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 "Failure
is Not an Option" by Gene
Kranz
Review by Chuck Royston who was present in Mission Control
on April 13, 1970 when the explosion occurred.
The movie Apollo 13, released over a decade ago, has
contributed two catchphrases to our cultural vocabulary:
“Houston, we have a problem” and “Failure is not an option.”
Both are historically accurate and symbolic of what made the
Apollo program a success.
Gene Kranz is the legendary flight controller who uttered,
“failure is not an option.” Amazingly, the mission was
accomplished with a relatively young group of people with
most of the team in their early to mid 20s. Kranz, at 37,
was the elder statesman.
The Apollo 13 team had to develop an intricate 500-step
checklist for reentry. At one point the spacecraft, with
little internal power left, was put into a “barbecue roll”
to ensure that it was evenly heated by the Sun. "When the
team executed these procedures, they were absolutely
perfect. There was not one item missed when we debriefed
after the mission. This is the finest example of real-time
teamwork I've ever seen," Kranz says.
You'll be fascinated by Kranz's account of
this most amazing rescue from nearly 200,000 miles away. |
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 "Leaf
Man"
Written and Illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Lois Elhert's picture books for young children are a feast
of color from the natural world. With her unique collage
technique, Ehlert has used actual leaves to create the
pictures for "Leaf Man."
Leaf Man is made of a maple leaf with acorn eyes and a
sweetgum nose. The wind blows him over lakes, prairies and
mountains while looking down on plants and animals made of
different kinds of leaves.
Your child may be inspired to make his or her own "Leaf Man"
after enjoying this beautiful book. And be sure to check out
the dozen other Ehlert books in the Kurth Memorial Library.
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 "Shattered
Dreams: My life as a Polygamist Wife"
by Irene Spencer
Irene Spencer has written a book that
chronicles her life in as the second wife of a polygamy
fundamentalist who married a total of ten women and had
58 children (13 were Irene’s).
Irene grew up the daughter of a
polygamist, believing that it would result in rewards in
heaven. She married at 16 and began a life of great
hardship. Under threat of arrest in Utah, she moved
with her husband and all of their extended family to
Mexico. Facing years of hardship, she managed to raise
her 13 children without running water or electricity or
much food. She persevered believing in the principles
even though she had doubts, but she always held out hope
for a better life.
Irene’s story is unbelievable at times
and you will be surprised at how things turn out for
her. It is an inspiring book that almost everyone will
enjoy.
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 "The
Wright 3"
Story
by Blue Balliett
Illustrations by Brett Helquist
This
is a "thinking kid's" detective story. Three Chicago
sixth graders, Petra, Calder and Tommy, learn from their
teacher that Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Robie House is
to be cut up into sections and donated to museums. The
class is inspired to come up with a way to save the
house. The three friends do great sleuthing when they
learn of strange happenings going on at the house. The
story is suspenseful with secret codes, hidden pictures
in the illustrations, and clever problem solving. It
just might stir the reader's interest in finding out
more information about Wright and his architecture.
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 "The
Perfect Nest"
Story by Carherine Friend
Illustrations by John Manders
Jack the cat builds the perfect nest to attract his
egg-laying friends. His motive is to get a perfect egg so he
can make the perfect omelet. His plan goes awry when a
chicken, duck and goose all lay eggs and argue over who owns
the nest. Jack finally gets rid of his feathered friends.
But just as he is ready to make his omelet, all three eggs
hatch and he finds himself in the role of "father."
To add to the fun, the animals are different nationalities.
So their comments are in Spanish, French and English. Young
children will love this brightly illustrated, funny book---a
perfect bedtime story. |
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 "Away"
by Amy Bloom
The chief character, Lillian Leyb, a hapless victim in her
small Russian village, comes to America. It is the 1920's.
Arriving in New York City, unable to speak English, she
finds a menial job as a seamstress in a second-rate Yiddish
theater.
Determined to get by, she rents a mattress and discovers
that she must involve herself in indiscretions solely to
advance her own well being. Then she hears that her own
daughter is alive and well. With great resolution, she sets
out to find her: first to Chicago, then Seattle, to the
Yukon and then on to Siberia. She had sorely underestimated
the difficulties in making such a trek. Along the way she
finds that she must endure personal debasements to reach her
goal. |
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 Rhett
Butler's People
by Donald McCaig
Although not in the league of the classic Gone With the
Wind, this novel was, however, authorized by the estate of
Margaret Mitchell. Rhett Butler is introduced to the reader
as a young boy. On through his formative years, the
influences of many people, not all included in the original,
play out to define the "real" Rhett Butler.
Questions not answered in Gone With the Wind are resolved as
Butler interacts with the characters we all came to love.
Interest in the plot of the novel is maintained by revealing
who the "scamp" was before he showed up at the Twelve Oaks
barbecue on that fateful day when he first met Scarlett
O'Hara.
Butler, O'Hara and many others come alive once more. |
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 Taking
Care of Moses
by Barbara O'Connor
Eleven-year-old Randall Mackey has a secret. He knows who
left the baby on the steps of the Rock of Ages Baptist
Church – he saw who did it. But he can’t tell anyone, not
even his best friend, Jaybird. And he certainly can’t let
Jaybird’s little sister, Althea, find out because she’d be
sure to shout it from the rooftops. While he’s busy worrying
about doing the right thing, everyone in town is discussing
who should take care of baby Moses. Should the preacher's
wife keep the baby or should it go to a licensed foster
home? So Randall has to come up with a plan that won’t hurt
those he most wants to help before the situation gets
completely out of control.
Upper elementary children will be kept in
suspense to see why Randall can't tell who left the baby and
how the problem is solved. |
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 The
Red Dahlia (An Anna Travis Mystery)
by Lynda La Plante
The best-selling author of Above Suspicion and the Prime
Suspect Series has written The Red Dahlia as the second
novel of the Anna Travis Mystery Series. It is a riveting
tale about the discovery of a young woman's body on the
banks of the Thames River. The body has been surgically
mutilated much like the unsolved 1947 murder of Elizabeth
Short in Los Angeles, called the Black Dahlia Murder.
It's a 35-day period in which Detective Travis and her
superior, James Langton, are mystified as a second body is
found. The killer taunts them with untraceable postal
mailings; much like the Black Dahlia case did some sixty
years earlier. Finally, an anonymous tip helps them prevent
a third murder and the race is on as Langton and Travis are
pushed to their limits. |
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 NEVER
TAKE A PIG TO LUNCH
Poetry Selected and Illustrated by
Nadine Bernard Westcott
Is your child ready to move beyond preschool poetry into
fresh and funny verse by poets such as Florence Parry Heide,
Eve Merriam, Ogden Nash, and Jack Prelutsky? Never Take a
Pig to Lunch is a child’s poetry book for elementary ages
that appeals to all tastes. While addressing overeating,
being a fussy eater, table manners, culturally different
foods, the fun of picnics, and perils of dining out, the
selected poetry explores the funny side of food and eating.
The poems contained in this beautifully illustrated book
serve up a feast of words and pictures to be enjoyed by all
ages and family members. |
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 THE
FORGOTTEN 500
by Gregory A. Freeman
Destroying the Rumanian oil refineries that supplied the
German war machine became crucial in 1944. The Allies flew
B-24's into heavy artillery fire around and over the targets
resulting in large numbers of planes destroyed and damaged.
Some of the crews were forced to parachute out with most of
them landing behind enemy lines in Yugoslavia.
This is the fascinating and true story of one of the most
daring rescues of WW, filled with political intrigue,
including the infiltration of communist agents into the
highest echelons of the British Secret Service. It
illustrates the incredible courage of the Serbian and Croat
people and reveals the exciting story behind World War II's
Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and William “Wild Bill"
Donovan’s rescue of The Forgotten 500. Donovan earned the
Medal of Honor for his service in World War I, where he
earned the nickname "Wild Bill." |
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 So
You Want to Be President?
by Judith St. George
Illustrations by David Small
Did you know that John Quincy Adams liked to go
skinny-dipping in the Potomac River? Did you know that
William Howard Taft weighed over three hundred pounds and
had to have a special bathtub built in the White House?
Award-winning children's nonfiction writer, Judith St.
George, fills this delightful book for any school-age child
with little known funny facts about our presidents. She ends
on a serious note about the responsibilities and priorities
of the officeholder.
The illustrations are done in political cartoon style and
would delight any adult sharing the book with a child as the
2008 presidential election heats up. What little known fact
do you think will be said someday about the candidate who
wins the election and becomes President? |
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 Fred Stays with Me!
Story by Nancy Coffelt
Illustrations by Tricia Tusa
This delightful, new picture book for young children relates
an all-too-common story of the problems of a girl whose
parents have gotten a divorce and she takes turns living
with each parent. Fred, her beloved dog, always goes with
her no matter which house she's in, but Fred has a knack for
doing all the wrong things at each house until he becomes a
real problem.
What's to be done about Fred? Read this warm, gentle story
to see how the little girl and her parents solve the problem
and how she gets to keep one of the constants in her life.
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 The
Killer Angels
by Michael Shaara
Four days in 1863 southeast of Gettysburg held the power of
changing the United States of America forever. This
fascinating story of one of the bloodiest battles ever
fought in our country won a Pulitzer Prize in 1975.
Seminary Ridge, Little Round Top, McPherson’s
Woods, Devil’s Den and Cemetery Ridge all come alive. The
major players give you a ringside seat of the conflict, not
only of the different ways of life at stake, but also of the
dreams of freedom and justice. The leaders of both sides
become real and you'll agonize at the horrors that battle
can bring.
This is a concise and well-written account of one of the
most important times in our history.
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 "World Without End"
by Ken Follett
For those who were swept away by the brilliance of Follett's
The Pillars of the Earth, this latest novel may be viewed as
the much-anticipated sequel. Set in the same town of
Kingsbridge some two hundred years after the building of the
Gothic cathedral that was the essence of The Pillars of the
Earth, the novel explores the elemental nature of the
townspeople: aspirations, animosities, covetousness,
vanities, and the interrelationships of love and hate that
are such a part of the human condition.
The drama of life itself is depicted against the horrific
backdrop of the Black Death and draws into focus many facets
of the everyday existence and ignorance of a remarkable cast
of characters. This is a book that in the end reflects
redeemable characteristics of progressive thinkers versus
those who hold on to the old comfortable ways. |
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 "Samsara
Dog"
Story by Helen Manos
Illustrations by Julie Vivas
This upper elementary school children's book follows a
faithful dog's reincarnations through various lives and
situations. The dog starts out as a stray but each
subsequent life requires very different duties from being an
airport sniffing dog to a street juggler's companion, then
to being a rescue dog. He finally winds up as a boy's pet,
but when the boy becomes blind, the dog learns important
lessons about life and love.
The illustrations are beautifully done, and the entire book
is guaranteed to warm your heart. |
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 "The
Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn
Illustrations by Ruth Harper and Nancy Leak
This is the perfect book for a "reluctant" scholar having
trouble adjusting to a new school situation. Chester Raccoon
doesn't want to leave the comfort zone of his familiar home,
but his mother shares a secret that makes him know he is
loved and gives him confidence to face the new and scary
school year.
The colorful, woodsy illustrations will delight young
readers and the story may be just what your child needs to
start the school year on a positive note.
Can you guess Mother Raccoon's secret? Read the book to find
out! |
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 "The
King of Lies" by John Hart
The novel, the author's first, should be placed in the
company of John Grisham's A Time To Kill.
From the opening chapter until the shocking conclusion, John
Hart's masterful prose snares the reader with all the
elements of the Mystery/Thriller: murder, money, sex,
betrayal, unexpected maneuvering by key characters and
cleverly crafted subterfuge as to the final outcome.
Aficionados of this genre will eagerly await this author's
next book. |
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 Don’t
Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Words and Pictures by Mo Willems
Starting with the inside cover and the title page and
continuing through the back inside cover, every page of this
delightful book entertains with pictures and words. Every
child will understand and chuckle at the pigeon’s yearning
to do something that everyone else thinks is ridiculous.
Young children will recognize the wheedling and nagging by
the pigeon and wonder from the start of the book if the
pigeon will eventually get to “drive the bus.” Adults will
appreciate all of Mo Willems’ “pigeon” books including the
childhood lessons modeled in the pigeon’s dreams and
behavior and enjoy sharing them with their favorite child.
Put the KML Story Time for ages 3 ½ to 7 on your calendar
for Wednesday, September 12 because Miss Mary Grider will be
reading Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. |
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 MANHUNT:
A 12 Day Chase For LINCOLN’S KILLER
By: James L. Swanson
The murder of Abraham Lincoln set off the greatest manhunt
in American history - -pursuit and capture of John Wilkes
Booth. From April 14 to April 26, 1865, the assassin led
Union Calvary troops on a wild, twelve-day chase from
Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into
the forests of Virginia.
Manhunt is a fully documented work. It is also a fascinating
tale of murder, intrigue and betrayal. A gripping
hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and
the hunters. This is history as you’ve never read it before.
You will not want it to end. |
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 UNDAUNTED
COURAGE - Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the
Opening of the American West, by Stephen E. Ambrose
In 1804 the Louisiana Purchase became a reality. President
Thomas Jefferson had already launched the Lewis and Clark
Expedition to find a route through the northwestern United
States to the Pacific Ocean.
Ambrose said of Jefferson, “In an age of
imperialism, he was the greatest empire builder of all. His
mind encompassed the continent. From the beginning of the
revolution, he thought of the United States as a nation
stretching from sea to sea. More than any other man, he made
that happen.”
This book captures the essence of adventure and the human
spirit and is truly an exciting historical account of a
critical chapter in westward US expansion. It chronicles
their encounters with Indians, grizzlies, rampaging rivers,
whims of nature and incredible hardships. It is a testament
to men of truly undaunted courage. |
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 17
THINGS I’M NOT ALLOWED TO DO ANYMORE, by Jenny Offill
Pictures by Nancy Carpenter
Do you want a read-aloud to share with your child that is
guaranteed to tickle your funny bone? This brand new book
will certainly fill the bill! A young mischievous girl tries
everything in the world to annoy the grownups in her life.
She even glues her brother’s bunny slippers to the floor
with him in them! Of course, she’s not allowed to use glue
ever again. If you want some good laughs, check out this
book.
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 THE
BLESSING WAYby Tony Hillerman
Sure, The Blessing Way, by Tony Hillerman, is a good mystery
. . . but it's much, much, more. The Blessing Way allows you
to sneak a peek into the mystique and wonder of the Navajo
Indian beliefs and customs in the beautiful, but barren,
Southwest USA.
The legendary Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Sergeant Jim Chee
of the Navajo Police guide your first steps into New
Mexico's Navajo country. Once there, you'll be hooked.
The Blessing Way is Hillerman's first novel about the Navajo
Police. There are fifteen titles awaiting you at Kurth
Memorial Library. Come to your library and get "Hooked on
Hillerman."
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SATURDAYS
AND TEACAKES
by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrations by Chris Soentpiet
 Set
in the 1950's, a loving Alabama grandmother and her
nine-year-old grandson spend time together that'll never be
forgotten. The two share a special day talking, doing
chores, and finally baking and feasting on Mammaw's special
teacakes (in East Texas we call them cookies). It's a
winning first person account of a young boy's special day
with his Mammaw.
You'll be vividly reminded of the significance of youngsters
making memories with their grandparents. The
bright and beautiful illustrations of life in
an earlier time will bring fond memories for those who share
this story with a child.
There's even a website at the end for Mammaw's teacake
recipe. |
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