Mascot Blog

Summer is finally here, and there’s no better time to pick up a great book! It’s time to celebrate our newest releases, and there’s something for everybody this June from a touching YA romance to a personal finance guide to a children’s book about a regional cuisine. Check out the full list below! 

June’s Featured Title

Hart & Seoul

By Kristen Burnham

Merilee Hart has been doing her best to keep things together since her mother left, her art a welcome escape from her depressing new reality. But things seem to go even more awry the moment her next door neighbor’s enigmatic and mysterious nephew arrives from South Korea. Lee is moody, cocky, and utterly infuriating.

But when Merri’s closest friends betray her and her father crushes her dream of going to art school, Merri finds herself drawn to Lee, who seems to live within even greater shadows than her own. And just when she thought things couldn’t get crazier, Merri’s world is upended when she discovers Lee’s big and bizarre secret…he is none other than a runaway member of the K-pop mega-group Thunder.

It’s not long before Thunder’s fans, the Storm Chasers, begin to close in on Lee, ready to do whatever it takes to return their favorite idol to his rightful place in the band. Faced with the prospect of even more heartbreak and caught up in an international whirlwind that has a life of its own, Merri realizes that she must find a way to mend herself, gain control of her life, and pursue her dreams—her heart and soul depend on it.

Fiction

Power & Ore

By David H. Hanks

A nuclear pulse driven explosion in Turkey has caught the attention of the International Nuclear Weapons Agency and Carson Griffin has been assigned the challenge of determining its source. At the University of Bucharest, entrepreneurs have joined forces to create a mode of transport so powerful and unique that, once discovered, the world’s governments and terrorist organizations will all vie for control of its technology. The Jihad Terrorist Symbol will stop at nothing to get their hands on a discovered plutonium sphere and set to work allocating assassins and spies to locate a potential weapon. In this story of kidnapping, murder, double crossing, and high espionage, who would you believe or trust?

Memoir and Biographies

Beyond The Finish

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, Kyle Pease had grown up supporting his athlete brothers Brent and Evan from the sidelines. While his condition limited his ability to play sports, it didn’t dampen Kyle’s passion for them, nor did it stop the Pease family from including Kyle in various excursions. From rolling his wheelchair up Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park to zipping down Colorado snow slopes, there was never a dull moment with the Pease brothers. Where there was a wheel, there was a way to adventure.

Upon witnessing Brent complete his first IRONMAN competition, Kyle asked Brent a life-changing question: Can people in wheelchairs do IRONMAN? Brent never hesitated with his response. The answer was a resounding yes. Learning from others and through their own hard work, the brothers competed in IRONMAN competitions around the country and were ultimately awarded the opportunity to participate in the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. In this memoir that interweaves both their perspectives, Kyle and Brent recount the experiences that shaped the strength, tenacity, and undying bond that has resonated between them since childhood.

Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography

By Randy L. Schmidt

With more than 100 million records sold worldwide, the Carpenters are among the most beloved and enduring musical acts of the last 50 years. Randy L. Schmidt, author of the acclaimed bestselling biography Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter has assembled a team of commentators—journalists, authors, musicians, and other entertainment industry figures—for a series of in-depth, insightful, and opinionated conversations on every release. Beautifully presented with more than 200 images, many never before seen, the result is a must-have for pop music lovers.

Self-Help

After the Cut: How to Prepare For and Recover From Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

By Nicole Psomas

Have you ever seen a picture of a celebrity who recently had liposuction? In the picture, their stomach is lumpy and rippled. The first thought is to blame it on the doctor or “bad plastic surgery.” Nicole Psomas, the author shows the reader that this is not because of bad plastic surgery, but rather, bad care after surgery.

After The Cut is a comprehensive how-to guide for preparation and recovery after cosmetic plastic surgery. The author begins by explaining how to determine if surgery is the right choice for you. She describes the realities of plastic surgery that many people do not know. The book goes on to teach you how to prepare your mind, body, and home for surgery; those best prepared for surgery have better results. A typical “surgery day” is described to the reader, so they know what to expect.

Once out of surgery, and recovery begins, the reader is given a detailed guide of the author’s innovative method on how exactly to recover after any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. Some typical procedures she discusses are: liposuction, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, body lifts, face lifts, buttock lifts, and more. Her method will teach you how to prevent complications, reduce swelling, increase range of motion, decrease pain, increase sensation, decrease scar tissue, and ultimately maximize the results and appearance after cosmetic plastic surgery.

Like any surgery, plastic surgery should be made with serious consideration and not entered into lightly. The choice to have plastic surgery is a personal one that will have a significant impact on a person’s future. The steps illustrated in this book empower the patient to play a substantial role in their recovery. With this knowledge, the patient can feel confident about making one of the most personal decisions of their life.

Middle-class Millionaire: Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Grow and Enjoy Your Wealth

By Clark Kendall

The middle class makes up most of the population. Defined as a household that earns a yearly income that hits above the poverty line but falls shy of the upper class, people in the middle class come from all walks of life, hold various types of jobs, and lead vastly different lives. One aspect does tie them together: they work hard to live well, and without realizing it, may be on the path toward becoming a millionaire.

In this day and age, millionaires aren’t as rare as they used to be, with many individuals possessing at least one million dollars of amassed net worth by the time they retire—including the value of their home(s), cars, financials, and other assets. By living within their means, saving well, and spending wisely, members of the middle class can soon be part of a group that is growing by the day: the middle-class millionaire.

In this informative and comprehensive guide, Clark Kendall, CEO and founder of the successful investment management firm Kendall Capital, shows you just how to secure your financial future. Middle-Class Millionaire is full of applicable insight into the ins and outs of short- and long-term saving, spending, and investing, for those working toward a safe and comfortable retirement. Living well in the years up to retirement and beyond depends on your financial preparedness. Let Middle-Class Millionaire help get you there.

The Gap

By Douglas Vigliotti

Meet the Gap: the little space between what you know and don’t know. It’s the thing sitting between you and what you want; it’s a small thing that amounts to everything. Are you stuck in your career, relationships, education, or business? Maybe you’re frozen by the same old habits and opinions or trapped in the story you’ve been telling yourself for the last 20, 30, or 50 years? That’s okay. It’s normal. We only know what we know. We’re all stuck on something.

In a world overflowing with competing information, knowing who to turn to, what to watch out for, and what to focus on has never been more difficult. The Gap will help you turn obstacles into opportunities by identifying hidden forces and blind spots that prevent you from achieving your goals. Drawing on real world examples, Douglas Vigliotti empowers readers with thought-provoking questions and simple strategies to cut through the noise of the information age, challenging you to look at the world from a whole new perspective.

Sports

The Desert – A Dirtbag Climbing Book

By Luke Mehall

The Desert is Luke Mehall’s fifth and final offering in his series of dirtbag climbing books. The book begins with Mehall’s first trip to The Desert, a visit to Indian Creek in 1999, and chronicles nearly two decades of experience. Over time, the author grows from thinking that the red rock desert of the Colorado Plateau is just another stop along the way, to finding himself more and more at home there. Ultimately, the author’s passion for first ascents with his best friends fuels his desire to get to know the area in an intimate way. At the same time that this transformation occurs, the Bears Ears National Monument is created by the Obama administration and then ultimately dismantled by the Trump administration. While the final decision by the courts is awaited, Mehall contemplates the importance of public lands for the soul of America. He also pulls no punches with his thoughts on Trump’s decision. The Desert is a definitive, independently published account of a dirtbag climber searching for love, passion, fresh air, and an escape from the electronic hyper connectedness of the modern world.

Children’s

#JustaChickenLittle

By Preston Thorne & Langston Moore

The roof is swaying, and CJ thinks it has to do with a dreaded chicken curse that will destroy the coop! He rushes to warn his friends, but will he find some hidden strength along the way? Watch CJ as he learns that he can be more than #JustaChicken.

A Bean Named Red

By Dori Hernandez

Red beans and rice were meant to be, but how did they find each other? This New Orleans-based children’s book spills the beans!

Red is just a lonely little bean in a big old soaking pot. One Monday morning, she finds the courage to begin a journey to search for more. It’s a big world out there for a small bean, and Red meets a lot of silly friends. Join Red as she explores the world around her, finding love along the way.

B is for Bilingual

Leila Diaz

Learn the ABCs by identifying an object that starts with the same letter and sound in both languages! May this be your first step to mastering the building blocks of the English and Spanish language.

Aprende el abecedario identificando un objeto que comienza con la misma letra y sonido en ambos idiomas. Que éste sea su primer paso para dominar los componentes básicos del idioma inglés y el español.

Brains and Beauty

By Steve Wachtel

Brains and Beauty could not get along. If one was right, the other must be wrong! So Fox and Owl came up with a suggestion. There was to be a contest, a kind of election. They’d act as the judges, for they were wise. Would there be one winner, or might they share the prize?

Buster, The Delicate Doodle

By Jennifer Beland

Buster is a delicate Goldendoodle pup! After Buster’s mom gets fed up with his rigid tendencies, he begins to take walks with a supportive and encouraging dog walker named Kim, who encourages him to dig deeper into his quirkiness and pull out all his strengths and talents.

Can Buster find what he has to offer the world?

Chicken Girl

By Bonnie Rosario

Bonnie is a girl, a curious girl who loves reading and learning about animals, especially chickens. That’s how she got the nickname Chicken Girl. When her family goes on a trip to a nearby farm, Chicken Girl is in for quite the feathery treat! Join her—there are many chickens to meet! Chicken Girl proves that research, patience, and perseverance can help you achieve your dreams.

A portion of this book’s proceeds will be donated to Coops for Troops, which provides chickens, a coop, a starter pack of feed, and supplies to returning veterans, the families of deployed military personnel, military schools, VA hospitals, and retirement homes. Chickens have been shown to be great therapy animals.

Colonial Klaus

By Laura Macaluso

Klaus, a black-and-tan long-haired dachshund, is walking the grounds of historic Poplar Forest, where Thomas Jefferson lived more than 200 years ago. The little dog follows a scent into a rabbit hole and, when he pops out at the other end, finds himself wearing a tricorn hat. He meets Thomas Jefferson and his granddaughters, Ellen and Cornelia, and realizes he has been transported into the past. The book follows “Colonial” Klaus as he inspects the landscape and octagonal house at Poplar Forest, meeting members of the enslaved community of people who labor on the plantation to make Jefferson’s life and legacy possible. Intertwined with this story are Jefferson’s recollections of the special year 1776, when he wrote the Declaration of Independence and helped create a new country. The writing and illustrations evoke a historic sense of time and place that can still be found today at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest.

Freeda the Frog Says Farewell to Her Fish

By Nadine Haruni

In this fourth book of the Freeda The Frog Children’s Book series, Freeda the Frog Says Farewell to Her Fish, Freeda and her family suffer the loss of their pet fish, Goldie. This book helps kids deal not only with the loss of a pet, but how to say goodbye to any beloved friend or family member.

Frogs in the Cistern

By Deirdre Potter

A strange noise becomes the subject of a mystery in this story about a family and their cistern! Written by Deirdre Potter and illustrated by Srimalie Bassani, this book is a great way to teach your child about frogs and the different uses for storage tanks.

Grandma and Me Go to Mill Mountain Zoo

By Alice Flora

Come along on a trip to Mill Mountain Zoo! Visit all the cool cats and other animals that live at the zoo and learn all sorts of fun facts along the way!

If The Moon

By Bernadette Drabek

Would you eat the moon if it was made out of your favorite food? This book invites children to look up at the night sky and use their imagination when it comes to eating! Written by B. Lombardo Drabek and illustrated by Jonathan Jones, If the Moon is sure to capture your child’s attention at bedtime, lunchtime, and any other time you can think of!

Keep Walking

By Will Mason

This beautiful poem teaches us when times are tough, just keep walking. In loving memory of Kamil Patel.

Mother Of Many

By Pamela M. Tuck

Judah Tuck has ten siblings, and he’s on a mission to give the old woman who lives in a shoe some advice on how to manage a large family! Although a typical day in the Tuck family may contain some chaos, Judah and his siblings find a way to pull things together before Daddy comes home. Join Mom, Judah, and his brothers and sisters as they work through the day. . .and learn what family is truly all about.

Sometimes With Ghosts

By Charlyn Wee

With kind words and charming illustrations, Sometimes With Ghosts… promotes key components of the Mindfulness Self-Compassion program. Young readers will learn that it’s okay to have uncomfortable feelings, which in the end aren’t so scary after all.

The Crowned Kids

By Terrence Terrell

The Crowned Kids at the School of Freedom come from different places and cultures, but they share the same feelings of self-love and respect for individuality. They are proud of who they are, and see their differences as unique qualities. But when bullies come around to bring them down, they have to stick together and show that diversity makes them stronger than negativity ever could, and that there’s nothing wrong with being different. An uplifting story about confidence and the importance of community, The Crowned Kids will encourage readers to learn the power of self-love and diversity to embrace the qualities that make them stand out.

The Yard: North Carolina A & T

By Latrice Collins

Come along as we explore North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. From being at the forefront of civil rights, politics, and space exploration to having the greatest homecoming on earth, learn about the rich heritage of this Historically Black College and University (HBCU) as you take a tour of the yard. Can I get an AGGIE PRIDE?

Too Many Raindrops

By Kylie Yapp

No matter how old you are, we all feel a little grey and have really bad days sometimes. It can be difficult to express unpleasant feelings, especially at a young age. Just like the little cloud in our story, learning to talk about these feelings is key to being healthy. Too Many Raindrops is the perfect chance to begin discussing a difficult topic. Read along with the little ones in your life and get the conversation started!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Mermaid

By Janet Beaulieu

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a mermaid? Do they twirl and sparkle or maybe splash and giggle? This delightful story based on a favorite nursery rhyme will ignite the imagination of young readers leaving a sense of curiosity and mystery.

The Squiggle Book

By Elizabeth Correll

Look up at the sky! Look down at the ground!

There’s always a squiggle dancing around!

Whenever you find one, draw what you see.

It can be whatever you want it to be.

Back by Popular Demand! 

Chicken Lips

By Kristy Hamby

Who’s ever heard of a cow named Chicken Lips?! Join this special, silly cow on his quest to discover the meaning behind his name and meet some farm friends along the way!