Pick of the Week- Loving vs. Virginia

is Loving vs. Virginia by Patricia Hruby Powell. This novel is uniquely structured alternating between Mildred and Richard's perspective and integrating primary source documents to enhance the story of an ordinary couple, whose case had sweeping changes for laws of the nation. Mildred and Richard always saw themselves a typical, but in the eyes of the law their relationship was criminal. They were fined, jailed, and harassed when they tried to live together in Caroline County, Virginia. After nine long years of legal battles, their case was decided in the Supreme Court and finally over-turned the unjust miscegenation laws in the United States. 

April is Autism Awareness Month

The CDC estimates that 1 in 68 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder has many types and can show up in many different ways. There are many ways in which autism is misunderstood. Take some time this month to educate yourself about autism and the people struggling, managing, and thriving with this disorder.

Non-fiction resources:

Perspectives on diseases and disorders: Autism by Carrie Fredricks The reason I jump : the inner voice of a thirteen-year-old boy with autism by Naoki Higashida, translated by KA Yoshida and David Mitchell  Sisterhood of the spectrum : an Asperger chick's guide to life by Jennifer Cook O'Toole; illustrated by Anne-Louise Richards The Asperkid's (secret) book of social rules by Jennifer Cook O'Toole ; illustrated by Brian Bojanowski Coping with Asperger Syndrome by Maxine Rosaler. National Institutes of Mental Health. Fiction Books: Anything but typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin. The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon. Rain reign by Ann R. Martin. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork.

Pick of the Week- Magnus Chase: Hammer of Thor

is Magnus Chase: Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan. This sequel to The Sword of Summer tops the first book in action, character development, and humor. You will laugh out loud at the wit of the protagonist, Magnus Chase as he navigates the complex world of Norse gods and creatures. You learn even more about Norse myths, the depth and complexity of Magnus' friends Hearthstone and Samirah, and are introduced to Alex Fierro who might just steal Magnus' heart. Rick Riordan has created another engaging series that puts a modern spin on an ancient mythology.

Cybersecurity Knowledge Quiz

The Pew Research Center released a report recently that assessed Americans knowledge of cyber security. You can take the test and compare your results to the thousands who took the test for the study. You can also learn valuable information about your privacy and data.

http://www.pewinternet.org/quiz/cybersecurity-knowledge/

Pick of the Week- Scythe

is Scythe by Neal Shusterman. This thought provoking dystopian novel will have you questioning whether living forever is really a good thing, the role of computers and privacy in our lives and what is right and wrong. Citra and Rowan are ordinary teenagers living in an extraordinary future world. Technology has eliminated natural death, an all knowing computer has taken over the function of government, and crime and war are unknown to the world. But because there is no such thing as natural death, one human lead organization exists for population control- the Scythdom. When Citra and Rowan are chosen to be apprentices of a Scythe, they are confronted with unthinkable moral questions and a corrupt bureaucracy. Fans of Shusterman's Unwind and Scott Westerfeld's Uglies will love this Prinz award honor book and New York Times best-seller.

Pick of the Week- Rithmantist

is Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson.  Fans of Harry Potter will love the world created by Sanderson. In this world, the United States is a series of islands, each with their own culture and many with their own school of Rithmatists. Joel grows up on the campus of one of the most important schools, Armedius Academy, longing to be chosen as a Rithmatist. He has spent most of his life learning the science behind this magical skill, so he longs to be welcomed in to their ranks. When he is not chosen, he is devastated but unwilling to give up. He manages to get under the tutelage of one of the oldest Rithmatists teachers without the school knowing. As students at the school go missing, he and fellow outsider Melody are thrust into the investigation that threatens to throw the school into chaos.

Pick of the Week- Everything, Everything

is Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. Soon to be a major motion picture, this is a unique love story between Maddy, whose illness prevents her from going outside or receiving visitors and Olly, who just moved in next door. The two begin a relationship by talking online and their connection is immediate and electric. Their desire to be with each other have shocking consequences for both their families. Fans of The Fault in Our Stars will love the smart writing and wit of this tale of "star-crossed lovers."