Staff Pick of the Week: “Queen of the Falls”

"Queen of the Falls" by Chris Van Allsburg

Title: Queen of the Falls
Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrator: same
Year: 2011
Age Range: 8 – 11 year olds
Call Number: J921 TAYLOR

Over 100 years ago, a very brave person went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. It wasn’t a young man. It wasn’t a man at all. It was Annie Edson Taylor, a 62 year old retired teacher who wanted to make some money and get famous. The true story of her daring deed and what happened after is told by Chris Van Allsburg, who also draws the dramatic illustrations of Annie, her barrel, and the treacherous waterfalls.

Recommended by: Steven

See current Youth Services staff picks, as well as the archives on the Staff Picks page.

For more information or recommendations, contact the Youth Services Dept. at 503-570-1592 or engelfried@wilsonvillelibrary.org.

Staff Pick of the Week: “The Absolute Value of Mike”

For October 17, 2011

Title: The Absolute Value of Mike

"The Absolute Value of Mike" by Kathryn Erskine

Author: Kathryn Erskine
Year: 2011
Age Range: 9-12 year olds
Call Number: J ERSKINE

Mike’s dad loves math, but Mike and numbers are not a good combination. Dad is disappointed, but sure Mike’s math ability will blossom one of these days. The quirky, funny characters in this story always kept me guessing about what would happen next. Will Aunt Moo ever be able to see the road while driving? Will Uncle Poppy ever talk or eat anything besides scrapple? How can $40,000 be raised in 4 weeks towards the adoption of a young boy from Romania? These problems and more need solving as Mike seeks to find his absolute value. Recommended by: Sheila

See current Youth Services staff picks, as well as the archives on the Staff Picks page.

For more information or recommendations, contact the Youth Services Dept. at 503-570-1592 or engelfried@wilsonvillelibrary.org.

“Sand in My Bra and Other Misadventures” edited by Jennifer Leo

"Sand in My Bra and Other Misadventures" edited by Jennifer Leo

Title/Author: “Sand in My Bra and Other Misadventures” edited by Jennifer Leo

Genre: Non-fiction – short travel stories by women

Rating: 5 out of 5

WV Reader Review: Women authors reflect on being in “Mom” shape next to teenagers on a beach in Mexico, work following you on a winter trip to escape, thinking about work and finding your inner “woman” while rafting in Utah. Fun and fascinating.