The Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honey Bee Catastrophe

by Loree Griffin Burns and Ellen Harasimowicz (photographer)

Houghton Mifflin, 2010. 80 pgs. Nonfiction.

Burns' fascinating new book (in the Scientists in the Field series) is all over the apiary, as it were. Beginning with the story of a backyard beekeeper (Mary Duane) who singlehandedly cares for her bees and gathers their honey, Burns then moves to Dave Hackenburg's industrial operation where, in 2006, Colony Collapse Disorder was first discovered. When tens of thousands of Dave's bees simply disappeared he quickly alerted biologists and other beekeepers. Many reports of similar losses followed and Burns then takes up the story of the scientists who are trying to discover the cause(s) of this frightening threat to the world's bees and food supply. Equal parts bee culture and scientific puzzle, The Hive Detectives should appeal to a wide range of kids and their parents. (Be aware that the hunt for what is killing the bees requires that bees be killed, ground up, pulled apart, etc., if you have an especially tender-hearted nature lover in the house.)

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Painting for Peace in Ferguson

Painting for Peace in Ferguson By Carol Swartout Klein Treehouse Publishing Group, 2015. Nonfiction. When the city of Ferguson was overrun with so much hate and despair that homes and businesses had to be boarded up to protect property, citizens of the community decided to bring a message of hope by painting the boarded windows. Klein’s rhyming text supports the photographs of the hundreds of artists and volunteers and their artwork as they bring the messages of peace, hope, love, and that by being united they can make a difference. A great book to show children how a community rallied to make a positive change and that even a small gesture can make a huge difference. A great discussion opener on how we should treat each other.

Dragon Run

Dragon Run by Patrick Matthews Scholastic, 2013. 336 pgs. Fantasy Al Pilgrommor is excited for Testing Day, when he will receive his rank, a tattooed number on the back of his neck, and a path forward to his future occupation and life. He feels confident because his parents were fours on a scale of seven, but he is worried for his friend Wisp who doesn't have much of a chance of scoring above a two at best. But when Al is scored a zero, he not only has no prospects, he may lose his life as the dreaded Cullers are unleashed to kill him and his family to purify the land's bloodlines. Al's world is ruled by dragons--the lords and supposed creators of humankind--so he thinks that even if he survives, he will have to make his living as a beggar or thief. But when Al sticks up for his Earther friend in front of Magister Ludi, he is drawn into the struggle of a secret organization hoping to destroy the Cullers, and perhaps the dragons them...

Books to Read... Inspired by Our Summer Reading Theme

I am very excited about the summer reading theme here at the library: Color Our World. From the first moment I heard what the theme was going to be, it has been on my mind, and I noticed I was seeing bright and vibrant colors in so many picture books. Here are a few colorful books that inspired me! I hope you enjoy reading all summer long. How Do You Eat Color? Written by Mabi David Illustrated by Yas Doctor Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book. If you want a book full of vibrant colors, this one will definitely meet your expectations. Bold and eye-catching, the illustrations are a reminder that color is all around us, including in delicious foods that we eat. Even the endpapers are a deep and stunning shade that made me think of summer! I appreciated the tips the author included for why eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is important for all of us. Inventions to Count On Written by Dana Marie Miroballi Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud New Y...

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