Because I had the opportunity to own Kindred Books, I've been lucky to come across some wonderful books that I have fallen in love with over the years. I'd love to share some of these titles with you.
Fair Warning: The majority of the books will not be new releases and possibly not available in stores. With this thought in mind, if you'd like to read anything listed here, but are unable to locate a copy at your local independent bookstore, I suggest you try some online websites, which specialize in hard to find, rare, first edition, and out of print books. Two of the very best are: Biblio.com and abebooks.com.
**Need More? Check out the 2014, 2015, and 2016 Archives below.
2017
October
Children's Pick - Dinosaur Twins by Inez Hogan
This is a cute story about dinosaur siblings. Perfect for the new reader in your family!
Adult Pick - A Kingdom by James Hanley
This novel explores the complex relationship a father had with his two daughters. Lucy, the one who left, and Cadi, the one who gave up everything in order to help her father on the family farm. When the father dies, the story explores what led each sister to do what she did. It also explores how it has affected their relationship with each other.
September
Children's Pick - I Want To Be A Homemaker by Carol Greene
There is an entire series of 'I Want To Be . . .' books. My favorite growing up was 'I Want To Be A Homemaker'. My mother was a homemaker and like most girls, I liked to play house with my dolls. In the book, a girl named Jane has a new playhouse in her backyard. She makes curtains, paints it, and fixes it up. Her mother comes to visit and gives her motherly advice about her doll 'children'. I wish I still had a copy of this book. Unfortunately, I sold this book, and I would be surprised if it still exists. If you can find a good copy, your little girl will love it.
Adult Pick - The Opalescent Moon by Jane Flower Deringer
Avalon Books used to have a huge line of romance novels and mysteries. This book is a mystery that I really enjoyed. It is about a girl, her mother, and her sister inheriting an old inn and resort only to have someone try and sabotage them. It is a fast read and perfect for a lazy afternoon.
August
Children's Pick - Crickets by Olive L. Earle
When the sun goes down and the stars come out, the sound that fills the night always brings my soul peace. This charming book will tell your child all about the music makers of the night. Great to read before a camping trip!
Adult Pick - Lucy Maud Montgomery - The Gift of Wings by Mary Henley Rubio
A must read for any Maud fan. I was lucky enough to read this book while taking a journey through Prince Edward Island. Not only did it bring me closer to Maud, transporting me back in time to the places she frequented and loved, but it also helped me keep an eye out for important items and places that I might have otherwise missed. Maud wasn't perfect. She had an imperfect life and marriage, but this book made me love her all the more. I understand her much better, and I see that her writing came from real life, making it more precious to me than it ever was before. ***** 5 Stars!!
July
Children's Pick - Famous Pirates of The New World by A.B.C. Whipple
If you have a youngster who is interested in walking the plank or maybe runs around the house yelling, "Argh!" This is the book to fill these long summer days. Fun stories about pirates. Nothing too involved and always a load of fun.
Adult Pick - To Ride the Wind by Henry Still
A biography of a man who believed that aviation was the way of the future long before others. Betting his career and livelihood on creating a manufacturing process, by the time World War I came along, he was #1 in the business. Interesting biography for those of us who like to take a peek into history.
June
Children's Pick - Getting There - Frontier Travel Without Power by Suzanne Hilton
This enlightening book about transportation before motors changed the world is a terrific read for every kid!
Adult Pick - How Dear To My Heart by Emily Kimbrough
This book is a wonderfully humorous and delightful look back into another time. Ms. Kimbrough reflects back to the time when she was growing up in Muncie, Indiana. She has a way with warming hearts in her descriptions of her family, places, and events. Reminiscent of L.M. Montgomery's writings. I hope you'll enjoy this author and her many other travel books.
May
Children's Pick - Bases Loaded by Wilfred McCormick
If you know a kid who plays baseball or softball, Wilfred McCormick wrote excellent sports novels for tweens and young adults. They are great summer time reads that never lose their adventure and excitement. Any youth who enjoys sports will enjoy Bronc Burnett stories.
Adult Pick - Wild Cow Tales by Ben K. Green
This summer, if you find yourself longing for a good western tale of how real cowboys used to round up wild cows, this is the book for you. Ben Green was a veterinarian and a true cowboy, who rounded up stray and wild cows. He is a wonderful storyteller, and his books are loved by those who are lucky enough to read them. This one is also available for Kindle!
April
Children's Pick - The White Mountains by John Christopher
Part of The Tripods, this is a series of books that mustn't be missed for the younger sci-fi fans. Action, adventure, and machines taking over the world, what's not to love about this must read?!! And don't forget the rest of the books in this series. They will stick with your reader for a very long time.
Adult Pick - The Road Back To Paris by A.J. Liebling
True stories written fantastically by a New Yorker reporter during World War II. The writing is excellent and gives first hand accounts of what it was like from the viewpoint of the soldiers. Will keep you reading. If you are a history buff, this is a book you will treasure.
March
Children's Pick - Out of Sight, Out of Mind by Chester Aaron
Twins with ESP become the target of Russians, who want to use their powers for evil. Action-packed book for tweens and above.
Adult Pick - Something of Value by Robert Ruark
Historical fiction. If you've ever been enchanted with Africa, or the history of the period after World War II when British control was fading, you'll love this epic novel. It has grown increasingly in popularity, but is now out of print. You may be able to find a reasonable copy through the book dealers I have listed above. Also, Amazon dealers have copies, but some of the prices are out of this world. If you are lucky enough to come across a copy of this one, grab it!!
February
Children's Pick - The Heart of the Orchestra by Jean Craig
Beautiful book for children interested in music.
Adult Pick - The Day They Shook the Plum Tree - by Arthur H. Lewis
Story of how Hetty Green and her eccentric ways managed to amass a fortune of $100,000,000 in 1900. If you love stories of how people are able to achieve success when it most seems unlikely, you'll enjoy this fascinating read.
January
Children's Pick - The Beyond by Jean and Jeff Sutton
Have a young Sci-Fi lover in your life? Here is an early rare novel that will delight. Telepathy is banished on a distant planet, and Captain Cromwell is sent there to find all perpetrators. But, oh, the twist! Great read for 12 and older.
Adult Pick - Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham
I know! Two books by Lauren Graham. What is this list coming to? Only good things, I assure you. This book is a precious gem if you loved Parenthood and Gilmore Girls. Lauren not only gives us special tidbits about herself, she tells about her incredible experiences on both of her hit shows. If you are a Gilmore Girls fan, I suggest you have a box of tissues handy for the last chapter. I cried through every last word. This is a must read!!
2016 Archive
Children's Picks
Judy North, Drum Majorette by Carol Morse
Tony and the Little Blue Car by Edna Walker Chandler
Ten Kids, No Pets by Ann M. Martin
Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer by Ronald Syme
Drake by Jean Lee Latham
The Very Messy Room by Elizabeth and Henry Stanton
The Little History of the United States by Mable Pyne
The Crumb by Jean Slaughter Doty
The New Adventures of the Mad Scientists Club by Bertrand R. Brinley
Old One-Toe by Michel-Aime Baudouy
Ernie Banks-Mr. Cub by Bill Libby
High Heels For Jennifer by Eunice Smith Young
Adult Picks
We Die Alone by David Howarth
Moonraker's Bride by Madeleine Brent
Saved By the Light by Dannion Brinkley
Darkness, Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane
A Kind of Magic by Edna Ferber
Captain From Castile & Prince of Foxes by Samuel Shellabarger
Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner
Trouble in Triplicate by Rex Stout
Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
The Case of the Crooked Candle by Earl Stanley Gardner
The Lion and the Throne by Catherine Drinker Bowen
The Lady and The Tigers by Olga S. Greenlaw
2015 Archive
Children's Picks
Thursday's Child by Noel Streatfeild
Plantation Doll by Cora Cheney
The Nose Knows- A McGurk Mystery by E.W. Hildick
Stinky Socks by Justine Korman
The Secret Hide-Out by John Peterson
Archelon and the Sea Dragon by Frances K. Pavel
The Secret of the Ancient Oak by Wolo
The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry
The Year of the Jeep by Keith Robertson
The Creature of Saxony Woods by Harriette Sheffer Abels
The Hotel Cat by Esther Averill
Time To Go Back by Mabel Esther Allan
Adult Picks
Meet Me In St. Louis by Sally Benson
The Vexations of A.J. Wentworth by H.F. Ellis
There's a Rhino in the Rose Bed, Mother by Betty Leslie-Melville
Gift of Gold by Beverly Butler
The Joy of Snow by Elizabeth Goudge
The Gold and Silver Hooks by Ruth Moore
The Straight and Narrow Path by Honor Tracy
The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner
They Came To A River by Allis McKay
The Mirror by Marlys Millhiser
The Lion in the Lei Shop by Kaye Starbird
Pat and Roald by Barry Farrell
2014 Archive
Children's Picks
Miss Osborne the Mop by Wilson Gage
Friend Monkey by P L Travers
The Silver Dollar Hoard of Aristotle Gaskins by Gerry Turner
The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
Danny Boy the Picture Pony by Alice E. Goudey
Miss Lollipop's Lion by Judy Varga
The Vanishing Scarecrow by Phyllis A. Whitney
Fly-By-Night by K. M. Peyton
Everglades Adventure by Stephen W. Meader
The Lost Legend of Finn by Mary Tannen
All the Days Were Summer by Jack Bickham
Bertram and His Funny Animals by Paul T. Gilbert
Adult Picks for 2014
Sourdough Gold by James B. Hendrix
Nethergate by Norah Lofts
The Roald Dahl Omnibus by Roald Dahl
Billy Gashade by Loren D. Estleman
Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith
Heart of the West by Penelope Williamson
The Brand Inheritance by Dorothy Fletcher
Mama Makes Up Her Mind by Bailey White
Trumpets Sound No More by F. Van Wyck Mason
Lady Unafraid by J. Raleigh Nelson
A Distant Trumpet by Paul Horgan
How Far To Bethlehem? by Norah Lofts