Posts tagged staff picks

Presenting the 2010 Summer Reading Superlatives

Aug27
2010 Written by Becky H.

Around First Book there is a lot of talk about books. Go figure, right?  We talk about the bilingual edition of Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar, Ezra Jack Keat’s Snowy Day, Rosemary Well’s Bunny Money, Curious George, The Cat in the Hat and even what books got us hooked.  And while we spend a lot of time discussing children’s books, we rarely talk about, well, what we’re reading. So I set out to find out what books my fellow First Bookers were reading to wrap up the summer. And so now, I present to you (drumroll, please . . . ) the 2010 Summer Reading Superlatives:

Most Read Around the Office

Committed, a Skeptic’s Guide to Marriage, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Yummiest Reads for Foodies

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, by Michael Pollan

My Life in France, by Julia Child READ MORE »

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Stars, Stripes, and Books!

Jul04
2010 Written by Becky H.

It’s time for stars, stripes, fireworks and the celebration of our nation’s independence!  So while you are waiting for the fireworks to start, or the hot dogs to grill, celebrate the 4th of July by opening the pages of some of these amazing books!

John, Paul, George & Ben

By Lane Smith

Go back in time with John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin! Written on parchment-like paper with pen-and-ink cartoon illustrations, Smith tells the individual stories of our Founding Fathers in humorous and exaggerated way.  From Paul Revere screaming “The red coats are coming!” to John Hancock’s giant signature on the Declaration of Independence, children and adults are sure to fall back in time to the birth of our nation!

Yankee Doodle and the Red Coats: Soldiering in the Revolutionary War

By Susan Provost Beller

Perfect for any young history buff, Yankee Doodle and the Red Coats tells the story of the Revolutionary War through soldiers’ real life accounts of their experiences.  From diaries, letters to loved ones and accounts of battles, the food, and life during the war, Beller’s book gives an exclusive look at what it was really like to fight for our nation’s independence!

Young Founders: 1776: Son of Liberty: A Novel of the American Revolution

By Elizabeth Massie

Told through the voice sixteen-year old Caleb, a free black living in a slave state, Young Founders: 1776, provides an interesting perspective of life during the Revolutionary War. When British Governor, Lord Dunmore promises that all slaves who join his army will remain free, Caleb is faced with a difficult choice: he can join Washington’s army and fight for America’s independence, or join Dunmore’s army and be free forever.  Massie’s book is perfect for any young adult who wants an inside view on the fight for freedom!

So this 4th of July, kick back, relax and enjoy these great books that celebrate the birth of our nation!

Posted in Books & Reading, General, Marketplace - Tagged , ,

First Book Marketplace Staff Picks

Mar16
2010 Written by Becky H.

From childhood classics like Green Eggs and Ham to The Rainbow Boys, an American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults winner,  First Book is proud to announce that over 200 new titles have been added to the First Book Marketplace! While we highly recommend that you take your time and browse through all of them, we know that, sometimes, things get a little busy.  So we’ve compiled our staff picks to help you make some quick and easy book choices.

“My pick would be Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’ Dell.   I remember reading this book when I was 11 or 12 and just being lost in the story. I loved reading about how Karana survived on the island on her own and wondering if I would be able to do the same in her situation. It’s a great story about a strong, female protagonist, and I’ll probably read it again soon.”  –Aesah J.

“Chico is my pick this month! A great book for Women’s History Month celebrations, young Sandra Day O’Connor overcomes her fears and demonstrates the spirit that gave her the courage and confidence to become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court in this true life adventure that girls (and boys) can identify with. Her adventure in the desert landscape she grew up in is breathtakingly rendered by celebrated painter Dan Andreasen as well.” – Matthew W. READ MORE »

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