Staff Picks A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient, Life of Artist Ruth Asawa by Caroline McAlister

These illustrated books can teach young readers about Japanese internment and its impact on those who were detained. 

A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient Life of Artist Ruth Asawa by Caroline McAlister; Illustrated by Jamie Green

A Line Can Go Anywhere is a picture book about American artist Ruth Asawa who is best known for her enchanting sculptures. Ruth Asawa used curved lines to craft unique art pieces inspired by natural elements, like bean stalks, tumbleweeds, and the outline of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountain range. Ruth Asawa also incorporated man-made shapes in her pieces, patterning curved lines to resemble wire egg baskets she noticed in Mexico and the barbed wire fencing that was used around the Japanese relocation center where her family and other immigrants were detained during World War II.  

Today, Ruth Asawa's work can be viewed in museums around the world and in public art scupltures and fountains in New York and San Francisco. One of her first pieces, a fountain in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square, is now an important California landmark

Color Our World Adult Nonfiction Book Recommendations: When the Earth was Green by Riley Black - Adult Nonfiction

This year's Summer Reading Fun theme is Color Our World. Here is a colorful book recommendation from our adult nonfiction collection. 

When the Earth was Green by Riley Black

Alone, a dinosaur is meaningless. We put them on literal pedestals in our museums, behind glass and railings as befits their place as the world's most ancient and long-standing celebrities. But what is a Tyrannosaurus without a forest to conceal its shadow as it stalks? What is a Triceratops without a buffet of ferns and cycad fronds to eat? 

  

Riley Black            

When the Earth Was Green       

In vivid detail, science writer Riley Black describes the complex relationships between plants and animals that has evolved from 1.2 billion to 15,000 years ago along with interesting facts about biology. The scent of catnip, for instance, irresistible to our feline friends, evolved as a way for plants to defend themselves against insects. 

        

Visit Forsyth County Public Library to sign up for Summer Reading Fun and take part in summer programs for all ages. Library events are open to the public, free to attend, and all supplies are provided. Check out our digital Summer at Forsyth County Public Library magazine or pick up a copy at any branch. Please note that some programs require advance registration.

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

Local Author Spotlight: Ravi Prakash, Author of Safar: An Immigrant's Journey of Life & Leadership

Safar: An Immigrant's Journey of Life & Leadership by Ravi Prakash

In Safar: An Immigrant’s Journey of Life & Leadership, Ravi Prakash describes his personal journey coming to the United States from India as a college student and rising from hourly retail jobs to leadership positions in global corporations. Through the lens of personal stories, the inspiring memoir encourages readers to lead a meaningful life. 

Safar: An Immigrant's Journey of Life & Leadership is filled with practical wisdom that demonstrates the importance of perseverance, integrity, and gratitude. While readers at any stage in their careers will gain valuable insights from Safar, it seems ideal for people experiencing a transition. “Wherever you are, you have to take the next step. You don’t have to be perfect but don’t give up. Even if you aren’t sure, show up. Growth is the way we become better.” 

Dino-vember Adult Nonfiction Book Recommendations

Things are going to get weird. There may be horrific disasters, and many lives will  be lost. But don't worry. As long as we keep exploring, humanity is going to survive.

Annalee Newitz

Scatter, Adapt, and Remember: 

How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction

Staff Picks: Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery byJoseph McGill - Adult Nonfiction

 

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a slave cabin?  In Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery, an enlightening personal account, Joseph McGill tells the story of his groundbreaking project to sleep overnight in former slave dwellings that still stand across the country—revealing the fascinating history behind these sites and shedding light on larger issues of race in America.

Working as an Extra: Stories from the Set - January 24 at Sharon Forks Library

 

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work in film or television? 

This month Bob Lusher, who has worked as an extra on more than 50 movies and 35 television shows, will share his personal experiences working on projects like The Founder, Sully, The Hunger Games, Captain America, The Walking Dead, Ozark, and Stranger Things. 

Working as an Extra: Stories from the Set will be held at Sharon Forks Library on Wednesday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m. 

If you're curious about what it's like to be in the movies, this is your opportunity to find out!  

Meet Author Dion Leonard and Gobi at the Post Road Library!

 

Finding Gobi: A Little Dog with a Very Big Heart by Dion Leonard

Looking for a book with a touch of adventure and suspense but filled with compassion and hope? It's fitting that a book about a little dog with such a big spirit contains so much within it. If you're into marathons or sports, if you like dogs, or if you enjoy reading about international affairs, you'll enjoy this intriguing story. 

Meet author Dion Leonard and his canine companion, Gobi at Finding Gobi: The Inspirational and True Story at the Post Road Library on December 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.