Picked by: Sonja Somerville

The Book: “When She Flew” by Jennie Shortridge

Category: Fiction; published 2009

Like many people, my attention was captured in 2004 by news articles about Portland police discovering a Vietnam vet and 12-year-old daughter living in Forest Park. Jennie Shortridge turned her interest into a fascinating novel that story challenges us to consider what makes a “good” family and a “proper upbringing.” Shortridge’s character ring so true that it’s hard to remember this is fiction.

Picked by: Marcia Poehler

The Book: “Knit the Season” by Kate Jacobs

Category: Fiction; published 2009

This is the latest in a series of novels about the Walker and Daughter knitting shop in New York. The former owner, Georgia, has died at a young age and her daughter Dakota carries on. Dakota is supported by a group of young and old friends as well as her Gran in Scotland. The characters are terrifically likeable and there are delicious recipes at the end.

Picked by: Marya Hunsinger

The Book: “The Magician's Elephant” by Kate DiCamillo

Category: Children’s Fiction; published 2009

Ten-year-old orphan Peter Augustus Duchene learns from a fortune teller that his sister, who is presumed dead, is in fact alive, and that an elephant will lead him to her. He embarks on a remarkable series of adventures in his desperate search. Kate DiCamillo is a wonderful storyteller, and this search for family and connection will ring true for readers of many ages.

Picked by: Betsy Jo Romeo

The Book: “A Duty to the Dead” by Charles Todd

Category: Mystery; published 2009

As the daughter of a British military officer, World War I nurse Bess Crawford understands duty. She makes a deathbed promise to Lieutenant Arthur Graham, a favorite patient, to deliver a message to his family. Delivering this message, however, propels her into a murky history of family secrets and murder. This title will appeal to mystery readers who love a fast-paced story.