Book Collection

Serafina and the Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty

The third book in the Serafina series continues the story of the young girl living in the basement of the Biltmore House with her father, the caretaker of the massive estate.  Serafina has defeated the man in the black cloak and discovered the truth of her mother and her own identity.  Her existence at Biltmore is no longer a secret and new visitors and staff have become a part of her world.  Having come face-to-face with a powerful force determined to engulf her mountain home and those she loves, Serafina has fully accepted her role as the Protector of Biltmore.  In this third book, Serafina awakes to find herself buried in an underground coffin with no idea how she got there.  Using her wit and strength to escape, she struggles to return to the estate only to discover that things and people are not as she remembered.  Challenged to once again face and conquer new threats and dangers, Serafina and her story will not disappoint fans of dark mystery and adventure age 11+.

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

Eighth grader Travis really misses his dog, left behind when the boy and his recovering alcoholic grandfather move to a new town for work for the older man.  Feeling alone and facing attending a new school, Travis is determined to “stay under the radar” and hide the learning disability he has managed to keep his teachers and grandfather from discovering.  Velveeta, a quirky classmate with secrets of her own, however, is determined to befriend Travis and discover what he is hiding.  Her persistence and the perception of a resource teacher, Mr. McQueen, may cause Travis to acknowledge his inability to read.  A book for readers who like Fish In a Tree, Bluefish is a story of friendship and trust for readers 11+.

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

When thirteen year old Arthur Owens sees the neighborhood trash collector wearing his deceased father’s hat, the teen’s anger surges and he throws a brick, hitting the man on the arm.  When the “Junk Man” proposes that Arthur do community service with him in lieu of time in juvenile detention, the boy reluctantly agrees.  As he searches among the neighborhood trash for the seven items that this man uses to create amazing art, Arthur’s attitude about this dad’s death and his mother’s new boyfriend begins to change.  Inspired by the folk artist, James Hampton, Shelley Pearsall’s coming of age story is perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Gary Schmidt ages 10+

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Septys

It is January of 1945 and millions of refugees are fleeing Eastern Europe in advance of the approaching Red Army.  Desperate to reach the Wilhelm Gustoff, a ship that can carry them to freedom are Joana, a Lithuanian nurse, Emelia, a Polish teen, and Floria, a Prussian army deserter.  Each of these carries hidden secrets which must ultimately be faced.  A work of historical fiction based on the true story of the world’s greatest maritime disaster, Salt to the Sea is told from the perspective of each of the

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ten year old Ada has a severely twisted foot that makes walking painful and extremely difficult.  Horrified by her daughter’s disfigurement, Ada’s mother refuses to let her out of their tiny London apartment.  When her younger brother, Jamie, is sent away to avoid the dangers of the nightly WWII German bombings, Ada manages to join him and others being sent to outlying towns.  Placed with a single woman who seems reluctant to take them in, Ada and Jamie adjust to a life with the potential to change their lives.  Will Susan be the savior that Ada has dreamed of, or will her home simply be a brief respite in a life of suffering?  A Newbery Honor tale weaving history and hope for readers 10+.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

When twelve year old Betty Glengarry moves to eleven year old Annabelle’s rural Pennsylvania mountains in 1943, she brings manipulation and bullying with her.  Betty hides her actions from the teacher and other adults in the town, but Annabelle is very aware of these cruel taunts and the newcomer’s schemes to cast blame on others.  When a shell-shocked World War I veteran who roams the local hills is blamed for an incident, Annabelle realizes she must reveal what she knows in hope of seeing justice finally prevail.  An amazing story of prejudice and the courage to face it, the Newbery Honor winning Wolf Hollow is a must-read for age 11+.

Rising Above by Gregory Zuckerman

Inspirational real life stories of athletes who overcame obstacles to become outstanding in their sports, this book is a must read for young sports fans.  Readers can discover the challenges faced at an early age by Stephen Curry, Dwayne Wade, Althea Gibson and others – challenges each faced with discipline and determination to become accomplished athletes.  Nonfiction that will both inform and motivate readers 10+.  

Just Joking LOL! by National Geographic (Reference)

Packed with 300 kid friendly jokes, this book will keep kids age 6+ entertained for hours.  The perfect choice to read alone or share with friends.

The Serafina Series by Robert Beatty

Serafina lives in the basement of the Biltmore House with her father, the estate caretaker.  She is not an ordinary girl, however, with golden eyes and a preference for roaming the house and nearby forests at night.  Desperate to uncover the puzzle of her past and destined to be the Protector of Biltmore, Serafina has many challenges to face to save her home and loved ones from evil forces that would destroy it.  Beatty's trilogy for readers 11+ is a dark, yet engaging story of mystery, danger, and destiny.

Hippos Are Huge by Jonathan London

Colorful illustrations and brief text answer every young reader's questions about this huge and dangerous land animal.  Outstanding nonfiction reference for students 5+ and their  classrooms.

This is the Rope by Julie Woodson

This award winning title traces an African-American family's journey across generations from the South to a life in the North.  Excellent classroom resource for students 4+.