July Book Releases
A new month means new releases! Check out our July releases below and maybe find your new favorite book.
July’s Featured Title: Stillwater
By Mary Jo Hazard
UNDER THE SURFACE, DANGER LURKS…
Twelve-year-old Grace believes that all adults are trustworthy and good. So begins a coming-of-age story full of laughter and tears that takes place one hot summer in upstate New York in the 1950s.
On the surface, Stillwater seems an idyllic place, but danger lurks underneath. Grace and her best friends, Maggie and Louanne, grapple with divorce, domestic violence, and mental illness. Grace is devastated when she finds out her father committed suicide when she was eight. Several suspicious fires break out in the area, and Louanne’s schizophrenic uncle Tony, the town bogeyman, is accused of setting them. Grace believes he’s unfairly targeted because he’s mentally ill and convinces her friends to help her find the real arsonist.
Hazard weaves themes of loss and recovery in a story filled with quirky characters and invaluable lessons about love, life, and survival.
Buffalo Football: A Game-by-Game Summary of the Glory Years
By Chris Stucchio
Buffalo Football includes interesting statistics, facts, and scoring information for every meaningful game the Buffalo Bills played from the beginning of the 1988 NFL regular season until the day they lost their fourth consecutive Super Bowl in January 1994. Additionally, it contains insightful postgame quotes from some of the coaches and players involved in those contests, including Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith, Jim Kelly, Andre Reed, Darryl Talley, Marv Levy, Bill Parcells, Steve Tasker, and Don Shula. Other than a Super Bowl victory, what more could a Buffalo Bills fan want?
Emily and Lucy to the Rescue
By Phyllis Ershowsky
Emily and her dog Lucy are one unstoppable duo, but when a loved one faces a serious illness, their lives are turned upside down. The best friends soon become worried, unsure of what to do. Will they be strong enough to save the day?
A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Extra Innings: Fred Claire’s Journey to City of Hope and Finding a World Championship Team
By Tim Madigan
Fred Claire served 30 years as an executive with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was the team’s Executive Vice President and general manager from 1987 until 1998. During his tenure, Claire earned a reputation for his integrity and for his fighting spirit that built what ultimately led to the team’s last World Series championship in 1988. His drive and determination in the face of opposition and doubt from all sides became a defining trait not just of his time with the Dodgers, but of who he is as an individual. In the spring of 2015, Fred would again tap into his fighting spirit after being diagnosed with skin cancer that later migrated to his jaw. Again, the odds were against his survival, but Fred was determined. This time, he found his championship team at City of Hope National Medical center in Duarte, California. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, frontline research, and staffed by top oncologists, City of Hope was the perfect home base for Claire’s treatment. Extra Innings highlights how both the landmark career of Fred Claire and the remarkable rise of City of Hope exhibit mutual endurance and give promise to those facing cancer diagnoses.
Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life (Second Edition)
By Merril Hoge
When Merril Hoge talked about his dream of playing in the NFL, he was constantly told it was impossible, he’d never beat the odds, but he refused to be discouraged. As a twelve-year-old, inspired to overcome the challenges ahead, he wrote, ‘Find a Way’ and put it on the wall above his goals. This mantra would become a life-long philosophy that helped him cope with the near loss of his hand as a you boy, the untimely death of his mother, being diagnosed with and defeating cancer, and ultimately achieve his dream of playing in the NFL.
In this Second Edition of Find a Way, Hoge candidly discusses the obstacles he has faced and how he has consistently found a way to move forward. This updated edition includes three new chapters with information on where Hoge is now, and how he continues to ‘Find a Way’ a decade after the original release.
Finding Om
By Rashmi S. Bismark, MD, MPH
Finding Om is an illustrated children’s book that shares the story of Anu, an Indian African girl who explores the mantra Om with her beloved grandfather, Appuppa. Through this story, she begins to uncover techniques of mindfulness that readers can explore along with her. This wonderful multicultural, inter-generational story is sure to become a staple in classrooms and homes across the world.
Guess This Ginger Cat’s Name
By Carroll Lutz
All cats have nine lives, but this ginger cat has even more names. Follow along on his adventurous travels. Each stop along the way suggests a new name for him. Try to guess other rhyming names that fit the story!
In Pursuit of Science and Technology
By John Kim
In this robust, thoughtful memoir, John Kim shares his life’s pursuit of science and technology, and expands outwards by diving into his personal thoughts on his faith, personal economy, problems with race issues as a minority, discrimination in the workplace and in the world at large, and his medical odysseys. In this straightforward narrative, John elucidates his formative years in Tokyo, Japan until the 1940s, when the dark cloud of World War II began amassing in East Asia. John’s father chose to move the family to Pyongyang, North Korea. This put his family on a potentially disastrous path as the family was unable to leave the country for four years. But, John Kim and his relatives fled from North to South Korea and avoided the yoke of a dictatorship. In 1950, he became embroiled in the Korean War, and in 1958, his parents sent him to the United States to receive a college degree in North America. He completed a doctorate in Electrical Engineering at Michigan State University. His autobiography maps out Kim’s journeys in the U.S., and all of the wonderful accomplishments he achieved while there.
Jurni
By Nikos Cox
In this heartfelt story, the readers discover that lessons about life and death can be found in the unlikeliest of people. In Jurni, a young girl with a love for all things math, science, and space shows us how we can all deal with grief and death.
The pain and fear of tragedy affects us all, no matter our age. After losing her mom, Jurni’s dad encourages her to look up at the night sky, and explains that her mom will always be with the stars above. From that time, Jurni’s goal is to become an astronaut so that she can be close to her mom again. The only obstacle in Jurni’s way is a regional NASA space competition that could clear the way for her most important dream.
Join Jurni as she journeys on a quest that will give her a closer knowledge of her own capacity to get through the pain of loss.
Kibby the Space Dog
By Andrea Cassell
This delightful tale is told about a dog named Kibby, who looks different from other animals. Young and old alike will be warmed by the important things that Kibby learns on his journey. Kibby’s adventures, and emotions brought to life, is told to show how dogs experience the famed “cone of shame.”
Kibby Gets a Little Sister
By Andrea Cassell
This lush and imaginative children’s story is a whimsical tale that delves into Kibby’s thoughts and reactions to getting a new, younger sister. Kibby’s sweet demeanor will be amusing and special for readers of all ages. Watch how Kibby changes his life to accommodate his brand new sibling.
Kibby and Olive Move to Georgia
By Andrea Cassell
Kibby goes on a new and unanticipated journey when his owners move away to a different home and removes him from his best friends. Join him as he learns to cope with these life changes. Kibby’s tale is a new classic!
No Such Thing As Off the Record: A Survival Guide for Media Interviews and Appearances
By Andrea Devaux
From the boardroom to the newsroom, nearly every job requires speaking in front of a group. In this age of political correctness and viral social media moments, “winging it” can be a risky business. It’s no wonder that three out of four people suffer from speech anxiety.
No Such Thing as OFF the Record is your survival guide for effective public speaking. It will arm you with the skills to navigate tricky Q&A scenarios and avoid unexpected pitfalls—like commenting off the record to a trusted source.
Whether you’re just looking to improve your elevator pitch or preparing for a national media campaign, No Such Thing as OFF the Record’s step-by-step coaching provides a complete checklist for how to say what you came to say and not be led off-topic…even under fire.
O is for Oil: The ABCs of Odessa
By Adrian Vega
Odessa, Texas lies in the heart of the oil patch of West Texas. In O is for Oil, learn about how one community’s art, culture, education, energy, and more contributes to their spirit. Featuring well known images, places, and activities, you’ll see why Odessa is a great place to live.
Objects in the Mirror: Thoughts on a perfect life from an imperfect person
By Stephen Kellogg
Life—if you’ve ever thought you might be doing it wrong, you’re not alone.
Objects in the Mirror: Thoughts on a Perfect Life from an Imperfect Person is a collection of essays that explores what it means to be alive. Like Polaroids framing the experiences of a troubadour and family man with an excess of self-awareness, these are stories without any clear good guys or bad guys. Instead, in each of these vignettes you will find dysfunctional, imperfect humans trying to do their best and bouncing off each other in the process.
Pearl River Mansion
By Richard Schwartz
Detective Jack Kendall and his assistant, Stacy Young, receive a disturbing call that opens the door to an infamous missing persons case. Jack and Stacy now hold the key to the most complex, shocking, and emotional case of their careers, and they are all in!
As the only heir of Joan Chandler, Tyler stands to inherit everything one person could want, including Pearl River Mansion—a sweeping post-Civil War estate that sits at the end of one of the many fingers of the Pearl River. Tyler’s mother controls people by trading on her wealth, but Tyler refuses her money—which always comes at a price—and struggles to make it on his own, trading instead on his intelligence and good looks. But he’s not as good at the game as she is and finds himself trapped in a marriage that infuriates his mother.
Just when Tyler believes he’s winning in the destructive battle of wills with his mother, fate intercedes… And for the second time in her life, Joan finds a purpose for the alligators that have kept her well away from the water’s edge—and the stakes keep rising.
Philip T. Basher is Imperfectphil
By Sue Steinhardt
Hi! My name is Philip T. Basher, and I love life!
In book one which you are holding in your hands, you will learn the story behind how I came to be known as Imperfectphil. I won’t let you down because I’m perfect…I’mperfect…imperfect. (I’ll tell you more about this later.)
Imperfect. Just. Like. You.
Plant a Seed
By Maritza Oliver
Have you ever wondered about the journey our food takes to get to our dinner tables? What about how our eating habits affect the environment?
As stewards of the Earth, it’s important to challenge ourselves to become more aware of our food choices and why they matter. It’s time for us all to understand that we have the power to make changes in our life to protect the health and well-being of our planet and its many inhabitants. The future of all life on Earth is in our hands!
Santa Fe Tom
By Rachel Bate
Desert Box Turtle Tom is as shy as can be / Even when his critter friends plan a surprise birthday party full of glee.
Poor Tom yearns to sing his heart out / But he has to learn to outshine his doubt.
When Tom begins to sing in a nervous voice / All of his friends are enamored and rejoice!
Could standing in the spotlight / Help Tom conquer his stage fright?
Join Tom and the rest of the desert critters / In facing fears and overcoming jitters!
Sophia
By AJ DeMarest
Sophia’s life started pretty regularly: she grew up happy and liked to help others. She loved her family and had many friends. Living in New York City, she always got to visit her favorite location—the Statue of Liberty!
But one day, something unbelievable happened to Sophia. She grew and grew until she was as tall as the skyscrapers around her! Suddenly, the entire city was scared of her.
What people couldn’t understand was that Sophia was just as afraid of her new body as everyone else. Sophia quickly realizes that she has to accept herself even though the entire city is terrified of her. Ultimately, she becomes an unlikely hero, teaching everyone that good deeds come in any size.
The Adventures of Veggieman: Book I Food Fight
By Karla Farach
When Niko starts a new school,
he has no idea that he’s going to find
himself in the middle of an epic battle
between the forces of good and evil.
Good, nourishing food and evil junk
food, that is.
Things are looking chaotic until
Niko gets help from Veggieman,
a super-cool superhero. Together
with his awesome army of fruits
and veggies, he helps save the
school and all the kids in it. But
the most important thing he
does is show kids that they each
have their own superpower—
one we all have and can all use.
The Last Christmas Tree
By Deborah Hoffman
How could anyone know that a simple tree farm would be the home of a miraculous event? Only one person knew: Mr. B… With a plan rooted deeply in his heart and mind, he plants a scrawny little tree amid all the other trees (the residents of Mr. B’s Famous Tree Farm). The trees and the birds all wonder who this “stranger” is — the one who is so unlike them. The traditional trees nickname him Twig. This little tree, with almost zero chance of survival, is encouraged by messages carried in the wind and sometimes repeated by the birds. The soft words and caresses of the gentle tree farmer always bring strength to Twig. One day, Mr. B shares two secrets with Twig. The wind overheard the first secret and carried it throughout the entire tree farm. Only Twig heard the second secret. Twig makes the decision to stand tall and honor the second secret. This simple decision eventually brings Mr. B’s plan into full view for the whole world to see. Twig becomes a revelation of the impossible and belief in things not seen, but hoped for! A TRUE MIRACLE!
The Vanishing Trial
By Robert Katzberg
Trial by jury has historically been the citizenry’s protection against prosecutorial and judicial overreach. However, jury trials have been disappearing as criminal defendants in federal court are more often than not pleading guilty instead of testing the legal system.
In The Vanishing Trial, accomplished lawyer Robert Katzberg explores why trials have become rarities in today’s federal courtrooms, and examines the consequences of a justice system without juries.
With reflections from his four-decade courtroom career—first prosecuting federal criminal cases in New York, and then defending high-profile cases across the country—Katzberg recreates a time when trials were commonplace, when average citizens played a key role in the administration of justice, when young lawyers honed significant trial skills, and when veteran courtroom stars performed their craft at the highest level.
Precise, thorough, and compellingly honest, The Vanishing Trial describes the realities of a courtroom world known only to insiders, one that cannot exist without jury trials. Finally, it provides readers with a roadmap to reclaim their role in preserving justice in America.
Without Excuses: Big Gifts for Little Gamecocks
By Neka Alston and Jon Alston
Selecting a few of the University of South Carolina’s most-loved sites and locales, this delightful children’s story is filled to the brim with a mixture of vibrant illustrations and whimsical rhyming, dispensed through the use of lyrical text. Without Excuses promotes positive emotional development and underscores the fundamentality of partnership for young people to practice with.
The Ruth Adventures: Life on the Farm
By Nancy Youngdahl
Ruth, raised on a rural farm in North Carolina, speaks like any girl from the South—you can almost hear her accent as she voices her story, as only a true Southern child would speak. Ruth’s life growing up on a farm is described in her own special way: being tucked into bed every night, playing with and feeding some of the farm animals, and getting to ride on her dad’s big tractor. Ruth loves her father for all the ways he shows his love, even with calm discipline. Read the story of how Ruth learns to be truthful to keep others from being wrongly punished, as well as discovering that she can be whatever she wants to be!
White People Really Love Salad
By Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler
Everyone has a story and those stories are worthy of being revisited as insight into who we are today. If you can revisit even one childhood story, good or bad, it is likely to provide valuable information about your thinking, your ideology and even your behavior today. “If you care to fully understand your world view as you move forward in your life, take some time to look backwards,” states Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler. Our childhood experiences give us valuable clues about ourselves. Using her own childhood experiences, Dr. Mosby Tyler discusses the imprint that social climates, race relations, stereotypes, education systems and parenting had in shaping her perspectives. Ultimately, she shares, “those perspectives have been the source and muse for many of my adult successes…and missteps.” No matter what your childhood story is, it is an important ingredient in the formation of the very best you! White People Really Love Salad will inspire you to learn, laugh and leverage your key experiences as a part of a journey in understanding how you got to be who you are today.
Precious Boy, No Matter What
By Katie Didit
Sometimes, boys need to be reminded of how precious they are–no matter how different they feel, where they are from, or what unique things might make them happy. This book was written so that every Precious Boy could find joy and comfort in who they are, no matter what.
Precious Family, No Matter What
By Katie Didit
No matter where your family comes from, or what it may look like, it is special and perfect just the way it is. This book was written to let children know that there is more than one way for a family to look and be. May each and every family, regardless of its origin or form, receive comfort and joy from this book.
Secrets of the Tally
By Halie Fewkes
Meet Allie: she’s just woken up in an empty forest with blood on her hands and everything she’s ever known wiped from her mind. In her survival-oriented world, people are hunted by vicious predators, and it quickly becomes clear that they are specifically hunting her.
Allie quickly finds a list of tally marks detailing all the lives she once saved and the deaths that were her fault, which must be the reason she’s now a target. When she discovers that flashes of her past will resurface to save her from life threatening danger, she realizes she has an opportunity to recover her missing identity.
Allie will have to risk narrow brushes with death to recover who she used to be and discover why she was so important. Fortunately for her, an attractive new stranger shows up who’s both charming and eager to help her. Between him, the monsters, and the list of lives and deaths, can Allie survive long enough to figure out which is most dangerous?
Catching Epics
By Halie Fewkes
Ebby didn’t know she was the new Human Epic until the day she was captured, stuck with the new Escali Epic, Vack, and told to be friends with him. They’re the two most powerful kids in the world, destined to be enemy combatants like every Epic before them, but they’ve been imprisoned together in hopes they might resolve some of their differences. Unfortunately, Vack would rather push Ebby out a window than befriend her, while Ebby thinks Vack is a barbarian who might eat her, and the result is chaos.
Allie and Archie are thrown into the fray when they’re asked to help a team of brutal hunters find and rescue Ebby. Archie makes recovering the Epic a priority, but Allie couldn’t be pulled any harder in the opposite direction. Rescuing a little girl sounds like the right thing to do, but leaving Ebby in the hands of the Escalis has a different appeal. If Ebby and Vack existed to do more than fight one another, they could change the course of the entire Human Escali war.
A Deal for Three
By Halie Fewkes
People say it’s impossible to find an Epic in hiding, which is why Ratuan has hired the cruel Zhauri Brotherhood to catch Allie, Ebby, and Vack, who have all but vanished. They’re the three most elusive individuals on the continent, but the Zhauri haven’t let a target escape in the brotherhood’s history – and they’re not about to start.
To pay for a hunt of this magnitude, Ratuan has promised Maverick far more than money. He’s brought the Zhauri a three way deal that will wreck the Escalis, declare independence from Tekada, and crown Maverick as ruler of their new kingdom. All Maverick has to do is capture his three targets, and Ratuan will take care of the rest.
Unfortunately, the Zhauri know Archie has ties to all three runners, and he is not only coerced into joining the team, but given great motivation to take part in their hunt. Because while Allie is slowly dying from the curse that now plagues her, Maverick holds the key to breaking it. To save his best friend, Archie will have to lead the effort to find and catch her, all while trying not to become one of the Zhauri himself.
To Wear the Cloak
By Halie Fewkes
On the newly-named continent of Ria, the Human-Escali war is about to reach its thousand year conclusion. Tekada is preparing to join the fight in retaliation for Ratuan’s recent uprising, and Humanity can’t possibly survive a war against the Escalis and Tekada at the same time. Since peace with the Escalis can’t be negotiated, the impossible task of keeping Humanity alive falls to those with the best record of accomplishing the impossible – Maverick and the Zhauri.
With only a short window of time, the king announces their one hope of survival. A united force of Humans and Escalis might be able to fend off the foreign invaders, but Humanity would have to defeat the Escalis in mere months to stand a chance of uniting in time. The war will either conclude in a joining of the nations, or it will end as Tekada arrives and decimates Humanity.