Catherine Coles
Coles Notes
The staff of the County of L&A Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve recently enjoyed. This month you’ll find historical fiction, Canadian non-fiction and a couple of options for middle-grade readers.
Julie suggests The Royal Guide to Monster Slaying by Kelley Armstrong
“This is Kelley Armstrong’s first book in a middle-grade fantasy series. It follows 12-year- old Rowan, who is bored with having to do the duties leading up to her eventual position of Queen. You see she was born two minutes ahead of her twin brother, Rhydd. Law says that the eldest will become ruler with the younger becoming a monster slayer. When a tragedy happens on a monster hunt, her mother fights to have Rowan named monster slayer. This task does not come easy as she has an Uncle trying to insert his family to the throne, rival clans trying to kidnap her, and monsters she encounters that are anything but predictable. Will she prove she is worthy of the title of royal monster hunter? This book is perfect for young (and old) adventure seekers and would be a wonderful read aloud book.”
Andree suggests Home for Erring and Outcast Girls by Julie Kibler
“This novel captivates the reader with stories set in two different timelines. One is a well-researched fictional account of the Berachah Home for the Redemption and Protection of Erring Girls, which operated in Texas during the early 20th century. The other story revolves around Cate Sutton, an injured and withdrawn university librarian, who works with historical records.
The compelling parallel narratives make the reader move quickly back and forth between the stories. One wants to finish one chapter to get to the next in order to discover what happens in the other timeline. Unexpected revelations and the power of friendship make this a very satisfying read.”
Kristin suggests Rick Mercer Final Report by Rick Mercer
“In this instant national bestseller, Rick Mercer has written us a book to commemorate the end of his beloved television show! It is a fond look back at what made The Rick Mercer Report such a massive hit among Canadians. He is, quite simply, a clever, funny man that deeply loves his country, but gets irritated with it at the same time. This book brings together never-before-published rants from the last five seasons of the show, plus a selection of the very best rants from earlier years. The topics of these rants vary widely from Prime Ministers past and present, to airport security, to Canadian Olympians, our brutal winter weather, political honeymoon periods and even political matters abroad. There is definitely something for all Canadians to enjoy and relate to within these pages!”
Chantell suggest Something Worth Saving by Sandi Ward
“Something Worth Saving is a powerful story of fractured family, a teenage boy, and a remarkable cat whose loyalty knows no bounds. Most of us have probably wondered a time or two what our animals maybe thinking or what they maybe trying to tell us and this book gives a likely interpretation of what might be going on inside their little heads. Upon finishing this book I had to give my cat Toby a big cuddle and belly rub, in a way to say thank you for being there.”
Patricia suggests The Oodlethunks by Adele Griffin
“Reading aloud to my kids brings me much joy and thankfully they both enjoy it almost as much as I do. Over the last year or so my eight-year-old and I have found some great book series to enjoy reading together. Readers of the Captain Underpants and The Magic Treehouse series may enjoy The Oodlethunks by Adele Griffin. Set in West Woggle a prehistoric village where the Oodlethunks live in their cave. Oona, her brother Bonk and their friends have lots of adventures hatching a dinosaur egg, trying to find enough food for a growing dinosaur and running a summer camp for all the pets in West Woggle.”
All of these books can be borrowed from your branch of the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries. Reserve your copy online at www.CountyLibrary.ca.