Braille Book Review May-June 2009 Volume 78, Number 3 _Braille Book Review_ is published bimonthly in large- print,braille, and computer diskette formats and distributedfree 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 ordercatalogs 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 2009 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 NLS Flash, a newsletter created to bring current information on NLS progress in digital technology to patrons, library staff, and other interested individuals. NLS Flash March 2009 Volume 5 Issue 1 Patrons and libraries to participate in prelaunch testing of the digital talking-book system First phase of digital system rollout The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has entered the first phase of the rollout of digital talking books! This spring, NLS will administer a much-anticipated national prelaunch test of the digital talking-book system to make certain there are no unforeseen challenges before mass production begins. This prelaunch will enable NLS and network staff to evaluate players, book cartridges, and mailing containers in normal usage mode. Input from network libraries, machine-lending agencies, and patrons will help to ensure a smooth and successful digital transition. Where will the testing occur? Slated for April, the prelaunch testing will begin when NLS distributes 5,000 digital talking-book players to eight regional libraries across the country and to JBI International (formerly Jewish Braille Institute). The libraries will then send the machines to selected patrons for use in their homes. The selected libraries will distribute the players and book cartridges to their most active readers. Patron and library staff participation in the prelaunch test will allow the players and books to be used in a wide variety of settings. This real-world use of the system will help further identify any serious latent problems. All other regional and subregional libraries, four machine- lending agencies, and three consumer organizations will each receive one standard player and one advanced player for testing. What type of books will be included? The NLS Collection Development Section identified 54 digital talking-book (DB) titles—fiction and nonfiction—for patrons to read using the digital talking-book machines during the prelaunch test. Each of the eight libraries participating in the test will receive multiple copies of all 54 titles, and all other network libraries will receive one DB title, one blank cartridge, a patch cord for downloading books, and at a later point, two copies of each of the 54 titles. The prelaunch test will also allow NLS to evaluate the mailing containers and tracking systems, which will help ensure an effective distribution and collection process. The expanded NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) will also be tested during the final weeks of the prelaunch. What is the process for reporting results? Feedback from prelaunch testing will be handled by an independent expert consultant, who has developed a process for reporting and collecting data on any issues that may arise concerning the players, cartridges, or mailing containers. The consultant will analyze the data to identify any trends or patterns that should be investigated prior to mass production. NLS will determine whether any modifications will be required before instructing Shinano Kenshi Corporation of Japan, the contractor hired to manufacture the digital talking-book players, to begin full production. The players will be produced at an initial rate of 26,000 players per month for four months and then 20,000 per month. Network to receive training tools for digital system and Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) Recently the Library of Congress awarded SI International a contract to develop training techniques and materials to prepare NLS network libraries for acquainting patrons with the digital talking-book system. Currently SI International, in collaboration with the NLS Network Division, is developing an online training site, complete with instructional tools, for using the digital system for beta testing during the prelaunch evaluation. Feedback will be collected, analyzed, and incorporated before the training site is launched. The contractor is also preparing training materials for using BARD. Prelaunch test participants: Regional libraries Braille Institute Library Services, Los Angeles, California Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services, Daytona Beach Iowa Department for the Blind, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Des Moines Braille and Talking Book Library, Watertown, Massachusetts Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Jefferson City, Missouri Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, New York, New York Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Austin Utah State Library Division, Program for the Blind and Disabled, Salt Lake City Consumer groups American Council of the Blind, Washington, D.C. Blinded Veterans Association, Washington, D.C. National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, Maryland All other network libraries will receive two digital talking-book players. Newsstand The following announcement 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. The item mentioned, however, is not part of the NLS program, and its listing does not imply endorsement. Free distance-education courses Hadley School for the Blind offers more than one hundred free distance-education courses online. Students can enroll when they wish and receive personalized instruction from a Hadley teacher. Hadley offers a wide range of courses in adult continuing education, high school academic subjects, family education, and professional development studies on topics from braille to independent living. The school has partnered with the University of Utah to offer college-level courses for professionals who work with blind individuals. For more information visit the Hadley web site at www.hadley.edu. ### Books for Adults_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. _Note:_ For the information 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 occurrence, as in "some strong language." Adult Nonfiction Chocolate Chocolate BR 16915 by Lisa Yockelson 5 volumes More than two hundred recipes from the author of Baking by Flavor (BR 15148), focusing on chocolate in all its many forms. Includes a glossary of chocolate terms, an extensive list of brands and forms of chocolate, and recipes for cakes, bread, scones, cookies, brownies, truffles, and more. 2005. BR 16915 ## One Hundred Words to Make You Sound Smart BR 17406 by American Heritage Dictionaries 1 volume A compilation of words, from "accolade" to "zealous," that can be used to enhance everyday conversation. Provides examples of incorporating each selection into daily dialog without sounding pompous or technical. Includes etymological information on changes in usage over time. 2006. BR 17406 ## Real Food for Dogs: Fifty Vet-Approved Recipes to Please the Canine Gastronome BR 17417 by Arden Moore 1 volume Nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals to make as a tasty substitute for commercial dog food. Includes recipes for Bow-Wow Brownies, Doggie Delights, Fruity Pup-sicles, Mutt Meatballs, Canine Casserole, Pawsitively Pleasing Pasta, Pooch Pancakes, and more. Includes sections on treats, vegetarian dishes, and diets for pets with special needs. 2001. BR 17417 ## Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine BR 17422 by Mayo Clinic 3 volumes Using clinical experience, research, and testing, the Mayo Clinic addresses the effectiveness and appropriateness of the use of natural remedies in place of or in conjunction with traditional medicine. Covers items such as vitamins, prayer, acupuncture, massage therapy, Chinese medicine, yoga, and herbal supplements. Discusses twenty common conditions. 2007. BR 17422 ## The Adventures of a Cello BR 17460 by Carlos Prieto 4 volumes Internationally acclaimed concert cellist details the history of the Piatti cello, made by Antonio Stradivari in 1720. Chronicles its owners and travels from eighteenth- century Italy to twenty-first-century North America. Discusses violin making, cello repertoire, and composers and cellists. 1998. BR 17460 ## Early Latino Ballplayers in the United States: Major, Minor, and Negro Leagues, 1901–1949 BR 17463 by Nick C. Wilson 3 volumes Author uses archival materials and interviews to highlight the influence of foreign-born Hispanic players on American baseball teams before the major leagues were integrated by Jackie Robinson. Presents profiles of athletes such as José Méndez, Cristóbal Torriente, and Roberto Ortiz. For senior high and older readers. 2005. BR 17463 ## Supreme Discomfort: The Divided Soul of Clarence Thomas BR 17466 by Kevin Merida and Michael A. Fletcher 4 volumes Two African American Washington Post reporters examine the character and career of conservative Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas, who succeeded Thurgood Marshall on the bench in 1991. They explore Thomas's childhood and education, postulate about his estrangement from the black community, and review his rulings. 2007. BR 17466 ## The Last Mrs. Astor: A New York Story BR 17471 by Frances Kiernan 3 volumes Biography of the New York socialite and philanthropist Brooke Astor, born in 1902. As the third wife of Vincent Astor, she inherited his fortune in 1959. Discusses her struggle over the terms of Vincent's will, her dedication to the charitable organization named for her husband, and her enjoyment of social functions. 2007. BR 17471 ## Inside Alzheimer's: How to Hear and Honor Connections with a Person Who Has Dementia BR 17473 by Nancy D. Pearce 2 volumes Medical social worker offers a guide to sharing meaningful moments with Alzheimer's or dementia patients who may have difficulty communicating. Discusses facilitating relationships using six basic principles: intent, freeing oneself of judgments and expectations, love, openness to being loved, silence, and thankfulness. Includes anecdotes, exercises, and resources. 2007. BR 17473 ## Epilepsy: Information for You and Those Who Care about You; a Cleveland Clinic Guide BR 17506 by Elaine Wyllie 2 volumes Specialist provides practical guidelines for managing this physical disorder. Discusses causes of and response to seizures, long-term health prospects, psychological issues, and innovative therapies. Covers epilepsy in children, seniors, and women as well as day-to-day concerns involving social, occupational, and lifestyle choices such as driving and dating. 2008. BR 17506 ## Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm during the Great Depression BR 17554 by Mildred Armstrong Kalish 2 volumes Retired English professor's memoir of her childhood in 1930s rural Iowa, a time Kalish describes as "quite a romp." Recalls years of deprivation and hard work mitigated by simple rewards. Discusses daily life and the influence of religion and literature, and describes family members whose lessons shaped her upbringing. 2007. BR 17554 ## The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival among America's Great White Sharks BR 17567 by Susan Casey 3 volumes Account of the author's journey to the Farallon Islands, a renowned refuge of great white sharks that lies twenty- seven miles from San Francisco. Casey, an editor, relates joining scientists Peter Pyle and Scot Anderson as they study the predators in their natural habitat. She describes shark attacks and the archipelago's beauty. Some strong language. 2005. BR 17567 ## The Body Has a Mind of Its Own: How Body Maps in Your Brain Help You Do (Almost) Everything Better BR 17677 by Sandra Blakeslee and Matthew Blakeslee 3 volumes Mother and son science writers describe how the brain systematically maps the body's anatomy and its extensions, such as canes, into the outside world. They discuss what these body maps do and what happens when one or more of the maps are damaged. 2007. BR 17677 ## Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone BR 17685 edited by Jenni Ferrari-Adler 2 volumes Ferrari-Adler invited twenty-six other writers, including food experts, to submit essays about odd but satisfying solo meals they've concocted. Nora Ephron describes the joy of potatoes, the novelist Laurie Colwin's title essay expounds upon the multifaceted eggplant, and a mother dreams of dining alone. Some strong language. 2007. BR 17685 ## Sex, Sleep, Eat, Drink, Dream: A Day in the Life of Your Body BR 17690 by Jennifer Ackerman 3 volumes Author uses scientific findings to explain the intricate processes that occur inside the human body during a typical day. Topics include the effects of caffeine, the relationship between circadian rhythms and mental performance, and the role of the more than two pounds of microorganisms that the body harbors. Descriptions of sex. 2007. BR 17690 ## Mirage: Napoleon's Scientists and the Unveiling of Egypt BR 17691 by Nina Burleigh 3 volumes Chronicles Napoleon's conquest of Egypt and the scientific research conducted there on his behalf. Highlights one of the earliest large-scale interactions between Western civilians and Islam in the modern era. 2007. BR 17691 ## The Skin between Us: A Memoir of Race, Beauty, and Belonging BR 17719 by Kym Ragusa 2 volumes Documentary filmmaker reminisces about her childhood in Harlem, during which she was raised alternately by her Sicilian and African American grandmothers. Describes growing up biracially and biculturally in the 1960s and 1970s and her black family's conflicted view of their race. Some strong language. 2006. BR 17719 ## The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism BR 17756 by Timothy Keller 3 volumes Presbyterian minister uses literature, philosophy, and pop culture to offer his reasons for believing in God unconditionally. Discusses the notion of one true religion, scientific refutation of Christianity, social injustice, and suffering. Presents justification for faith and discusses the knowledge of God and the problem of sin. 2008. BR 17756 ## Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation BR 17787 by Cokie Roberts 5 volumes News analyst Roberts portrays influential American women who lived between the 1797 inauguration of John Adams and that of his son John Quincy in 1825. Highlights accomplishments of first ladies, reformers, educators, writers, and explorers, including Abigail Adams and Sac- agawea. Companion to Founding Mothers (BR 15555). Bestseller. 2008. BR 17787 ## I Was Told There'd Be Cake: Essays BR 17792 by Sloane Crosley 2 volumes Comedic autobiographical essays from a contributor to the New York Times. Topics include her quest for a one-night stand, her horror over being a bridesmaid, and locking herself out of both her new and old New York City apartments on moving day. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17792 ## A Civilization of Love: What Every Catholic Can Do to Transform the World BR 17793 by Carl Anderson 2 volumes The head of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization, discusses the goals of the late Pope John Paul II and his successor Benedict XVI. Anderson uses their ideas to encourage citizens to embrace a world of love and to live in peace and happiness. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17793 ## ### Books for Adults_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. _Note:_ For the information 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 occurrence, as in "some strong language." Adult Fiction The Great Train Robbery BR 17404 by Michael Crichton 2 volumes Fictionalized account of the 1855 theft of a fortune in gold bullion destined for English troops in Crimea. London mobster Edward Pierce assembles a host of professional criminals to execute the heist, including snakesman "Clean Willy" Williams, safecracker Robert Agar, and con artist Miss Miriam. Some violence. 1975. BR 17404 ## A Country Affair: A Barleybridge Novel, Book 1 BR 17420 by Rebecca Shaw 2 volumes Barleybridge, England. Nineteen-year-old Kate Howard becomes a receptionist for a veterinary practice after she fails her vet school exam. Kate gets involved with the animals and staff, develops a crush on Australian animal doctor Scott Spencer, and encounters trouble when she turns down her boyfriend's marriage proposal. 2001. BR 17420 ## The Cleaner BR 17435 by Brett Battles 3 volumes Loner Jonathan Quinn makes his living as a professional cleaner—disposing of unwanted bodies. But when he's dispatched to a Colorado cabin to investigate an arson case, Quinn finds his life in danger. He hopes a woman from his past can help. Some violence and some strong language. 2007. BR 17435 ## Miss Julia Strikes Back BR 17440 by Ann B. Ross 3 volumes Jewelry is stolen from Miss Julia and Hazel Marie during a house party. Acting on a tip, Miss Julia heads to Florida with Little Lloyd, Etta Mae Wiggins, and alcoholic private investigator Frank Tuttle to recover the goods. 2007. BR 17440 ## Tug of War: A Detective Joe Sandilands Mystery BR 17442 by Barbara Cleverly 2 volumes France, 1926. Scotland Yard detective Joe Sandilands investigates the identity of an English-speaking amnesiac veteran hospitalized in Reims. Four civilians, including a vineyard-owning widow, claim to be related to the man, who is to receive a war pension. Sandilands interviews the candidates and uncovers an old murder. 2006. BR 17442 ## The Pesthouse BR 17443 by Jim Crace 2 volumes After America is turned into a barren, lawless wasteland, people flee to Europe. Franklin Lopez is stopping to recover from an injury when he meets Margaret at a pesthouse—where she's suffering from a deadly infection. The two gradually fall in love and seek refuge together. Some violence. 2007. BR 17443 ## New England White BR 17457 by Stephen L. Carter 5 volumes Black university head Lemaster Carlyle, former roommate of the U.S. president, and Lemaster's wife Julia, the divinity school dean, are embroiled in scandal after a professor at their New England college is murdered. The couple deals with racial tension and political intrigue. Some strong language. 2007. BR 17457 ## Forged in the Fire BR 17459 by Ann Turnbull 2 volumes England, 1665. Cast out by his father for becoming a Quaker, Will spends three years in London saving money to marry Susanna. But when the plague paralyzes the city, the couple must postpone their reunion. Sequel to No Shame, No Fear (BR 16263). For senior high readers. 2007. BR 17459 ## Tess of the D'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman BR 17469 by Thomas Hardy 4 volumes Victorian England. When her impoverished family discovers its noble heritage, young Tess appeals to wealthy, supposed relatives, the D'Urbervilles, and falls victim to Alec. Later, Tess marries the vicar's son, Angel Clare. But Angel rejects Tess for her scandalous past, forcing her back to Alec—with tragic results. 1891. BR 17469 ## Country Lovers: A Barleybridge Novel, Book 3 BR 17470 by Rebecca Shaw 2 volumes Barleybridge, England. Veterinary hospital receptionist Kate awaits the results of her university entrance exam while she contends with clients both animal and human. Meanwhile, Dr. Brown's wife has a baby, manager Joy and her husband battle old demons, and Dr. Hughes falls in love with a farmer's daughter. 2003. BR 17470 ## Cat o' Nine Tales: And Other Stories BR 17472 by Jeffrey Archer 2 volumes Twelve short tales, nine of which were inspired by the author's two-year stint in English prisons. In "Don't Drink the Water" a businessman tries to poison his wife on a trip to St. Petersburg—with unintended consequences. In "The Commissioner" a con artist in India targets the police chief. 2007. BR 17472 ## Murder on K Street: A Capital Crimes Novel BR 17558 by Margaret Truman 3 volumes U.S. senator Lyle Simmons discovers his wife Jeannette murdered in their Washington, D.C., mansion. Retired assistant U.S. attorney Phil Rotondi, who once dated Jeannette and who has been Lyle's friend since college, helps him. As police investigate the politician's dealings, additional deaths occur. Some violence and some strong language. 2007. BR 17558 ## The Pastor's Woman BR 17561 by Jacquelin Thomas 2 volumes New to Detroit, preacher Wade Kendrick is looking for a traditional woman but is attracted to an aspiring gospel singer, the rebellious Pearl Lockhart. Pearl, in turn, is annoyed by Wade's conservative views. Wade has to face issues from his past, though, before he can commit. 2007. BR 17561 ## The Dowry: A Novel of Ireland BR 17568 by Walter Keady 2 volumes Ireland, 1946. Kieran McDermott considers moving to England to earn money to buy his father's farm and marry Brideen Conway. Meanwhile, Brideen conspires to trade dowries among her eager-to-wed friends. Father Donovan, who secretly loves Brideen, has his own schemes. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2006. BR 17568 ## The Hindi-Bindi Club BR 17569 by Monica Pradhan 3 volumes Three first-generation American women struggle to reconcile traditional Indian ways with Western life. As divorced doctor Kiran considers an arranged marriage, artist Rani loses her passion, and married Preity confronts past heartache, they draw upon the strength and wisdom of their mothers, affectionately dubbed the Hindi-Bindi Club. Includes recipes. 2007. BR 17569 ## Recipes for a Perfect Marriage BR 17570 by Morag Prunty 2 volumes Two months after her wedding, New York food writer Tressa fears that her husband Dan may not be the love of her life. Plagued by uncertainty, Tressa finds comfort in the journals and recipes of her Irish grandmother Bernadine, who had the perfect marriage—or so Tressa thought. Includes recipes. 2006. BR 17570 ## The Poisoned Crown: The Sangreal Trilogy, Book 3 BR 17693 by Amanda Hemingway 4 volumes English teenager Nathan Ward visits other realms through his dreams. To save his worlds—both waking and dreaming—he must find the third Grail relic, a poisoned iron crown hidden far beneath the ocean and guarded by an evil sea goddess. Sequel to The Sword of Straw (BR 17181). 2007. BR 17693 ## Remember Me? BR 17707 by Sophie Kinsella 3 volumes London. After twenty-eight-year-old Lexi Smart wakes up with amnesia, she can't remember the past three years of her life. Lexi learns that she's now a gorgeous but cut- throat businesswoman with a priggish millionaire husband and a secret lover. Strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17707 ## The Eternal Husband and Other Stories BR 17716 by Fyodor Dostoevsky 3 volumes Five short tales by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821– 1881). Features "A Nasty Anecdote," "Bobok," "The Meek One," "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man," and the title piece, in which a widower encounters his deceased wife's lover. Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. Includes 1997 preface. 1997. BR 17716 ## Big Girls Don't Cry BR 17720 by Cathie Linz 2 volumes Plus-size model Leena Riley returns home to Pennsylvania when her career in Chicago doesn't work out. She takes a job working for veterinarian Cole Flannigan—the same guy who teased her in school. Leena gradually realizes that Cole really does love her and her curves. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2007. BR 17720 ## These Boots Weren't Made for Walking BR 17721 by Melody Carlson 2 volumes Right after she splurges on a pair of Valentino boots, Cassidy Cantrell is downsized from her Seattle marketing job, dumped by her boyfriend for someone in their Christian singles club, and scammed by a neighbor. Retreating to Black Bear, her mountain hometown, Cassidy begins to build a new life. 2007. BR 17721 ## Daisy Dooley Does Divorce BR 17722 by Anna Pasternak 2 volumes Daisy Dooley, a thirty-nine-year-old divorced Londoner living with her dachshund-breeder mum, rejoins the dating world. For support, Daisy relies on her friends— bachelorette Jess, seemingly happily married Lucy, and commitment-phobic Miles—as she navigates the singles scene searching for true love. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. 2007. BR 17722 ## The Spring Cleaning Murders: An Ellie Haskell Mystery BR 17725 by Dorothy Cannell 2 volumes Ellie Haskell, housewife extraordinaire, seeks a new maid after her beloved Roxie quits. But when Gertrude Large, a member of Roxie's local charwomen's association, is murdered, Ellie turns to sleuthing. Aided by her husband and various cleaning products, Ellie tackles Gertrude's former clients to tidy up—and snoop around-their homes. 1998. BR 17725 ## The Appeal BR 17726 by John Grisham 3 volumes After a Mississippi jury returns a guilty verdict against a chemical company that dumped carcinogens into the water supply, company owner Carl Trudeau appeals to the state's supreme court. During judicial elections Trudeau tries to plant his own justice on the bench. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17726 ## Life Class BR 17758 by Pat Barker 2 volumes Paul Tarrant falls in love with fellow London art student Elinor Brooke, who is pursued by painter Kit Neville. When World War I breaks out, Paul joins the Belgian Red Cross— and returns a changed man. Some explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17758 ## Everything but a Groom BR 17766 by Holly Jacobs 1 volume Erie, Pennsylvania. When bride-to-be Vancy Salo is left at the altar, it seems her family's Hungarian wedding curse has struck again. Hounded by the press, Vancy seeks refuge with Matt, a landscaper who has just gained custody of his twin nephews. Their growing friendship may just change Vancy's luck. 2007. BR 17766 ## The Mayor of Casterbridge: The Life and Death of a Man of Character BR 17769 by Thomas Hardy 4 volumes Michael Henchard, an English farm worker, gets drunk at a country fair and sells his wife and child to a sailor for five guineas. His wife and daughter reappear eighteen years later, after Henchard has become the wealthy and respected mayor of Casterbridge. 1886. BR 17769 ## Hollywood Crows BR 17788 by Joseph Wambaugh 3 volumes Nathan Weiss and Bix Ramstead, cops in Hollywood's Community Relations Office, help residents with quality-of- life issues like graffiti and panhandlers. Both men become entangled with Margot Aziz, who wants to get rid of her wealthy husband. Sequel to Hollywood Station (BR 16878). Violence and strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17788 ## Twenty Wishes: A Blossom Street Book BR 17790 by Debbie Macomber 3 volumes Four widows—Anne Marie, Lillie, Barbie, and Elise—meet at Anne Marie's bookstore, and each makes twenty wishes to improve her life. Anne Marie assists Ellen, an at-risk child; Barbie meets Mark, who uses a wheelchair; Elise starts a foundation in memory of her husband; and Lillie falls in love. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17790 ## Phantom Prey BR 17791 by John Sandford 3 volumes At his wife's request, detective Lucas Davenport agrees to look into the unsolved murder of her wealthy, widowed friend's daughter Frances Austin, who was a Goth. Now other Goths are being murdered. But a series of unusual bank transactions causes confusion. Descriptions of sex, violence, and strong language. Bestseller. 2008. BR 17791 ## ### _Books for Children_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. Children's Nonfiction Mother Goose: Numbers on the Loose BR 17037 compiled by Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon 1 volume Collection of twenty-four counting rhymes, including "One Potato, Two Potato," "Hickety, Pickety, My Black Hen," and "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe." PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool- grade 2. 2007. BR 17037 ## A Second Is a Hiccup: A Child's Book of Time BR 17049 by Hazel Hutchins 1 volume Rhymes celebrating a loving family's explanation of time— what can be enjoyed in a second, a minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, and a year. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool- grade 2. 2004. BR 17049 ## Should I Play the Drums? BR 17535 by Tom Crask 1 volume Traces the history of drums—some of the oldest and simplest of instruments—and describes their modern-day complexity. Explains the versatility of drums and the variety of music played on these percussion instruments. Introduces famous drummers and suggests resources for learning more about drums. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17535 ## Morris and Buddy: The Story of the First Seeing Eye Dog BR 17573 by Becky Hall 1 volume Account of twenty-year-old Morris Frank, who, blinded in a boxing accident, traveled from Tennessee to Switzerland in 1928 to become the first American owner of a seeing-eye dog, whom he named Buddy. Discusses training processes and Morris's mission to bring canine guides to the United States. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17573 ## Iraq BR 17761 by Charlie Samuels 1 volume An overview of this Middle Eastern country. Describes Iraq's geography, desert climate, plants and animals, government, economy, culture, religion, and history beginning in 5000 B.C.E. Discusses twenty-first-century postwar challenges and the emergence of democracy. Includes a glossary of common Arabic phrases. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17761 ## Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose BR 18002 compiled by Scott Gustafson 1 volume Forty-five nursery rhymes ranging from "Little Bo Peep" and "Humpty Dumpty" to "The Lion and the Unicorn" and the tongue twister "Peter Piper." PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool- grade 2. 2007. BR 18002 ## ### _Books for Children_ The following books were recently produced for the NLS program. To order books, contact your braille-lending library. Children's Fiction Surviving the Applewhites BR 17296 by Stephanie S. Tolan 1 volume Kicked out of several public schools, Jake winds up being home schooled with an eccentric family of artists at the Applewhite's Creative Academy. When the whole clan becomes involved in producing The Sound of Music, Jake discovers a few positive traits and talents of his own. For grades 5-8. Newbery Honor Book. 2002. BR 17296 ## Patches and Scratches BR 17575 by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 1 volume Sarah's friend Peter wants a pet dog but his grandmother doesn't. Sarah tries to interest Peter in other pets, and then comes up with an idea to make both Peter and Granny Belle want the same animal. For grades 2-4. 2007. BR 17575 ## Further Chronicles of Avonlea BR 17577 by L.M. Montgomery 2 volumes Anne of Green Gables lives near Avonlea, a town on the seaside hills of Prince Edward Island. In this second volume of stories about Anne's neighbors, a girl risks losing her mother to find her long-lost father, and a ghost leads a woman to her dream. For grades 5-8. 1920. BR 17577 ## Me and the Pumpkin Queen BR 17580 by Marlane Kennedy 1 volume Fifth-grader Mildred is determined that this year she will finally grow the town's biggest pumpkin in honor of her mother, who died of cancer. Mildred also helps in her Dad's veterinary office, goes shopping to please her aunt, and plays chess with her best friend Jacob. For grades 4-7. 2007. BR 17580 ## Rickshaw Girl BR 17581 by Mitali Perkins 1 volume In her Bangladesh village, ten-year-old Naima excels at painting designs called alpanas. But for her to use her talent outside her home to help her impoverished family financially, she would have to be a boy—or disguise herself as one. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17581 ## Night of the Howling Dogs BR 17715 by Graham Salisbury 2 volumes Hawaii, 1975. A Boy Scout campout on a remote beach goes terrifyingly wrong when an earthquake hits in the night. The boys and their leaders are separated during the resulting tsunami. But eighth-grader Dylan finds an unexpected ally as he and fifteen-year-old Louie rescue the group. For grades 5-8. 2007. BR 17715 ## Dark Day in the Deep Sea: Magic Tree House, Book 39 BR 17741 by Mary Pope Osborne 1 volume Jack and his sister Annie travel back in time to the 1870s and meet sailors and scientists aboard the HMS Challenger— the first ship dedicated to scientific exploration. While learning about mysterious ocean creatures, Jack and Annie discover another of the four secrets of happiness. For grades 2-4. 2008. BR 17741 ## Paleo Sharks: Survival of the Strangest BR 17764 by Timothy J. Bradley 1 volume Discusses the behavior and characteristics of the earliest sharks. Features Paleozoic sharks like the Stethacanthus from 375 million years ago, Mesozoic sharks from about 200 million years ago, and Cenozoic sharks like the 100,000- pound megalodon of 25 million years ago. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17764 ## The Nixie's Song: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1 BR 17767 by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black 1 volume Nick Vargas is annoyed that his father has remarried and stuck him with a stepsister, Laurie, who believes in faeries. But then he finds a four-leaf clover that enables him to see a water nixie. Soon he and Laurie are hunting for the nixie's missing sisters. For grades 3-6. 2007. BR 17767 ## ### 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 Book Review (weekly) 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 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 ###