Naruto, Vol. 23: Predicament

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 23: Predicament. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421544809. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following a chase that started in Naruto, Vol. 21 and continued in Naruto, Vol. 22, Shikamaru, Naruto and Kiba have caught up with the two remaining Sound Ninja. Through clever strategy and jitsu, they steal the container with Sasuke inside from those ninjas, and they withdraw. Obviously, those two will not let their prize go, and the chase resumes, this time in the opposite direction. The arrival of Kimimaro, the fifth of the Sound Ninja, is heralded when she steals the container from Naruto. Faced with a three versus three situation, the Kohona ninjas split and each takes an enemy.

Shikamaru faces Tayuya, who controls chakra monsters with her flute. He delays and avoids her attacks until he figures out how she gives orders to those monsters using her instrument, and then deploys his shadow jitsu to take control. Shifting to second stage, she breaks off his hold, but by doing so falls into his trap, and finds herself face to face with him.

Kiba and his dog Akamaru confront Sakon, who hosts her brother inside her. They split up, and attack Kiba and his small dog, but Kiba uses his jitsu to combine with Akamaru into a large two-headed dog. The battle is uneven, however, as Kiba is outclassed, and Akamaru is severely injured attempting to save Kiba. With no other option, Kiba takes Akamaru and retreats down the river.

Naruto catches up with Kimimaro, who reveals Orichimaru's plan to achieve immortality by implanting his soul in Sasuke's body after destroying the boy's own soul. Only then can Orichimaru continue to live. Kimimaro pulls bones out of his body to create weapons, while Naruto summons an army of Doppelgängers. The battle for possession of Sasuke begins ...

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 24.

House of Purple Cedar

Tingle, Tim. House of Purple Cedar. 2013. 192p. ISBN 9781935955245.

Rose is a Choctaw girl who lives in Skullyville, Oklahoma, back when it was still Indian Territory. Rose witnesses first hand the escalating tensions as white settlers encroach upon Choctaw lands. Rose's story takes a devastating turn with the tragic arson of New Hope Academy for Girls, resulting in the deaths of twenty young students. Miraculously, Rose survives this horrific event.

Rose's grandparents, Pokoni and Amafo, revered elders within the community, adhere to traditional Choctaw spirituality. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when the local sheriff brutally assaults Amafo in public. Instead of retaliating, Amafo unexpectedly chooses the path of forgiveness, a decision that profoundly impacts the community.

The story seamlessly blends historical events with elements of magical realism, introducing fantastical elements such as shape-shifting panthers and a one-legged woman with herbal remedies. Elements of the Choctaw culture are skillfully woven into the story, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.

House of Purple Cedar is a compelling exploration of racism, injustice, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Reader who enjoy historical novels with a sprinkle of magic will appreciate this tale of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and exploitation.

How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist

Morancy, Joalda. How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist. 2025. 48p. ISBN 9781684494477.

What would it be like to travel to the Moon? To live on it? How to Survive on the Moon offers an exciting and informative journey into the world of lunar exploration. Written by a real rocket scientist, this book aims to equip young readers with the knowledge needed to survive on the moon. It delves into practical aspects of lunar living, such as building underground shelters, mitigating the dangers of moon dust, and cultivating food in a lunar environment.

Beyond practical tips, readers are introduced to cutting-edge lunar science, including the concept of underground cities and innovative technologies like lunar catapults for transporting materials back to Earth. This is not the stuff of science fiction but rather real-world science that supports these concepts. The inclusion of hilarious illustrations adds a playful and visually appealing dimension, rendering the book more accessible and enjoyable for readers. Space enthusiasts will appreciate the technical details and will be inspired by the wonders of lunar exploration and the possibilities of future space travel.

Middlewest: The Complete Tale

Young, Skottie. Illustrated by Jorge Corona, Jean-François Beaulieu, and Nate Piekos. Middlewest: The Complete Tale. 2021. 560p. ISBN 9781534324534.

Abel is a young boy who is grappling with anger issues. His mother left them when he was younger, and he finds it increasingly harder to experience his father's angry outbursts and his continual putdowns. Despite having a steady job, Abel's physically and emotionally abusive father, Dave, never seems to be pleased or happy with his son. When he gets caught for shoplifting, Abel faces the furious wrath of his father, who literally unleashes a storm.

Forced to flee his now destroyed home and neighborhood, Abel and his companion, a literal Fox, head into Middlewest, looking for his mother. Abel soon realizes he's infected with the same storm that has destroyed his father. Finding a cure becomes of immediate importance. Assisted by an old man, Abel makes his way to a traveling fair, where the man's sister, Maggie, possesses some of the ancient magical skills that may be able to help him. 

At the fair, Abel meets Bobby, a mechanic his age, and her robot Wrench. Welcomed into the fold, Abel learns new skills, but when Maggie finally attempts to discover the source of Abel's anger, she accidentally releases the storm inside him, and the fair is wrecked. With people hurt, Maggie banishes Abel from the fair. Ignoring Maggie's pleas, Bobby also departs the fair, hoping to find Abel before it's too late.

Caught by a network of criminals who brings kidnapped children to a farm where they handle exploding fruits, Abel is reunited with Bobby. At the fair, meanwhile, Maggie marshals her friends to launch an assault against the farm. And in the background, ever getting closer, is the storm that is Dave, hoping to find Abel and present his excuses. 

Throughout this journey, Abel experiences a perilous landscape, where he must confront his inner demons and the legacy of his father's violence. He learns about his family history and struggles to define his own identity, ultimately seeking to break free from the cycle of abuse that has plagued his family for generations.

Middlewest tackles important themes and may resonate with readers who have experienced similar struggles. Readers who like graphic novel will find the illustrations intriguing and will enjoy this action-packed story.

Pieces of Me

McLaughlin, Kate. Pieces of Me. 2023. 368p. ISBN 9781250264343.

Dylan wakes up in an unfamiliar apartment. The residents claim they all know her, but she doesn't remember anything that happened over the last three days. At eighteen, this isn't the first time Dylan has experienced memory lapses, but this is certainly the most concerning incident. Working with a therapist, she discovers she has Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Parts of her mind have been taken over by specific personalities, and each personality can control Dylan's body and isolate the others.

Dylan struggles with confronting the multiple personalities within her mind, as each is grappling with a deeply buried traumatic past that they are desperately trying to protect her from. As she navigates this complex inner world, she builds a connection with a boy named Connor who always seems to be here, regardless of which personality currently controls Dylan. Dylan thus embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to uncover the truth about her past and ultimately find healing.

Dylan's multiple personalities are distinct and masterfully developed, giving each a unique voice and purpose. While the journey to uncover the past trauma takes time, the compelling narrative will keep the reader engaged. Pieces of Me addresses the serious and complex nature of DID with sensitivity and informed research, offering a nuanced and authentic portrayal of DID and highlighting the challenges and complexities faced by individuals with the disorder while emphasizing the importance of support and understanding.

Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World

 Spicer Rice, Eleanor. Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World. Part of the Hidden Life series. 2023. 176p. ISBN 9781536226461.

Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World delves into the fascinating and disgusting yet often overlooked world of microbes. Microbes are single-cell organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye, and they include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These tiny organisms are everywhere, both inside and outside of us, with a staggering number residing within our own bodies. 

Microbes fulfill diverse roles, from aiding digestion to manipulating the behavior of other creatures. Using engaging anecdotes and humorous illustrations, readers will learn about the intricate relationships between microbes and their environments, such as how fungi can control the minds of insects and how termites play a crucial role in the planet's ecosystem.

This captivating read is filled with entertaining facts, quirky sidebars, and even a guide to drawing E. coli, making it an enjoyable and informative experience for both aspiring scientists and those simply curious about the unseen world around them. Unseen Jungle highlights the importance of microbes in our lives, demonstrating how they impact our health, the environment, and even the behavior of other organisms.

Bleach, Vol. 6: Death Overture Trilogy

Kubo, Tite. Bleach, Vol. 6: Death Overture Trilogy. 2005. 200p. ISBN 9781591167280. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.  

The battle between Quincy and Soul Reaper that started in Bleach, Vol. 5 continues as Ichigo and Ishida compete to see who can destroy the most Hollows. Quincys kill Hollows, while Soul Reapers free their soul and send them to the beyond. Unfortunately, Ishida's summoning worked too well, and now a flood of Hollows are concentrating above Karakura, and people are in real danger. 

During the battle, Ishida tells of his youth and learning from a Quincy master. He realizes that the teaching he learned was wrong, that Quincys were meant to work with Soul Reapers, not against them. At the same time, Orihime and Chad are faced with activating their latent powers and changing how they view the world forever.

Meanwhile, Rukia is in danger as a special unit of Soul Reapers have come to remove her from the body she inhabits as well as track the human who stole her powers. As Menos Grande, the largest Hollow both Ishida and Ichigo have ever seen threaten the entire town, Soul Reaper and Quincy will need to work together to save the world!

The story continues in Bleach, Vol. 7.

The Ascendant Stars

Cobley, Michael. The Ascendant Stars. Book 3 of  Humanity's Fire. 2011. 467p. ISBN 9781841496351.

The forces in the galaxy are converging on Darien as the concluding chapter of Humanity's Fire reaches its climax. The Hegemony's battle fleet of over 2,000 ships is traveling toward the human planet, looking to inflict such a destructive lesson no one else will ever forget. A rag-tag alliance of representatives of the three lost human colonies with alien allies readies to defend the planet against overwhelming odds. Greg Cameron, the archeologist turned rebellion leader, successfully allies people with disparate interests as Catriona marshals Segrana and the Zyradin's vast resources to protect the planet and its inhabitants.

The Knight of the Legions of the Avatar has deployed his mechs and taken control of the warpwell on Giant's Shoulder, and the barriers preventing the rest of the Legions from escaping the deepest part of the hyperspace abyss have been removed. Meanwhile, the Construct and its myriad agents, among them Reski Emantes, work with the Earth Ambassador Robert Horst to defeat the Godhead, who set all of these plots in motion to gain ascension to a higher plane of existence. Talavares, the Godhead's agent, is ready to deploy 500 anti-dark matter missiles against 500 worlds, causing them to go supernova. Julia, like Catriona, an enhanced human, fractionalizes her mind and successfully escapes the prison her body has become. 

With all of these forces converging on Darien, the resulting confrontation threatens to destroy the galaxy!

The A.I. Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines

Spencer, John. The A.I. Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines. 2023. 322p. ISBN 9781734172645.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize how we educate people. The same promises have been made with the Internet, machine learning, and even older technologies such as the audiocassette and the film strip. This time, however, it may be true, but uncertainty and the rapid pace of changes means that the verdict of AI's impact on education remains unclear.

Recognizing that a prescriptive approach is neither feasible nor appropriate, The A.I. Roadmap suggests several paths educators can navigate as they experience this evolving landscape, steering away from the extremes of completely restricting AI (Lock It and Block It) and blindly embracing technological advancements (Techno-Futurism).

Instead, what is needed is a human-centered and tech-infused approach. The A.I. Roadmap explores how AI is transforming various aspects of education, such as creative thinking, information literacy, project-based learning, assessment, and personalized learning. It analyzes how AI is impacting each subject area and provides suggestions of best practices, recognizing that what exists today will be vastly different in a few months. Finally, it offers guidance on how educators can leverage AI tools while maintaining a focus on human values, critical thinking, and the development of essential human skills, elements that will continue to set us apart from the machines taking over multiple aspects of our society.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 17

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 17. 2016. 186p. ISBN 9781421593333. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Shura Kirigakure has trained Rin and his classmates to become official Exwires. Despite her unorthodox methods and her skimpy outfits, Shura is one of the True Cross' most effective demon slayers. But now she is missing. Fearing she is in danger, Mephistopheles sends Rin and his brother Yukio to Shura's hometown province of Aomori, in the north, to locate their instructor and bring her back. 

Rin thinks this is the perfect opportunity to talk with Yukio and figure out what is happening. In Blue Exorcist, Vol. 16, Yukio decided to put himself in harm's way to activate a latent power that dwells in him, but he has been unable to do so. He can't confess to Rin that he's worried he is slowly being possessed.

Their search in Aomori soon lead them to Shura, who has returned to the Dragon God, with whom she made a pact to deliver a child before her 30th birthday. Shura doesn't want kids, and she wants out of this arrangement, so she willingly allows the Dragon God to attack her, before being rescued by Rin and Yukio. She shares her story with them, explaining how she got here.

Returning to the temple, Rin and Yukio convince the Dragon God to let Shura go, but the Dragon God has a change of heart, and drags Shura with him to the depths of the lake. As she sinks to the bottom, Shura realizes she wants to live ...

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 18.

A Queen's Game

McGee, Katharine. A Queen's Game. 2024. 368p. ISBN 9780593710708.

Queen Victoria rules over the British Empire. Despite her advanced age, she continues to be concerned for the survival of the monarchy. With several granddaughters and eligible foreign royals, Victoria is looking for the perfect match for her grandson Eddie, who will become the future King of England. She would prefer Eddie marry her favorite granddaughter, Princess Alix of Hesse, in Germany. Alix is beautiful, well-spoken, and genteel. But Alix has a dark secret. Under stress, she hyperventilates and even passes out, something a royal should not do. Plus, she feels responsible for the death of her younger brother.

Princess Hélène is the unfortunate daughter of the former King of France, who has been removed from the throne following yet another revolution. Without a kingdom, Hélène's prospects for a royal marriage are slim. This has given her a liberty most girls her age do not have, allowing her to escape conventions that are strictly enforced against British royalty. When she catches Eddie's eyes, she suddenly finds herself at the center of a web of power.

May has always been on the fringes of the royal family. Her father has depleted the family estate, and they are essentially living on handouts. Unlike other royals, May can ill afford the clothes and the experiences others have, and her prospects of marrying a prince are slim. But armed with information, she may be able to eliminate her rivals and attract Eddie's attention.

Based on historical events, A Queen's Game illustrates the strictures that governed the British royal family and those who hoped to marry into it. Fans of historical romance and royalty will enjoy reading a story told from three different perspectives. As the three young women compete with each other in a cut-throat environment, will they be able to secure their dreams and desires? 

Oxygen

Rich, Mari. Oxygen. Part of the Chemistry of Everyday Elements series. 2017. 64p. ISBN 9781422238431. Available at 546.72 RIC on the library shelves.

While we often associate oxygen solely with the act of breathing, its importance extends far beyond sustaining life. Oxygen plays a crucial role in various chemical reactions that drive the Earth's ecosystems. Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, relies heavily on oxygen. Additionally, many industrial processes, such as combustion and the production of steel, utilize oxygen as a key component.

Furthermore, oxygen is essential for the breakdown of organic matter, a vital process in nutrient cycling and maintaining the balance of our planet's ecosystems. From the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals, oxygen plays a multifaceted role in supporting life and shaping the very fabric of our world. Recognizing the multifaceted importance of oxygen beyond its role in respiration provides a deeper appreciation for this essential element and its impact on the planet.

This series includes:

• Silver
• Helium
• Gold
• Silicon
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Aluminum