Children’s books

“Pie Is for Sharing” by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, illustrated by Jason Chin

In a few words accompanied by rich illustrations, this book reflects on a joyful summer day and its many sharable pleasures. It culminates with fireworks and the reminder that “many can share one light.” Children often hear “share” as a command or chastisement. In the hands of Ledyard and Chin, the joy at the heart of the act of sharing is clearly illuminated. Share this beautiful and exuberant celebration of summer, family and community with preschool and elementary school children aged 3 to 8.

“Baby Monkey, Private Eye” by Brian Selznick and David Serlin

With the heft and dimensions of many adult books, “Baby Monkey, Private Eye” reinvents the easy reader in a charming and hilarious way. In five chapters, plus a key, bibliography and index (a perusal of which confirms that 27 of the book’s 191 pages are nearly wordlessly devoted to Baby Monkey persevering to put on his own pants), Baby Monkey looks for clues and solves each of his cases in a few short sentences. The illustrations by Selznick are phenomenal. Enjoy this book with your young readers ages 4 to 9 and look forward to new discoveries in each rereading.

Teen books

“Dread Nation” by Justina Ireland

In this alternative history, the end of the Civil War is hastened when the battlefield dead rise, walk and begin to feast on (and “turn”) their compatriots. Under the Negro and Native Reeducation Act, young people like Jane have become adept at killing the dead.

Jane is better than most, having supplemented her boarding school drills with unauthorized rescue missions outside the walls of the school grounds.

But Jane finds that the simple and predictable hunger of the “shamblers” is nothing compared to the sinister corruption she uncovers as she tries to survive and escape the remote Western outpost of Summerland. Recommended for ages 14 and older.

“What the Night Sings” by Vesper Stamper

At the age of 16, Gerta is close to death when the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp is liberated in 1945 as World War II draws to a close.

The horrors of the camp and Gerta’s life prior to her imprisonment are related in sparse but compelling detail. In contrast to many Holocaust stories, the focus of this book is the journey to create a life afterward. Gerta’s quest for home, identity and the elements that will define her life is one teens will recognize in their own hearts. Dark, evocative illustrations by the author make the reading experience immersive. Recommended for ages 13 and older.

Adult books

“The Other Alcott” by Elise Hooper

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of “Little Women.” Generations of girls have grown up with the March sisters, identifying with Jo (mostly), Meg or Beth, but rolling their eyes at too precious Amy’s annoying self-absorption and pretension. Here, Hooper presents a different image of May Alcott (aka Amy March) as an individual, a sister and an artist. Stung by sister Louisa May Alcott’s portrayal of her as the spoiled Amy, May travels widely while dedicating her life to developing her talent and finding success in the male dominated art world in the late 1800s. Hooper’s fresh viewpoint explores the fierce and complicated love between sisters.

— Julie Bowers, Deschutes Public Library community librarian