AUBURN – The Auburn Public Library has announced new acquisitions for July.

Nonfiction

“Surviving James Dean,” by William Bast. In a sensitive, revelatory biography, an intimate long-time friend describes his relationship with the young actor before he burst onto the public consciousness and became a film legend.

“Blood and Roses: One Family’s Struggle and Triumph During England’s Tumultuous War of the Roses,” by Helen Castor. The violence and upheaval of life in late medieval England are vividly portrayed in this biography of an ambitious middle-class family.

“Finding Amy: A True Story of Murder in Maine,” by Joseph K. Loughlin and Kate Flora. A Maine mystery writer teams up with the detective who investigated the case to describe how one of the most shocking murders in recent Maine history was solved.

“The Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Disaster of 1917,” by Laura MacDonald. Before the first testing of the atomic bomb, the largest man-made explosion in history occurred in Halifax, N.S. This book describes the tragedy and its aftermath.

“Man of Blessing: A Life of St. Benedict,” by Carmen Acevedo Butcher. This biography describes the life and legacy of the early Christian saint who gave up his wealth and status to live as a hermit and found a monastic order.

“Question of Torture: CIA Interrogation, from the Cold War to the War on Terror,” by Alfred W. McCoy. The author puts the current Abu Ghraib scandal into context by examining the CIA’s systematic use of torture since the beginning of the Cold War.

Children’s

“For You Are a Kenyan Child,” by Kelly Cunnane. You’ll learn some Swahili phrases in this picture book about a day in the life of a young Kenyan boy who, as kids do everywhere, finds a multitude of reasons to interrupt his chores. For preschoolers.

“The Case of the Missing Marquess,” by Nancy Springer. This exciting new mystery introduces the plucky young sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes, who takes matters into her own hands when their mother goes missing. For suspense lovers in grades four to eight.

“Uncle Peter’s Amazing Chinese Wedding,” by Lenore Look. With traditional wedding festivities in preparation all around her, young Jenny, jealous of her soon-to-be sister-in-law, tries to thwart the upcoming wedding of her favorite uncle. For kids in kindergarten through grade three.

“The Journey that Saved Curious George,” by Louise Borden. This true story of the wartime escape (from Paris on bicycles) of Curious George creators Margret and H. A. Rey is illustrated with lively drawings by H.A. Rey and watercolors by Allan Drummond. For readers in grades three to six.

“Cam Jansen and the Valentine Baby Mystery,” by David A. Adler. This beginning chapter book for newly emerging readers is the latest in a winning series about a girl who solves crimes using her photographic memory. For budding young detectives in grades two to four.

DVDs

“Cheaper by the Dozen 2” (PG). Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt return as the Bakers who, in a comedy that is fun for the whole family, embark with their 12 kids on what is supposed to be a memorable summer vacation in the mountains.

“Firewall” (PG-13). In the latest thriller starring Harrison Ford, a security specialist for a large bank is forced to pay ransom for his kidnapped family by robbing the bank he is charged with protecting.

“High School Musical” (PG). After meeting by chance at a karaoke contest, Gabriella “the brain” and Troy “the jock” unexpectedly wind up attending the same high school and auditioning for the school musical. This Disney Channel movie features a best-selling soundtrack.

“Munich” (R). This Steven Spielberg docudrama portrays five Mossad agents as they track down and execute the members of the Palestinian terrorist group who murdered 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.

“The Producers” (PG-13). Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick reprise their Broadway roles in which they attempt to get-rich-quick by producing the worst Broadway musical of all time. Also available on video at APL is the original Mel Brooks movie.