In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who–with perseverance and dedication–proved that you’re never too old to learn.

Available at the Lepper Library

Charlie wishes his life could be as predictable and simple as chicken nuggets.

And it usually is. He has his clean room, his carefully organized bird books and art supplies, his favorite foods, and comfortable routines.

But life has been unraveling since his war journalist father was injured in Afghanistan. And when Dad gets sent across country for medical treatment, Charlie must reluctantly travel to meet him. With his boy-crazy sister, unruly twin brothers, and a mysterious new family friend at the wheel, the journey looks anything but smooth.

So Charlie decides to try and spot all the birds that he and his dad had been hoping to see together in the wild. If he can complete the Someday Birds list for Dad, then maybe, just maybe, things will turn out okay…

Equal parts madcap road trip, coming-of-age story for an unusual boy, and portrait of a family overcoming a crisis.

Available at the Lepper Library

“O say can you see” begins one of the most recognizable songs in the US. Originally a poem by Francis Scott Key, the national anthem tells the story of the American flag rising high above a fort after a night of intense battle during the War of 1812. But there is much more to the story than what is sung at ball games. What was this battle about? Whose bombs were bursting, and why were rockets glaring? Who sewed those broad stripes and bright stars? Why were free black soldiers fighting on both sides? Who was Francis Scott Key anyway, and how did he end up with such a close view? Star-Spangled tells the whole story from the perspectives of different real players—both American and British—of this obscure but important battle from American history. The book includes an author’s note, a timeline, a glossary, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index.

Available at the Lepper Library

Snuggletooth and the Big Game: In every monster’s favorite game, a Bracken beetle is used as the ball and Snuggletooth finds one who is a go-getter with a can-do attitude. “You’re going to be right in the middle of the action which makes YOU a pretty big deal!” Snuggletooth tells the beetle. She explains how Brackenball is played, demonstrates awesome acrobatic shots, and the new friends are excited about joining a match. Game on!

Bugsy Saves the Day: When Tumblebee’s belly aches from eating too many mushberries, Bugsy asks Sapwood Mossbottom, the wise healer of Wetmore Forest, for help. But to cure Tumblebee’s tummy troubles, Mossbottom needs Pitter-pat root and he’s all out. Bugsy agrees to fly to Bogwaller Swamp to bring some back, although he’s not sure his wings are strong enough. Then, he gets caught in a terrible thunderstorm. Can Bugsy save the day?

Availability at Lepper Library