Welcome to The Bookies' Latest Update!                               February 2016 issue 2
The Bookies Newsletter
Books We Love
When Cupid's Arrow Hits...Books!
We believe that for Valentine's Day, there's nothing better than a good book. Apart from flowers. We'd probably accept flowerss. So here are a few books that we're loving right now! And scroll down for a selection of books about love for younger children.





This Boy_s Life 
Siobhan 
This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff 
This book lives up to its 25 years' worth of acclaim. Credited with sparking the renaissance of the memoir, Wolff shows us the life of a boy with no sense of self, raised without stability or positive male role models in 1950's America, and the young man - liar, thief, cheat, materialist - he becomes. Wolff writes without self pity or justification, and gives insight and compassion to a life that, seen on the surface, would be easy to dismiss.


Say What You Will 
Marianne 
Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern 
Amy is in her senior year of high school and realizes that she has no friends or social life because of her cerebral palsy. Matthew is hired to be one of her 'peer helpers' and he's the first person who sees Amy as she really is, and is honest with her. Matthew suffers from OCD and Amy realizes she can help him. This is a YA story about friendship, disabilities, first love and navigating the dynamics of high school.



Love Letters to the Dead 
Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira 
Laurel begins the school year at a new school. Her English teacher asks the class to write a letter to a dead person and Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain, because her recently deceased sister, May, loved him. Laurel continues writing to other dead celebrities and gradually you learn about her fractured family and how May died. Heart-wrenching and raw at times, but ultimately a YA story about resilience and finding the courage to face your demons.



All The Single Ladies 
Jessica 
All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister  (out in March) 
Why do schools get out around 3:00 p.m. in the US? Is this time supporting current families? This is only one subject I'd never thought of before I started this book - which I've talked about to anyone who will listen. As women who choose to couple are marrying later in life, Traister looks at the implications (and reasons for doing so) across American society. Pure feminism. Her book's appendix is my new manifesto.


What a treasure! Harjo's memoir Crazy Brave was amazing, and her new poetry book includes it all: life as a writer of the Mskoke/Creek Nation, oil spills, the sacred ground we share, pollution, love and enemies, what the rich do. So current and devastating and heart-filled.





Salt to the Sea
Susan T.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys  (out in March)
 
I really liked Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, author of Between Shades of Gray and Out of the Easy. Sepetys has brought us a historical novel about the ravages of war. World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are converging on the ship that will save them, Wilhelm Gustloff. Based on a true incident, the story of Emilia, Florian and Joana is told in alternating points of view. This book would be a great springboard for a middle or high school discussion of the current refugee crisis.

Hour of the Bees 
Vicki and Shelly 
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar 
This is a heart-felt story by a first time author of what it means to be a family. We loved the interaction between the generations. It felt real and we can't wait to recommend this! (Plus we got to meet her!)





A good and suspenseful new nonfiction book for middle school and above, about how Shostakovich created his music in a world of horror and devastation during the siege of Leningrad - find out more about the author and his research at this fun graphic interview and then watch this interesting video:   




The Lost Airman 
Larry 
The Lost Airman by Seth Meyerowitz
The true story of Sgt. A. Meyerowitz who parachuted from his Liberator into Nazi-controlled France. The book traces his incredible rescue by the French Resistance, and is not just his story, but also the story of the French men and women who saved him with their constant acts of heroism. This is a perfect gift for history readers, worth every cent of its hardcover price. As with A Higher Call and Devotion, I predict this will be a title in constant demand.
Something a Little Different

Broncos heart
We're all feeling the Broncos love this week! Congratulations to our team!

Did you know that Peyton Manning has written
Family Huddle
a book? Family Huddle, coauthored with his brother, Eli, and father, Archie, is based on their memories of road trips (and family football games) from when the Manning brothers were small. What better Valentine's Day gift for the little football lover in your life?


February is Black History month and we have important books by, and about, African-Americans, on display in the store. These include two powerful new books for younger readers: Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford, about New Orleans' Congo Square when it was used as a market and gathering place for slaves, and Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko.

Carter Godwin Woodson, an author and historian known as The Father of Black History, pioneered the teaching of African-American history and originated Negro History Week, which turned into Black History month. You can find out more about him in this article. Please ask us if you would like any suggestions for reading more about black history, and we are also happy to order books that we do not have in stock.

If you are interested in supporting diversity in literature, pay a visit to We Need Diverse Books, a movement promoting literature that reflects the lives of all young people.
Sue Lubeck
New Children's Books About Love and Valentine's Day

Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Celebrate Valentine's Day, and love, with this brand-new title, featuring one of Eric Carle's most beloved characters.
"You are the cherry on my cake; you make the sun shine brighter; you make my heart flutter." Using a range of images from the World of Eric Carle, and featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar, this special gift book gives all the reasons why someone special makes the world a better and brighter place. Perfect for your special person on Valentine's Day, or any day.


 
Ollie_s Valentine
Ollie's Valentine by Olivier Dunrea
A board book in which Ollie searches for his Valentine. Gossie, Gertie, Peedie, and BooBoo all have valentines, but who will be Ollie's?



Anna Loves Elsa 
Anna Loves Elsa by Brittany Rubiano
Another board book, this time about sibling love. Five-year old Anna and eight-year old Elsa aren't just sisters - they're best friends Find out why in this board book with pull-tabs, flaps, and pop-ups.




Honey_ I Love 
Honey, I Love
A new paperback version of the classic poem by Eloise Greenfield, with illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. This lyrical poem brings to life the things that mean the most to one little girl, like sharing laughter with a friend, taking family rides in the country, and kissing her mama's arm.



Happy Valentine_s Day_ Charlie Brown_ 
Happy Valentine's Day, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz
Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Valentine's Day in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read reader.
It's Valentine's Day and Charlie Brown is trying to find the courage to give the Little Red-Haired Girl a Valentine. With a little encouragement from Lucy, he finally goes for it. Is this the year everything finally works out for Charlie Brown?




Valentines From the Heart
A Very Fairy Princess: Valentines from the Heart by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
Gerry makes beautiful cards for her friends at school, showcasing their special qualities. But when she forgets her folder at home, she needs to think of a new way to celebrate their inner sparkle. This picture book celebrates friendship and creativity, and is the perfect gift for any special Valentine.