New Titles

The true story of vanilla : how Edmond Albius made history

Richards, Ann (Ann M.),


In 1841, a 12-year-old enslaved boy, Edmond Albius, made history when he discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla plants using a bamboo twig. Until that time, only bees in Mexico could pollinate the plant-botanists couldn't figure out another way. With his mentor, Edmond travelled around Réunion Island to share his technique, the Geste d'Edmonde (Edmond's gesture), which is still in use today. Despite his important achievement, as an enslaved person Edmond didn't receive payment or recognition for his contribution to science, eventually dying in poverty after being freed from slavery in 1848. Today it is recognized that Edmond's method of pollination was key to bringing vanilla to the world, helped to create a billion-dollar industry and gave us the flavor we love to use in cooking, baking, medicine and, of course, ice cream.
Date Published:2025

In 1841, a 12-year-old enslaved boy, Edmond Albius, made history when he discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla plants using a bamboo twig. Until that time, only bees in Mexico could pollinate the plant-botanists couldn't figure out another way. With his mentor, Edmond travelled around Réunion Island to share his technique, the Geste d'Edmonde (Edmond's gesture), which is still in use today. Despite his important achievement, as an enslaved person Edmond didn't receive payment or recognition for his contribution to science, eventually dying in poverty after being freed from slavery in 1848. Today it is recognized that Edmond's method of pollination was key to bringing vanilla to the world, helped to create a billion-dollar industry and gave us the flavor we love to use in cooking, baking, medicine and, of course, ice cream.

Date Published:2025

Salma speaks up

Ramadan, Ahmad Danny,


Salma’s best friend Riya has had a secret: she dreams of becoming a poet! So when their school’s Speech Club announces an assembly where the winner will get a spot in a city-wide writing workshop, Riya convinces Salma to join the club with her. But Nathan, another member of the club, keeps criticizing the girls for not speaking English “correctly.” Salma grows increasingly frustrated: why does Nathan get to decide which accents are good or bad? Also, Salma is worried about her beloved Khalou Dawood, who keeps canceling their dinner plans, although he claims he’s not sick. Through research and discussions with her family, Salma discovers what might be impacting Khalou and also gains the courage and confidence to embrace her voice and speak up for herself and others.
Date Published:2025

Salma’s best friend Riya has had a secret: she dreams of becoming a poet! So when their school’s Speech Club announces an assembly where the winner will get a spot in a city-wide writing workshop, Riya convinces Salma to join the club with her. But Nathan, another member of the club, keeps criticizing the girls for not speaking English “correctly.” Salma grows increasingly frustrated: why does Nathan get to decide which accents are good or bad? Also, Salma is worried about her beloved Khalou Dawood, who keeps canceling their dinner plans, although he claims he’s not sick. Through research and discussions with her family, Salma discovers what might be impacting Khalou and also gains the courage and confidence to embrace her voice and speak up for herself and others.

Date Published:2025

Game changers : stories of hijabi athletes from around the world

Smith, Charlene,


Meet 13 hijabi athletes from around the world who are changing the rules of sport. Many of these women were the first in their sport to compete wearing the hijab. Some were up against cultural traditions that didn't allow girls to play sports, and some fought to have institutional anti-hijab rules changed so they could participate
Date Published:2025

How to know a crow : the biography of a brainy bird

Savage, Candace, 1949-


Crows are all around us, shouting from lamp posts, poking around on lawns, and generally taking a bright-eyed interest in everything that moves. But most of us don't know much about their lives.
Date Published:2024

Every little bit Olive Tran

Truong, Phuong,


"Olive Tran is turning ten! Now she can walk to school by herself and go to Kandy Korner whenever she wants. Finally! But when Olive finds out Mrs. Ly was pushed on the street and her brother's school friends had gross things thrown at them because they're Asian, she starts to feel less safe. And why doesn't her best friend Josh want to come to her birthday party at the trampoline park anymore? Olive knows something is wrong, but she is determined to have fun at her party. If she shows kindness, maybe others will too. Every little bit counts!"-- Provided by publisher.
Date Published:2025

"Olive Tran is turning ten! Now she can walk to school by herself and go to Kandy Korner whenever she wants. Finally! But when Olive finds out Mrs. Ly was pushed on the street and her brother's school friends had gross things thrown at them because they're Asian, she starts to feel less safe. And why doesn't her best friend Josh want to come to her birthday party at the trampoline park anymore? Olive knows something is wrong, but she is determined to have fun at her party. If she shows kindness, maybe others will too. Every little bit counts!"-- Provided by publisher.

Date Published:2025

Up, up, ever up! Junko Tabei : a life in the mountains

Yasuda, Anita,


The book is about the first woman to summit Mount Everest follows Junko Tabei who, despite many obstacles, climbed step by step to reach her goal and then took on a new challenge: protecting the wild spaces she loved for future generations.
Date Published:2024

Plant attack! : the fascinating ways flora defends itself

Silver, Erin, 1980-


This illustrated nonfiction picture book explores the unique and disgusting ways plants protect themselves.
Date Published:2025

Salt, pepper, season, spice : all the flavors of the world

Pasquet, Jacques,


This book explores the spices, condiments and confections we love and the rich histories and cultures they come from around the world.
Date Published:2024

Chomp-o-rama : the strange ways that animals eat

Birmingham, Maria,


Crunch… munch… slurp… CHOMP! These animals are hungry, and each creature has its own way of eating. Some dine in ways similar to humans. And others definitely do not. This nonfiction book offers creative comparisons between the way humans eat and the mealtime habits of a dozen other creatures.
Date Published:2025

The land knows me : a nature walk exploring Indigenous wisdom

Joseph, Leigh,


Through the Squamish language and cultural traditions, learn about Indigenous plant relationships and how we are all connected to nature through plant-based foods, medicines, and materials.
Date Published:2025

Barefoot skateboarders

Singh, Rina, 1955-


The tiny village of Janwaar in Madhya Pradesh, India, gets a new skatepark, which inspires Ramkesh and all the local kids to learn how to skateboard, putting them on the map and uniting their community.
Date Published:2024

Dogs vs. humans : a showdown of the senses

Gibeault, Stephanie,


In showdown of the senses, who do you think would win, dog or human? In this book, the sensory abilities of dogs and humans are explained and compared, with a final tally provided at the end. Includes glossary.
Date Published:2025

Octopus ocean : geniuses of the deep

Leiren-Young, Mark,


This book introduces readers to octopuses all over the world. It discusses octopus habitat, biology and threats to survival, and how scientists, conservationists and young people are working to protect octopuses everywhere.
Date Published:2025

Spooky lakes : 25 strange and mysterious lakes that dot our planet

Rutherford, Geo,


Author created the series "Spooky Lake Month." Lake Superior (United States and Canada) -- Roopkund Lake (India) -- Lake Karachay (Russia) -- Lake Nicaragua (Nicaragua) -- Nyiragongo Lava Lake (Democratic Republic of the Congo) -- Toxic Lake (Romania) -- Yellowstone Hot Springs (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, United States) -- Kaindy Lake (Kazakhstan) -- Cenotes (Mexico) -- Jellyfish Lake (Palau) -- Kaali Crater Lake (Estonia) -- Kawah-Ijen (Indonesia) -- Lake Vostok (Antarctica) -- Lake Maracaibo (Venezuela) -- Lake Nyos (Cameroon) -- Pitch Lake (Trinidad) -- Spirit Lake (Washington, United States) -- Qiandao Lake (China) -- Lake Chagan (Kazakhstan) -- Underwater Brine Lakes (Gulf of Mexico) -- Lake Natron (Tanzania) -- Crater Lake (Oregon, United States) -- Lake Guatavita (Colombia) -- The Shaft (Australia/near Mount Gambier) -- Lake Baikal (Russia). Plumbs the depths of unusual lakes around the world. Readers learn not only about the science of hydrology, but why understanding the natural world is crucial to protecting it from pollution and climate change.
Date Published:2024

Author created the series "Spooky Lake Month." Lake Superior (United States and Canada) -- Roopkund Lake (India) -- Lake Karachay (Russia) -- Lake Nicaragua (Nicaragua) -- Nyiragongo Lava Lake (Democratic Republic of the Congo) -- Toxic Lake (Romania) -- Yellowstone Hot Springs (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, United States) -- Kaindy Lake (Kazakhstan) -- Cenotes (Mexico) -- Jellyfish Lake (Palau) -- Kaali Crater Lake (Estonia) -- Kawah-Ijen (Indonesia) -- Lake Vostok (Antarctica) -- Lake Maracaibo (Venezuela) -- Lake Nyos (Cameroon) -- Pitch Lake (Trinidad) -- Spirit Lake (Washington, United States) -- Qiandao Lake (China) -- Lake Chagan (Kazakhstan) -- Underwater Brine Lakes (Gulf of Mexico) -- Lake Natron (Tanzania) -- Crater Lake (Oregon, United States) -- Lake Guatavita (Colombia) -- The Shaft (Australia/near Mount Gambier) -- Lake Baikal (Russia). Plumbs the depths of unusual lakes around the world. Readers learn not only about the science of hydrology, but why understanding the natural world is crucial to protecting it from pollution and climate change.

Date Published:2024

Zoom in on zombies

Winters, Kari-Lynn, 1969-


A new look into a unique part of the natural world that delves into the many examples of natural zombies in the real world from amber snails and carpenter ants to foot fungus, wood ticks and tardigrades.
Date Published:2024

This is how a ball rolls : the science of wobbling, bouncing, spinning balls

Tekavec, Heather, 1969-


Tongue-twisting main text, informative science sidebars and wacky, colorful art combine in this unique informational picture book that begs to be read aloud. Can you name a "zigging, zagging, zippy" ball? How about a "score-some-points-and-win" ball? In a madcap romp that's part guessing game, readers will learn all about these balls and more, from teeny tiny marbles all the way up to the giant, person-sized Zorb.
Date Published:2025

Tongue-twisting main text, informative science sidebars and wacky, colorful art combine in this unique informational picture book that begs to be read aloud. Can you name a "zigging, zagging, zippy" ball? How about a "score-some-points-and-win" ball? In a madcap romp that's part guessing game, readers will learn all about these balls and more, from teeny tiny marbles all the way up to the giant, person-sized Zorb.

Date Published:2025

The great puptective. 2, Purranormal activity /

Tysoe, Alina,


"When a new neighbor moves into the house next door, Poppy the puptective couldn't be more uninterested. She's too busy solving the mystery of the unseen culprit chewing up all the furniture in her house. But when Poppy catches a possible ghost playing with Truffles's toys in the middle of the night, whatever's going on next door becomes urgent! Good thing Poppy and Truffles the cat are on the case!"--Amazon.
Date Published:2025

"When a new neighbor moves into the house next door, Poppy the puptective couldn't be more uninterested. She's too busy solving the mystery of the unseen culprit chewing up all the furniture in her house. But when Poppy catches a possible ghost playing with Truffles's toys in the middle of the night, whatever's going on next door becomes urgent! Good thing Poppy and Truffles the cat are on the case!"--Amazon.

Date Published:2025

Le gros méchant Mwa-Mwa-Mwa

Jannelle, Geneviève, 1981-


Philomène ne parle que d'elle-même. Peu importe le sujet, elle trouve moyen de le ramener à elle. C'est que le Gros méchant Mwa-Mwa-Mwa ne la lche pas.
Date Published:2024