BOOKS TO BORROW

“Bear Feels Scared” by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman, McElderry Books, 36 pages

Read aloud: age 3 to 7

Read yourself: age 7

Bear has gone for a walk in the deep, dark woods. After some time, Bear is hungry and decides to go home. Just then, a storm begins to howl, the sun begins to set, and Bear can’t find his way home. Bear feels scared!

As the storm worsens, Bear’s friends worry about him and decide to form a search party. Will they be able to find him in the stormy night?

Written in rhyme paired with charming illustrations, “Bear Feels Scared” delivers a wonderful message. 

LIBRARIAN’S CHOICE

Library: Raymond Library, 832 Raymond Hill Rd., Oakdale

Library Director: Joanne Westkamper

Children’s Librarians: Carole Pazzaglia and Christine Schulz

Choices this week: “Do Like a Duck Does” by Judy Hindley; “Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey; “The Brand New Kid” by Katie Couric 

BOOKS TO BUY

“I Survived: The Joplin Tornado, 2011” by Lauren Tarshis, illustrated by Scott Dawson, Scholastic, 2015, 112 pages, $4.99 paperback; $16.99 hardcover; $4.99 Ebook

Read aloud: age 7 to 10

Read yourself: age 8 to 10

Eleven-year-old Dexter and his older brother, Jeremy, watch “Tornado Mysteries” on TV every night. Not long ago, Jeremy left Joplin, Missouri, to join the US Navy SEALS. Now, Dex watches the program alone, still obsessed with tornadoes. He desperately wants to see one in person.

A chance encounter with the host of “Tornado Mysteries,” Dr. Norman Gage, lands Dex the chance of a lifetime: to go storm chasing with Dr. Gage. What they don’t anticipate is the size of the tornado and that it’s changing course and heading right for their truck and Joplin. Faced with a life threatening situation, Dex gathers courage and strength to save Dr. Gage and himself in hopes of being reuinted with his family.

“A Night Divided” by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Scholastic, 2015, 336 pages, $16.99 hardcover and Ebook

Read aloud: age 8 to 12

Read yourself: age 9, 10 and older

Tensions in Berlin had been rising for years, and 12-year-old Gerta and her family had contemplated moving out of East Berlin to West Berlin. Her father and one brother had gone to West Berlin looking for work. They intended to be gone for two nights. But on Sunday, August 13, 1961, a fence was erected separating East Berlin from the rest of the city. The fence soon became a wall; the East Berliners were literally imprisoned. With her father and brother unable to return home, Gerta, her mother and older brother struggle to adjust to their family being so hastily divided.

Life in East Berlin grows increasingly more difficult and dangerous. One day, Gerta sees her father standing on the wall, doing a funny little dance about digging. Gerta is certain he wants her and her older brother, Fritz, to tunnel beneath the wall and escape to West Berlin. Leaving East Berlin is strictly prohibited, and the consequences for trying are deadly. However, Gerta, Fritz and their mother decide there were some things worth risking their lives for.

kendal@sunlink.net