Nonfiction:

 

In The Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides 

A spell binding tale of polar exploration and survival!  In July of 1879, the USS Jeannette set sail from San Francisco to the North Pole with a crew of 32 men, but soon was trapped in pack ice for two years! The ship finally sank and the men were marooned a thousand miles north of Siberia with only the barest supplies. They began their long march across endless ice, facing everything from snow blindness and polar bears to ferocious storms, battling madness and starvation as they desperately tried to survive. A gripping adventure for a hot summer day!

Available August 5, $28.95

Nature's God: The Heretical Origins of the American Republic  by Matthew Stewart 

From Kathy:  This is a fascinating book sure to spark much debate and discussion!  If you cringe when commentators describe the United States as a "Christian Country" , or feel a twinge when folks talk about "freedom of religion" , this book is for you!  Wonderfully researched and documented, Stewart is informative, and very readable.  Stunning quotes from Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine, Ethan Allen, and Thomas Young, the radicals who founded America, show how they wanted to liberate us not just from one king but from the tyranny of religion. Stewart is passionate about his subject, and he will pull you in with his persuasive argument about the founding principles of American government.  
$28.95 

  The Mockingbird Next Door: Life With Harper Lee by Marja Mills 

The Mockingbird Next Door is a captivating look into the private life of the author of one of America's most treasured novels, To Kill a Mockingbird.  In 2001, journalist Marja Mills was sent by the Chicago Tribune to Alabama to interview Harper Lee.  To her surprise, Harper welcomed her into her life and that of her sister, Alice.  In 2004, Marja actually wound up renting the house next door to Harper, or Nell as her friends call her, and became part of her daily life for 18 months.  
[Sadly, some controversy surfaced after the book was published wherein Harper Lee disavowed any permission to write about her life, a charge that was refuted by her sister.  The publisher stands behind Marja Mills, and regardless, The Mockingbird Next Door is a thoroughly interesting and insightful look at a treasured American author.]   $27.95

Maeve Binchy, the Biography by Piers Dudgeon

An upbeat biography of a beloved writer. Thankfully, no skeletons in her closet! We learn many details of Maeve's early life and her life as a writer.  Recommended for all of Maeve Binchy's many fans. $27.99

 Travels With Casey by Benoit Denizet-Lewis

 "I don't think my dog likes me very much,"  writer Benoit Denizet-Lewis confesses at the beginning of his journey with his dog, Casey. In a rented motor home, Denizet Lewis and Casey travelled through 32 states, meeting all kinds of dogs, and dog-obsessed humans. Travels With Casey is a quirky blend of memoir and travelogue. Great fun and very interesting! 

Benoit Denizet-Lewis is a writer with "The New York Times Magazine" and an assistant professor of writing and publishing at Emerson College. He lives in Jamaica Plain. $26.00  

See a video of Denizet-Lewis on the road with Casey

How to Catch a Frog: And Other Stories of Family, Love, Dysfunction, Survival, and DIY by Heather Ross   

From Elizabeth M: Born into an eccentric family of artists, the author and her sister grew up in rural Vermont in the 70's with their mother who managed to keep the wood stove going in the winter but could not always keep enough food on the table.  Ross uses her talent as a storyteller to capture the reader's attention from the first page as we follow her careers as a textile designer, illustrator of children's books, author of Weekend Sewing, and teacher of sewing and craft workshops.  $24.95  

Boston Red Sox: Miracle at Fenway by Saul Wisnia, foreward by Dave Roberts

Before they became the 2013 World Champions, there was the season that broke the curse and started it all...

It had been eighty-six years since Boston last won a World Series. For members of the 2004 Red Sox roster, winning that October was one of the greatest experiences in their lives. For fans, the '04 team will always be remembered as the one that finally silenced the "1918" chants. Hundreds of articles and several books were written about the '04 season, but after ten years, here is a fresh perspective. A Red Sox fan since birth, having written about and worked alongside the team for his entire professional life, Saul Wisnia tells the story of 2004 as experienced by the people who lived it. His style is engaging; he writes with both insight and excitement.  A good pick for the sports lover, especially during this less than stellar baseball season!  $26.99   

Nonfiction New in Paperback:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand  

Finally!! After almost four years on the New York Times Best Seller List, Unbroken is in paperback!  This amazing true story of one man's survival and strength is such an inspiring testament to man's ability to overcome unbelievable odds.  The subject of this book, Louis Zamperini, just died early last month at the age of 97.  If you haven't read this yet, now is your chance!    $16.00 

Thinking in Numbers by Daniel Tammet
Daniel Tammet is a bestselling author(Born on a Blue Day)and a mathematical savant. In Tammet's world, numbers are beautiful and mathematics illuminates our lives and minds. Using anecdotes and everyday examples, Tammet shares his unique insights and delight in the way numbers, fractions and equations underpin all our lives.
Tammet explores questions such as why time seems to speed up as we age, whether there is such a thing as an "average person" and how we can make sense of those we love.
Thinking in Numbers will change the way you think about math and inspire you to see the world with fresh eyes. $16.00

On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome, with Love and Pasta by Jen Lin-Liu
From Elizabeth M: After growing up in the United States in a family of Chinese parentage the author moved to Beijing where she lived and worked as a food writer and teacher. While on her honeymoon in Italy she took a course in Italian cooking which led her to consider the history of the noodle as it made its way from China to the West along the famous trade route of the Silk Road. She was able to get inside restaurant and private kitchens and discover noodle based foods in every country. This is a perfect armchair travel book for those of us who like to learn about other countries but will probably not have the opportunity (or inclination) to visit this part of the world!
Available August 5, $16.00 

 

 At the Same Moment, Around the World by 

Clotilde Perrin 

This is a wonderful book!! Beautifully detailed, imaginative illustrations show the different things children are doing, all at the same time, all around the world. Not only a fascinating look at the diverse people and cultures of the world, it's also a great introduction to geography and time zones. Includes a fold-out map in the back to see where each character and time zone is located.  A staff favorite! $17.99

 

 

 

 

The Nuts: Bedtime at the Nut House  

From Vicky: Silly and fun! I love this new book by the author of the very popular Pete the Cat books!  Mama Nut is trying to get Wally and Hazel to go to bed, but they have too much energy to settle down.  They bounce, they play, they wiggle and they giggle - all the while singing a song "We're nuts, we're nuts, we're nuts!"   Will Mama ever get her sweet nuts to settle down?  The illustrations are delightful and there is a lovely lullaby at the end.  A teacher friend read this book to her class and it became an instant hit! 

 Ages 3-6.  $18.00      Enjoy this adorable video!

Giant Vehicles by Rod Green and Stephen Biesty
See inside some of the world's most enormous vehicles in this amazing lift-the-flap book by the award-winning, bestselling illustrator Stephen Biesty. Discover eight monster machines: from the double-decker Airbus to the largest submarine on Earth, and from the planet's most massive dumper truck to the biggest helicopter ever made. Little engineers will love finding out about motors, periscopes, rocket engines and giant propellers in this fact-packed guide. Buckle up for the ride!
Available August 5, $16.00
 

I'm My Own Dog by David Ezra Stein  

 Stein's bulldog's philosophy is simple: "Nobody owns me. I own myself." The bulldog enjoys his freedom - relaxing alone on his rug, a well-chewed slipper beside him: "Sometimes, if I'm not comfortable, I tell myself to roll over. And I do." But when he meets a human who's willing to scratch the one place on his back he can't reach, he's intrigued: "The little guy followed me home. I felt sorry for him." Soon the bulldog and human connect. "Between you and me," the bulldog says, "I'm his best friend."  A joy of a book! Ages 4-8. Available August 5, $15.99

My Pet Book by Bob Staake 

Award-winning author-illustrator (and Chatham resident!)Bob Staake has created an adorable picture book about a boy and his most unusual pet!
This colorful tale will appeal to anyone whose best friends are... books! Books make the perfect pets, the boy decides, and chooses a bright red one. When it goes missing, a lively adventure is in store for readers who love a happy ending. Soon kids everywhere will wish for a pet book of their very own!   

$17.99 

Here's a great video of Bob Staake being filmed for an Intel commercial in Chatham and Hyannis.    

Everything Soccer (National Geographic Kids) by Blake Hoena and star soccer player Omar Gonzalez 
From Vicky: This is a wonderful book for 8-12 year old soccer fans! There are fantastic action photos of the plays and players, and lots of interesting facts about the history of the game, the rules and the superstars. The look of the book is so appealing and energetic. It's sure to inspire readers to get outside and play! $12.99

The Story of Buildings by Patrick Dillon
From Helen: This book not only tells the story of buildings, as the title suggests, but also the story of the people who built them. A perfect book for read aloud sessions or to simply let your kids enjoy on their own. With a combination of diagrams, stories, and beautiful illustrations, this book brings history to life. You will learn about cantilevers, skyscrapers, Otis's Safety Elevator and much more! For kids who like buildings and culture be sure to check out this lovely book! For ages 9-13.  $19.99

  History of Fun Stuff Series - The Deep Dish on Pizza! The Scoop on Ice Cream!
From Vicky: The first two books in this new series of early readers bring history alive as they explore two favorite foods. Did you know that 2000 years ago, Roman soldiers made pizza-like flatbreads with their shields? That immigrants at Ellis Island were given ice cream as part of their first meal in America? There are lots of fun facts and a quiz in each book, as well as information on geography and science in these tasty little readers! Ages 5-8.  Available August 5, $3.99 

From Vicky: Returning to Shore is a quiet, beautifully written story of a 15 year old girl who reluctantly goes to Cape Cod to stay with the father she hasn't seen since she was 3 years old while her mother is off on a honeymoon with her third husband.  Claire's father lives by a marsh and studies the Northern diamondback terrapin.  The characters in the book are wonderfully portrayed.  Their conversations feel so real and some of the moments as they get to know one another are perfect.  Finally, Claire's father reveals that the reason he stayed out of her life for so long was that he was gay and had worried that this would be a problem for her.  This is a lovely and true book, and readers from the Cape will especially enjoy references to places they recognize.  $17.95  

The Beginning of Everything by Robin Schneider

The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming

Here is the heartrending, true story of the Romanovs, Russia's last royal family.  Using captivating photos and compelling first person accounts, award-winning author Candace Fleming (Amelia Lost; The Lincolns) has written a mesmerizing read. This book is also a good resource for meeting Common Core standards. Ages 12 and up $18.99

Homeroom Diaries by James Patterson 

Best selling author Patterson has moved away from Middle School Territory with this new novel, a highly illustrated "diary fiction" story for teens. Margaret "Cuckoo" Clarke recently had a brief stay in a mental institution following an emotional breakdown, but she's turning over a new leaf with her "Operation Happiness." She's determined to beat the trials and tribulations of high school by writing and drawing in her diary. When life gets really tough, she works through her own moments of uncertainty through imaginary conversations with her favorite literary characters (Holden Caulfield, Nicki Minaj, Katniss and Peeta!) Teens looking for an approachable, fun book will find much to enjoy here.  $18.00