19th century

Louisa

Author(s): 
Yona Zeldis McDonough
Illustrator(s): 
Bethanne Andersen

I love picture books and I love biographies... and I love it when both are combined successfully! This warmly illustrated picture book tells of the most beloved American author Louisa May Alcott. Her family was definitely sui generis, holding unusual beliefs and moving often, and Louisa began thinking and writing poetry at a very young age.

This picture book sheds light on what a noble soul Louisa had, filled of generosity, integrity and character. Highly recommended especially for young readers who love the wonderful Little Women author.

Charles and Emma

Author(s): 
Deborah Heiligman
I learned a few things from this young adult book about the life of Charles Darwin after his adventures on the H.M.S. Beagle. The book is based on his and his wife’s diary entries and because Charles was the more prolific writer we have more of his insights than Emma’s. The quoted material is more of a sprinkling than a basis for the book so it is mostly the author’s interpretation rather than their actual words. Charles was agnostic from the start.

Old Sam, Dakota Trotter

Author(s): 
Don Alonzo Taylor
Illustrator(s): 
Lorence Bjorklund
Fresh and as exciting as the first time I read it, Old Sam, Dakota Trotter is one horse of a story! 10-year-old Johnny Scott and his inseparable younger brother, Lee, go on a series of adventures in the Dakota territory with their beloved horse, Old Sam. From collecting buffalo bones to catching thieves to the thrilling climax at the 4th of July trotting race, the reader experiences the joys of two boys discovering the wonders and excitement of prairie life in the Dakota territory in the 1880s.

First Farm in the Valley: Anna's Story

Author(s): 
Anne Pellowski
Illustrator(s): 
Roseanne Sharpe
It’s back in print! One of my favorite series for young children, the Latsch Valley Farm series (formerly called Polish American Girls series), is being reprinted. The first in the series, First Farm in the Valley: Anna’s Story is now available from Bethlehem Books with lovely new illustrations. Enter into the world of six-year-old Anna and her large Polish family as she grows up in rural Wisconsin during the 1870s.

The Secret of the Ruby Ring

Author(s): 
Yvonne MacGrory
Illustrator(s): 
Terry Myler
If you looked into the mirror of your soul, would you like what you saw? What if the mirror was represented by another person? Lucy is a modern Irish girl who has everything, a nice home and a loving family. On top of that, she is an outstanding student. But when she doesn't win the coveted prize for the best composition in her class, Lucy is devastated. Assuming she was going to win, because she had won before, Lucy is bitter, angry and nasty to her best friend when she wins the prize, clearly revealing that Lucy is one very spoiled child. Not for long, however.

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