In Search of Sasquatch by Kelly Milner Halls

For believers and skeptics, this densely-packed quick read is all about questions that just can't seem to be answered. What is Sasquatch? Learn the history and the theories, uncover sightings, and follow around those who spend their free time trying to catch an ounce of proof of this great being's existence. Science can't quite prove that Big Foot exists; but neither can they disprove it.

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time : What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott

For all middle school science fans, this title is a great overview of how we view the world beyond our planet.From the first telescope to the incredible Hubble Space Telescope, though the Big Bang, and all of the black holes, stars, planets, and astronauts in between, there is much to learn about space!

Beyond Bullets : A Photo Journal of Afghanistan by Rafal Gerszak with Dawn Hunter

Many could not understand why Rafal Gerszak would actually want to volunteer to tag along with the American military in war-torn Afghanistan, let alone insist on returning to the country to live among its citizens, unprotected by any official organization. But, the author's photographs display pretty clearly the connections that kept (and continue to keep) bringing his mind and heart back to the Afghan people.

The first part of this photo-journal offer an inside look at the life of an American soldier in Afghanistan, with notes from the author and his comrades about life on the front lines, as well as the downtime filled with laughter, frivolity, and -- always -- fear. The second half of the book represents the time that the author spent living in Afghanistan as a civilian, showing both the side of war and destruction, as well as the beauty of the land, the culture, and the people of the country.

This cross-section of war and hope in an almost completely devastated country is a heartbreak and an inspiration, and is certainly recommended to all readers.
Reviewed by kate the librarian.

The Elephant Scientist by Caitlin O'Connell & Donna M. Jackson, with photograhs by Caitlin O'Connell & Timothy Rodwell

As the largest land mammals, elephants are fascinating creatures, and Caitlin O'Connell, a photographer, scientific researcher, teacher, and non-profit advocate, strives on these pages to tell and show the readers what really makes elephants tick. O'Connell studies elephants in their natural environments and tracks various behaviors of individual elephants, as well as groups of families and groups of males who often travel separately. In particular, she and her research team have learned a tremendous amount about how elephants communicate, most notably through ground vibrations, allowing the animals to detect and notify others about danger or food sources from very far distances. 

With beautiful images and simple-to-understand (but not simplified) text, this nod to elephants is perfect for any middle school student (or adult with a love of elephants!). Also try: Elephant Talk : The Surprising Science of Elephant Communication by Ann Downer.

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy

Who would have thought that an intertwining history of bicycling and women's rights would be simply fascinating? Sue Macy presents a comprehensive early history of how the bicycle was created, from the original concept of a two-wheeled "running machine" in 1817, through to the late 19th and early 20th Centuries when bike riding became a more widely accepted method of transportation, exercise, and recreation. While that information, in Macy's text and accompanying pictures and anecdotes, is simply interesting enough to carry the reader on a swiftly-paced journey, the author also ties the evolution of bicycles into the social and political history of the American woman.

At a period in history during which many women were tied to their duties as wives, mothers, and, well, women, bicycles presented a very direct avenue toward freedom and independence. Apparently many girls, who were otherwise always chaperoned, were allowed to go on bike rides alone with groups of friends, including boys. Bicycles were difficult to ride in hoop skirts or long dresses, and so an entire industry began to adjust to split skirts, pants, and shorter wardrobes. Bicycles caught the attention of everyone from Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, as well as male and female lawmakers, advertisers, manufacturers, and entertainers.

The freedom that many women take for granted in America today often doesn't exist in

other countries. In many ways, this book exists as a nod to the bicycle for changing the way women were treated and the way women behaved in American history, but it also begs for the inclusion of bicycles in everyday life in places like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya in Africa as encouragement to young girls to keep moving forward . . ..

Reviewed (and highly recommended!) by kate the librarian.

Requiem : Poems of the Terezin Ghetto by Paul B. Janeczko

Paul Janeczko is an award-winning author for youth and is best known for his lyricism and poetry, as well as his ability to tackle harsh topics with a simple hand.

Requiem takes on the lives of those who fought and suffered during the Nazi war era in Czechoslovakia. Verses based upon real incidents of cruelty, love, oppression, and innocence are told in a straightforward voice, and the various perspectives of war are gracefully acknowledged. Though this title may not have appeal to all readers, it's another important look at how the horrors of war affect all ages, abilities, religions, and sides.

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

Psychiatric Tales : eleven graphic stories about mental illness by Darryl Cunningham

Darryl Cunningham is himself a sufferer of mental illness as he has had to combat depression and anxiety through many of his childhood and adult years. His time working as a health care provider and on psychiatric wards - and his own life's experiences - serve as the basis for these stories. Stories of dementia (young and old), self-mutilation, depression, and personal disorders are connected not by sadness and struggle, but by hope, and Cunningham clearly is putting a call out for support and understanding from the general public for mental health sufferers.

In the chapter about famous people with mental illnesses, I even learned about a musical artist named Nick Drake who sounds like his sound might be pretty interesting, but who didn't become known until well after he committed suicide at aged 26. Even the slightest stories in this collection can serve as reminders that one never knows what the future holds, for better or for worse. It might be worth it to struggle through the bad to get a chance to experience the good.

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

Sex : a book for teens : an uncensored guide to your body, sex, and safety by Nikol Hasler

Interested in sex?  (Yeah, you are.)  This book has pretty much everything you might have ever wanted to know, and a whole bunch of stuff you probably didn't want to know -- but probably need to know.

From the super-basic (and sometimes boring) information about the parts of the body and the reproductive system, through often uncomfortable topics of masturbation, sexual identification, birth control and protection from sexually transmitted infections, and right into the nitty-gritty of dating and relationships, this book offers a non-intimidating look at all aspects of sex and sexuality.  Stressing the importance of protection and communication, the information provided is geared towards helping teens make educated decisions.  This is not a book that "encourages" teens to have sex, rather it points out that teens should feel strongly that they can make decisions based on what is truly comfortable and right for them -- and that what is comfortable and right could change depending on time, situation, or individual.  There is an important balance of humor and seriousness in the way this material is presented that makes it extraordinarily approachable to teens (and, in my humble opinion, it's great for adults, too).

Recommended to all teens thinking about sex (yes, all of you) -- those who are doing it, not doing it, comfortable talking to adults about it, making jokes with their friends about it, or have no idea what the heck sex really involves.  Obviously, this book is about sex, so the effectiveness of the material depends on maturity level and willingness to really learn about the topic.  Since the idea of sex -- what's acceptable, what's appropriate, and how it's thought about and talked about -- keeps changing with the times and new generations, this book is a great guide for parents, too, in talking to their teens.

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

The Cowgirl Way : Hats Off to America's Women of the West by Holly George-Warren

I'm starting to go through the huge lists that we need to whittle down in order to come up with nominations for the Garden State Teen Book Award.  Starting in January, librarians throughout NJ will begin deliberations for the 2013 ballot!  Wow.  I can't wait to see what's going to be on it -- and what the winners will be -- but 2013 seems so far away!  In the meantime, voting is up for the 2012 Award, so check out some of those great titles; VOTE HERE!

The Cowgirl Way is a pretty exciting history of famous, inspiring, and incredibly brave women who traveled and settled the Old West, who were Wild West show girls, rodeo stars, movie stars, and even dangerous outlaws and rebels.  Starting with the notoriety of Calamity Jane, through the Annie Oakley movies of the 1950's, and bringing readers right up to present-day Cowgirl Halls of Fame and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, this is an account of true stories, sensationalized tales, and honest struggles of women who have solidified the image of strength, fashion, and fearlessness of the historical and modern cowgirl.

Far from dry, the content and images found on these pages are nothing short of fascinating.  A great read for all ages and interests; this book might even inspire readers to seek out more reading, classic movies, and updated biographies to learn more!

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

A.D. : New Orleans after the Deluge by Josh Neufeld

Author and cartoonist, Josh Neufeld, follows the experience of seven individuals whose lives were completely altered in the destruction and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  In 2006, it was predicted that Katrina's path would run straight through New Orleans, Louisiana.  Based on past experiences with hurricanes, or driven by loyalty to their homes, or frightened and heedful of the warnings to evacuate the nearby cities, some residents chose to ride out the storm at home, and some choose to seek solace elsewhere.  Some individuals were rich, many others were poor; some were flanked by family or materials, and others had next to nothing to lose.  All were greatly traumatized by the resulting storm.  By the government's response.  By the conditions of support, or lack there of.  And by the efforts to rebuild.

Denise, The Doctor, Abbas and Darnell, Kwame, Leo and Michelle tell Josh Neufeld of their real life experiences living through Hurricane Katrina and the resulting flooding and destruction of a famous city.  Through words and pictures, the impact of these stories is heavy without being overwhelming.  The author is able to present these lives in a way that invokes understanding and a true emotional connection.  I found myself crying over comic books, but rallying in support of those who are still struggling to regain their sense of home.  Recommended for absolutely everyone.

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson

Almost every who learns through the American school systems knows all about Abraham Lincoln, elected the sixteenth President of the United States of America. President Lincoln led the states though the Civil War and supported the Union's mission to abolish slavery. Everyone (who paid attention in history class) also knows that President Lincoln was fatally shot in 1861 at Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. But how much do we know about John Wilkes Booth . . . and his almost-successful attempt at escape?

Booth, a well-known theater actor and active Confederate sympathizer, shot Abraham Lincoln while the President sat in the President's Box at Ford's Theatre alongside his wife and friends. He intricately planned the assassination attempt down to the minute, at a time when he knew the lone actor on stage would deliver a line that would set the audience into a fit of loud laughter. Almost no one heard the shot. And while many saw Booth trying to escape the theater, no one caught him. Most were preoccupied with the shock of the lifeless President, who wasn't quite willing to let the bullet lodged in his brain take his body so soon.

Experience the melodrama of one of the most important moments in American history with the images portrayed in this fascinating account of the life and death of two well-known men. Read and read-aloud, this tale is sure to capture your the attention!
Call number: YA 973.7092 SWANSON; Playaway 973.7 SWANSON (with Adult Media on the first floor); also available on CD by request through the BCCLS catalog!

Reviewed by kate the librarian

i. d. : Stuff that Happens to Define Us edited by Kate Scowen & illustrated by Peter Mitchell

A compilation of stories that are simply written, filled with complex emotions and behaviors, highlighted with straightforward illustrations, and supported by brief backgrounds of the authors, all tell very personal tales of individuals figuring how to deal with life and how to uncover who "you" are.  Some of the authors tell stories of betrayal, fear, longing, and heartbreak, and all delve deeply into the heart and soul of the individual.  But the most wonderful thing about this collection is that it doesn't feel heavy, or overwhelming, or depressing.  Nor is it over-dramatically inspiring, or unrealistically hopeful, or fake.  It is a seemingly perfect balance of what it really feels like to be stuck in a teenage time -- knowing that there's a whole wide world up ahead of you, but truly feeling like everything is here and now and just too much.  The stories are quick to read and teens (and adults) of all ages will be able to find themselves, perhaps along with a bit of perspective.

Recommended to pretty much everyone.  Pick it up; it really is a quick read.  

Call number: YA 155.5 SCO (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian

The Great and Only Barnum : the Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. Barnum by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Ray Fenwick

Did you know that P. T. Barnum -- the "Barnum" in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus -- didn't become involved with circuses until he was 60 years old?  Did you know that one of Barnum's nicknames was "the Prince of Humbugs"?  And did you know that Barnum would have been a millionaire by today's standards even though he watched his homes and businesses crumble under numerous fires, and he even once had to declare bankruptcy?

Born Phineas Taylor Barnum, the showman spent most of his life, from a young age until his death, figuring out ways to entertain others: by making them think, laugh, and participate in the vast wonders of the word.  He was a great businessman and worked hard for mostly all that he had.  He knew how to take advantage of situations and of people's emotions and natural curiosities in order to make a few dollars in his favor.  He may have cheated a time or two, but it was always for the greater good because people almost always left his presence in a happy state of mind.  From elephants, an exhibit with a little old lady (was she really George Washington's nursemaid?!), and a friend named Tom Thumb, to the still world-famous three ring circus with acrobats, clowns, and all sorts of animals (including the elephants), P. T. Barnum truly knew how to put on the Greatest Show on Earth.

Recommended to readers of all ages!

Call number: JB BARNUM (Children's Department)

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

Mission Control, This is Apollo : The Story of the First Voyages to the Moon by Andrew Chaikin

Whether or not you already know some about America's space missions to and from our moon, here you'll learn fascinating tidbits of history, science, art, and humankind.  Following an introduction of sorts about all that led to the development of the Apollo missions, there is an overview of each Apollo mission, set up from the viewpoint of the astronauts directly involved.  Complete with photographs, paintings, and inserts about all sorts of things (like, how do the astronauts go to the bathroom in space?!), the reader is treated to the whole picture of space travel -- from before Neil Armstrong's first step, to the many missions and achievements that followed.

Andrew Chaikin's words are supported by awesome images of the people, places, and things associated with the Apollo missions as painted by Alan Bean.  As the reader learns through an introduction as well as image captions and text within the book, Mr. Bean has spent a good part of his life as text pilot, astronaut, and artist, and was aboard the mission that landed him on the moon's surface in 1969.  Alan Bean's space suit and many more artifacts from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions can be seen at the National Air and Space Museum.


For more information on the author, visit his blog.
For more information on the artist, visit his website.


Recommended for all ages: to learn the most interesting things about space travel and the moon, and to gain the motivation to discover even more.
Call number: J 629.454 CHA (Children's Department)

Reviewed by kate the librarian.

Grief Girl by Erin Vincent

In the style of a personal journal that reads like a novel, Erin Vincent recounts her emotional experiences as a fourteen-year-old girl, who has just lost both parents within a month of each other. One car accident leaves Erin, her older teenaged sister Tracy, and her toddler-age brother Trent alone. Tracy is awarded guardianship over her siblings, and the broken family must try to find a way support themselves, deal with their emotional pain, and continue living their lives. In present tense, Erin tells of her desolation and isolation – she is constantly reminded that she doesn’t have it as bad as her sister who has the burden of being the caregiver, and that she is also luckier than Trent who will barely remember his parents. She tells of day-to-day frustrations, of disappointment in self and family, and of guilt and fear. However, this memoir also includes loving neighbors, unfailing friends, and the value of perseverance in education, relationships, and faith. While there is a lot of grief packed into this memoir, there is movement towards accepting grief as well, making it sure to touch many who can relate to an extraordinary loss.

Call number: YA 155.9 VINCENT

They Called Themselves the KKK : The birth of an American terrorist group by Susan Bartoletti Campbell

This title presents a perfectly accurate and unembellished account of life during the formation of the Ku Klux Klan.  While at times gritty with details, this is an unflinching look at the ideas of the nation during this time from all sides -- black, white, rich, poor, and political.  Susan Campbell Bartoletti seems to be the best at grasping slivers of American history and putting the words and pictures on paper that will glean the most understanding of the topic; she succeeds with The Called Themselves the KKK.  I listened to this brief book on audio, so I didn't have the included images, pictures, and visual representations in front of me, but I can only imagine how well they enhanced the text.  But I can also imagine that the visuals were unnecessary because the spoken text captured me fully.

Recommended to readers of every size and all ages, especially those with an interest in historical storytelling.

Call number: YA 322.4 BAR; YA CD 322.4 BAR (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future by Michael J. Fox

Seriously, who doesn't love Michael J. Fox?

In this brief read, this incredible actor offers words of wisdom to high school and college graduates, and all those embarking on a new world, a new life, a new experience.  From a man who sought success even without a high school diploma or even always clear direction, the words in this volume speak to the heart using both humor, humility and wisdom.

Recommended to all readers of all ages in all situations.  Do yourself a favor, have a listen.

Call number: BIOG FOX; CD BIOGRAPHY FOX

Reviewed by kate.

Charles and Emma : The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman

Much is known about the work Charles Darwin has done to research natural selection and evolution, most notably through the publication of his The Origin of Species. And although an autobiography was released after his death, less is known about his life at home. When Charles Darwin was first considering marriage, his father advised him not to tell his prospective wife of his scientific beliefs, which often directly challenged the belief in God. Darwin was a scientific adventurer; everywhere he went and everything he did revolved around a quest for more information and led to the gathering of more observations and theories. Most of these theories centered on refuting a key notion that many people accepted as fact in the mid-1800’s: “that God had created all species of birds, bees, and beetles at once and that there were no new ones since the first creation” (p. 11). Darwin did not take his father’s advice on marriage, and in fact shared most everything with his wife, Emma, and she became his constant companion and supporter in both life and his work. Deeply-religious Emma clung to the faith that only those who believed in God could spend Eternity in Heaven, and though she couldn't be sure that she would meet Charles there, she never gave up on him. This story – first and foremost – presents an account of Charles and Emma’s deep mutual love, commitment, and respect.

Written in a style that is smooth and quick-paced, this story tells of a lifetime of love, faith, and science. Recommended to readers of all ages.
Call number: YA 506.82 HEI

Reviewed by kate the librarian

Book Club - DEC - American Shaolin by Matthew Polly

The subtitle for American Shaolin reads "Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch : An Odyssey in the New China." What could be cooler than all of that? This is a truly entertaining account of Matt Polly's fascinating journey to the Shaolin Temple.

Leave your comments on this post, and while you're at it view some video clips on his website: http://www.mattpolly.com/polly-resources.htm.

Recommended to all adult and teen readers!
Call number: YA 796.8155 POL (with Adult Nonfiction)

In their own words...

I just finished reading two books that were very similar in style and managed to shed light on the world from almost every angle possible. Both books presented the daily lives of individuals through portraits and interviews. In both cases the pictures of the people represented all walks of life, in their own environments. The quotes spoke from the heart and minds of real people, struggling and enjoying and living out loud.

It's Complicated : The American Teenager by Robin Bowman (2007) depicts black-and-white images of teenagers, ages 13-19, from all geographical regions, socioeconomic backgrounds, races, religions, and lifestyles. They are photographed on their home turf, on their farms and in their city streets. These teens spoke of faith, God, shoot-outs, children (their own, their siblings, their nieces and nephews), sex, drugs, school, their parents, and the government with honesty and respect. The author's disclaimer states "This book contains statements made by these teenagers -- statements I have no verified. I am not making these statements, I am just reprinting them." The statements of these individuals speak volumes about stereotypes, insecurities, and hope for a positive future. For better or worse, one can't help but to see himself on these pages in one way or another.

Call number: YA 305.235 BOW (Nonfiction)

Faces of Sunset Boulevard: A Portrait of Los Angeles by Patrick Ecclesine (2008) gives a broad picture of Los Angeles, California using images of the people that live, work, and play there. In full-color, the reader meets Olympic soccer players, actors, models, unpublished writers, doctors, politicians, drug addicts, and the homeless. Each person has a story to tell about where they came from, how they got here, and where they are going. The fact that it all revolves around the City of Angels and that the majority of interviews are with adults (with a few teenagers and two kids thrown into the mix) limits the teen appeal of this collection.

Request this book through the BCCLS catalog or ask a librarian!

I love fun, real life tidbits of information. These books are easy to flip through, and the people are a blast to get to know.

Reviewed by kate the librarian.