Category Archives: Staff Recommend

Mar1

Armel’s Revenge – Staff Recommend

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Armel’s Revenge – Staff Recommend

Armel's Revenge

Christophe, a Rwandan refugee in England, is entrusted with looking after Armel, a new boy in class, but Christophe soon discovers that Armel’s hostility stems from a tragedy that occurred in the country they once called home. Author: Nicki Cornwell

Beware of the poison of the past, try not to get infected (Cornwall 53),” is a prevailing theme of Armel`s Revenge by Nicki Cornwall. Christophe experienced the ethnic cleansing in Rwanda when he was too young to understand it. He and his family sought asylum in Great Britain and tried to forget the past. The painful memories lie in the shadows of his mind until a new student arrives who has his own demons to fight and sees Christophe as the enemy. How will he deal with it and what will he learn about his past?

Recommended by: Lindsey Haddix, Nora Branch Library

More Staff Recommends

More stories about refugees surviving the most difficult of situations:
Christophe's Story A Long Walk to Water The Lost Boys of Sudan Brothers in Hope
A Hair in the Elephant's Trunk Gervelie's Journey: a Refugee Diary
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Feb14

Candy Bomber – Staff Recommend

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Candy Bomber – Staff Recommend

“World War II was over, and Berlin was in ruins. US Air Force Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. They were hungry and afraid. The young pilot wanted to help, but what could one man in one plane do?” Author: Michael Tunnel

In 1948, a single man was the inspiration for a USAF-led operation to drop candy behind enemy lines in post-WW II Germany. Lieutenant Gail Halvorsen came to be known as “Uncle Wiggly Wings” to the children and families in West Berlin. Deeply touched by the German children who survived the Allied bombing, Halvorsen resolved to drop chocolate and chewing gum to them during his regular flights with “Operation Vittles.” Beginning by asking his buddies to donate their personal candy rations, his efforts morphed into an all-out effort supported by the military and embraced by the American populace. Lt. Halvorsen continued his career with the Air Force after returning to the United States. When he returned to Berlin in 1970 as the Commander of the Air Force Base, he received many invitations to dinner from those who were now grown up. This rich historical story sheds a sweet light on how a caring person can inspire others to reach out to those who are suffering. Readers will be charmed by the pictures and illustrations that accompanied the letters of appreciation written by the children.

Recommended by: Roberta Ash, Eagle Branch Library

More Staff Recommends

More stories about anonymous benefactors gifting strangers – pay it forward!:
Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot Silver Packages Boxes for Katje The Carpenter's Gift
The Quiltmaker's Journey The Quiltmaker's Gift
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Jan30

George’s Secret Key to the Universe – Staff Recommend

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George’s Secret Key to the Universe – Staff Recommend

George's Secret Key to the Universe

Follows the adventures of a young boy and his neighbor friend as they travel through a computer portal into outer space, where they explore such mysteries as black holes and the origins of the universe, while trying to evade an evil scientist.

“This book put me in mind of Judy Moody’s humor combined with Franny K. Stein’s passion for science and adventure. Supernovas, black holes, nebulas, and comets are just some of the subjects touched on throughout George’s explorations. Combined with its wonderful illustrations and vivid full color photos of our universe, this book is different from a traditional chapter book. If you generally roam the nonfiction section, you will appreciate Hawking’s focus on scientific phenomena, while fiction lovers will find George’s adventure both fun and exciting. This book also presents a positive message about the importance of taking care of our planet, and how technology should be used to better humanity rather than destroy it.”

Recommended by: Erin Moehring, Southport Branch Library

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Dec19

An Early Winter

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An Early Winter

An Early Winter

When eleven-year-old Tim’s beloved grandfather develops Alzheimer’s Disease, Tim tries to restore and save him by taking him out for a fishing adventure at the pond, but the outing turns into a disaster.

“Eleven-year-old Tim is determined to go with his Granddad on a fishing adventure. Forget all the family talks about Granddad’s forgetfulness. Only when they are out on the lake in a sinking boat does Tim realize that the strong man who raised him now needs to be taken care of. Tim struggles through the emotional upheaval that accompanies dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease. Granddad might forget who Tim was but he would never forget that “you are someone I love.”

Recommended by: Joan Emmert – infoZone

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Nov3

Staff Recommend: Ivy & Bean Series

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Staff Recommend: Ivy & Bean Series

It is said that opposites attract, such is the case with the crazy characters, Ivy and Bean.  While Ivy is quiet, Bean is loud.  While Ivy is pensive, Bean is compulsive.  What these two little girls are both good at however is getting into mischief around the neighborhood.

My daughter, who is six years old, and I just finished reading all nine of the Ivy and Bean books together.  We are anxiously awaiting the next in the series.  I asked her what her favorite thing was about Ivy and Bean.  She stated, “I like that they are weird.”

  • if you like “weird”…
  • if you like digging for worms…
  • if you like being put under a dancing spell…
  • if a neighborhood known as “Pancake Court” intrigues you…

you should read the Ivy and Bean Series. Author: Annie Barrows

Recommended by Addie Hirschten, Warren Branch Library

Ivy & Bean Series:

#1: Ivy & Bean
#2: Ivy & Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go
#3: Ivy & Bean Break the Fossil Record
#4: Ivy & Bean Take Care of the Babysitter
#5: Ivy & Bean Bound to be Bad
#6: Ivy & Bean Doomed to Dance
#7: Ivy & Bean What’s the Big Idea?
#8: Ivy & Bean No News is Good News
#9: Ivy & Bean Make the Rules

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