Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan
Recommended for children by Librarian Pat Palahniuk
When William’s father walks out on the family, William’s mother decides that they need a dog. She takes William and his 4-year-old sister, Elinor, to the animal shelter, where they adopt not one but four dogs, plus one cat! But these are no ordinary animals; they can talk. And Elinor is the first to understand them. When William’s mother announces that she is having a baby, we wonder what the animals have to say about this turn of events.
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
Recommended for adults by Librarian Ann Pieri
Tess, a poor seamstress, lands a job with renowned designer, Lady Lucile Duff Gordon, and they set sail on the Titanic. Tess’s thrill at strolling the upper deck quickly turns to terror on the fourth night when the ship starts sinking. In the chaos, Tess manages to assist others before boarding a lifeboat herself. Once safe in New York, Tess could lose herself in the excitement of the city, suitors and job but a scandal concerning Titanic survivors threatens her wonderful new life.
