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Ancestry Library

Author: Ancestry Library Edition by ProQuest

The Ancestry Library Database permits Willard Library patrons to search for, print, and save census, birth, marriage, death, and immigration records; historical newspaper documents; maps; and much more. The database is only able to be accessed while in Willard Library, either on a public access terminal or on your personal wireless device (free WiFi is available at Willard Library).

Koch Studio Photograph Collection

Author: Koch Studio

From 1950 to 1983, Robert ("Bob") Koch operated a photography studio in Evansville. When he retired, Mr. Koch donated an estimated 15,000 senior high school portraits to the library, as well as 416 recently-developed images that depict businesses (including coal mines), streets, buildings, people, city views, Dade (Ellis) Park, and other subjects.

Celebration of Our Heritage 2008 Weinzaepflen/ Weinzapfel

Author: 2008 Reunion Committee

A family History of the Weinzapfel Family

The Washingtons of Wessyngton Plantation

Author: John F. Baker Jr
Publication Date: 2009-02-04

A descendant of Wes­syngton slaves, John F. Baker Jr., has written the most accessible and ex­citing work of African American history since Roots.

This fruit of more than thirty years of archival and field research and DNA testing spans 250 years. Baker has not only written his own family’s story but also includes the history of hundreds of slaves and their descendants, now numbering in the thousands throughout the United States. More than 100 rare photographs and portraits of African Americans who were slaves on the plantation bring this compelling American history to life.

African American Genealogical Sourcebook

Author: Paula K. Byers
Publication Date: 2005-01-01

RFH REF 929 Afri

As with all genealogical research, African American research begins with one’s self and works back one generation at a time. Back to a certain point, however, research becomes more focused on sources uniquely related to the African American experience, particularly in the 1800s. Beginners should start with page 15, “Basic Genealogical Research Methods and Their Application to African Americans” and then go to page 3, “Background Material—Things to Know Before You Begin.” These two chapters should provide a good foundation for a beginner in African American genealogy research.

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy, the Internet, and Your Genealogy Computer Program.

Author: Clifford, Karen
Publication Date: 2001-01-01

RFH REF 929.1 Clif

For the beginning genealogist interested in Internet research, this is an excellent book to start with. It is generously illustrated, with an excellent first chapter full of good information on how the beginner can use strategies and resources to successfully achieve his/her goal. This book stresses the use of the computer for genealogy research and may be somewhat outdated; it refers to the floppy disk for storing data rather than the writeable CD, which is now the disk of choice.

Tracing Your Roots

Author: Consumer Guide
Publication Date: 1977-01-01

RFH REF 929.1 Trac

Amply supplied with photographs and charts that can be photocopied, this is a concise book offering basic information on beginning research, filling charts, and using resources. A quick read.

The How Book for Genealogists

Author: Everton, George B
Publication Date: 1964-01-01

RFH REF 929 How

A pocket-sized book with excellent information on getting started, especially the first chapter, “How to Begin.” In spite of its age, information on basic research is still valid and is never out of date.

The Genesis of Your Genealogy: A Simplified “Step-by-Step” Instruction Book for the Beginner in Genealogy

Author: Nichols, Elizabeth L
Publication Date: 1973-01-01

RFH REF 929.1 Nich

Think of this as a simplified self-help course in beginning genealogy, explaining terminology and demonstrating how to fill out charts, in a fun format

The Invader

Author: The Evansville Shipyard

Pearl Harbor galvanized Evansville in unprecedented ways. Chrysler, International Steel, and a host of other local businesses and industries combined with two newcomers, Republic Aviation and the Evansville Shipyard, to contribute enormously to the war effort. The production of over 100 LSTs at the Shipyard between 1942-1945 far exceeded the Navy’s original order for 28 and topped the output of other shipyards in the country. A complete set of the Shipyard’s monthly publication, The Invader, traces the extraordinary achievement of the workers there.

How to Trace Your Family Tree: A Complete and Easy to Understand Guide for the Beginner

Author: American Genealogical Research Institute
Publication Date: 1973-01-01

REF REF 929 Amer

A good overview for the beginning genealogist on the hows and whys of genealogical research. Shows charts and group sheets, and explains heraldry.

Goddess Girls series

Author: Joan Holub and Glen Hanson
Publication Date: 2010-04-06

This 7 book series written by Joan Holub portrays characters from Greek mythology in a way that tweens (8-12 year olds) can have fun learning about them. The stories follow the day-to-day life of each of the godboys and goddessgirls Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, and Persephone, while they go to school to develop their mythical skills.
~Hannah Ganote~

Human Blend

Author: Human Blend
Publication Date: 2010-06-10

Human Blend is the perfect book for anyone between 12 and 18 years old who likes books about folklore. Laney has mysterious special abilities that keep her running away from men who want to harm her. She hides from them by changing her appearance and starts to live a normal life. She makes new friends and begins falling in love with a local boy, but her new friends are harboring secrets of their own that put her and the boy in danger.
~Hannah Ganote~

The Buddy Files Series

Author: Dori Hillestad Butler
Publication Date: 2011-09-28

The Buddy Files Series is an ongoing series of books about a dog named King, who is a canine detective. In the first book of the series, The Case of the Lost Boy, King’s family leaves him at the pound. As he makes a plan to escape the pound and find them, Conner and his mom rescue him. They are his new family and rename him Buddy. Before Buddy can resume his quest to find his former family, Connor goes missing and he must use his detective skills to find him! There are currently 5 books in the series. They are great books for young readers, especially ages 7 through 11.



~Hannah Ganote~

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Author: Richard and Florence Atwater
Publication Date: 2011-09-28

This book was written in 1938. It is a tale of the family of Mr. Popper, a house painter, who has dreams and ambitions of exploring the Artic. One day he receives a letter from one of the greatest Artic explorers, Admiral Drake, who tells Mr. Popper that he will soon be receiving a gift. The next day, a penguin arrives in a crate and they name him Captain Cook. Not long after this penguin arrives, Mr. Popper gets a companion for Cook, and they have 10 baby penguins. Mr. Popper is so clever that he comes up with a way this little penguin family came become stars! This book is great for all ages, but it is at a reading level for 6 through 12 year olds.



~Hannah Ganote~

Children's Poetry

Dear Hot Dog – Mordicai Gerstein

In my opinion, this is the greatest book of children’s poetry since Shel Silverstein. The poems are playful and fun, but very educational and insightful. Gerstein made me see drinking orange juice out of a cup in a radical new way. Adults will enjoy reading this book to their kids; older kids will enjoy reading it themselves and noticing elements of poetry that they might have never seen before. I recommend this book to people of all ages, especially if you don’t like poetry... because I promise you will after reading “Dear Hot Dog.”



~Hannah Ganote~

Fiction

Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Publication Date: 2047-01-01

Betsy-Tacy – Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy-Tacy is the first of ten books in the Betsy-Tacy series. Betsy and Tacy are best friends growing up in the early 1900’s. These girls are nearly inseparable and the series, especially the first few books, are about their miscellaneous adventures together. These books are perfect for a young girl to grow up with, because Betsy and Tacy get older with each book. I loved these books as I was growing up because I would dream of going on such fun adventures, and then later on, of being in high school just like Betsy. I would recommend these books for girls aged 7 and older.



~Hannah Ganote~

Fiction

Author: Wendy Mass

11 Birthdays – Wendy Mass

This is a book about two children, Amanda and Leo who were born on the same day. Each year, they celebrate their birthdays together. But a few months before their 11th birthday, they had a falling out. That year, they did not celebrate their birthday together. When Amanda wakes up the morning after a terrible birthday, she realizes she is reliving that awful birthday. She has to figure out why she’s reliving that day and how to fix it. This is a book for children between the ages of 8 and 12, but adults would enjoy this book too.

~Hannah Ganote~

Duck at the Door

Author: Jackie Urbanovic
Publication Date: 2011-01-25

This is a short, sweet book about a duck named Max who chooses to stay behind when his flock flies south for the winter. He arrives at a woman’s house who already had a lot of pets, but they all welcome him in anyway. Max begins to really love it there and makes himself comfortable. Eventually, the other pets get annoyed, but spring is coming so Max soon goes back to his flock. Despite their early annoyance, the other pets really miss Max while he is gone, and when they hear he is coming back they get excited... until they see who he’s brought with him. This book can be enjoyed by all ages, but is a good book for children ages 7 through 12 to read on their own.



~Hannah Ganote~

Scaredy Squirrel – Mélanie Watt

Author: Mélanie Watt
Publication Date: 2008-03-01

The best thing about this book is the humor. Mélanie Watt writes this book with such humor that every one who reads it can’t help but laugh out loud. The story is about a squirrel who is afraid of the unknown, among other things, and does not ever leave his tree. One day, his whole routine is turned upside down in one fell swoop. His routine will be forever changed because he learns something new. This book is full of fun details to hold your child’s attention and it also teaches a lesson about trying new things. This book is best for kids ages 7 through 14. Mélanie Watt also has a number of other books, including a couple more about Scaredy Squirrel.



~Hannah Ganote~

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy

Author: Mo Willems
Publication Date: 2008-04-01

If your child has ever begged you for a puppy, this is an awesome book to read them. It won’t necessarily deter them from continuing to ask you for one, but it might make them rethink their request. This pigeon claims she wants a puppy and that she will water it once a month and take puppyback rides on it, but once she sees what she’s getting into, she rethinks getting a puppy. This is a great book for children ages 6 through 12. Mo Willem has more books about Pigeon and a number of books starring a pig and an elephant. Any of his books are great for kids who have just learned how to read.


~Hannah Ganote~

The Kate Seston Matthews Collection

A native of New Albany, Indiana, Kate Seston Matthews spent most of her life in Pewee Valley near Louisville. In 1886, at age 16, she became interested in photography, which evolved into a career that spanned 70 years. She won many prizes for her work and is perhaps best known for her portrayal of characters from Annie Fellows Johnston's "The Little Colonel" books. The Matthews Collection contains nearly 500 prints and negatives.

A Wrinkle in Time

Author: Madeline L’Engle
Publication Date: 1962-04-01

This is a science fiction book about a young brother and sister whose father has been experimenting with time travel. One night a stranger came to their door who claims to be lost, but really, he is from another dimension. He explains that there was a “tesserect” which is a wrinkle in time. The children discover that their father has disappeared and they, along with their friend Calvin, must brave a new world in order to find him. This is a book for children between the ages of 9 and 13.



~Hannah Ganote~

Hatchet

Author: Gary Paulsen
Publication Date: 2000-05-01

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his was in a tiny airplane to visit his father after his parents’ recent divorce. The airplane is carrying only Brian and the pilot, and during the flight, the pilot has a heart attack and dies. Brian crashes the plane into a lake and is injured and stranded, but believes he will be rescued. All he has to survive is his hatchet and a will to live. He attempts to find berries and other things to eat, but he is not always successful. He eventually becomes better at using his hatchet to find food, but also has some encounters with wild animals. Physically surviving is not his only concern. He must go through some very emotionally trying times. This book is awesome, but there is violence and at times some very scary incidents. I recommend reading this book with your child if there are under the age of 10. Otherwise, this book would be best for kids ages 11 through 16.



~Hannah Ganote~

Because of Winn-Dixie

Author: Kate DiCamillo
Publication Date: 2000-05-01

As a new resident of Naomi, Florida, Opal has no friends. One day she goes into the supermarket and comes out with a big ugly dog that she names Winn-Dixie. A lot of things happen because of Winn-Dixie: Opal’s father tells her a little bit about her absent mother, Opal makes new friends, and she also hears many stories from her new friends that make her summer something really amazing and it’s all because of Winn-Dixie. This book is great for children between the ages of 8 and 13.



~Hannah Ganote~

Judy Moody Series

Author: Megan McDonald

Judy Moody is a spunky adventurous young girl. She loves to try new things! There are 8 books in the series and in each one, she tries something new (and sometimes wild) and learns something about herself as well. Some of the book titles are Judy Moody Saves the World, Judy Moody Declares Independence, and Doctor Judy Moody. Any young girl would enjoy these books and they are great for children ages 6 through 10

Hannah Ganote

Stuart Little

Author: E.B. White

Young Stuart Little is a small mouse who is born into a human family. He is of course smaller than his entire family, but they still treat him as if he is one of them. Most of his life is spent in they realms of his home, but when his best friend, Margo (a bird) flies away, he is determined to find her. In the process, he discovers a world full of adventure. This is also a book that became a movie, so encourage your children to read this book and then watch the movie. This could be a great way for your children to learn how to analyze what they read and compare and contrast it to the movie.



~Hannah Ganote~

The Chronicles of Narnia Series

Author: C.S. Lewis

This seven book series is well-known and recently made into a series of major motion pictures. However, books are awesome, so if your children love The Chronicles of Narnia movies, they should definitely read the books. There is so much more to the story! The whole first book is about the history of Narnia and the reason the children enter it through a wardrobe. These books are full of adventure way beyond the imagination and can be enjoyed by anyone ages 9 and up.

Hannah Ganote

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters: A Lullaby

Author: Jane Yolen
Publication Date: 2011-07-12

This is a charming little picture book that follows two monster siblings home from school, where they proceed to eat dinner, take baths, and get tucked into bed just like any other children. The book, geared toward children ages 3-5, is riddled with rhymes and filled with color. It can certainly be fun to read aloud—the monsters are constantly growling, gurgling, snarling, or, at the end, even snoring. This book is very entertaining, and, since it shows the monsters in a playful (and not at all scary) light, it might be helpful for kids who have begun to fear that there are monsters in their own rooms. Definitely, a great bedtime story.

Cara Schuster ~

Levi Strauss Get a Bright Idea: A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants

Author: Tony Johnston
Publication Date: 2011-09-13

Johnston’s “fairly fabricated” story of the invention of blue jeans is humorous, educational, and very cleverly illustrated by Stacy Innerst. The book is intended to be read by children ages 4 and up, but it is truly an entertaining book for adults as well. It begins by sharing a particular concern of individuals who came to California during the Gold Rush: disintegrating pants. Their pants are torn apart by the hard work. Many have to mine in rags, and some even have to mine naked (or “in the vanilla,” as Johnston hilariously puts it). This is when Levi Strauss appears with his nearly indestructible tent fabric that eventually becomes the fabric for blue jeans. The illustrations for the book are particularly unique; Innerst uses old Levi’s for her canvas, driving home the blue jeans theme on every page. The end of the book even provides a brief, more accurate telling of the invention of blue jeans for any curious readers. This book is inventive, hilarious, educational, and highly recommended.

Carc Schuster ~

A Catered St. Patricks Day

Author: Isis Crawford
Publication Date: 2012-02-01

When Mike Sweeney is found floating in a vat of green beer and the nephew of one of their best customers is accused of the crime, Bernie and Libby Simmons, the owners of A Little Taste of Heaven, must find the real killer.

Catch Me

Author: Lisa Gardner
Publication Date: 2012-02-07

Approached by a young woman who claims her murder is imminent, detective D. D. Warren hears her chilling story about how all of her close childhood friends have been murdered on the anniversary of the same day and that she is the only one still alive, a case that is complicated by a vigilante shooter.

The Capture of the Earl of Glenacre

Author: Stephanie Laurens
Publication Date: 2012-01-31

When the man she believes to be her destiny kidnaps her in an attempt to save his castle and his clan, spirited beauty Angelica Cynster must help the eighth Earl of Glencrae lay to rest an ancient grudge.

Kill Shot

Author: Vince Flynn
Publication Date: 2011-11-01

Working his way through a list of hit targets who were responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of civilians, assassin Mitch Rapp shoots a drunken Libyan diplomat in Paris only to discover that he has been set up and that his handlers would have him permanently silenced.

Far From Here

Author: Nicole Baart
Publication Date: 2012-02-07

The Impossible Dead

Author: Ian Rankin
Publication Date: 2011-11-21

Malcolm Fox, a member of the Internal Affairs department that roots out dirty and compromised cops, investigates a neighboring police force and finds a trail that leads to the suicide of a prominent politician and activist.

Death of Kings

Author: Bernard Cornwell
Publication Date: 2012-01-17

The story of Saxon claimants to the throne during the forming of England at the end of the ninth century continues as Alfred the Great lays dying and the fate of the Angles, Saxons, and Vikings hangs in the balance.

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