book report / 23 The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration by Roger D. Launius Space historian Roger D. Lau- nius examines the thousands of years that humans have endeavored to understand the universe, including the pioneering work undertaken by the ancients of Greece, Rome, and China; the discov- eries of Renaissance thinkers; and the break- throughs that have enabled the human race to explore far beyond our own planet in recent decades. You Think It, I'll Say It: Stories by Curtis Sit- tenfeld Curtis Sittenfeld has es- tablished a reputation as a sharp chroni- cler of the modern age who hu- manizes her sub- jects even as she skewers them. Now, with this first collection of short fiction, Sittenfeld upends assump- tions about class, relation- ships and gender roles in a nation that feels both adrift and viscerally divided. Book Report Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings by Francie Latour Every winter, a young girl flies to Haiti to visit her Auntie Luce, a painter. Through Haiti’s colors, the girl comes to understand this place her family calls home. And when the moment finally comes to have her own portrait painted for the first time, she begins to see herself in a new way, tracing her own history and identity through her aunt’s brush. Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre With gorgeous photo illustra- tions, award-winning author April Pulley Sayre sheds sparkly new light on the wonders of snow. From the beauty of snow blanketing the forest and fall- ing on animals’ fur and feath- ers to the fascinating winter water cycle, this nonfiction picture book celebrates snowfall and the amazing sci- ence behind it. Sweet Home Cafe Cook- book: A Celebration of African American Cook- ing by NMAAHC and Lonnie G. Bunch III Readers and home cooks alike can partake of the National Museum of Afri- can American History and Culture's Sweet Home Café. Drawing upon traditions of family and fel- lowship, this cook- book celebrates African-American cooking through recipes served by the café and dishes inspired by foods from African-American culture. To gift or to read – here are some suggestions for the holidays. 51 Baker Street | Maplewood, NJ 07040 | 973-762-1622 | maplewoodlibrary.org @Remax.Maplewood @Remax.Montclair Kimberly Curtis Regional Director/Sales-Associate c. 917.716.5111 kimcurtis.realtor@gmail.com Carolee Jones Maplewood Manager/Broker-Associate c. 973.202.2368 caroleejonesrealtor@gmail.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated THE TURNER GROUP W E L C O M E S Ryan Cooper, Sales Associate C. 917.224.7441 www.Ryan.WeSellNewJersey.com Carlos M. Turner, Sales Associate C. 908.230.5547 http://www.facebook.com/carlosmturner Carrie Schwartz/Kathleen Nittolo Sales Associates C. 973.368.3188 www.distinctivepropertiesgroupnj.com O. 973.739.8008