Dede writes:
Dennis Lehane spent the last five years writing what Janet Maslin in the New York Times calls “a stunning and majestic book”. THE GIVEN DAY (9780688163181) has just arrived in bookstores and booksellers all over this country are unanimous in their praise. Set in Boston at the end of World War 1, this historical novel is a departure from his famous thrillers such as MYSTIC RIVER, but his same strong gift for narrative and his ear for the patterns of speech in Boston are splendidly displayed. The Boston Police Strike, anarchists, Spanish influenza, family, politics, corruption and heroism all figure in this novel that will keep you up untl 3 am!

Three new paperbacks that you will enjoy: ...More

THE UNCOMMON READER (9780312427641) by Alan Bennett is one of the funniest books I have ever read. The well-known British playwright gently leads the reader on to absolute hilarity in this tale of the new reading addiction of Queen Elizabeth II. ...More

THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS (9780312384777) by Gail Tsukiyama is a novel set in Japan during World War II. Author Lisa See writes: “This time she has gone even deeper to explore what happens to ordinary people during frightening and tragic times.” Many of you will remember Gail Tsukiyama’s beautiful novel THE SAMURAI’S GARDEN. ...More

Pat writes:
TEN LITTLE FINGERS AND TEN LITTLE TOES (015206057X), written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, is a winner. Written and illustrated by two of today’s most popular children’s book authors and illustrators, this is a wonderfully simply told picture book about babies’ little fingers and toes. Told in rhyme, TEN LITTLE FINGERS AND TEN LITTLE TOES shows us little babies from all over the world. Helen Oxenbury’s beautiful watercolors of wonderful, loveable, cuddly babies fill every page. With lyrical text by Mem Fox that you will want to read again and again, this is just right for very young children. ...More

Judy H. writes:
For the animal lover, K.A. Nuzum’s new book, THE LEANIN’ DOG (9780061139345) is a great choice. This book tells the story of Dessa Dean who has just tragically lost her mother. Dessa is so affected by her mother’s death, that she is literally unable to leave her Colorado cabin. To make mattes worse, Christmas is fast approaching. However, a lost, injured, stray dog, which arrives on Dessa’s doorstep, helps her mend emotionally and begin to live again. Nuzum shows the beauty of the Colorado winter landscape and the healing power of animals. ...More

If you are looking for a nonfiction book on Abraham Lincoln, Candace Fleming’s new book, THE LINCOLNS –A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ABRAHAM AND MARY LINCOLN (9780375836183), is it. This book is done in scrapbook format with many actual photographs, newspaper clippings, handwritten letters, drawings, and other visual presentations, which makes the reading very friendly for the older elementary or middle school child. The articles are short and tell the story of Abe Lincoln and Mary Lincoln from their childhood, their days in the White House to their unfortunate deaths. Fleming also provides an excellent bibliography for young readers and web sites to learn more about the Lincolns. ...More

Marilyn writes:
Jeff Kinney’s first book, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID was a runaway success, as was the follow up book, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODERICK RULES. Based on his popular web cartoon, both books are hilarious and spot on in their depiction of middle school life. With his mix of text and drawings, these books have engaged older elementary and middle school readers and are a special treat for readers who might otherwise be called ‘reluctant’. Kinney’s newest book, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID DO-IT-YOURSELF BOOK (9780810979772) inspires kids to be funny and see the humorous side of middle school awkwardness, and realize they are not alone. A fellow bookseller writes, “I gave it to my 11 year old nephew who is a big Wimpy Kid fan and who struggles very hard with writing skills. He has written page after page in this book entirely on his own, including straight journal pages…He thought the questions … were wonderfully gross. There are cartoons to finish and lists to be made. This is now a very loved and worn book that he treasures and continues to fill out.” ...More

Fans of the Alex Rider series will want to read THE DEVIL’S BREATH (9780385735605), the first book in a new series by David Gilman. Fifteen-year-old Max Gordon is the resourceful hero of this fast paced adventure. ...More

Rick Riordan, author of the popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians series has written a new book, THE MAZE OF BONES (39 CLUES #01) (9780545060394). During the reading of their grandmother's will, Dan and Amy Cahill learn that their family is one of the world's most powerful--and the source of that power is hidden around the world in the form of 39 Clues. The siblings are soon caught up in a dangerous race in this first book of a new interactive series. This is for a slightly younger audience than the Percy Jackson series. ...More

Student reviewer Hayley, age 11, writes, “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND (9781595141958) by Allegra Goodman was one of my favorite books ever. It was a little sad and scary, but I could not stop reading it. This book reminded me of THE GIVER by Lois Lowry, even though it was a little less complicated. If you are from 10-14 years old and enjoy fantasy books, I bet you would like this one!...More

Angela, age 12, writes, “MY ONE HUNDRED ADVENTURES (9780375845826) by Polly Horvath is about a 12 year old girl named Jane. She lives with her family by the sea. Over the summer Jane finds herself caught up in all these fun adventures. I liked this book for all the extraordinary characters and all the wonderful details.”

Marilyn hastens to add that we also have a frightfully wonderful selection of Halloween books for kids of all ages. Take a look at our web page for a listing of some of our favorites. ...More