A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant

Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Engaging colorful mixed media illustrations tell the story of a family doctor who practiced medicine in his hometown, Rutherford, NJ for over forty years. Carlos knew by age 10 that he loved to write poetry, but when he became a young adult he felt that he needed to make a good living. He liked the idea of helping people and supporting his family so he decided to become a doctor. He wondered if he could continue to write as a doctor. Throughout medical school and once he became a doctor he set aside time to continue his writing. He published numerous books of poetry. So talented was he that the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to him posthumously for his last poetry collection, Pictures from Brueghel. At the back of the book is an interesting timeline of Williams’ life presented alongside concurrent world events. Also included are an author’s note, an illustrator’s note and a “further reading” list.

A Horse of Her Own by Annie Wedekind

For every girl that loved horses, this book is a winner. Jane loves to ride and loves Beau, a borrowed horse owned by the farm she rides with, even more. While preparing for a summertime advanced competition to show she has just as many skills as the wealthier girls that own their own horses, Jane loses Beau to a girl that buys him. Despite her sadness, she maintains her good nature and is offered a wild-card chance at the competition with a newer, less manageable horse. Throughout her summer's journey, Jane both observes and suffers the typical trials and tribulations associated with adolescent girls across varying socio-economic strata. As the title suggests, Jane's strongest desire is to have her own horse, a seemingly impossible dream to Jane, but not completely out of reach, as she learns.