Children’s books

“Martin Rising: Requiem

For a King” by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Using poetry, the Pinkneys have created a majestic tribute about the last few months in the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. The book is divided into three parts: Daylight, Darkness and Dawn. From exhilarating yellows and oranges reflecting Dr. King’s inspirational speeches to the somber use of blues foreshadowing Dr. King’s assassination, Brian’s artwork mirrors Andrea’s verse. Interspersed throughout the poems are Dr. King’s own words reminding all of us, “We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.” Recommended for ages 9 and older.

“This Is the Nest

That Robin Built” by Denise Fleming

This picture book is done in a similar rhythmical and cumulative format as “The House That Jack Built.” Fleming uses her unique printmaking technique combined with collage so the illustrations that accompany her prose appear very textural. This delightful book is a celebration of spring to be shared and enjoyed with young children.

Teen books

“Voices in the Air:

Poems for Listeners” by Naomi Shihab Nye

Chatter fills our world, and Nye suggests in this collection of free-verse poetry that we take a moment to … listen. Listen to the voices in the air and hear the voices of those who are with us and those who went before us. Nye pays poetical tribute to the voices of various poets, historians, musicians and many others who offer us guidance and hope.

“The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert

This dark fantasy takes readers to a world where fairy tales can come to life to bite and kick — full of grittiness and sharp teeth. Alice Proserpine, 17, can’t remember a time when she and her mother haven’t been running away from the bad luck that seems to find them. Alice’s grandmother, Althea, is the reclusive author of a dark, twisted book of fairy tales, and Alice’s mother has always warned Alice to stay away from Althea and her estate, the Hazel Wood. When they receive a letter that says Althea is dead, Alice hopes there will be no more bad luck, but then she finds a note saying her mother has been kidnapped and taken to the Hazel Wood.

Adult books

“Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver ” by Mary Oliver

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver has put together a selection of her poems from the last 50 years. Within this volume are more than 200 poems from her first publication in 1963 to the present. Oliver’s resonating poetry portrays the physical world and its impact upon our psyches, and her writings are a national treasure.

“The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden

Steeped in Russian folklore, this debut fantasy novel takes place in a re-imagined medieval Russia, where women could either marry or become nuns. Young Vasilisa “Vasya” Petronova has the ability to see and speak to the spirits residing in her home, the fields and neighboring woodlands. Vasya’s family allows the headstrong girl to do what she will until a young, haughty priest is brought to her village. Vasya must conform to the societal rules for women, but she longs to set her own course in the world. When her village is threatened due to the young priest’s arrogance and inability to see the value of the old ways, Vasya must find a way to save her people.

— Josephine G. Caisse, Deschutes Public Library community librarian