, the story was turned into a short one-act play that is included in the book.

Stories on the Go!

Transportation is always a popular topic for young children.  It is probably one of our most requested subjects.  So this week, I am sharing some of my favorite transportation picture books for children ....

Night Light by Nicholas Blechman
Count the lights and, through die-cut pages, find out which vehicle they belong to.

Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen
Young Violet's only friend is her dog, Orville, until one of her homemade flying machines takes her to the rescue of a Boy Scout troop in trouble.

The Animals' Ark by Marianne Dubuc
When all the lands become flooded, the animals find shelter on Mr. Noah's ark, but as the rain continues, tempers flare aboard the boat.

Duck on a Bike by David Shannon
A duck decides to ride a bike and soon influences all the other animals on the farm to ride bikes too.

Iron Horses by Verla Kay
Illustrations and simple rhyming text depict the race to construct railroads across the country during the second half of the nineteenth century.


More Transportation Stories --
1-2-3 Va-Va-Vroom! A Counting Book by Sarah Lynn
Airplanes: Soaring! Turning! Diving! by Patricia Hubbell
Along a Long Road by Frank Viva
Are We There Yet? by Dandi Daley MacKall
Bear on a Bike by Stella Blackstone
Big Rig by Jamie Swenson
Boats Float! by George Ella Lyon
Cars Galore by Peter Stein
Come Fly with Me by Satomi Ichikawa
The Diggers Are Coming! by Susan Steggall
Dinosoaring by Deb Lund
Down by the Barn by Will Hillenbrand
Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin
Five Trucks by Brian Floca
Freight Train by Donald Crews
Honk Honk! Beep Beep! by Daniel Kirk
Hot Rod Hamster by Cynthia Lord
How to Eat an Airplane by Peter Pearson
If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
I'm Cool! by Kate McMullan
The Life of a Car by Susan Steggall
Lightship by Brian Floca
McToad Mows Tiny Island by Tom Angleberger
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Minerva Louise and the Red Truck by Janet Morgan Stoeke
Nascar ABCs by Paul DeBois Jacobs
One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova
A Plane Goes Ka-Zoom! by Jonathan London
Pugs in a Bug by Carolyn Crimi
Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee
Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Marla Frazee
Sakes Alive! A Cattle Drive by Karma Wilson
Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton
The Smushy Bus by Leslie Helakoski
Subway by Christoph Niemann
Those Magnificent Sheep in Their Flying Machine by Peter Bently
Train by Elisha Cooper
The Tweedles Go Electric by Monica Kulling
What Do Wheels Do All Day? by April Jones Prince
Yellow Copter by Kersten Hamilton
Zoom! Zoom! Sounds of Things That Go in the City by Robert Burleigh

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through December 16, 2016.

We Remember . . . Lest We Forget

This week, I am highlighting books featuring soldiers.  With the recent Veterans Day holiday and upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, this is a great time to remember and thank the men and women who served in our armed forces.  So here are some of my favorite war stories for teens . . .

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
In 1943, a British fighter plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France and the survivor tells a tale of friendship, war, espionage, and great courage as she relates what she must to survive while keeping secret all that she can.

Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen
Eager to enlist, fifteen-year-old Charley has a change of heart after experiencing both the physical horrors and mental anguish of Civil War combat.

The Right Fight by Chris Lynch
When the draft board calls on the eve of World War II, Roman leaves behind a career in minor-league baseball to join the army, and finds himself driving a tank in the North African campaign.

Front Lines by Michael Grant
After a court decision that makes women eligible for service in the fight against the Nazis, three young women volunteer to serve their country, unaware that their decisions will take them to the front lines of the conflict.


More Stories of War --
B for Buster by Iain Lawrence
Crossing Stones by Helen Frost
Eyes of the Emperor by Graham Salisbury
Five 4ths of July by Pat Hughes
For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy by Kimberly Bradley
I Had Seen Castles by Cynthia Rylant
Invasion! by Walter Dean Myers
Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick
Search and Destroy by Dean Hughes
Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am by Harry  Mazer
Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers
Tamar by Mal Peet


Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through December 9, 2016.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

This is a copy of Harry Potter's copy of his Care of Magical Creatures textbook complete with notes written by Harry, Ron and Hermione.  It lists the many different types of magical creatures found in the world.

This is a must-read for those wanting to see the new Fantastic Beasts movie coming out this next weekend.  The "author" Newt Scamander is the basis for the movie.

Family Is What You Make It

November is National Adoption Month.  So today I am sharing books about those families that choose to be family -- books about adoption . . .

Bo at Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill
It's the 1920s, and Bo was headed for an Alaska orphanage when she won the hearts of two tough gold miners who set out to raise her, enthusiastically helped by all the kind people of the nearby Eskimo village.

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Levy
Relates the adventures of a family with two fathers, four adopted boys, and a variety of pets as they make their way through a school year, Kindergarten through sixth grade, and deal with a grumpy new neighbor.

Minion by John David Anderson
Michael Morn is a supervillain-in-training and the adoptive son of the brilliant criminal mastermind whose sense of right and wrong is thrown into question when a new superhero arrives in town.

Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay
After learning that she was adopted, thirteen-year-old Saffron's relationship with her eccentric, artistic family changes, until they help her go back to Italy where she was born to find a special momento of her past.


More Stories About Adoption --
All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg
As Simple as It Seems by Sarah Weeks
The Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Half a World Away by Cynthia Kadohata
The Imagination Box by Martyn Ford
Kimchi & Calamari by Rose Kent
Red Butterfly by A.L. Sonnichsen
Rory's Promise by Michaela MacCall
Trophy Kid, or, How I Was Adopted by the Rich and Famous by Steve Atinsky

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through December 2, 2016.

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

It's been six weeks since Magnus and his friends returned from defeating Fenris Wolf and the fire giants.  Magnus has been adjusting to his new life at the Hotel Valhalla.

Then he gets news that Sam needs to meet.  Turns out her father Loki has arranged a marriage between Sam and and a giant.

Magnus must help Sam avoid the marriage with the help of his friends Blitz and Hearthstone and new einherjar Alex.



This is the second book in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgaard series.  It's a great addition to the series.  The peril is just as high while the humor keeps you laughing.  A definite must-read for Rick Riordan fans.

Yotsuba&! by Kiyohiko Azuma

Yotsuba is a small, green-haired girl with an exuberant outlook on life.  She has recently moved to a new city with her "dad" and now has three sisters as her next door neighbors.

This series tells short, simple stories of Yotsuba and her interactions with her dad, neighbors, and new world.


This series would be a great introduction to manga.  It is appropriate for kids and teens.  Yotsuba is very innocent and the stories reflect that.

Down on the Farm

This week, I am doing my monthly outreach story time at Chick-Fil-A.  I'll be sharing some of my favorite farm stories with the kids.  However, there are a lot of great farm picture books for kids . . . .

Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig
The sounds of the farm animals create a lively beat that keep Farmer Sue, the chicks, sheep, and other farm animals awake.

Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell
When a kind and hardworking duck nearly collapses from overwork, while taking care of a farm because the owner is too lazy to do so, the rest of the animals get together and chase the farmer out of town.

Cluck O'Clock by Kes Gray
A group of chickens has a full day on the farm, from eating breakfast early in the morning to avoiding a fox late at night.

Farm Flu by Teresa Bateman
When the farm animals seem to catch the flu one after another, a young boy does his best to take care of them.

Serious Farm by Tim Egan
Farmer Fred takes his work very seriously and so do his animals, until they decide they need to make the farm more fun and set out to find a way to make Farmer Fred laugh.


More Farm Books --
Albert and Lila by Rafik Schami
Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
The Chicken Chasing Queen of Lamar County by Janice Harrington
Chicken, Chicken, Duck! by Nadia Krilanovich
Click, Clack, Surprise! by Doreen Cronin
Cock-A-Doodle-Doo-Bop! by Michael Ian Black
The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson
Down by the Barn by Will Hillenbrand
Down on the Farm by Merrily Kutner
Duck to the Rescue by Jon Himmelman
Duddle Puck: The Puddle Duck by Karma Wilson
Farmer Brown Goes Round and Round by Teri Sloat
Grandpa's Tractor by Michael Garland
Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm by Jerdine Nolan
Hogwash by Karma Wilson
I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs
Millie Waits for the Mail by Alexander Steffensmeier
Only Cows Allowed by Lynn Plourde
The Pickle Patch Bathtub by Fran Kennedy
Princess Pig by Eileen Spinelli
Snow Comes to the Farm by Nathaniel Tripp
Take Me to Your BBQ by Kathy Duval
Three Hens and a Peacock by Lester Laminack
Wake Up, Big Barn by Suzanne Chitwood

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through November 17, 2016.

Dearest by Alethea Kontis

Friday Woodcutter seems to be the least magical in her family of extraordinary siblings.  She is an apprentice seamstress that loves orphans.  But then she is swept up in an ocean that suddenly overtakes the land and taken to her sister Sunday's castle to help with the refugees.  She spends her time watching the children and taking care of the laundry.

Then one evening she discovers seven brothers sleeping in the highest tower of the castle.  She takes one look at Tristan and knows he is her destiny.  Only one problem . . . they are under a curse which turns them into swans during the day.  Will she be able to break the curse and save them from the man determined to capture and kill them?


This is the third book in the wonderful Woodcutter Sisters series.  Friday is a great heroine who continuously sees the best in people and works hard to keep the ones she loves safe.  Definitely go back and read the other two books in the series also.

Read at Your Own Risk! Teen Horror Novels

Last week, I highlighted scary chapter books for kids in grade school.  This week, I'm focusing on horror books for teens . . . .

Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough
When Cora and her younger sister, Mimi, are sent to stay with their great Auntie Ida in an isolated village in 1958, they discover that they are in danger from a centuries-old evil and, along with village boys Roger and Peter, strive to uncover the horrifying truth before it is too late.

The Cemetery Boys by Heather Brewer
When Stephen moves to the small, midwestern town where his father grew up, he quickly falls in with punk girl Cara and her charismatic twin brother, Devon. But the town has a dark secret, and the twins are caught in the middle of it.

The Fury by Alexander Gordon Smith
To defend themselves, a ragtag group of teens bands together at an abandoned amusement park after one day when, without warning, the entire human race turns against them.

The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco
Okiku has wandered the world for centuries, freeing the innocent ghosts of the murdered-dead and taking the lives of killers with the vengeance they are due, but when she meets Tark she knows the moody teen with the series of intricate tattoos is not a monster and needs to be freed from the demonic malevolence that clings to him.


More Teen Horror Novels
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
A Bad Day for Voodoo by Jeff Strand
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
Defriended by Ruth Baron
The Devil's Engine: Hellraisers by Alexander Gordon Smith
Dr. Frankenstein's Daughters by Suzanne Weyn
Dracula's Guest by Michael Sims
The Fall by Bethany Griffin
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Grounding of Group 6 by Julian Thompson
The Haunting of Alazabel Cray by Chris Wooding
Malice by Chris Wooding
A Midsummer Night's Scream by R.L. Stine
Nightmare City by Andrew Klavan
Prom Dates from Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Slasher Girls and Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke
The Waking: Dreams of the Dead by Thomas Randall
White Space by Ilsa Bick

Check these books out on display at the Arnold Branch through November 10, 2016.

Alchemy by Margaret Mahy

Roland is given two choices by his favorite teacher -- either spy on fellow student Jess or be turned into the authorities as a thief.  Roland has no choice but to spy on Jess.

But why is his teacher so obsessed with Jess and her family?

Who is the mysterious man who keeps following Roland?

And what is the voice in his head trying to protect him from?



This is another great supernatural romance from Australian author Margaret Mahy.  This book combines family drama, mystery, magic and romance into a story that keeps you guessing until the end.

Scary Stories for Spooky Nights

Halloween is quickly approaching.  We're making jack-o-lanterns and picking out our costumes to wear.  But don't forget to get a few creepy books to read.  Here are some of my favorite scary chapter books for kids . . .

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Looking for excitement, Coraline ventures through a mysterious door into a world that is similar, yet disturbingly different from her own, where she must challenge a gruesome entity in order to save herself, her parents, and the souls of three others.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
Follows Hansel and Gretel as they walk out of their own story and into eight more tales, encountering such wicked creatures as witches, along with kindly strangers and other helpful folk. Based in part on the Grimms' fairy tales Faithful Johannes, Hanseland Gretel, The seven ravens, Brother and sister, The robber bridegroom, and The devil and his three golden hairs.

The Doll Graveyard by Lois Ruby
Unhappy about her new home at Thornewood Manor before discovering its mysterious backyard doll cemetery, Shelby learns interesting but unsettling facts about the dolls, their strange powers, and the girl who used to own them.

Took: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn
A witch called Old Auntie is lurking near Dan's family's new home. He doesn't believe in her at first, but is forced to accept that she is real and take action when his little sister, Erica, is 'took' to become Auntie's slave for the next fifty years.


More Scary Stories --
Charlie and the Grandmothers by Katy Towell
Haunted House by Robert San Souci
The House on Stone Throw's Island by Dan Poblocki
I Text Dead People by Rose Cooper
Mothman's Curse by Christine Hayes
Professor Gargoyle by Charles Gilman
Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
Scary School by Derek Kent
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman
The Spider Ring by Andrew Harwell
Terrifying Tales by Jon Scieszka
Whisper in the Dark by Joseph Bruchac

Check these books out on display through November 2, 2016.

Eureka! The Most Amazing Scientific Discoveries of All Time by Dr. Mike Goldsmith

This books highlights 19 different scientists and their amazing discoveries that changed history.  The book is written in a very conversational style without a lot of scientific jargon so even someone who doesn't know a lot of science can understand it.  This is a great book for kids interested in science!

Let's Eat!

This month's theme for story time is food and eating.  Each week we are focusing on a different type of food including veggies, meat, fruits, and sweets.  Here are some other great picture books to go along with our story times this month.

Badger's Fancy Meal by Keiko Kasza
Badger is bored with the same old meals, but his search for more exciting food only leads to trouble.

Soup for One by Ethan Long
A little fly who anticipates enjoying a big bowl of hot soup is unexpectedly joined by a sequence of interlopers who help themselves to his lunch one by one until their number reaches ten.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes.

Hey, Pancakes! by Tamson Weston
The day gets off to a rough start, but soon the smell of pancakes fills the air and a family gathers for a breakfast feast.

Edible Numbers by Jennifer Bass
A colorful and delicious counting book featuring an array of familiar and unfamiliar fruits and vegetables.


More Food Books --
Armadilly Chili by Helen Ketteman
Before We Eat: From Farm to Tables by Pat Brisson
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban
Chew, Chew, Gulp! by Lauren Thompson
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by  Judi Barrett
Eat Healthy, Feel Great! by William Sears
Fortune Cookies by A. Bitterman
Go, Go, Grapes! A Fruit Chant by April Pulley Sayre
Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans by David LaRochelle
June 29, 1999 by David Wiesner
The Lion's Share by Matthew McElligott
Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) by Philemon Sturges
Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
Me Hungry! by Jeremy Tankard
The Milkman by Carol Corsden
Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Felming
On the Farm, At the Market by G. Brian Karas
Peanut Butter & (Jelly) Brains by Joe McGee
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin
Thelonius Monster's Sky-High Fly Pie by Judy Sierra
Yuck! by Nick Manning

Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through 28, 2016.

Away We Go by Emil Ostrovski

All they do at Westing is make things up.  Maybe aliens infected all the children.  Maybe the Peter Pan virus is a punishment from God.  Maybe their memories will be downloaded in chips.  Maybe they'll just sit in a bed until they die.

Noah is at Westing boarding school / treatment center for teens with the Peter Pan virus.  All they know is they won't live to graduate.  They're just trying to make the best of the time they have left . . . .


This tearjerker for teens was a great read.  You really grow to care for Noah and the other teens at the center.

Teens' Top Ten

Every year, YALSA asks teens to let them know which books are their favorites.  Working with select teen book clubs across the country, they come up with a list of 26 books.  Teens are asked to read as many of the 26 books they can and then to vote for their favorite book.  The winning books are compiled into the Teens' Top Ten list and announced the week of October 17th.


Voting is now open at http://www.dogobooks.com/voting/2016-teens-top-reads.

2016 Nominee Books
Alive by Chandler Baker
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl
Charlie, Presumed Dead by Anne Heltzel
Con Academy by Joe Schreiber
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
The Devil You Know by Trish Doller
Every Last Word by Tamara Stone
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough
The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick
The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany Schmidt
I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
Mark of the Thief by Jennifer Nielsen
Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell
The Novice by Taran Matharu
Powerless by Tera LynnChilds
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Suicide Notes from Beautiful Girls by Lynn Weingarten
The Summer After You + Me by Jennfier Doktorski
When by Victoria Laurie
The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker
You and Me and Him by Kris Dinnison
Zeroes by Scott Westerfeld

Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through October 21, 2016. 

Hollow Fields by Madeleine Rosca

Lucy is on her way to Saint Galbat's Academy for Young Ladies when she gets lost in the woods.  Somehow she finds her way to the school -- but the wrong school.  It is Miss Weaver's Academy for the Scientifically Gifted and Ethically Unfettered -- otherwise known as Hollow Fields.

It seems like the perfect school at first with huge private rooms and scrumptious meals prepared to order.  However, Lucy quickly discovers that it is a school for mad scientists.  The worst part though is that the student with the lowest grades each week is sent to detention . . . and is never seen again!



This is an interesting graphic novel for older kids and teens.  Lucy is a great character who never seems to lose her optimism.  The school and teachers are appropriately creepy.  A great read for those wanting a few chills with their reading.

Galloping Good Reads

One of the most common requests we get at the library is horse stories.  So here are some of our favorite horse books for kids . . .

Astra by Chris Platt
Forbidden to ride after her mother's death in a riding accident, thirteen-year-old Lily nurses her mother's beloved horse, Astra, back to health, hoping that someday Astra will win the Tevis Cup endurance race.

Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff
When twelve-year-old Lidie leaves Brazil to join her father and brother on a horse ranch in New York, she has a hard time adjusting to her changed circumstances, as does a new horse that has come to the ranch.

Wind Rider by Susan Williams
Fern, a teenager living in 4000 B.C., defies the expectations of her people by displaying a unique and new ability to tame horses and by also questioning many of the traditional activities of women.

A Horse Called Hero by Sam Angus
Forced to leave London for a new home in the country after their father refuses to join the military during World War II, Wolfie and his brother, Dodo, bond with an orphaned foal that they risk their lives to rescue.

Wish Riders by Patrick Jennings
Forced to work in a logging camp during the Depression, fifteen-year-old Dusty discovers the power of wishes when magical horses, made entirely out of wood and vines, help her--and her friends--navigate through a land of enchantment to freedom.


More Horse Stories --
The Blue Roan Child by Jamieson Findlay
Chancey of the Maury River by Gigi Amateau
Ellie Ever by Nancy Patterson
The Escape by Kathryn Lasky
Gabriel's Horses by Alison Hart
The Georges and the Jewels by Jane Smiley
Horse Tales by June Crebbin
Ivy Takes Care by Rosemary Wells
Libby of High Hopes by Elise Primavera
Paint the Wind by Pam Munoz Ryan
The Princess and the Foal by Stacy Gregg


Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through October 15, 2016.

Black Bird, v. 1 by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Misao has always seen things that no one else can.  As she ages, the demons that only she can see are growing in number.  When she turns 16, a demon attacks her and she is rescued by childhood friend Kyo who heals her wounds by licking them.

It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy.  Demons want to drink her blood to gain power.  Kyo, however, wants to marry her to bring prosperity to his clan.


This manga series is for older teens.  At heart, it is a romance with Misao having to decide whether she loves Kyo and whether Kyo actually loves her.

Pawsome Doggie Tales

This coming weekend we are holding a special story time all about dogs.  To help prepare, here are some of our favorite dog picture books . . . .

Digger Dog by William Bee
Digger Dog loves to dig up bones - the bigger the better. But for the biggest bone in the world, what will Digger Dog need?

Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton
George finds it hard to be a good dog when there are cats to chase, flowers to dig up, and a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table.

Dog in Charge by K.L. Going
When his human family goes to the store, Dog is left in charge of five wiley cats.

Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudson
Mike is proud to be the biggest, toughest dog in the neighborhood, so when tiny, fuzzy bunnies start showing up in his big, mean car he sees them only as a threat to his reputation, no matter how adorable they are.

Widget by Lyn McFarland
A small stray dog is accepted into a household full of cats by learning to "fit in", but when his owner is hurt, he demonstrates that being a dog is not all bad.


More Dog Stories --
10 Little Hot Dogs by John Himmelman
Always in Trouble by Corinne Demas
Be Gentle with the Dog, Dear by Matthew Baek
Black Dog by Levi Pinfold
Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee
Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond
Chowder by Peter Brown
City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems
C'mere Boy! by Sharon Jennings
Dog's Noisy Day by Emma Dodd
Dogs by Emily Gravett
Find a Cow Now by Janet Stevens
Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon
The Great Dog Wash by Shellie Braeuner
I'm My Own Dog by David Ezra Stein
Ivan the Terrier by Peter Catalanotto
Lyle Walks the Dog by Bernard Waber
Madlenka's Dog by Peter Sis
Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli
Old Mother Hubbard by Jane Cabrera
Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch by Mona Kerby
Painter and Ugly by Robert J. Blake
Pugs in a Bug by Carolyn Crimi
Rrralph by Lois Ehlert
Traffic Pups by Michelle Meadows
Unlovable by Dan Yaccarino
A Vacation for Pooch by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Weiner Wolf by Jeff Crosby

Check out these books on display through October 7, 2016 at the Arnold Branch.

Madeline L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel by Hope Larson

Meg feels as if she doesn't fit in -- at her school, in her family, and in life -- ever since her father disappeared a year ago.  She knows he would never have left willingly and one night she finds out she was right.  Now Meg, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their new friend Cal must travel through space to rescue her father from the darkness.

This is the graphic novel retelling of Madeline L'Engle's classic book A Wrinkle in Time.  It is a definite must-read for those who like the original novel.  It is also a great introduction to the classic book in a comic format which makes it more accessible for younger children.

Are You Ready for National Preparedness Month?

September is National Preparedness Month.  It's time to consider whether you are prepared for any emergencies that might pop up.  Visit https://www.ready.gov/ for some great resources on getting prepared.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, I'm sharing some books of teens facing emergencies . . . .

A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer
In the not-too-distant future when a global pandemic kills most of humanity, a teenaged girl and her younger brother struggle to survive.

The Raft by S.A. Bodeen
Robbie's last-minute flight to the Midway Atoll proves to be a nightmare when the plane goes down in shark-infested waters, but the real terror begins when the co-pilot Max pulls her onto the raft.

In Darkness by Nick Lake
In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, fifteen-year-old Shorty, a poor gang member from the slums of Site Soleil, is trapped in the rubble of a ruined hospital, and as he grows weaker he has visions and memories of his life of violence, his lost twin sister, and of Toussaint L'Ouverture, who liberated Haiti from French rule in the 1804.

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks
A guide to surviving an attack by hordes of the predatory undead explains zombie physiology and behavior, the most effective weaponry and defense strategies, how to outfit one's home for a long siege, and how to survive in any terrain.

Trapped by Michael Northrop
Seven high school students are stranded at their New England high school during a week-long blizzard that shuts down the power and heat, freezes the pipes, and leaves them wondering if they will survive.


More Survival Books for Teens --
Adrift by Paul Griffin
After the Snow by S.D. Crockett
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Black River Falls by Jeff Hirsch
Desert Angel by Charlie Price
H2O by Virginia Bergin
The Living by Matt de la Pena
Love in the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia BLock
No Safety in Numbers by Dayna Lorentz
Overboard by Elizabeth Fama
Peak by Roland Smith
POD by Stephen Wallenfels
The Rule of Three by Eric Walters
Storm by Donna Jo Napoli
Survive by Alex Morel

Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through October 21, 2016.

Lisolette & WItch's Forest by Natsuki Takaya

Lisolette has moved to a remonte land east of east of east where the forest is filled with witches.  Shortly after moving there with twin children Alto and Anna, Lisolette is attacked by a witch and rescued by Engetsu who looks very similar to an old friend . . . .

This is the first volume in Natsuki Takaya's new manga series.  (Natsuki Takaya wrote the popular manga series Fruits Basket.)  This first volume gives us the main characters along with some backstory to get us interested.  The next volume comes out this fall.

Yo Ho Ho! Stories of Pirates

It's a little early in the month, but Talk Like a Pirate Day is coming up.  So here are some of my favorite books featuring pirates . . .

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry
Soon after Peter, an orphan, sets sail from England on the ship Never Land, he befriends and assists Molly, a young Starcatcher, whose mission is to guard a trunk of magical stardust from a greedy pirate and the native inhabitants of a remote island.

Dragon's Plunder by Brad Strickland
Having been kidnapped by former pirates because of his ability to whistle up the wind, fifteen-year-old Jamie agrees to help their leader, a living corpse, find the dragon of Windrose Island.

Fergus Crane by Paul Stewart
Nine-year-old Fergus Crane's life is filled with classes on the school ship Betty Jeanne, interesting neighbors, and helping with his mother's work until a mysterious box flies into his window and leads him toward adventure.

Shivers! The Pirate Who's Afraid of Everything by Annabeth Bondor-Stone
Shivers, the pirate who's afraid of everything, battles a giant squid, discovers hidden treasures, and gets pooped on by a pigeon to save his parents from the clutches of evil.


More Pirate Stories --
Alex and the Ironic Gentleman by Adrienne Kress
Fish by Gregory Mone
The High-Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate by Scott Nash
Hook's Revenge by Heidi Schulz
Little Wolf: Terror of the Shivery Seas by Ian Whybrow
The Lost Treasure of Little Snoring by Lyn Gardner
Magic Marks the Spot by Caroline Carlson
Pirate Pig by Cornelia Funke
The Pirates of Turtle Rock by Richard Jennings
Seven Dead Pirates by Linda Bailey
Tales of Pirates and Buccaneers by Howard Pyle
Uncle Pirate by Douglas Rees
The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones by Will Mabbitt

Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through September 23, 2016.

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier

Peter Nimble is back!

Sophie Quire's life changes forever when she is caught trying to rescue some books from being burned for being full of "nonsense".  She is rescued from Inquisitor Prigg by the boy Peter Nimble who later asks her assistance in mending an old book.  This book will lead Sophie and Peter on an adventure to save the world . . . .

This is the second book featuring Peter Nimble.  It is fascinating to see how attaining the ability to see changes Peter.  It is also interesting to meet Sophie and learn how a bookish intellectual can save the world.  Hopefully, more Peter Nimble and Sophie Quire books are written.

School Time!

It's that time of year again!  School is starting up.  Here are some great picture books are school . . .

Dinosaur vs. School by Bob Shea
Fearless Dinosaur takes on new challenges as he starts preschool, from meeting new friends to pasting glitter and googly eyes, but one task requires assistance from everyone.

You Can't Go to School Naked! by Dianne Billstrom
A little boy's parents warn him of the dangers of going to school naked, and he eventually agrees to wear clothes, but only if he can pick his outfits.

Moses Goes to School by Isaac Millman
Moses and his friends enjoy the first day of school at their special school for the deaf and hard of hearing, where they use sign language to talk to each other.

Score One for the Sloths by Helen Lester
Sparky, a new energetic student at a sloth school, saves her lazy classmates when a wild boar from a government agency tries to shut the school down.

Turtle's Penguin Day by Valeri Gorbachev
After hearing a bedtime story about penguins, Turtle dresses as a penguin for school and soon the entire class is having a penguin day.


More School Stories --
Axle Annie by Robin Pulver
Baloney (Henry P.) by Jon Scieszka
Charlie Goes to School by Ree Drummond
Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale
David Goes to School by David Shannon
A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech
Flight School by Lita Judge
The Frog Principal by Stephanie Calmenson
Hickory Dickory Dog by Alison Murray
I Am Absolutely Too Small for School by Lauren Child
If an Elephant Went to School by Ellen Fischer
Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to School? by Bill Martin Jr.
Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard
Mr. George Baker by Amy Hest
Mr. Tanen's Ties by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
My Creature Teacher by Laura Leuck
The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing
Not This Bear by Alyssa Capucilli
Picture Day Perfection by Deborah Diesen
Ruth's Pink Pajamas by Julie Gassman
School's First Day of School by Adam Rex
Snow Day! by Lester Laminack
The Spelling Bee Before Recess by Deborah Lee Rose

Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through September 16, 2016.

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

Peter Nimble is an blind orphan that has been forced into a life as a thief by his guardian Mr. Seamus.  One afternoon after picking the locks on a mysterious carriage, Peter is spirited away on an adventure to save the Lost Kingdom.  It is an adventure involving talking animals, a desert full of traitors, an evil king, and a box full of magical eyes.  It is an adventure that can only be taken by the greatest thief in the world . . . Peter Nimble!

This is a fantastic book for everybody to read.  The character of Peter Nimble is the perfect hero who is unsure of himself while still wanting to save the day.  It would be a great read for those who enjoyed the Peter and the Starcatchers books.

This book is also available on audio.

Plugged In: Books About Gaming & Computers

Do you have a computer obsessed kid?  They only want to play video games?  Try one of these books about gaming or computers . . .

Game Over, Pete Watson by Joe Schreiber
When videogame obsessed Pete Watson discovers his dad is not only a super-spy but has been kidnapped and is now trapped inside a video game, he has to use his super gaming skills and enter the game to rescue him.

Secret Coders by Gene  Luan Yang
Attending an elite school where enterprising students are challenged to solve a variety of clues and puzzles using computer programming, Hopper and her friend, Eni, resolve to crack the school founder's most elusive mystery together.

Trackers by Patrick Carman
Adam, Finn, Lewis, and Emily use their computer coding skills and high-tech equipment to catch criminals, but when they begin to track Shantorian, a dangerous hacker, things do not play out as easily as the four Trackers predict. Includes passwords for Web content.

Saving Thanehaven by Catherine Jinks
Set in a computer game, a knight is swayed away from the game's rules by the promise of winning the affections of a princess and ending his life of torment.


More Books --
Brainboy and the Deathmaster by Tor Seidler
Herbert's Wormhole by Peter Nelson
Into the Labyrinth by Rod Townley
Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain by Jarrett Krosoczka
The Nerdy Dozen by Jeff Miller
Seriously, Norman! by Christopher Raschka
Slacker by Gordan Korman
The Tapper Twins Got to War (With Each Other) by Geoff Rodkey
The Time Hackers by Gary Paulsen
Virtual Fred and the Big Dip by Vincent Courtney


Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through September 2, 2016.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

It's been nineteen years since the Battle of Hogwarts when Lord Voldemort was defeated.  It's been nineteen years of peace for Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione and their families.

But things are about to change . . .

For the first time since Lord Voldemort died, Harry's scar is causing him pain.  He's having dreams of Voldemort coming back.

Meanwhile, Harry's son Albus is starting at Hogwarts and things are not going well.  The Sorting Hat puts him into Slytherin and his magic doesn't seem to be working at all.

Now Harry and Albus must face a darkness that threatens them and their worlds.


This is the script of a theater play currently running in London.  I think that the promotions for this book did not stress that enough.  Most people I have talked to did not realize that this was a script and not an actual story book.  However, those who are true Harry Potter fans will still want to read this book to see what has become of their favorite characters.  It is a very quick book to read as it is mostly just the dialogue with a little bit of stage direction.

Reading Olympics

Looking for some good books to read to tie-in with the Olympics?  Here are some great summer sports books to check out . . . .

Olympig! by Victoria Jamieson

Pursued by Mr. Hamstring, a reporter who is sure he will fail, Boomer becomes the first pig ever to compete in the Animal Olympics and demonstrates that attitude can be more important than winning.

This is the Game by Diane Shore

Celebrates the history of baseball, from makeshift pick-up games in city alleyways to professional baseball games in stadiums, detailing the famous players, games, and teams from the sport's history.

Wonder Goal by Micheal Foreman

A boy describes what it feels like to score a goal that makes his soccer teammates stop teasing him.

Maisy's Field Day by Lucy Cousins

Maisy and her friends celebrate their first field day at school, where they participate in a ring toss, a relay race, and a hoop contest.

Dino-Swimming by Lisa Wheeler

Plant-eating dinosaurs compete against meat-eating dinosaurs at a swimming meet.

Nonfiction Sports Books --

Balls by Michael Rosen

Beginning Golf by Bruce Curtis

Competitive Skateboarding by Holly Cefrey

Fishing by Robyn Hardyman

Girls' Softball by Brian Howell

Goal! The Fire and Fury of Soccer's Greatest Moment by Mark Stewart

Gymnastics by Bobbie Kalman

A Horse Named Funny Cide by Barry Moser

Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends by David Stabler

Lacrosse by Don Wells

Odd Ball: Hilarious & Bizarre Baseball Moments by Timothy Tocher

Olympics by Chris Oxlade

Playing Pro Basketball by Marty Gitlin

Swimming by Bernie Blackall

Tennis by Bernie Blackall

You Wouldn't Want to Be a Greek Athlete! Races You'd Rather Not Run by Michael Ford

Check out these books in display at the Arnold Branch through August 31, 2016.

The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island by Dana Alison Levy

The Family Fletcher is back!

This time they're spending the month of August on Rock Island -- just like they do every summer.

The boys are looking forward to all of their favorite things about Rock Island -- playing soccer on the beach, going for ice cream in town, and most of all the lighthouse.

But this year, change is coming to Rock Island!

For the first time ever, there are people staying in the big house next door with children.  There is an ice cream that comes out to their house.  And worst of all, the lighthouse is closed due to safety concerns.


This is the second book about the Fletcher family.  It's a lot of fun to catch up with the four boys during the summer.  Those who read the first book -- The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher -- will definitely want to read this book.

Afterschool Charisma series by Kumiko Suekane

St. Kleio Academy is a school for the clones of some of the most famous and notorious people throughout history.  Its students include the clones of Florence Nightingale, Adolf Hitler, Joan of Arc, Sigmund Freud, and many more.

Shira Kamiya is the only human among the entire student class.  But is he really all that different from all of the teenage clones?


This is a manga series for those who like history -- especially reading about famous figures from the past.  The personalities of the clones and their interactions are a great part of the story.

The Best Teen Books You Haven't Read!

Are you looking for a great book?  Something you haven't read before?  Here are some of the best teen books you haven't read yet . . . .

I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
Years after writing stories about a superheroine character she created with a best friend who died in a tragic car accident, sixteen-year-old May is shocked to see stickers, patches, and graffiti images of the superheroine appearing around Seattle.

Girls Like Us by Gail Giles
Graduating from their school's special education program, Quincy and Biddy are placed together in their first independent apartment and discover unexpected things they have in common in the face of past challenges and a harrowing trauma.

Knockout Games by G. Neri
As a gang of urban teenagers known as the TKO Club makes random attacks on bystanders, Erica, who is dating the gang leader, wrestles with her dark side and "good kid" identity.

Infandous by Elana Arnold
Seventeen-year-old Sephora, a surfer and artist who loves fairy tales and mythology, struggles with a secret so horrible she cannot speak it aloud, especially not to her beautiful, single mother, although they have always been unusually close.

Swagger by Carl Deuker
High school senior point guard Jonas Dolan is on the fast track to a basketball career until an unthinkable choice puts his future on the line.


More Great Teen Books You Haven't Read --
Apollo's Outcasts by Allen Steele
Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein
Complicit by Stephanie Kuehn
The Dead I Know by Scott Gardner
A Death-Struck Year by Makiia Lucier
Eden West by Pete Hautman
Even in Paradies by Chelsey Philpot
Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy by Susan Vaught
Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh
Kate Walden Directs: Night of the Zombie Chickens by Julie Mata
Not a Drop to Drink by Minda McGinnis
Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
Utopia, Iowa by Brian Yansky
The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer
The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore
The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker
You and Me and Him by Kriss Dinnisin

Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through August 12, 2016.

The Only Girl in School by Natalie Standiford

Claire has never minded being outnumbered by the boys in her school.  In fact, she's good friends with many of them.  Until the year, she is the only girl in the entire school.  Suddenly, the boys are all either ignoring her or mercilessly picking on her.  How is she going to survive an entire school year as the only girl in the school?


This story, told through Claire's letters to her best friend who moved away, is fun to read.  The dynamics between the boys and girl are realistic for their ages.  A great story for both girls and boys to read.

Laugh It Up with a Funny Book!

Looking for something fun to read this summer?  Want to laugh out loud as you read?  Try one of these funny chapter books for kids . . . .

Guys Read: Funny Business by Jon Scieszka
A collection of humorous stories featuring a teenaged mummy, a homicidal turkey, and the world's largest pool of chocolate milk.

100% Wolf by Jayne Lyons
At the time of his first transformation, a young werewolf of noble and proud ancestry, is driven from his pack when, instead of turning into a fierce wolf, he changes into a little black poodle.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
In this tongue-in-cheek take on classic themes in children's literature, the four Willoughby children set about to become "deserving orphans" after their neglectful parents embark on a treacherous around-the-world adventure, leaving them in the care of an odious nanny.

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
While picking up milk for his children's cereal, a father is abducted by aliens and finds himself on a wild adventure through time and space.

Clueless McGee by Jeff Mack
Through a series of letters to his father, a private investigator, fifth-grader PJ "Clueless" McGee tells of his efforts to discover who stole macaroni and cheese from the school cafeteria.


More Funny Books --
Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
Germs! by Alan MacDonald
Good Neighbors by Colin Thompson
I Am A Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb
Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Venuti
The Lost Treasure of Little Snoring by Lyn Gardner
Melonhead by Katy Kelly
My Dog Is Better Than Your Dog by Tom Greenwald
Remarkable: A Novel by Lizzie Foley
Shivers! The Pirate Who's Afraid of Everything by Annabeth Bondor-Stone
Sidekicked by John David Anderson


Check out these books on display at the Arnold Branch through August 5, 2016.