Michael Finkel

In 1986, twenty-year-old Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the woods. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later when he was arrested for stealing food. Living in a tent even in winter, he had survived by his wits and courage, developing ingenious ways to store food and water, to avoid freezing to death. He broke into nearby cottages for food, clothes, reading material, and other provisions, taking only what he needed, but terrifying a community never able to solve the mysterious burglaries. Based on extensive interviews with Knight himself, this is a vividly detailed account of the why and how of his secluded life, as well as the challenges he has faced returning to the world. A riveting story of survival that asks fundamental questions about solitude, community, and what makes a good life, and a deeply moving portrait of a man who was determined to live his own way, and succeeded.

"Incredible true story. Loved it." ~Terry

Arianna Warsaw-Fan Rauch

In Declassified, Warsaw-Fan Rauch blows through the cobwebs of elitism and exclusion and invites everyone to love and hate this music as much as she does. She offers a backstage tour of the industry and equips you for every listening scenario, covering: the 7 main compositional periods (even the soul-crushingly depressing Medieval period), a breakdown of the instruments and their associated personality types (apologies to violists and conductors), what it's like to be a musician at the highest level (it's hard), how to steal a Stradivarius (and make no money in the process), and when to clap during a live performance (also: when not to). Declassified cheekily demystifies the world of High Art while making the case that classical music matters, perhaps now more than ever.

"This book is amazing, it is quite funny and tells you a lot about a very large genre of music." ~Ella

Jessica Sowards

You're excited to plant your first vegetable garden-but where to start? In The First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables, you'll find the answers you're looking for. Homesteader Jessica Sowards, the warm and energetic host of YouTube's Roots and Refuge Farm, is the perfect teacher for new gardeners, offering not just know-how but inspiration and time-management tips for success

"This book was GREAT. I am a first time gardener, and I feel like I learned a ton from this guide. The author wrote the book in a clear and logical way that streamlines the learning process. There are lots of pictures and words of encouragement which I found helped get over my fear of messing up my garden.

I’m not one to buy books but this one came in handy so much I’m tempted to purchase my own copy." ~Alexis

Mary Roach

The ever-curious and always bestselling Mary Roach takes us down the hatch on an unforgettable tour of our insides. We meet scientists who tackle the questions no one else thinks -- or at least has the courage -- to ask. And we go on location to a pet food taste-test lab, a bacteria transplant, and into a live stomach to observe the fate of a meal. Gulp is as much about human beings as it is about human bodies.

"I thought the info was very interesting and it made learning about physiology a lot easier." ~Emma

Richard Osman

"This book is the 2nd in Series - read in order.  I feel I know these characters. I want Joyce to bake for me and Ron to talk with about unions. Elizabeth and I would match wits, and Ibrahim and I perceptions." ~Mary Pat

Barbara Kingsolver

"If you’re familiar with David Copperfield, you will enjoy this modern take on a young man’s reflection of his life since birth. The rich characters and storylines are very similar. If you are unfamiliar with the Dickens novel, you will fall in love with Demon Copperhead just the same. As Copperhead tells his story about life growing up in Appalachia, your heart will swell for this boy and every person who has felt the struggle of making it to adulthood on their own." ~Gina

Rebecca Ross

"This duology has become one of my favorites. In the first book, I fell in love with these characters, and with the sequel seeing them through their trials and growth warmed my heart. I cannot recommend these books enough!." ~Morgan

Margarita Montimore

"This was a good book that definitely held my interest but left many questions unanswered at the end. On Oona’s 19th birthday, she experiences a sudden leap in time waking up in her own, much older, body, but still feeling 19 on the inside. She continues to experience these leaps every year on her birthday, maturing chronologically on the inside, but each year being a different age externally, in a jumbled up order." ~Monika

Claire Belton

"I like this book because it is easy to read and very funny. And it has two versions." ~Alexa, age 8

Kelly Barnhill

"This is a great book for anyone who loves mystery, magic, and sadness at the same time. 8 out of 10." ~Beatrice, age 10

Judy Blume

"This was my favorite summer book because it's about a girl my age and she started at a new school. I start middle school this year and felt like she had to make friends like I will." ~Anna, age 11

Stuart Gibbs

"This book was super good! If you are looking for an action-filled mystery, this book is for you. This book is about a (fake) discovery of Albert Einstein so I learned a lot about him. I would rate this book a solid 10 out of 10." ~Cora, age 13