Braille Book Review September-October 2008 Volume 77, Number 5 _Braille Book Review_ is published bimonthly in large-print, braille, and computer diskette formats and distributed free 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 order catalogs 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 2008 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 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. NLS Flash July 2008 volume 4 issue 2 Contracts awarded for digital talking-book player, cartridge mailing container, and training On behalf of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), the Library of Congress has awarded contracts for three critical elements necessary for implementation of the digital talking-book system. Shinano Kenshi Corporation Ltd. of Japan and its subsidiary Plextor-LLC of Culver City, California, will produce the digital talking-book players; LC Industries in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, will produce the digital talking-book cartridge mailing containers; and SI International in Reston, Virginia, will develop training strategies for the network of cooperating libraries. The award of the cartridge contract is pending. Digital talking-book players Shinano Kenshi/Plextor will produce the standard and advanced digital talking-book players. Plextor, the electronic equipment division of Shinano Kenshi, produces the Plextalk line of DAISY talking-book players and other computer components including players for compact discs (CDs), DVDs, and Blu Ray discs. The player contract's base period is for three years with a unilateral government option of an additional four years. More than $35 million has been obligated to fund the initial production of 223,837 players. The first players will be manufactured in late 2008. Digital talking-book cartridge mailing containers LC Industries, a Javits-Wagner-O'Day contractor, has produced injection-molded plastic mailing containers used by NLS for more than 15 years. The company will initially produce 500,000 blue plastic mailing containers for digital talking books. NLS is working out details regarding the network purchase of the mailing containers and will notify the network when the containers are available for purchase. Training contract SI International has designed training applications for deployment over the Internet since 1998. NLS has engaged the company to assist with preparing strategies for training the staffs of the 128 cooperating libraries serving blind and physically handicapped readers throughout the country and in U.S. territories. SI International will gather information to recommend training models appropriate for preparing library staff to handle three specific tasks: using and explaining the digital talking-book machine; downloading digital talking books and signing up patrons for the download project, NLS BARD; and duplicating digital talking books at the local level. The goal is to provide a variety of training materials for each task and to identify the best methods of delivery. The materials will be designed to assist current and future network library staffs. Newsstand The following announcement may be of interest to readers. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped reserves the right to publish announcements selectively, as space permits. The item mentioned, however, is not part of the NLS program, and its listing does not imply endorsement. Bookshare.org offers free text reader for visually impaired students At the beginning of the 2008?2009 school year, visually impaired students with access to the Internet on a Windows PC will be able to use the free Read:OutLoud, Bookshare.org Edition, text reader to access the more than thirty-six thousand electronic books, magazines, and newspapers available in the Bookshare.org online library. Memberships to Bookshare.org are now free to all U.S. students with qualifying disabilities. This software tool was designed to serve elementary and secondary students who receive special education services and qualify for free reading materials under the 1996 Chafee Amendment to the Copyright Law. The text reader was designed to align with state educational standards and provides audio feedback, electronic highlighting, and note-taking features. A Macintosh version of the text reader will be introduced in 2009. For more information, visit bookshare.org. ### _Books for Adults_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. _Note:_ For the infomation 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 occurence, as in "some strong language." Adult Nonfiction How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature?Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference, and What It Means for Faith Today BR 16659 by Steven L. McKenzie 3 volumes Biblical scholar contends that recognizing the Bible's various literary genres is vital to accurate interpretation. Relies on textual clues to analyze the meaning of passages such as that of Jonah, which McKenzie posits is not a literal account of a man swallowed by a whale but a humorous satire. 2005. BR 16659 ## Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism BR 16664 by Paul Collins 2 volumes Memoirist recounts his experiences after his two-year-old son was diagnosed with symptoms of autism, a developmental disorder affecting communication and social skills. Intersperses episodes of his family's daily life with anecdotes from his own personal journey to understand the world of autists and the meaning of "normal." Includes resources. 2004. BR 16664 ## Captured by Grace: No One Is beyond the Reach of a Loving God BR 16672 by David Jeremiah 2 volumes Pastor reflects on the message of grace as found in John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" and the letters of the apostle Paul. Explores the transcendent power of mercy and forgiveness. Discusses how anyone can admit transgressions, access divine grace, and create a life of purpose and peace. 2006. BR 16672 ## Captain John Smith: Jamestown and the Birth of the American Dream BR 16673 by Dorothy Hoobler and Thomas Hoobler 3 volumes A chronicle of explorer John Smith (1580?1631), who founded and led the Jamestown colony from 1607 to 1609. Uses Smith's writings, colonists' diaries, and archives to trace his adventures, including his arrival in the New World facing possible execution, and to demythologize his relationship with Pocahontas and portray wilderness life. 2006. BR 16673 ## Safe Sex 101: An Overview for Teens BR 16675 by Margaret O. Hyde and Elizabeth H. Forsyth 1 volume A science writer and a child psychiatrist discuss the physical and emotional aspects of human sexuality including anatomy, contraception, abstinence, social pressures, and diseases such as AIDS. Presents scenarios that teens may encounter and practical responses to them. For senior high and older readers. 2006. BR 16675 ## When Bad Things Happen to Good People BR 16801 by Harold S. Kushner 1 volume Impelled by personal tragedy in his own life, the author, a rabbi, helps others cope with grief, guilt, rage, bitterness, and bewilderment at God's "unfairness." In his search for answers to why tragedies seemingly strike those undeserving of them, he offers comfort and reassurance to the troubled. 1981. BR 16801 ## American Medical Association Guide to Living with Diabetes: Preventing and Treating Type 2 Diabetes?Essential Information You and Your Family Need to Know BR 16922 by American Medical Association and Boyd E. Metzger 3 volumes Lifestyle guidelines for people with type 2 diabetes including diet, exercise, and personal care. Covers diagnosis, treatment, medication, alternative therapies, children, pregnancy, and complications. 2006. BR 16922 ## The First Scientific American: Benjamin Franklin and the Pursuit of Genius BR 16941 by Joyce E. Chaplin 5 volumes Harvard professor highlights the scientific discoveries of American founding father Benjamin Franklin (1706?1790) that enabled his involvement in political affairs. Describes the transatlantic community of Enlightenment scientists and Franklin's international renown due to his pathbreaking research on electricity, asbestos, the Gulf Stream, and other topics. 2006. BR 16941 ## Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry like Christmas BR 16943 by Maya Angelou 2 volumes In this third volume of her memoirs, following Gather Together in My Name (BR 16910), Angelou covers her twenties. Describes her relationship with the white world, her early motherhood, and her show business career that began when she was a dancer in a San Francisco club. 1976. BR 16943 ## Tigers in Red Weather: A Quest for the Last Wild Tigers BR 17143 by Ruth Padel 5 volumes British poet describes the plight of tigers as she travels to their habitats in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Russia, Korea, China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. Padel discusses tiger lore and history, the work of scientists and conservators in the field, and the reasons for the near extinction of tigers. 2006. BR 17143 ## Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are BR 17152 by Frans de Waal 3 volumes Explores the parallels between bonobo, chimpanzee, and human behaviors in expressing control, sexual attraction, violence, and kindness. Contrasts the power-hungry and brutal chimp with the peace-loving, empathetic, and erotic bonobo and examines the combination of these traits in human nature. Also discusses human ancestry. Descriptions of sex. 2005. BR 17152 ## The Essential Talmud BR 17167 by Adin Steinsaltz 3 volumes Rabbi presents an overview of the beliefs, attitudes, and customs associated with the Talmud, the sacred Jewish text that he calls "a book of holy intellectualism." Presents the Talmud's history, methodology, and structure and content, including Jewish law regarding diet, crime, marriage, divorce, prayers, and festivals. 2006. BR 17167 ## Understanding Herpes BR 17172 by Lawrence R. Stanberry 1 volume Physician offers an overview and history of the common herpes simplex virus family that includes chicken pox, shingles, mononucleosis, roseola, Epstein-Barr, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Concentrates on prevention, identification, treatment, and psychological impact of genital herpes. 2006. BR 17172 ## Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration BR 17214 by Pope Benedict XVI 3 volumes Pope Benedict pens a biography of the flesh-and-blood Jesus as revealed in the Gospels. The pope shares his understanding of Jesus of Nazareth as the central figure of Christianity, who brought God to Earth along with faith, hope, and love. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17214 ## The Diana Chronicles BR 17228 by Tina Brown 6 volumes British writer and former editor of the New Yorker interviews colleagues and friends of the late Princess Diana (1961?1997) to provide a personal profile of Her Royal Highness. Discusses Diana's marriage to Prince Charles, their divorce, and assertions of her manipulation of the press. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17228 ## Selected Poems, 1947?1995 BR 17241 by Allen Ginsberg 4 volumes Beat Generation poet Allen Ginsberg (1926?1997) presents a half century of verse in a variety of forms and themes including the political, sexual, devotional, and spiritual. Contains selections from Howl, Kaddish, The Fall of America, Plutonian Ode, White Shroud, and others. Descriptions of sex and strong language. 1996. BR 17241 ## The Avenger Takes His Place: Andrew Johnson and the Forty-five Days That Changed the Nation BR 17255 by Howard Means 3 volumes Traces the events surrounding President Abraham Lincoln's April 14, 1865, assassination, when Vice President Andrew Johnson from Tennessee unexpectedly became the nation's leader. Highlights Johnson's May 29, 1865, unilateral decision to grant amnesty to Confederates who took a loyalty oath. Discusses his battles with the radical Republicans in Congress. 2006. BR 17255 ## Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . . : Understanding Philosophy through Jokes BR 17268 by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein 1 volume Authors present dialogs, one-liners, and limericks to illuminate key concepts of Western philosophy. Cathcart and Klein show how humor often contains philosophy and exposes hidden truths about life. Topics include ethics, epistemology, existentialism, logic, metaphilosophy, metaphysics, and relativity, as well as theories of language, politics, society, and religion. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17268 ## Outliving Heart Disease: The Ten New Rules for Prevention and Treatment BR 17304 by Richard A. Stein 3 volumes Cardiologist presents to people with heart disease his plan for "living well with your heart until you die of something else." Describes scientific breakthroughs in tests, treatments, and medications; suggests lifestyle changes in diet and exercise; discusses alternative and complementary therapies; and covers the mind-body connection. 2008. BR 17304 ## The Hellenistic Age: A Short History BR 17327 by Peter Green 3 volumes Classics professor surveys three centuries of ancient Greek history from the era of Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great in 336 B.C.E. to the death of Cleopatra of Egypt in 31 B.C.E. Highlights ruthless leaders, political machinations, and battles that eventually gave way to Roman control. 2007. BR 17327 ## The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior BR 17359 by Tamar Geller 2 volumes Humane Society advisor and owner of a cage-free boarding facility offers a training manual based on positive reinforcement, not punishment. Discusses effective communication techniques and nonviolent ways to attain good behavior, such as sitting and walking on a leash, and to correct bad behavior, such as jumping and begging. 2007. BR 17359 ## Doing It Right: Making Smart, Safe, and Satisfying Choices about Sex BR 17361 by Bronwen Pardes 1 volume The author, a sex education teacher, explains puberty and reproductive anatomy and provides information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), birth control, sexual abuse, and gender identity issues. Includes resources, definitions, and a question-and-answer section. For senior high and older readers. 2007. BR 17361 ## Scambusters! More than Sixty Ways Seniors Get Swindled and How They Can Prevent It BR 17363 by Ron Smith 2 volumes Concise manual on recognizing fraudulent activity and avoiding becoming a victim. Describes dozens of scenarios involving banking and credit, nursing homes, health care, online pharmacies, insurance, investments, the Internet, car repairs, charitable donations, shopping, and telemarketing. Includes resources. 2006. BR 17363 ## The Amputee's Guide to Sex BR 17374 by Jillian Weise 1 volume The author, an amputee with a prosthetic leg, offers her poetic meditations on the emotional and physical complexities of sexual intimacy. In the poem "The Old Questions" a new lover seems more interested in the author's artificial limb than in having sex. Some strong language. 2007. BR 17374 ## Andrew Jackson BR 17386 by Sean Wilentz 2 volumes Princeton historian analyzes the seventh American president, Andrew Jackson (1767?1845), in the context of his times. Portrays Jackson as a military hero who endorsed the concept of the people as a sovereign power. Highlights Jackson's 1828 election at the dawn of the Age of the Democratic Revolution. 2005. BR 17386 ## Julia Child BR 17477 by Laura Shapiro 2 volumes Award-winning food writer describes the unlikely career path of American chef Julia Child (1912?2004), who championed French cuisine on television and published Mastering the Art of French Cooking (BR 12229 and BR 12230). Discusses Child's passion for cooking and appetite for life. 2007. BR 17477 ## Breast Cancer Clear and Simple: All Your Questions Answered; from the Experts at the American Cancer Society BR 17478 by American Cancer Society 1 volume Offers an overview of breast cancer, available treatments, and recovery issues. Suggests questions to ask one's physician and discusses possible treatment side effects, breast reconstruction options, insurance issues, and choices for healthy living. 2008. BR 17478 ## ### Adult Fiction Comfort and Joy BR 16603 by Kristin Hannah 2 volumes School librarian Joy Candellaro takes an impromptu vacation during the holidays when she learns that her ex-husband and her sister are having a baby. After surviving a crash landing in a remote forest, Joy encounters reclusive Daniel and his eight-year-old son Bobby?or did she imagine them? 2005. BR 16603 ## Dead Water: An Inspector Roderick Alleyn Mystery BR 16906 by Ngaio Marsh 2 volumes When a week of death threats at a controversial faith-healing resort ends with a ghastly murder, Inspector Roderick Alleyn is faced with a puzzling and painful case. One of the two main suspects is an old friend of Alleyn's and the other is the victim herself. 1963. BR 16906 ## The Shelters of Stone: Earth's Children, Book 5 BR 17151 by Jean M. Auel 9 volumes Continues the saga of prehistoric society from The Plains of Passage (BR 17119). Ayla and Jondalar, with their two horses and a wolf, arrive at the caves of the Zelandonii?Jondalar's people?and receive a mixed welcome. Ayla, as an outsider with strange customs, strives to win acceptance. Some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2002. BR 17151 ## Cat Pay the Devil: A Joe Grey Mystery BR 17173 by Shirley Rousseau Murphy 2 volumes California. Escaped convict Cage Jones targets former federal agent Wilma Getz. When Wilma goes missing, feline sleuths Dulcie and Kit set out to infiltrate Cage's hideout. Meanwhile, tomcat Joe Grey, who is preoccupied with local murders, and his human companion Clyde retrace Wilma's last known whereabouts. Some strong language. 2007. BR 17173 ## At Some Disputed Barricade: A World War I Novel BR 17174 by Anne Perry 3 volumes The Western Front, 1917. British intelligence officer Matthew Reavley tracks a traitor called Peacemaker. Meanwhile, his brother Joseph, a chaplain, and sister Judith, an ambulance driver, experience ambivalence when twelve British soldiers face execution for killing an incompetent officer. Sequel to Angels in the Gloom (BR 16291). Some violence. 2007. BR 17174 ## Falling Man BR 17211 by Don DeLillo 2 volumes On September 11, 2001, businessman Keith emerges from the World Trade Center rubble and makes his way to the apartment of his estranged wife Lianne. She tries to understand their apparent reconciliation, while Keith reaches out to fellow survivor Florence. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17211 ## The 6th Target: A Women's Murder Club Mystery BR 17215 by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro 2 volumes San Francisco. When a mass shooting on a ferry wounds Women's Murder Club member Claire Washburn, Sergeant Lindsay Boxer investigates and attorney Yuki Castellano prosecutes. Lindsay also delves into a child kidnapping case involving a dead nanny. Strong language, some descriptions of sex, and some violence. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17215 ## The Tale of the Children of H?rin: Narn I Ch?n H?rin BR 17216 by J.R.R. Tolkien 2 volumes A tale of the Elder Days of Middle-earth, variations of which appeared in Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-earth (BR 05039) and The Silmarillion (BR 11510). Describes the fates of H?rin?cursed lord of Dor-l?min?and his children T?rin and Ni?nor. Restored, edited, and introduced by the author's son, Christopher Tolkien. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17216 ## Christmas Letters BR 17218 by Debbie Macomber 2 volumes Seattle medical transcriptionist and ghostwriter Katherine "K.O." O'Connor meets prominent child psychologist Wynn Jeffries, whose parenting principles her sister has adopted. K.O. disagrees with Wynn's theories, claiming that they have turned her twin nieces into little monsters, but falls in love with the attractive doctor. 2006. BR 17218 ## Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood BR 17231 by Ann Brashares 2 volumes Carmen, Lena, Bridget, and Tibby, from Girls in Pants (BR 15872), share the magic blue jeans during the summer after their freshman year in college. The four relish their long friendship while experiencing grown-up dilemmas and romance. Some descriptions of sex. For senior high readers. 2007. BR 17231 ## Old Filth BR 17240 by Jane Gardam 2 volumes 1990s. Widower and former judge Edward Feathers, known as Old FILTH (Failed In London Try Hong Kong), nearly eighty and living alone, recalls his past. Muses on his childhood in Malaya, military service and law career, relationships with women, and reasons for retiring to England. Some descriptions of sex. 2004. BR 17240 ## Murder at the Opera: A Capital Crimes Novel BR 17253 by Margaret Truman 3 volumes Washington, D.C. A promising young Canadian singer is found murdered backstage at the Kennedy Center. Law professor Mac Smith?an extra in the Washington National Opera's upcoming production of Puccini's Tosca? and his wife Annabel investigate. Aided by PI Ray Pawkins the pair uncover a far-reaching international conspiracy. 2006. BR 17253 ## Light Thickens: An Inspector Roderick Alleyn Mystery BR 17257 by Ngaio Marsh 2 volumes A London acting troupe putting on Shakespeare's Macbeth suspects the play is cursed after several pranks disrupt rehearsals. Their apprehension turns to horror when an actor is murdered on stage during a performance. Scotland Yard Chief Superintendent Roderick Alleyn, who happens to be in the audience, investigates. 1982. BR 17257 ## The Killer's Tears BR 17259 by Anne-Laure Bondoux 1 volume When on-the-run criminal Angel Allegria arrives at the Poloverdos' farm in southernmost Chile, he murders the parents but spares their child Paolo. Angel's paternal bond with Paolo is challenged by Luis Secunda, a well-educated man who moves in nearby. Some violence. For senior high and older readers. Batchelder Honor. 2003. BR 17259 ## The House of the Scorpion BR 17298 by Nancy Farmer 3 volumes In a future where humans despise clones, Matt has special privileges as the young clone of El Patr?n?the 140-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire. When Matt gets a glimpse of his fate, he rebels. Some violence and some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. Newbery Honor Book; National Book Award. 2002. BR 17298 ## Harley's Ninth BR 17312 by Cat Bauer 2 volumes For sixteen-year-old Harley Columba, October 9th is a momentous day, featuring her opening in a New York City gallery, a fight and reconciliation with her newly found father, and the arrival of her period five days late. Sequel to Harley, like a Person (BR 13382). Some descriptions of sex. For senior high readers. 2007. BR 17312 ## The Hooded Hawke: An Elizabeth I Mystery BR 17325 by Karen Harper 2 volumes England, 1569. Queen Elizabeth Tudor and her court, which includes Francis Drake, are traveling in the countryside to escape the London summer when archers attack them and kill the queen's falconer. Elizabeth and her herbalist Meg Milligrew investigate the crime? suspecting political rivals, Spanish enemies, and even the queen's relatives. 2007. BR 17325 ## Play Dirty BR 17340 by Sandra Brown 4 volumes Former quarterback Griff Burkett,just released from jail after serving time for throwing a game for the mob, is hired by Texas paraplegic millionaire Foster Speakman to impregnate his wife Laura. Griff takes the money while being stalked by crooked Dallas cop Stanley Rodarte. Explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17340 ## The S?ance BR 17341 by Heather Graham 3 volumes A series of murders in Orlando was originally pinned on a cop who was shot and killed. When the murders begin again, the cop's ghost asks reluctant Christina Hardy to help prove his innocence posthumously and catch the real killer. Explicit descriptions of sex, violence, and strong language. Bestseller. 2007. BR 17341 ## Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes BR 17357 by Maureen Johnson 2 volumes Timid seventeen-year-old Ginny receives from her recently deceased favorite aunt a packet of mysterious envelopes that send Ginny from New Jersey on a scavenger hunt across Europe. Along the way Ginny meets new people, finds love, and has adventures that transform her life. For senior high readers. 2005. BR 17357 ## Limitations BR 17358 by Scott Turow 2 volumes Appellate court judge George Mason, from Personal Injuries (BR 12406), deliberates the case of four men charged with raping an African American teenager. As George considers the statute of limitations, he confronts memories of his own sexual indiscretion. Some explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. 2006. BR 17358 ## Back on Blossom Street BR 17360 by Debbie Macomber 3 volumes Colette, a young widow who left her job after an affair with her boss; Alix, a jittery bride-to-be; and flower store owner Susannah join A Good Yarn's newest knitting class. Under instructor Lydia's tutelage, they learn to make prayer shawls?and to cope with their problems. Some descriptions of sex. 2007. BR 17360 ## Up in Honey's Room BR 17362 by Elmore Leonard 2 volumes Federal marshal Carl Webster, from Hot Kid (BR 16125), travels to Detroit in 1944 to search for escaped German POWs. Webster interviews beautiful Honey Deal, the divorced wife of Nazi meatcutter Walter Schoen, and investigates Ukrainian spy Vera Mezwa. Strong language and some violence. 2007. BR 17362 ## The Lottery and Other Stories BR 17368 by Shirley Jackson 2 volumes Twenty-five short stories ranging from adventure to horror. In the title piece, a village puts a terrifying twist on the luck of the draw. In "The Witch" a stranger on a train regales a young boy with a chilling tale of murder. Some violence. 1948. BR 17368 ## Howard Who? Stories BR 17370 by Howard Waldrop 2 volumes Twelve short stories. In "Heirs of the Perisphere" a robot dog, duck, and rodent spontaneously animated in a long-abandoned cartoon automaton factory find a world much different from their own. Also includes the Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning "The Ugly Chickens" and "Horror, We Got." 1986. BR 17370 ## Slaughterhouse-Five; or, The Children's Crusade?a Duty-Dance with Death BR 17373 by Kurt Vonnegut 2 volumes Billy Pilgrim, adrift in time, randomly revisits past and present manifestations: senile widower stalked by an assassin, hopeful young newlywed, giraffe on the planet Tralfamadore?where time is an illusion? and, most crucially, American POW during the firebombing of Dresden in World War II. Strong language. 1969. BR 17373 ## Knots BR 17377 by Nuruddin Farah 4 volumes Mogadiscio, Somalia. Cambara returns to her native land from Toronto after the accidental death of her son. Cambara reclaims her parents' house from a local warlord, organizes a play with the help of women activists, and falls in love. Companion to Links (BR 16276). 2007. BR 17377 ## To Have and Have Not BR 17381 by Ernest Hemingway 2 volumes Key West, Florida. Swindled by an American who chartered his boat for deep-sea fishing, Harry Morgan turns to smuggling goods from Cuba to provide for his family. Changing his moral compass, Harry progresses from running rum to transporting riskier human contraband. Some strong language. 1937. BR 17381 ## The Land of Mango Sunsets BR 17385 by Dorothea Benton Frank 3 volumes New York socialite Miriam Swanson, estranged from her grown sons, has become a miserable social pariah since her divorce. But, after visiting her aging hippie mother in Sullivans Island, South Carolina, Miriam changes her attitude. With the help of her tenants she begins to enjoy life. 2007. BR 17385 ## A Version of the Truth BR 17476 by Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack 2 volumes Topanga Canyon, California. Widowed, dyslexic high school dropout Cassie lies on her resum? to obtain a local university job assisting animal behavior professor Conner. Cassie, already a wildlife expert, discovers a different world of education, refinement, and love. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17476 ## ### _Books for Children_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. Children's Nonfiction Canterbury Tales BR 17220 retold by Barbara Cohen 1 volume Four of Geoffrey Chaucer's tales retold in modern English. The nun's priest recounts the barnyard adventures of prideful rooster Chauntecleer, the pardoner teaches a lesson about greed, the wife of Bath relates a baffled knight's dilemma, and the franklin celebrates courtly love. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1988. BR 17220 ## Venturing the Deep Sea BR 17353 by Laurie Lindop 1 volume Discusses the relatively uncharted realm of the deep sea and a collection of data and specimens that biologists and geologists gathered using underwater cameras, remotely operated robot explorers, and manned submersibles. Examines mid-ocean ridges, hydrothermal vents, and bioluminescent creatures. Describes a submarine expedition in the Arctic. For grades 5-8. 2006. BR 17353 ## Chasing Tornadoes BR 17355 by Laurie Lindop 1 volume Explains the formation of tornadoes and the science of forecasting their arrival. Discusses the contributions of "storm chasers," who conduct experiments from airplanes and ground vehicles in the section of the midwestern United States known as Tornado Alley. Features scientist Ted Fujita and his rating scale. For grades 5-8. 2003. BR 17355 ## Hip-Hop: A Short History BR 17376 by Rosa Waters 1 volume Traces the musical movement that began in neighborhoods in the Bronx in the 1970s and became a major cultural, political, and philanthropic force around the world. Discusses hip-hop's African origins and other influences in its development. Focuses on the positive aspects of the form. For grades 5-8. 2007. BR 17376 ## Dinosaur Tracks BR 17390 by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld 1 volume Explains that fossils of dinosaur footprints found today are the result of tracks made and preserved millions of years ago. Includes an activity for making your own fossil handprints or footprints. For grades 2-4. 2007. BR 17390 ## Should I Play the Piano? BR 17483 by Nicola Barber 1 volume Explains how a piano works, what types of music can be played on it, and who some of the famous players are. Offers suggestions for finding a teacher. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17483 ## Should I Play the Guitar? BR 17484 by Richard Spilsbury 1 volume Presents the history of the instrument and the music that can be played on it. Explains the parts of the guitar and how they work together to produce sound. Discusses the advantages of learning and playing this instrument and deciding whether it is right for you. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17484 ## ### Children's Fiction The Noonday Friends BR 16609 by Mary Stolz 1 volume Franny Davis enjoys spending lunchtime with her best friend Simone Orgella, because after school Franny is busy with lots of household responsibilities. She worries that Simone prefers her rich friend Lila, who has more time to play. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 1965. BR 16609 ## Things Not Seen BR 17135 by Andrew Clements 2 volumes When fifteen-year-old Bobby wakes up and can't see his body, his relationship with the physical world and his parents changes. He confides his invisibility situation to new friend Alicia, who was blinded two years before, and they try to figure out what happened to him. For grades 6-9. Schneider Family Book Award. 2002. BR 17135 ## Joey Pigza Loses Control BR 17300 by Jack Gantos 1 volume In this sequel to Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, Joey is spending the summer with his long-absent alcoholic dad, who convinces Joey to stop wearing his medication patches. Soon wired again, Joey clashes with his dad's own out-of-control personality. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 2000. BR 17300 ## The Wanderer BR 17302 by Sharon Creech 2 volumes Thirteen-year-old Sophie and her cousin Cody record their transatlantic voyage by sailboat, along with other relatives, to visit their grandfather Bompie in England. The family's journey of discovery becomes especially important for Sophie, who was adopted only three years ago. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 2000. BR 17302 ## Jackson Jones and the Curse of the Outlaw Rose BR 17310 by Mary Quattlebaum 1 volume Elderly gardener Mr. Kerring enlists ten-year-old Jackson and his friend Reuben to "rustle roses" from a graveyard. Poison ivy, broken bones, and stinging bees make the boys believe that the rose cutting is cursed. Sequel to Jackson Jones and Mission Greentop (BR 17103). For grades 3-6. 2006. BR 17310 ## Star in the Storm BR 17366 by Joan Hiatt Harlow 1 volume 1912. Twelve-year-old Maggie's Newfoundland dog Sirius is a valued member of her family. But all non-sheepherding dogs are outlawed, so Maggie hides Sirius. When a steamship founders during a storm, Maggie must decide whether to send Sirius to rescue passengers or keep him safely hidden. For grades 3-6. 2000. BR 17366 ## Our Only May Amelia BR 17367 by Jennifer L. Holm 2 volumes In 1899, twelve-year-old May Amelia lives with her Finnish American family in the small Washington community of Nasel. A tomboy with seven brothers, May becomes anxious about her family's bad luck. Some strong language. For grades 4-7. Newbery Honor Book. 1999. BR 17367 ## Penny from Heaven BR 17369 by Jennifer L. Holm 2 volumes New Jersey, 1953. During the summer, eleven-year-old Penny carries her uncle Dominic's lucky bean, almost loses her arm, reconciles with her mother's beau, and discovers the cause of her father's death. Best of all, she reunites her feuding family. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 2006. BR 17369 ## Wringer BR 17372 by Jerry Spinelli 1 volume Palmer LaRue dreads turning ten, the age at which boys become wringers? those who break the necks of wounded birds at the town's annual pigeon shoot. A pigeon appears at Palmer's window and becomes his pet, a fact that the boy conceals until the day of the shoot, when he faces a tough moral decision. For grades 4-7. Newbery Honor Book. 1997. BR 17372 ## Lily's Crossing BR 17375 by Patricia Reilly Giff 1 volume In the summer of 1944, Lily goes to Rockaway Beach, New York, with her grandmother. There Lily meets Albert, a young Hungarian refugee orphan who fled from the Nazis. When Lily tells lies to impress Albert, there are unexpected consequences. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 1997. BR 17375 ## Muggie Maggie BR 17378 by Beverly Cleary 1 volume Third-grader Maggie refuses to learn cursive writing. After consulting with the principal, her parents, and a psychologist, Maggie's teacher appoints Maggie mail messenger and has her deliver notes that are written in cursive. Maggie suspects the messages concern her and finally teaches herself to read them. For grades 2-4. 1990. BR 17378 ## Squirrel's World BR 17379 by Lisa Moser 1 volume This four-chapter tale follows a cheerful, busy squirrel who is always on the "go, go, go." Squirrel, who likes to play "leap, leap, leapfrog," and Turtle, who prefers "sleep, sleep, sleepfrog," find something they both like in "the perfect game." Easy reader. For grades K-3. 2007. BR 17379 ## Dear Emma BR 17380 by Johanna Hurwitz 1 volume New York City, 1910. Eighth-grader Dossi, a Russian Jewish immigrant, writes to her Vermont friend Emma, whom she met on a Fresh Air Fund vacation, as told in Faraway Summer (BR 11930). Dossi describes her new brother-in-law, the diphtheria epidemic, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. For grades 5-8. 2002. BR 17380 ## A Dog for Life BR 17382 by L.S. Matthews 1 volume John Hawkins, his older brother Tom, and their dog Mouse can read one another's thoughts. But that doesn't help when Tom becomes seriously ill and his mother plans to take Mouse to the pound. Instead John and Mouse run away. For grades 4-7. 2006. BR 17382 ## The Silver Donkey BR 17384 by Sonya Hartnett 1 volume France, World War I. An English army deserter, blinded by war and clutching a small silver donkey good-luck charm, is discovered in the woods by two young sisters. He relates four tales about donkeys while the girls arrange his return home across the Channel. For grades 5-8. 2004. BR 17384 ## Meet the Austins BR 17486 by Madeleine L'Engle 2 volumes The arrival of ten-year-old, spoiled, recently orphaned Maggy Hamilton disrupts the happy routines of the Austin family. Maggy annoys and exasperates siblings Vicky, Rob, Suzy, and John as they struggle to understand her. For grades 5-8. 1960. BR 17486 ## ### 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 Large Type Weekly (weekly) News (NLS quarterly) Parenting (monthly except January and July) 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 Washington Post Book World (weekly) 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 ###