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.


Showing 1 through 25 of 38 results

Wild Life!

by Syd Robinson and Re Wild

Celebrate 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.

Date Added: 06/15/2023


Who On Earth is Archie Carr

by Christine Webster

Details Archie Carr's life, with chapters devoted to his early years, life, work, writings, and lasting contributions.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Whispers from the Wild

by Amelia Kinkade

One of the world's most renowned animal communicators, Amelia Kinkade has brought thousands into closer contact with their beloved dogs, cats, birds, and horses. Now she shares the wonders of her recent work communicating with wild, and in some cases endangered, animals.

Amelia takes readers on a rollicking ride as she visits with tigers, elephants, lions, great white sharks, black mamba snakes, whales, and bees. Traveling all over the world, Amelia reveals the inner thoughts and feelings of these extraordinary animals and shares the advice she has gleaned—words about tenderness, reconnection with nature, life after death, and the possibilities of magical awakenings inside the brains of an ever-evolving human race.

Anyone with a heart, mind, and funny bone will delight in this invitation to understand and appreciate our fellow inhabitants of planet Earth.

Date Added: 06/15/2023


The Vanishing Deep

by Astrid Scholte

Bestselling 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.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


A Song Below Water

by Bethany C. Morrow

Bethany 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.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Sea Turtles of the World (World Life Library)

by Jeff Ripple

Millions 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.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Sea Turtles

by Gail Gibbons

Dive into the world's oceans to explore the dangerous lives of one of the oldest living animals.

Descended from enormous prehistoric creatures, sea turtles are fascinating. Hatched from eggs smaller than a baseball, some can grow to weigh over a thousand pounds. Once adults, they can live to be around 100 years old. And when it's time to nest, they migrate more than 1,000 miles.

With colorful, clear illustrations and straightforward text, Gail Gibbons introduces the eight kinds of sea turtles living in the ocean today. Learn the similarities and differences with labeled diagrams and experience the hatching of the tiny turtle babies with detailed illustrations. This updated edition now includes the most up-to-date information about these beloved reptiles, as reviewed by an expert vetter in the field of herpetology.

Sea Turtles also gives young readers an accessible overview of how the lives of these large reptiles have become threatened and discusses the conservation efforts currently taking place. Ideal for aspiring oceanographers, this brightly-illustrated book is a perfect introduction to the subject.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Sea Turtles

by Laura Marsh and National Geographic Kids Staff

Who 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.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Rodrick Rules

by Jeff Kinney

Secrets 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.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Rocks and Minerals

by Ann O. Squire

Introduces different types of rocks and minerals and where they are found.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Rescue Ink

by Rescue Ink

1,700 pounds of muscle, 80-plus tattoos, one unlikely mission. . . Abusers are losers! That's the rallying cry of Rescue Ink, the unique group of tattooed, muscle-bound motorcyclists who've banded together to rescue helpless, abandoned, and abused animals. Led by Joe Panz, Johnny O, and Big Ant, the guys act on tips from concerned citizens to find endangered animals and persuade the abuser (within the bounds of the law) to either change his hard-hearted ways or surrender the animal to them. The inspirational story of these guys and their commitment to better animal care, Rescue Ink's combination of heartwarming stories and practical advice will charm everyone who loves animals. .

Date Added: 06/15/2023


Redwall

by Brian Jacques and Gary Chalk

The question in this first volume is resoundingly clear: What can the peace-loving mice of Redwall Abbey do to defend themselves against Cluny the Scourge and his battle-seasoned army of rats? If only they had the sword of Martin the Warrior, they might have a chance. But the legendary weapon has long been forgotten-except, that is, by the bumbling young apprentice Matthias, who becomes the unlikeliest of heroes. Teeming with riddles, humor, unforgettable characters, and high-bounding adventure, the original Redwall, the launching point for a series that has captured the world's attention, features seven full-color illustrations by renowned illustrator Troy Howell. This new paperback edition is a must-have for both longtime fans and first-time readers.

Date Added: 06/15/2023


The Pond

by Robert Murphy

This 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.

Date Added: 06/15/2023


Out of the Blue

by Jason June

From Jason June, author of the breakout teen debut novel Jay’s Gay Agenda, comes Out of the Blue, a stand-alone dual POV queer rom-com that asks if love is enough to change everything you’ve grown up believing. Perfect for fans of Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas and Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly.

Crest is not excited to be on their Journey: the month-long sojourn on land all teen merfolk must undergo. The rules are simple: Help a human within one moon cycle and return to Pacifica to become an Elder—or fail and remain stuck on land forever.

Crest is eager to get their Journey over and done with. Humans are disgusting. They’ve polluted the planet so much that there’s a floating island of trash that’s literally the size of a country.

In Los Angeles with a human body and a new name, Crest meets Sean, a human lifeguard whose boyfriend has recently dumped him. Crest agrees to help Sean make his ex jealous and win him back. But as the two spend more time together, and Crest’s perspective on humans begins to change, they’ll soon be torn between two worlds. And fake dating just might lead to real feelings . . .

This sophomore novel from Jason June dives into the many definitions of the word home and shows how love can help us find the truest versions of ourselves.

New York Times Bestseller

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Nim's Island

by Wendy Orr

A 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.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


The Mermaid Girl

by Xequina

A 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.

Date Added: 06/15/2023


The Little Mermaid

by J. Elle

An original novel written by New York Times best-selling author J. Elle inspired by Disney upcoming live action reimagining of The Little Mermaid.

After the death of Ariel’s mother, the queen of the sea, the seven daughters of King Triton have grown estranged at best. It’s been years since Ariel’s older sisters have visited home. But this year’s Coral Moon is fast approaching, and it’s a special one for Ariel. Finally fifteen, she will be dubbed the Protector of her very own ocean territory as is tradition, and her sisters have agreed to visit for the celebration.

New York Times Bestseller

Date Added: 06/16/2023


The Last Straw

by Jeff Kinney

Middle-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.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Keeper

by Kathi Appelt and August Hall

Keeper was born in the ocean, and she believes she is part mermaid. So as a ten-year-old she goes out looking for her mother--an unpredictable and uncommonly gorgeous woman who swam away when Keeper was three--and heads right for the ocean, right for the sandbar where mermaids are known to gather. But her boat is too small for the surf--and much too small for the storm that is brewing on the horizon.Kathi Appelt follows her award-winning and New York Times bestselling novel The Underneath with this stunning, mysterious, and breathtaking tale of a girl who outgrows fairy tales just a little too late--and learns in the end that there is nothing more magical and mythical than love itself.

Date Added: 06/15/2023


The Jumbies

by Tracey Baptiste

Corinne La Mer claims she isn't afraid of anything. Not scorpions, not the boys who tease her, and certainly not jumbies. They're just tricksters made up by parents to frighten their children. Then one night Corinne chases an agouti all the way into the forbidden forest, and shining yellow eyes follow her to the edge of the trees. They couldn't belong to a jumbie. Or could they?

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Harriet Tubman

by Anne Schraff

Examines the life of the person who helped many people escape through the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


From Honey With Love

by Allen Paul

In 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.

Date Added: 06/15/2023


The Dork Diaries Set

by Rachel Renée Russell

Don'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!

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Dolphin's First Day

by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

Describes a baby dolphin's experiences during his first day in the ocean.

Date Added: 06/14/2023


Dolphins at Daybreak

by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal Murdocca

The #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!

Date Added: 06/14/2023



Showing 1 through 25 of 38 results