5 Books for Space Lovers

Here's a little-known fact about me: when I was in junior high, I saved all my baby-sitting, birthday, and holiday money to buy a good-quality telescope, which I still own. At one time I dreamed of becoming an astronomer. Although my life went in a different direction I haven't lost my love of looking into the night sky and learning about space. This week's roundup is all about books that will take us to the far reaches of the universe or maybe just into orbit around Earth.

For Adults

Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance between Astrophysics and the Military by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang (Norton, September 2018). What's it about? As indicated by the subtitle, this book is about the tight connections between the Defense Department and space research, especially during the cold war. I'm never disappointed with deGrasse. Opening lines:

On February 10, 2009, two communications satellites—one Russian, the other American—smashed into each other five hundred miles above Siberia, at a closing speed of more than 25,000 miles an hour. Although the impetus for building their forerunners was war, this collision was a purely peacetime accident, the first of its kind. Someday, one of the hundreds of chunks of resulting debris might smash into another satellite or cripple a spaceship with people on board.

Into the Black: The Extraordinary Untold Story of the First Flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the Astronauts Who Flew Her by Rowland White (Touchstone, April 2016). What's it about? Again, the subtitle reveals the contents, but what's different about this book is its reliance on declassified materials and firsthand accounts. I don't know if you remember this flight, but there were some majorly tense moments. Opening lines:

Dottie Lee's mother thought it was unusual for her ten-year-old daughter to display such a love of classical music. That, though, seemed positively conventional next to Dottie's keen interest in astrophysics. Growing up in New Orleans in the 1930s, Dottie and known that there would one day be men on the moon.

For Young Adults

It's a Question of Space: An Ordinary Astronaut's Answers to Sometimes Extraordinary Questions by Clayton C. Anderson (University of Nebraska Press, July 2018): What's it about? Written by a man who spent almost a half year on the International Space Station, this book reveals everything you always wanted to know about life in orbit and being an astronaut. The questions range from scientific to fun and silly, and Anderson's answers reveal his engaging personality and zest for life. Sample question:

Question: What is NASA hiding from the world about aliens?

Answer: What is NASA hiding from the world about aliens? Beats the heck outta me! [and then he goes into his own thoughts on the subject]

For Middle Grade Readers

Space, Stars, and the Beginning of Time: What the Hubble Telescope Saw by Elaine Scott (HMH Books for Young Readers, August 2018). What's it about? The author explains how scientists have used the data and images obtained from the Hubble Space Telescope to study the nature of the universe, the birth of stars, and more. Includes a history of the Hubble mission, short biographies of inventors and scientists, and stunning photographs. Opening lines:

Have you ever wished you could travel back in time? Or visit another planet? Or see a star close up? Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of the universe, and whether other life forms, similar to humans, exist somewhere? These are important questions that people have been asking for hundreds of years.

Path to the Stars: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo (Clarion, September 4, 2018). What's it about? In her memoir, Acevedo pays tribute to the Girl Scout program for fostering her interest in math and science and giving her the confidence, despite her underprivileged background, to eventually become a rocket scientist for NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. Also available in Spanish. Opening lines:

My Papá wasn't much for telling stories. He liked facts and information. if you asked him about the Mexican Revolution or about the freezing point of water, he'd go on all day, sounding grown-up and important, like the men who read the news on television. Mami was the storyteller in our family--as long as the subject was people. I thought she must know everybody in the world--who their family was, where they came from, and what they did all day.

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4 Fantasies to Read This Fall

What are some of your favorite genres for pure entertainment? My top two are mysteries and fantasies, and every publishing season I'm on the lookout for fresh titles to add to my reading list.

Here are four new fantasies, geared to a young adult audience, that are on my nightstand. Each appeals to me for different reasons, and I'm not yet sure which I'll read first, though A Winter's Promise is currently calling to me.

For more speculative fiction titles, see my summer vacation reading list, which also includes historical fiction and mysteries.

A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos (Europa, September 25) is the first entry in the Mirror Visitor Quartet, originally published in French. This epic fantasy begins as Ophelia, a young women with special talents (such as the ability to travel through mirrors), comes to terms with an arranged marriage that takes her far from home and involves her in a political struggle. Reviewers across the board have praised this novel for its world building and character development. Two things that attract me to this book: no love triangle and a bookish hero. A Winter's Promise is a Kids Next List Pick and has garnered a Publisher's Weekly starred review. Here are the opening lines:

It's often said of old buildings that they have a soul. On Anima, the ark where objects come to life, old buildings tend mostly to become appallingly bad-tempered.

Audiobook: I didn't find an audiobook edition.

The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell (Clarion Books, August 7) isn't technically a fantasy but is rather a retelling of the Robin Hood legend with women in the main roles. Silvie takes to the woods with a band of villagers, including Little Jane and Mae Tuck, in an attempt to counteract the deeds of her evil brother, John, who has become the local sheriff. Reviewers have mentioned diverse characters and a good entertainment factor. Two things that attract me to this book: sounds fun and I adore the cover (go ahead, call me shallow, I don't care). The Forest Queen gets a 3.5 rating on both Goodreads and Amazon. Here are the opening lines:

High in the trees of Woodshire Forest on a sunny day, the light doesn't seem to come from above you at all. Light springs out of the leaves there, a round robin of tree and sky: it streams off every twig, drips into the edges of each ebbing shadow until the whole canopy floods with gold, until the air itself smells like light, bittersweet and fresh. You can drown in green sunshine up there.

Audiobook: I didn't find an audiobook edition.

Worldshaper by Edward Willett (DAW, September 18) is the first in a new urban (portal?) fantasy series featuring a young potter whose world is shattered when her best friend is murdered and she realizes she might be the next victim. The story takes place on several worlds, which make up a labyrinth, and our protagonist must put her trust in a stranger and her own powers to end the violence and help the powerful woman at the center of the universe. Reviewers have mentioned good action and deeper themes, Worldshaper earned a starred review from Publisher's Weekly. Two things that attract me to this book: the combination of urban fantasy with a hero's quest and curiosity about how the different worlds are connected. Here are the opening lines:

Karl stumbled through the door, spun, slammed it closed, then slapped his palms against the rusty steel. Blue light crackled across the metal, briefly outlining the KEEP OUT: DANGER sign, faded red paint on white, that hung at eye level. He rested there for a moment, breathing hard, then straightened and turned to see what kind of world he had entered.

Audiobook: I didn't find an audiobook edition.

Mirage by Somaiya Daud (Flatiron, August 28) is a debut epic fantasy (with sci-fi elements) about a young poet who is kidnapped by occupying forces and taken to the palace to impersonate the much-hated princess, thus standing in to take the fall for any assassination attempts. Amani must find a way to stay alive in an increasing complex political game. Reviewers have noted the rich, diverse world with elements taken from North African and Arabic cultures. Mirage is a Kids Next List Pick. Two things that attract me to this book: diverse author and themes and the mix of fantasy with science fiction. (Bonus: a very cool map). Here are the opening lines:

On a small moon orbiting a large planet, in a small farmhouse in a small village, there was a box, and in this box was a feather. The box was old, its wood worn of any trace of design or paint. It smelled of saffron and cinnamon, sharp and sweet. Along with the feather there sat an old signet ring, a red bloom preserved in resin, and a strip of green velvet cloth, frayed around the edges.

Audiobook: read by Rasha Zamamiri (Macmillan Audio, ~9 hr)

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5 New Coming-of-Age Novels

I'm never sure what to say when someone asks me to name my favorite type of book because I like to read across the genres, I love literary fiction, and I don't hesitate to read middle grade books. Of course, I find often myself drawn to specific settings and themes, and one of those is the coming-of-age story. The five novels featured today all involve the loss of innocence, as the main characters contend with secrets, love, family, and a variety of pivotal life moments.

• All the Castles Burned by Michael Nye (Turner, Feb. 13): This novel is set in 1990s Cincinnati. Owen, 14 years old, has won a basketball scholarship to a local private day school, where he befriends an Uber-rich older teammate. Owen's freshman year includes more than book learning, as he realizes money doesn't make you a good person and one's parents are not infallible.
• Things to Do When It's Raining Marissa Stapley (Graydon House, Feb. 6): I may be stretching the coming-of-age theme, but this is the story of a young woman, who returns to her home town after things go wrong in New York. While figuring out what to do next, she learns the true meaning of love, not only in romantic relationships but also in families and the strength it gives her to make difficult decisions on behalf of her grandparents.
• Where the Dead Sit Talking by Brandon Hobson (Soho, Feb. 20): In 1980s Oklahoma, Sequoyah, a teenager, is put in foster care after his mother is arrested on drug charges. Dreams of freedom, a taste of young love, coming to terms with his Cherokee background, and the lure of easy money draw the boy--and his foster siblings--into a dark and dangerous place.
• The Calculus of Change by Jessie Hilb (Clarion, Feb. 27): Despite being smart and talented, teenage Aden suffers from insecurities related to being overweight and unresolved issues stemming from her mother's death, a decade earlier. When she's tapped to tutor Tate, cute, cool, and Jewish, she is forced to make decisions that will ultimate determine the type of person she really wants to be.
• Rosie Colored Glasses by Brianna Wolfson (Mira, Feb. 20): After her parents divorce, 11-year-old Willow has trouble adjusting to joint custody; she wants to live full-time with her fun-loving mother, Rosie. But without the buffer of her more-aloof father, Willow begins to question her mother's choices, finally realizing that love and parenting are more complex and difficult than she had ever imagined.

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6 Young Adult Novels to Read This Spring

This week is the 98th annual Children's Book Week, and I'm celebrating the event by featuring books geared to young adult and middle grade readers that were (or will be) published in March, April, and May of 2017. Last week, I recommended 8 books that included a little magic or fantasy, and on Monday I featured 6 contemporary novels for young readers. Today, I finish up with 6 more novels set in the modern world.

• The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz (Clarion; March): A young teen who's always been content with his lot in life--white boy adopted by a gay Mexican American man and loved by his extended family--reaches the age of wanting to know his biological history and questioning who he really is. Everyone has loved this sensitively written novel that explores self-identity, family, friendship, and LGBTQ issues.
• Kill All Happies by Rachel Cohn (Disney Hyperion; May): This novel, set in a small desert town in California, takes young readers on a crazy two-day graduation party to end all graduation parties. A diverse cast of characters indulge in teen antics; expect mildly mature content.
• Piper Perish by Kayla Cagan (Chronicle; March): An artistic high schooler dreams of leaving Texas for New York City, but as senior year comes to an end will she be brave enough to follow her passion? This book contains themes of family, ambition, friendship, sexual identity, mental illness, and independence.

• Enemy Exposure by Meghan Rogers (Philomel; March): Fans of action-packed thrillers starring tough young women will like this story about a Korean teen who is acting as a double agent for the United States. In this second installment in the Raven Files series, our hero, Jocelyn, must rescue an old friend, but can she save herself as well?
• Get It Together, Delilah! by Erin Gough (Chronicle; April): Set in Australia, this is the story of a teen who juggles school, work, and social pressures while dreaming of the girl she hopes will like her back. This award-winning novel presents an authentic, nonstereotypical look at teen relationships and family issues and will appeal to a diverse range of readers.
• Big & Little Questions (According to Wren Jo Byrd) by Julie Bowe (Kathy Dawson Books; March): The protagonist in this book for middle grade readers is Wren Jo Byrd, who is having trouble adjusting to her parents' divorce and idea of shared custody. After befriending the new girl at school, Wren learns she isn't the only one who's had to get used to a new life because of family problems.

Note: Books featured for Children's Book Week represent only those titles that came to my attention through a variety of avenues. They are also books I've had a chance to look through or read (print, audio, or ebook). I'm grateful to the publishers and other agencies that provided copies of these books for my honest opinion in a review or feature.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Mini-Reviews and Books on My Radar

Not much of interest happening around here, and I consider that to be a good thing. We managed to turn off the news a few times this week so we could watch a few television shows, listen to some music, and catch up on our reading. Ahhh, feels good.

Getting organized (again): I have officially declared myself to be a total failure when it comes to organizing my books. Actually it's worse than that: I'm not trying to organize my books, I just want to keep track of them, all of them -- print, audio, and e.

The problem boils down to one thing. When I have free time, I really would rather be doing almost anything else besides entering books into an app. I haven't completely given up on my dream of creating a unified database, but I recognize this is going to be a lifelong struggle.

Mini-Reviews of Last Week's Books

• Setting Free the Kites by Alex George (Putnam; 9780399162107): I used to say that books don't make me cry, but that was before I started reading Alex George. His characters are so real to me, I'm completely and utterly emotionally attached to them. This strong, authentic story of loss and growth, of being boys, of finding hope and embracing life against all odds simmers slowly in my heart, and Liam, Robert, and Nathan (and even Hollis) will remain with me as I continue to strive to set my own kites free. One of the best books I'll read all year from one of my favorite authors. Buy this book, read this book (and keep those tissues handy).
• Ronit & Jamil by Pamela L. Laskin (Katherine Tegen Books; 9780062458544): I had mixed success with this novel in verse, which is a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in contemporary times in the Mideast (Israel and Palestine). Laskin did a good job emphasizing the similarities between the lives of the Jewish girl and Muslim boy (such as sitting down for family dinners) and highlighting the idea that each generation is a little more tolerant than the one before it. In addition, I enjoyed finding the places where the novel subtly echoed the original play ("I hate the parting / the sorrow of it / the fear / tomorrow will never come"). On the other hand, there was so much teen angst I found my attention wandering, and I'm not sure I bought the ending. Read this with reduced expectations.
• Fish Girl by David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli (Clarion Books; 9780547483931): This  beautifully illustrated middle grade graphic novel is the story of a mermaid who discovers there is more to life and the world than the aquarium, in which she lives. It's a coming-of-age story, with a strong theme of friendship, that will capture young readers' imaginations. The plot advances mostly through the drawings, which are rich in ocean colors and convincingly convey emotion and movement. The story line of the mermaid's keeper could have been a little better developed, but I'm still recommending the book.

What I'm Listening to Now / Reading Plans

• The Rise of Empire by Michael J. Sullivan (Recorded Books), read by Tim Gerard Reynolds: My current listen is making it very difficult for me to work. I am so invested in this fantasy world and the characters, I just have to know what happens next. This is not magic wand fantasy but a medieval-like world with elves, dwarfs, and wizards; kings, a clergy, and commoners; politics, war, and love. If you like epic fantasy, you'll like Sullivan, and narrator Reynolds has nailed the characters' personalities and the pace of the story.
• The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina A. Henriquez (Knopf; 9780385350846): This novel about a Mexican family looking for hope and miracles in America is next up in my print reading. Although published in 2014, this story of immigration promises to be especially relevant in the context of today's political atmosphere.
• All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 9780544824249): Next up on my eReader is this contemporary story about family, adulthood, and discovering what's really important. I gave high marks to a couple of Attenberg's earlier novels (for example, The Middlesteins) and am expecting a sharp, smart, and sometimes humorous look at modern-day life.

What's Up This Week

I have a review and giveaway of a fun middle grade book tomorrow, a photo on Wednesday, and a themed reading list later in the week. Saturday, of course, will be something foodie.

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Other Worlds & Mysteries for Middle Grade Readers: A Fall Roundup

As I mentioned yesterday, many people associate middle grade books with magic and fantasy, and indeed some our favorite books fall into this category (think: Narnia and the early Harry Potter books). But the world of make-believe for young readers is much broader than just wizards' wands and talking creatures.

Although today's roundup starts with magical worlds it moves on to alternate history, mystery, and horror. Hold on to your pointy hat, and get ready for adventure, curses, and escape into new worlds.

Fantasy & Magic

• A Nearer Moon by Melanie Crowder is about two sets of sisters—water sprites and humans—who are as close as sisters can be. When circumstances threaten to separate the pairs of siblings forever, will the girls find a way to help each other? Major themes: sisters, family, magic, legends, and environmental issues. [Atheneum, September]
• The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB by Adam Shauhnessy is about what happens when 11-year-old Pru and her new friend Abe are selected by the Fantasy Investigation Bureau to help figure out why Viking gods are infiltrating their town and stealing from the museum. This magical adventure takes the pair on a clue-solving mission full of danger and excitement. Major themes: friendship, Viking mythology, trust, truth, and magic. [Algonquin Books for Young Readers, September]
• The Wrinkled Crown by Anne Nesbet is the story of how 12-year-old Linny leaves her rural home to seek a way to reverse an inadvertent curse placed on her best friend. If she and her travel companions can survive the many dangers of their action-packed journey to the city, they may in fact save not just one girl but the whole world. Major themes: the merging of magic and science, friendship, and fate. [HarperCollins, November]
• Rules for Stealing Stars by Corey Ann Haydu reveals how 11-year-old Silly and her sisters cope with their mother's alcoholism: They've discovered portals into magical lands that, at first, offer peace and safety. But when one of the girls is trapped in the other world, the sisters realize they must find the magic in everyday life in order to bring her back. Major themes: sisters, alcoholism, parental meanness, and magical realism. Audience: older MG readers. [Katherine Tegen Books, September]

Alternate History & Different Worlds

• The Doldrums by Nicholas Gannon is an exquisitely illustrated alternate-history story about 11-year-old Archer, who longs to go on an adventure, despite the fact that his practical mother rarely lets him out of the house. But when Archer learns his grandparents may be stranded on an iceberg, he recruits his friends to help plan a rescue mission to Antarctica. Major themes: following one's dreams, finding compromise, friendship, and family. [Greenwillow, September]
• My Diary from the Edge of the World by Jodi Lynn Anderson is written in diary form and set in an alternative world in which mythical beasts and magic exist alongside the modern technology. When a dark cloud comes to take Gracie's younger, sickly brother away, the family sets off on a desperate road trip to find the fabled land with no magic, hoping to save Sam from an early death. Major themes: family, sibling relationships, helping others, and destiny. [Aladdin, November]
• Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage is an action-packed steampunk adventure set in a land that forbids invention. When young Trenton and Kallista discover clues to a new machine, they cannot resist secretly trying to build it, little knowing that the finished project will unveil deep truths about their world. Major themes: friendship, creativity, oppressive government, and young love. [Shadow Mountain, September]

Mysteries & Puzzles

• Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head by Lauren Oliver and H. C. Chester takes us to 1930s New York City and a museum of oddities, which is also home to four specially gifted children who form their own kind of family. When paying customers start dying, the museum owner is accused of murder, leaving the kids to solve the mystery or be out on the streets. Major themes: family, loyalty, friendship, and being different. [HarperCollins, September]
• A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson is set in a world in which the rich have powerful magic, but the poor have only common magic. When Vettie's father is accused of murdering a university official, can she—with the help of her sisters and a street urchin—find the true killer? Major themes: socioeconomic divide, religious differences, friendship, sisters, and finding one's talents. [Atheneum, September]
• The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands is a clever, multilayered mystery set in London in the 1660s. Young Christopher finally got some luck when he was taken from the orphanage to be apprenticed to a kindly master apothecary. But when his mentor falls victim to a serial killer, can Christopher work out the complex puzzle that will reveal the murderer and save his own future? Major themes: friendship, crafts guilds, politics, and cults. [Aladdin, September]

Spooky & Suspenseful

• Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith is a Southern Gothic story about a boy named Hoodoo who dreams of being a conjurer, though he can't seem to cast a single spell. He does, however, have crazy vivid dreams, which get more intense after a stranger comes to town. Can Hoodoo keep the stranger from harming his loved ones? Major themes: family, folk beliefs, and the Jim Crow South. [Clarion Books, September]
  
• The Nest by Kenneth Oppel tells the creepy tale of how young Steve gets entangled with a mysterious winged being who claims to be able to help his deathly ill baby brother. The tension builds in this psychological thriller as Steve must figure out whom to trust and find the strength to overcome evil. Stark black-and-white drawings add to the mood. Major themes: family, good vs. evil, and manipulation. [Simon & Schuster, October]

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Contemporary Middle Grade Fiction: A Fall Roundup

Do you shy away from middle grade books because you think they're one-dimensional or all about wizards? The truth is that middle grade stories cover the full range of genres and styles, from contemporary fiction to memoir, poetry, nonfiction, and of course fantasy.

Although these books are not as complex as adult literary fiction, the stories address big issues, opening readers' minds and sparking important discussions. Today is all about contemporary fiction, and posts later in the week will cover other genres.

Read these books yourself, take notes for gift-giving, or try a readalong with a middle grader in your life.

Surviving Middle School

• Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead is about two groups of students who are navigating the rocky waters of middle school. Told from three perspectives, the novel explores different ways kids respond to social pressures and problems at home. Major themes: social media, changing friendships, young love, and popularity. Audience: older MG readers. [Wendy Lamb Books, August]
• Connect the Stars by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague focuses on Audry and Aaron who meet at a wilderness camp meant to help give middle grade children confidence and social skills while they learn about the outdoors. The campers, who each have different issues (such as being too introspective, untrusting, or overly sad) learn to rely on each other and become true friends. Major themes: friendship, bullying, trust, self-identity, and family. [HarperCollins, September]
• Don't Vote for Me by Krista Van Dolzer looks at what happens when a self-described band geek decides to challenge the popular girl for class president. The more David gets to know his opponent, the more he questions his desire to win. Major themes: popularity, family issues, and seeing people for who they really are. [Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, August]

Dealing with Grief

• A Series of Small Maneuvers by Eliot Treichel looks at how a young teen copes with her father's accidental death, which occurred when they were on a father–daughter canoe trip. This is less a survival in the wilderness story than one about a girl finding her way after her world is forever altered. Major themes: grief, family, responsibility, and friendship. Audience: older MG readers. [Ooligan Press, November]
• Dear Opl by Shelley Sackier introduces us to Opal, who comforted herself with food in the aftermath of her father's sudden death. After a disturbing medical checkup, she takes on a pen name and starts a blog to vent her feelings; soon others are turning to "Opl" for advice. Sensitively written and spiked with humor. Major themes: weight and body image, popularity, grief, self-esteem, health, and family. [Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, August]
• The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin is about how 12-year-old Suzy copes with her friend's drowning just weeks before the start of seventh grade. Told in the present and in flashbacks over the course of their friendship, Suzy struggles to understand both the accident and the ways her friend changed over the previous year. Major themes: friendship, being different, family, maturing, and mean girls; minor themes of divorce and a gay relationship. [Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September]

Taking on Bigger Issues

• Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt is about a young teen who is placed in foster care after spending time in a series of state-run homes for troubled boys. Although he slowly becomes comfortable with his new family, he can't stop dreaming about meeting his infant daughter. Major themes: first impressions, class differences, teen parenthood, fathers, and domestic abuse. Audience: older MG readers. [Clarion Books, October]
• A Blind Guide to Stinkville by Beth Vrabel is about a young girl whose family relocates from Seattle to a small town in South Carolina. The move is fraught with extra challenges for 12-year-old Alice because she is legally blind as a result of her albinism. Major themes: living with a disability, family, independence, and mental health issues. [Sky Pony Press, October]
• Until I Find Julian by Patricia Reilly Giff documents young Mateo's secret journey from a village in Mexico, across the border, to a town in Alabama to find his older brother, who is an undocumented laborer. This age-appropriate story shows us the personal side of an important contemporary issue. Major themes: brothers, friendship, trust, and hope for a better future. [Wendy Lamb Books, September]

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Holiday Gift Guide: Four for Young Readers

There are still six more days of shopping before Christmas. If you're looking for that special book for the young reader on your list, I have four great suggestions.

Earlier this year I reviewed two books by Linda Kranz, who illustrates her heart-felt children's books with her fun rock paintings. Her newest book is called Love You When . . . and is the response to a child who asks, "Do you think of me during the day?" and then says, "Tell me when." The answers cover the seasons of the year, the earth and sky, and early morning to late at night. Each spread is illustrated with photographs of Kranz's painted rocks, and if you look closely, you'll find at least one heart-shaped rock on every page. This sweet book is the perfect bedtime or anytime story to share with your little ones. I have a copy of the hardcover, but a board book version hit the stores this month. (Taylor Trade Publishing, ISBN-13: 9781589797031)

If you have kids, know kids, have taken care of kids, or have seen kids, then you know Legos! You don't have to be young, however, to be fan, as world-famous Lego artist Sean Kenney can attest. In fact, he owns almost 2 million Lego bricks. Fortunately, you don't need a huge collection to build really fun things. In fact, in his Cool Creations in 35 Pieces, Kenney shows us a ton of creatures, buildings, aliens, furniture, bugs, and more that can be built with just a few Lego bricks. I think my favorites are the "goofy faces" because they made me smile. My nephews, however, would have gone straight for the robots. One good thing to know: All the projects are built from the same 35 pieces, so you can get building without a big investment. (Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, ISBN-13: 9780805096927)

Although I have been a fan of Sandra Boynton's forever, I didn't know she was a Grammy-nominated (with Mike Ford) songwriter. If you or your kids like country music, the blues, folk music, or good music, then you must get a copy of her new book, Frog Trouble. It starts off with a CD of 12 songs. Put that in your player without delay. While listening, look at Boynton's signature illustrations for each tune and read some of the lyrics. And don't forget to learn how to do The Alligator Stroll (sunglasses are required)! The second part of Frog Trouble is a song book: so all you piano players, guitar strummers, and banjo pickers can learn to play right along with the CD. Finally, get to know the musicians who perform Boynton's songs. And, yes, you've heard of them: Alison Krauss, Dwight Yoakum, and Darius Rucker, for example. Although I like all the tunes (really!) "Deepest Blue," performed by Linda Eder, is my favorite. Buy this for music lovers of all ages. (Workman, ISBN-13: 9780761171768)

I love middle grade nonfiction so when I had a chance to read Russell Freedman's Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain, I didn't hesitate to request a copy. I'm embarrassed to admit I knew very little about the West Coast's entry point for immigrants traveling across the Pacific Ocean. More than 1 million Chinese passed through Angel Island hoping to find a new life in the United States. Unfortunately, many of them were detained for weeks or months before they were admitted to the country or deported. Although immigrants from Japan, Korea, Russia, and elsewhere passed easily through the island's processing center, the Chinese were treated poorly--interrogated and held in limbo for no apparent reason (except prejudice). One moving record of the Chinese who were detained on Angel Island is found in the hundreds of poems the detainees carved into the walls of their crowded barracks. Easy-to access text and fascinating historical photographs make this an unforgettable story. (Clarion Books, ISBN-13: 9780547903781)

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