Accessibility Tools

Web Accessibility plugin by DJ-Extensions.com
Skip to main content
Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall. Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall. Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall. Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall. Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall. Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall. Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall.

Summer Listening – The Glass Library

Written by alamancelibraries on . Posted in Book Reviews.

Sometimes in the summer, you need a great book to listen to on the way to a great vacation spot, or while you’re working. I’ve been enjoying one bookish, magical series that is available through Hoopla!

The Glass Library Series by C.J. Archer

Cover of The Librarian of Crooked Lane. Back of woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in the lobby of a library with bookshelves on either side of her and a clock in front of her on a wall.
Cover of The Medici Manuscript. Back of young woman with long blond hair and a black dress, standing in front of a desk with a book to her left which is glowing and sparkling. She is in an office with a globe, bookshelves and paintings.
Cover of The Untitled Books. Back of young woman with long blond hair standing in front of a large window. There are piles of books around her, and all of them have sparkles coming off of them. The room also has a desk and shelves.
Cover of The Dead Letter Delivery. Back of young woman with blond hair, standing in front of an arched entryway. There are sparkling books around her, and also letters with stamps scattered behind her.

The Glass Library series is the textbook definition of a glacially-slow-burn romance, while also ticking the fantasy, mystery and historical fiction boxes.

The Librarian of Crooked Lane is the first book in the series. Sylvia Ashe is now without family in the world (at least, family she knows of). Her mother never discussed her father, and now that she and Sylvia’s brother are both deceased, she is curious. Her brother left a diary that mentions silver magic and the name India Glass. She never thought that they were descended from magicians; after all, she’s just an ordinary woman!

Gabriel Glass survived the Great War without a scratch, despite being on the front lines for the entire war. He is artless (without magic), even though his mother India is a famous watchmaking magician. When he saves someone in a boating accident, staying underwater much longer than they ought he should be able to, he can’t escape the reporters digging into his life. He denies he has magic, but many people don’t believe him.

Sylvia chases down Gabe at an opening gala for the Royal Academy Art Show in London, posing as a waitress to approach him. She hopes that she can talk to his mother and find out why her brother James had her name in his diary. Of course, his parents have just left for a trip to America, and her asking him gets her thrown out of the party and fired summarily. Gabe is at first unwilling to help her, but as she and her best friend Daisy leave the party, someone tries to kidnap Gabe. His best friend Alex, whose father works for Scotland Yard, and Gabe’s cousin Willie (a smart-talking cowgirl from the United States) act as his bodyguards and foil the plan (although Sylvia’s well-placed kick might have helped as well).

Gabriel comes to the library where Sylvia works, and accidentally gets her fired. He enlists her help in finding out who stole a painting from the Royal Academy, and promises to help her research her heritage and find out if she has a magical ancestor. He also gets her a job in the Glass Library, a library of texts about magic that his family has contributed to heavily.

There is much to enjoy with this series of books. In each book, there is a mystery to solve, as well as the overarching mystery of who are Sylvia’s family, and does she have magic? It is fascinating to see the world of the 1920s in England, when roads had both horse and carriages and motorcars, single working people still lived in boarding houses, and the aristocracy still held an enormous sway on society and life.

If you love magic, these books show a different, perhaps more realistic view of magical use. Magicians have just one specialty, and often just one spell. Paper magicians own paper factories, and know a spell that makes paper stronger. Ink magicians enchant ink to make it last a long time and stay sharp and legible. It is very different from most magic systems where magicians can do multiple spells in multiple disciplines.

And if you’re looking for a very (very, very, very) slow-burn romance, you’re going to love this series. Gabriel and Sylvia get closer and closer as the series continues, but never admit their feelings to each other. Their best friends Daisy and Alex also flirt and bicker, but never (at least not yet!) act on their feelings. I will admit to yelling at the audiobook in my car, “just KISS already!” But the tension between them is truly enjoyable and I know that when they do kiss, it will be worth it.

Book five, Secrets of the Lost Ledgers, comes out this September. Until then, use Hoopla to catch up on the story!

Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.

Introducing Fiero Code - learn to code resource Introducing Fiero Code - learn to code resource Introducing Fiero Code - learn to code resource Introducing Fiero Code - learn to code resource Introducing Fiero Code - learn to code resource Introducing Fiero Code - learn to code resource Introducing Fiero Code - learn to code resource

Introducing Fiero Code!

Written by alamancelibraries on . Posted in Up Next.

Fiero Code Resource - Learn to Code

The Alamance County Public Libraries is proud to now offer Fiero Code as a free resource available to our patrons.  Through this unique electronic resource, library patrons can use their library cards to learn to code, a tool that not only entertains but will provide a valuable life skill throughout their lives.

With positions in the Information Technology focus becoming one of the most in-demand and lucrative fields, learning to code with easy to follow video and written tutorials from Fiero Code will provide the foundation for meeting requirements for entry-level information technology positions. 

Use your library card today to explore a new interest, discover a talent, and create opportunity for your future.  Explore today!

Unlock levels to upgrade your robot while you learn how to design and code for video games, websites, animation, and/or programs.  Everything is at your own pace with no age restrictions but basic computers skills are required i.e., manipulating a mouse and keyboard, navigating through a website, and watching instructional videos.  No previous knowledge is necessary, just an interest in learning and the willingness to follow the instructions.  Have fun!

If you’re interested in taking some of your skills to another level, keep your eye out for programs in our Discovery Lab at the North Park Library.  Opportunities to utilize some of the hands-on equipment – Dash and Dot robots, Makey Makey STEM packs, Code-a-Pillar, Tinkercad, and more can help you as well.

 

Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels. Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels. Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels. Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels. Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels. Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels. Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels.

The Four Agreements

Written by marybethadams on . Posted in Book Reviews.

Cover of The Four Agreements. Four panels with plants in them, background is orange in each, with a green cross in between the four panels.

Ruiz, Miguel. The Four Agreements. San Rafael, Calif.: Amber-Allen Pub., 2012. [Carlsbad, Calif.] : Hay House ©1997.

Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías, better known as don Miguel Ruiz, is a Mexican author. The most popular of his works “The Four Agreements, has been translated in 52 languages. A phenomenally written book, describing the source of self-limiting beliefs that humans make with themselves that causes their own needless suffering and robs us of joy. Based on ancient Toltec Wisdom, The Four Agreements offer new simple life goals that can radically and rapidly transform our lives. Short read, easy to follow along this book would be perfect for many ages and many stages. From the young adult just piecing the puzzles together to the grandparents reflecting on the legacy they are leaving behind. The Four Agreements is a must read for anyone committed to living life fully!!

These agreements can be found in various places (sometimes worded in different ways) from religious scriptures to universal laws.

  • Be Impeccable with Your Word: Move with integrity; Say only what you mean.
  • Don’t Take Things Personally: This agreement is a superpower. What others say & do is a projection of their own reality.
  • Don’t Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really what.
  • Always Do Your Best: Though your best will change at different times, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgement self-abuse and regret

 My favorite thing is that the agreements will put the responsibility back on us (the individual) accountability is at the forefront and that I appreciate.

Nicole Givens is the Children’s Programming Coordinator for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at ngivens@alamancelibraries.org.

Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly. Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly. Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly. Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly. Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly. Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly. Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly.

Steamy Reads for the Summer

Written by alamancelibraries on . Posted in Book Reviews.

When the temperature rises, so does our love of a good steamy romance! Here are some perfect choices for summer reads at the pool or on vacation.

Cover of At First Spite. Man and woman standing in profile, backs/sides barely touching. Man is wearing black suit and has one eyebrow raised. Woman is wearing flowy wrap dress, glasses and is smiling slightly.

At first spite : a Harlot’s Bay novel by Dade, Olivia – Athena is living in Spite House, which is an apt name for our 10-foot wide house attached to her ex Johnny’s house on one side, and just four feet away from her ex’s older brother on the other side! She wants to hate Johnny’s older brother Matthew, but he’s helpful, and listens to her, and he’s very sexy, even if he did convince Johnny to leave her.

Cover of Birding with Benefits. Woman with brown hair chewing her lip, holding binoculars. In one lens, you can see a yellow bird. In the other, you see a man with brown hair and beard looking toward the bird.

Birding with benefits by Dubb, Sarah T. – The year of “yes” leads Celeste to agree to partner with John for a birding event (never mind that she knows nothing about birding). But several days in the Arizona wilderness with a patient teacher, who she realizes she is very attracted to, leads to them upgrading their relationship to “birders with benefits.” But when the event is over, will he fly away?

Cover of Triple Sec. Glass of a fruity drink in the middle, with three arms/hands grabbing the glass - two female and one male.

Triple sec : a novel by Alexander, T. J. – Mel is a bartender at an Instagram-worthy spot, and sees the good and the bad (mostly the bad) of dating every day. When Bebe and Kade walk into the bar, she’s intrigued by Bebe. Bebe and Kade have an open relationship, so Mel overcomes her hesitations and agrees to go on a date with Bebe. But she also feels chemistry and connection with Kade. Can they make a polyamorous relationship work?

Cover of Blood on the Tide. Red/pink cover, gold mirror, gold chain and pendant on the left, and the hint of a black tail like a fish or mermaid on the right.

Blood on the tide by Robert, Katee – Romantasy hits the high seas with Blood on the Tide. Lizzie is a vampire who is on the rampage, trying to get her family’s heirlooms back from the vicious Cŵn Annwn. She rescues a selkie named Maeve, who can help her get through the Threshold. Maeve forms an uneasy partnership with Lizzie to get her skin back, but she can’t help falling in love with the vampire’s bites.

Cover of That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon. Demon with pointy ears, not wearing a shirt, clutching a woman wearing a white off the shoulder shirt and holding a beer stein.

That time I got drunk and saved a demon by Lemming, Kimberly – Cinnamon wants to live a quiet life, but that’s not to be, after she saves Fallon, a demon. Fallon is determined to kill the evil witch who is enslaving his people, and he’s dragging Cinnamon along for the ride.

Cover of The Prospects. Two baseball players wearing green jerseys. One is holding the other up in the air and they are celebrating.

The prospects : a novel by Hoffman, KT – Gene is the first openly transgender professional baseball player. When his former teammate/rival Luis is traded to his minor league team, their chemistry on and off the field is horrible (at first). But spending all that time together on the field and on the bus leads to tension and electric glances between them. Can they make their major league dreams come true?

Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.

Discovery Lab Logo Discovery Lab Logo Discovery Lab Logo Discovery Lab Logo Discovery Lab Logo Discovery Lab Logo Discovery Lab Logo

Discovery Lab at North Park Library

Written by alamancelibraries on . Posted in Up Next.

Discovery Lab Logo

North Park Library is creating a new space for the community called Discovery Lab, a makerspace to ignite the imagination, give access to specialized equipment, and help build a community of idea makers. A makerspace is a place in which people with shared interests can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. We are taking that to the next level, where participants will learn new skills through programs and classes all at no cost. The lab will go from a No Tech area for our smallest patrons to start their journey of discovery to hands on areas of arts, crafts, fiber technology, engineering, woodshop, digital media, robotics, gaming, and 3D design.

                The No Tech area will hold a Lego® building wall, a magnetic wall, ramp construction sets, Lincoln logs, and MagFormers Tileblox for early imaginative learning. The special purchase of a wind tunnel where even toddlers will be able to see and connect the concept of force. This area will be a space for the youngest makers to explore STEAM through storytime programs and then independent play with the subject matter.

The space will progress to simple craft supplies, such as markers, construction paper, playdough, glue, and scissors. Also offering art supplies such as paints, canvas, and all the tools needed to create a work of art. We will host programs like Artist in Me where we will showcase books about artist and then recreate a work of art or host an artist to come in and teach their craft to older participants.    

The next area of Discovery Lab will hold Fiber Arts to showcase one of the counties longest industries textiles. From crochet, quilting, and simple sewing to sewing machines. We will also teach dying techniques, and design. We will have Circuit cutters and vinyl press to create more appeal or products for the budding learners. Programming will be across all these fields and will also give cosplay tutorials for the more adventurous crafters.

                Advance to the engineering area where we will hold a lot of cardboard and wood. We will have Makedo SCRU sets for designing structures for the younger participants for cardboard construction and some basic kits like Keva Planks, erector sets, and simple machine kits. With these kits we will host programs from bridge building to ship construction, pine wood derby to rocket design.   For older participants we will have basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, measuring tapes, to electric tools like drills and sanders. We will have programs where participants can learn how to build simple structures like bird houses or bat boxes. To How-to programs hosted by construction professionals to teach people how to fix or design simple household items. 

Digital Media is a big thing now and we want help interested patrons learn how to use and create content. This area will need computers and computer software like Power Director, Abode Premier, or VideoPad, headphones, and microphones for how-to programs from using your phone or computer to create, edit, and upload digital content. Photography tutorials where patrons using their own equipment can learn how to get the best images through the teaching of a professional photographer. The patron will also be able to create original music with an Akai professional lpk25 keyboard and the LPK25 Editor software. We will also be able to create content for the library with these technologies.

Discovery lab graphic

Electronics and Robotic is a hot job for the millennial generation with game systems becoming more advanced and robotics being integrated into many industries. We will give even the youngest participants the ability to learn how to code and create with Dash and Dot robots and Code-a-pillar. The middle grade and up can learn how to create their own circuit boards and games with the Makey Makey STEM pack and Tinkercad software, engaging them with plenty of hands-on circuitry projects to help them boost their creativity skills. We will host programs from paper circuits and conductivity labs to robotic creations. We will also have game consoles for game nights and VR headset for experiencing the newest form of gaming.

Finally, we will have our 3D design area that will use the same computers from other areas of Discovery Lab to design and create 3D creations. Using Tinkercad software and our Flashforge 3D printers we will teach the basics of dimensional designing. We will also host more advance nights where makers from the area will be able to come together to work on projects and problem solve issues they are having with their design concepts. The younger designers will be able to experience insta ready designs with our 3D Doodle pens.

                In conclusion, our Discovery Lab will be a benefit to our community through teaching basic problem-solving skills through creative programs, facilitating ideas, innovation and encouraging patrons to think outside the box. By offering these collaborative programs, we are creating learning experiences that will help patrons connect concepts they have learned in our programs to real-world applications and build perseverance, “failure is a lesson not an end” to inspires further investigation and learning.

Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up. Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up. Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up. Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up. Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up. Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up. Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up.

Stay Out of the Heat!

Written by alamancelibraries on . Posted in Book Reviews.

When the temperatures are high, stay inside and read books about summer with your little ones! We recommend visiting the library as well, and enjoying our air conditioned children’s areas.

Cover of Summer. Cover is dominated by a big yellow sun with rays coming off of it. Animals are at the bottom, looking up.

Summer by Wenxuan Cao – Teach your children about kindness and sharing with this delightful picture book! Each animal wants to have the small sliver of shade for themselves. However, after fighting, they realize that they can give each other shade if they work together!

Cover of Sari-Sari Summers. Young girl in overalls and grandmother in red dress stand in front of store shelves, full of food and drink.

Sari-sari summers by Bontigao, Lynnor – Nora loves her grandmother’s sari shop so much! When the temperatures soar, and no one is coming to the store, she takes matters into her own hands. She gets ripe mangoes from the tree outside and makes refreshing mango ices to share with their customers.

Cover of Hot City. Stylized girl and boy, with buildings that look like a kid drew them, behind them.

Hot city by Joosse, Barbara M. – Where do you go when the buses are expelling dragon fire, and your snow cone melts immediately? The library! We can’t argue with this book’s logic, as Mimi and Joe escape the heat at their local library and let their imaginations run free.

Cover of Think Cool Thoughts. Young girl in red dress standing in foreground. Behind her are black outlines of buildings and people. Cover is purple, with blue and white birds flying through the sky.

Think cool thoughts by Perry, Elizabeth – The hottest day of the year has Angel’s family feeling down. They decide to sleep on the roof that night, leading to an extraordinary night for Angel (and the relief of a rain shower the next morning).

Cover of Hot Dog. Small brown dog on a wood staircase leading to the beach. Can see the water and sand behind the dog.

Hot dog by Salati, Doug – It’s just too hot in the city, and this dog has had enough! He plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, and his owner picks him up. They travel by taxi, train and ferry to reach the beach, where they find cool water, stiff breezes, and all the room in the world to run!

Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.

Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab). Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab). Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab). Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab). Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab). Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab). Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab).

Children’s Adventure Novels

Written by alamancelibraries on . Posted in Book Reviews.

We’re about halfway through our summer reading program, Adventure Begins at Your Library, so we’re sharing a list of children’s adventure novels (ages 7-14). Most of these were published in the last year, or are part of an ongoing series!

Cover of The Misfits A Royal Conundrum. Five kids in a jailhouse lineup. All seem sullen and a bit confused. Kids are of different races, genders and religions (one young lady wearing a hijab).

A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits Book 1) by Lisa Yee and Dan Santat (ages 8-12)

Every kid sometimes feels like a misfit, but Olive feels like one most of the time. When she’s sent to what she thinks is a reform school, she instead finds it is a secret spy school where she and her misfit classmates/friends can save the day by stopping the heist of the century!

Cover of Treasures of the Maya. Geronimo Stilton in front of a Mayan pyramid with a picture of Thea flying in front of him.

Treasures of the Maya by Geronimo Stilton (ages 8-12)

Geronimo Stilton is the most anxious adventurous reporter mouse in the world! On his trip to Chichén Itzà, his sister Thea and an ancient Mayan necklace go missing, and Geronimo has to find them. The Geronimo Stilton books are colorful, action-packed and fun for kids to read.

Cover of Trim Saves the Day. Black cat walking on a ship's wheel, with a parrot below looking up at him in disbelief.

Trim Saves the Day by Deborah Hopkinson (ages 7-10)

Trim the kitten loves being part of the ship’s crew, but hasn’t quite found his place yet. After trying several jobs, he discovers something big that requires all hands on deck! This is an intermediate reader, great for kids who are just starting to read chapter books. A second book in the series is coming in July.

Cover of Viewfinder. Young girl with an astronaut suit walking through a mushroom wood, looking back over her shoulder. In front of her is a lit treehouse.

Viewfinder by Christine D.U. Chung (ages 6-9)

A young explorer in the distant future lands on an uninhabited Earth. She finds a viewfinder, which shows her what Earth used to be. But she also finds signs that there might be someone else living on Earth now. This is a wordless graphic novel, perfect for those who love to tell the story themselves!

Cover of Mapmakers and the Lost Magic. Young lady is sitting on the left, looking up at a bird on the top right, with a 3D map in her lap.

The Mapmakers and The Lost Magic; The Mapmakers and The Enchanted Mountain; The Mapmakers and The Flickering Fortress by Cameron Chittock (ages 8-12)

This relatively new series (books published in 2022, 2023 and 2024) features Adelaide, who wants to run away from home and the diabolical Night Coats, and the magical creature she accidentally awakens named Blue. Adelaide discovers the magical hideaway of the long-dormant Mapmakers, and begins a journey toward becoming a Mapmaker, abolishing the Night Coats and bringing peace and joy back to her world.

Cover of Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans. Young African girl with glasses and a purple dress in the forefront with a glowing stone in one hand and a light coming out of her other. In the background, there is a girl with a headscarf and sword, and a boy with a staff.

Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans by Isi Hendrix (ages 8-12)

This is the first of a trilogy about an African girl whose family believes she has a demon inside her. She gets a kitchen internship at the Academy of Shamans, runs away with cat Bubbles, and hopes she fits in better at the Academy (and that there’s someone who can cure her there). But what she finds is that she needs to harness her powers to exorcise a truly evil demon from the kingdom’s emperor! The second book in the series comes out in October.

Cover of The Minor Miracle. Three cartoony kids on the cover. The front kid, Noah Minor, is floating the other two in the air.

The Minor Miracle: The Amazing Adventures of Noah Minor (ages 10-14)

Sure, Noah fell out of a 16th floor window when he was a baby, but his life has been pretty dull since then. He wants to be as amazing and talented as his two best friends, so he’s thrilled when, during a routine vision test, he finds out he can manipulate gravity and is recruited to train with Gravitas, a top-secret government agency. But Gravitas wants him to hunt down the one person who might be able to help him with his powers, his great-uncle Saul. The characters in this book are in 7th grade, making it perfect for those late elementary and middle school readers.

Cover of Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All. Two cartoon girls walking across a city street holding a sock, a backpack and walking with a dog.

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller (ages 7-11)

Magnolia pins the lone socks she finds in her family’s laundromat to the bulletin board, but no one ever claims them. So, she and her new friend Iris from California decide to travel across the city to solve the mystery of each sock, and find out all kinds of interesting things along the way. This is a great early chapter book for kids in elementary school.

Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.

Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile! Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile! Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile! Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile! Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile! Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile! Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile!

Batman: The Killing Joke

Written by alamancelibraries on . Posted in Book Reviews.

Cover of Batman The Killing Joke. Closeup of The Joker's face (white makeup, red lips, giant creepy smile, green and black hair), holding a camera up to his right eye. There is a word bubble that says Smile!

Batman : the killing joke / Alan Moore, writer ; Brian Bolland, art and colors ; Richard Starkings, letterer ; introduction by Tim Sale ; afterword by Brian Bolland. New York: DC Comics; 2008.

Warning: Mature themes, rated M. Not intended for younger readers.

The 1988, The Killing Joke by Alan Moore in the re-colored and remastered 2008 printing of the famous DC Comics One Shot is one for the ages. I have had cursory knowledge of The Killing Joke being a fan of comics both Marvel and DC but never sat down to really take it all in. I’ve watched the animated adaptation a few years ago but have since forgotten the story. After reading it, I walked away considering this to be the end of the Batman x Joker tale. It feels resolute in its tragedy.

Batman goes to Arkham Asylum to talk to Joker about their relationship and how it is doomed to end in one or the other or both dying by each other’s hands. The Joker gets a sympathetic origin story that is teased to be just a hallucination by Moore in the afterward. While I prefer the more dynamic frames of Japanese Mangaka there is something to be said about the standard block frames of older DC comics. Visual devices such as match cuts used to cut back and forth from a flashback sell a sense of unease while Joker attempts to drive Commissioner Gordon mad. Repeated multicolored frames at the start of a sequence that serve to drive you just as mad. Or an upbeat sequence followed by a page turn jump-scare of the Joker. With frames of smiling faces that unsettle you with ease. It is a masterclass in how to seed discomfort in your readers by utilizing the standard comic book format. There is no wonder as to why this is considered one of the greatest Batman comics.

Ian Alcantar is a Circulation Assistant at North Park Library. He can be reached at ialcantar@alamancelibraries.org.