Fast Five Fiction: New Playaways

It's FRIDAY! Which means it's time for Fast Five Fiction. Each week I share 5 fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Today's roundup features 5 Playaways that were recently added to our shelves. Playaways are all-in-one audiobooks, you just need a set of headphones to plug in and listen away. Click the title to be directed to the books in the library's catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman

Millie McGonigle lives in sunny California, where her days are filled with beach and surf. It should be perfect--but times are tough. Hitler is attacking Europe and it looks like the United States may be going to war. Food is rationed and money is tight. And Millie's sickly little sister gets all the attention and couldn't be more of a pain if she tried. It's all Millie can do to stay calm and feel in control.

Still--there's sand beneath her feet. A new neighbor from the city, who has a lot to teach Millie. And surfer boy Rocky to admire--even if she doesn't have the guts to talk to him.

It's a time of sunshine, siblings, and stress. Will Millie be able to find her way in her family, and keep her balance as the world around her loses its own?

Pinkalicious Audio Collection by Victoria Kann

Pinkalicious Pink, pink, pink. More than anything, Pinkalicious loves pink, especially pink cupcakes. Her parents warn her not to eat too many of them. But when Pinkalicious does, she turns pink. What to do? This sparkling collection, filled with such favorites as pink bubble gum, pink peonies, pink cotton candy, and pink fairy princess dresses, celebrates all things pink while showing that being a true person is best of all.

Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The stories of five kids living through World War I, each of whom holds the key to the others' futures... if they are lucky - and brave - enough to find each other.

World War I stretches its cruel fingers across Europe, where five young people, each from different backgrounds and nations, face the terror of battle, the deprivations of hunger, and all the awful challenges of war.

Felix, from Austria-Hungary, longs for the bravery to resist Jewish deportations before his own family can be taken.

Kara, from Britain, dreams of someday earning her Red Cross pin and working as a nurse - or even a doctor.

Juliette, of France, hopes her family can remain knitted together, despite her father's imprisonment, as the war's longest battle stretches on and on.

Elsa, from Germany, hopes her homing pigeon might one day bring her a friend from out of the chaos.

And Dimitri, of Russia, wants only to survive the front, where he's been sent with no weapon.

None of them will find exactly what they want. But the winds of fate may cross their paths to give each of them just what they need.

Arthur's Audio Favorites by Marc Brown

Author Marc Brown presents a collection of his most beloved character, Arthur, in such tales as: Arthur's First Sleepover; Arthur's Tooth; Arthur's Birthday; Arthur's Pet Business; Arthur's New Puppy; and Arthur Writes a Story.

Owen and other stories by Kevin Henkes

Owen: When Mrs. Tweezers convinces Owen's parents that their son is becoming a little too attached to Fuzzy, his beloved yellow blanket, Owen vehemently disagrees. Chrysanthemum: A little mouse thinks her name is absolutely perfect until she starts school and all the kids make fun of her. A Weekend with Wendell: Wendell spends the weekend at Sophie's house, he wants to play games that are no fun for her at all.

Happy Friday and happy reading!