Noe Valley Voice March 2006
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More Books to Read

Now that the Noe Valley­Sally Brunn Library on Jersey Street has closed for renovation (until late 2007), the Noe Valley Voice will be paying visits to other branches, as well as running after the local bookmobile, to find adult book selections for this 25-year-old column on new, and favorite, reads. We'll also be welcoming children's book suggestions from librarians Pam Ow and Karen Sundheim of the Eureka Valley­Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library. To find out if a specific book is available, call the Eureka Branch (355-5616) or visit the San Francisco Public Library's web site, www.sfpl.org. The bookmobile is scheduled to be parked in front of St. Philip's School at Elizabeth and Diamond streets, on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information on interim services, call 557-4353.

NEW SELECTIONS

Children's Fiction

- Cynthia Rylant's Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas, illustrated by Suçie Stevenson, depicts a day of fun and companionship for a boy and his huge dog. Winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Beginning Reader Award. Ages 5 to 7.

- The loyal friendship between a girl and her horse is full of good-natured humor in Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa, a Geisel Honor Book by Erica Silverman, with paintings by Betsy Lewin. Ages 5 to 7.

- A girl describes the special bond that develops over the years between her family and their cat in Desser the Best Cat Ever by Maggie Smith. Ages 5 to 8.

- In Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, 14-year-old Miri and girls from her quarry town on Mt. Eskel are sent to be trained in the cultured life of a lowlander and compete for the heart of the Prince. While facing obstacles ranging from a cruel tutor to fierce snowstorms and attacks by bandits, Miri learns the secret of communicating through silent Quarry Speech, and discovers her own intelligence, strength, and beauty. A 2006 Newbery Honor Book. Ages 10 to 14.

Children's Nonfiction

- Learn about Cesar Chavez's inspirational life in César: ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! with poems by Carmen Bernier-Grand and shimmering art by David Diaz. A 2006 Pura Belpré Honor Book for narrative and illustrations. Ages 8 to 11.

- Celebrate Women's History Month by reading the brief profiles in Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World, by Cynthia Chin-Lee, illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy. Ages 9 to 12.

Children's selections by Children's Librarian Pam Ow and Branch Manager Karen Sundheim of the Eureka Valley­Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library

Adult Fiction

- In Too Soon From the Cave, Too Far From the Stars, a collection of essays dating from 1962 to 2004, Ray Bradbury discusses his achievements in science fiction and his experiences living in Los Angeles and Paris.

- An introspective young woman gradually learns to make decisions and take responsibility for her life, in Leaving Home by Anita Brookner.

- Carl Shuker's debut novel, The Method Actors, is a historical investigation, love story, and international thriller set in turn-of-the-century Tokyo.

Adult Nonfiction

- First-wife Cynthia Lennon describes her 10-year relationship with John Lennon of the Beatles, in John.

- In The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe, Roger Penrose explains for the lay reader the mathematical theories behind physical matter, beginning with the roots of science.

- Pulitzer Prize­winning journalist Michael Hiltzik examines The Plot Against Social Security: How the Bush Plan Is Endangering Our Financial Future.

Adult selections by Karol Barske of the Noe Valley Voice staff

LIBRARY EVENTS

Time for Stories and Lapsits

- Bethany United Methodist Church is the new site for the Noe Valley Library's regular programs for kids. Preschool story time for ages 3 to 5 will be offered at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 21, and 28. Lapsits for newborns to 3-year-olds will be held at 10:30 a.m., also on Tuesday, March 14, 21, and 28. All the fun happens at 1268 Sanchez Street, on the corner of Clipper Street.

Eureka Branch Extends Hours

- Starting Saturday, March 11, the Eureka Valley Library will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Eureka Valley­Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library is located at 3555 16th Street (near Market). Hours are Mon. 12-6, Tues. 10-9, Wed. 12-9, Thurs. 10-6, Fri. 1-6, and Sat. 10-6. Phone: 415-355-5616.