Plymouth Librarians' Choice

GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE by Polly Berent
YA non-fiction – 378.198 B – Main Level

In this book, Polly Berent answers questions the new college student or their parents may not even know to ask. It covers everything from money matters and studying to laundry tips and video games. Plans for building the essential dorm room loft are even included. The book is written in short, easy to read sections with lists, outlined tips, bold headings and an index for quick reference.

Book Crush by Nancy Pearl
Teen Zone Non-Fiction- Main Level- 028.5 P

We keep it in the Teen Zone, but Seattle librarian Nancy Pearl’s new compilation of booklists and short reviews starts much, much younger- with babies! Want some great bedtime stories? Maybe a book about a wombat? How about some picture books featuring libraries? These are Pearl’s favorite fiction and non-fiction reads for tiny listeners and early readers. Then she moves up to the 8-12 age range, featuring books fitting such popular subjects as “Twins” “LOL: laugh out loud” and, of course, “What to read after Harry Potter.” Finally, she serves the teen crowd well with intriguing lists, for example: “Ghosts I have loved,” “Girls kick butt,” “Up all night” and many more.

If you’ve got a youngster wandering the stacks with no idea what to read, see if any of these lists grab his or her fancy. Or maybe you just like reading book reviews...I can’t possibly be the only one.

Is our copy checked out? Ask to see our reference copy at Reader’s Advisory. Surfing from home? Check out these pages for more marvelous suggestions compiled by our very own Plymouth Librarians:

Booklists for Kids
Booklists for Teens

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy.
Teen Zone Non-Fiction - Main Level - 614.541 M

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live during the birth of America? Well An American Plague by Jim Murphy provides a window into that time and specifically explores the yellow fever sickness that ripped through Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the hot summer and fall months of 1793. At the time, Philadelphia was our nation’s capitol and important national affairs were conducted within the city. However, once yellow fever hit, our nation’s capitol ground to a halt. Many inhabitants left the city, including our first president George Washington. In fact, the fear, pain, and death caused by yellow fever created a mass exodus of flight among Philadelphia's citizens.

Jim Murphy has written a gripping and true tale that is educational and interesting. Explored within its contents are: the yellow fever illness, how doctors treated it, theories of its causes, and how the city of Philadelphia dealt with this crippling tragedy. The account ends with a hopeful yet cautious tone of warning that such a tragedy could occur again if people do not remain vigilant in prevention of this disease. If you are looking for a fiction companion to this book you may want to try Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson.