Fiction
The Story of Texas—Fictionalized
‘Texas’ By James A. MichenerLegendary for his geographically based fiction, Michener takes the reader far back into Texas’s history, into the mid-1500s, well before it ever became the 28th state. Follow the lives of characters who have come to symbolize Texas, from the oilman to the ranger.
An Endearing Look at a Great Teacher
‘Goodbye, Mr. Chips’ By James HiltonMade into two films and twice featured on television, this 1934 novella has cast a long shadow. The beloved Mr. Chipping, teacher of classics at the fictional Brookfield School in eastern England, has attracted generations of enthusiastic readers. “Chips” marries a lovely woman who softens his classroom manner but dies during childbirth. He then develops a rapport with his students and remains a school legend even after his retirement, when he still invites “his boys” to tea in his quarters.
Memoir
An Astronaut’s Son Tells His Story
‘The Father, Son, and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid in the Glorious 80s’ By Patrick MullaneFrom 1978 through the end of 1985, the Space Shuttle was an adventure. Mullane was 10 when his father, Michael, was selected as an astronaut. Mullane describes growing up in the Space Shuttle world with his dad, who had a glamorous yet dangerous career. Occasionally raunchy but never past PG-13, the hilarious memoir captures the thrill of coming-of-age in an exciting era. The book describes a more innocent time, when boys could simultaneously build models, love flying, and chase girls.
Science
Answering Cosmic Questions
‘Where Did the Universe Come From? And Other Cosmic Questions: Our Universe, From the Quantum to the Cosmos’ By Chris Ferrie and Geraint F. LewisWhere did the universe come from? How does it work? When did it begin? How and when will it end? People have asked these questions since people started asking questions. The authors examine them and show how the answers have changed over the last 50 years and how scientists are working to explain how the universe works. It’s a fascinating report on the state of modern physics. If you’re curious about the universe, read this book.
For Love of Country
‘Young Washington: How Wilderness and War Forged America’s Founding Father’ By Peter StarkWe know George Washington as America’s first president. His leadership skills were no doubt honed from years spent in the wilderness two decades before his fight for independence. The brash 22-year-old officer may have been the spark that ignited the French and Indian War. This is a gripping account of that transformative time.
Classics
Highland Heroes
‘The Scottish Chiefs: Illustrated’ By Jane PorterOriginally published in 1809, and one of the early historical novels, this story brings us to the Scotland of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce as they battle for independence from England during the early 14th century. Here we see patriotic heroes who are devout in their religious faith, as well as others who are base traitors. Romance and suspense have kept readers enthralled with this tale for over two centuries. A great read-aloud for kids but also appealing to adults. This edition is illustrated by Andrew Wyeth.
For Kids
History as Stories
‘George Washington’s World’ By Genevieve Foster and Joanna FosterFoster’s biography not only gives young readers the life of Washington, but also introduces them to people during his time, offering sketches of such figures as Mozart, Ben Franklin, and James Cook. History at its best. Grades 5–8.
A Day on the Farm
‘Big Red Barn’ By Margaret Wise BrownFollow farm animals throughout the day as the sun rises and sets. Detailed, lovely illustrations and animal sounds make this a soothing bedtime story as the sun gradually goes down, and the animals return to their barn to sleep.
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