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READING STYLE GUIDE

Strange and Stranger

7/31/2021

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Strange and Stranger 

What's it like when everything seems to be different? Very different. Twelve-year-olds Jett Baranov and Jake Wind find themselves in situations which are definitely not-your-normal middle-school situations. We're talking encountering things like alligators and aliens.
Packed with plenty of humor, adventure, and interesting plot twists, Unplugged and Weird Kid are entertaining stories perfect for summer listening. If you are ready to take middle school adventures to a whole new level, try these audiobooks.

Unplugged by Gordon Korman

 Narrated by A.J Beckles, Maxwell Glick, Vikas Adam, Reba Buhr, Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Barrett Leddy
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Jett, the son of a wealthy Silicon Valley tycoon, knows how to get his own way. Always. He is an expert at gaming the system.
In an attempt to rehabilitate his son, Jett's father enrolls him in a summer camp deep in the Arkansas woods. The Oasis of Mind and Body Wellness has some basic rules: no meat, no pets, no screens.
Jett knows this regime isn’t going to work for him and immediately resorts to subversive activities including unauthorized trips into town and adopting a pet lizard. Three campers join him in a series of madcap adventures.
Their activities become serious when the foursome realize that there is a devious staff member, hypnotically controlling the minds of wealthy adults and bilking them out of vast amounts of money.
The fast-paced action escalates when the kids discover a mafia-owned mansion, a staff member’s secret life, and a reptile who may not be a lizard.
The full cast narration features individual narrators for each of the four young campers who uncover what is really happening at the Oasis of Mind and Body Wellness. Another hit from best-selling author Gordon Korman.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Release date: January 2021 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Weird Kid by Greg van Eekhout

Narrated by James Fouhey
Jake Wind’s life is getting even more complicated. In addition to starting middle school, he is experiencing major body changes, and it’s not just puberty. Truth is, Jake is an alien who came to earth as a flaming blob of goo” and was adopted by a couple. Without warning, his human form can suddenly shift into an animal or take on the appearance of a bizarre creature.
He meets Agnes, a tall girl who takes fitness and investigating mysteries to a new level. She aspires to be a save the world like her comic book superhero Night Kite.
​Odd things are happening in town. Sinkholes begin appearing throughout town They discover xenogel, a mysterious substance that resembles Jake's goo. Town residents are becoming imblobsters, resembing humans in appearance but act strangely. Is there a connection? The two sleuths seek answers. ​
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Can they save the world before it is too late? What will become of Jake and is impulsive shape-shifting abilities. Is he destined to remain on earth? Greg van Eekhout's novel is part sci-fi and part middle grade angst with a generous side of humor and word play. Jake's father is a proctologist, so the narrative is replete with butt jokes. Get out your guitars. Music plays a starring role in resolving the crisis.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Release date: July 2021  Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
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What Divides Us

7/27/2021

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Walls by L. M. Elliott

"Your children are wearing their dog tags, right? And you have an emergency bag packed...just in case?"
"Welcome to Berlin."
Current headlines include these concepts: borders, walls, refugees, family separations, authoritarian regimes. informants, and asylum seekers. These issues are not new. They were on the minds of people during the years following World War II.
Walls introduces young readers to the politics and intrigue behind a wall that was created sixty years ago as a guarded barrier, physically and ideologically dividing Berlin. This fictional account of events begins in August 1960 and culminates with initial construction of the Berlin Wall in August 1961.
Fifteen-year-old Drew McMahon and his family relocate to Berlin for his father’s next military duty assignment. They reside in the zone occupied by America.
Drew’s mother views this as an opportunity reconnect with her German relatives. She introduces her family to their German cousin Matthias who lives in the Soviet Union Sector. Initially, both boys appear to have little in common. Drew plays baseball and is an "army brat." Matthias is a skillful soccer player who pledged to take up arms against NATO.
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The boys discover that they share an interest in contemporary music, the theater, and thought-provoking literature.
With maps, historical photos, and political cartoons, readers are introduced to Berlin after World War II. ​Each chapter begins with a selection of relevant historical photographs featuring images of world events from that time period. This structure offers readers a close-up view of the time and place, giving the narrative an authentic feel.
The text includes numerous German phrases (shown in italics) with context that supports comprehension.  Back matter includes an Afterword,  Acknowledgments, Photo Credits, Selected Sources including books, an article, documentaries, drama series, and films.
Based on actual events Elliott creates a gripping story of a city occupied by opposing countries. Spies are everywhere. Who can be trusted? What is safe? Elliott ratchets up the tension, building to a climactic heart-pounding dramatic escape, evading concertina wire and armed guards.
Walls is a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history that invites comparisons with contemporary events. Highly recommended.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: July 27, 2021  Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1643750248
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Let Freedom Ring

7/22/2021

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All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
by Angela Johnson art by E. B. Lewis

And nobody knew, as the sun was rising, that soon it would be all different.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom takes a fresh approach to the story of Juneteenth, a United States federal holiday celebrating African American freedom and achievement.
Johnson, recipient of several ​Coretta Scott King Awards and a MacArthur Fellow, sets her story in a Texas community, when the day begins like every other day.  People rise early, preparing to toil in the cotton fields.  Gradually, word of the Emancipation Proclamation spreads throughout Texas, eventually reaching a young girl and her family. The narrative builds momentum as the day unfolds.
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Immediately the family gathers to share news of freedom with spontaneous celebrations. This declaration of freedom marks a turning point for formerly enslaved people. Life will be forever changed.
Evocative illustrations by multiple award-winning (Coretta Scott King, ALA Notable, Caldecott Awards) Lewis convey emotions with body language and facial expressions. His use of light is particularly noteworthy. The book opens with light streaming through an open window, illuminating the face of a young girl. A family group remains in shadow as they prepare for a day of grueling labor. Flames from an oceanside bonfire highlight girls joyously dancing and singing against the nighttime sky. The cotton fields remain in shadow.
Back matter includes a wealth of resources including: an Author's Note, Illustrator's Note, Timeline of Important Events, Juneteenth Then and Now, Online Sources, and Key Terms.
Poetic language and exquisite art make this an excellent choice for story time. Value will be added to the experience by including background information and extension activities, teaching youngsters the legacy of this historic event. Thanks Black Children's Books and Authors for a complimentary copy.

Join in the Celebration

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Juneteenth for Mazie 
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Juneteenth Jamboree
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Curated list of suggested books.
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Meaning of the Juneteen flag.
C​​opy provided by Black Children's Books and Authors, Inc.
Pub date: May 6, 2021  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers  ISBN: 978-0689873768
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Star Struck

7/19/2021

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Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars
She Made History Series
by Jodie Parachini art by Alexandra Badiu

2021 picture book chronicles the life and work of astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the researcher who discovered the pulsating radio waves emitted by stars.
From her childhood, Jocelyn was particularly interested in the stars. By the time that she was fifteen she had set her sights on becoming an astronomer. As a graduate student she helped construct the first radio telescope and went on to identify the first four neutron stars. The 1974 Noble Prize awarded for this discovery mentioned only two men. She was not included as a prize recipient.
Parachini emphasizes the numerous contributions Bell Burnell has made to astrophysics and of her efforts to support women pursuing scientific research. In 2018 Jocelyn used her three-million-dollar Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics to create a fund for young women to study astronomy.
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The narrative uses concrete, easy-to-understand analogies to describe the subject. For example: Jocelyn constructed a radioscope with wires spanning a distance the size of fifty-seven tennis courts. A paper record of sound waves looks like mountain ranges. As it shrinks, a dying neutron star spins like a figure skater, revolving faster and faster.
Badiu's color palette features various shade of blue, punctuated with brilliant pinks and purples when she discovers and researches radio waves. Of note is the passage of time in depictions of Jocelyn as she progresses from young girl venerated woman.  While the hairstyles and eyeglass frames change with the passing years, the wonder and delight on her face remain throughout the book.
Back matter includes a glossary of terms related to the study astronomy, an Author's Note with additional details on the life and contributions of Jocelyn, and a selected biography for young readers.
Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars  is an excellent introduction to astronomy, astrophysics, and STEM research.  Inspirational account of a girl pursuing her dream.
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Women Who Changed Our World


​Explore the lives and contributions of notable women, including some less known individuals, with the picture book series She Made History. These slim volumes introduce young readers to accomplishments of women throughout history.
​View the slide show and select a cover image for additional information.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company  ISBN:  978-0807545638
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Pluto-the-Person

7/12/2021

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How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby

Yes, I'm broken, Pluto thought.  Just let me be broken and leave me alone.
Thirteen-year-old Pluto and her mom are confronted with a challenging situation: understanding and coping with Pluto's recent diagnosis of depression and anxiety.
Her mother is terrified when her daughter completely withdraws, is unable to sustain long-established friendships and can no longer attend school.
Pluto alternates between constantly sleeping and lashing out at others, particularly her mother. Activities she enjoyed such as visiting the planetarium and spending time on the boardwalk are no longer interesting or entertaining.
She was tired of trying. She was tired of her mom's desperate, eager eyes. She was tired of all of it.
There are similarities between How to Become a Planet and Melleby's debut novel Hurricane Season. Both explore the tenuous relationship between a parent and child as they deal with mental illness. While her early book chronicles a young girl struggling with her father's illness, her current novel reverses the situation. A mother must come to grips with her daughter’s depression.
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Pluto-the-Person discovers that like the former planet Pluto, her status seems to have shifted. Over the course of the book her world alters in significant ways. She connects with a girl whose family owns a Jersey Shore business and finds that their developing friendship holds the possibility of romance. She visits her father and his girlfriend in New York City and learns that his partner copes with a mental disorder. She begins tutoring sessions with a sympathetic woman and attempts another session with a therapist. Pluto also make the surprising discovery: her grandmother lived with a mental illness.
By summer's end, Pluto is able to acknowledge some realities. A list of goals does not work for her. She must find what helps her and avoid unrealistic expectations. She wants to repair her relationships with her mother and her best friend. She hopes to explore the possibility of romance. She has the support of her parents, her friends, her tutor, and her therapist. Learning to live with depression will take time. There will be setbacks. That is okay.
Melleby's explorations of mental illness and how it affects family life are stories of everyday people facing real problems. Life is a struggle, but not without hope.
You still are Pluto...You just need to learn how to care for and accept this new understanding of you.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: May 25, 2021  Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1643750361
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The Other Side

7/5/2021

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"The Other Side is not so far away."

My Two Border Towns by David Bowles ill by Erika Meza

This little treasure is a love letter to community, culture, and heritage. My Two Border Towns chronicles a typical Saturday journey of a father and son to a nearby town. A routine that is both ordinary and extraordinary.
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​This twosome have an itinerary: begin with breakfast at a favorite restaurant, purchase grocery items requested by family and friends, fill medical prescriptions, visit with extended family, and make deliveries.
It seems to be a simple and straightforward description of a father and son outing. However, there is one important difference. The neighboring town is in another country. The two leave their home in the United States and travel to Mexico. This means stopping at a checkpoint, producing necessary documentation, and passing a border guard’s inspection. Spanish phrases are liberally sprinkled throughout the narrative with plenty of context to help young readers infer meaning. Spanish is evident, to a varying degree, in both towns.​
The journey concludes with a stop at a center for refugees. It is obvious that this is not the first time the pair have visited the site. The boy calls an individual by name. He has come prepared with comics, notebooks, and pencils to share with children "stuck between two countries." After distributing their gifts, the pair head for home, hoping that someday they will be no longer be separated from their immigrant friends.
Cover art brilliantly depicts a mirrored image of young man. He’s the same person, but each image colors his world in a particular way.  Both towns offer context and dimension to his life.
Title page features a stylized overhead view of the two towns, the river that divides them and the road that connects them. The image is a prelude to a story of separation and connection.
Illustrations for the town across the river are replete with local vivid details: papel picado (paper banners) and paletas (ice pops). Meza's art shows the landscape from a variety of views and perspectives.
Bowles has penned a gentle narrative that celebrates the unique qualities of living near a border town. It's a tribute to family and home. The neighboring Mexican community allows youngsters to appreciate similarities and differences. Text presents a sensitive view of those trapped between two countries, seeking for a place to call home. Reassuring. Hopeful.

Border Stories: Picture Books

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​Electronic copy accessed via Edelweiss.
Pub date: August 24, 2021  Publisher: Kolika  ISBN: 978-0593111048
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Mighty Mice

6/29/2021

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The Mouse Watch by J J Gilbert read by MacLeod Andrews

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Mouse-sized adventures have a special place in classic children's literature. Consider The Mouse and the Motorcycle, Stuart Little, and The Tale of Despereaux. Now there’s a new mouse in kidlit and she may be small, but she is mighty. Gilbert’s The Mouse Watch series takes lilliputian stories in a new direction. Mice are secret agents, performing acts of daring and bravery that will save the world. Because of their size, these rodents are able to carry out clandestine missions that are impossible for humans accomplish.
Rescue Ranger's Gadget Hackwrench is the mastermind of an elite force of secret mouse agents. Bernadette Skampersky (character names are part of the book's charm) achieves her lifelong dream when she is selected as a Mouse Watch operative. Her first assignment: outwit the evil Dr Thornpaw who plans to control the minds of humans with his cheese spray. Next Bernie and her partner Jason battle two nefarious foes: the sea captain of the Medusa and the empress of the ocean kingdom of Catlandia in The Mouse Watch Underwater.
Andrews’ pacing is superb. The unique voices for each character are spot on. He injects the perfect blend of humor, charm, and sense of impending danger into the performance.
Stories are jampacked with hidden dangers, cliff-hanging escapes, clever word play, and plenty of heart. This is a series not-to-be-missed. Consider downloading the audiobooks for a family road trip. The miles of travel will fly by.
An appealing adventure with all the charm of tiny creatures surviving in a world of humans combined with innovative technical devices and high-stakes action. Think The Borrowers meet James Bond. Terrific entertainment.
Meet J. J. Gilbert the creative mind behind this thrilling series.
Audiobooks accessed via Hoopla
Release date:  May 4, 2021  Publisher: Disney Hyperion
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Look What Popped Up

6/22/2021

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Popcorn Bob
​by Maranke Rinck art by Martijn van der Linden translator Nancy Forest-Flier

Something as insignificant as a kernel of corn can be the genesis for a wild adventure. Rinck and van der Linden have created a fantasy series about a walking, talking, cowboy-hat-wearing oversized seed with a voracious appetite and an "explosive" personality. He goes by the name of Popcorn Bob.
Nine-year-old Ellis, the family’s popcorn aficionado, discovers this salty oddity inside the microwave when she pops up an afternoon snack for her dads, who work from home developing new rubber duckies.
Ellis’ life takes a disastrous turn when her teacher informs her parents that the school is emphasizing healthy eating. This means that there will be cauliflower in the cake and, most importantly, no more popcorn. Ellis resorts to sneaking out to the garage to secretly satisfy her popcorn cravings.
An even larger problem is Bob, who is brash and demanding. He will not remain quietly in Ellis's pocket and resorts to earsplitting outbursts when hungry. He even devours a candy bar on the principal’s desk.
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Life becomes increasingly bizarre. The dads conduct a business meeting with one hundred rubber ducks on the office floor. Bob attempts to herd a flock of wayward sheep. Ellis eventually leaves town with the microwave strapped to the back of her bike. It’s zany fun to the max.
After more hijinks and close calls, the story resolves with the dads relenting and reinstating popcorn as a family snack.
Kids will gobble up this series. It's as addictive as a bowl of hot buttered popcorn.
​Good news! More Bob adventures are planned.
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Line drawings are liberally sprinkled throughout the text. They are an integral part of the story, chock full personality and inside jokes.

Popcorn Treats!

Listen to a sample
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Like Ellis, I am a popcorn enthusiast. Unlike Ellis, I prefer popping the kernels with my old fashioned popcorn popper. With a bit of oil, the kernels expand and the glorious popping sound begins. The kitchen fills with the tantalizing aroma. Top it off with melted butter and salt and you have snacktime perfection.
When I want to get fancy, I rely on the Caramel Corn Recipe from my friend's mother. It's a sure-fire hit. Everyone begs for more. Thank you Lynne.
You can find her recipe here.  
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C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 20, 2021   Publisher: Levine Querido  ISBN: 978-1646140404
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Feast of Flavors

6/1/2021

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Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iwai

It's going to be a special day. Nai Nai has invited Lili to help her make baos. This granddaughter not only loves to eat these steamed bundles of goodness, she loves to make them.
With charming watercolor illustrations, Lili describes each step. She begins by making the dough, then creating the filling, and finally tucking the filling inside each little pastry pillow. She refers to helpful cooking tips "secrets." 
When Nai Nai is missing cabbage leaves to line the bamboo basket and keep the bao from sticking, Lili ventures up to Babcia's apartment on the 5th floor for cabbage. She discovers that Babcia has cabbage to share but needs a potato for the pierogi she is making. This pattern continues. Lili traipses up and down the stairs, locating a missing ingredient for the resident grandmothers as each cooks her own version of savory filled pastries: ravioli, tamales, beef patties, fatayer, pierogis and of course, baos.
A top floor view, looking down, reveals on all the flights of stairs Lili and her adorable dog must traverse. Note: a posted sign indicates that the elevator is out of service.
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The multicultural culinary adventure concludes with neighbors sharing of each woman’s delicious specialty. A sweet surprises awaits Lili and readers on the final page.
Details from each apartment showcase the diversity of this community. In addition to learning various names for grandmother, readers are introduced to common phrases and greetings in a variety of languages.
An infographic offers a concise map of Lili’s journey throughout the apartment complex. The location for each type of dumpling is identified.  Bonus: ​A bao recipe is included.
Melissa Iwai's Dumplings for Lili is delicious introduction to a variety of tastes and cultures. 
Electronic copy accessed via NetGalley
Pub date: June 1, 2021Publisher: Norton Young Readers  ISBN: 978-1324003427
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Jane Austen Remix

5/27/2021

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that a popular classic with witty commentary on society, expectations and romance is an interesting starting point for a retelling. Example: GoodReads lists 440 adaptations, variations, and continuations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Several of these stories are available in audiobook format. Pop in the earbuds and chill with two engaging reimaginings of a timeless rom-com.

Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix
by Ibi Zoboi read by Elizabeth Acevedo

Well, there goes the neighborhood!
Zuri Benitez is appalled when wealthy Darius Darcy and his family move into her predominantly African American/Latino working class community.
Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix maintains several elements of Austen's novel: five sisters, a scoundrel who initially appears charming, a family with an uncertain financial future, and a younger sister who makes a troubling choice.
Zoboi sets this version in a contemporary urban environment with a sensory-rich description of life in Bushwick and the Haitian-Dominican culture. Zuri also confronts racism, gentrification, and stereotyping. The expectation of higher education for students of color is a welcome addition and includes a nice shoutout to Howard University.
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This refreshing adaptation with numerous misunderstandings, awkward situations, and heartbreak eventually arrives at a satisfying conclusion. No one will walk down the aisle, but there is mutual attraction and admiration.
Acevedo's narration is spot-on, injecting the text with an intonation and rhythm which brings the story to life.
Audiobook accessed via Hoopla.
Release date: September 18, 2018  Publisher: Harper Audio

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price read by Morag Sims

What happens when the daughter of a barrister decides to solve a murder? Welcome to the 19th century world of Lizzie Bennett. Price and Premeditation is a mystery that preserves Austen's setting and cast of characters along with several of their idiosyncrasies.
Price moves the story away from Longbourn and to the law firm of Mr. Bennett. He employs Lizzie, Charlotte, and the odious Mr. Collins who does little work but takes all the credit. Lizzie hopes to expand her role from quietly working behind the scenes to taking an active role in a case of murder.
To her dismay, she learns that haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy will be representing the defendant. Undaunted, Lizzie soldiers on: interviewing witnesses, uncovering evidence, and eventually trying the case before a judge. While this aspect of the story is historically inaccurate, it fits neatly with her personality.
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This tale of manners takes a modern twist, focusing on women's empowerment. Lizzie's jurisprudential skill and courage are admired by her father and Mr. Darcy. Her future as a barrister seems assured. However, Miss Bennett has a mind of her own and surprises everyone with an interesting decision about her prospects.
Sims' uses a variety of speech patterns to distinguish various characters, while retaining her "proper" British narration.
​Audiobook accessed via NetGalley.
Release date:  April 6, 2021  Publisher: Harper Audio
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
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    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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