Station Eleven
By Emily St. John Mandel
A Russian airline flight arrives on the tarmac of a middle-American city carrying passengers sick with a virulent strain of flu. Within a few short weeks, 99 percent of the human population is gone and, with it, the world as we know it.
Mandel introduces a ragtag group of Shakespearean actors and musicians. The troupe follows a circuit through the upper Great Lakes, living by the motto (borrowed from Star Trek) “Because survival is insufficient.”
Descent
By Tim Johnston
On a trip to the Rockies before track-star daughter Caitlin heads off for college, the Courtlands are ready to enjoy a family vacation together. Parents Grant and Angela see this time as a chance to heal a faltering relationship.
Caitlin and her brother, Sean, slip out for an early morning run. Several hours later, Grant gets the phone call no parent wants: Sean’s been found gravely injured on a roadside. Caitlin is missing.
Nonfiction
Star Wars Workbooks
By Workman Publishing
Getting a jump start on school readiness is easy with this clever series of books aimed at preschoolers through second-graders.
Filled with colorful Star Wars graphics, these workbooks present phonics, reading and math activities in a fun-filled format.
Perfect for the preschooler learning letters and to provide enrichment activities for after-school or as a summer refresher, this series is a great way to spend some quality educational time with your youngsters.
The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True
By Richard Dawkins
More widely known for his work on evolutionary biology, Dawkins has penned a science book that will surprise and delight the entire family.
Before the advent of the scientific method, our early ancestors explained natural phenomena through tales of magic. The Japanese thought earthquakes were a result of the world resting on a giant catfish that flipped its tail, and the Vikings posited that a rainbow was the gods’ bridge to earth.
Dawkins’ genius is his ability to show that reality can be just as fascinating as the fabulous tales of our ancestors.
The Bear Ate Your Sandwich
By Julia Sarcone-Roach
Who stole the sandwich from the picnic table? This funny tale with clever illustrations reveals the answer. Ages 4-8.
A Boy and a Jaguar
By Alan Rabinowitz
This is the inspirational story of a boy who has trouble speaking to people, but can easily communicate with animals. Ages 4 and up.
Leepike Ridge
By N.D. Wilson
If you liked Hatchet, you will enjoy this fast-paced adventure story of survival as 11-year-old Tom tries to escape an underwater cave. Ages 8-12.
Rain Reign
By Ann M. Martin
Rose has obsessions, rules and other things that make her different; no one can understand why she does the things she does. A big storm changes everything, and her life will never be the same. Ages 9-12.
