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	 Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman,
 illustrated by Dan Yaccarino,
 c2012
 
 What makes a true friend? Get ready to find out in this funny and sweet 
	picture book!
 
 When a boy and a robot meet one day in the woods they don’t focus on their 
	differences, they just decide to play together. When Bot gets switched off 
	accidentally, Boy thinks he’s sick---and that’s when the fun begins. Can Boy 
	help Bot? And when the tables are turned will Bot return the favor? The 
	answer will make you giggle and warm your heart. This is a great choice for 
	children, ages 2 – 7, especially when used as a read-aloud. Trust me, the 
	kids love it when you do the robot voice.
 
 
 Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American 
	Revolution by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch, c2015
 
 
	 
	This picture book is based on the true story of German-born American, 
	Christopher Ludwick, an unsung American hero, who made a difference---with 
	his delicious gingerbread! When the Revolutionary War begins, Christopher 
	wants to fight for “his America” alongside General George Washington and his 
	troops. But what General Washington and his army really needs is some decent 
	food. With his cry of “No empty bellies here! Not in my America!” 
	Christopher makes his mark during this fascinating time in history. A 
	largely unknown snippet of American history told with heart and dressed up 
	in beautiful colored illustrations, this is a touching tale of one man’s 
	love for his country and its citizens. It’s a wonderful pick for children, 
	grades 1 – 4. (Book includes a simple gingerbread recipe.)
 
 
 The Crossover
 by Kwame Alexander,
 c2014
 
 The twelve-year-old Bell twins, Josh and Jordan love basketball---and 
	they’re good, really good. But basketball is only part of the bond that 
	they’ve shared for a long time. Now, though, Josh feels like they’re growing 
	apart. You see, there’s this girl that both Josh and Jordan like and their 
	Dad and Mom seem to be fighting a lot. And Dad hasn’t been feeling well…
 
 This powerful story of the love of family is told in verse and is a great 
	way to introduce poetry to a hesitant audience. It is a novel for school-age 
	children, grades 4 – 7, and has just been named the Newbery Award winner for 
	2015, and is also a Coretta Scott King Honor book. A fast read with action 
	on the court interspersed with heart-breaking scenes between friends and 
	family, it’s a book you shouldn’t miss.
 
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              The Heartbreak Messenger by Alexander Vance,
 c2013
 
 Twelve-year-old Quentin is about to get a crash course in what it 
			means to fall in love---or fall out of it. Desperate for cash, 
			Quentin agrees to help his best friend’s brother break up with his 
			girlfriend. Before he knows it, he’s got a thriving business as the 
			“Heartbreak Messenger”. As he goes from broken heart to broken heart 
			with his break-up messages, will he learn what it is to really love 
			someone? And will his new job help him navigate the changes in his 
			relationship with his best friend Abigail? This is a poignant, but 
			humorous tale of friendship and love, filled with well-drawn 
			characters. It’s a fabulous read for boys and girls, grades 5 - 8.
 
 The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith,
 c2012
 
 Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes---and your whole life 
			changes. When Hadley Sullivan misses her flight for her father’s 
			wedding in London she’s forced to take a later one. And that’s when 
			she meets Oliver: British, beautiful—and bonus---so easy to talk to! 
			When their hours-long flight seems to pass in moments, 
			seventeen-year-old Hadley finds herself hoping that this is more 
			than just a chance encounter, that maybe this is the start of 
			something she’s waited for a long time. But when they lose track of 
			each other in the busyness of Heathrow Airport, it will take a twist 
			of fate to bring them together again. Young adults, grades 7 and up, 
			will love this story of a couple trying to find their way. Not 
			“just” a romance it is a story of family, of self-discovery---and 
			yes, of love at first sight.
 
			[By 
			MELISSA OXBORROW, 
			Lincoln Public Library District] 
			
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