Youth – What We’re Reading

Jewel, a young mixed-race girl growing up in rural Iowa, has always lived her life in the shadow of her dead brother Bird (aka John).  When Jewel makes a new friend, she comes to realize that she can’t live anymore with the unanswered questions and silence surrounding her brother’s death.  A good pick for older readers in grades 5 and up with an interest in stories about families dealing with tough times….

The combination of colorful, real-life photographs and peppy, rhyming text in this book will have you cheering for vegetables of all shapes and sizes! Many vegetables, both familiar and strange, are celebrated in this fun picture book that that is just begging to be read aloud….

This picture book, told in just a few words, shows a year in the life of a bird from the moment it hatches from its egg.  The bright, colorful illustrations and simple text make this a great story about birds and spring to share with early readers and young listeners alike!…

In this first book of the ‘Shadow Children’ series, the government has limited the number of children families can have to two in an attempt to avoid overpopulation.  Twelve-year-old Luke, a third child, must stay hidden indoors to avoid being caught by the ruthless Population Police.  When Luke discovers another third child in his own neighborhood, he is forced to decide whether he should continue to stay hidden or fight for his right to be free. …

Readers will examine criminal investigations and the use of forensic science to gather clues and apprehend criminals….