New Braille Books Added in February 2023

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13470    DOG’S PORPOISE              ROSS, M.C.         

A rambunctious mutt and a curious porpoise become best pals in this adorably charming story about friendship and family. For grades 2-4. Unrated. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13483    BEATRYCE PROPHECY     DICAMILLO, KATE            

Gentle Brother Edik finds a girl, Beatryce, curled in a stall, wracked with fever, coated in dirt and blood, and holding fast to the ear of a goat. As a monk nurses Beatryce to health, he uncovers her dangerous secret, a prophecy that imperils them all. For grades 3-6. 2021.  

BT           13485    OTHER WORDS FOR HOME          WARGA, JASMINE          

When her Syrian hometown is overshadowed by violence, Jude is sent with her mother to the safety of a relative’s home in America. She worries for the family members who were left behind and adjusts to a new life filled with surprises. For grades 4-7. 2019. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13486    CARNIVOROUS CARNIVAL: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, BOOK 9 SNICKET, LEMONY         

The Baudelaire orphans stow away in the trunk of Count Olaf’s car after he frames them for murder and sets fire to The Hostile Hospital (RC 52913, BR 13633). They resort to disguises as they hide at the Caligari Carnival where Count Olaf consults a fortune-teller. For grades 4-7. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.      

BT           13456    INKLING               OPPEL, KENNETH, 1967-

When an inkblot that can write, listen, learn, and draw jumps out of his dad’s sketchbook, Ethan believes it may be the answer to their problems and names it Inkling. For grades 3-6. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13471    ONE HUNDRED ONE WAYS TO BUG YOUR PARENTS          WARDLAW, LEE, 1955-  

Steve, called Sneeze because of his allergies, has his heart set on attending an inventors’ convention. Instead, a change in family plans puts him in a summer-school writing class. Thinking up ways to pester his parents gives him an idea for a moneymaking book. For grades 4-7. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.    

BT           13455    STAY      PYRON, BOBBIE

After her family moves into a shelter in a new city, Piper’s life is turned upside down. But she soon finds hope in new friendships and with a special dog, Baby. For grades 4-7. 2019. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.    

BT           13500    HOME OF THE BRAVE     APPLEGATE, KATHERINE

A beautifully wrought novel about an immigrant’s journey from hardship to hope. American culture, the Minnesota climate, and personal identity are examined in this moving first-person novel written in free verse. For grades 6-9. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13465    CAT IN THE HAT                SEUSS, DR.         

A story in rhyme about two bored children sitting at home on a rainy day while their mother is out. Then the Cat in the Hat arrives on their doormat to show them good fun with his tricks and games. For preschool-2 grade. 1957. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. 

BT           13453    BERENSTAIN BEARS AND THE DRESS CODE            BERENSTAIN, STAN, 1923-2005  

Even though they are not into rad fashions, Brother Bear and Sister Bear join the other cubs’ protest when Mr. Grizzmeyer enforces a strict dress code at Bear Country School. Unrated.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13452  I SURVIVED HURRICANE KATRINA, 2005   TARSHIS, LAUREN           

Barry’s family tries to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina hits their home in New Orleans. But when Barry’s little sister gets terribly sick, they’re forced to stay home and wait out the storm. At first, Katrina doesn’t seem to be as bad as predicted. But overnight the levees break, and Barry’s world is literally torn apart. He’s swept away by the floodwaters, away from his family. Can he survive the storm of the century — alone? Unrated. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13464    BERENSTAIN BEARS COUNT THEIR BLESSINGS      BERENSTAIN, STAN, 1923-2005  

Mama Bear is tired of hearing about how many Bearbie dolls Lizzy Bruin has and about how many Game Bear video games cousin Freddy just got. During a thunderstorm, Mama gets her cubs to realize that love and a good home are more valuable than material possessions. Contracted braille in UEB.

BT           13454    HORRIBLE HARRY AND THE HOLIDAZE     KLINE, SUZY       

Miss Mackle’s third graders share December holiday traditions–Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Three Kings’ Day, and Korean New Year–with one another and with Harry’s great-grandfather who just moved into a nursing home. For grades 2-4. 2003. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13458    ALIENS FOR LUNCH         ETRA, JONATHAN           

Ever wonder why desserts taste scrumptious? It’s because of XTC, the sweet ingredient from the planet Ganoob. When the world’s supply is stolen, Richard and his alien friend Aric must recover it before desserts everywhere taste like stale spitballs! This hilarious adventure is the follow-up to Aliens for Breakfast. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13461    ALIENS FOR DINNER        SPINNER, STEPHANIE    

Aric the alien returns to Earth to help Richard Bickerstaff save the world from an invasion of Dwilbs, pollution-loving aliens who want to turn the planet into a toxic theme park. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.          

BT           13463    WAYS TO GROW LOVE   WATSON, RENÉE             

In the summer before fifth grade, Ryan Hart continues to grow through changes and challenges, such as waiting for a new baby sister to be born, a summer camp trip, and more. For grades 3-6. 2021. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13469    HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS       ROCKWELL, THOMAS, 1933-       

Alan bets fifty dollars that Billy can’t eat a worm a day for fifteen days. Both boys work hard to win the bet using psychological warfare, bizarre pranks, and plain cheating. For grades 3-6. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13466    CAT IN THE HAT                SEUSS, DR.         

A story in rhyme about two bored children sitting at home on a rainy day while their mother is out. Then the Cat in the Hat arrives on their doormat to show them good fun with his tricks and games. For preschool-2 grade. 1957. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.           

BT           13473    Zoey and Sassafras: Caterflies and Ice      CITRO, ASIA       

An unexpected snowstorm causes problems for the caterflies of the forest and their eggs. The fuzzy creatures enlist the help of Zoey and Sassafras, who must act before the eggs hatch! For preschool-grade 2. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                

BT           13474    ZOEY AND SASSAFRAS: CATERFLIES AND ICE         CITRO, ASIA       

In the first book of this series, Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong. Will they be able to help little Marshmallow before it’s too late? Unrated. For preschool-grade 2. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13476    SAVE ME A SEAT               WEEKS, SARAH 

Two very different boys, Ravi and Joe, discover they have something in common the first week of fifth grade: a bully. The duo plot to take back control of their lives and become friends in the process. Commercial audiobook. For grades 3-6. Related names: Varadarajan, Gita. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.   

BT           13477    WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE          WATSON, RENÉE             

Portland, Oregon. After her father starts a new job, money is tight and Ryan has a lot on her mind with all of the changes. But no matter what, Ryan tries to bring sunshine to her loved ones. For grades 3-6.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.             

BT           13478    SUMMER OF THE SWANS             BYARS, BETSY CROMER 

Sometimes you don’t know what you love—until you almost lose it. Sara’s fourteenth summer was turning out to be the most confusing time of her life. Up until then, things had flowed smoothly, like the gliding swans on the lake. Now she wanted to fly away from everything—her beautiful older sister, her bossy Aunty Willie, her remote father, and, most of all, from herself. But could she fly away from Charlie? She loved her younger brother in a way she couldn’t understand, though sometimes she grew tired of his neediness. But when Charlie himself took flight, Sara suddenly knew what she had to do…. For grades 4-7. Newbery Medal Winner. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                

BT           13479    TALE OF DESPEREAUX: BEING THE STORY OF A MOUSE, A PRINCESS, SOME SOUP, AND A SPOOL OF THREAD   DICAMILLO, KATE        

Despereaux, a small mouse, is condemned to the dungeon for falling in love with human Princess Pea. Despereaux meets the rat, Roscuro, while Mig, an upstairs serving girl, wishes to be a princess, too. All four meet with near disastrous results. For grades 3-6. Newbery Medal Winner. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.           

BT           13482    GREEN EGGS AND HAM                 SEUSS, DR.         

Nonsense rhyme about a delightful creature named Sam-I-Am, and his efforts to get another to eat green eggs and ham. For preschool-grade 2. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.   

BT           13484    GREEN EGGS AND HAM                SEUSS, DR.         

Nonsense rhyme about a delightful creature named Sam-I-Am, and his efforts to get another to eat green eggs and ham. For preschool-grade 2. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.        

BT           13487    BRIAN’S WINTER              PAULSEN, GARY

Thirteen-year-old Brian was rescued from the Canadian wilderness at the end of summer in “The Hatchet” (RC 30535). But what if his distress call had not been heard and he had faced the harsh winter in the woods? This survival story pits the stranded young outdoorsman against the cold, loneliness, and worst of nature. For grades 6-9 and older. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.       

BT           13495    HOW DO DINOSAURS LOVE THEIR CATS?               YOLEN, JANE     

From purring naps to catnip toys, kitty cats are a dinosaur’s favorite pet! For preschool-grade 2. 2010. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.               

BT           13497    IF I WERE A LAMB           

These sturdy board books have fun things to feel throughout, including the animal’s fuzzy tail on the back cover! For preschool-grade 2. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE. Copyright and publication date unknown.

BT           13498    FOX AND THE HOUND    DISNEY, WALT   

The classic tale of Tod and Copper’s timeless friendship. For preschool-grade 2. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.          

BT           13494    THAT’S NOT MY UNICORN           WATT, FIONA   

Have fun feeling each page until you find the right unicorn! For preschool-grade 2. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Unontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13460    MISERABLE MILL: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, BOOK 4   SNICKET, LEMONY          

In this sequel to The Wide Window (RC 50909), the saga of the Baudelaire orphans continues as they are sent to work at a grimy lumber mill in exchange for dormitory bunks. In due course their nemesis, Count Olaf, appears in yet another disguise. For grade 4-7. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13467    WIDE WINDOW: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, BOOK 3     SNICKET, LEMONY

In this sequel to The Reptile Room (RC 50908) the Baudelaire orphans are sent to live with Aunt Josephine, who worries about everything, especially Lake Lachrymose and its loathsome leeches. The unhappy youngsters encounter cold soup on a rainy day, a hurricane, and a villain with a peg leg. For grades 4-7. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.          

BT           13468    REPTILE ROOM: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, BOOK 2      SNICKET, LEMONY          

After narrowly escaping the menacing clutches of the dastardly Count Olaf in The Bad Beginning (RC 50907), the Baudelaire orphans go to live with Uncle Monty, a kindly herpetologist. For a brief time they are happy, but then Count Olaf reappears. For grades 4-7. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.     

BT           13459    TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING    BLUME, JUDY    

Peter finds his demanding two-year-old brother, Fudge, an ever- increasing problem as the child proceeds to get lost at the movies and eats Peter’s pet turtle. For grades 3-6. 1972. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13457    CORALINE           GAIMAN, NEIL  

While exploring her new home, Coraline goes through a doorway that shouldn’t be there into a dangerous world where she has a disturbingly different set of parents. Since this other mother kidnaps Coraline’s real parents, it is up to Coraline to rescue them and return to her world safely. For grades 4-7. 2002. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13490    IF I WERE AN OWL          

These sturdy board books have fun things to feel throughout! For preschool-grade 2.  Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE. Copyright and publication date unknown.

BT           13493    LITTLES AND HOW THEY GROW DIPUCCHIO, KELLY          

A rhyming celebration of babies, or Littles, who are cared for by loved ones in every way and grow big in the blink of an eye. For preschool-grade 2. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.       

BT           13489    LITTLE QUACK COUNTS                  THOMPSON, LAUREN, 1962-       

Join Little Quack and his sister Widdle as they learn their numbers during their exciting adventure! Little Quack will melt readers’ hearts as he counts from one butterfly to five bees and then back down to one Mama Duck! This padded board book is a perfect format for preschoolers! For preschool-grade 2. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13492    THAT’S NOT MY TRUCK     WATT, FIONA

This delightful series of board books is aimed at very young children. The bright pictures, with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers will love turning the pages and touching the feely patches. For preschool-grade 2. 2008. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                

BT           13499    SHEEP GO TO SLEEP        SHAW, NANCY (NANCY E.)           

At the end of the day, tired sheep return to their shed but none can sleep until the collie arrives, giving a hug, a drink of water, and more until all have begun to snore. For preschool-grade 2. Unified English Braille code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE. Related names:  Apple, Margot, illustrator.           

BT           13501    DRAGONS IN A BAG        ELLIOTT, ZETTA 

Nine-year-old Jax joins Ma, a curmudgeonly witch who lives in his Brooklyn apartment building, on a quest to deliver three baby dragons to a magical world, and along the way discovers his true calling. For grades 2-4. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

BT           13472    BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND: CREATING CURRENTS OF ELECTRICITY AND HOPE                KAMKWAMBA, WILLIAM, 1987-

Memoir of Malawi youth William, a school dropout who was inspired by a library book to build the first windmill in his village. Describes growing up on a farm without electricity, surviving famine, recycling scraps into a windmill to generate power, and inspiring others. Alex Award. For grades 2-4 and older. 2015. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13462    IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD AND OTHER WORRIES: POEMS FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS             VIORST, JUDITH

Forty-one poems about wishes and worries for everyone who has ever worried about anything. For grades 3-6. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13475    BLACK INVENTORS: 15 INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD               TRUSTY, KATHY

“Throughout history, Black inventors have achieved some of the world’s greatest advancements in science, technology, engineering, and math. This book highlights 15 men and women who made a big impact with their inventions–from Marie Van Brittan Brown, who created the first home security system, to Mark Dean, who invented the personal computer. Learn all about each inventor’s creative process, their invention, and the way it’s benefited our world.”–Publisher’s description. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.        

BT           13480    WHO IS STEVIE WONDER?            GIGLIOTTI, JIM 

Introduces the life and career of the musician, singer, and songwriter Stevie Wonder. For grades 4-7. Unrated.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13481    WHO IS MALALA YOUSAFZAI?    BROWN, DINAH

Introduces Malala Yousafzai, a girl who loved to learn but was told that girls would no longer be allowed to go to school. She wrote a blog that called attention to what was happening in her beautiful corner of Pakistan and realized that words can bring about change. She has continued to speak out for the right of all children to have an education, and in 2014 won the Nobel Peace Prize. For grades 4-7. Unrated. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                

BT           13496    SHAPES WITH LITTLE FISH             COUSINS, LUCY

Feel & learn about shapes with Little Fish! For preschool-grade 2.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                

BT           13491    DR. SEUSS’S ONE FISH, TWO FISH, THREE, FOUR, FIVE FISH!           SEUSS, DR.         

Children love counting with Dr. Seuss’s rhymes using the fun fish-shaped beads at the top of this book! For preschool-grade 2. 1960. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.   

New Braille Books Added in July 2022

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13446    MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS               MEDINA, MEG  

Merci Suarez relies on her close extended family as she goes through many changes during her sixth-grade year at Florida’s Seaward Pines Academy. For grades 4-7. Newbery Medal. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13449    ADAM OF THE ROAD       VINING, ELIZABETH GRAY, 1902-1999      

Tale of a minstrel boy, Adam, who wanders through southeastern England in the thirteenth century. Adam’s adventures in search of his beloved father and his lost dog lead him to London, Winchester, and Oxford. For grades 4-7. Newbery Medal Winner. 1942. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.

BT           13448    LOSERS CLUB     CLEMENTS, ANDREW, 1949-        

Alec, a sixth-grade bookworm, frequently finds himself in trouble for reading instead of listening and participating in class. He starts a book club to have a place to read, but he discovers that real life can be as exciting as the stories in his favorite books. For grades 3-6. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.       

BT           13447    UNTEACHABLES                KORMAN, GORDON       

The Unteachables–the misfits, delinquents, and losers in room 117 kept isolated from the student body–never thought they’d find a teacher with a worse attitude than theirs. Then they met Mr. Kermit. For grades 4-7. 2019. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13450    CITY OF EMBER                 DUPRAU, JEANNE           

A city planned to survive for two hundred years, now in year 241, suffers shortages–and a secret message-bearing box is missing. Independent-thinking twelve-year-olds Doon and Lina exchange obligatory jobs and make a discovery that could change their known world. For grades 5-8. 2003. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.

BT           13451    ISLAND                 PAULSEN, GARY

Fifteen-year-old Wil discovers himself and the wonders of nature when he leaves home to live on an island in northern Wisconsin. For grades 6-9. Unrated. 1988. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.

New Braille Books Added in June 2022

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13418    MOVIE STAR MYSTERY: BOXCAR CHILDREN #69              WARNER, GERTRUDE CHANDLER, 1890-1979

When a famous movie star is filming nearby, lots of odd things start to happen. It’s another mystery for the Boxcar Children to solve! For grades 4-7. Unrated. 1999. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                                               

BT           13419    AMUSEMENT PARK MYSTERY     WARNER, GERTRUDE CHANDLER, 1890-1979        

The Aldens search for carousel horses that have disappeared from an amusement park. Commercial audiobook. For grades 4-7. 1992. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.             

BT           13420    LULU’S MYSTERIOUS MISSION   VIORST, JUDITH

When Lulu’s parents go on vacation, the formidable Ms. Sonia Sofia Solinsky comes to babysit. Lulu behaves as badly as possible to get her to leave, until Ms. Solinsky reveals her secret. For grades 2-4. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                          

BT           13421    ERNIE’S LITTLE LIE            ELLIOTT, DAN    

What should Ernie do when all his Sesame Street friends think that he painted a picture which wasn’t really his? Unrated. For preschool-2 grade. 1983. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                                                                                                                   

BT           13422    DON’T CRY BIG BIRD       ROBERTS, SARAH            

When Big Bird feels he’s too big to play with his Sesame Street friends, they put their heads together to solve the problem! Unrated. For preschool-2 grade. 1981.  Related names: Children’s Television Workshop. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                                                                                                                               

BT           13423    ERNIE’S BIG MESS                   ROBERTS, SARAH     

Bert and Ernie argue over Ernie’s messiness, so Ernie looks for another place to live on Sesame Street. Unrated. For preschool-2 grade. 1981. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                                                                                                                              

BT           13427    DANGER ON MIDNIGHT RIVER    PAULSEN, GARY

Twelve-year-old Daniel Martin is a slow learner who escapes his classmates’ cruel jokes by spending time in the outdoors. When a van crash plunges them into a river, Daniel could use his survival skills to save himself–or risk everything to try to rescue the bullies, too. For grades 6-9. Unrated. 2005. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                                          

BT           13424    HERO TWO DOORS DOWN           ROBINSON, SHARON, 1950-        

Eight-year-old Steve Satlow is thrilled when Jackie Robinson moves into his Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn in 1948, although many of his neighbors are not, and when Steve actually meets his hero he is even more excited–and worried that a misunderstanding over a Christmas tree could damage his new friendship. For grades 3-6. Unrated. 2016.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                 

BT           13425    COOKCAMP       PAULSEN, GARY

1944. A young boy travels alone on the train from Chicago to northern Minnesota to stay with his Norwegian grandmother, who is the cook for a crew of road builders. The boy’s father is a soldier, and his mother has brought home a man she says is an uncle–but the boy knows better. Grandmother shows him how to help her in the cook trailer, and the large, loud men take him on their huge road-building machines. For grades 5-8. 1991. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                      

BT           13426    SAVING WINSLOW              CREECH, SHARON       

When his father brings home an ailing newborn donkey, Louie names the animal Winslow and decides to take care of him. But everyone worries that Winslow is not going to survive. Commercial audiobook. For grades 3-6. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                 

BT           13428    CLASS CLOWN   HURWITZ, JOHANNA     

Lucas Cott, the most obstreperous boy in the third grade, finds it very hard to turn over a new leaf when he decides to become the perfect student. For grades 3-6. Unrated. 1987. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                

BT           13429    CLASS PRESIDENT             HURWITZ, JOHANNA     

The campaign is on for president of the fifth-grade class, and the leading contenders are Lucas Cott, the class clown, and Cricket Kaufman, who plans to be the first woman president of the nation. Julio Sanchez, who would love to run for the office but figures he has no chance of winning, is Lucas’s campaign manager. But when Julio shows his leadership abilities, a surprise is in the offing. For grades 3-6. 1990. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                                 

BT           13430    BURTON AND DUDLEY    SHARMAT, MARJORIE WEINMAN            

Dudley Possum, who loves to walk, persuades his reluctant friend Burton Possum to join him for a hike. The hike proves to be a test for their friendship and reveals some surprise as well. For preschool-2 grade. 1975. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                                                                                                                                               

BT           13431    CRICKET IN TIMES SQUARE           SELDEN, GEORGE, 1929-               

Befriended by a young man named Mario, a country cricket and his musical talent turn a newsstand in the Times Square subway station into a concert hall for commuters. For grades 3-6. 1960. Newbery Honor book 1961. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                                

BT           13432    BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE             DICAMILLO, KATE            

Ten-year-old India Opal and her preacher dad move to a new town in Florida during the summer. Opal is lonely until she adopts a big stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. The two soon make friends with the local librarian, the pet store manager, and a nearly-blind elderly neighbor. For grades 3-6. 2000. Newbery Honor Book. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                             

BT           13434    BRIAN’S RETURN              PAULSEN, GARY

Back in society, going to school and trying to fit in, Brian savagely beats a bully who attacked him. With the help of Caleb, a blind counselor, Brian realizes that he needs to go where he belongs–in the wilderness again. Sequel to “The River” (RC 34751, BR 8844). For grades 6-9 and older readers. 1999. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                                 

BT           13441    BAD BEGINNING              SNICKET, LEMONY          

The Baudelaire siblings – Violet, fourteen; Klaus, twelve; and Sunny, a teething toddler – are charming and clever, but “magnets for misfortune.” In short order, they are orphaned, denied access to their inheritance until Violet comes of age, and sent to live with a repulsive relative, Count Olaf. For grades 4-7. Bestseller. 1999. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                          

BT           13433    RAYMIE NIGHTINGALE   DICAMILLO, KATE            

Raymie hopes that if she wins a local beauty pageant her father will come home. As she practices twirling a baton and performing good deeds, she is drawn into an unlikely friendship with a drama queen and a saboteur. For grades 4-7. 2016. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                          

BT           13435    CLEMENTINE      PENNYPACKER, SARA, 1951-       

Third-grader Clementine’s disastrous week includes cutting her fourth-grade friend Margaret’s long hair, chopping off her own hair, and frequenting the principal’s office. Her little brother is the easy child, while Clementine, the difficult child, fears that her parents want to get rid of her. For grades 2-4. 2006. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                                

BT           13436    CHARLOTTE’S WEB           WHITE, E.B. (ELWYN BROOKS), 1899-1985             

A little girl who can talk with animals is devoted to Wilbur, the foolishly smug pig, and Charlotte, the beautiful gray spider who works to save Wilbur’s life. A sensitive story for children of all ages as well as adults. For grades 3-6. 1952. Newbery Honor book 1953. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                         

BT           13437    MUDSHARK        PAULSEN, GARY

Principal Wagner confidently deals with a faculty washroom crisis, a psychic parrot, and a terrorizing gerbil, but when all the classroom erasers disappear, he turns to the school’s best problem solver and locator of lost items, twelve-year-old Lyle Williams, aka Mudshark. For grades 3-6. 2009. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                         

BT           13438    CYBIL WAR          BYARS, BETSY CROMER 

Simon learns some hard lessons about friendship when his oldest friend lies about him to Cybil Ackerman, the girl Simon has loved since she stood up to the teacher for him in second grade. For grades 4-7. 1981. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                      

BT           13439    TIME HACKERS  PAULSEN, GARY

When someone uses futuristic technology to play pranks on twelve-year-old Dorso Clayman, he and his best friend set off on a supposedly impossible journey through space and time trying to stop the gamesters who are endangering the universe. Unrated. 2005. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                     

BT           13443    CLEMENTINE, FRIEND OF THE WEEK         PENNYPACKER, SARA, 1951-       

Clementine proudly announces to her family that she was picked Friend of the Week in her third-grade classroom.  But she gets sidetracked from her special duties after fighting with her best friend Margaret and losing her kitten, Moisturizer. Sequel to Clementine’s Letter (DB/RC 67134). For grades 2-4. 2010. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                          

BT           13445    HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY            PATRON, SUSAN             

Hard Pan, California: population forty-three. Convinced that her guardian, Brigitte, wants to return to France, ten-year-old Lucky Trimble runs away during a sandstorm with her dog, HMS Beagle. Lucky encounters her five-year-old neighbor Miles, and the three of them have an adventure. For grades 4-7. 2006. Newbery Medal Winner. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

JUVENILE NONFICTION                                                                                                               

BT           13442    WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS: THE POEMS AND DRAWINGS OF SHEL SILVERSTEIN               SILVERSTEIN, SHEL     

A collection of 127 madcap poems. Subjects include acrobats, Band-Aids, dancing pants, and sleeping sardines. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 1974. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                         

BT           13444    DARE TO DREAM! TWENTY-FIVE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES                 HUMPHREY, SANDRA MCLEOD

Biographical sketches of people who showed moral, physical, or spiritual courage to achieve their goals. Profiles athletes, doctors, politicians, writers, lawyers, and entertainers including Eleanor Roosevelt, Norman Vincent Peale, Maya Angelou, Sandra Day O’Connor, Ben Carson, Bill Cosby, and Sammy Sosa. For grades 5-8. 2005. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.                                                                                                                                                

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

BT           13440    CAPTIVE!             PAULSEN, GARY

Roman Sanchez must overcome his fear and lead the fight for freedom when he and his friends are held hostage in a remote mountain cabin. For senior high readers. 1995. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.                                                                                                          

New Braille Books Added in May 2022

JUVENILE FICTION          

BT           13390    IF I WERE A HIPPO                          

Sturdy board book with fun things to feel throughout, including the animal’s fuzzy tail. For preschool-2 grade. 2013. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.  

BT           13391    IF I WERE A MONKEY                     

Sturdy board book with fun things to feel throughout, including the animal’s fuzzy tail on the back cover. For preschool-2 grade. 2013. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.               

BT           13393 HUMPTY DUMPTY              YOON, SALINA  

Poor Humpty Dumpty has a big fall, but this version ends with a happy twist that children will love! Preschool-2 grade. 2012. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.      

BT           13395    LITTLE BEE           GIBBS, EDWARD              

Simple rhyming text follows a bee through the jungle as a series of creatures, including a hungry frog, a mongoose, and a lion, flee from what frightens them. For preschool-2 grade. 2012. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.       

BT           13401    INFAMOUS RATSOS        LAREAU, KARA 

Rat brothers Louie and Ralphie Ratso try to prove they can be as rough and tough as their father in the Big City, but every time they try, the siblings end up performing good deeds instead. For preschool-2 grade. 2016. Contracted Braille in UEB.   

BT           13403    ROSCO THE RASCAL VISITS THE PUMPKIN PATCH               GORIAN, SHANA

Sometimes puppy Rosco is a rascal, but he also uses his heroic nature to save his pals, James and Mandy. Unrated. For preschool-2 grade. 2014. Contracted Braille in UEB.         

BT           13400    LULU WALKS THE DOGS                 VIORST, JUDITH

Lulu needs help from a boy named Fleischman if she is to earn money walking her neighbors’ dogs, and she finds out that if she wants her business venture to succeed, she has to be nice. Unrated. For grades 2-4. 2012.  Contracted Braille in UEB.   

BT           13402    TORNADO           BYARS, BETSY CROMER 

Seeking shelter from an approaching tornado, a farm family retreats to the storm cellar. To distract the children from the danger outside, farmhand Pete regales the group with tales from his boyhood about a marvelous dog named Tornado, who could do card tricks and more. Bluebonnet Award Winner, 1998. For preschool-2 grade. 2016. Contracted Braille in UEB.            

BT           13405    POOH’S FALL HARVEST  GAINES, ISABEL

Designed for young readers just starting out on their own, this heartwarming book features Pooh and all his friends. It’s harvest season and Rabbit asks all his friends to help him in the garden. For preschool-2 grade. Unrated. 2000. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13407    HENRY AND MUDGE AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS      RYLANT, CYNTHIA           

Christmas at Henry and Mudge’s house means family, carols, presents, and good food (with lots falling on the floor for Mudge!) For preschool-2 grade. Unrated. 2004. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13408    FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS   LOBEL, ARNOLD

Five stories about the adventures of two friends: a solemn green frog and a funny brown toad. When Toad loses his button, Frog helps him find it. Later Frog is sick in bed looking green, and Toad brings him some tea and tells him a story. For preschool-2 grade. 1970. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13409    MOUNTAIN TOP MYSTERY           WARNER, GERTRUDE CHANDLER, 1890-1979        

The Alden children and their grandfather go for a day climb up Old Flat Top mountain. When a rock falls and cuts off their only way down, the family discovers the opening to a cave. After the Aldens are rescued, they help an elderly Indian woman retrieve a hidden treasure. For grades 4-7. 1964. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.               

BT           13406    ABE LINCOLN AND THE MUDDY PIG         KRENSKY, STEPHEN        

Young Abe can’t stand to see an animal in trouble, but if he stops to help the pig, he will get his new suit dirty. What should he do? For preschool-2 grade. 2002. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.         

BT           13410    BEST FRIENDS FOR FRANCES       HOBAN, RUSSELL             

When her friend will not let her join a boy’s baseball game, Frances the badger plans a “Best Friends Outing” allowing no boys. For preschool-2 grade. 1969. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                    

BT           13413    WALT DISNEY’S 101 DALMATIANS                           

When Pongo and Perdy try to rescue their 10 puppies, they end up with 99! For grades 2-4. Unrated. 1981. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13415    POOH GETS STUCK          GAINES, ISABEL

In this classic story, Pooh gets stuck in Rabbit’s front door after eating too much honey! For preschool-2 grade. Unrated. 2000.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.  Related names: Milne, A. A. (Alan Alexander), 1882-1956. 

BT           13416    LAWN BOY          PAULSEN, GARY

A twelve-year-old boy decides to put his unusual birthday gift–his late grandfather’s riding mower–to use by cutting his neighbors’ lawns for money. Soon business is booming and he has his own employees, his own stockbroker, and sponsorship of a prizefighter. For grades 5-8. 2007.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.         

BT           13417    BOY WHO OWNED THE SCHOOL: A COMEDY OF LOVE      PAULSEN, GARY

High school student Jacob Freisten thinks of himself as a loser, a wimp, a nobody, who’s perfected the art of near invisibility. But his attempts to avoid notice at all costs are foiled when his English teacher, Mrs. Hilsak, gives him the chance to earn extra credit and pass English by working on the school play. He will control the fog machine. Marie Tresser, on whom he has an intense crush, has a starring role. For grades 4-7. 1990. English Braille, American Edition. Contracted braille.          

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

BT           13389    BABY’S VERY FIRST TOUCHY-FEELY ANIMALS BOOK           FEARN, KATRINA             

Bright images and tactile patches depicting adorable animals will make this book a family favorite. For preschool-2 grade. Unrated. 2010. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.

BT           13392    ANIMAL NOISES                PEDLEY, JOE       

Based on the much-loved Farmyard Tales series, this board book has been especially devised to introduce very young children to animal sounds. For preschool-2 grade. 2019. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.

BT           13394    BABY’S VERY FIRST TOUCHY-FEELY CHRISTMAS BOOK      FEARN, KATRINA             

Children will love the tactile illustrations in this fun holiday book! For preschool-2 grade. Unrated. 2010. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille. 

BT           13396    ANIMAL FRIENDS: A TOUCH-AND-FEEL BOOK                     

Colorful illustrations and textured pages invite readers to learn about a variety of animals, including a fluffy lion, scaly fish, and smooth rhino. Unrated. For preschool-2 grade. 2015. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.

BT           13397    ON THE FARM: A TOUCH-AND-FEEL BOOK                           

This touch-and-feel book is perfect for the youngest of readers. They can pet a woolly lamb, a furry dog, a silky horse, and much more! For preschool-2 grade. 2015. Unified English Braille code. Uncontracted Braille. Print/Braille.     

BT           13398    ALPHABET PICTURE BOOK            ARROWSMITH, VICKY    

Young children will love naming the familiar things in this appealing picture book. The lovely illustrations will appeal to both children and adults, making this delightful book a pleasure to share. 2010. Uncontracted Braille in UEB, Print Braille.

BT           13399    SENSESATIONAL ALPHABET BOOK            ROFE, APRIL      

This alphabet book includes print, braille, sign, things to feel and smell, AND sounds! 2017. Uncontracted Braille in UEB, Print Braille.            

BT           13404    JOHNNY APPLESEED: MY STORY HARRISON, DAVID L. (DAVID LEE), 1937-

Johnny Appleseed was an important historical figure, well known for planting apple orchards across the new frontier. But he was also a master storyteller! In his own folksy voice, Johnny Appleseed tells his story to a couple of entranced children in this fictionalized Step 2 title. Readers learn how he started planting apple trees—and about some of the myths and true stories of his life. For grades 2-4. Unrated. 2001. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13411    BABE RUTH SAVES BASEBALL!     MURPHY, FRANK, 1966-

Batter up! It’s 1919 and baseball is in trouble! All across the country, people are throwing down their bats, and giving up America’s national pastime. It’s up to Babe Ruth to win back fans and save baseball! Can he do it, or will he strike out? For grades 2-4. Unrated. 2005. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13412    BARACK OBAMA: OUT OF MANY, ONE    COREY, SHANA 

An easy-reader about the 44th President of the United States. For grades 2-4. Unrated. 2009. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13414    HARRY HOUDINI, ESCAPE ARTIST               LAKIN, PATRICIA, 1944- 

Find out how a little boy named Ehrich Weiss became Harry Houdini — the greatest magician the world has ever known! For grades 2-4. Unrated. 2002. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

New Braille Books Added in April 2022

ADULT FICTION

BT           13376    WITHOUT REMORSE: A JOHN KELLY NOVEL #1        CLANCY, TOM, 1947-2013         

John Kelly can’t blame anyone when his pregnant wife is killed in a traffic accident by a runaway truck. But months later, when his new girlfriend is mowed down by her drug-dealing pimps, Kelly has a target for revenge. At the same time, he must don his “Clark” identity (from his Navy Seals days) and, once more, help his government out in Vietnam. Strong language, violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 1993. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13372    IF NOT FOR YOU: A NOVEL           MACOMBER, DEBBIE     

Eager to get away from her controlling mother, Beth moves to Portland, Oregon, to work as a music teacher. She agrees to a blind date with mechanic Sam, partly because she knows it would horrify her mother. An accident creates a bond between them. Bestseller. 2017.  Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.          

BT           13373    TROLL GARDEN AND SELECTED STORIES      CATHER, WILLA, 1873-1947    

This collection of short stories by Willa Cather includes the following: On the Divide, Eric Hermannson’s Soul, The Enchanted Bluff, and The Bohemian Girl, plus the seven stories from THE TROLL GARDEN (Flavia and Her Artists, The Sculptor’s Funeral, “A Death in the Desert”, The Garden Lodge, The Marriage of Phaedra, A Wagner Matinee, and Paul’s Case). Unrated. 2006. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13374    MAGYK : SEPTIMUS HEAP, BOOK 1            SAGE, ANGIE     

The night his seventh son is born–dead, according to the midwife–Silas Heap brings home a newborn baby girl, Jenna. She turns out to be a princess in need of protection as villains and wizards abound in this magyk-filled adventure. And is the son, Septimus, really dead? For grades 4-7. 2005. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13375    SKY RAIDERS: FIVE KINGDOMS, BOOK 1          MULL, BRANDON, 1974-     

When Cole and a few fellow sixth-graders go into a haunted house, they find terrors beyond their wildest imagination. Kidnapped and whisked into a place known as the Outskirts, Cole must rescue the group of kids from slavery and find a way to return home. For grades 5-8. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.   

BT           13371    KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES; EXILE            MESSENGER, SHANNON

In Keeper of the Lost Cities twelve-year-old elf Sophie learns that she has secrets buried in her memory, for which some would kill. Sophie remains in danger in Exile, but helps train a precious, magical creature. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2013. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.         

BT           13366    MARK OF THE THIEF. BOOK ONE                NIELSEN, JENNIFER A.    

When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, is forced to enter a sealed cavern, he finds much more than gold and gemstones: he discovers an ancient bulla, an amulet that belonged to the great Caesar and is filled with a magic once reserved for the gods–magic some Romans would kill for. Nic must harness the magic within himself and defeat the empire’s most powerful and savage leaders. For grades 6-9. 2015. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted Text/Braille.

BT           13367    WOLF BROTHER: CHRONICLES OF ANCIENT DARKNESS, BOOK 1   PAVER, MICHELLE           

Six thousand years ago, twelve-year-old Torak and his guide, a wolf cub, go on a dangerous journey to fulfill an oath the boy made to his dying father–to travel to the Mountain of the World Spirit and destroy a demon-possessed bear that threatens all the clans. For grades 5-8. 2004. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted Text/Braille.

BT           13368    HIGHER INSTITUTE OF VILLAINOUS EDUCATION        WALDEN, MARK      

Thirteen-year-old orphan Otto Malpense, identified as a boy with a special talent for villainy, is kidnapped and taken to the remote Higher Institute of Villainous Education, or H.I.V.E., where he is enrolled in a six-year training program and immediately begins formulating a plan to escape. Unrated. 2006. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted Text/Braille.

BT           13369    RUINS OF GORLAN: RANGER’S APPRENTICE, BOOK 1         FLANAGAN, JOHN (JOHN ANTHONY)

The battleschool rejects Will because of his small size, but ranger Halt recognizes the fifteen-year-old’s special skills and chooses Will as his apprentice. What Will doesn’t know is that the rangers are the secret protectors of the kingdom, which evil Lord Morgarath is planning to attack. For grades 5-8. 2005. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted Text/Braille.          

BT           13388    I LOVE PETE THE KITTY   DEAN, JAMES, 1957-       

Pete the Kitty loves so many wonderful things-like birthday cake, books, and his mom and dad! For preschool to 2 grade. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.       

BT           13377    FEELY BUGS TO TOUCH AND FEEL              CARTER, DAVID A.           

Fuzzy bugs, feathery bugs, lacy bugs, and leathery bugs are among the tempting textures in this book of tactile fun! For preschool-grade 2. 2005. Unified English Braille code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13378    TOUCH AND FEEL BABY ANIMALS            

What does a baby elephant’s skin feel like? This touch and feel book allows the child to explore the different textures of the cutest baby animals. For preschool to 2 grade. 2012. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13379    NEVER TOUCH A TIGER!      GREENING, ROSIE    

The jungle animals love to go wild! Have fun touching the bumpy creatures! For preschool to 2 grade. 2020. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13381    PEPPA PIG: MY MOMMY                             

See the many reasons why Peppa and George love Mummy Pig, from comforting cuddles to splashes in muddy puddles. For preschool-grade 2. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13382    VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR       CARLE, ERIC       

A hungry caterpillar eats his way through plums, cheese, sausage, and other food and gets a stomachache. When he builds a small house for himself, something wonderful happens. For preschool to 2 grade. 2019. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13383    FROM HEAD TO TOE       CARLE, ERIC       

Eric Carle’s delightful animals invite young readers to copy their antics as they play. Can you do it? For preschool to 2 grade. 1999. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13384    IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE               NUMEROFF, LAURA JOFFE          

When a small boy offers a passing mouse a cookie, the mouse asks for a glass of milk, then a straw, then a look in a mirror…and a whole series of activities that ends with a cookie, of course. For preschool to 2 grade. 2010.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13385    BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?            MARTIN, BILL, 1916-2004              

A brown bear sees a red bird. What does the red bird see? Each animal sees another colorful animal until a goldfish sees a teacher, the teacher sees her class, and the class sees each one of the animals again. For preschool to 2 grade. 2004. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.    

BT           13386    KINDNESS MAKES US STRONG                    BEER, SOPHIE    

This board book shows various children as they extend kindness in all kinds of situations: on the playground, at lunchtime, on a bike path, and on a neighborhood street. For preschool to 2 grade. 2019. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13387    GOODNIGHT MOON       BROWN, MARGARET WISE, 1910-1952    

A little bunny already tucked into his bed says goodnight to the familiar things in his room as the light dims gently until all is dark. For preschool to 2 grade. 2013. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.  

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

BT           13380    DREAM BIG, LITLE ONE  HARRISON, VASHTI        

This book showcases diverse women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.  For preschool to grade 2. 2018.  Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

BT           13370    BOOK THIEF        ZUSAK, MARKUS             

Death narrates the tale of nine-year-old Liesel from 1939 to 1943 in Nazi Germany. Liesel copes with a foster family, air raids, her friend Rudy, and a hidden Jew, sustained by the books she steals. Some strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2006. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

New Braille Books Added in March 2022

ADULT FICTION

BT           13360    ALEXANDER’S BRIDGE    CATHER, WILLA, 1873-1947          

Bartley Alexander, a construction engineer, is a middle-aged man torn between Winifred, his demanding American wife, and Hilda Burgoyne, his alluring British mistress. Alexander’s relationship with Hilda erodes his sense of honor and eventually proves disastrous when a bridge he is constructing begins to collapse. Unrated. 1988. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13358    KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, MR. PUTNAM!      PUTNAM, PETER              

Blinded in a shooting accident while a student at Princeton, the author recounts with humor his experiences at the Seeing Eye school at Morristown, New Jersey. During the strenuous training, he and the other students learn to have the courage of their guide dogs’ convictions.  1952. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted Text/Braille.

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13362    ARTHUR AND THE CRUNCH CEREAL CONTEST      BROWN, MARC TOLON 

When Arthur hears his sister singing a catchy tune, he wonders if he could call that jingle his own and enter it in the Crunch Cereal Contest. For preschool-grade 2. Unrated. 1998. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13363    LOCKED IN THE LIBRARY!              BROWN, MARC TOLON 

Although Arthur and Francine aren’t speaking to each other, they must find a way to set aside their differences when they are locked in the library after it closes. For preschool-grade 2. Unrated. 1998. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13357    INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN    LAI, THANHHA  

Ten-year-old Ha writes poems to chronicle the life-changing year of 1975, when Ha, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam and resettle in Alabama. For grades 4-7. National Book Award. 2011. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13364    BLACKBERRY RAMBLE    HURD, THACHER              

When spring comes to Farmer Clem’s farm, Baby Mouse loves to go exploring. For preschool-grade 2. Unrated. 1989. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13352    I LOVE YOU, STINKY FACE              MCCOURT, LISA

When Mama tucks her little boy into bed, he has a few questions. He wants to know what she would do if he were a big scary ape, a smelly skunk, a meat-eating dinosaur, or maybe a green alien. Mama, of course, assures him she will love him no matter what.  Unified Uncontracted Text/Braille.

BT           13353    ALEXANDER, WHO’S NOT (DO YOU HEAR ME? I MEAN IT!) GOING TO MOVE          VIORST, JUDITH

Alexander’s father has a new job far away. But Alexander is determined not to move and leave behind his best friend, his great sitter, his soccer team, and the cleaner who saves the gum wrappers from Alexander’s pants pockets. Then his parents give Alexander some reasons to stay with his family. Unified Uncontracted Text/Braille.

JUVENILE NON-FICTION

BT           13361    WHO WAS QUEEN VICTORIA?    GIGLIOTTI, JIM 

Her reign of 63 years and seven months is known as the Victorian Era, a period of industrial, cultural, scientific, and political change that was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire. But Victoria was raised under close supervision and near isolation until she became Queen of the United Kingdom at the young age of 18. She married her first cousin, Albert, and had nine children who married into families across Europe. Publicly, she became a national icon, but privately, Who Was Queen Victoria? For grades 2-4. Unrated. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13365    HOW MONKEYS “TALK”                 BANKS, MARTIN              

Explains how monkeys and other primates communicate, by means of facial expressions, vocal sounds, scents, and body language. Grades 2-4. 1998.  Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.

BT           13354    HOW CATERPILLARS TURN INTO BUTTERFLIES     BAILEY, JILL        

Describes the life cycle of the butterfly, from the hatching of the caterpillar, through its struggle to survive, to its metamorphosis into a butterfly and the laying of its own eggs. 1999. Unified Uncontracted Text/Braille.

BT           13355    POLAR MAMMALS           BRIMNER, LARRY DANE

Describes such animals as the polar bear, ringed seal, caribou, arctic hare, and wolverine and the ways they have adapted to life in the frigid arctic regions. Unified Uncontracted Text/Braille.

BT           13356    HOW INSECTS WORK TOGETHER               BAILEY, JILL        

“This book describes the lives of social insects – such as ants, wasps, honeybees, and termites – and tells how they work together and communicate in order to survive. The book is divided into a series of two-page chapters covering such topics as living together, the pecking order, baby-sitters, castles and combs, hunters and gatherers, and defense and attack. Such terms as pheromones, caste, and metamorphosis are clearly explained and described within the text itself. There is also a glossary and bibliography. Overall, an attractively designed and useful volume.” – Linnea Hendrickson, Children’s Literature, Braille Bookstore. Unified Uncontracted Text/Braille.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

BT           13359    CROSSOVER       ALEXANDER, KWAME    

Twin fourteen-year-old basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court, as their father ignores his declining health. Told in hip-hop style verse. For senior high and older readers. 2014. Newbery Medal Winner. Unified English Braille Code. Uncontracted braille.         

Xavier Society for the Blind Hosts Zoom Event with Author Robert Hanley

Book jacket for Do You See What I See? Discovering the Obvious by Robert Hanley

The Xavier Society for the Blind is hosting a virtual meet and greet with actor/author Robert Hanley on Thursday, October 21, at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets are $25 each and will benefit the mission of the Xavier Society for the Blind.

The author of one of the society’s most popular audio books, DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? DISCOVERING THE OBVIOUS, Hanley will discuss his book and answer questions from the audience.  The Texas Talking Book Program has copies of Hanley’s book on audio cartridge. To request a copy, please call us at 1-800-252-9605 or 512-463-5458, or send an email to tbpral@tsl.texas.gov.

Robert Hanley is an author, comedian, singer, and actorIn addition, he founded The Fireside Fellowship – a spiritual supplement to his book, providing a space for people to share their everyday experiences, feelings, and faith as they pertain to pertinent universal topics (e.g., gratitude, coincidence, humor, work) and offering practical and spiritual perspectives to effect a positive change in the life and faith of each person.

The Texas Talking Book Program has copies on audio cartridge. Call us at 1-800-252-9605 or 512-463-5458 or email us at tbpral@tsl.texas.gov to request a copy.

For more information about the event visit: An Evening of Storytelling with actor/author Robert Hanley (donorview.com)

Robert Hanley is an author, comedian, singer, and actor who founded The Fireside Fellowship, a spiritual supplement to his book. The fellowship provides a space for people to share everyday experiences, feelings, and faith and offers practical and spiritual perspectives in hopes of providing positive changes.

Virtual Meet and Greet with Author, Robert Hanley Hosted by the Xavier Society for the Blind
Date: Thursday, October 21st
Time: 6:00 PM EST

New Braille Books Added in August 2021

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13300    LOST CONTINENT: WINGS OF FIRE            SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

After finding another continent on the planet, the dragons discover a new tribe. Sequel to Darkness of Dragons (DB 97834). For grades 4-7. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

New Braille Books Added in July 2021

ADULT FICTION

BT           13348    ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE        GARCIA MARQUEZ, GABRIEL, 1927-2014                

The rise and fall, birth and death, of the mythical town of Macondo, somewhere in Latin America, through characterizations of the Buendia family. The variety of life and the search for peace and truth are universal themes that dominate the novel. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1970. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13345    LOOK FOR ME: A NOVEL                GARDNER, LISA

A family is murdered in their home, except for sixteen-year-old Roxy, who is missing, along with the family dogs. Both Sergeant Detective D. D. Warren and survivor-turned-vigilante Flora Dane from Find Her (DB 83828) are on the hunt for Roxy. Then another connected shooting occurs. Violence and strong language. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.          

BT           13304    WINTER STREET         HILDERBRAND, ELIN              

When Kelley Quinn, owner of the Winter Street Inn, discovers his second wife, Mitzi, kissing the hired Santa, his world implodes and he lists the inn for sale. The grown children from his first marriage come to help, but they have their own issues. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13344    FALL FROM GRACE          STEEL, DANIELLE              

When her husband dies in an accident, forty-nine-year-old widow Sydney Wells is appalled to find he left her out of his will. She finds a job but is soon out of her depth, in trouble with the law, and having to start over, yet again. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.  

BT           13340    TRADING CHRISTMAS    MACOMBER, DEBBIE     

Widowed Emily Spring of Leavenworth, Washington, swaps houses with Charles Brewster of Boston for Christmas. Meanwhile, Emily’s friend Faith travels to Leavenworth to visit her and Charles’s brother Ray shows up at the house in Boston. Unexpected romances ensue in both locations. 2011. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.      

ADULT NON-FICTION

BT           13346    GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE: STOP BELIEVING THE LIES ABOUT WHO YOU ARE SO YOU CAN BECOME WHO YOU WERE MEANT TO BE             HOLLIS, RACHEL (EVENT PLANNER)         

The founder of a lifestyle website and media company CEO shares tips for better living while revealing the messiness of her own life. She exposes the twenty lies and misconceptions that too often hold us back from living joyfully and productively. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13301    FOREVER COURT              RUDDEN, DAVE

Life is returning to normal for Denizen Hardwick. Well, the new normal, where he has to battle monsters in quiet Dublin bookshops and constantly struggle to contain the new powers he has been given by Mercy, the daughter of the Endless King. But Denizen may need those powers sooner than he thinks–not only are the Tenebrous stirring again but the Order of the Borrowed Dark face a new threat from much closer to home… For grades 3-6. Unrated. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13302    DARK SECRET: WINGS OF FIRE    SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

Starflight, one of the dragonets of destiny, is kidnapped by the NightWings. With his fellow dragonets too far away to help, the fate of two kingdoms rests in Starflight’s talons. Sequel to The Hidden Kingdom (DB 97827). For grades 4-7. 2013. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.     

BT           13305    BRIGHTEST NIGHT: WINGS OF FIRE           SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

Sunny has always taken the Dragonet Prophecy very seriously, and Morrowseer’s devastating news changes everything. Now she must forge a new identity and find a way to stop the futile war between the dragon clans. Sequel to The Dark Secret (DB 97828). For grades 4-7. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.       

BT           13303    KNIGHTS OF THE BORROWED DARK         RUDDEN, DAVE

A young orphan learns that monsters can grow out of the shadows in our world, and there is an ancient order of knights who keeps them at bay. For grades 3-6. Unrated. 2016. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.   

BT           13342    DRAGONET PROPHECY: WINGS OF FIRE     SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-          

Determined to end a generations-long war among the seven dragon tribes, a secret movement called the Talons of Peace draws on a prophecy that calls for a great sacrifice, compelling five appointed dragonets to fulfill a painful destiny against their will. For grades 4-7. 2012. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.   

BT           13343    MOON RISING: WINGS OF FIRE     SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-          

When Moonwatcher, a young NightWing with secret powers, begins school at the academy started by the dragonets of destiny after the end of the war, she soon realizes that someone is attacking the students. Sequel to The Brightest Night (DB 97829). For grades 4-7. 2015. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13347    ESCAPING PERIL: WINGS OF FIRE               SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

Peril is possibly the most dangerous dragon in Pyrrhia, because she has firescales that can kill an opponent with a touch, but now she has a mission–find her former queen, Scarlet. Sequel to Winter Turning (DB 97831). For grades 4-7. 2016. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13307    ESCAPE      BARCLAY, LINWOOD

After narrowly escaping capture and low on options, twelve-year-old Jeff and the genetically engineered spy dog, Chipper, remain on the run from The Institute and their team of agents. Sequel to Chase (DB 98279). Some violence. For grades 4-7. 2018. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13306    CHASE      BARCLAY, LINWOOD   

Twelve-year-old orphan Jeff becomes tangled up with Chipper, a dog fleeing from an organization that wants to bury the truth of what he is. It will be up to Chipper to keep them both alive. For grades 4-7. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13350    HOUSE OF ROBOTS          PATTERSON, JAMES, 1947-          

Fifth-grader Sammy struggles to fit in when his inventor mother requires him to take her latest creation, a robot named E, to school with him. Much to Sammy’s horror and his classmates’ glee, he is supposed to show E how to be a regular student. For grades 3-6. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.     

BT           13283    CANDY CORN CONTEST        GIFF, PATRICIA REILLY             

He’s just as anxious as the rest of the kids in room 113 to guess how many candy corns are in the huge jar on Mrs. Rooney’s desk, but Richard has extra worries on his mind. None of the boys want to come to Richard’s sleepover if it means sleeping next to smelly Matthew, who wets his bed. Book three in the Kids of the Polk Street School series. For grades 2-4. 1984. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.             

BT           13282    ALL-STAR FEVER                CHRISTOPHER, MATT, 1917-1997              

Bus Mercer, shortstop for the Peach Street Mudders, wants desperately to be picked for the county all-star team, but he breaks his parents’ rules for riding his new bike, and feelings of guilt affect his game. Unrated. For grades 2-4. 1997. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13349    HOUSE OF ROBOTS          PATTERSON, JAMES, 1947-          

Fifth-grader Sammy struggles to fit in when his inventor mother requires him to take her latest creation, a robot named E, to school with him. Much to Sammy’s horror and his classmates’ glee, he is supposed to show E how to be a regular student. For grades 3-6. 2014. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

BT           13341    TO GREEN ANGEL TOWER, SEGMENT ONE             WILLIAMS, TAD 1993.

In this sequel to “Stone of Farewell” (RC 40338), the Storm King and his undead allies continue to gather strength for a final confrontation with Simon and his companions, who are fighting to help Prince Josua gain the throne now occupied by his brother King Elias. Each will face numerous skirmishes before the final confrontation at the Green Angel Tower. For senior high and older readers. 1993. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

BT           13351    STONE OF FAREWELL: MEMORY, SORROW, AND THORN, BOOK 2               WILLIAMS, TAD

Simon and his allies now possess the sword Thorn, essential to their defeat of the evil forces of King Elias of Osten Ard. King Elias has banded together with the Storm King, and they plan to end any hope Prince Josua has of taking over the throne. Both forces will meet many problems before they come face to face at the Stone of Farewell. Sequel to “The Dragonbone Chair” (RC 40337). 1990. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille.

New Braille Books Added in May 2021

ADULT NON-FICTION

BT           13236    NEVER LOOK AT THE EMPTY SEATS: A MEMOIR        DANIELS, CHARLIE, 1936-       

Country music legend Charlie Daniels, who was born in North Carolina in 1936, discusses his life and career. Famed for his song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Daniels shares stories of his music, the musicians with whom he collaborated, and the role of faith in his life. 2017. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

JUVENILE FICTION

BT           13226    LOST HEIR: WINGS OF FIRE           SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

Overjoyed to be reunited with her fellow ocean-dwelling dragons, Tsunami the SeaWing continues efforts to end the war for Pyrrhia in spite of a dangerous assassin who is threatening all their lives. Sequel to The Dragonet Prophecy (DB 97153). For grades 4-7. 2012. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.     

BT           13227    HIVE QUEEN: WINGS OF FIRE      SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

Cricket, a dragonet who is immune to Queen Wasp’s powers, goes into hiding after stealing the Book of Clearsight. For grades 4-7. Unrated. 2020. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13237    WINTER TURNING: WINGS OF FIRE           SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

When a member of the royal IceWing family breaks the truce and escapes from Jade Mountain Academy, Winter, an IceWing, embarks on his own quest and hopes to win the respect of his family in the process. Sequel to Moon Rising (DB 97830). For grades 4-7. 2015. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13240    HIDDEN KINGDOM: WINGS OF FIRE         SUTHERLAND, TUI, 1978-              

The five dragonets hope to hide in safety in the RainWing kingdom, but when tribe members start disappearing and the old queen does nothing, it is up to Glory, a RainWing, and her friends to uncover the lurking evil. Sequel to The Lost Heir (DB 97272). For grades 4-7. 2013. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13221    YOUR MOTHER WAS A NEANDERTHAL    SCIESZKA, JON  

Sam, Joe, and Fred, the Time Warp Trio who first appeared in “Knights of the Kitchen Table” (RC 36216), travel back to the Stone Age and are immediately in trouble. First, they’re completely naked (Sam still has his hat and Fred his glasses) and, second, they no longer have “The Book” that enables them to travel in time. They have plenty of other problems, too, with cavegirls and a woolly mammoth. For grades 3-6. 1993. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13223    SEE YOU LATER, GLADIATOR: THE TIME WARP TRIO          SCIESZKA, JON  

Joe, Sam, and Fred accidentally open their magic book and are transported back to ancient Rome as gladiators. They use their wrestling moves to impress the fans in the Colosseum until they can return home. For grades 3-6. 2000. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13224    KNIGHTS OF THE KITCHEN TABLE: THE TIME WARP TRIO                 SCIESZKA, JON

The Time Warp Trio is here! Comprised of Joe and his two pals, Fred and Sam, the trio travels through time with the help of “The Book,” a gift from Joe’s magician uncle. Their adventures are chockful of tongue-in-cheek humor as they journey back to the Middle Ages to hang out with Sir Lancelot and make Camelot safe from a dragon and a very smelly giant. For grades 3-6. 1991. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13225    2095       SCIESZKA, JON  

While on a field trip to a museum, Joe, Sam, and Fred use The Book and emerge in a different century. In their new time, they encounter robots, anti-gravity disks, and their own grandchildren. Sequel to Your Mother Was a Neanderthal (DB 40670). For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1995. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                

BT           13229    NOT-SO-JOLLY ROGER: THE TIME WARP TRIO       SCIESZKA, JON  

Joe, Fred, and Sam are really up a tree this time. Literally. Not only has Joe’s Book set them down in a coconut tree, but the tree’s surrounded by pirates! Their choices: join Blackbeard’s crew, walk the plank, or become coconut stew! What can a time traveler say but, “Yo ho ho and a bottle of ginger ale”? For grades 3-6. Unrated. 1991. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13230    GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GOOFY: THE TIME WARP TRIO              SCIESZKA, JON  

Hi-ho Trio, away! Thanks to the magic of The Book, Joe, Sam, and Fred are back in the Wild West–and it’s proving to be way too wild. As cowboys, they’re poisoned by trail chow and stampeded by a herd of crazed cattle. Now they’ve been captured by Indians. Will this be the Time Warp Trio’s last stand? For grades 3-6. Unrated. 1992. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13231    TUT TUT: THE TIME WARP TRIO SCIESZKA, JON  

The Time Warp trio takes off for some Ancient Egyptian action. Fred wants to run his fingers through the treasure of King Tut; Sam thinks it would be awful to be a mummy; and Joe wants to ask the Sphinx the questions on the Egyptian History worksheet. But when the trio wind up on the banks of the Nile, hieroglyphic hilarity is guaranteed. For grades 3-6. Unrated. 1996. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13234    FLAT STANLEY    BROWN, JEFF, 1926-2003              

Life in the Lambchop family is sedate and serene–until a bulletin board falls on young Stanley Lambchop and he becomes . . . depth-disadvantaged! But does it get him down? No! Though he’s only half-an-inch thick, Stanley manages to lead a very full life. Originally published in 1964, Jeff Brown’s Flat Stanley has become a modern classic. For grades 2-4. 1964. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.     

BT           13239    SAM SAMURAI: THE TIME WARP TRIO     SCIESZKA, JON  

A haiku-writing assignment lands Joe, Sam, and Fred in what might be their scariest adventure yet among Samurai warriors and really big swords. For grades 3-6. Unrated. 2001. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.                

BT           13222    LLAMA IN THE LIBRARY  HURWITZ, JOHANNA     

Sex education is one of the first subjects taught in fifth grade, so Adam Fine is sure he’s learned all he needs to know about it. But when his mom announces that she’s expecting her third child and the cool new girl, Alana Brown, catches his attention at school, he begins to realize some facts of life that aren’t covered in class. A wacky ghost-hunting episode at the White House, the grand old local hotel, brings Adam and Alana together. For grades 2-4. Unrated. 1999. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13232    LUCKY BASEBALL BAT     CHRISTOPHER, MATT, 1917-1997              

Marty loses his lucky baseball bat, and his confidence along with it, and wonders if he will recover both in time to help the Tigers win the championship. For preschool-2 grade. Unrated. 1993. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13233    LILLY TO THE RESCUE      BELLINGHAM, BRENDA 

Bossy-boots! That’s what kids at school start calling Lilly when she gives a lot of advice that’s not wanted. For grades K-3. Unrated. 1997. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.             

BT           13235    I WAS A THIRD GRADE SCIENCE PROJECT               AUCH, MARY JANE          

Josh’s best friend Brian comes up with an odd idea for their science fair project: hypnotizing Brian’s dog, Arful, into thinking he’s a cat. After a few sessions with the crystal, Arful may not feel like a cat, but Josh certainly does! For grades 2-4. 1998. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

BT           13238    DIFFERENT DRAGONS    LITTLE, JEAN, 1932-         

Ben doesn’t like to admit it, but he is afraid of thunderstorms, and dogs, and other things too. When his parents go away for the weekend, he reluctantly goes to stay with his aunt Rose. There he finds Gully, a big Labrador retriever who is his birthday present! Hana, the girl next door, laughs at Ben for his fear of Gully. But when they are stuck in the attic and Hana becomes afraid, Ben realizes that everyone has fears. For grades 3-6. 1986. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

BT           13228    DRAGONBONE CHAIR: MEMORY, SORROW, AND THORN, BOOK 1               WILLIAMS, TAD

Simon, fourteen, is a scullery boy at Hayholt Castle in the land of Osten Ard. Then one day he is apprenticed to Doctor Morgenes and finds himself involved with the League of the Scroll. King Elias has succeeded to the throne, bringing an evil force with him. To save the realm, Simon must unravel the riddle of the three lost swords called Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn–and now Elias has one. Followed by “Stone of Farewell,” RC 40338. For senior high readers. 1988. Unified English Braille Code. Contracted braille. PRINT/BRAILLE.