Braille Book Review, Vol. 74, No. 5, September-October 2005

Braille Book Review
September-October 2005
Volume 74, Number 5

_Braille Book Review_ is published bimonthly in large-print,
braille, and computer diskette formats and distributed
free to blind and physically handicapped individuals who
participate in the Library of Congress free reading program.
It lists braille magazines and books available through a
network of cooperating libraries.  The braille edition also
lists recorded books, giving abbreviated annotations.  News
about library services is featured in both editions.
     The annotated list in this issue is limited to titles
recently added to the national collection, which contains
thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles, including
classics, biographies, gothics, mysteries, and how-to and
self-help guides.  To learn more about the wide
range of books in the national collection, readers may order
catalogs and subject bibliographies from cooperating
libraries.  Librarians can check other resources for titles
and answer requests for special materials.  Readers can
receive _Braille Book Review_ and other information
through the Internet by accessing the the NLS
home page at http://www.loc.gov/nls.
     To order books or for subscription changes,
contact your local cooperating library.
Correspondence regarding editorial matters should be sent
to Publications and Media Section, National Library Service
for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of
Congress, Washington, DC 20542.

Library of Congress, Washington 2005

Library of Congress
Catalog Card Number 53-31800
ISSN 0006-873X

Contents:

In Brief

Books for Adults
     Nonfiction
     Fiction

Books for Children
     Nonfiction
     Fiction

Braille Magazines

In Brief

The following information is reprinted from two issues of
NLS Flash, a newsletter created to bring current information
on NLS progress in digital technology to patrons, library
staff, and other interested individuals.

Flash, June 2005, volume 1, issue 7

Made to order: creating a DTBM suitable for all
Since the program began in the 1930s, the National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) has
relied on consumer input and understands its importance.
Developing a complete picture of the needs of program users
is one of the top challenges for engineers of NLS's digital
talking-book (DTB) project, and they have recently completed
the first in a series of eight rigorous user-needs tests.
  Two objectives guided the user-needs tests. The first
was to validate requirements for the digital talking-book
machine (DTBM), flash-memory cartridge, and mailing
container, and to make adjustments as necessary. The second
was to gather patron feedback from hands-on testing to guide
the product design.
  "User testing will enable us to optimize the experience
of operating the machine and get the most out of the
system," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "Patron
comments will help designers to enhance areas that most
concern our patrons."
  Focus groups were conducted over a three-week period in
Baltimore; Los Angeles; Clearwater, Florida; and Madison,
Wisconsin. A diverse range of current and potential users
with visual and/or physical impairments provided valuable
input. The regional and subregional libraries involved
identified the users and organized their participation.
  Four industry leaders in assistive technology played
varying roles in the
process. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
developed test procedures and moderated most of the focus
groups. HumanWare, formerly VisuAide, managed the tests and
identified user needs. The Trace Research and Development
Center at the University of Wisconsin gathered feedback from
seniors with multiple disabilities in separate test
sessions. Industrial designers from Battelle‡a technology
innovation firm contracted to create the DTB system‡were at
each location to observe.
  Developed by the National Federation of the Blind with
NLS support, the agenda ensured constructive and thorough
feedback. Group sizes were generally limited to two or three
participants, permitting examiners to gain a personal
understanding of user needs through interviews and
operational tasks performed on the current C-1 cassette
player. Additional interviews were conducted with library
support-staff members, whose needs will also impact the
design.
  Participants carried out a series of tasks to test
accessibility and performance, including operating the main
controls of a C-1, wrapping the power cord for storage, and
opening and closing mailing containers. Patrons also
reviewed various proposed player shapes and sizes, cartridge
shapes, and insertion and removal methods, as well as button
shapes and layout.
  "Operational tasks are important because they give us
an idea of the range of
abilities of users, and provide an understanding of the
challenges they face
and what we must design for," says Michael Moodie, NLS
deputy director. "We learn more specifics about the
machine's operation by observing how patrons handle the
machine."

Lessons learned
Results place patron needs into four main categories:
usability, portability, maintenance, and packaging/labeling.
Patrons noted the importance of portability and reported
moving players around relatively frequently. They preferred
a smaller, lighter machine with a built-in handle.
  Accessible design remains a key issue. Buttons
accessible in shape and layout are essential as are built-in
audio prompts to guide users.
  According to James Gashel, NFB executive director for
strategic initiatives, the findings underscore the
importance of user testing. "These results illustrate just
how informed consumers are," says Gashel. "Not only do we
know exactly what we need from information technology, but
we can help engineers design for those needs. We will help
them help us."
  Library support-staff members were generally interested
in how the new technology can help them better serve
patrons. They value a simple interface that can be easily
explained. Librarians anticipate that the packaging design
will make the book-return process more efficient. Repair
technicians look forward to a design that facilitates
service and cleaning.
  The lessons learned affect each component of the DTB
system‡player, cartridge, and mailing container‡underscoring
the need to integrate and coordinate all parts of the
system.
  "This decision will impact the entire distribution
network‡duplication, circulation systems, data management,
and possibly even facilities," says Moodie. "It is important
that we consider the economic, operational, and human impact
of each model."

Striking a balance
Creating a made-to-order digital talking-book machine is a
tough assignment. The sessions uncovered a variety of patron
needs. Success hinges on the understanding that some
compromise will be necessary in the final DTBM design.
  While NLS values user feedback, it will be impossible
to incorporate every recommendation. According to Moodie,
NLS must review all patron needs and prioritize their
integration. Trade-offs will ultimately be made.
  "This is an exercise in trade-offs. Incorporating some
feedback will unavoidably happen at the expense of other
accommodations," says Moodie. "Nevertheless, we will strive
towards a design that reflects the highest patron
priorities. We are confident that the end result will be a
smart, easy-to-use player that provides an enhanced user
experience for all."
###

Flash, July 2005, volume 1, issue 8

Teamwork builds the digital talking-book collection
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has made steady
progress toward converting the analog talking-book
collection to a digital format. Four thousand titles have
been produced since 2004. The agency will produce nearly two
thousand born-digital and three thousand converted talking
books annually.
  There are two types of DTBs: born and converted. Born
refers to new books that are recorded digitally, whereas
converted DTBs are audiobooks from the current analog
collection that have been changed to digital format.
  "We've made noticeable strides in the digital
conversion project that will transform the way our patrons
experience audiobooks," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director.
"The advanced navigation capabilities and audio quality made
possible through flash technology will enhance the way they
read and access information."
  Building a digital library is a multistage process that
relies on the teamwork of NLS sections, particularly the
Collection Development Section, the Production Control
Section, and the Quality Assurance Section. "While each
office is responsible for a separate part of the process,
they all share the same goal of delivering the highest-
quality product possible," Cylke says.

Making the cut
The first stop for a digital book on the path to completion
is the Collection Development Section, where librarians
decide which books will be added to the collection. They
spend much of their time scouring book reviews and
bestseller lists, monitoring publishing trends, and
assessing patron reading tastes before choosing the titles
to be added each week. Selected titles must be well reviewed
in prominent national sources, have literary merit, and be
published in print.
  "The challenge is to build a well-rounded reserve of
titles that meets the informational and recreational needs
of a diverse readership," says Jim Herndon who heads the
section. That often means balancing two common philosophies
of collection development‡satisfying popular demand for
current trends and providing literature that stands the test
of time. "Because we have to satisfy many reading tastes; we
abide by the same philosophy as any library‡we try to find a
happy medium between the two," Herndon says.
  After a book is selected, a short description of the
book is written to be used in Talking Book Topics and the
International Union Catalog. The librarians prioritize the
book for production and suggest where digital markers should
be placed to help patrons navigate the recording. They also
establish an initial catalog record for each book, which is
updated as it travels through production. 
  Books for digital conversion undergo a slightly
different process than their born counterparts. "They are
chosen using the practices we designed to select books
across the literary spectrum," Herndon says. "Since 2001, we
have converted 6,500 toward our goal of 10,000."
  The book then moves to the Production Control Section
where it is assigned to a contractor for conversion into a
digital talking book. Each title is assigned to a producer
along with a deadline based on the book's word count and
complexity. A narrator records the book and the production
staff marks key navigation points within the book, such as
the start of a new chapter. "The process is more involved
than recording cassettes because of the added navigation
features," says John Bryant, head of the Production Control
Section.
  By 2008, the collection will contain twenty thousand
titles, evenly split between born and converted titles.

Assuring excellence
All books are reviewed by the Quality Assurance Section to
verify that they adhere to NLS's high technical, artistic,
and structural standards. They are inspected for audio flaws
such as background noise and improper audio volume; and
navigation flaws such as incorrect announcements and
markers.
  Narration and pronunciation are monitored to ensure
that the content is well represented. The cartridge and
packaging, when determined, will be tested for size and
sturdiness and other physical characteristics. These
quality-assurance assessments take three to five days,
depending on the complexity of the book.
  Books that fail to pass the two rounds of inspection
are returned to producers for correction. "Mediocrity is
never acceptable," says Robert Fistick, acting chief,
Materials Development Division. "NLS is committed to
providing patrons with only the highest quality product. The
checks are quite elaborate," he says. "It's much more
complicated to quality-check DTBs because digital technology
enables more navigation and accessibility features than does
analog, and every feature of the recording must be
evaluated."

Digital talking-book (DTB) milestones
Completed
- Defined and prioritized DTB features
- Coordinated development and publication of Specifications
for the Digital Talking Book (ANSI/NISO Z39.86)
- Simulated a DTB player using personal computer
- Developed a computer-based, life-cycle cost analysis (LCC)
model for the NLS system and for       candidate digital
systems
- Developed computer software for DTB production and
presentation
- Developed software to test conformance of players and DTBs
with the ANSI/NISO standard
- User survey
- Player transition study
- Distribution medium study
- Player and medium design contract awarded
- Distribution system design contract awarded

Start 1/12/04‡Finish 10/1/08
The following ongoing projects, set to conclude by 2008, are
shown with start dates in parentheses.
- Web-Magazine pilot (1/12/04)
- Digital data management  
   system development (11/1/04)
- Player and medium development (3/01/05)
- Distribution system design
   and transition planning (3/15/05)
- Design DTB containers and labels (6/01/05)
- Web-Book pilot (6/01/05)
- Prepare DTBs for distribution (10/1/05)
- Circulation systems design (12/1/05)
- Manufacture initial lot of DTB 
   containers and labels (9/01/06)
- Distribution system implementation (10/1/06)
- Circulation systems implementation (10/1/06)
- Media production (3/01/07)
- Media duplication (5/01/07)
- Full player production (9/01/07)

For information on the NLS digital project contact:
Jean M. Moss
Digital Projects Coordinator
jemo@loc.gov
Fax: (202) 707-1690
To view the Strategic Business Plan on the web visit:
www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan2003.html
____________________________________________________________
______

Newsstand
The following announcements may be of interest to readers. 
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped reserves the right to publish announcements
selectively, as space permits.  Items mentioned, however,
are not part of the NLS program, and their listing does not
imply endorsement.

Magazines in alternative formats
Free subscriptions to Reader's Digest in braille, Reader's
Digest on cassette, and Newsweek on cassette are available
from the American Printing House for the Blind. Call 1-800-
223-1839.

Jewish Museum offers specialized tours
The Jewish Museum in New York City offers specialized tours
of its exhibitions for visitors who are blind or visually
handicapped. Museum docents are trained to provide verbal
imaging tours of any exhibition, and touch tours of the
permanent exhibition, Culture and Continuity: The Jewish
Journey. Touch tours feature handling objects,
reproductions, tactile images, and fabrics. They focus on
"Art in the Ancient World" and "The Modern Jewish
Experience." Tours are available by appointment for
individuals, adult groups, and school groups. Large-print
labels are also available at the start of each temporary
exhibition.  The Jewish Museum is located at 1109 Fifth
Avenue, on the corner of 92nd Street and Fifth Avenue in New
York City. 
      For more information or to be placed on a mailing list
for programs and services for  blind or partially sighted
visitors, please call (212) 423-3289 or e-mail
access@thejm.org.


###
_Books for Adults_
The following books were recently produced for the NLS
program.  To order books, contact your braille-lending
library.
_Note:_  For the infomation of the reader, a notice may
appear immediately following the book description to
indicate occurrences of strong language, explicit
descriptions of sex, or violence. The word "some" before any
of these terms indicates an occasional or infrequent
occurence, as in "some strong language."

_Nonfiction_

The Road to Assisi: The Essential Biography of St. Francis.
BR 15243.
by Paul Sabatier.
2 volumes.
French protestant's biography of St. Francis of Assisi
(1182-1226) portrays the Italian friar as a forerunner of
the Italian Renaissance and as a "gentle mystic and
passionate reformer guided by an unwavering vision of
fulfilling the ideals of Christ." Edited with 2003
introduction and annotations by Jon M. Sweeney. 1894.
BR 15243.
##

Mexico by Touch: True Life Experiences of a Blind American
Deejay.
BR 15306.
by Larry P. Johnson.
2 volumes.
Larry Johnson relates his personal account of moving to
Mexico City in 1957. Details how Johnson spent the next
seventeen years advancing his bilingual broadcasting career
in radio and TV, becoming the first blind newscaster on
Mexican television. 2003.
BR 15306.
##

Connecting to Learn: Educational and Assistive Technology
for People with Disabilities.
BR 15377.
by Marcia J. Scherer.
4 volumes.
Comprehensive guide for people with visual and auditory
disabilities. Offers strategies for evaluating the needs of
students and matching them to appropriate assistive
technology. Provides case studies, checklists, and
information on various computer and telecommunication
devices. Companion to _Living in the State of Stuck (BR
13492)_. 2004.
BR 15377.
##

Daniel Boone: An American Life.
BR 15385.
by Michael A. Lofaro.
3 volumes.
Biography of early pioneer Daniel Boone (1734-1820), a
central figure in the trans-Appalachian westward movement
into Kentucky and beyond. Relates how Boone's trailblazing
exploits spurred increasing settlements but left him
restless to explore new wilderness. Also describes his
dealings with the Indians and land speculation difficulties.
Some violence. 2003.
BR 15385.
##

Gouverneur Morris: An Independent Life.
BR 15387.
by William Howard Adams.
4 volumes.
American historian chronicles the life of Gouverneur Morris
(1752-1816) of New York, a sometimes-forgotten founding
father, as revealed by private diaries, correspondence, and
other historical papers. Explores Morris's accomplishments
as a framer of the U.S. Constitution, Revolutionary War
financial strategist, international entrepreneur, slavery
opponent, minister to France, and womanizer. 2003.
BR 15387.
##

Salt in Your Sock and Other Tried-and-True Home Remedies: A
Pediatrician Selects Parents' Favorite Treatments for More
than Ninety Childhood Ailments.
BR 15390.
by Lillian M. Beard.
3 volumes.
An A-to-Z guide to all-natural remedies for everyday
childhood health problems: acne, cold sores, rashes, sore
throats, and more. Places emphasis on diet and nutrition.
Combines folk wisdom with modern medicine by including
medical explanations for treatments and advice on when to
consult a doctor. 2003.
BR 15390.
##

Martin Luther.
BR 15393.
by Martin Marty.
2 volumes.
Religion professor and pastor discusses Luther's inner
experiences as they relate to his surroundings. Describes
Luther (1483-1546) as a person constantly seeking God's
grace and willing to die for his beliefs. Covers Luther's 95
Theses, his large and small Catechisms, and his
excommunication. 2004.
BR 15393.
##

A Rage for Glory: The Life of Commodore Stephen Decatur,
USN.
BR 15400.
by James Tertius de Kay.
2 volumes.
Biography of early American hero Stephen Decatur (1779-1820)
by well-known naval historian. Portraying Decatur as a
brilliant, fearless, and adored commander, de Kay recounts
his rise to national prominence through exploits in the
Barbary wars and the War of 1812. Offers new details on
Decatur's tragic death in a senseless duel. 2004.
BR 15400.
##

Francisco Goya.
BR 15405.
by Evan S. Connell.
2 volumes.
Award-winning author traces the life and career of Spanish
painter Francisco Goya (1746-1828). Describes the
portraitist of royalty during the last days of the House of
Bourbon and, while he pursued wealthy patrons, witnessing
the turmoil of the Inquisition and Napoleon's invasion.
2004.
BR 15405.
##

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Hypothyroidism: A
Simple Plan for Extraordinary Results.
BR 15409.
by Kenneth Blanchard.
2 volumes.
Physician outlines the diagnosis, treatment, and care of the
thyroid gland. Describes how he works with his patients and
modifies treatment according to their needs. Offers advice
on seeking medical care. 2004.
BR 15409.
##

Playback: From the Victrola to MP3, One Hundred Years of
Music, Machines, and Money.
BR 15415.
by Mark Coleman.
2 volumes.
New York City journalist examines the recording industry
from the start in the 1900s to 2004. Describes its growth,
personalities, and intrigues as it evolved from Edison's
cylinder to twenty-first-century technology and musical
format. Explores the quagmire of computer-based advancements
that have prompted numerous legal battles. 2003.
BR 15415.
##

Reflections from a Different Journey: What Adults with
Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew.
BR 15418.
edited by Stanley D. Klein and John D. Kemp.
2 volumes.
Forty informative essays by successful adult role models who
have "lived the disability experience." Individuals with
Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing loss,
autism, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, learning
disabilities, and other health conditions share their
thoughts on acceptance, parenting, sexuality, and education.
2004.
BR 15418.
##

Gonna Do Great Things: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr..
BR 15425.
by Gary Fishgall.
6 volumes.
Biography of versatile African American actor, singer, and
comedian Sammy Davis Jr. (1925-1990), who began his career
in vaudeville at age three. Using interviews, Davis
quotations, and primary source materials, drama critic
Fishgall describes the evolution of Davis's career, his
marriages and affairs, and his involvement in the civil
rights movement. 2003.
BR 15425.
##

George Washington.
BR 15441.
by James MacGregor Burns and Susan Dunn.
2 volumes.
Two historians analyze the strengths and weaknesses of
Washington's presidency. While commending his creation of a
strong executive and sense of national unity, Burns and Dunn
criticize his denunciation of political parties and public
silence on slavery. They also contrast his self-effacing
persona with intense craving for "esteem and notice." 2004.
BR 15441.
##

Big Russ and Me: Father and Son; Lessons of Life.
BR 15446.
by Tim Russert.
3 volumes.
Television journalist's memoir celebrating his bond with his
father, "Big Russ," a WWII veteran whom Russert calls
"endlessly hardworking and eternally optimistic." Author
recollects his own 1950s Buffalo childhood in a close-knit
Irish Catholic neighborhood and recalls teachers who
inspired him throughout his life. Bestseller 2004.
BR 15446.
##

Ace of Aces: The Life of Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker.
BR 15460.
by H. Paul Jeffers.
3 volumes.
A biography of captain Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973), the
much decorated "Ace of Aces" who destroyed twenty-six enemy
planes in World War I. Fascinated with engines and speed, he
began his career as a race-car driver, becoming third-ranked
in the country. He later founded Eastern Airlines. 2003.
BR 15460.
##

The World I Live In.
BR 15462.
by Helen Keller.
2 volumes.
New edition of a short collection of personal essays Helen
Keller wrote in 1908 when she was twenty-eight. Follows _The
Story of My Life (BR 14704)_. This reflective work is
separated into three categories: the senses, especially
touch; imagination, thinking, and language; and dream
analysis. Introduction by Roger Shattuck. 2003.
BR 15462.
##

The Hedgehog, the Fox, and the Magister's Pox: Mending the
Gap between Science and the Humanities.
BR 15464.
by Stephen Jay Gould.
3 volumes.
Eminent evolutionary biologist, who died in 2002, explores--
and rejects--the supposed dichotomy between two major fields
of knowledge. Using an ancient Greek proverb as a metaphor
to support his point, Gould advocates a unified approach to
study of the sciences and the humanities since neither one
can suffice alone. 2003.
BR 15464.
##

'Tis Herself: A Memoir.
BR 15470.
by Maureen O'Hara.
3 volumes.
Illustrious actress reminisces about her six-decade career
during Hollywood's "golden age." O'Hara describes her radio
and stage child-stardom in Ireland, arrival in California at
eighteen, interactions with famous actors and directors,
marriages, and retirement in the Virgin Islands. Some strong
language. 2004.
BR 15470.
##

The Friendship Crisis: Finding, Making, and Keeping Friends
When You're Not a Kid Anymore.
BR 15471.
by Marla Paul.
2 volumes.
Columnist addresses the loneliness and isolation women often
experience during major life changes such as marriage,
motherhood, divorce, moving, or leaving a job. Using
anecdotes, Paul outlines strategies for meeting new people
and maintaining friendships. Steps include overcoming
emotional roadblocks, increasing self-confidence, and
building a community of support. 2004.
BR 15471.
##

Pocahontas: Medicine Woman, Spy, Entrepreneur, Diplomat.
BR 15483.
by Paula Gunn Allen.
4 volumes.
Part-Native American scholar analyzes the life of Pocahontas
from a feminist perspective. To interpret the young Powhatan
woman in the context in which she lived, Allen uses
contemporary accounts from English travelers and
adventurers, among them John Smith of the Virginia Company.
2003.
BR 15483.
##

The Working Poor: Invisible in America.
BR 15492.
by David K. Shipler.
4 volumes.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author analyzes an ethnically and
racially diverse cross-section of impoverished, low-paid
working Americans. Shipler traces their poverty to
interlocking problems of poor education and wages, limited
abilities, bad parenting, unwise spending, and lack of
health insurance. Recommends higher minimum wage, vocational
training, and voter registration, among other remedies.
2004.
BR 15492.
##

Losing My Faculties: A Teacher's Story.
BR 15512.
by Brendan Halpin.
2 volumes.
A Boston inner city school teacher's anecdotes ranging from
his perpetual teaching-job search, student disciplinary
problems, bureaucratic wrangling and infighting, and other
frustrations. Details his involvements in the Famous Athlete
Youth and the charter school _Better Than You_ programs.
Some strong language. 2003.
BR 15512.
##

The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: For All of Us Who
Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain, and Illness.
BR 15535.
by Miriam Kaufman and others.
3 volumes.
Guide drawn from authors' professional and personal
experiences and from an informal survey of people living
with various disabilities. Topics include sexual health,
self-esteem, communication, and debunking myths. Explicit
descriptions of sex. 2003.
BR 15535.
##

Rare Earth: Why Complex Life Is Uncommon in the Universe.
BR 15537.
by Peter D. Ward and Donald Brownlee.
4 volumes.
Paleontologist/geologist Ward and astronomer Brownlee
outline their hypothesis that complex multicellular life--
animals and higher plants--"is less pervasive in the
universe than is...commonly assumed." The two scientists
reexamine Earth's history to identify crucial attributes
that have allowed the planet's rare, and perhaps unique,
evolutionary achievements. 2000.
BR 15537.
##

Bryson City Tales: Stories of a Doctor's First Year of
Practice in the Smoky Mountains.
BR 15550.
by Walt Larimore.
3 volumes.
Chronicles a young doctor's passage from Duke University to
rural North Carolina, where he establishes a practice,
raises his family, and expands his spirituality and human
understanding. As an emergency physician, coroner,
obstetrician, and wilderness search-and-rescue doctor he is
shaped in medicine and reinforces his faith. 2002.
BR 15550.
##

When Our Grown Kids Disappoint Us: Letting Go of Their
Problems, Loving Them Anyway, and Getting On with Our Lives.
BR 15568.
by Jane Adams.
2 volumes.
Social psychologist advises parents on how to cope with
adult children with maturity issues--mainly by disengaging
from their problems and not assuming guilt for their failure
to thrive. Uses anecdotes to suggest steps for encouraging
offsprings' independence. 2003.
BR 15568.
##

Out of Gas: The End of the Age of Oil.
BR 15591.
by David Goodstein.
1 volume.
California Institute of Technology professor explains the
scientific principles underlying an inevitable fossil fuel
crisis and related threats to Earth's climate. Provides a
concise overview of various energy sources, the concepts of
fission, fusion, and entropy, engine operation, and more.
Asserts nuclear and solar power are reasonable alternatives.
2004.
BR 15591.
##

###
_Fiction_

The Frumious Bandersnatch: A Novel of the 87th Precinct.
BR 15292.
by Ed McBain.
2 volumes.
Two masked men snatch twenty-year-old hip-hop diva Tamar
from a party on a yacht in New York City's harbor.
Detectives Steve Carella and Cotton Hawes, of the 87th
precinct, assist the FBI in the search for the kidnappers.
Violence and strong language. 2004.
BR 15292.
##

Shifting Calder Wind: Calder Saga, Volume 7.
BR 15298.
by Janet Dailey.
3 volumes.
Texas. When Chase Calder regains consciousness, he has
amnesia but is sure someone tried to kill him. Chase and his
rescuer, Laredo Smith, decide to let everyone except his
daughter-in-law, Jessy, think he is dead while they search
for the shooter. Sequel to _Green Calder Grass (BR 14312)_.
Some strong language. 2003.
BR 15298.
##

"C" Is for Corpse: A Kinsey Millhone Mystery.
BR 15301.
by Sue Grafton.
2 volumes (Reissue).
Private eye Kinsey Millhone meets wealthy twenty-three-year-
old Bobby Callahan at the gym. When she learns that his
disfigured face and body result from a mysterious car crash,
Kinsey takes on the case, but not in time to avert another
accident. Some strong language. 1986.
BR 15301.
##

Lucy.
BR 15302.
by Ellen Feldman.
2 volumes.
A fictionalized account of Lucy Mercer's longtime love
affair with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, beginning in 1914
when she was his wife Eleanor's social secretary. Describes
Roosevelt's termination of the relationship in 1918 to
preserve his presidential ambitions, Mercer's subsequent
marriage, and resumption of the affair nearly twenty years
later. 2003.
BR 15302.
##

2001: A Space Odyssey.
BR 15307.
by Arthur C. Clarke.
2 volumes (Reissue).
On a voyage into the unexplored universe, the spacecraft
_Discovery_ hurtles its human passengers through time toward
a confrontation with an unknown, powerful intelligence.
Written for the production of a science fiction film of the
same name. 1968.
BR 15307.
##

Phantom Waltz.
BR 15334.
by Catherine Anderson.
3 volumes.
Rancher Ryan Kendrick of Oregon falls in love with
paraplegic Bethany Coulter. Bethany was injured during a
barrel-racing contest eight years ago and resists romance.
But Ryan puts aside all of her obstacles and continues
pursuing her. Explicit descriptions of sex and some strong
language. 2001.
BR 15334.
##

Deafening.
BR 15382.
by Frances Itani.
3 volumes.
Grania is deaf, a victim of scarlet fever at age five in
early 1900s Canada. After learning sign language and speech
she meets and marries Jim, with whom she develops a special
vocabulary. World War I erupts, and her life and silent
fears take on new shapes. 2003.
BR 15382.
##

A Higher Justice: The Trials of Kit Shannon, Book 2.
BR 15384.
by James Scott Bell.
2 volumes.
Los Angeles, 1906. Kit Shannon, devout Christian defense
attorney, represents both a mother who lost her son in a
trolley accident and a rail worker accused of attempted
murder. The two cases pit her against powerful railroad men
and politicians who seem to have something to hide. 2003.
BR 15384.
##

Blue Skies.
BR 15389.
by Catherine Anderson.
3 volumes.
Carly Adams, born with lattice dystrophy, waited twenty-
eight years to see. Celebrating her new vision with a friend
at a bar, she meets Hank Coulter. Their brief encounter
leaves her pregnant. Companion to _Phantom Waltz (BR
15334)_. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of
sex. 2004.
BR 15389.
##

Appointment in Samarra.
BR 15398.
by John O'Hara.
2 volumes.
Fast-moving first novel by journalist/critic John O'Hara
(1905-1970) set in 1930s small-town Pennsylvania. As
Gibbsville celebrates Christmas with parties, music, and
liquor, aristocratic drunkard Julian English breaks with
polite society in one rash moment, beginning his rapid
descent to self-destruction. 1991 introduction by John
Updike. Some strong language. 1934.
BR 15398.
##

The Master Quilter: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel.
BR 15399.
by Jennifer Chiaverini.
3 volumes.
The Elm Creek Quilters were quite surprised when master
quilter Sylvia married Andrew Cooper on Christmas Eve. Now
they are secretly conspiring to create a bridal quilt. But
the project hits a snag when the local stitchers are
confronted with their own personal problems. 2004.
BR 15399.
##

Lucas.
BR 15403.
by Kevin Brooks.
3 volumes.
Fifteen-year-old Cait befriends sixteen-year-old Lucas, a
drifter on her home island off the English coast. Local
bullies are suspicious of Lucas and eventually accuse him of
rape, setting off a tragic sequence of events. Some violence
and some strong language. For senior high readers. 2003.
BR 15403.
##

Blue Avenger and the Theory of Everything.
BR 15413.
by Norma Howe.
2 volumes.
Sixteen-year-old David Schumacher, the "Blue Avenger,"
returns from Italy in this sequel to _Blue Avenger Cracks
the Code (BR 13445)_. To help his true love, Omaha, avoid
eviction he takes a job that offends his morals but will pay
the rent. For junior and senior high readers. 2002.
BR 15413.
##

Christy.
BR 15428.
by Catherine Marshall.
5 volumes.
Based on experiences of the author's mother, this tale
describes nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston's first year
teaching in an Appalachian mountain hamlet. With the help of
Quaker Alice Henderson who founded the Cutter Gap mission
school, Christy finds a point of reference in God and
inspires love in two admirable men. 1967.
BR 15428.
##

The Priestly Sins.
BR 15434.
by Andrew M. Greeley.
3 volumes.
Wholesome, prairie-bred Father Herman Hoffman, having
witnessed a young boy's rape in the parish rectory, exposes
sexual abuse and cover-ups in the Church hierarchy. Herman
risks his reputation by testifying against the guilty priest
and the corrupt institutionalized system. Some descriptions
of sex and some violence. 2004.
BR 15434.
##

Divining Women.
BR 15437.
by Kaye Gibbons.
2 volumes.
1918. As World War I ends and the influenza pandemic gathers
momentum, liberally educated Mary travels to North Carolina
from her wealthy, eccentric, Washington, D.C., family to
help her pregnant Aunt Maureen. Finding Maureen
psychologically tormented by her husband, Mary helps her to
spiritual freedom. Some strong language. 2004.
BR 15437.
##

Death for Dessert.
BR 15445.
by T. Dawn Richard.
2 volumes.
Sixty-five-year-old May List leaves her philandering husband
and moves into a senior citizen apartment complex. As May
adjusts to her new life, she discovers that her neighbor,
Mrs. Berkowitz, runs a blackmail operation. When Mrs.
Berkowitz is murdered, May and her zany elderly cohorts
determine to solve the crime. 2003.
BR 15445.
##

A Distant Shore.
BR 15458.
by Caryl Phillips.
3 volumes.
Dorothy, a divorced, retired schoolteacher struggling with
mental illness, meets Solomon, a refugee from war-torn
Africa trying to forget the past. Desperate and misplaced in
a secluded English village smoldering with racial tension,
they find solace and understanding together until tragedy
strikes. 2003.
BR 15458.
##

Dead Line.
BR 15459.
by Brian McGrory.
3 volumes.
_Boston Record_ newspaperman Jack Flynn from _The Nominee
(BR 15477)_ gets a lead from the FBI about an unsolved
museum heist. A prime suspect is the estranged son of
Boston's mayor. After a murder Flynn realizes he's involved
in a deadly cat and mouse game. Strong language and some
violence. 2004.
BR 15459.
##

Miss Julia Meets Her Match.
BR 15461.
by Ann B. Ross.
3 volumes.
Sam is still courting the widow Miss Julia, but she is
unsure about marrying again. Meanwhile she leases some
property to a man wanting to build a religious theme park
and learns more about her deceased husband's indiscretions.
Sequel to _Miss Julia Hits the Road (BR 14753)_. 2004.
BR 15461.
##

Message in a Bottle.
BR 15466.
by Nicholas Sparks.
3 volumes.
Beautiful single mother Theresa Osborne, a syndicated
columnist, is vacationing at Cape Cod. She finds a corked
bottle containing a love letter to mysterious Catherine from
Garrett. Believing Garrett is a sensitive and caring man,
Theresa decides to find him. Some descriptions of sex. 1998.
BR 15466.
##

Morningside Heights.
BR 15468.
by Cheryl Mendelson.
3 volumes.
Tucked into Manhattan's west side, Morningside Heights, home
of modest intellectuals, is a middle-class neighborhood
threatened by gentrification. Longtime residents Charles and
Anne Braithwaite and their children may be forced out of
their beloved apartment. They contemplate moving to an
affordable but lifeless suburb--until some shady business
deals come to light. 2003.
BR 15468.
##

Search the Dark.
BR 15469.
by Charles Todd.
3 volumes.
Scotland Yard inspector Ian Rutledge from _Wings of Fire (BR
12443)_ searches for two missing children after their
mother's murder. Tormented veteran Bert Mowbray, the prime
suspect, claims the victim was his wife. Rutledge must
identify the dead woman before he can apprehend the real
killer. Some violence. 1999.
BR 15469.
##

Max Brand's Best Western Stories, Volume 3.
BR 15472.
by Max Brand.
2 volumes.
Seven short stories written in the 1930s feature high-noon
shoot-outs, canyon avalanches, cross-country chases, and
bare-knuckle brawls. Each stars a classic hero, horse, and
villain. Stories include "Reata's Peril Trek," "The Third
Bullet," and "Crazy Rhythm." Some violence. 1987.
BR 15472.
##

Max Brand's Best Western Stories, Volume 2.
BR 15474.
by Max Brand.
2 volumes.
Five stories of heroic deeds and fabulous adventures that
originally appeared in pulp magazines between 1919 and 1935.
In "Outcast" a man of mixed heritage fights to overcome
prejudice, while in "Cayenne Charlie" an overage easterner
tries to manage a ranch in an alien environment. Some
violence. 1985.
BR 15474.
##

_Amber's Mirage_ and Other Stories.
BR 15475.
by Zane Grey.
2 volumes.
Five short stories of survival in Arizona's deserts.
Includes "The Saga of the Ice Cream Kid," about the west
before barbed wire and railroads, and "Amber's Mirage," a
romantic tale of a young man's quest for gold and the woman
he loves. 1928.
BR 15475.
##

The Nominee.
BR 15477.
by Brian McGrory.
3 volumes.
With his newspaper facing a hostile takeover, Boston
investigative reporter Jack Flynn from _The Incumbent (BR
13563)_ postpones a damaging story on Massachusetts governor
Lance Randolph, nominee for U.S. attorney general, to help
publisher Paul Ellis. When Ellis is murdered, Flynn searches
for his killer. Violence and strong language. 2002.
BR 15477.
##

Vagabond: Grail Quest, Book 2.
BR 15478.
by Bernard Cornwell.
4 volumes.
England, 1340s. Thomas of Hookton searches for Christendom's
most precious relic, the Holy Grail, rumored to have once
been possessed by his family. Along the way, Thomas battles
Scottish invaders and other adversaries--including a
Dominican Inquisitor and his own cousin, who murdered
Thomas's father. Sequel to _The Archer's Tale (BR 14373)_.
Some violence. 2002.
BR 15478.
##

The Passion of Reverend Nash.
BR 15484.
by Rachel Basch.
3 volumes.
Haunted by the loss of two children and a failing marriage,
reverend Jordanna Nash adopts a congregation in her sister's
Connecticut town. When a young girl's pregnancy and a
mother's disappearance test Jordanna's faith, she must
overcome her own grief to help. Strong language and some
descriptions of sex. 2003.
BR 15484.
##

The Colour.
BR 15499.
by Rose Tremain.
3 volumes.
1860s. Newlywed English immigrants Joseph and Harriet
Blackstone seek their fortune in rugged New Zealand. Joseph,
who hides a terrible secret, grows increasingly distant and
eventually follows the gold rush to the west coast.
Abandoned, Harriet sets out after him--an odyssey that leads
to revelations of the heart. Some explicit descriptions of
sex. 2003.
BR 15499.
##

Star Wars: Survivor's Quest.
BR 15500.
by Timothy Zahn.
4 volumes.
Luke Skywalker and his wife, Mara, lead a diplomatic mission
to inspect wreckage of the Jedi expedition destroyed fifty
years ago by enemies. The mission, escorted by alien hosts
and a mysterious New Republic impersonator, arrives at the
remains and finds survivors. Follows the Corellian Trilogy
(RC 41492, 42545, 42546). 2004.
BR 15500.
##

The Deserter: Murder at Gettysburg.
BR 15503.
by Jane Langton.
2 volumes.
Homer Kelly's wife, Mary, wants to clear the name of her
Civil War ancestor, Seth Morgan, accused of deserting the
Union during the Battle of Gettysburg. In the narrative
alternating between past and present, the Kellys come to
suspect Seth's former Harvard classmate and comrade-at-arms,
Otis Pike. Some strong language. 2003.
BR 15503.
##

Shooter.
BR 15506.
by Walter Dean Myers.
1 volume.
A high school tragedy related from multiple viewpoints:
interviews, reports, and journals. Seventeen-year-old Len
shoots a football player to death, injures several others,
and commits suicide. His troubled friends recall Len's
problems. In the surrounding culture no one is completely
innocent nor completely guilty. For senior high readers.
2004.
BR 15506.
##

Now Is the Time to Open Your Heart.
BR 15510.
by Alice Walker.
2 volumes.
Fifty-seven-year-old writer Kate and her artist-lover Yolo
begin separate journeys: Yolo to Hawaii and Kate to the
Colorado and Amazon rivers. In the course of adventures
filled with snakes, shamans, and memories, both experience
spiritual alignment while cleansing themselves of
materialism, past loves, and tragedies. Some descriptions of
sex. 2004.
BR 15510.
##

Way Station.
BR 15514.
by Clifford D. Simak.
2 volumes.
As keeper of Earth's only galactic transfer station, 124-
year-old civil war veteran Enoch Wallace has been attending
to visitors and facilitating interstellar communication for
over a century. When his charts indicate Earth's impending
destruction, his alien friends offer a solution that seems
worse than the disaster itself. Hugo Award. 1963.
BR 15514.
##

Going to Bend.
BR 15515.
by Diane Hammond.
3 volumes.
In the fishing village of Hubbard, Oregon, Petie and Rose--
both thirty-one and mothers, girlhood friends, and partners
in business--struggle with their dark past and cloudy
present. While the women write and illustrate a cookbook,
their hidden talents emerge, radically changing their lives
and their futures. Strong language. 2004.
BR 15515.
##

Sometimes a Great Notion.
BR 15536.
by Ken Kesey.
6 volumes.
Oregon timber country. A bitter labor strike against old
Henry Stamper's lumber empire intensifies his two sons'
rivalry. Hank, rough-hewn like his father, is eventually
provoked to fight his sensitive half-brother Lee, who has
returned home intent on revenge. Some descriptions of sex
and some strong language. 1963.
BR 15536.
##

Murder on the _Marmora_.
BR 15538.
by Conrad Allen.
3 volumes.
1908. Aboard the Egypt-bound cruise ship _Marmora_, American
detective George Dillman and partner Genevieve Masefield, by
investigating a jewel theft, become bodyguards of the
English princess royal. When a body is found, George and
Genevieve inquire among the passengers, including
Genevieve's ex-fiancé, to find connections. Some violence.
2004.
BR 15538.
##

Something Happened.
BR 15540.
by Joseph Heller.
5 volumes.
Disillusioned with the life he once had such high hopes for,
forty-year-old sales executive Bob Slocum tries to come to
grips with his work and family. In a stream-of-consciousness
style, Bob ruminates about his past, present, and future
until something unimaginable happens. Explicit descriptions
of sex and strong language. 1966.
BR 15540.
##

Little Bitty Lies.
BR 15541.
by Mary Kay Andrews.
4 volumes.
When Mary Bliss McGowan's husband abandons her and their
teenage daughter, she stages his death to collect insurance
money. After that, dodging bill collectors and suitors (one
ex-cop included), she discovers she's not the only one who's
been untruthful. Some descriptions of sex and some strong
language. 2003.
BR 15541.
##

The General's Daughter.
BR 15542.
by Nelson DeMille.
4 volumes.
Captain Ann Campbell, the base commander's daughter, is
found dead on the Fort Hadley, Georgia, firing range. Army
criminal investigator Paul Brenner and rape specialist
Cynthia Sunhill, Brenner's ex-girlfriend, must handle the
politically explosive case. They uncover Campbell's shocking
secret life. Descriptions of sex and strong language. 1992.
BR 15542.
##

Birds of a Feather.
BR 15546.
by Jacqueline Winspear.
3 volumes.
London, 1930s. Wealthy Joseph Waite hires private
investigator Maisie Dobbs, a former battlefield nurse, to
find his missing thirty-two-year-old daughter, Charlotte.
Maisie finds chilling links to Scotland Yard inspector
Stratton's latest murder case and the Great War's terrible
legacy. 2004.
BR 15546.
##

The Shop on Blossom Street.
BR 15547.
by Debbie Macomber.
3 volumes.
Three diverse women--tough girl Alix, hopeful mother Carol,
and unhappy wife Jacqueline--attend a beginners' knitting
class hosted by cancer survivor Lydia in her Seattle yarn
store.  All four become friends and make unexpected
discoveries about themselves and each other. Some explicit
descriptions of sex. 2004.
BR 15547.
##

The Christmas Thief: A Regan Reilly Mystery.
BR 15551.
by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark.
1 volume.
During a vacation weekend in Stowe, Vermont, lottery winner
Alvirah Meehan and her friend private investigator Regan
Reilly become involved in the case of a stolen Christmas
tree. The tree, designated for Rockefeller Center, connects
a scam artist, a swindled waitress, and a sparkling
treasure. 2004.
BR 15551.
##

San Francisco Earthquake, 1906.
BR 15565.
by Kathleen Duey.
2 volumes.
San Francisco, 1906. Chambermaid Sierra O'Neille works in
the hotel where rancher Joseph Harlan and his family are
staying. While rescuing others when disaster strikes, the
two are thrown together and fall in love. For junior and
senior high readers. 1999.
BR 15565.
##

Away Laughing on a Fast Camel: Even More Confessions of
Georgia Nicolson.
BR 15567.
by Louise Rennison.
2 volumes.
Following _Dancing in My Nuddy-pants (BR 14686)_ English
schoolgirl Georgia Nicolson continues her journal. She
describes her trying existence at school and home and
falling in love with a local Italian American singer. For
senior high readers. 2004.
BR 15567.
##

Trace: Dr. Kay Scarpetta Mysteries.
BR 15588.
by Patricia Cornwell.
3 volumes.
Former medical examiner Kay Scarpetta returns to Richmond,
Virginia, to advise on the mysterious death of a teenage
girl whose father is associated with Homeland Security.
Meanwhile Kay's lover, Benton, and niece Lucy investigate
another case--which later appears connected to Kay's.
Violence and strong language. Bestseller 2004.
BR 15588.
##

A Stranger Is Watching.
BR 15589.
by Mary Higgins Clark.
2 volumes.
Manhattan. Steve Peterson eagerly awaits the execution of
Ronald Thompson, the man convicted of his wife Nina's brutal
murder. But days before the scheduled event, Steve's six-
year-old asthmatic son, Neil, and his journalist girlfriend,
Sharon, are kidnapped, possibly by the actual killer.
Violence and some strong language. 1977.
BR 15589.
##

Jacob Have I Loved.
BR 15613.
by Katherine Paterson.
2 volumes.
Louise has always lived in the shadow of her beautiful twin
sister on a tiny Chesapeake Bay Island. Tomboy Louise grows
up hating delicate Caroline, who robs her of her friends,
her hopes for schooling, and even the boy she loves. For
junior and senior high readers. Newbery Medal. 1980.
BR 15613.
##

Calder Promise: Calder Saga, Volume 8.
BR 15614.
by Janet Dailey.
3 volumes.
Laura Calder meets two men in Europe who pursue her: Boone
Rutledge, son of a Texas billionaire, and Sebastian
Dunshill, earl of Crawford. One man is a threat to her
family. Sequel to _Shifting Calder Wind (BR 15298)_. Some
explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2004.
BR 15614.
##

Echoes.
BR 15615.
by Danielle Steel.
3 volumes.
In 1915 Beata Wittgenstein, eldest daughter of an affluent
German Jewish family, runs off to Switzerland to marry
Antoine de Vallerand, a young French Catholic officer. But
her newfound happiness and the future of her children are
threatened by war. Bestseller 2004.
BR 15615.
##

Where Do We Go from Here?.
BR 15619.
by Doris Dörrie.
2 volumes.
Fred Kaufmann and his wife are struggling against infidelity
and dissatisfaction, and their daughter Franka wants to
leave home for a lama. Attempting to dissuade her, Fred
follows his daughter to a Buddhist retreat where, despite
himself, he finds answers to his midlife crisis. Some
descriptions of sex. 2000.
BR 15619.
##

The Broker.
BR 15632.
by John Grisham.
3 volumes.
The CIA pressures lame-duck president Arthur Morgan into
releasing jailed lobbyist Joel Backman, who obtained stolen
satellite software six years before. The Agency spirits
Backman to Italy to use him for bait, leaks his whereabouts-
-and waits to see who kills him. Some violence and some
strong language. Bestseller 2005.
BR 15632.
##

###
_Books for Children_
The following books were recently produced for the NLS
program.  To order books, contact your braille-lending
library.

_Nonfiction_

Ben Franklin's Almanac: Being a True Account of the Good
Gentleman's Life.
BR 15237.
by Candace Fleming.
2 volumes.
Biography of Benjamin Franklin, who lived from 1706 to 1790,
emphasizing his many accomplishments as a writer, printer,
statesman, and inventor. Includes amusing stories and
anecdotes, excerpts from his autobiography and other papers,
family letters, and newspaper articles that reveal the
breadth of Franklin's interests. For grades 5-8 and older
readers. 2003.
BR 15237.
##

Lizards: Weird and Wonderful.
BR 15404.
by Margery Facklam.
1 volume.
Introduces thirteen remarkable lizards from the Komodo
dragon and marine iguana to the glass snake and Gila
monster. Presents facts and true stories about each. Also
provides tips on how to tell the difference between lizards
and similar reptiles. For grades 3-6. 2003.
BR 15404.
##

Shen of the Sea: Chinese Stories for Children.
BR 15509.
by Arthur Bowie Chrisman.
1 volume.
Sixteen humorous stories capturing the spirit of Chinese
culture and wisdom. In the title piece, a child learns of an
ancient king who tried to save his city from flood by
outsmarting the water demons. Other tales depict chopstick
origins and more. For grades 5-8 and older readers. Newbery
Medal. 1925.
BR 15509.
##

Blind Boone, Piano Prodigy.
BR 15511.
by Madge Harrah.
1 volume.
Presents the life and career of blind pianist John William
"Blind" Boone (1864-1927), who toured the United States
after the Civil War bringing ragtime, classical, and African
American music to the concert stage for forty-seven years.
For grades 5-8. 2004.
BR 15511.
##

Rescue Dogs.
BR 15570.
by Judith Janda Presnall.
1 volume.
Examines rescue dogs' role in natural disasters as well as
after terrorist attacks. Describes the breeds, training,
abilities, and handlers' selection process for choosing
suitable animals. Offers anecdotes of actual cases. For
grades 4-7. 2003.
BR 15570.
##

Wild Turkeys: Returning Wildlife.
BR 15636.
by John E. Becker.
1 volume.
Describes the wild turkey of North America, its near
extinction and successful comeback, as well as the ongoing
efforts to preserve this species. For grades 4-7. 2003.
BR 15636.
##

The North American Beaver: Returning Wildlife.
BR 15637.
by John E. Becker.
1 volume.
Discusses the history of beaver trapping and the fur trade,
the near extinction of the species, and reintroduction
efforts leading to the beaver's comeback. Also describes the
animal's habits and habitat. For grades 4-7. 2002.
BR 15637.
##

The Bald Eagle: Returning Wildlife.
BR 15639.
by John E. Becker.
1 volume.
Discusses the near extinction and subsequent restoration of
the bald eagle, its role in nature, and the future of this
protected bird. For grades 4-7. 2002.
BR 15639.
##

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book.
BR 16006.
by Yuyi Morales.
1 volume.
In this version of a traditional tale, Señor Calavera, a
skeleton, arrives at Grandma Beetle's door, ready to take
her to the next life. But after helping her count in English
and Spanish as she makes her birthday preparations, he
changes his mind. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. Pura
Belpré Award. 2003.
BR 16006.
##

###
_Fiction_

The Wish List.
BR 15391.
by Eoin Colfer.
2 volumes.
Fourteen-year-old Meg and friend Belch try robbing old man
Lowrie McCall. A mistake costs them their lives, but St.
Peter gives Meg a chance at redemption returning her as a
spirit to help Mr. McCall. Belch's spirit, however, tries to
stop her. Some violence. For grades 6-9 and older readers.
2000.
BR 15391.
##

Tehanu.
BR 15416.
by Ursula K. Le Guin.
2 volumes.
Tenar, former priestess of Atuan and now the widow of a
Gontish farmer, lives quietly caring for her foster daughter
Therru. Soon another needs Tenar's care: Ged, no longer
archmage of Earthsea, returns home half-conscious--on a
dragon's back. Sequel to _The Farthest Shore (BR 15408)_.
For grades 6-9. 1990.
BR 15416.
##

Eagle Strike.
BR 15439.
by Anthony Horowitz.
2 volumes.
After a close call with an assassin in France fourteen-year-
old spy Alex Rider investigates pop star philanthropist
Damian Cray. Cray's new video game conceals something
sinister involving drugs, nuclear missiles, and _Air Force
One_. And then a family secret is revealed. For grades 6-9.
2003.
BR 15439.
##

Danger at the Wild West Show.
BR 15440.
by Alison Hart.
1 volume.
Kentucky, 1886. Twelve-year-old Rose sets out to prove her
older brother Zane's innocence when he is accused of
shooting a politician during a wild west show in Louisville.
For grades 4-7. 2003.
BR 15440.
##

The Midwife's Apprentice.
BR 15443.
by Karen Cushman.
1 volume.
In medieval England, a homeless girl known only as Brat is
taken in by the village's sharp-tempered midwife. Through
obstacles and hardship, the waif eventually earns what she
wants most: a full belly, a contented heart, a purpose, and
a name: Alyce. For grades 6-9. Newbery Award. 1995.
BR 15443.
##

Dear Mr. Henshaw.
BR 15447.
by Beverly Cleary.
1 volume.
Leigh, a troubled sixth-grade boy, begins writing letters to
his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, as part of a school
assignment. Leigh soon discovers he likes writing,
especially when Mr. Henshaw responds. The author's
surprising answers to Leigh's questions change the boy's
life forever. For grades 4-7. Newbery Medal. 1983.
BR 15447.
##

The Book of Three.
BR 15453.
by Lloyd Alexander.
2 volumes.
Taran, assistant pig keeper in the land of Prydain, joins
Prince Gwydion to fight against the evil that threatens the
kingdom. For grades 5-8. 1964.
BR 15453.
##

The Black Cauldron.
BR 15454.
by Lloyd Alexander.
2 volumes.
In this sequel to _The Book of Three (BR 15453)_ Taran and
his companions vow to destroy the cauldron that is the
source of power for Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death. For
grades 5-8. 1965.
BR 15454.
##

The Castle of Llyr.
BR 15455.
by Lloyd Alexander.
1 volume.
Taran is now assistant pig keeper for the wizard Dallben.
His friend Princess Eilonwy, en route to the Isle of Mona,
is captured by wicked enchantress Achren, and Taran's
companions set out to rescue her. Sequel to _The Black
Cauldron (BR 15454)_. For grades 5-8. 1966.
BR 15455.
##

Taran Wanderer.
BR 15456.
by Lloyd Alexander.
2 volumes.
When Taran, former assistant pig keeper, leaves home in
search of his birthright, he travels throughout Prydain,
where he meets all sorts of people and dreams of winning the
hand of Princess Eilonwy. Sequel to _The Castle of Llyr (BR
15455)_. For grades 5-8. 1967.
BR 15456.
##

The High King.
BR 15457.
by Lloyd Alexander.
2 volumes.
Taran leads his companions on a last great quest against
evil when the enchanted sword Dyrnwyn falls into the hands
of Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death. Sequel to _Taran
Wanderer (BR 15456)_. For grades 5-8. Newbery Medal. 1968.
BR 15457.
##

The House of Windjammer, Book 1.
BR 15467.
by V.A. Richardson.
2 volumes.
Amsterdam, 1636. Adam, the fourteen-year-old heir to his
late father's estate, seeks a way to keep his family's
trading fleet afloat. His banker and greedy uncle harass him
while speculation in tulips sweeps the nation and upsets the
economy. For grades 6-9. 2003.
BR 15467.
##

Blue Fingers: A Ninja's Tale.
BR 15473.
by Cheryl Aylward Whitesel.
2 volumes.
Japan, 1545. Twelve-year-old peasant Koji, lucky to be
offered an apprenticeship to a royal dye maker, proves
untalented and is dismissed. Running away in disgrace, Koji
encounters ninjas, who capture and train him. He is a
reluctant recruit until the local lord destroys his village.
For grades 5-8. 2004.
BR 15473.
##

Keeper of the Night.
BR 15485.
by Kimberly Willis Holt.
1 volume.
Guam. Eighth-grader Isabel and her younger siblings, Olivia
and Frank, try to cope after their mother commits suicide.
When Frank has a crisis, their father and aunt realize the
children need professional assistance. All three begin to
heal with the help of a psychiatrist. For grades 6-9. 2003.
BR 15485.
##

Or Give Me Death: A Novel of Patrick Henry's Family.
BR 15566.
by Ann Rinaldi.
2 volumes.
Virginia, 1771-1778. Revolutionary War patriot Patrick
Henry's oldest child, Patsy, cares for her younger siblings
and manages the family plantation after her mother becomes
mentally ill. The sixteen-year-old and her sister Anne
chronicle their trying life and their fear of inheriting
their mother's madness. For grades 6-9. 2003.
BR 15566.
##

Wizard at Work: A Novel in Stories.
BR 15572.
by Vivian Vande Velde.
1 volume.
A young wizard who runs a school looks forward to a quiet
summer off, but instead he is drawn into several adventures.
He helps a village full of delinquent unicorns, rescues an
uncooperative damsel, and finds a husband for a princess.
For grades 3-6. 2003.
BR 15572.
##

Cam Jansen and the Tennis Trophy Mystery.
BR 15578.
by David A. Adler.
1 volume.
Cam Jansen and her friend Eric Shelton investigate the case
of the gym teacher's missing trophy. Cam uses her
photographic memory to recall clues. For grades 3-6. 2003.
BR 15578.
##

Arthur's Perfect Christmas.
BR 15596.
by Marc Brown.
1 volume.
Arthur had hoped for an ideal holiday, but it doesn't snow,
he accidently breaks his mom's gift, and his father makes an
unusual dinner. Arthur starts to think he'll have a terrible
Christmas until an unexpected guest changes everything. For
grades K-3. 2000.
BR 15596.
##

Eeyore Has a Birthday.
BR 15620.
retold by Stephen Krensky.
1 volume.
In this adaptation of the famous classic by A.A. Milne
(1882-1956), Eeyore the donkey feels ignored on his birthday
so Pooh and Piglet attempt to provide a proper celebration.
Beginning chapter book. For grades 2-4. 2001.
BR 15620.
##

Henry and Mudge and the Funny Lunch: The Twenty-fourth Book
of Their Adventures.
BR 15621.
by Cynthia Rylant.
1 volume.
Henry and his dad plan a special juicy and crunchy lunch for
Mother's Day. Their dog Mudge joins them in the supermarket
and helps select the food. Beginning chapter book. For
grades K-3. 2004.
BR 15621.
##

Gathering Blue.
BR 15631.
by Lois Lowry.
2 volumes.
When Kira is suddenly orphaned, the neighbors try to expel
her because of her lame leg. Kira's talent for embroidery
saves her life but places her under the Council of
Guardians, which also controls Thomas, a young woodcarver,
and Jo, a little tyke with a wondrous voice. For grades 5-8.
2000.
BR 15631.
##

Flight to Freedom: First Person Fiction.
BR 15633.
by Ana Veciana-Suarez.
1 volume.
Writing in her diary thirteen-year-old Yara describes life
with her family in Havana, Cuba, in 1967. She continues her
journal after they escape from the communist island to join
relatives in Miami, Florida, where Yara, speaking only
Spanish, attends a new school. For grades 6-9. 2002.
BR 15633.
##

Rebel.
BR 15642.
by Willo Davis Roberts.
1 volume.
When her grandmother leaves the assisted-living home and
opens a college-student rooming house fourteen-year-old
Amanda Jane "Rebel" Keeling helps her. Rebel's attraction to
fifteen-year-old Moses, the grandson of Gram's business
partner, embroils the teenagers in a mystery. For grades 6-
9. 2003.
BR 15642.
##

The Princess Knight.
BR 16003.
by Cornelia Funke.
1 volume.
Motherless Princess Violetta, although small, learns to
fight and joust like her three older brothers. When she
turns sixteen, her father holds a jousting tournament and
plans that Violetta will marry the winner. Violetta,
however, disguises herself as a knight and wins all the
matches. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 2001.
BR 16003.
##

The Little Island.
BR 16004.
by Margaret Wise Brown.
1 volume.
The story of a small island, its weather, and the creatures
who visit it, including a kitten. PRINT/BRAILLE. For
preschool-grade 2. Caldecott Medal. 1946.
BR 16004.
##

Tracks in the Snow.
BR 16005.
by Wong Herbert Yee.
1 volume.
A little girl goes outside in winter to follow markings in
the snow, trying to discover who made them. PRINT/BRAILLE.
For preschool-grade 2. 2003.
BR 16005.
##

###
_Foreign Language Books_
The following titles are available in the languages
designated.

_Spanish_
El Jesús que Nunca Conocí  (The Jesus I Never Knew).
BR 15365.
por Philip Yancey.por
3 volumes.
Presenta un analisís de Jesús que pasa más allá de la
historia popular y tradicional.  Examina las cuestiones de
los antecedentes y la identidad de Jesús; repasa la misión y
el mensaje de Jesús sobre la Tierra; e interpreta la razón
de su vida y su legado para la humanidad.(An in-depth
examination of Jesus that goes beyond the traditional and
popular image. Discusses the questions of his background and
identity; considers his mission, message, and journey while
on earth; and interprets the meaning of his life and its
legacy for humankind.) 1955.
BR 15365.
##


###
Braille Magazines

The following is a list of braille magazines in the Library
of Congress program.  Readers may obtain free personal
subscriptions to these magazines.  For information
on the availability of specific magazines, consult the
library that send you braille materials.
                                                          
Boys' Life (for children and teens, monthly)
Braille Book Review (bimonthly)
Braille Chess Magazine (British quarterly)
Braille Music Magazine (British monthly)
Conundrum (British monthly)
Cooking Light (10 issues) 
ESPN: The Magazine (biweekly)
Harper's (literary; monthly)
Health Newsletters (includes Harvard Health Letter, Mayo 
      Clinic Health Letter, and University of California at
     Berkeley Wellness Letter, monthly) 
Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine (monthly)
Ladies' Home Journal (monthly)
Martha Stewart Living (home and entertaining; 10 issues)
Muse (for children; 10 issues) 
The Musical Mainstream (quarterly)
National Geographic (monthly)
The New York Times Large Type Weekly (weekly)
News (NLS quarterly)
Parenting (monthly except January and July)
PC World (personal computing; monthly) 
Playboy (monthly)
Poetry (11 issues)
Popular Communications (monthly)
Popular Mechanics (monthly)
Popular Music Lead Sheets (irregular)
Rolling Stone (popular culture; 24 issues)
Science News (weekly)
Seventeen (for teens; monthly)
Short Stories (British monthly)
Spider: The Magazine for Children (monthly) 
Stone Soup (children's writings; 5 issues)
Update (NLS quarterly)
The Washington Post Book World (weekly)

The following sports schedules are also available:
American Baseball League Schedule
National Baseball League Schedule
National Basketball Association Schedule
National Football League Schedule
National Hockey League Schedule
Women's National Basketball Association Schedule