Get Caught Reading!

The newest from bestselling author Harlan Coban is called Win. More than twenty years ago, heiress Patricia Lockwood was abducted during a robbery of her family’s estate. After being locked in an isolated cabin for months, Patricia escapes, but so do her captors, presumably with the items stolen from her family. Fast forward to today, a reclusive man is found murdered in his penthouse apartment on the Upper West Side of New York. Two ojects found next to him—a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather monogrammed suitcase—provide a lead for the FBI’s cold case of Patricia’s kidnapping. Windsor Horne Lockwood III—or Win to his few friends—doesn't know how his suitcase and his family’s stolen painting ended up with a dead man. When the FBI tell Win that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also involved in an act of domestic terrorism, and this piques his interest. Only, Win has three things the FBI doesn’t: a personal connection to the case, an immense fortune, and his own unique view of justice. 

Fast Ice is the latest NUMA Files novel from Clive Cussler. Kurt Austin and his team race to Antarctica to stop a chilling plot that imperils the entire planet. During the early days of World War II, the infamous German Luftwaffe set out on an expedition to Antarctica hoping to set up a military base to accomplish the Nazi goal of world domination. Though their base never came to fruition, the Nazis found something on the icy continent proved very dangerous. In the present, Kurt and his NUMA team embark on a mission in Antarctica after a former team member goes missing. They must confront both frigid temperatures and perilous waters, but also a man-made weapon—a fast-growing ice that could usher in a new Ice Age. Kurt and his team are pitted against a madman determined to use the Nazi-era weapon to freeze the world. 

Danger in Numbers is the latest by suspense author Heather Graham. A ritualistic murder on the side of a remote road on the edge of the Everglades brings in the Florida state police. Special Agent Amy Larson has never seen such horrible killing. The crime also draws the attention of the FBI in the form of Special Agent Hunter Forrest, whose specialty is how violent cults operate. The rural community is devastated by the death, but they know much more than they are letting on. Amy and Hunter join forces, but every lead takes them further into the twisted beliefs of a dangerous group that will stop at nothing to impose their will. As doomsday preppers and small-town secrets collide, Amy and Hunter will have to use all of their skills to keep this rural community from turning into a powder keg. 

The latest Detective Alan Banks novel by Peter Robinson is called Not Dark Yet. Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks and his Yorkshire team jump feet first into the investigation of the death of property developer Connor Clive Blaydon. It turns out that someone had installed a host of spy-cameras around Blaydon’s luxurious home. The team hope that they’ll find answers—and possibly the culprit—among the videos. Far from showing the murderer, however, the grainy footage does reveal a crime: a brutal rape. The team must discover the woman’s identity because it would not only bring her justice, but it could change everything the police think about Blaydon and why someone would want him dead. Unfortunately for Banks his friendship with super recognizer Zelda is strained and causing a distraction to his investigation. 

Double Jeopardy is the latest Stone Barrington novel from Stuart Woods. While trying to settle in for a while in New York, Stone Barrington receives news that demands his immediate action. Stone heads to the craggy shores of Maine to address some old family matter that has unexpectedly resurfaced. He finds that there is a double threat hiding in plain sight among the stately houses and exclusive coastal clubs that is not easily rooted out. These enemies have friends in high places, wealth to spare, and a score to settle with Stone. It will take all of his cunning to draw them out into the open, but he has to be careful how he handles this explosive situation.  

New Large Print Amish Fiction

Healing Their Amish Hearts is an inspirational romance from Leigh Bale. Could she guide them from sorrow to joy? When tragedy tears an Amish family apart…Can her love bring them back together? Becca Graber has made it her mission to get the silent boy in her new classroom to speak again. But when she meets the boy’s grieving father, widowed firefighter Jesse King, Becca realizes that two hearts need mending. As Becca and Jesse try to break through to Sam, will they also find a way to reach each other? (from Amazon.com)

In An Amish Singing: Four Stories by Amy Clipston, romance is bound strike a chord when the young people of Bird-in-Hand join together to bring their community the gift of song. 

• Hymn of Praise: Sharon Lambert and Jay Smoker have been friends for a long time, but lately Jay has seen Sharon in a new light. They begin spending time together, and Sharon invites Jay to her family’s home to serve dinner and sing traditional hymns for their English guests. When Jay decides that this tramples upon his doctrinal beliefs, can these two dear friends compromise and find love? Or will Jay’s strict views keep them apart? 
• Amazing Grace: Dave Esh is broken with guilt after a recent tragedy. When Alice Blank, an acquaintance from school and youth group, invites him to join an informal singing group that performs for community members in need, Dave doubts he will enjoy himself—let alone find peace. Will Alice’s friendship help Dave learn how to forgive himself the way God already has? 
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Darlene Bender’s mother has been battling cancer, and Darlene can’t understand why God would allow someone so wonderful to go through such a terrible time. She finds strength in her singing group and friends, and when Andrew Detweiler senses that Darlene needs a confidant, he approaches and befriends her. As love blossoms between them, Darlene might soon realize that God was with her all along. 
• O Holy Night: Elaine Lantz and her parents have just moved to town from New Wilmington. After leaving behind some painful events and a group of deceitful friends, Elaine worries she’ll never be able to trust again. But the young people of Bird-in-Hand don’t give up, and Calvin King takes it upon himself to make Elaine feel welcome. Perhaps friendship and love await Elaine in her new hometown. (from Amazon.com)

Jan Drexler delivers another Amish of Weaver's Creek novel with Softly Blows the Bugle. When Elizabeth Kaufman received the news of her husband's death at the Battle of Vicksburg in 1863, she felt only relief. She determined that she would never be at the mercy of any man again, even if it meant she would never have a family of her own. Then Aaron Zook comes home with her brother when the war ends two years later. Despite the severity of his injuries, Aaron resolves to move West and leave the pain of the past behind him. He never imagined that the Amish way of life his grandfather had rejected long ago would be so enticing. That, and a certain widow he can't get out of his mind. Yet, even in a simple community, life has a way of getting complicated. Aaron soon finds that while he may have left the battlefield behind, there is another fight he must win--the one for the heart of the woman he loves. Welcome back to the Amish community at Weaver's Creek, where the bonds of family and faith bind up the brokenhearted. (from Amazon.com)

Molly Jebber revisits her Amish Charm Bakery series with Hannah's Courage. A loaf of fragrant cinnamon bread for breakfast . . . a sweet and creamy custard pie for dessert. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery has something to delight locals and visiting Englischer alike. And within this warm, welcoming community, there’s always room for love to grow. Hannah Lapp’s life, like a long-cherished recipe, is satisfying just the way it is. She enjoys whipping up desserts at the bakery, tutoring local children, and socializing with dear friends. One of those friends, Timothy Barkman, has made his interest in Hannah clear, but she’s been in no hurry to change her circumstances. No sooner does she feel ready to grow closer to hard-working, handsome Timothy than Hannah finds she may have waited too long. Charlene Shetler intends to become Timothy’s fraa. It’s little wonder he’s attracted to such a pretty, forthright young woman, but is the newcomer all that she seems? Only when Hannah is willing to confront some difficult truths can she move bravely toward a life of abiding faith and love. (from Amazon.com)

New Juvenile Media Players for Your Enjoyment

 

Dough Boys by Paula Chase "is a memorably vivid story about the complex friendship between two African American boys whose lives are heading down very different paths. Deontae “Simp” Wright has big plans for his future. Plans that involve basketball, his best friend, Rollie, and making enough money to get his mom and four younger brothers out of the Cove, their low-income housing project. Long term, this means the NBA. Short term, it means being a dough boy—getting paid to play lookout and eventually moving up the rungs of the neighborhood drug operation with Rollie as his partner. Roland “Rollie” Matthews used to love playing basketball. He loved the rhythm of the game, how he came up with his best drumbeats after running up and down the court. But playing with the elite team comes with extra, illegal responsibilities, and Rollie isn't sure he's down for that life. The new talented-and-gifted program, where Rollie has a chance to audition for a real-life go-go band, seems like the perfect excuse to stop being a dough boy. But how can he abandon his best friend? Paula Chase explores universal themes of friendship and budding romance, while also exploring complex issues that affect many young teens." (from Amazon.com)

Bestselling author Jerry Craft returns with Class Act, a companion book to New Kid, winner of the 2020 Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize. "This time, it’s Jordan’s friend Drew who takes center stage in another laugh-out-loud funny, powerful, and important story about being one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school. Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good.” His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn’t afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted? To make matters worse, Drew begins to feel as if his good friend Liam might be one of those privileged kids. He wants to pretend like everything is fine, but it's hard not to withdraw, and even their mutual friend Jordan doesn't know how to keep the group together. As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself?" (from Amazon.com)

Karen Cushman--the Newbery Award-winning author of Catherine, Called Birdy and The Midwife's Apprentice--tells a heartfelt and humorous story of WWII on the home front in War and Millie McGonigle. "Millie McGonigle lives in sunny California, where her days are filled with beach and surf. It should be perfect--but times are tough. Hitler is attacking Europe and it looks like the United States may be going to war. Food is rationed and money is tight. And Millie's sickly little sister gets all the attention and couldn't be more of a pain if she tried. It's all Millie can do to stay calm and feel in control. Still--there's sand beneath her feet. A new neighbor from the city, who has a lot to teach Millie. And surfer boy Rocky to admire--even if she doesn't have the guts to talk to him. It's a time of sunshine, siblings, and stress. Will Millie be able to find her way in her family, and keep her balance as the the world around her loses its own?" (from Amazon.com)

"In this evocative and heartwarming novel for readers who loved The Thing About Jellyfish, Christine R. Day, the author of I Can Make This Promise tells the story of a Native American girl struggling to find her joy again. It’s been a hard year for Maisie Cannon, ever since she hurt her leg and could not keep up with her ballet training and auditions. Her blended family is loving and supportive, but Maisie knows that they just can’t understand how hopeless she feels. With everything she’s dealing with, Maisie is not excited for their family midwinter road trip along the coast, near the Makah community where her mother grew up. But soon, Maisie’s anxieties and dark moods start to hurt as much as the pain in her knee. How can she keep pretending to be strong when on the inside she feels as roiling and cold as the ocean?" (from Amazon.com)

Get Caught Reading!

 

(Courtesy of NationalDayCalendar.com)

GET CAUGHT READING MONTH

There is no better challenge than Get Caught Reading Month in May.  All month long, wherever you go, the campaign challenges every one of all ages to get caught reading!

Here are some great tips to be prepared to read all month long.

• Tuck magazines into your bag. Anytime you have some free time you will have something to read.
• Place books for all ages in the car. Everyone will have something to read. Older children can read to those who haven’t mastered the skill.
• Unplug for the month. Then stop by the library and pick out the latest bestseller or classic on your reading list.
• Charge up the digital reader’s battery and load it up. Many classics have been made available for a small fee or no cost.
• Get caught reading to children. Find a snug spot and create a routine that carries on throughout the year.
• Include a book in every room in the house.
• Encourage reading during stressful times as a way to distract the mind away from worries and to refocus.
• Read outdoors in a park after a walk.

HOW TO OBSERVE

It’s simple – get caught reading. However, the campaign doesn’t stop there. It encourages a life-long enjoyment of reading. Kick back with an article, book, magazine you enjoy and read.  Use #GetCaughtReadingMonth to share on social media.

HISTORY

The Association of American Publishers founded the Get Caught Reading campaign in 1999. It’s now managed by Every Child a reader and receives support from Lois Lenski Covey Foundation. The campaign runs all year long with May designated as Get Caught Reading Month.