Fine Print

America was in turmoil over the Vietnam crisis, but a haunting pause realigned the chaos: The National Guard at Kent State University fired 67 shots on May 4, 1970, killing four students. In the book, out April 15, Howard Means uses rare oral histories, including the account of student Dean Kahler, who was paralyzed in the shootings, to introduce fresh perspectives. Documents, such as Kent State president Robert White's harrowing telegrams to families of deceased students, add gripping details. Through Means' compelling discoveries, we gain a deeper understanding of how conflict overseas can provoke tragedy at home.

Cody couldn't be happier that her best friend, Spencer, just moved back into the neighborhood. In the second book of Tricia Springstubb's young reader series (out April 12), the elementary school buddies are challenged to befriend the Meen sisters — two bullies who live in a nearby house marked with skulls and crossbones. The sisters resist, engaging in one battle after another from a pirate sword fight to an after-school showdown. But when yellow jackets attack a sister during a brawl, Cody must decide if she can put her differences aside and be a friend to her foe.