Special Collections
Ashley Tapparo's Favorite Books
Description: A list of a few of Ashley Tapparo's favorite books in honor of her life. Ashley Tapparo was a bright young woman, talented artist, and cherished daughter, sister, and friend who dreamed of attending college and studying marine biology.
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Dolphin's First Day
by Kathleen Weidner ZoehfeldDescribes a baby dolphin's experiences during his first day in the ocean.
The Mermaid Girl
by XequinaA series of big storms flood the sea town where Camila lives and she finds a tiny, newborn mermaid in a puddle of water. Camila adopts her and names her Mermary. She tells no one, especially her mother, a marine biologist who would take the mermaid away for research and study. Camila is extremely shy and the mermaid becomes her only friend. She reads everything she can about mermaids and earns the nickname "The Mermaid Girl" from her classmates. Before long, rumors spread of a mermaid in the lake. Now Camila has to figure out how to protect Mermary not only from scientists but from people who want to do more than just catch a glimpse of a mermaid.
Who On Earth is Archie Carr
by Christine WebsterDetails Archie Carr's life, with chapters devoted to his early years, life, work, writings, and lasting contributions.
Rocks and Minerals
by Ann O. SquireIntroduces different types of rocks and minerals and where they are found.
Dolphins
by Seymour SimonFriendly and fascinating, dolphins are one of nature's most intelligent animals. They live in families called pods and can make a series of 2,000 high-pitched clicks to locate fish in the water. Despite their beauty and playfulness, dolphins face serious dangers from commercial fishing and human activity. It's vital that people support governmental laws to protect these wonderful creatures. Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon has teamed up with the Smithsonian Institution to give you an expert view of these clever, curious, and mischievous mammals in a full-color photographic introduction.
The Blue Horse and Other Amazing Animals from Indian History
by Nandini SenguptaIt’s not just humans who make history, you know. So move over, chroniclers and historians. For centuries, we’ve been ignored, forgotten, occasionally footnoted (thanks a lot). It’s time we took centre stage. Strongest allies, faithful friends…we’ll even go so far as to say we were the soulmates of great kings and queens, princes and princesses, warriors and administrators. From saving their lives (while putting ours at risk) and leading them to victory in war to being a constant source of joy and love, we’ve done it all. Take a tour of Akbar’s dazzling court with his favourite cheetah, Samand Manik. Learn about the heroic battle of Haldighati – straight from Chetak’s mouth. Find out what Chhatrapati Shivaji was really like – from his dog, Waghya. Full of daring exploits, epic romances and heart-wrenching moments, these underdog (oh calm down, Bucephalus, it’s just a term!) stories are unlike anything you’ve ever read before!
Harriet Tubman
by Anne SchraffExamines the life of the person who helped many people escape through the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.
The Vanishing Deep
by Astrid ScholteBestselling author Astrid Scholte, returns with a thrilling adventure in which the dead can be revived...for a price.Seventeen-year-old Tempe was born into a world of water. When the Great Waves destroyed her planet five hundred years ago, its people had to learn to survive living on the water, but the ruins of the cities below still called. Tempe dives daily, scavenging the ruins of a bygone era, searching for anything of value to trade for Notes. It isn't food or clothing that she wants to buy, but her dead sister's life. For a price, the research facility on the island of Palindromena will revive the dearly departed for twenty-four hours before returning them to death. It isn't a heartfelt reunion that Tempe is after; she wants answers. Elysea died keeping a terrible secret, one that has ignited an unquenchable fury in Tempe: Her beloved sister was responsible for the death of their parents. Tempe wants to know why.But once revived, Elysea has other plans. She doesn't want to spend her last day in a cold room accounting for a crime she insists she didn't commit. Elysea wants her freedom and one final glimpse at the life that was stolen from her. She persuades Tempe to break her out of the facility, and they embark on a dangerous journey to discover the truth about their parents' death and mend their broken bond. But they're pursued every step of the way by two Palindromena employees desperate to find them before Elysea's time is up--and before the secret behind the revival process and the true cost of restored life is revealed.
Boris
by Cynthia RylantBoris is a big gray cat who loves sleeping and playing and exploring and hunting. And his owner loves him for all of his simple cat ways.But Boris, typical as he may be, is part of a much larger story in this moving exploration of love, longing, compassion, and most of all, the continuous give-and-take of companionship.Newbery medalist Cynthia Rylant's powerful collection of poems is sure to find its place in the hearts of readers of all ages, especially those who have been lucky enough to experience the many joys and hardships that come with true friendship.
The Dork Diaries Set
by Rachel Renée RussellDon't miss this dorkalicious boxed set of the first six Dork Diaries books that comes with a special collectible poster! Dork Diaries are funnier in numbers, which is why this complete collection of Nikki Maxwell's entertaining adventures is a must-have for Dorks everywhere. This boxed set includes all five standalone Dork Diary titles--Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life, Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl, Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star, Tales from a Not-So-Graceful Ice Princess, and Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-it-All--as well as the interactive How to Dork Your Diary. And the added bonus of a special collectible poster means fans can proudly proclaim their love of all things Dorky!
Wild Life!
by Syd Robinson and Re WildCelebrate our amazing world with this fascinating and entertaining book featuring wow-worthy animal facts and beautiful photos that will remind you of what we risk losing if we don’t make changes to our environment.
Ever hear of the Pink-headed Duck? What about Romeo the Frog, a type of rare water frog who found his mate with the help of an online dating photo? Our world is full of quirky, interesting wild animals that roam the treetops and plains and who make our planet a vibrant, diverse place to live.
Wild Life! celebrates them by providing you with inspiring facts, conservation success stories, and profiles of people working hard to find and protect the rarest of these species. Along with remarkable, full-color photos, this book will both entertain and inform you about the rare and endangered animals that may soon disappear if we don’t make the necessary steps towards conserving our environment.
Sea Turtles of the World (World Life Library)
by Jeff RippleMillions of sea turtles once roamed the earth’s oceans. Within the past five centuries, trade in sea turtle meat, eggs, shells, oil, and leather has driven almost every species to the brink of extinction. Explore the world of the sea turtle in this engaging book. Learn their general characteristics, how they navigate underwater, who their predators are, what human threats exist, and where conservation efforts are being made worldwide. Jeff Ripple profiles every species of sea turtle from the loggerhead to the leatherback. More than 60 breath-taking photographs capture these fascinating creatures underwater and on land.
Collecting Rocks, Gems and Minerals
by Patti PolkUnlike the dense and highly technical academic tomes that are text-heavy, poorly organized and intimidating, this colorful and easy-to-use reference guide dedicated to collecting rocks, gems and minerals is ideal for readers who want to expand their understanding without getting lost in a labyrinth of science. Beautifully illustrated with 700 color photographs providing wonderful detail and smartly organized to take the hassle out identification, you will enjoy the simplicity of the guide and the enthusiasm and knowledge of author Patti Polk, one of the top agate collectors in the world and a self-proclaimed "rockhound." You will also enjoy two areas that our competitors don't bother with. First it includes values, and second, it covers an introduction to lapidary, which is the cutting and polishing of rocks and gemstones for jewelry or display.
Collecting Rocks, Gems and Minerals
by Patti PolkUnlike the dense and highly technical academic tomes that are text-heavy, poorly organized and intimidating, this colorful and easy-to-use reference guide dedicated to collecting rocks, gems and minerals is ideal for readers who want to expand their understanding without getting lost in a labyrinth of science. Beautifully illustrated with 700 color photographs providing wonderful detail and smartly organized to take the hassle out identification, you will enjoy the simplicity of the guide and the enthusiasm and knowledge of author Patti Polk, one of the top agate collectors in the world and a self-proclaimed "rockhound." You will also enjoy two areas that our competitors don't bother with. First it includes values, and second, it covers an introduction to lapidary, which is the cutting and polishing of rocks and gemstones for jewelry or display.
From Honey With Love
by Allen PaulIn From Honey With Love, Honey—a swamp dog living in the wild—tells her own harrowing story in a charming southern voice.
Barely a year old, her high-stakes drama begins when she gets trapped and nearly shot. Convinced that she’s a coyote or a “ditch dog,” trappers want to wipe out her breed, perhaps the oldest in North America. But Honey gets rescued by Miss Jane and taken to Banbury Cross Farm, where she rescues and raises Honey’s breed—the Carolina Dog or American Dingo.
At the farm, Honey quickly bonds with Mr. Billy, the Field Master for fox hunters, and Ace, the farm manager. They quickly bond as a pack, like the one Honey left in the swamp. Honey’s quickness causes Ace, Miss Jane, and Mr. Billy to train her to become an agility champion. How she runs the race of her life, and how the killers in the swamp get caught, lives in legend.
Along the way, Honey learns a lesson she’ll never forget: the strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is the wolf.
Nim's Island
by Wendy OrrA playful fantasy for 7-10 year olds about Nim - a young girl alone on a tropical island except for her three amazing friends: an iguana, a sea-lion and a turtle. When a hurricane strikes, Nim becomes a hero in a single-handed sea rescue.
The Black Pearl
by Scott O'DellFrom the depths of a cave in the Vermilion Sea, Ramon Salazar has wrested a black pearl so lustrous and captivating that his father, an expert pearl dealer, is certain Ramon has found the legendary Pearl of Heaven. Such a treasure is sure to bring great joy to the villagers of their tiny coastal town, and even greater renown to the Salazar name. No diver, not even the swaggering Gaspar Ruiz, has ever found a pearl like this!
But is there a price to pay for a prize so great? When a terrible tragedy strikes the village, old Luzon’s warning about El Diablo returns to haunt Ramon. If El Diablo actually exists, it will take all Ramon’s courage to face the winged creature waiting for him offshore.
Newbery Honor book
The Pond
by Robert MurphyThis inspiring tale about respecting and preserving animal and plant life, perhaps even more relevant in today's climate than when it was first published, is finally back in print. Fourteen-year-old Joey spends his childhood visiting a beautiful back-country pond in Virginia. His humorous and heart-warming adventures in and around the pond, with the faithful dog Charley at his side, broaden his understanding of his place in the world and awaken in him a protective instinct towards all nature. In an era of climate-change debate and animal rights movements, The Pond delivers an important message to readers of all ages, at the same time never failing to delight.
Dolphins at Daybreak
by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal MurdoccaThe #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system! It's sink or swim for Jack and Annie when the Magic Tree House whisks them off to the middle of the ocean. Luckily, they find a mini-submarine on a coral reef. Unluckily, they are about to meet a giant octopus and one very hungry shark. Will the dolphins save the day? Or are Jack and Annie doomed to be dinner? Did you know that there’s a Magic Tree House book for every kid? Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Super Edition: A longer and more dangerous adventure Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com!
A Song Below Water
by Bethany C. MorrowBethany C. Morrow's A Song Below Water is the story for today’s readers — a captivating modern fantasy about black mermaids, friendship, and self-discovery set against the challenges of today's racism and sexism.
In a society determined to keep her under lock and key, Tavia must hide her siren powers.
Meanwhile, Effie is fighting her own family struggles, pitted against literal demons from her past. Together, these best friends must navigate through the perils of high school’s junior year.
But everything changes in the aftermath of a siren murder trial that rocks the nation, and Tavia accidentally lets out her magical voice at the worst possible moment.
Soon, nothing in Portland, Oregon, seems safe. To save themselves from drowning, it’s only Tavia and Effie’s unbreakable sisterhood that proves to be the strongest magic of all.
Sea Turtles
by Laura Marsh and National Geographic Kids StaffWho could resist celebrating sea turtles? They may seem like lazy ocean reptiles drifting with the oceans’ currents, but they are actually long-distance swimmers that spend their entire lives searching for food and a mate. What’s more, they come with their own built-in GPS, returning to the exact beach where they were born to lay their own eggs.
Rodrick Rules
by Jeff KinneySecrets have a way of getting out, especially when a diary is involved.
Whatever you do, don't ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn't want to talk about it. As Greg enters the new school year, he's eager to put the past three months behind him...and one event in particular. Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" chronicles Greg's attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe.
The Last Straw
by Jeff KinneyMiddle-schooler Greg Heffley nimbly sidesteps his father's attempts to change Greg's wimpy ways until his father threatens to send him to military school.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff KinneyBoys don't keep diaries--or do they?
The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to It's a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you're ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.
In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley's star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend's newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.
Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid.
As Greg says in his diary, "Just don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that." Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won't do and what he actually does are two very different things.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff KinneyBoys don't keep diaries--or do they?
The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to It's a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you're ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.
In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley's star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend's newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.
Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid.
As Greg says in his diary, "Just don't expect me to be all 'Dear Diary' this and 'Dear Diary' that." Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won't do and what he actually does are two very different things.