Book Finder

When Louie’s father brings home a sickly, premature baby miniature donkey, he’s not sure he can do anything for it. But Louie falls for the small animal and Winslow not only survives but thrives as does a friendship with a new and quirky girl. How Winslow helps both Louie and Nora is told with heart.

Merci Suarez lives with her parents and older brother and her grandparents, Abuela and Lolo. She’s a hardworking, good kid who cares about her family and her community. How she navigates the changes that she and her family confront is both touching and plausible. Winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal.

Louisiana Elefante lives with her peripatetic grandmother, moving frequently. But at long last, Louisiana finds family, friends, and home in this touching, eccentric novel. Readers may remember Louisiana from Raymie Nightingale (opens in a new window), but this is Louisiana’s own story told in her unique and memorable voice.

It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. And the women readers meet here certainly seem to support that notion. Have you ever seen a baby in a “snugli”? It was invented by a woman who wanted to keep her baby calm. How about “Scotchgard”? This woman came up with it to help wipe away stains. Meet these inventors and others who had good ideas, skill, and stick-to-it-ness.

The classic tale of the Revolutionary War is now 75 years old. An introduction by Nathan Hale in his signature graphic history style is likely to bring this to a new audience.  

Alberto lives in a remote town called Allora. After his family is gone, Alberto is lonely until he rescues a desperate boy. They share a folktale and see it come true in this evocative store with elements of magic realism.

Only Livy sees the greenish creature when she and her family visit Gran in Australia. They see her talking to a chicken. But Bob is not only not a chicken, he’s quite special. Told from both Livy and Bob’s point of view, this handsomely illustrated and well told tale is fresh and intriguing.

Making wishes is easy; making them come true in a world of diminishing magic isn’t so easy. That doesn’t stop a new Granter, a young fairy named Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets, from trying along with a canine friend and a couple of humans in this warm, gently humorous, and fresh novel.

Mark Twain’s partial tale told to his own children has been carefully completed by Philip Stead and is interpreted for modern listeners.

A gentle fantasy in which a cat is transformed into a human who assists a reporter uncover interesting stories.

Magic has turned Eliza’s 11 brothers into swans and only she can rescue them. Brilliantly illustrated and engagingly retold, the now-classic Hans Christian Andersen enchanted tale of love and loyalty is presented anew.

Jordie is thrilled when Professor Reese moves in next door with her dog, Baxter. Is it possible that Baxter can understand what Jordie says? Has the professor’s work put her in danger? This fast-paced adventure combines mystery and science fiction sure to intrigue.

Bixby Alexander Tam, aka Bat, is back. He was first introduced in A Boy Called Bat (opens in a new window) where Bat first met Thor, a baby skunk rescued by Bat’s veterinarian mom. Now Thor is big enough to be released, but Bat wants to keep him…even taking Thor to his sister’s play. The result is predictable but as gently humorous and engaging as this tale of Bat.

Celeste, the small mouse that accompanied John James Audubon’s apprentice, on an earlier adventure (A Nest for Celeste (opens in a new window)) is now separated from Joseph. Happily, she finds a new companion, an earnest young man named Abe Lincoln. This quiet fantasy is generously illustrated with expressive pencil drawings.

Amal’s dream of becoming a teacher is thwarted when she is penalized for insulting the landowner’s son, becoming his servant. Her tenacity and love of learning leads to a satisfying conclusion in this riveting story set in contemporary Pakistan.

The life of the woman who became known as Harriet Tubman is presented to a new generation with an introduction by award-winning author, Jason Reynolds, and a stunning new cover by Kadir Nelson. Originally published in 1955, the readable text has the hallmarks of the novelist who wrote it. She places Harriet in historical context, breathing life into Tubman and her times.

Published in anticipation of the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia, this book includes Winter Olympics’ history, events, symbols, and controversies, as well as a chapter on the Winter Paralympics. Full-color action photos are accompanied by facts on the Olympics and Olympic athletes of the past. Back matter includes a table of top medal-winning countries, a world map, and a selective list of relevant websites.

Could the white deer that Eric spots in the woods really be a unicorn? Can Eric help Dr. Brancusi, a vet, and his daughter really keep the unicorn – and her offspring – safe?  Love and loss, hope and happiness are threads throughout this delicately illustrated and absorbing novel.

Emily and James (first introduced in The Book Scavenger (opens in a new window)) return in this standalone companion which involves ciphers, books by Mark Twain, mystery, and dastardly plots. Sophisticated readers will appreciate the intrigue and shadowy goings-on that claim Emily’s favorite bookstore.

One of David’s parents is Jewish, the other Chinese. With one grandmother living with David and his family and the other next door, which culture will win? As David prepares for his bar mitzvah, he worries about the possibility of war both inside his family as well as the U.S. of the 1980s. Fast-paced and believable, the clash between cultures finally subsides.

Maya loves soccer. But girls in Malaysia where she lives with her Asian Indian mom and English dad don’t usually play the sport. How Maya brings her school and perhaps even her family together is told plausibly with pathos and just enough soccer to engage both sports enthusiasts and those who don’t enjoy it. 

Prez needs a friend and he finds one in Sputnik. Sputnik looks like a dog to everyone except Prez who realizes Sputnik is an alien in disguise. It’s a good thing that Prez is a list maker, because he and Sputnik must come up with 10 reasons why Earth shouldn’t be destroyed. The physics-defying story is fast, fresh, and fun.

When Frank’s (nee Francesca) backpack is tossed into nettles by a bunch of bullies, it is Nick Underbridge who retrieves it for her.  Nick is as unusual as his home where Frank finds friendship and solace until a secret upends not only their friendship but almost the entire world. Mysterious and otherworldly, this is an involving and satisfying fantasy.

A fragment of an imaginative tale told by Mark Twain to his daughters has been completed and illustrated with all due respect to the original author. Readers will meet Johnny, a poor but worthy boy who helps rescue Prince Oleomargarine, communicate with animals, and find lasting friendships. Delicate illustrations combine with the Twain-esque narration for a memorable (and gorgeous) package.