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Recommended for ages 10 and up.


Release date:  November, 2011

Texas author Dotti Enderle's newest novel, set in 1883 during a grueling drought, brings the excitement of the Texas frontier to today's young people.  Thirteen year old Jesse and his family find themselves in the middle of a battle between farmers and free-range cattlemen; with water scarce, fence cutting became a common practice as cattlemen cut through farmers' barbed-wire fences in a desperate search for water for their herds.  Sometimes bandits were hired to do the dirty work, and they often left threatening messages behind and even tortured animals to get their message across. 

Jesse's family is being torn apart, between the vandalism on the farm from the fence-cutters and his brother Ethan's gambling.  When Ethan steals the family's cash reserves to settle a gambling debt, their father disowns him and Ethan is forced to leave in disgrace, breaking their mother's heart.  Jesse knows his father thinks he's a weakling;  he's unable to shoot a gun since an earlier hunting accident where he had accidentally shot and killed his own dog.  In one scene, Jesse's father comments that "this boy will never grow up." 

When a mysterious stranger rides into town, Jesse's father hires him to help out on the farm.  Jesse doesn't know what to make of Jackson Slater.  Snooping around, Jesse discovers that Slater is keeping company with some rough men, and what's worse, he's hiding a pair of wire cutters and a fancy pistol in his living quarters.  Is this mysterious stranger friend or foe, and can Jesse summon up the courage to help his family through this crisis?

This fast-paced, action-filled story, written in brief chapters, is narrated by Jesse in a colloquial tone, filled with colorful slang and expressions such as "I felt anger churning inside me like a tornado sweeping through the fields," or "dumber than a turkey."  While I imagine it will especially appeal to Texas readers, this book will be enjoyed by anyone who likes an exciting Western story, filled with adventure, danger, and even the Texas Rangers.

At a quick-paced 135 pages, this book would be a good story to recommend for reluctant readers, particularly those looking for a historical or adventure title.   The author includes an afterword with additional information on the history of the Texas Rangers, the introduction of barbed wire fencing, fence-cutters, and a brief bibliography.

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Recommended for ages 4-8. 

There never seem to be as many fun picture books about cats as about dogs (or maybe that's just my bias?) so I was particularly delighted with this charming new picture book based loosely on actual historical events.  Set in Venice in the 1890's, the book tells the story of a struggling cafe owner, Nonna Framboni, who takes in a stray white cat and names him Nini.  There doesn't seem to be anything special about Nini, until renowned composer Verdi wanders into the cafe to work on his latest opera.  Unable to come up with just the right note until Nini meows, Verdi is thrilled and begins to frequent the cafe.  The enterprising owner puts up a sign, The Great Verdi Takes His Coffee Here, and soon customers begin to flock to the cafe to see the famous composer as well as the now-famous cat.

A progression of illustrious visitors come to visit Nini, including the king and queen of Italy, who declare National Nini Day, and even the Pope himself.  But when the Emperor of Ethiopia brings his grief-stricken daughter to see the famous Nini, seeking a miracle, Nonna wonders if Nini will be able to deliver.

What a lovely story this is about the healing power of animals and the joy they bring to humans.  Author Mary Nethery is really a master at this genre; she is also the author of Two Bobbies:  A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival and Nubs:  The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, and a Miracle, two other animal stories that will warm your heart.  Illustrator John Manders, who has illustrated many children's titles including Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi, uses colorful gouache paintings to portray the gold-infused Venice setting, and a whimsical, cartoon-like style which adds humor to the story.

An author's note offers some historical details about the real Nini and his fans.

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