When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune

When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune
by Laurie Aurelia Williams

Intended Audience: Young Adults and Adults

Despite the unusual title, When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune is not science fiction. This realistic book concerns itself with the inhabitants of Houston, Texas approximately 10-20 years ago. The story is from the perspective of Shayla, a sensitive, twelve-year-old, African-American girl who lives with her mother and older sister in a poor part of town. Shayla's family has struggles with money and a lack of male support but is managing to survive. Shayla's grandmother helps and the family's biggest fear is that older sister Tia will repeat her mother's mistakes when it comes to men. The story takes on new dimensions when out of this world Kambia Elaine moves in next door. As Shayla accepts her eccentric friend, she finds out what real trouble is and must learn the true meaning of friendship.

The writing in When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune is somewhat poetic and reflects the sensibilities of its main character. The themes in the novel range from intergenerational conflict, trust verses autonomy, and the dangers of authority in a minority community. The innocence of Shayla is a strong contrast to the gritty subjects covered in this book.

This book was the August Adult Book Club selection. The Kewanee Public Library has three copies of When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune: In book format in YA Fiction and Adult Fiction and an audiobook in YA Fiction.

Jill Gray
Information Services

The Rising Star of Rusty Nail

The Rising Star of Rusty Nail

By Lesley M. M. Blume

Recommended for Grades 4-8.
Rusty Nail, Minnesota in 1953. Mischievous Franny was a tomboy who liked to play pranks like throwing water balloons with her buddy Sandy. Franny was like any youngster in Rusty Nail except for the fact she was a naturally gifted pianist. Franny acquired her talent from father Wes, a gifted trumpet player, who was once, offered the opportunity to tour with Duke Ellington.

But even with all her talent, how could a child prodigy like Franny, who had surpassed the abilities of her piano teacher Mrs. Staudt, expect to become a star in a sleepy backwater town? Franny’s abilities seemed destined to be wasted until a mysterious Russian woman with a grand piano and a grand gift for playing it moved to Rusty Nail. During the era of McCarthyism when America was on high alert of the “Commie Menace”, Madame Malenkov’s arrival in Rusty Nail stirred much suspicion amongst the townsfolk. Will Franny be brave enough to overcome nosy town gossips in order to seek help from Madame Malenkov?

Two copies of The Rising Star of Rusty Nail by Lesley M. M. Blume are located in the Junior High Fiction section of the KPL Youth Department.

Submitted by Youth Services Dept. Head, Sara Darding