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New at Peter White Public Library

If you’ve been reading as many books as possible on your summer list, there’s still time to grab a few more from the new juvenile shelf as August comes to a close.

“Because of the Rabbit” by Cynthia Lord is a quick, feel-good encouraging read to start the school year. The night before Emma is set to start public school for the first time as a fifth grader, her father — a game warden — is called to rescue a rabbit. Emma begs her parents to let her keep him, since it turns out the rabbit isn’t wild. The rabbit helps Emma relax a little as her big brother’s advice rolls through her head “pick your first friends carefully though. Sometime that’s who you end up with for good. And other kids don’t give you too many chances before they write you off as strange.” When Emma’s first friend at school doesn’t seem to fit in she must decide between friendship and popularity.

“Knights vs Dinosaurs” by Matt Phelan is a light, humorous read about King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table being transported to prehistoric times to battle dinosaurs, particularly the Tyrannosaurus Rex. This fast read is fast-paced, as knights battle “terrible lizards” and attempt to return to Camelot. In the end, a book, strategically placed by Merlin, holds the clues they need to understand their foes.

“Blended” by Sharon M. Draper is the story of 11-year-old Isabella balancing two lives — one week with her mom, then one week with her dad. Split between her mom and her dad, Izzy’s also confused about her mixed-race identity — is she black or is she white? Her Dad’s response — “Yes.”

“Ashes to Asheville” by Sarah Dooley is a touching coming of age story that tackles the definition of family, love, loss and healing. Twelve-year-old Fella still can’t believe Mama Lacy lost her battle with cancer. And she can’t believe she isn’t allowed to live with her other Mother, Mama Shannon and her sister Zoey Grace. Then one night, when her sister Zoey shows up to Fella’s grandmother’s house to steal Mama Lacy’s ashes, the sisters take off to Asheville to fulfill their mother’s request and spend time with each other. The result is a series of hilarious mishaps and heart-wrenching moments that bring all five women (including Fella’s grandmother, Mrs. Madison) to the place where they can say goodbye to Mama Lacy.

“The Fork, the Witch and the Worm: Tales from Alagaesia” by Christopher Paolini takes readers back to Alagaesia, one year after Eragon went in search of a home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. As Eragon builds a dragon stronghold and oversees elves and Urgals, he is treated to folklore of his new companions, as well as visions of life in Alagaesia (thanks to the help of the dragons), of his friend Murtagh and Angela the herbalist, as well as Elva. Readers will learn the story of how Solembum came to journey with Angela and see hope for Elva’s future. This latest trip with Eragon is sure to delight fans of the Inheritance series.

In “Saving Winslow” by Sharon Creech, Louie vows to save a newborn mini-donkey his father brings home from his Uncle’s farm. Louie, who was also born premature, is sure he can nurture the tiny animal and sets about learning to care for the donkey. Louie uses the task to help him feel closer to his brother, who is far away in the Army. Both Louie and the donkey have to dig for strength as they grow up. This book will appeal to readers of “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White and “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo.

By Jenifer Kilpela

Communications Coordinator

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