AUBURN  New acquisitions for December at the Auburn Public Library are announced.

Fiction

“Rainwater,” Sandra Brown. When a quiet stranger appears at the door of her boarding house in Depression- and dust storm-ravaged Texas, Ella Barron gives him a room, even though she senses he will bring unsettling changes to her life.

“The Lacuna: A Novel,” Barbara Kingsolver. In her first novel in nine years, Kingsolver explores a turbulent era in history through the eyes of a Mexican-American who spends his youth in the home of Frida Kahlo and her house guest, Leon Trotsky.

“I, Alex Cross,” James Patterson. In the 16th installment of the Alex Cross series, the gruesome death of a distant family member who worked as an exclusive call girl puts Cross onto a trail of unsolved murders that leads all the way to the White House.

“New York: The Novel,” Edward Rutherford. The American Revolution, Tammany Hall, the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and 9/11 all figure into this saga of diverse fictional families whose lives unfold against a backdrop of real people and events.

Additional new fiction titles this month include books by Anne Rice, Robert Harris, Penelope Lively, Jennifer Chiaverini and Richard Russo.

Nonfiction

“Going Rogue: An American Life,” Sarah Palin. The erstwhile vice president candidate gives her account of her ill-fated political pairing with John McCain.

“What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures,” Malcolm Gladwell. This varied collection of New Yorker articles from 1996 to 2008 doesn’t have the focus of Gladwell’s recent books, but fans will appreciate the chance to catch up with his work.

“The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barack Obama’s Historic Victory,” David Plouffe. A key member of Obama’s political team traces the strategy and execution of his campaign, from the decision to run to Election Day.

“Here’s the Deal: Don’t Touch Me,” Howie Mandel and Josh Young. The comedian whose work has ranged from “Bobby’s World” to “St. Elsewhere” to “Deal or No Deal” explains how OCD, ADHD and a few unusual phobias have affected his life.

Teens

“Janes in Love,” Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg. The second book in a series featuring the members of People Loving Art in Neighborhoods
(PLAIN) finds Jane 1 applying for an art grant, while Janes 2 to 4 decide to approach their love interests.

“The Dragon Heir,” Cinda Williams Chima. In a novel featuring well-developed young characters who just happen to have magical abilities, Jason wonders how, with his limited powers, he can help his friends protect their town from looming hostile forces.

“The New York Four,” Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly. In this graphic novel, a shy, straight-A college student who embarks upon an intense, secret online romance is unprepared for the effects it has upon her relationship with her family and friends.

“Emiko, Superstar,” Mariko Tamaki and Steve Rolston. Emi is famous only for being a dull suburban babysitter, but all that changes when the edgy performance she stages for her town’s underground art community transforms her into a minor celebrity.

Children

“Sky Magic,” compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins. This appealing collection of poems about all things sky-related features gentle, vibrant works from Ashley Bryan, Tennessee Williams, Alice Shertle and several others. For kids in grades two and three.

“My Life in Pink & Green,” Lisa Greenwald. When she learns the pharmacy her family operates is in jeopardy, seventh grader Lucy has big ideas about how to revitalize the business. If only she could get her adults to listen! Best for readers in grades four to eight.

“Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream,” Tanya Lee Stone.
The book tells how a group of women who trained as astronauts in the early days of the space program were prevented from flying due to societal attitudes about gender roles. For readers in grades four to six.

“Under the Snow,” by Melissa Stewart. Where do frogs, caterpillars, mourning cloak butterflies and red-spotted newts go while we are sledding, skating and enjoying cocoa all winter? The nonfiction picture book reveals the answer. Best for kids in grades one and two.