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The Right to Read follows Oakland NAACP activist, Kareem Weaver, who believes literacy is our most important civil right. With a focus on Black and brown children, Kareem demands Oakland schools bring in science-based reading instruction. First-grade teacher, Sabrina Causey, becomes one of his most critical allies. Despite heated debates on reading instruction, parents and advocates work to increase literacy rates throughout the country. In Virginia Beach, Teresa trains parents in oral language skills to prepare their children for kindergarten. In rural Mississippi, where only 21% of children can read, Melinda looks at educational technology to help her child receive vital reading skills.
This movie was really inspiring! It makes me want to spearhead literacy efforts in our own community. - Camilla B.R. (Busch Annapolis Library)
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Knight and Moon novels volume 1
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Riley Moon lands her dream job as a junior analyst with mega-bank Blane-Grunwald. At least Riley Moon thought it was her dream job until she is given her first assignment: babysitting Emerson Knight, a rich eccentric handsome recluse. When Knight inquires about his gold, he and Moon are spurred to a life-and-death race across the country into the underground vault of the Federal Reserve in New York City. - As with most of Evanovich's novels, some things are difficult to swallow but the humor and energy of the writing make it worth a read. - Mary S. (Deale Library)
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"Three noted Texan writers combine forces to tell the real story of the Alamo, dispelling the myths, exploring why they had their day for so long, and explaining why the ugly fight about its meaning is now coming to a head."
This book gives an interesting behind-the-scenes look at why the story of the Alamo has been so powerful, and who has benefited from covering up the complicated truth; a good example of how otherwise small events can take on a huge life of their own. This an excellent book for any history buffs, Texans, and those interested in overlooked Latino/Mexican history. - Grace F. (Severna Park Library)
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In the sleepy village of Winesap, NY, librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle has a knack for solving murders a la Miss Marple or Poirot, and she's very proud of her skills as an investigator. When someone close to Sherry turns up dead and the sheriff nearly knocks down her door, demanding in an unearthly voice that she investigates, Sherry starts to think something (some thing) might be behind the murders. With the help of a few colorful characters from the town, Sherry tries to solve the murder and the mystery of why there are so many murders in a small hamlet like Winesap. Is it a demon? Sherry's cat, Lord Thomas Cromwell, seems to think so. This cozy mystery is great for folks who want to see the classic murder-mystery tropes turned upside down and inside out. Sherry is a deeply likable character, and the quaint Gilmore Girls vibes are immaculate. Give the audiobook a try; narrator Cindy Piller has the perfect village librarian voice. - Ashley F. (Edgewater Library)
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Rebel Blue Ranch volume 1
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Done and Dusted is a contemporary Western romance that follows Clementine "Emmy" Ryder, a woman who returns to her family’s ranch in Meadowlark, Wyoming after a career-ending accident in the rodeo circuit. Emmy had always dreamed of escaping her small hometown, and she made it big as a professional barrel racer in Denver. But after getting bucked off a horse and knocked out cold, she finds herself back at the ranch, facing a future she hadn't planned for.
Without informing her father or two brothers, Emmy heads straight to the local bar with her spitfire best friend, Teddy, where she unexpectedly runs into Luke Brooks—the town’s notorious *** and her older brother’s best friend. Luke, who had a rough childhood and a reputation for being trouble, has been working for the Ryder family to teach young cowpokes how to ride.
Luke takes it upon himself to help Emmy get back in the saddle, both literally and emotionally, as they spend more time together, sparks fly between them, but their growing attraction isn’t without complications. Emmy’s feelings for Luke deepen, and Luke finds himself equally drawn to her. But to make their relationship work, they'll have to confront their feelings, navigate their personal history and face the ultimate challenge: Emmy’s protective older brother.
Done and Dusted was a quick and *** read - emphasis on the ***. This book is very spicy leaving nothing to the imagination. Reader discretion is advised. The blooming relationship between Luke and Emmy had me kicking my feet on my bed and blushing like a teenager. Their chemistry was explosive and most importantly, there was no "miscommunication" between the two lovers. I loved this book and it's made it to the top of my favorites list.
If you’re a fan of The Love Hypothesis, or any of Ali Hazelwood’s novels, or Western romances with sizzling chemistry and no shortage of heat, then Done and Dusted is a must-read. It’s a steamy, heartwarming story that you will surely love. - Mackenzie N. (Headquarters)
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The three Blue sisters: Avery, the eldest and most put together of the bunch who is hiding something from her wife, Bonnie, the former boxer who after a crushing defeat quit boxing and dropped off the face of the Earth, and Lucky: the model who is reeling from her recurring drug habit all gather in their family apartment for the first time since their fourth sister, Nicky, died. Being in the same place for the first time in years brings everything back to the surface for the Blue sisters as they confront themselves, each other and the childhood that led them all to where they are today.
This novel was touching and compelling from start to finish. Mellors writes so eloquently and raw about subjects such as grief, addiction, family dynamics and heartache that you can’t help but feel for each of the characters throughout their journey.
If you were a fan of Mellors previous work, Cleopatra and Frankenstein, or if you just enjoy reading books about complicated family dynamics, this book is for you. - Crista F. (Severn Library)
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This was an interesting read! It highlights all the major events that have happened in the White House Situation Room starting with JFK and ending with Biden. You learn about events, how they were handled and what the thought processes were during a crisis as well as how different presidents used the room during their presidency. The audio has recorded conversations and interviews and at the end, there is about a 40-minute interview with Stephanopoulos about the making of the book. Those interested in history and/or politics will enjoy this unique perspective of life/work at the White House. - Cortney G. (Odenton Library)
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Ina Garten grew up middle class with cold, distant parents. Her lonely childhood played a huge part life she shaped for herself - from her early marriage to Jeffrey, to her fierce independence, to her decision to never have children of her own. Despite her rough start, Garten has been on the receiving end of a great deal of luck. She met Jeffrey as a teenager and was married a few years later. They struggled to make ends meet those first few years while he served in the military and Ina worked to finish college. This part of the book - where they camped out in Europe (making use of the Frommer's "Europe on $5 a Day" book) and dreamed of the life they'd like to have someday, was the most interesting. Both Ina and Jeffrey fell into jobs at the White House and began investing in cheap real estate in Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill (you see where this is going). One day, on a whim, Ina answered an ad for a specialty food store in the Hamptons called "Barefoot Contessa." She took a risk, bought the store, and history was made. Ina and Jeffrey struggled to make a long-distance relationship work for a few years until Jeffrey found work in New York for Lehman Brothers. The latter part of the book details the story of her Food Network empire, famous friends, and idyllic life-as-a-rich person. I enjoyed the read (or listen, as it were), but she definitely had a lot of chips fall in exactly the right place in her life. - Stephanie P. (Headquarters)
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A cute, lighthearted read based on the "The Holiday" movie of a similar name. Greta needs some space from her overbearing family, and Truman is looking for an escape after discovering his boyfriend is married with a secret family. Enter their mutual friend who suggests they swap houses for a month to help each other get away for a while. Greta goes to New Orleans, where she finds new friends and community, while Truman goes to her home in Maine to get over his heartbreak and find new love.
I liked the low angst plot, and having seen the movie The Holiday, I found the predictable plot comforting. Despite the title, there is little holiday/winter vibes besides the cold weather in Maine which was a bit disappointing. - Katie T. (Glen Burnie Library)
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