Staff Picks: February 2025 (All Ages!)

Movies | Adult Books | Teen Books | Kids Books

Find out what Denver Public Library staff are reading and watching this month!

Movies

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After conspiring with a conniving fox demon to kill the emperor and seize power, King Zhou reigns as a tyrant so brutal that he incurs the wrath of Heaven. In a final attempt to save the mortal world from desperate peril, the gods decide to intervene and invest in an unlikely champion brave enough to challenge the evil king even if it may cost him everything.

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EZRA follows Max, a stand-up comedian living with his father while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra with his ex-wife. When forced to confront difficult decisions about the future, Max & Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip.

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He's a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job.

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"Look Through Any Window" offers a captivating glimpse into the heyday of one of Britain's most iconic musical groups, the Hollies, spanning from 1963 to 1975. As part of the famed "British Invasion" alongside the Beatles, the Hollies made waves on the US charts in the 1960s and achieved chart-topping success in numerous countries worldwide. Through newly filmed interviews with band members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, and Bobby Elliot, viewers are treated to an intimate retelling of the Hollies' remarkable journey. 

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The film will tell the story of Leonardo di Ser Piero da Vinci, best known as Leonardo da Vinci, a fifteenth century Italian polymath of soaring imagination and profound intellect, who left behind artistic works of staggering beauty and detailed sketches of futuristic contraptions of warfare and flight that today are marveled at for their technical ingenuity and foresight.

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The themes, images, and cultural vernacular of Victor Fleming's The Wizard of Oz continue to haunt David Lynch₂s filmography from his early short The Alphabet to his recent television series Twin Peaks: The Return. Arguably, no filmmaker has so consistently drawn inspiration consciously or unconsciously from a single work. Is Lynch trapped in the Land of Oz? If so, what can we learn about his body of work by closely examining how it intersects and communicates with that legendary fantasy? In turn, what do Lynch's films have to say about the enduring resonance of one of America's most beloved classics? Through six distinct perspectives, Alexandre O. Philippe's Lynch/Oz helps us reexperience and reinterpret The Wizard of Oz through David Lynch, delivering new appreciations of both.

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Set against the romantic desolation of Detroit and Tangier, an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, reunites with his resilient and enigmatic lover. Their love story has already endured several centuries at least, but their debauched idyll is soon disrupted by her wild and uncontrollable younger sister. Can these wise but fragile outsiders continue to survive as the modern world collapses around them?

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A comedic sci-fi drama based on the Dark Horse comic book series of the same name, this show follows a crash-landed alien who must take on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor and somehow find a way to fit in with the local human population. While attempting to complete his secret mission on Earth, he is forced to consider the possibility that humans might be worth saving after all.

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In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a macabre universe.

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A crew of aquatic researchers works to get to safety after an earthquake devastates their subterranean laboratory. But the crew has more than the ocean seabed to fear.

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Talking Heads

A film of the Talking Heads in concert.

Adult Books

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Abrams, Maria

Having lost her dream New York City journalism job and her boyfriend, Drew returns to her hometown and runs into an old friend, who recruits her into a multi-level marketing scheme. When a distributor dies suspiciously, Drew begins to investigate and discovers dangerous secrets about the whole organization.

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Alameddine, Rabih

By National Book Award and the National Book Critics' Circle Award finalist for An Unnecessary Woman, Rabih Alameddine, comes a transporting new novel about an Arab American trans woman's journey among Syrian refugees on Lesbos island.

 

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Brammer, Mikki

A life-affirming debut about a death doula who, in caring for others at the end of their life, has forgotten how to live her own, for readers of The Midnight Library.
 

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Chevalier, Tracy

From the bestselling historical novelist, a rich, transporting story that follows a family of glassmakers from the height of Renaissance-era Italy to the present day.
 

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Davies, Carys

A “daring and necessary…sophisticated and playful” (The New York Times) novel from an award-winning writer, Clear is the story of a minister dispatched to a remote island to “clear” its last remaining inhabitant—an unforgettable tale of resilience, change, and hope.
 

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Dray, Stephanie

A fictionalized account of the professional life of Frances Perkins, who served as the United States's fourth Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945--the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the developer of the social security program.

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Ehrlich, Gretel

From the author of the enduring classic The Solace of Open Spaces, here is a wondrous meditation on how water, light, wind, mountain, bird, and horse have shaped her life and her understanding of a world besieged by a climate crisis.
 

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Enriquez, Mariana

On the shores of this river, all the birds that fly, drink, perch on branches, and disturb siestas with the demonic squawking of the possessed—all those birds were once women.
 

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Fitzgerald, Melissa

A behind-the-scenes look into the creation and legacy of The West Wing as told by cast members Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, with additional insight from cast and crew exploring what made the show what it was, and how its impassioned commitment to service has made the series and relationships behind it endure.

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Grange, Kevin

In Grizzly Confidential, author Kevin Grange—former paramedic and park ranger at Yellowstone and Grand Teton—comes face-to-face with North America’s most fearsome predator, Ursus Arctos.

 

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Harari, Yuval N.

In this first volume of the full-color illustrated adaptation of his groundbreaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind's creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human." From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas.

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Hariri-Kia, Iman

Perfect for fans of Inventing Anna: How do you prove a glamorous fraudster’s guilt when she’s a beloved influencer…and your sources keep dying under mysterious circumstances?

 

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Heffernan, Julie

From acclaimed painter Julie Heffernan, a wholly original and visually stunning four-color graphic work of autofiction about a young mother who—lost overnight on a hike with her infant son—experiences an extraordinary journey of memory, remorse, and rebirth that offers her a new way of seeing the world; for readers of Alison Bechdel, Roz Chast, and Marjane Satrapi. 
 

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Hogarth, Ainslie

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A darkly funny take on mothers and daughters, about a woman who must take drastic measures to save her husband and herself from the vengeful ghost of her mother-in-law.
 

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Kalanithi, Paul

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • This inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question, What makes a life worth living?
 

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Leong, Julie

A wandering fortune teller finds an unexpected family in this warm and wonderful debut fantasy, perfect for readers of Travis Baldree and Sangu Mandanna.
 

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Loskutoff, Maxim

In this haunting novel about the end of the frontier dream, a man tries to reinvent himself in one of America’s last wild territories, while his neighbor begins a crime spree that will tremble the nation.
 

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Ma, Ling

What happens when fantasy tears the screen of the everyday to wake us up? Could that waking be our end?
 

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Marshall, Max

A brilliant young investigative journalist traces a murder and a multimillion-dollar drug ring, leading to an unprecedented look at elite American fraternity life.

 

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Martin, Kristen

The real history of being an orphan in America is nothing like the myth, and nothing like the American dream. 
 

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Meiburg, Jonathan

An enthralling account of a modern voyage of discovery as we meet the clever, social birds of prey called caracaras, which puzzled Darwin, fascinate modern-day falconers, and carry secrets of our planet's deep past in their family history.
 

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Mellors, Coco

The smash National bestseller and Goodreads Choice Award finalist—perfect for readers of Modern Lovers and Conversations with Friends. An addictive, humorous, and poignant debut novel about the shock waves caused by one couple’s impulsive marriage.
 

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Mester, Emily

Raised with hoarding and compulsive shopping, Emily Mester is caught in between. What happens when consumption begins to consume you back?
 

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Mojica Rodríguez, Prisca Dorcas

From the author of For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, a celebration of the women at the heart of Latine families  
 

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Nickless, Barbara

A woman’s investigation into her sister’s death exposes the dark side of a secret life in a gripping novel of power, money, and murder by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

 

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Ogawa, Yōko

From the award-winning, psychologically astute author of The Memory Police, a hypnotic, introspective novel about an affluent Japanese family navigating buried secrets, and their young house guest who uncovers them.
 

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Palumbo, Suzan

The stories in this collection of dark fantasy and horror short stories grapple with the complexities of identity, racism, homophobia, immigration, oppression, and patriarchy through nature, gothic hauntings, Trinidadian folklore, and shape shifting. At the heart of the collection lie the questions: how do we learn to accept ourselves? How do we live in our own skin?

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Polk, C. L.

C. L. Polk turns their considerable powers to a fantastical noir. A magical detective dives into the affairs of Chicago's divine monsters to secure a future with the love of her life. This sapphic period piece will dazzle anyone looking for mystery, intrigue, romance, magic, or all of the above.
 

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Pyae Moe Thet War

In this smart and swoony adventure rom-com, a journalist and a movie star find themselves teaming up to cover up a murder...and falling for each other in the process.
 

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Rasche, Anna

A spellbinding debut that follows a young woman who harnesses the strange, ancient magic of gemstones to investigate a series of shocking crimes in plague-stricken Florence, all the while proving she is more physician than witch, perfect for fans of The Lost Apothecary.

 

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Sanderson, Brandon

In the first of his record-shattering Kickerstarter novels, #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson—creator of The Stormlight Archive, the Mistborn Saga, and countless bestselling works of science fiction and fantasy—brings us a rollicking, riveting standalone tale set in the Cosmere universe, perfect for fans of The Princess Bride.
 

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Slagle, Ali

JAMES BEARD AWARD NOMINEE • 150 fast and flexible recipes to use what you have and make what you want, from New York Times contributor Ali Slagle
 

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Soria, Destiny

“Happily Ever After” is a total scam, but at least this time the princess is the one controlling the grift—until her true love arrives and threatens to ruin the whole scheme. Intrigue, magic, and wit abound in this Cinderella fairytale reimagining, perfect for fans of Heather Walter and Naomi Novik.
 

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Underhill, Edward

A whimsical and healing novel about a trans man in New York who-almost 30, laid off, broke-moves back to his small Illinois hometown, walks into the bookstore he worked at in high school. . . and slips through time to come face-to-face with his pre-transition, teenage self.

Teen Books

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Best, Jessica Mary

After traveling from her home planet to Ouris and sneaking into the imperial ball to steal from the galactic elite, expert thief Cass is framed for the unexpected death of the emperor, and must work together withh a mysterious rebel to uncover the true plot and clear her name.

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Brown, Alex

Scream meets horror comedy in this slasher mystery where the final girl is also the legendary school mascot—Peaches the Parrot.
 

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Drews, C. G.

Two teen boys attempt to stop terrifying creatures that seem to be coming to life from macabre drawings.

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Frasier, Crystal

A sweet, queer teen romance perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Check, Please!
 

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Garza Villa, Jonny

Nonbinary teen Ander is ready to leave their family's taquería and focus on their art, but when Santi, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, begins to work at the restaurant, the two teens spark a romance made complicated by immigration police.

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Gibbs, Shawnelle

Fifteen-year-old Chelsea, daughter of a paranormal specialist, risks her hard-won popularity and more when she is drawn into a paranormal romance after discovering her own ability to communicate with ghosts.

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Girma, Tigest

Nineteen-year-old orphan Kidan Adane, heiress to a fallen House of humans tethered to vampiric creatures called draniacs, navigates her duty to foster human-draniac relations, but when her sister is kidnapped, Kidan suspects a draniac and will do anything to find her.

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Hendriks, Jenni

When seventeen-year-old Veronica Clarke discovers she is pregnant, she enlists the help of high school misfit Bailey Butler to drive her over nine hundred miles to the closest abortion clinic.

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Jaigirdar, Adiba

Told in alternating voices, ex-best friends Meghna and Rani team up to expose their cheating boyfriend at a science competition and fall for each other in the process.

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Parish, Theo

In their comics debut, Theo Parish masterfully weaves an intimate and defiantly hopeful memoir about the journey one nonbinary person takes to find a home within themself. Combining traditional comics with organic journal-like interludes, Theo takes us through their experiences with the hundred arbitrary and unspoken gender binary rules of high school, from harrowing haircuts and finally the right haircut to the intersection of gender identity and sexuality--and through tiny everyday moments that all led up to Theo finding the term "nonbinary," which finally struck a chord.

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Walls, Jasmine

A queer, witchy Fast and the Furious - starting 6 BIPOC witches - that shines light on history not often told
 

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White, Andrew Joseph

After being nearly beaten to death for evidence he holds against the corrupt sheriff, sixteen-year-old transgender Miles joins his fellow townsfolk to end the blood feud and oppressive politics that plague his town.

Kids Books

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Barnes, J. A.

Point to and talk about the pictures in this book to help young children develop a healthy bedtime routine.

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Becker, Shelly

Featuring bold, colorful art, each spread focuses on a unique word promoting a healthy body-mind connection; a hidden object relating to the letter; and an animal, such as an antelope, a bear, an elephant, a tiger, and even a unicorn. Young readers will delight in learning this unique alphabet, as well as new ways to self-soothe and express themselves.

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Chang, Grace Seo

Korean American Maia learns the importance of a mother's love while making a traditional birthday soup.

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Cheng, Charlotte

A young girl finds comfort and solace in fond memories of her deceased, beloved grandfather, which help her cope with his death.

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Choi, Yangsook

An uplifting story about a child newly arrived in America from Korea learning a new language to keep in touch with an old friend, a cat named Oto.
 

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Cleaver, Samantha

As her Ghanian family prepares for a whole week to welcome her new baby cousin at a celebration called outdooring, Andani waits patiently to perform the most important job of all: being the first to greet the little one by name.

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Coppo, Marianna

In this interactive book Lady Rabbit the Magician offers to read your mind, if you pick a member from the magician's audience.

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Detrick-Jules, St. Clair

This playful board book celebrates Black hair and the joy of seeing yourself in the ones your love, and embracing your unique self.

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Dol, Thalita

Thalita Dol's adorable board book series continues to paint lovely pictures of the things that make up a baby's world. In this new instalment, let's see what kinds of things babies can do!

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Farid, Diana

When thoughts of a baby's future start to pull at a parent's attention, they pause to reflect on the joy, wonder, and love already overflowing in their lives. This gentle, calming text will help any caregiver slow down and marvel at the remarkable baby in front of them.

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Johnson, Bee

In this ... illustrated rhyming picture book, two sisters spend their day playing at home and leaving joyful, cozy messes in their wake.

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Kane, Karen

Two best friends use rhyming ASL to help vanquish their fear of the monster under the bed in this fun, interactive bedtime readaloud.
 

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Krauthamer, Janet

Identify the human body’s signals through riddles in this interactive STEM book on interoception. Educational endnotes reinforce learning.
 

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Laan, Triinu

With delightful illustrations and a charming cast of characters, John the Skeleton is a quirky, touching, and unforgettable book. Triinu Laan thoughtfully weaves aging and death into the fabric of life, crafting a tender portrait of what it means to care for one another, grow old together, and appreciate the little things.

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LaRochelle, David

The Geisel Award–winning creators of See the Cat channel their comic sensibility into a rousing alphabetical exercise in thinking outside the box.
 

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Meeker, Audrey

Two tweens with opposing views on how to survive middle school -- Izzy the iconclast aspiring fashion designer, and Marcus the go-along-to-get-along soccer player -- are paired for a project in PE. When their swing dance routine gets them a failing grade, they face continuing to work together in front of the entire school in order to get extra credit by dancing at the talent show.

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Mother Moon

This book illustrates multiple love languages with joyful babies and irresistible rhymes. This powerful message of love and kindness is a great gift for any growing library.
 

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Poliquin, RacheL

Non-Fiction picture book about the wind. Thrilling combination of the science of air flow and the myths, legends, stories and beliefs different cultures hold about the wind. Includes tales like Odysseus and the bag of wind and the origins of the Kamikaze winds of Japan.

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Seales, Stephanie

While a young Panamanian American girl and her father share "just-us" time on an early morning horseback ride around their town, he tells her cowboy stories and she realizes she is a cowboy too.

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Simpson, Tonya

In this gentle picture-book lullaby, the sounds of the land soothe an Indigenous child to sleep on a stormy summer night on the Prairies.

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Smith, Heather

A new, heartwarming middle-grade story from the critically acclaimed author Heather Smith featuring Tig, a young girl struggling to find peace within herself and in her new family. For fans of Rebecca Stead, Wendy Mass and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
 

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Straub, Emma

A girl and her eccentric grandmother spend a day being silly together.

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Varchol Perron, Lisa

A lyrical and informative celebration of ROCKS and why we love them.
 

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Vega, Denise

Adela loves everything about her family's mariachi band, and wants to be in it--but when she tries the different instruments nothing seems right, so she has to find a different way to become part of the band. Includes notes on mariachi music and bands.

Summaries provided by DPL's catalog unless otherwise noted. Click on each title to view more information.