Pick of the Week- El Deafo

is El Deafo by Cece Bell.  This graphic novel is the true story of the author growing up hearing impaired in a small Virginia town in the 1970s. The students and teachers in her town were not accustomed to interacting with a deaf student.  She struggled to make friends.  When she did find friends, they always treated her like she was different, when all she wanted was to be treated like a normal kid.  This is a funny, touching memoir that will be enjoyed by all.

Pick of the Week- Shadowshaper

for this week is Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older.  This book is a fabulous debut novel by Older.  He has created an extraordinary heroine in Sierra Santiago and a fascinating mythology of the shadowshapers.  The story of how Sierra discovers her powers is intriguing, but so is her dedication to preserving her family and heritage through threats of gentrification and cultural appropriation.  Equally interesting is her romance with fellow artist Robbie and the unraveling mystery of magic and spiritual connection.  This book will leave you wanting a sequel.

Pick of the Week- The Book Thief

is The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak.  This is an historical fiction novel set in World War II Germany. Interestingly, the narrator is something like the grim reaper.  He first meets Liesel, the book's protagonist, at age eleven when her brother dies while they are on their way to live with a foster family.  Her father was a communist and taken by the Nazis immediately before the war, and her mother has no way to support her children.  After stealing her first book from the graveyard where her brother is buried, Liesel is taken in by an older couple, the Hubermans, who live a few miles from the Dachau concentration camp.  Rosa is foul mouthed harsh woman who nonetheless has a big heart; while Hans is an endlessly caring and warm father figure.  The family, who secretly hate Hitler and the Nazis, decide to hide a Jewish teenager and live in constant fear of discovery and punishment. This griping tale will be sure fascinate students of World War II and the Holocaust.

Pick of the Week- The Only Game

is The Only Game by Mike Lupica.  Baseball is the love of Jack Callahan's life.  And he is very good at it. His team might even make it to the Little League World Series this year with his phenomenal pitching and hitting. But after the first day of practice, he quits the team. Jack's brother had died the year before, and through his guilt and grief, he gave up the sport he loved. While is best friend and team mates are furious, Jack finds new friends that help move back towards playing the game he still loves.