Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm

Conveying how a complex system works in simple language is no mean feat, but the authors have done it. The luminous artwork doesn't hurt, either! The story describes how plants transform sunlight into food and how that in turn powers all life on this planet--including us! Cool science. Recommended for Grades 2 and up. Check availability

Who's Haunting the White House? The President's Mansion and the Ghosts Who Live There by Jeff Belanger, illustrated by Rick Powell

It's no suprise that a building as storied as the White House has been the site of many, many ghostly encounters through the centuries. This straightforward reporting of spectres and eerie, time-twisting occurrences uses real testimony--from presidents to butlers. Are there really ghosts in the White House? You'll have to read and decide for yourself! Recommended for Grades 3 and up. Check availability

Home on the Range: John A. Lomax and His Cowboy Songs by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by S.D. Schindler

When John Lomax was growing up in Texas back in the 1800s, he loved to listen to the songs sung by local cowboys. He loved them so much, he started collecting them. Little did he know that his boyhood collection would turn into his life's work! This picture book biography of America's premiere folklorist is both one man's story about persevering over the naysayers and an engaging introduction to the history of history--specifically the idea that telling the stories of everyday people is just as important as telling about kings and battles. Recommended for grades 3-6. Check availability

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
Amanda and Leo are best friends no longer. Born on the same day, they've celebrated their birthdays together every year until Leo said something unforgivable at their 10th. Now their 11th birthday has come and it's the worst night of Amanda's life. Only something curious happens, when she wakes up it's her 11th birthday AGAIN. And AGAIN. What do all these re-dos mean? And can she figure out how to re-do things right? A funny and magical read for kids in grades 4-6. Check availability