The Cartographers

The Cartographers is by Peng Shepherd. A wonderful fantasy revolving around the New York Public Library and maps. Nell has always wanted to be a cartographer like her famous father, Daniel Young. Then he fired her and ruined her career over a cheap gas station folding map from the 1930s. She hasn't spoken to him in years. When he is found dead at his desk, she discovers the old map that had been the source of all her heartache stuck in a secret drawer of her desk. The search for the truth of her father's death will reunite a group of her parent's friends, known as the Cartographers and bring to light the truth of her mother's death and a town that doesn't exist - or does it? 

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

The First Whisper of "The Wind in the Willows"

The First Whisper of "The Wind in the Willows" is by Elspeth Grahame. A classic nonfiction look at the writing of Kenneth Grahame's classic The Wind in the Willows. Ms. Grahame puts together an introduction to Grahame, his life, his family, and his career; then she provides a selection of letters Grahame sent to their son which are the genesis of the famous tales of Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the ever-fabulous Toad. A wonderful little book, perfect for lovers of The Wind in the Willows. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

The Yellow Fairy Book

The Yellow Fairy Book is by Andrew Lang. The fourth book in Lang's classic fairy tale collection. A must read collection of classic fairy tales. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Essay on Man and Other Poems

Essay on Man and Other Poems is by Alexander Pope. A classic work of criticism and philosophy written in poetic form. Pope is brilliant in his wit and writing style and this small book is worth the effort to read slowly and absorb. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 10 out of 10. 

The Green Fairy Book

The Green Fairy Book is by Andrew Lang. The third book in Lang's classic collection of fairy tales. A must read for all lovers of fantasy. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 10 out of 10.  

A Psalm for the Wild Built

A Psalm for the Wild Built is by Becky Chambers. The first in the science fiction Monk & Robot series. Centuries ago the robots of Panga gained self awareness and decided to separate themselves from humans. They went away into the wilderness and were never seen again. Then one day a restless tea monk decides to head into the wilderness to visit the ruins of an ancient library to search for meaning. Once in the wilderness the monk meets a robot, who agrees to join the monk and travel to the monastery, as it has been sent by its fellow robots to return to humanity to answer the questions "what do people need. Will the monk and the robot find what they seek? A charming thought-provoking novella. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.