Recommended Reading for Nov/Dec 2017
DB075815 – Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade by Melissa Sweet
Recounts the history of the giant helium-filled character balloons that float every year since 1928 in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Discusses Tony Sarg's love for puppets, which set the stage for his creations. Digital talking book. For grades K-3 and older readers. 2011.
DB083408 – Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano
It's the day before Christmas, and everyone in Jose's neighborhood seems grumpy about the holiday, including his Mami, who is homesick for Puerto Rico. But when he and his Papi ask for a favor from the local pizzeria, something amazing happens in their community. Digital talking book. For preschool-grade 2. 2015.
BR006467 – The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
On a dark Christmas Eve, a boy boards a mysterious train, the Polar Express, hoping to visit Santa Claus. He and the other children, still in their nightclothes, drink hot chocolate and sing carols as the train races through snowy landscapes toward a huge city at the North Pole. Available in Braille and digital talking book. For grades K-3 and older readers. Caldecott Medal.
BR013078 – Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis
Tale about seven argumentative Ashanti brothers, who are given the seemingly impossible task of turning spools of silk thread into gold. They join together to solve the problem, thus exhibiting the spirit of Kwanzaa. Includes information on this cultural holiday and instructions for weaving a Kente belt. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 2000.
DB060212 - It's a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook by Stephanie Spinner
This is Owen's first year to light the Hanukkah candles on the menorah. On each of the eight nights of Hanukkah his grandmother tells him a bedtime story. The last story makes him especially happy. Includes Hanukkah blessings and a glossary. Digital talking book. For grades K-3. 2003.
BR020932 - Let's Cook! Sesame Street by Susan McQuillan
Fifty fun recipes for parents and children, from celebrity chefs Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, and the beloved Sesame Street gang. Simple instructions to make delicious, healthy meals, such as Count von Count's cranberry-apple quinoa and Oscar and Slimey's roasted root veggies. Contracted braille. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 2015.
BR016995 – Miss Holly is Too Jolly [#14, My Weird School] by Dan Gutman
A.J. is not happy about being in the school holiday pageant arranged by his Spanish teacher Miss Holly. Being on the stage crew sounds better but leads to disaster. Available in Braille and Digital talking book. For grades 2-4. 2006.
BR005244 – Poem Stew by William Cole
A feast of humorous poems about food, from the thirst-quenching taste of watermelon to the disgusting look of hot cocoa left too long to cool. Braille. For grades 3-6 and older readers.
BR018669 – Candlelight for Rebecca [#3, Rebecca American girl series] by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
As Hanukkah approaches, Rebecca worries about taking home the Christmas centerpiece her teacher insists that each student make. But her grandmother praises Rebecca's handiwork, and Rebecca finds just the right person in her apartment building to give the Christmas decoration to. Available in Braille and Digital talking book. For grades 3-6. 2009.
DBC04850 –The Return of the Charlie Monsters [#63, Hank theCowdog]by John R. Erickson
When a turkey debacle endangers his relationship with Sally May and a case of poisoning almost kills him, Hank must figure out who might be his mortal enemy. Digital talking book. For grades 3-6. 2014.
DBC04842 – Willimena Rules: 9 Steps to the Best, Worst, Greatest Holiday Ever! by Valerie Wilson Wesley
Christmas and Kwanzaa are right around the corner and Willimena is usually excited about her favorite time of the year. But this year, no one feels much like celebrating because Aunt Laura lost her job. Willie's cousin Teddy--who is usually nice and friendly--is sad, mad, and downright rude. He doesn't seem to want to celebrate the holidays at all and nothing Willie does to cheer him up is working. Can Willie find a way to bring 'happy' back to the holidays? Digital talking book. For grades 3-6. 2015.
DB064314 – Cooking Up a Storm by Sam Stern & Susan Stern
British teenager who loves to cook presents his favorite recipes for breakfast, lunch, after-school snacks, family meals, desserts, and parties. Offers advice for exam-time eating and his top twenty tips for kitchen work. Recipes range from simple two-ingredient dishes to more-complicated procedures. Digital talking book. For junior and senior high readers. 2005.
DB086601 – What Light by Jay Asher
When Sierra's family from Oregon opens up their Christmas tree lot in California for the season, she longs to be back home. That changes when she meets Caleb. Mistakes Caleb has made in the past reemerge and threaten their future, however. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2016.
DB061873 – Looking for Alaska by John Green
Entering boarding school in Alabama, sixteen-year-old Miles "Pudge" Halter encounters new experiences: challenging classes, extreme pranks, and Alaska Young, a moody, sexy girl whose death in a car crash might be a suicide. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. Digital talking book. For senior high readers. Printz Award. 2005.