And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

[Riverhead Books, $28.95; available May 21]

From the author of The Kite Runner comes a new novel about how people love, how they take care of one another, and how choices resonate through generations. From Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinos, the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and powerful with each turning page.

Liz recommends:

Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman

[Pamela Dorman Books, $27.95; available May 28]

A Southern novel of family and antiques from the bestselling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. Hoffman rekindles her flair for evocative Southern settings and the inimitable eccentrics in a compelling new novel.

A Big Guy Took My Ball! by Mo Willems

[Disney Press, $8.99]

Piggie is happy when she finds a ball, but is soon devastated when a BIG guy takes it from her. What will she and Gerald do?! Elephant & Piggie fans can find out in the pair's 19th adventure! Katherine says: Great for beginning readers ages 3-6 - and great for reading aloud, too.

Twerp by Mark Goldblatt

[Random House, $16.99; available May 28]

Katherine says: This is a tremendous book, full of humor and heart, that is all about why people go along with the crowd when someone else is being hurt, and (more importantly) about what it takes to make up for the damage that's been done. It would make a wonderful starting point for a discussion on bullying. For ages 9-12.

Now in paperback! 

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

[Puffin Books, $7.99; available May 16]

Kate says: It is a great novel for parents and kids. The writing is funny and smart. It addresses real life situations without being too scary for the targeted age. I loved it so much I made my dad read it and I can't tell you the number of times I caught him laughing out loud at Mo's wit and charm. For ages 10-13.

Wednesday, May 15, 7 PM (at the Hudson Library)

Rebecca McClanahan visits with her memoir The Tribal Knot.

Thursday, May 16, 7 PM (at the Hudson Library)

Bestselling author Tracy Chevalier will discuss her new book The Last Runaway, which includes Hudson's participation in the abolitionist movement.

Sunday, May 19, 2 PM (at The Learned Owl)

Join us for an Emeraldalicious tea party! Please call to reserve your spot: 330-653-2252.

Thursday, May 23, 1:30 PM (at Case-Barlow Farm, 1931 Barlow Rd.)

Tracy Chevalier returns for an intimate engagement at Case-Barlow Farm. This event is open to the public; tickets ($20) can be purchased at The Learned Owl. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to Case-Barlow Farm in an effort to rebuild the barn. Included in the cost of the ticket is an in-depth discussion with Chevalier about her research methods; light refreshments; and tours of the farm house.

Thursday, May 23, 7 PM (at Sarah's Vineyard, 1204 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls)

Our Book Club in a Bar meets to discuss The Vintage Caper. Join us!

Saturday, June 1, 1 PM (at The Learned Owl)

Meet author Shelley Shepard Gray, whose latest book is Ray of Light.

Saturday, June 1, 2 PM (at the Mayfield Library, 500 SOM Center Rd.)

Meet author Beth Hoffman, whose latest book is Looking for Me. Register online, or call 440-473-0350.

Our summer Writers' Workshop series kicks off on June 9 with Writing Creative Nonfiction. More information here...