September 2000 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

This month's new books list, provided by librarians Roberta Greifer, Mark Mackler, and Carol Small, features fiction by Susan Sontag, a treatise on cussing, and John Updike's seasonal poems for children. To check out a book's availability, call 695-5095, or visit the Noe Valley­Sally Brunn Library at 451 Jersey Street near Castro. In addition to books, the branch offers magazines, CDs, music, an outside deck, a computer with Internet access, and the archives of the Noe Valley Voice. Hours are Tuesdays, 10 to 9; Wednesdays, 1 to 9; Thursdays, 10 to 6; Fridays, 1 to 6; and Saturdays, 10 to 6. Don't miss the Noe Valley History Day celebration on Sept. 16!

Adult Fiction

2 In Beneath the Ashes, a mystery by Sue Henry set in the Alaskan wilderness, musher Jessie Arnold finds herself to be a suspect after a mysterious fire erupts in a local pub.

2 In America, by Susan Sontag, portrays Maryna Zalezowska, Poland's greatest actress, who in 1876 emigrates to the United States to start a "utopian" commune.

2 Alice Hoffman's latest novel, The River King, focuses on the small town of Haddan, Massachusetts, divided by class conflicts and confronting an inexplicable death.

2 Set in Seattle, Under Cover of Darkness, a bloodcurdling thriller by James Grippando, begins when the wife of a respectable attorney vanishes under incriminating circumstances.

Adult Nonfiction

2 Beyond Sibling Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Become Cooperative, Caring, and Compassionate, by Peter Goldenthal, illustrates the various factors which determine how your children get along with each other, and what you can do to help the process.

2 Cuss Control, by James O'Connor, explains the hows and whys of foul language and what we can do to curb it.

2 Covering toilets, toxic tourism, and Annie Sprinkle, The Mad Monks' Guide to New York City, by James Crotty and Michael Lane, is an irreverent guide to the "real" city.

Annotations by Roberta Greiferand Mark Mackler

Librarians, Noe Valley Branch

Children's Fiction

2 A boy and his grandfather search together for a special pair of shoes, then celebrate after they find them in Hello, Shoes! by Joan W. Blos. Ages 1 to 3.

2 Handy Bob is a janitor, working very hard at Lakeside School to deal with The Feet in the Gym, by Teri Daniels. Ages 3 to 6.

2 Although Juno speaks English and his grandmother speaks Korean, they have an effective way of conveying important ideas to one another in Dear Juno, by Soyung Pak. Ages 4 to 6.

2 Sam's outfit for "Future Job Day" at school leads to a series of interesting experiences and a wonderful surprise at the end of Zooman Sam, by Lois Lowry. Ages 6 to 9.

2 Although Josh is determined to leave Canara, it is surprisingly difficult to do so in Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Sang Spell. Ages 10 and up.

Children's Nonfiction

2 In A Child's Calendar: Poems, the words by John Updike and the illustrations by Tria Schart Hyman describe a family's enjoyment of seasonal activities in each month of the year. Ages 6 to 9.

2 In Streets of Gold by Rosemary Wells, Mary (Masha) Antin leaves harsh conditions in Russia and journeys with her family to the United States, where she thrives on the educational system and discovers her talent for writing. Ages 6 to 9.

2 With clear, informative text and photographs, Raymond Bial describes how seven generations of children in this country received their education in One-Room School. Ages 7 to 10.

Annotations by Carol Small

Children's Librarian, Noe Valley Branch

Preschool Story Time

2 Children ages 3 to 5 will hear memorable tales at the library's preschool story time,
10 a.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 5, 12, and 19.

Infant and Toddler Lapsits

2 Enjoy stories, lullabies, and fingerplays at the 7 p.m. lapsits, for parents and their little ones, on Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Films

2 Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 can watch films at 10 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Noe Valley History Day

2 This annual history celebration features a display of photos and memorabilia from Noe Valley's past; films and videos by San Francisco historians; and a chance to meet old and new residents of your favorite neighborhood. The festivities will also include refreshments and a 3 p.m. visit from Heather the Court Jester, performing magic, comedy, and juggling. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2 to 5 p.m.