Curated by our librarians, this ‘Best of 2023’ list includes some of the worthiest books published this past year. Included are well-known favorites, yet we also strived to include some surprises, both locally and internationally. We considered a variety of factors, including our staff’s favorite books of the year as well as titles that have met with critical acclaim and literary awards. We also looked to bookstores, book clubs, podcasts and magazines for recommendations. Our … [Read more...] about The Community Library’s Best of 2023
I am Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Brad Meltzer As a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what's right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America. This friendly, fun … [Read more...] about I am Martin Luther King, Jr.
I Have a Dream
by Martin Luther King, Jr. From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King: "My father's dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing 'I Have a Dream' speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone." On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on … [Read more...] about I Have a Dream
Martin’s Big Words:
The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier's stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures. A timeline and a list of additional books and websites help make this a standout biography of Dr. … [Read more...] about Martin’s Big Words:
What an Owl Knows
by Jennifer Ackerman For millennia, owls have captivated and intrigued us. Our fascination with these mysterious birds was first documented more than thirty thousand years ago in the Chauvet Cave paintings in southern France. With their forward gaze and quiet flight, owls are often a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and foresight. But what does an owl really know? And what do we really know about owls? Though our fascination goes back centuries, scientists have only recently begun to understand … [Read more...] about What an Owl Knows
Chain-Gang All-Stars
By Adjei-Brenyah, Nana Kwame She felt their eyes, all those executioners... Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" Stacker are the stars of the Chain-Gang All-Stars, the cornerstone of CAPE, or Criminal Action Penal Entertainment, a highly popular, highly controversial profit-raising program in America's increasingly dominant private prison industry. It's the return of the gladiators, and prisoners are competing for the ultimate prize: their freedom.In CAPE, prisoners travel as … [Read more...] about Chain-Gang All-Stars





