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Picks of the Week as published in The Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald
MAY 3, 2018 – LUMPY RUG DAY
Adult Fiction
“Dead on the Dance Floor” by Heather Graham
Lara Trudeau is an exquisite dancer. Unfortunately, her personality is not exquisite at all. When she dies in the midst of a much-acclaimed ballroom dance competition, people are quick to blame alcohol and pills. Patrolman Doug O’Casey, however, is not totally convinced. He asks his former P.I. brother Quinn to take a look around. What Quinn discovers is much more than one dead dancer.
Adult Non-Fiction
“Basic Rug Hooking” by Alice Beatty and Mary Sargent
With the advent of Etsy, handmade crafts are making a comeback. One of the most labor-intensive arts is that of primitive rug hooking. Pick up this detailed resource to gain a new appreciation of the skill, perseverance, and commitment of the artists dedicated to this unique art form.
Young Adult
“Rip Tide” by Kat Falls
In this futuristic novel, Tai and his family live on their subsea farm. One day Tai and his friend Gemma make a horrific discovery: an entire floating town full of people that has been sunk to the ocean floor and chained there. When Tai’s parents disappear, the mystery deepens and Tai fears the worst.
Children
“Iqbal” by Francesco D’Adamo
Fatima and scores of children like her work endlessly for Hussain Khan in his carpet factory. They work to pay off their families’ debts to Hussain Khan. One day a new boy, Iqbal, joins them in their work. He shares a shocking revelation with the children: their debts will never be paid in full. But, Iqbal also shares something of great value with them: hope. Read this incredible story based on the real Iqbal Masih, a young boy who worked tirelessly to rid Pakistan of child labor abuse until his brutal murder at the age of thirteen.
MAY 10, 2018 – CLEAN UP YOUR ROOM DAY
Adult Fiction
“Room” by Emma Donoghue
Five-year-old Jack and his Ma have lived in “Room” all of Jack’s life. But Jack is getting bigger and Ma knows that he won’t be safe in Room for much longer. Ma finally hatches a desperate plan to escape from Room…but, just what has she escaped to? Pick up this interesting book written from Jack’s perspective.
Adult Non-Fiction
“How to Organize Your Kid’s Room” by Susan Isaacs
Each child is unique, and their rooms should reflect this individuality. Read this informative resource for wonderful ideas and suggestions on how to make a child’s room fit the child instead of trying to make the child fit their room.
Young Adult
“The Upstairs Room” by Johanna Reiss
Ten-year-old Annie and her sister Sini live in Holland with their parents and older sister Rachel. It is 1942 and Hitler’s armies have been in Holland for two years. It is becoming more and more dangerous for Jewish families like Anna’s to live there. Anna’s family makes the difficult decision to send Anna and her sister Sini into hiding at a remote farmhouse.
Children
“Mrs. McBloom, Clean Up Your Classroom” by Kelly DiPucchio
Mrs. McBloom has been teaching for fifty years; but, not once in those fifty years has she ever cleaned up her classroom…and, oh, boy! Is her classroom a mess! Who will come up with the best way to get Mrs. McBloom’s classroom clean in time for her to retire?
MAY 17, 2018 – PACKRAT DAY
Adult Fiction
“The Cat Who Smelled a Rat” by Lilian Jackson Braun
The residents of Moose County are anxiously awaiting the first snowstorm of the season. It can’t come soon enough for the Citizen’s Fire Watch. Then, a Fire Watch Volunteer is murdered; and, the crime scene is intentionally set ablaze. When a local builder also dies in an “accident” not long after the murder, journalist James Qwilleran decides it is time to investigate.
Adult Non-Fiction
“Downsizing Your Home With Style: Living Well in a Smaller Space” by Lauri Ward
At some point in our lives, we may find it is time to downsize. Whether you are an empty-nester, retiree, or just plain moving to a smaller home, this resource has some great advice on what to pack, what to get rid of, how to repurpose items, and how to create storage.
Young Adult
“R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH” by Jane Leslie Conly
Ten-year-old Margaret and her younger brother Arthur are camping with their parents. While on a hike, Margaret and Artie have a terrifying encounter with a bear; and, they get hopelessly lost in the woods. They are found by the rats of Thorn Valley, a super-intelligent species who had escaped from the laboratories at the National Institute of Mental Health. However, Margaret and Artie’s rescue may bring the danger of discovery to the rats of NIMH, whose only wish is to live in peace and freedom.
Children
“Cooper and Packrat: Mystery on Pine Lake” by Tamra Wright
When Cooper’s family bought a campground by the lake, he thought it would be really special to live there. He dreamt of all the exploring he could do; but, the only adventures he is having is cleaning bathrooms and trying to keep track of his little sister. Then, a family of loons build a nest on the campground. However, someone dams up the lake and floods the nest. Cooper and his best friend Packrat get creative to give the loons a new place to nest. Will their idea work?
MAY 24, 2018 – NATIONAL ESCARGOT DAY
Adult Fiction
“The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman
A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Feeling nostalgic, he takes a drive past his old home; except, it has been gone for a long time, demolished to make way for more modern homes. Although the house is gone, the man’s memories remain. Some are painful; some are frightening; and, some include eleven-year-old Lettie Hempstock, her strange tumbledown farmhouse, and her mysterious mother and grandmother. Are his memories of Lettie true events, or figments of a lonely, unhappy boy’s imagination?
Adult Non-Fiction
“Snips and Snails and Walnut Whales: Nature Crafts for Children” by Phyllis Fiarotta
Summer vacation is nearly here! Do you need ideas for those long days with the children? Check out this book full of creative ideas for children’s crafts using what can be found in nature, such as shells, stones, seeds and twigs. From walnut ships to fruit prints, wax leaf ropes to pine cone elves, you are sure to find something to spark your child’s imagination.
Young Adult
“Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands” by Cathryn Berger Kay, M.A.
When you are thirsty, a drink of water is only the turn of a spigot away. However, water is not an unlimited resource. There are many ways we can help our oceans, lakes, and rivers through conservation, recycling, and cleanup efforts. Check out this valuable resource to learn more about the efforts of others and how you can help.
Children
“Snail and Worm Again” by Tina Kügler
Join Snail and Worm on their adventures! What will happen when Snail finds a feather stuck to his shell? What does Worm see in Snail’s new mirror? When Snail is sad, how can Worm help him feel better?
MAY 31, 2018 – SAVE YOUR HEARING DAY
Adult Fiction
“Not a Sound” by Heather Gudenkauf
Nurse Amelia Winn has learned to live with her deafness, but it has taken two years of hard work and the help of her hearing dog, Stitch. Then, one morning while walking in the woods near her cabin, she discovers the body of a fellow nurse. Amelia is just now finding her footing. Will she risk it all to solve the murder of a friend?
Adult Non-Fiction
“Coping With Hearing Loss: A Guide for Adults and Their Families” by Susan V. Rezen, Ph.D. and Carl Hausman
Many years ago, a loss in hearing could mean a severe change in lifestyle. Today, however, there are many more options available to cope with this condition. Pick up this informative resource to learn more about hearing loss and its various treatments, coping tips, and costs of devices. There is even a chapter especially for families and friends of those dealing with hearing loss.
Young Adult
“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred Taylor
Cassie’s family works hard to keep their Mississippi farm, but life is difficult. Not only is it the height of the Depression, but Cassie’s family is also subjected to intense discrimination. Cassie’s parents decide to stand their ground, but their decision comes with a cost. Cassie has a hard time understanding her parents’ determination, until Cassie herself is humiliated just because of the color of her skin.
Children
“Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” by Bill Martin
Join Polar Bear as he tries to identify who is making all the different sounds he hears. Can you guess where Polar Bear is?
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