Black Juice by Margo Lanagan
Recommended by Sara

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
If you have read the Twilight series and are hungering for a compelling read with vampires, were-wolves, zombies and a love triangle, Cassandra Clare’s series called The Mortal Instruments will not disappoint! There is nonstop action as the Shadowhunters battle demons that are unseen by the mortal eye. You will want to read the next two in the series; City of Ashes and City of Glass. -review by Beth

Earthsea series (A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu, Tales From Earthsea, & The Other Wind) by Ursula K. LeGuin
Recommended by Miles

Evil Genius by Katherine Jinks
Recommended by Annie

For the Win by Cory Doctorow
Recommended by Bruce

Holes by Louis Sachar
I read this book in 5 hours in the fifth grade because I was so sucked in! -review by Naomi

Riding Invisible by Sandra Alonzo
If you liked the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, check this one out! -review by Mary

Shade’s Children by Garth Nix
I read this book in the 6th grade and it was my gateway into science fiction. I think I read it three times in a row -review by Naomi

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Recommended by Adrienne Drewe

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
I wish I could go back in time and hand this book to my 14-year-old self. -review by Naomi

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan
Two boys named Will Grayson meet in a porn shop. Authors John Green and David Levithan alternating chapters, each writing from the perspective of a different boy named Will Grayson. One is straight, the other gay. One Will Grayson subscribes to the life philosophy “don’t care too much & shut up.” The other one navigates through his school days with minimal human con-tact, then pours all of his emotions into a chat companion he’s never met named Isaac. The Will Graysons’ lives intersect when Will Grayson #1′s best friend Tiny Cooper, who is huge and loud and gay and fabulous, starts dating the other Will Grayson (OWG). Oh, and there’s a musical. And some romance. And some good scenes with parents. The book is clever and funny and heart-warming and painful and has a great ending- basically everything that a teen book should be. -review by Kelsey

A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole
A window into the life of John James Audubon from the perspective of a field mouse. -review by Mary

Catwings series (Catwings, Catwings Return, Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, & Jane on Her Own) by Ursula K. LeGuin
Recommended by Miles

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Recommended by Naomi

Crow Girl by Bodil Bredsdorff
Recommended by Mary

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Recommended by Mary

Ella Fitzgerald: the Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Recommended by Mary

Enchanted Forest Chronicles series (Dealing with Dragons, Searching for Dragons, Calling on Dragons, Talking to Dragons) by Patricia Wrede
Recommended by Adrienne Drewe

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Recommended by Mary

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Recommended by Kristi

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling
Recommended by Miles

Sky: a True Story of Courage During WWII by Hanneke Ippisch
Recommended by Mary

Stepping on the Cracks, Following My Own Footsteps, and As Ever, Gordy (series) by Mary Downing Hahn
Recommended by Adrienne Drewe

The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho
A view of war through the eyes of a young girl in Cambodia, what happens to her family, friends that she makes in refugee camps, and the change in her brother’s personality when he becomes a soldier. -review by Adrienne Drewe

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Recommended by Naomi & Miles

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Recommended by Miles

Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
Recommended by Mary

Crazy Horse’s Vision by Joseph Bruchac
Recommended by Mary

In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco
Recommended by Mary

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Recommended by Miles

Maybelle the Cable Car by Virginia Lee Burton
Recommended by Miles

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Recommended by Miles

Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag
Recommended by Miles

My Brother Charlie by Holly Peete
Recommended by Mary

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Recommended by Adrienne Drewe

The Elephant and the Tree by Jin Pyn Lee
Recommended by Naomi

The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan
Recommended by Naomi

Todd’s TV by James Proimos
Recommended by Kelsey

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Recommended by Miles

A Map for Saturday
Recommended by Bev

Absurdistan
Allegorical farce about life in a small village. New lovers are split apart because of a turf war between the village men & women where the women with-hold sex until the men fix the local water pipe. To-tally hilarious. -review by Adrienne Doman

Disconnected: A documentary
“Three students. One month. No computers. Could you do it?” How dependent are YOU on computers? Watch three plucky college students make a pact to go computer-free for 4 weeks short of finals. Can they abstain and still complete their work? Are they crazy, or will they go insane? My favorite scene involves an electric typewriter, a piece of paper, and two super-intelligent twenty-somethings. -review by Linda

First Flight: A Mother Hummingbird’s Story
Believe it or not, this documentary shows up-close footage of each and every stage of a hummingbird’s life, from egg to take-off! Lovely. -review by Linda

Frozen River
Spare, authentic story of two desperate women from disparate cultures; what begins as a brittle alliance to make money ends in a bond of trust and friendship. -review by Elaine

Inside the Actor’s Studio with Robin Williams
Robin Williams may well be the most innovative actor on the planet. Wait till you see the stream of characters and scenarios he spontaneously creates using an audience member’s scarf as his only prop. -review by Elaine

Pom Poko
Recommended by Naomi

Samurai 7
Recommended by Antonio

Seven Samurai
Recommended by Antonio

Storm Warning directed by Stuart Heisler
Good film about the power of one man’s courage in the face of social and racial injustice. Even more notable is the power of the screen writer and director to imbue three “fluff” actors with genuine gravitas. -review by Elaine

The Ambassador, series 1 & 2
Pauline Collins plays the wise and compassionate English Ambassador to Ireland and proves that one need be neither tall nor male to be a successful political appointee. -review by Elaine

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Recommended by Antonio

We Shall Remain: America through Native Eyes
Great documentary series. Especially loved the combination of interview clips, photos and some actual footage. Wounded Knee was especially captivating. -review by Amy

Throw Down Your Heart by Bela Fleck (DVD & CD)
Follow the refreshingly humble Bela Fleck (American Banjo virtuoso) as he explores his instrument’s musical roots in Africa. The musicians and people Fleck meets from around the continent will warm your heart and soothe your soul. This film is pure joy and a sweet feast for the eyes…don’t miss this inspiring gem! The CD is also fantastic. -review by Linda

• 11:11 by Rodrigo Y Gabriella - Recommended by Matthew
• Kala by M.I.A. - Recommended by Miles
• Kind of Blue by Miles Davis - Recommended by Miles
• Memphis Belles: the Women of Sun Records (various artists) - Recommended by Kelsey
• Mind Control by Stephen Marley - Recommended by Antonio
• Putumayo World Music compilations (various artists) - Recommended by Cheryl
• Splendor in the Grass by Pink Martini - Recommended by Matthew & Cheryl
• You Are My Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell - Recommended by Mary

(Zines recommended by Kelsey except where noted.)

• Diary of a Mosquito Abatement Man by John Porcellino Recommended by Linda
• DIY or Don’t We? #2 by Nicki Sabalu, editor
• Hyena in Petticoats: a Mary Wollstonecraft zine by Alexis Wolf
• Keepers Kanzine by Lady Bee
• Morgenmuffel by Isy Morgenmuffel (multiple issues)
• Rum Lad by Steve Larder (multiple issues)
• Sugar & Heartstrings by Amina Foxdye (multiple issues)
• The East Village Inky by Ayun Halliday (multiple issues)
• Truckface by LB (multiple issues)

Footnotes in Gaza by Joe Sacco
Recommended by Jason

Kim Dong Hwa’s Color Trilogy: The Color of Earth; The Color of Water; The Color of Heaven by Kim Dong Hwa Recommended by Sara

Monsters by Ken Dahl
Educational, funny, and brilliantly drawn. -review by Linda

Return to Wonderland by Raven Gregory
Recommended by Garrett

Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco
Recommended by Jason & Miles

Same Difference and Other Stories by Derek Kirk Kim
Recommended by Sara

Stitches: a Memoir by David Small
Recommended by Linda

Supreme: the Return by Alan Moore
Recommended by Garrett

The Life and Times of Martha Washington in the Twenty-First Century by Frank Miller & Dave Gibbons
Frank Miller’s Martha Washington character is possibly the first black woman starring in her own comic book. An instant classic. -review by Garrett

Trotsky: A Graphic Biography by Rick Geary
Recommended by Sara

Wolverine: Old Man Logan by Mark Millar & Steve McNiven
Wolverine aging– a nice twist! -review by Garrett

Harpo Speaks! by Harpo Marx
Recommended by Carrie

Just Kids by Patti Smith
Recommended by Sara

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen (audiobook)
Sassy biography, religiously informative and a bit of self-help. A few laugh-out-loud moments, though I wanted more of them. Worth it. -review by Adrienne Doman

Mrs. Adams in Winter by Michael O’Brien
Historical biography- carefully researched history of Europe & Russia in 1815. Daily life in the courts. -review by Pat

Wildflower: an extraordinary life and untimely death in Africa by Mark Seal
In this biography about Joan Root, Mark Seal tells the mesmerizing story of the life and shocking death of a world-renowned naturalist. Joan leads a fascinating life married to wildlife photographer Alan Root. Her involvement with film making, the care & keeping of many exotic African animals at their home and their unique social life with well known naturalists in Africa during that time period is fascinating reading. -review by Beth

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher (audiobook)
Carrie Fisher’s unvarnished honesty and wit will leave you not only laughing but in awe of what she has survived. -review by Elaine

Baking by James Peterson
Loved the step-by-step illustrations. I made my first really good white bread with a soft, fluffy in-side and nice hard crust. This book taught more basic technique than actual recipes, which was great! -review by Amy

Bartending Basics by Cheryl Charming
Recommended by Bev

Cookbooks (all of them) by Alice Waters
Recommended by Erin

Creepy cute crochet: zombies, ninjas, robots, and more! by Christen Haden
Yes, I made these for holiday gifts. They were easy, fun, and not your average crocheted critter. -review by Adrienne Doman

For the Birds: a Month-by-Month Guide to Attracting Birds to Your Backyard by Annie Schmauss
Recommended by Bev

Pure simple cooking: effortless meals every day by Diana Henry
Double yum. Her combinations of flavors, ease of prep and major cooking satisfaction points go a long way for a happy cook and satisfied eater. The illustrations & descriptions are wonderful and I’ve had success with all the recipes I’ve tried. Especially love her Spanish Rice recipe. Mmmmm…. -review by Adrienne Doman

Slide:ology : the art and science of creating great presentations by Nancy Duarte
A must for anyone who does visual presentations, slide shows or web pages. Or anyone who wants to. -review by Adrienne Doman

The Creaky Knees Guide, Washington: the 100 best easy hikes & The Creaky Knees Guide, Oregon by Seabury Blair, Jr.
Easy isn’t exactly the category I’d place all of these hikes in, but there is a range that might read: very easy, easy, sorta easy, not very easy and not easy at all. Mr. Blair has his own rating system and some good information about each hike. -review by Pat

The Italian Slow Cooker by Michele Scicolone
Yummy! -review by Adrienne Doman

A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again by David Foster Wallace
A collection of David Foster Wallace’s nonfiction essays, ranging in topic from rural state fairs to tennis to luxury cruises to the impact television has on American fiction. All incredibly insightful, laugh-out-loud funny, painfully sincere, and by an undeniably brilliant modern writer. In an age where humor largely takes the form of irony and satire, Wallace manages razor-sharp wit and hilarity without sacrificing an ounce of sensitivity, humility or passion. -review by Stephanie

Better by Atul Gawande (audiobook)
Written by a general surgeon who also happens to write for the New Yorker, “Better” is an engrossing and eye-opening look at the art and peril of medical practice by way of an assortment of fascinating examples. -review by Linda

Builders of the Pacific Coast by Lloyd Kahn
In a nutshell? I spent hours pouring over this book.
-review by Linda

Death by Supermarket by Nancy Deville
Recommended by Bev

Deer Hunting with Jesus by Joe Bageant
Recommended by Stephanie

Farm City: the Education of an Urban Farmer by Novella Carpenter
Novella Carpenter and her boyfriend Bill move into a duplex in the ghettos of Oakland for the purpose of “squat farming” on the large vacant lot in their back yard. I love the way this book juxtaposes stories of Novella and Bill’s urban farm with stories about the culture of the inner city. The farm starts with produce, chickens, and a beehive, and grows to include turkeys, ducks, rabbits, and finally, two large pigs raised exclusively from the fruits of an urban dumpster diet. This book is not your usual preachy “save the earth” fodder, although Novella often makes fun of herself for her idealism. Rather, it’s an honest and inspiring look at sustainability and community building in action. Blunders and setbacks in their urban farming experience are documented as faithfully as the frequent victories at Ghost Town Farm. -review by Kelsey

Friday Night Lights: a Town, a Team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger
It’s dope! -review by Jason

Gang Leader for a Day: a Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets by Sudhir Venkatesh
Recommended by Adrienne Drewe

His Brother’s Keeper: a Story from the Edge of Medicine by Jonathan Weiner
Recommended by Leslie

Inside the Crips: Life Inside L.A.’s Most Notorious Gang by Colton Simpson
Recommended by Adrienne Drewe

My Own Country by Abraham Verghese
Recommended by Amy

Notes on Susan Sontag by Molly Zuckerman-Hartung
Recommended by Sara

Organic Manifesto: How Organic Farming can Heal our Planet by Maria Rodale
Recommended by Bev

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (audiobook)
I loved Blink and I love this for many of the same
reasons. A very holistic way of looking at success through the lens of macroeconomics. Even if you just read the chapter on putting in 10,000 hours (i.e. like the Beatles did with their burgeoning music careers), you’ll feel savvy with a new under-standing of success. -review by Adrienne Doman

Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Recommended by Stephanie

Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things by Randy O. Frost
Fascinating look at this form of OCD. -review by Beth

What we Eat When we Eat Alone by Deborah Madison
Beyond eating a PB&J over the kitchen sink when no one is looking. From funny to gourmet, the food combinations (and the reasons behind them) brings the fun of solo eating out of the closet. -review by Adrienne Doman

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
Recommended by Bev