Braille Book Review November-December 2009 Volume 78, Number 6 _Braille Book Review_ is published bimonthly in large- print,braille, and computer diskette formats and distributedfree to blind and physically handicapped individuals who participate in the Library of Congress free reading program. It lists braille magazines and books available through a network of cooperating libraries. The braille edition also lists recorded books, giving abbreviated annotations. News about library services is featured in both editions. The annotated list in this issue is limited to titles recently added to the national collection, which contains thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles, including classics, biographies, gothics, mysteries, and how-to and self-help guides. To learn more about the wide range of books in the national collection, readers may ordercatalogs and subject bibliographies from cooperating libraries. Librarians can check other resources for titles and answer requests for special materials. Readers can receive _Braille Book Review_ and other information through the Internet by accessing the the NLS home page at http://www.loc.gov/nls. To order books or for subscription changes, contact your local cooperating library. Correspondence regarding editorial matters should be sent to Publications and Media Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542. Library of Congress, Washington 2009 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 53-31800 ISSN 0006-873X Contents: In Brief Books for Adults Nonfiction Fiction Books for Children Nonfiction Fiction Braille Magazines ### In Brief What's new in Talking Book Topics Digital talking books are now available on cartridges. NLS has altered the format of Talking Book Topics (TBT) to accommodate the announcement of digital books on cartridges. The changes are as follows: 1. Books for Adults, Books for Children, and Foreign Language Books Since a title that is available as both a digital book (DB) and a recorded cassette (RC) will have the same book number, the prefix DB/RC will be used with the book number. The length of reading time will follow the book number; the line informing readers of the number of cassettes has been eliminated. Example: DB/RC 12345 1 hour 18 minutes If the book is available only in one medium, then the relevant prefix will appear. This change will occur in all versions of TBT (large print, recorded cassette, diskette, and online). 2. Order Forms Book numbers will be listed and check boxes will be provided next to each available medium on the order forms. Example: Number Media Type 54757 ? DB ? RC NLS has eliminated the OCR numbers that were listed under the heading "For Office Use Only." This change will occur in the large-print and recorded cassette versions of TBT. 3. Index For both the title and author listings in the index, the prefix DB/RC will appear before the book number for each title available in both media. This change will occur only in the large-print version. With the exception of the changes outlined above, Talking Book Topics will retain its existing format. What's new in Braille Book Review Minor changes will occur in the format of Braille Book Review (BBR) to accommodate the announcement of digital talking books on cartridges. The changes are as follows: 1. Order Forms a. Braille The braille order form will have four columns to allow patrons to select the medium of their choice. Since a title that is available as both a digital book (DB) and a recorded cassette (RC) will have the same book number, the braille order form for audiobooks will list the prefixes DB and RC in separate columns. The book number will be in the third column and the title in the fourth. Books are only available in the media listed on the order form. Example: __ DB __RC 12345 Book Title A __RC 12346 Book Title B In the example above the book number 12346 is only available as a recorded cassette. b. Large Print NLS has eliminated the OCR numbers that were listed under the heading "For Office Use Only." With the exception of the changes outlined above, Braille Book Review will retain its existing format. The following information is reprinted from an issue of NLS Flash, a newsletter created to bring current information on NLS progress in digital technology to patrons, library staff, and other interested individuals. Flash September 2009, volume 5, issue 2 Prelaunch testing complete; NLS begins rollout of digital talking-book system After two decades of research and planning, design and production, testing and modifications, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, is ready to begin mass distribution of its digital talking-book system. A prelaunch test was successfully completed in July 2009. NLS delivered 5,000 digital talking-book players and nearly 18,000 copies of 54 digital talking-book titles to 8 participating libraries across the country and to JBI International of New York City. These libraries then distributed the players and books to a select group of their most active patrons. Only six of the talking-book players were returned because of operational issues during the ten-week test. Other problems identified with the system included ink on the book-cartridge labels that sometimes smeared with handling, mailing container cards that fell from their slots, and two battery-operated players that turned themselves on after being turned off. These problems have been addressed. "The prelaunch verified that the materials developed for the digital transition have been appropriately designed, thoroughly tested, and are being properly produced," said Michael Katzmann, chief of the NLS Materials Development Division. Digital talking-book players As of August 1, 2009, Shinano-Kenshi Co., the manufacturer of the digital talking-book player, began shipping 14,400 machines from its plant in Ueda City, Japan, to its Nexus Distribution Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, which houses Shinano-Kenshi's acceptance facility. Nexus employees, under the guidance of NLS and Shinano-Kenshi staff, inspect the players before preparing them for distribution. NLS has sent two staff members from its Quality Assurance Section to Allentown on a weekly basis to oversee this process. Shipment was initiated on August 14. Shinano-Kenshi air shipped the initial batch of 14,400 players from Japan to ensure the rollout of the digital talking-book system is kept on schedule. Remaining players will be sent by ship from Japan through the Panama Canal to the United States. Audiobook cartridges The Dongguan, China, manufacturing plant of California-based Northstar Systems Inc. will have, as of August 26, 2009, manufactured and shipped 730,000 flash-memory cartridges to NLS audio producers and 45,900 cartridges to NLS network libraries that will use them to record audiobooks. Mailing containers LC Industries, based in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, is the contractor for the blue plastic containers that are used to mail digital talking books to patrons. The nonprofit organization, affiliated with the National Industries for the Blind, has been shipping 30,000 containers a week to NLS producers since mid-July. Digital talking-book titles Digital talking books are also being shipped across the country. NLS selected 650 new titles for distribution on cartridges in digital format in 2008. The projected number of new "born digital" titles for 2009 through 2013 is 2,000 per year, with the number of copies per titles increasing each year until 2012, at which time it will level off to 925 copies per title, or 1.8 million digital talking books per year. In addition to the new titles produced, since 2004 approximately 10,000 titles from the analog collection were selected for conversion to diital format. In total, roughly 13,000 retrospective titles are projected to be available in digital format for 2009 and 15,000 will be by 2010. Retrospective titles are listed on the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). Reissues of selected retrospective titles will continue to be offered on cartridges (on a limited basis), along with all of the new titles. ### Books for Adults_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. _Note:_ For the information of the reader, a notice may appear immediately following the book description to indicate occurrences of strong language, explicit descriptions of sex, or violence. The word "some" before any of these terms indicates an occasional or infrequent occurrence, as in "some strong language." Adult Nonfiction Twice as Good: Condoleezza Rice and Her Path to Power BR 17515 by Marcus Mabry 5 volumes African American Newsweek reporter examines ways Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's childhood and education contributed to her professional success. Highlights her parents' view of racism, with their emphasis on individual effort as the path to empowerment. Investigates Rice's loyalty to President George W. Bush and their shared political views. 2007. BR 17515 ## Race: A History beyond Black and White BR 17560 by Marc Aronson 2 volumes Focuses on the history of race and racism in the West from Greek civilization to modern times. Discusses prejudice, slavery, religion, and the complex social problems that arise from judging people by their skin color or beliefs. For junior and senior high readers. 2007. BR 17560 ## The Preacher and the Presidents: Billy Graham in the White House BR 17598 by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy 5 volumes The authors interviewed Billy Graham before examining the relationship between the evangelist and the eleven American presidents—from Harry Truman to George W. Bush—he befriended over six decades. Emphasizes Graham's lack of an agenda. Examines the rise of faith-based political activism in both parties. 2007. BR 17598 ## Balance: In Search of the Lost Sense BR 17606 by Scott McCredie 3 volumes Journalist posits that balance is one of humankind's primary senses. Chronicles the evolution of equilibrium in humans, medical experiments isolating its importance, and case studies about people who have lost it. Offers techniques to slow a loss of balance due to age or physical illness. 2007. BR 17606 ## Upper Crusts: Fabulous Ways to Use Bread; Delectable Recipes for Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Main Courses, Desserts, and More BR 17607 by Sheilah Kaufman 2 volumes Recipes for American and international easy-to-prepare dishes using fresh or leftover store-bought bread. Features savory and sweet bread puddings and variations on French toast provided by chefs of famous restaurants. Includes cooking tips and historical facts about bread. 2007. BR 17607 ## Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West BR 17698 by Benazir Bhutto 3 volumes Former prime minister of Pakistan recounts her 2007 return home after eight years in exile. She calls for reconciliation among religions and nations, boldly asserts the true nature of Islam, and offers a practical road map for bringing societies together. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17698 ## This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War BR 17708 by Drew Gilpin Faust 4 volumes President of Harvard University interprets the significance of the U.S. Civil War's death toll. States that two percent of the country's population was killed and many died without proper burials. Analyzes the way those losses transformed American society, culture, and politics through the experience of shared suffering. Violence. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17708 ## My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams BR 17713 edited by Margaret A. Hogan and C. James Taylor 5 volumes The editors selected 289 entries from the voluminous correspondence between the man who became the second president and Abigail—his wife, advisor, and friend. The couple, who endured many separations until John's presidency ended in 1801, began writing in 1762 and discussed the war, John's political career, and their family. 2007. BR 17713 ## The Jewish Americans: Three Centuries of Jewish Voices in America BR 17737 by Beth S. Wenger 4 volumes Companion piece to a 2008 PBS television series uses first-person accounts to examine the history, social integration, ethnic relations, and cultural assimilation of Jews in America from 1654 to 2008. Profiles individuals such as Abraham Kohn, a 1840s peddler who voiced the initial disappointment felt by many Jewish immigrants. 2007. BR 17737 ## Happy for No Reason: Seven Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out BR 17746 by Marci Shimoff 3 volumes Author presents a holistic approach to finding lasting happiness. Describes a seven-step program corresponding to personal power, mind, heart, body, soul, purpose, and relationships—as well as twenty-one associated "happiness habits" and exercises. Includes inspirational accounts and tips on applying principles to daily life. Foreword by Jack Canfield. 2008. BR 17746 ## A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me BR 17805 by Jon Katz 2 volumes Katz recounts his adoption of Devon, a homeless, high-strung border collie, and its effect on his tranquil life with his two yellow labs. Describes chasing Devon through Newark Airport, the battle between dog and owner for alpha-male status, and the adoption of a second border collie. Some strong language. 2003. BR 17805 ## Triumph over Darkness: The Life of Louis Braille BR 17820 by Lennard Bickel 2 volumes Biography of Frenchman Louis Braille (1809–1852), who perfected a raised-dot alphabet code named in his honor when he was only fifteen. Discusses the development of the system of reading and writing that opened the world of learning for blind people. 1988. BR 17820 ## American Bloomsbury: Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau; Their Lives, Their Loves, Their Work BR 17838 by Susan Cheever 2 volumes Novelist explores the relationships among five writers of the transcendentalist movement who clustered around the home of wealthy Ralph Waldo Emerson in Concord, Massachusetts, from 1840 to 1868. Highlights their intertwined families and the love affairs that contributed to the creation of their literary masterpieces. 2006. BR 17838 ## The Roasted Vegetable BR 17845 by Andrea Chesman 2 volumes How to roast everything from artichokes to zucchini. Introduces techniques for basic roasted vegetables to be served as side dishes. Proceeds to recipes combining roasted vegetables with pasta, couscous, rice, and greens to make dips, pizza, soup, sandwiches, granola, trail mix, and salads. 2002. BR 17845 ## Classics for Pleasure BR 17848 by Michael Dirda 3 volumes Pulitzer Prize-winning book critic introduces roughly ninety literary authors and recommends some of his favorite works of fantasy, science fiction, horror, adventure, biography, history, and poetry. Includes essays on writers Ovid, Petronius, Agatha Christie, and Philip K. Dick and on Arthurian romances and H. Rider Haggard's She. 2007. BR 17848 ## Laughter, the Best Medicine: A Laugh-Out-Loud Collection of Our Funniest Jokes, Quotes, Stories, and Cartoons BR 17852 by Reader's Digest Association 2 volumes Hundreds of quips that poke fun at life, compiled from fifty years of Reader's Digest magazine. Includes items from both professional comedians and ordinary subscribers. 2008. BR 17852 ## A Bold, Fresh Piece of Humanity BR 17860 by Bill O'Reilly 2 volumes Emmy Award-winning television commentator's autobiography, its title inspired by his third-grade teacher, a nun, who summed him up with the phrase. O'Reilly reminisces about his postwar working-class upbringing on Long Island, a Catholic-school education, his two years as a teacher, and his journalism career's beginnings in 1970s Boston. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17860 ## Letter to My Daughter BR 17865 by Maya Angelou 1 volume Author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (BR 15665) shares life lessons in the form of reminiscences, poems, and short essays with her thousands of young daughters all over the world. In "Senegal" Angelou commits a social faux pas that her hostess graciously ignores. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17865 ## The Social Security and Medicare Handbook: What You Need to Know, Explained Simply BR 17883 by V.R. Leonard 2 volumes Guide to Social Security and Medicare programs and various government benefits. Describes eligibility requirements and the application process for retirement, disability, dependent, survivor, and other compensation. Discusses Medicare co-pays, premiums, and prescription coverage. Offers tips on dealing with caseworkers and responding to the denial of a claim. Includes resources. 2008. BR 17883 ## Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter BR 18188 by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee 2 volumes Compulsive knitter shares her projects' successes and disasters. In "The Green Afghan" the author recalls attempting to knit an eight-by- five-foot blanket as a present for her brother's wedding five months later. She remained undeterred, despite her mother's chuckle or the yarn-store lady's whistle. 2005. BR 18188 ## ### Adult Fiction The Book Thief BR 17409 by Markus Zusak 4 volumes Death narrates the tale of nine-year-old Liesel from 1939 to 1943 in Nazi Germany. Liesel copes with a foster family, air raids, her friend Rudy, and a hidden Jew, sustained by the books she steals. Some strong language. For senior high and older readers. Printz Honor Book. 2006. BR 17409 ## Borders of Infinity: A Vorkosigan Adventure BR 17542 by Lois McMaster Bujold 3 volumes Contains three novellas previously published separately: The Mountains of Mourning (1989), Labyrinth (1989), and The Borders of Infinity (1987), which feature the interplanetary adventures of Miles Vorkosigan. 1989. BR 17542 ## Diplomatic Immunity: A Vorkosigan Adventure BR 17544 by Lois McMaster Bujold 3 volumes Diplomatic troubleshooter Miles Vorkosigan interrupts his honeymoon with Ekaterin to solve a crisis at the Graf Station in Quaddiespace. The suspicious impoundment of a trade fleet quickly escalates into kidnapping and murder and threatens war. Sequel to A Civil Campaign (BR 17543). 2002. BR 17544 ## Thinner BR 17601 by Richard Bachman 3 volumes Overweight lawyer Billy Halleck accidentally kills a gypsy woman. Her father Lemke places a curse on Halleck. When the spell causes Halleck to lose weight in an alarming fashion, he tries to find Lemke and plead for his life. Violence, some descriptions of sex, and some strong language. 1984. BR 17601 ## The Last Cattle Drive BR 17605 by Robert Day 2 volumes Mid-twentieth century. To avoid trucking charges, cattleman Spangler Tukle attempts to drive 250 steers over highways, parking lots, and cloverleafs to the Kansas City stockyards. Aiding him are his wife Opal, aging ranch hand Jed, schoolteacher Leo, and Leo's persistent girlfriend Heather. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1977. BR 17605 ## Peaches BR 17608 by Jodi Lynn Anderson 2 volumes Three teenage girls become friends when homeschooled Birdie's wealthy cousin Leeda begins a summer job in Birdie's dad's peach orchard. Joining them is Murphy, who's been assigned community service. The three bond over chores and boys, even when they don't see eye to eye. For senior high readers. 2005. BR 17608 ## The Secrets of Peaches BR 17609 by Jodi Lynn Anderson 2 volumes After the summer in Peaches (BR 17608), Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie begin their senior year. Murphy hopes to escape to NYU, Birdie wants to remain on her Georgia farm, and wealthy Leeda tries to connect with her other. But romance intrudes on the teens' lives. For senior high readers. 2007. BR 17609 ## The Crime Writer BR 17611 by Gregg Hurwitz 3 volumes L.A. crime novelist Drew Danner may have murdered his ex-fiancée, but he has no memory of it and knows only that he's had a brain tumor removed. Danner is acquitted of the crime but continues to investigate his involvement. And then a copycat killing occurs. Violence and strong language. 2007. BR 17611 ## Shining On: Eleven Star Authors' Illuminating Stories BR 17617 1 volume Collection of stories about teenagers and their abilities to triumph over life's challenges. In "Humming through My Fingers" a blind girl teaches a sighted boy a lesson about seeing. Other pieces cover divorce, illness, and romantic disasters. Foreword by Lois Lowry. For junior and senior high readers. 2007. BR 17617 ## The Sign of the Four; or, The Problem of the Sholtos BR 17618 by Arthur Conan Doyle 1 volume Mary Morstan receives one pearl anonymously every year following the disappearance of her father, an Indian regiment captain. Investigating the father's fate, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson meet Mary's benefactor. Inquiries reveal murder, missing treasure, and a villain with a wooden leg. Meanwhile Watson finds romance. Includes a 2001 introduction. 1890. BR 17618 ## A Whole New Light BR 17619 by Sandra Brown 2 volumes Cyn McCall's husband died two years ago, but Cyn still spends all of her leisure time at home with her four-year-old son. Depressed, Cyn visits Worth Lansing, her late husband's friend and business partner. Worth suggests they take the trip to Acapulco that he had planned with his girlfriend, who has just cancelled. Neither Cyn nor Worth is prepared for the results of that trip. Explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 1989. BR 17619 ## Morning Light: The Harrigan Family, Book 1 BR 17697 by Catherine Anderson 3 volumes Catholic clairvoyant Loni MacEwen moves to Crystal Falls, Oregon, and meets the cowboy of her dreams. Clint Harrigan doesn't believe Loni's visions of his son lost in the wilderness—especially since he doesn't have a son—until Loni's premonitions become reality. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17697 ## Endless Things: A Part of Ægypt BR 17743 by John Crowley 3 volumes Pierce Moffett goes to Europe to search for the mythical realm of Ægypt. Guided by the writings of late novelist Fellowes Kraft, Pierce finds traces of the mysteries of Ægypt interwoven into the histories of philosopher-martyr Giordano Bruno and others. Sequel to Daemonomania (BR 13512). 2007. BR 17743 ## On Kingdom Mountain BR 17753 by Howard Frank Mosher 2 volumes Vermont, 1930. Bookwoman and bird carver Miss Jane Hubbell Kinneson disputes the township's proposed highway through her property on Kingdom Mountain. Momentous changes occur during her fiftieth year after she offers refuge to aviator Henry Satterfield when his biplane crashes. Companion to A Stranger in the Kingdom (BR 8349). 2007. BR 17753 ## Sunrise over Fallujah BR 17795 by Walter Dean Myers 2 volumes Iraq, 2003. Robin "Birdy" Perry joins the army after high school and becomes involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Birdy writes about his experiences to his uncle Richie, a Vietnam War veteran from Fallen Angels(BR 17796). Violence and strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2008. BR 17795 ## Beverly Hills Dead: A Rick Barron Book BR 17802 by Stuart Woods 2 volumes Hollywood, California; late 1940s. Former L.A. detective Rick Barron is a director at Centurion Studios. After Rick commissions a script from Sidney Brooks, Sidney is subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee and Rick discovers that his wife may be a communist. Some violence and some strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17802 ## Chasing Harry Winston BR 17803 by Lauren Weisberger 3 volumes New Yorkers Leigh, Emmy, and Adriana, friends since college, seek changes in their lives as they near thirty. Newly dumped Emmy wants to date lots of men, gorgeous Brazilian Adriana decides to pick a man to marry, and editor Leigh meets a brilliant author. Strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17803 ## Rogue BR 17804 by Danielle Steel 2 volumes Maxine Williams, Manhattan child psychiatrist and mother of three, is divorced from billionaire Blake when she meets Dr. Charles West. Blake continues his hedonistic lifestyle—until he funds an orphanage in Morocco. But when Maxine decides to remarry, Blake realizes he wants his family back. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17804 ## Easy Prey BR 17834 by John Sandford 3 volumes Minneapolis police detective Lucas Davenport investigates the murder of supermodel Alie'e Maison, which has eclipsed a second murder that occurred at the same party. Suddenly, others in Maison's life are dying—in quick succession. While Davenport sorts through his suspects, his love life develops complications. Violence and strong language. 2000. BR 17834 ## The Pure in Heart: A Simon Serrailler Mystery BR 17836 by Susan Hill 3 volumes Detective chief inspector Simon Serrailler investigates a schoolboy's abduction that has the town of Lafferton on edge. Meanwhile, Simon's handicapped sister battles illness, his other sister gives birth, his former lover keeps bothering him, and a Laffertonian recently released from prison runs into trouble. Some strong language. 2005. BR 17836 ## Shooting Star: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery BR 17849 by Cynthia Riggs 2 volumes The island's community theater prepares for the opening night of a stage adaptation of Frankenstein, written by ninety-two-year-old playwright (and sleuth) Victoria Trumbull. The pro-duction is marred by tragedy when a young actor disappears and an actress is murdered. Victoria investigates while the show goes on. Some strong language. 2007. BR 17849 ## Jumper: Griffin's Story BR 17850 by Steven Gould 2 volumes Nine-year-old Griff O'Conner causes his parents' murders in San Diego when he teleports himself to avoid a bully. Griff hides with friends until, at sixteen, he is ready to confront the killers. Sequel to Jumper (BR 9548). Violence and strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 2007. BR 17850 ## Underground BR 17854 by Jean Ferris 1 volume 1839. Sixteen-year-old Charlotte Brown is sold as a maid to the owner of Mammoth Cave Hotel in Kentucky. She is attracted to another slave, eighteen-year-old Stephen, who is head tour guide, but can she trust him to help with the Underground Railroad? For junior and senior high readers. 2007. BR 17854 ## Firstborn: A Time Odyssey, Book 3 BR 17855 by Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter 3 volumes 2069. The Firstborn, a hostile alien race determined to annihilate humanity, send an asteroid-sized object called a Q-bomb to obliterate Earth. Former British soldier Bisesa Dutt, freshly awakened from hibernation, journeys to Mir—an alternate, temporally disturbed Earth— to find a solution. Sequel to Sunstorm (BR 15986). 2007. BR 17855 ## Eclipse BR 18180 by Stephenie Meyer 4 volumes After befriending werewolf Jacob in New Moon (BR 18147), Bella must choose between him and her former vampire boyfriend Edward, from Twilight (BR 18146). Meanwhile vicious killings occur in nearby Seattle as a female vampire seeks revenge—putting Bella in danger and stirring old enmities. For senior high readers. 2007. BR 18180 ## Breaking Dawn BR 18181 by Stephenie Meyer 5 volumes Eighteen-year-old Bella Swan marries vampire Edward Cullen after she graduates from high school and must decide whether to become immortal. But her pregnancy threatens both her life and peace between her werewolf friend Jacob and the vampire Volturi coven. Sequel to Eclipse (BR 18180). For senior high readers. 2008. BR 18181 ## Just Take My Heart BR 18182 by Mary Higgins Clark 2 volumes Broadway actress Natalie Raines is murdered after discovering who killed her former roommate. Two years later, police arrest Natalie's estranged husband Gregg Aldrich for the crime. New Jersey assistant prosecutor Emily Wallace, a heart-transplant survivor, is assigned the case but develops doubts about Gregg's guilt during the trial. Bestseller. 2009. BR 18182 ## Little Bee BR 18183 by Chris Cleave 3 volumes Fourteen-year-old Little Bee flees Nigeria and spends two years in a British immigration detention center. Upon her release, Little Bee seeks out Andrew and Sarah O'Rourke, a couple she and her sister had previously encountered—with dire consequences—on an African beach. Violence and strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 18183 ## Bound BR 18184 by Sally Gunning 2 volumes Colonial Massachusetts. Indentured servant Alice Cole runs away from her abusive master to Cape Cod and finds refuge with widow Lyddie Berry. When legal troubles mount, Lyddie and lawyer Ebenezer Freeman fight for Alice's freedom. Sequel to The Widow's War (BR 16684). Some violence and some descriptions of sex. 2008. BR 18184 ## Breaking Free BR 18185 by Lauraine Snelling 2 volumes Prison inmate Maggie Roberts is given an opportunity to rehabilitate retired racehorses while serving her time. Divorced businessman Gil Winters, raising a son with spina bifida, buys a horse that Maggie trained and, when Maggie is paroled, he hires her to care for it. Over time the three become a family. 2007. BR 18185 ## The Man Within BR 18186 by Graham Greene 2 volumes Greene's first novel. Young Francis Andrews betrays his fellow smugglers and flees from them. He finds refuge in the cottage of a woman named Elizabeth, who persuades him to testify in court. Francis falls in love even as he is consumed by fear. Includes 2005 introduction by Jonathan Yardley. 1929. BR 18186 ## Rat Life BR 18190 by Tedd Arnold 2 volumes Upstate New York, 1972. Fourteen-year-old Todd, an aspiring writer, befriends Rat, a young Vietnam War veteran, while they work at the local drive-in. After a body is found in the river, Todd suspects Rat has committed murder. Some violence and some strong language. For senior high readers. Edgar Award. 2007. BR 18190 ## The Ghost BR 18193 by Danielle Steel 2 volumes After a ten-year marriage ends, all Charlie Waterston has now is the future. He is leaving his architectural job in London and returning to New York. Too devastated to work, Charlie takes a leave of absence to go skiing in Vermont. But a snow storm leaves him stranded in Massachusetts, where a stay at a bed and breakfast changes his life forever. Bestseller. 1997. BR 18193 ## The Girl Who Stopped Swimming BR 18194 by Joshilyn Jackson 3 volumes Laurel Hawthorne wakes to see the ghost of her daughter's friend Molly, who drowned in the Hawthorne pool that night. Molly's ghost helps Laurel discover what happened. Laurel also unravels the mystery surrounding another ghost who haunts her. Some descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 2008. BR 18194 ## The Rustler: A Stone Creek Novel BR 18196 by Linda Lael Miller 3 volumes Arizona territory, 1907. Ex-con Wyatt Yarbro joins his lawman brother Rowdy in Stone Creek. Wyatt falls in love with Sarah Tamlin, a career woman who runs a bank for her ailing father while hiding her previous indiscretions. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2008. BR 18196 ## Icecore: A Carl Hobbes Thriller BR 18198 by Matt Whyman 2 volumes Seventeen-year-old Briton Carl Hobbes hacks into the Fort Knox security system on a dare. But U.S. authorities believe Carl is part of a gold-stealing conspiracy and send him to a detention center on the Arctic Circle, where he is tortured. Some violence and some strong language. For senior high readers. 2007. BR 18198 ## The Blue Star BR 18205 by Tony Earley 2 volumes North Carolina, 1941. Jim Glass, now a high school senior, falls in love with a part-Cherokee girl, Chrissie Steppe. But Chrissie is claimed by her landlord's son Bucky, who is stationed with the Navy at Pearl Harbor. Sequel to Jim the Boy (BR 12831). 2008. BR 18205 ## ### _Books for Children_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. Children's Nonfiction The Dangerous Book for Boys BR 17474 by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden 3 volumes Descriptions of games and outdoor activities alternate with historical facts and stories of courage. Includes instructions for tying five basic knots, building a go-cart, playing chess, and making crystals. Discusses famous battles and profiles explorers. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2007. BR 17474 ## A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children BR 17614 edited by Caroline Kennedy 1 volume Treasury of Caroline Kennedy's best-loved childhood verses about animals, seasons, adventures, and bedtime. Features familiar classics by Shakespeare, Basho, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Ogden Nash as well as contemporary works by Nikki Giovanni, Jack Prelutsky, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Kennedy's mother, Jacqueline Bouvier, among many. For grades 4-7. 2005. BR 17614 ## The Discovery and Mystery of a Dinosaur Named Jane BR 17622 by Judith Williams 1 volume Describes the hard work and excitement of the Illinois Burpee Museum employees, from hunting for fossils in the Montana badlands in 2001 to the opening of the dinosaur exhibit in 2005 that features their discovery, a young Tyrannosaurus rex. For grades 3-6. 2008. BR 17622 ## Japan BR 17701 by Charles Phillips 1 volume An overview of this East Asian island country. Discusses Japan's geography, weather, plants and animals, government, economy, holidays, culture, and history, including the era of samurai warriors. Includes a glossary of common Japanese phrases. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17701 ## Get Hooked Again: Simple Steps to Crochet More Cool Stuff BR 17830 by Kim Werker 1 volume Covers crochet basics—hook sizes and yarn-buying tips, stitching techniques, and gauge. Provides fifteen patterns of varying difficulty, from a simple scarf to a chunky hat crocheted in the round. Projects include a choker, a tote, fingerless mitts, a vest, beaded slippers, and a floral pillow. For grades 6-9. 2007. BR 17830 ## Man o' War: Best Racehorse Ever BR 17858 by Jennifer Guess McKerley 1 volume Discusses the life and major races of the horse named "Greatest Horse of the Century" in 1999. Describes his growth and restless behavior as well as his first race at two years of age, championships, and eight speed records. Uncontracted braille. For grades K-3. 2005. BR 17858 ## Helen's Eyes: A Photobiography of Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's Teacher BR 18195 by Marfé Ferguson Delano 1 volume Covers the life of Annie Sullivan (1866–1936), which changed dra- matically in 1887 when she met blind and deaf pupil seven-year-old Helen Keller. Examines their breakthrough in communication, rise to fame, financial difficulties, and constant mutual respect and devotion. For grades 4-7. 2008. BR 18195 ## Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out BR 18197 by National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance 2 volumes Anthology of poems, presidential speeches, memoirs, and stories about the White House in Washington, D.C., from the time of its construction in 1801 through the residency of George W. Bush, 2001–2008. Introduction by historian David McCullough. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2008. BR 18197 ## ### Children's Fiction The Top Job BR 17044 by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel 1 volume On career day, students take turns telling the class about their parents' jobs. One boy laughs when a girl says her father changes light bulbs, but the whole group is interested when she explains where and how he does it. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 2007. BR 17044 ## The Carrot Seed BR 17328 by Ruth Krauss 1 volume Despite everyone's dire predictions, a little boy has faith that the carrot seed he plants and tends will grow into a carrot. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 1945. BR 17328 ## We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea BR 17526 by Arthur Ransome 3 volumes While on board a yacht, John, Roger, Susan, and Titty Walker—who have only rowed dinghies—find themselves adrift in the fog, heading out to the North Sea. John takes charge when a gale blows them toward Holland. Sequel to Pigeon Post (BR 17525). For grades 4-7. 1937. BR 17526 ## Secret Water BR 17527 by Arthur Ransome 3 volumes The Walkers are set for a camping trip when Commander Walker is recalled from leave. He lets the children go on their own, with supplies and an unmarked map, to an uncharted island. Sequel to We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea (BR 17526). For grades 4-7. 1939. BR 17527 ## The Big Six BR 17528 by Arthur Ransome 3 volumes Members of the Coot Club, a bird protection society, are sailing on the Norfolk Broads when they are accused of setting boats adrift. The friends' clever detective work proves their innocence. Sequel to Secret Water (BR 17527). For grades 4-7. 1940. BR 17528 ## Missee Lee BR 17529 by Arthur Ransome 3 volumes The Walker and Blackett children and Uncle Jim are shipwrecked during their voyage around the world. Cast ashore on the China coast, they become captives of Miss Lee, a Chinese pirate's daughter. Sequel to The Big Six (BR 17528). For grades 4-7. 1941. BR 17529 ## The Picts and the Martyrs; or, Not Welcome at All BR 17530 by Arthur Ransome 3 volumes Nancy and Peggy have their hopes for a glorious holiday-without-parents dashed when their stern great-aunt arrives, uninvited, to supervise them. The girls hide their houseguests, Dick and his sister Dorothea, in a cabin in the woods. Sequel to Missee Lee (BR 17529). For grades 4- 7. 1943. BR 17530 ## Great Northern? BR 17531 by Arthur Ransome 3 volumes John, Susan, Titty, Roger, Nancy, Peggy, Dorothea, and Dick are on holiday in the Hebrides when Dick discovers a pair of great northern divers. The children race to save the birds from an unscrupulous egg- collector. Sequel to The Picts and the Martyrs (BR 17530). For grades 4-7. 1947. BR 17531 ## The Winter Knights: The Edge Chronicles, Book 8 BR 17604 by Paul Stewart 2 volumes Quint finally begins his training at the Knights Academy, and Maris adjusts to life in Undertown. But snow storms and ice blizzards threaten the very existence of Sanctaphrax, while ancient feuds pose a danger of another kind. Sequel to Freeglader (BR 16782). For grades 6- 9. 2005. BR 17604 ## Meet Julie: An American Girl, 1974; Book 1 BR 17626 by Megan McDonald 1 volume San Francisco, 1974. After Julie's parents divorce, she moves to a different neighborhood. The new elementary school does not have a girls' basketball team, so Julie fights for the right to play on the boys' team. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17626 ## Julie Tells Her Story: An American Girl, 1974; Book 2 BR 17627 by Megan McDonald 1 volume San Francisco, 1974. Fourth-grader Julie Albright's school project includes reporting on the worst thing that ever happened to her. She considers recounting the way she broke her finger but, because her family is so important to her, decides to tell the truth about her parents' divorce. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17627 ## Happy New Year, Julie: An American Girl, 1974; Book 3 BR 17628 by Megan McDonald 1 volume San Francisco, 1974. Shuttling between their mother's and father's houses to celebrate Christmas is no fun for Julie and her sister Tracy. But Julie finds comfort in sharing the Chinese New Year traditions of her best friend, Ivy Ling, and in thinking about new beginnings. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17628 ## Julie and the Eagles: An American Girl, 1974; Book 4 BR 17629 by Megan McDonald 1 volume When Julie and Ivy visit a wildlife rescue center, they meet Shasta and Sierra, two bald eagles. The center needs funds to return them to their natural habitat, so Julie plans a unique way to bring the eagles' plight to public attention on Earth Day. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17629 ## Julie's Journey: An American Girl, 1974; Book 5 BR 17630 by Megan McDonald 1 volume 1976. Julie and her sister Tracy join their cousins on a three-week covered wagon trip to celebrate the Bicentennial in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on the Fourth of July. The journey is filled with adventures, challenges, and self-discovery as Julie makes a special contribution to America's birthday. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17630 ## Changes for Julie: An American Girl, 1974; Book 6 BR 17631 by Megan McDonald 1 volume 1976. Fifth-grader Julie lands in detention for writing a note to help her friend Joy, who is deaf. Vowing to change the detention system, Julie runs for student-body president. With Joy as her running mate, Julie faces unexpected opposition. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17631 ## Good Luck, Ivy: An American Girl, 1976; Book 7 BR 17632 by Lisa Yee 1 volume San Francisco, 1976. Ten-year-old Ivy Ling—best friends with Julie Albright from Meet Julie (BR 17626)—faces a big decision. The Ling family reunion is scheduled on the same day as the all-city gymnastics tournament. Ivy's team is counting on her but so are her parents. 2007. BR 17632 ## The Wednesday Wars BR 17810 by Gary D. Schmidt 2 volumes Long Island, 1967. Seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood knows that Mrs. Baker "hates his guts" because she would have Wednesday afternoons free if he went to catechism or Hebrew school like his classmates. Mrs. Baker worries about her husband in Vietnam and introduces a reluctant Holling to Shakespeare. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 2007. BR 17810 ## Hunting the Hunter: On the Run, Book 6 BR 17844 by Gordon Korman 1 volume When Aiden and Meg Falconer discover that their parents' freedom from prison is in the hands of a killer and madman named Hairless Joe, the siblings vow to trap him—whatever the dangers. Sequel to Public Enemies (BR 17843). For grades 4-7. 2006. BR 17844 ## Twice upon a Marigold BR 17866 by Jean Ferris 2 volumes After a quiet year of amnesia in a small town, wicked Queen Olympia regains her memory and a desire to wrench power from King Swithbert. Christian and Marigold counter with a scheme of their own. Sequel to Once upon a Marigold (BR 16972). For grades 5-8. 2008. BR 17866 ## Dragon Flight BR 18204 by Jessica Day George 2 volumes Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers (BR 17590), is summoned to the palace to use her expertise against an evil dragon that threatens the kingdom. She also looks forward to sharing adventures again with Prince Luka, the king's youngest son. For grades 5-8. 2008. BR 18204 ## Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing) BR 18206 by Alison McGhee 1 volume Nine-year-old Julia Gillian learns a lot about facing fear when she and her Saint Bernard, Bigfoot, take long walks through their Minneapolis neighborhood one hot summer. As she interacts with neighbors, Julia seeks the courage to finish reading a book that might have an unhappy ending. For grades 3-6. 2008. BR 18206 ## ### Braille Magazines The following is a list of braille magazines in the Library of Congress program. Readers may obtain free personal subscriptions to these magazines. For information on the availability of specific magazines, consult the library that send you braille materials. Boys’ Life (for children and teens, monthly) Braille Book Review (bimonthly) Braille Chess Magazine (British quarterly) Braille Music Magazine (British monthly) Conundrum (British monthly) Cooking Light (10 issues) ESPN: The Magazine (biweekly) Harper’s (literary; monthly) Health Newsletters (includes Harvard Health Letter, Mayo Clinic Health Letter, and University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter; monthly) Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine (monthly) Ladies’ Home Journal (monthly) Martha Stewart Living (home and entertaining; 10 issues) Muse (for children; 10 issues) The Musical Mainstream (quarterly) National Geographic (monthly) The New York Times Book Review (weekly) The New York Times Large Type Weekly (weekly) News (NLS quarterly) Parenting Early Years (monthly) Parenting School Years (monthly) PC World (personal computing; monthly) Playboy (monthly) Poetry (11 issues) Popular Communications (monthly) Popular Mechanics (monthly) Popular Music Lead Sheets (irregular) Rolling Stone (popular culture; 24 issues) Science News (weekly) Seventeen (for teens, monthly) Short Stories (British monthly) Spider: The Magazine for Children (monthly) Stone Soup (children’s writings; 5 issues) Update (NLS quarterly) The following sports schedules are also available: American Baseball League Schedule National Baseball League Schedule National Basketball Association Schedule National Football League Schedule National Hockey League Schedule Women’s National Basketball Association Schedule ###