Adult sibling relationships in fiction

I’ve noticed a publishing trend of plots that revolve around the relationship between siblings as adults. Sometimes they share a tragic event in childhood that shape who they are as adults. More often the plot revolves around renegotiating relationships as adults, taking care of aging parents, and who gets the inheritance. Here are just a few examples of books that explore adult sibling relationships. Descriptions from the publishers. These titles are owned in RiverShare at the time this is post is published.

All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay: One afternoon in 1975, ten-year-old Miranda Larkin comes home from school to find her mother missing. So begins a mystery that will span a lifetime.  Investigators suspect Jane’s husband, but no evidence is found linking him to a crime. Jane’s three children are left to be raised by the man who may have murdered their mother. Two decades later, the remains of Jane Larkin are found. The investigation in awakened. The children, now grown, are forced to choose sides. With their father or against him? Guilty or innocent? And what happens if they are wrong? Available in regular print and large print.

 

The Liz Taylor Ring by Brenda Janowitz: In 1978, Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider embark on a whirlwind romance on the bright beaches and glamorous yachts of Long Island. Over the years, their relationship has its share of ups and downs, including a nine-month hiatus that ends with a stunning eleven-carat ring—one that looks just like the diamond Richard Burton gifted Liz Taylor after their own separation. Decades later, when the lost ring unexpectedly resurfaces, the Schneiders’ three children gather under one roof for the first time in years, eager to get their hands on this beloved, expensive reminder of their departed parents. But determining the fate of the heirloom is no simple task, unearthing old wounds and heartaches the siblings can’t ignore. They’ll have to decide whether to move forward as a family or let the ring break them once and for all. Available in regular print and audiobook on CD.

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney: It is a warm, funny, and acutely perceptive debut novel about four adult siblings and the fate of the shared inheritance that has shaped their choices and their lives. Years of simmering tensions finally reach a breaking point after an ensuing accident endangers the Plumbs’ joint trust fund, which they are months away from finally receiving. The Plumb siblings have been counting on the money to solve a number of self-inflicted problems. Brought together as never before, Leo, Melody, Jack, and Beatrice must grapple with old resentments, present-day truths, and the significant emotional and financial toll of the accident, as well as finally acknowledge the choices they have made in their own lives. Available in regular print, large print, audiobook on CD, and ebook.

Books to help you discuss tough topics with kids

Sometimes when caregivers face a difficult topic they need to discuss with a child, the grownup doesn’t know where to start. They are afraid of saying the wrong thing but can make the situation worse by saying nothing at all.

The following are picture books in our Literacy and Learning Collection, meant for caregivers and children to read together. These books also offer additional guidance for caregivers.

From My Head to My Toes by Aly Raisman gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way.

My Body Safety Rules by Jayneen Sanders teaches children with disability about body safety and consent and provides them with essential skills to recognize unsafe situations. Using age-appropriate language and illustrations, this book addresses the needs and challenges often faced by children with disability, helping them to understand their rights in regard to their body and personal space.

The idea of parents taking a break from or ending their relationship is scary and sad for children of all ages. If My Parents Are Divorced by Dagmar Geisler shows how different families can deal with a separation and which insecurities may arise in the minds of children.

Having a family member diagnosed with cancer can be scary and confusing for children. Cancer doesn’t just affect those who have it, but their family and friends as well. Momma Has Cancer by Phi Thach will take your child through journeys of pain and disease but also strength and encouragement.

What Does Grief Feel Like? by Korie Leigh shares the many ways people can grieve when a loved one dies and validates children’s unique grief experiences. Open-ended questions throughout the book invite children to share what they are thinking, feeling, and going through.

The Literacy and Learning Collection carries even more titles to help guide you through parenting in unusual and challenging circumstances. Items cover topics in mind, body, health and sex education, neurodivergent learners, and healing from trauma, abuse and violence.

See some 2025 Oscar-nominated films using your library

The 97th Academy Awards airs on Sunday, March 2, and your library has some of the nominees available on DVD and Blu-ray. Place a hold on the movies you want to see and start your own Oscar-viewing marathon today!

Alien: Romulus. Nominated for Visual Effects

 

 

 

The Apprentice. Nominated for Actor in a leading role (Sebastian Stan) and Actor in a supporting role (Jeremy Strong)

 

 

 

Conclave. Nominated for Best Picture; Actor in a leading role (Ralph Fiennes); Actress in supporting role (Isabella Rossellini); Writing (adapted Screenplay); and other nominations. Here’s a link to the book the movie is based on, “Conclave” by Robert Harris.

 

 

Dune: Part Two. Nominated for Best Picture; Cinematography; and other nominations

 

 

 

Gladiator II. Nominated for Costume Design

 

 

 

Inside Out 2. Nominated for Animated Feature Film

 

 

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Nominated for Visual Effects

 

 

Nosferatu. Nominated for Cinematography; and other nominations

An Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature, “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat” is available on DVD or streaming through Kanopy.

 

 

The Substance. Nominated for Best Picture; Actress in a leading role (Demi Moore); Directing; and Writing (original Screenplay)

Wicked. Nominated for Best Picture; Actress in a leading role (Cynthia Erivo); Actress in a supporting role (Ariana Grande); and other nominations

 

 

The Wild Robot. Nominated for Animated Feature Film. You can also read the book “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown that inspired the movie.

 

Check out these books by local authors

Dozens of titles were added to our Local Authors collection in 2024. These are books written by authors born or living in Scott County, Iowa, or Rock Island County, Illinois. In most cases, the items were donated to the Davenport Public Library by the authors themselves. Here are just some of the newest Local Author items available for checkout.

Fiction and genre fiction

Poetry

 

Nonfiction

Teens

Kids

If you are a Quad Cities-based author, whether traditionally published or self-published, please consider donating a copy of your book to our Local Authors collection so that it can be checked out and enjoyed by our patrons. Email Beth Paul at bpaul@davenportlibrary.com for details about making the donation.

That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones

When Amanda Jones spoke out against censorship at a public library board meeting in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, she became the target of two local bloggers. They produced memes and other social media posts with targets on her head and called her a groomer and pedophile. Soon after, her personal information and work address were publicized, and she started receiving death threats. Jones decided to fight back. She filed defamation and harassment lawsuits against the men.

That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones goes beyond describing the legal battle between Jones and the two men. If you’re just dipping your toe into anti-censorship work and need to learn about the foundational arguments around intellectual freedom, this is the book for you. If you are interested in why more books are being challenged in public libraries and public schools, this book explains the motivation behind those challenges. Finally, if you are interested in a manifesto from a librarian on the front line, defending her student’s right to read freely and the public’s right to see themselves represented at their library, you will enjoy this book.

One caveat, the book does get repetitive. I read this as an ebook and there were times I thought I accidently scrolled back to a previous chapter. Instead, it was Jones making the same point as in a previous chapter, just in a slightly different way. The book does describe the lawsuits, dismissals and appeals, but it is not the focus of the book. Also, there is not a satisfactory ending to the legal battle because the appeals are ongoing. However, there is inspiration in knowing that Jones is a leader in advocating for inclusivity and representation in all libraries.

That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones is available in regular print and large print at the time of this writing.

Use the library and your TV for a workout!

Watching videos doesn’t automatically make you a couch potato. If your New Year’s resolution is to work on your health and fitness, the Davenport Public Library has some options that may inspire you to start a new routine in your living room, off of your couch.

On DVD, an Afro-Caribbean Step routine is available on Debra Bono Dance Explosion! From the publisher: As a dancer, Debra kept the Afro-Caribbean choreography in mind and you’ll feel at home on the floor or on the step. Enjoy! Contains an 8-minute warm-up, a full 46-minute step workout, a 5-minute conditioning segment, and a 5-minute cool down.

 

If high-intensity interval training is more your style, try 30 Minutes to Fitness on DVD. From the publisher: This  is an interval workout that is designed to burn fat, increase muscle definition and improve overall fitness level. The four different workout principals include low impact cardio, boxing, bodyweight exercises, and compound moves.

 

As Richard says: “SWEATIN’ TO THE OLDIES is the original, and it’s still the best way to get your heart pounding and your blood pumping! Sing along to these great songs as you sweat your way to a healthier and happier you. Now let’s work out!! — xoxo Richard Simmons”

Our video streaming service Kanopy is packed with fitness crazes of yore. Richard Simmons passed away in July of 2024, but his enthusiasm for fitness can be seen in Richard Simmons: Sweatin’ to the Oldies, Vol. 1-4.

Jane Fonda’s 1980s workout videos are remastered and available on Kanopy for streaming.

Another classic on Kanopy is 1982’s Jane Fonda’s Original Workout. From the publisher: This is the program that started it all and became the top VHS tape of all time. This program will give you total body aerobic, strength, and flexibility workout, while building and maintaining cardiovascular health. Three more remastered workouts round out Joan Fonda’s offerings on Kanopy.

Christmas Movies on Kanopy

If you are looking for a cozy Christmas movie to stream, Kanopy has you covered! Kanopy provides a variety of popular and classic movies, TV shows, documentaries, and foreign films to stream for free, using your Davenport Public Library card. Here are 3 Christmas shows that will be playing at my house this year.

Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever (2014) stars Daniel RoebuckAubrey PlazaGrumpy Cat, and Megan Charpentier

Grumpy Cat is a lonely cat living in a mall pet shop. Because she always gets passed over and never gets chosen by customers, this kitty develops a sour outlook on life until…one day during the holidays, a very special 12-year-old girl named Chyrstal enters the pet store and falls in love with Grumpy Cat. A unique friendship is formed between the two when Chyrstal finds she is the only person who can hear this unique feline talk. Will Grumpy Cat learn the true meaning of Christmas, or will it be in Grumpy’s words, “Worst. Christmas. Ever?”

Road Trip for Ralphie: A Christmas Story Documentary (2010)

Tyler and Jordie Schwartz grew up loving the movie A Christmas Story. The couple discovered that entrepreneur Brian Jones had purchased Ralphie’s house in Cleveland and was restoring it to its movie grandeur. Knowing that much of the movie was also filmed near where they live in Canada, they hatched a plan to visit all the locations used in the movie to see what they look like today. During an adventure spanning two years and two countries, they uncovered forgotten facts, discovered little-known locations and recovered long-lost memorabilia. Join the filmmakers as they visit more than 15 locations in Canada and Cleveland to learn amazing trivia about the movie and the people who made it. Also included are rare documents and interviews from crew members in Cleveland and Toronto who worked on the film back in 1983.

Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker (2014)

There are several filmed versions of the ballet “The Nutcracker” available on Kanopy. Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most enchanting productions, and The Australian Ballet shines in this charming classic. Sumptuously staged and set to Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score, this ballet is a truly magical experience for the whole family.

Library Resources for Thanksgiving day

You may already know The Library has oodles of cookbooks covering appetizers to desserts and everything in between. But we also have some surprising resources to help you prepare for the perfect Thanksgiving Day.

The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen series “Making Perfect” is ad-free on the video streaming service Kanopy, available by using your Davenport Public Library card.

Our video streaming service Kanopy has two video series that cover cooking the big meal. First is the series “Making Perfect,” season 2. Over seven episodes, six members of the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen demonstrate recipes for turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pie and other sides.

Among “Great Courses” available through the video streaming service Kanopy is “Cooking Basics: What Everyone Should Know” that includes an episode on Thanksgiving turkey.

Also available through Kanopy is the Great Courses series, including the class “Cooking Basics: What Everyone Should Know,” presented in partnership with The Culinary Institute of America. While only episode 15 (Cooking the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey) specifically mentions Thanksgiving, the 50-minute program shows a stuffing and cranberry sauce recipe.

Both “Making Perfect” and the Great Courses series can be accessed by logging into Kanopy with your Davenport Public Library card.

Strike the right mood by accessing a Thanksgiving playlist from The Library’s music streaming service Freegal. Start the day with kid songs to help little ones get excited. By the time it’s time to sit down for the meal, an instrumental playlist will bring the whole family together.

Finally, if you’re looking for something to do with family besides eating, stop in any of the Davenport Public Library branches before Thanksgiving and check out a puzzle or board game. Puzzles range from 100 pieces to 2,000 pieces. Make new memories by playing a family game such as Pete the Cat: The Missing Cupcakes. Then send the kids to bed and adults can stay up and play a round of Wingspan.

 

Books of interest to teachers

At the beginning of a new school year, everyone is looking to be their best in the classroom — and that includes teachers! Here are just a few items from our Literacy and Learning Collection that can bring a fresh perspective to teachers. Summaries provided by the publishers.

Teaching reading fundamentals and strategies with social-emotional learning by Marjorie S. Schiering
This book provides six different strategies for teaching the fundamentals of reading with social-emotional learning in mind. With engaging lesson plans, there is a strategy for every learner, including the teaching of thinking with reciprocity among three phases, and recognizing feelings with distinguishing thinking from feelings, as well as their impact on teaching and learning. Memory and comprehension types are also given attention. Oral reading guidelines and silent reading directives are provided along with emphasis on differentiated instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Awareness of how everything in the classroom is connected to social-emotional learning helps meet the needs of all learners.

The advocate educator’s handbook : creating schools where transgender and non-binary students thrive by Vanessa Ford, M.A.T., and Rebecca Kling
So often, the resources available to adults advocating for transgender students are boring, overly focused on abstract policy, don’t include the voices of transgender people, or don’t spend enough time on tangible and practical ways to improve the lives of trans kids. This book includes practical tools that readers can start using on day one, personal stories from its co-authors, input from both trans youth and trans adults, and model policies for teachers, school administrators, and public policymakers. There are ways to engage trans youth, and youth allies to ensure adults are advocating with youth, not simply for youth.

Shift teaching forward : advancing career skills to prepare tomorrow’s workforce by Kelly Cassaro with Dana Lee
How can teachers prepare students for academic success and the ever-changing job market? What are employers looking for in applicants, and how do we coach jobseekers to be ready on day one? In Shift Teaching Forward, author Kelly Pesce Cassaro gives educators the knowledge, insight, and practical advice they need to prime students for the social, emotional, and behavioral skills they need to thrive. Modern demands task educators to not focus not only on standards alignment and technical skills, but also on the soft skills that will make students excel academically and stand out as job candidates.

The new assistive tech : make learning awesome for all! by Christopher R. Bugaj.
School districts often struggle to develop consistent practices for meeting the needs of special education students. You’ll learn how embracing student-centered approaches like project-based learning and growth mindset help support students with disabilities. You’ll get guidance on how to plan and execute education experiences using technology centered around students’ individual needs. And you’ll discover how to effectively and consistently evaluate and select technology supports based on the specific needs of an individual student, while actively including the learner in the technology consideration process.

Bring history and civics to life : lessons & strategies to cultivate informed, empathetic citizens by Karalee Wong Nakatsuka and Laurel Aguilar-Kirchhoff.
This user-friendly guide will empower and equip teachers to take a fun, interactive approach to using technology to teach history and civics. Although all U.S. states have standards for the teaching of history, there’s a lack of consistency when it comes to teaching civics. How can educators better prepare their students to become engaged, informed and empathetic citizens? One way is by harnessing the power of digital learning to make history come alive for students, establishing a climate and culture that encourages students to be effective collaborators and lifelong learners who care about and contribute to society. With this book, two dynamic, award-winning educators draw clear connections between history, civics, community — and technology — in meaningful and actionable ways to deepen students’ understanding of democratic processes and civic engagement.

Resurgence : engaging with Indigenous narratives and cultural expressions in and beyond the classroom edited by Christine M’Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson.
Resurgence is a powerful collection of Indigenous voices in poetic, artistic, and narrative texts to support teachers in bridging existing curricular plans with rich, living texts and expressions. Christine M’Lot and Katya Ferguson have made the decision to treat each submission as a “living text” that acts as a springboard for engagement with Indigenous voices and pedagogies that teachers can use with students of all ages (K-12). Each narrative, poem, or artistic expression provides a gift to teachers that evokes critical reflection of past and current teaching practices and inspires new quests and questions.

Ready-to-use resources for grit in the classroom : activities and mini-lessons for building passion and perseverance by Laila Y. Sanguras.
Ready-to-Use Resources for Grit in the Classroom provides tools to help teachers, students, and families understand and foster passionate, creative, and curious grit in all students. It can be difficult and time consuming to figure out how to develop grit in the classroom. This resource includes student activities and mini-lessons that can be completed in fewer than 10 minutes, with activities on topics from goal setting to re-examining failure to optimism. Interactive and engaging, this book challenges students to rethink failure, push past obstacles, and passionately pursue their interests. Featuring helpful teacher instructions, Ready-to-Use Resources for Grit in the Classroom is the perfect addition to any educator’s social-emotional learning library.

Fall Festival Romance Reads

Fall festivals are a popular way for communities to come together and celebrate the changing of the seasons with food, music, and fun. For the heroines of these romances, the festival in their small town also leads to love! Descriptions from the publishers.

The Hollywood Jinx by Sariah Wilson

The small town of Patience needs a financial boost. Temporary librarian and aspiring film-score composer Jane Wagner’s plan? Invite movie star Nick Haddon to the town’s harvest festival and stand back for the tourist surge. No one thought he’d say yes — much less that he’d bring a documentary crew to stream his visit. Patience is the perfect stopover on Nick’s journey of self-improvement and his chance to put good karma out in the universe. Spending time with a lovely guide like Jane is a bonus. Jane is falling hard. But she can’t ignore the differences between them. He’s famous. She isn’t. He’s here for two weeks. This is her home. Where can it possibly lead? 


The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane by Jeannie Chin

June Wu’s family inn desperately needs guests, her mother’s medical debts are piling up, and the surly, if sexy, stranger next door is driving away the customers she has left! When he asks for June’s help, though, she can’t say no. After all, his new bar could be just what the upcoming Pumpkin Festival needs to bring in more tourists. Ex-soldier Clay Hawthorne is opening the bar in memory of his fallen friend. June soon becomes his biggest supporter, and while their partnership is supposed to be only temporary, for the first time Clay wants something permanent. Can two opposites really learn to meet each other in the middle? With the fierce attraction between them, will working together be playing with fire? 


The Nearness of You by Dorothy Garlock

Lily Denton dreams about the people and excitement of New York City. But ever since her mother died, her overprotective father won’t ease up on her. She spends her days working at the library and her nights hoping life doesn’t pass her by. At the Fall Festival, tourists fill the streets and the crisp autumn air sneaks in. Professional photographer Boone Tatum’s penchant for trouble is exactly what landed him in this small town in the first place. Yet the moment he meets beautiful Lily and snaps her photograph, everything changes. Lily and Boone’s dream of a life together is thrown into peril — unless Lily finds the courage to stand up for herself and a man she only just met.