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Staff Picks!

Big and Small and In-Between by Carter Higgins & Daniel Miyares This wide, wonderful world contains many things. Some things are as big as a family of bears; some are as small as a reflection in a puddle. Some things are felt rather than seen. In between it all is . . . you. What kinds of things will you collect? This lovely, lyrical book collects the world by size. Divided into three chapters with three specially paper-engineered separations, every page encapsulates one precious moment that perfectly represents both a size and an experience. For example, section one, Small Things, includes 'a snail / and his home / and the road he has traveled'. Section two, Big Things, includes 'a bear / and his mama / and his pop / and the hugs they probably give each other'. Section three, In-Between Things, includes 'the dirt that knows / the promise underneath / and the sunshine above'. Beloved author Carter Higgins's poignant, poetic text and Daniel Miyares's incandescent illustrations capture a whole new way of seeing the world in this beautiful, giftable meditation on what it means to be a kid - and what it means to be a human.
Call Number: PZ7.1.H545 Bh 2022 - Picture Books
Strong As Fire, Fierce As Flame by Supriya Kelkar Golden Kite Award, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College of Education Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book, American Library Association (ALA) Junior Library Guild Selection In 1857 India, 13-year-old Meera escapes a life she has no say in--and certain death on her husband's funeral pyre--only to end up a servant to a British general in the East India Company. When a rebellion against British colonizers spreads, she must choose between relative safety in a British household or standing up for herself and her people. India, 1857 Meera's future has been planned for her for as long as she can remember. As a child, her parents married her to a boy from a neighboring village whom she barely knows. Later, on the eve of her thirteenth birthday, she prepares to leave her family to live with her husband's--just as her strict religion dictates. But that night, Indian soldiers mutiny against their British commanders and destroy the British ammunition depot, burning down parts of Delhi. Riots follow, and Meera's husband is killed. Upon hearing the news, Meera's father insists that she follow the dictates of their fringe religious sect: She must end her life by throwing herself on her husband's funeral pyre. Risking everything, Meera runs away, escaping into the chaos of the rebellion. But her newfound freedom is short-lived, as she is forced to become a servant in the house of a high-ranking British East India Company captain. Slowly through her work, she gains confidence, new friends, new skills--and sometimes her life even feels peaceful. But one day, Meera stumbles upon the captain's secret stock of ammunition, destined to be used by the British to continue colonizing India and control its citizens. Will Meera do her part to take down the British colonists and alert the rebellion of the stockpile? Or will she stay safe and let others make decisions for her? It really comes down to this: how much fire must a girl face to finally write her own destiny?
Call Number: PZ7.1.K417 St 2021 - Chapter Books
What Can I Say? by Catherine Newman Middle school is an essential time to learn and practice social skills, including how to get along with others, talk about hard things, be an ally, and a good friend. In What Can I Say?,Catherine Newman, author of the bestseller How to Be a Person, provides supportive guidance and instruction to help kids establish or and maintain meaningful relationships and effective communication with friends, teachers, family members, and others in their communities. Talking the talk can be tricky, and every page of this super-useful book provides easy, accessible scripts and guidance on the right thing to say in all kinds of situations, from how to be inclusive, listen, give advice, argue, stick up for yourself, and ask for help to how to turn down a date, express sympathy, deal with offensive comments, respond to bullying, and be trustworthy. Humorous, graphic-style illustrations that play our familiar scenarios reenforce Newman's friendly, non-judgmental tone and her commitment to helping kids develop the skills to express themselves clearly while showing empathy, care, and generosity towards others.  
Call Number: BF723.S62 N496 2022 - Stacks