Wherever You Go
by Pat Zietlow Miller,
illustrated by Eliza Wheeler,
c2015
“Roads give you chances to seek and explore. Want an adventure? Just open
your door.”
So begins the adventures of a rabbit and his friends as they follow all
sorts of roads, winding through the countryside, travelling through cities,
over mountains and through meadows, exploring places near and far. Simply
beautiful rhyming language paired with richly colorful illustrations share a
sweet message about going out into the world---and coming home. A wonderful
picture book for ages 4 – 7, especially those that love animal stories. Some
vocabulary will stretch younger readers, but not overwhelm them. This title
promises to be a great read-aloud and I’m looking forward to trying it with
my older story time group.
Circus Mirandus
by Cassie Beasley,
c2015
Micah Tuttle has heard stories about the magical Circus Mirandus from his
Grandpa Ephraim for as long as he can remember, and he has never tired of
them. But when Grandpa Ephraim becomes terminally ill he tells Micah a
fantastic secret: the Circus Mirandus is real, and the Lightbender, a
powerful magician there, promised him a miracle. And so begins Micah’s
adventure. Along with his best friend, Jenny Mendoza, he is determined to
find the Lightbender and help his grandfather collect his miracle. Micah is
sure that the Lightbender can save Grandpa Ephraim’s life. But is that truly
the miracle his grandfather seeks?
This book is breathtakingly magical, a mix of dark and light, and I
absolutely loved it. It's the type of book I craved as a child and still do
as an adult; a book filled with glittering magic, staunch friendship, loving
family relationships, heart-wrenching sorrow, genuine sacrifice---and pure
joy. I can't say enough about it. After reading our library copy I
immediately purchased it for myself and my best friend. Her ten year old son
read it in two days and declared it the best book ever! I’ve been
recommending it to one and all since. Cassie Beasley’s debut novel is sure
to appeal to boys and girls, grades 4 – 7 who love magic and adventure!
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Smart Girls Get What They Want
by Sarah Strohmeyer,
c2012
Meg Cabot and Kelly Fiore fans will love Strohmeyer’s story of three
best friends and overachievers: Gigi, Bea, and Neerja. Convinced
that life truly doesn’t start until college, they put their
collective heads down and work their tails off in hopes of snagging
acceptances to their Ivy League dream schools. Not a bad idea, of
course. But is it possible they’re missing out? It’s time to
reevaluate what they want. It’s time to stop hiding in the library
and the honors lounge. It’s time to push themselves to do things
they didn’t dream possible! Though terrified of public speaking,
Gigi will decide to run for student rep. Bea will go back to skiing
after a long hiatus. And Neerja will finally put herself out on
stage instead of hiding in the background. Add in a bit of
unexpected romance, and sophomore year is going to be life-changing.
This is a light read filled with fun and perfect for teens that love
some humor with their romance. I loved Gigi, Bea and Neerja and the
story of their friendship, and their shenanigans made me laugh right
out loud!
To check out these books or get recommendations for other great
reads, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin
Street.
[By
MELISSA OXBORROW,
Lincoln Public Library District]
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