What's New on the Library Shelves? | History

 Dust Child by Que Mai Phan Nguyen

In 1969, sisters Trang and Quỳnh, desperate to help their parents pay off debts, leave their rural village to work at a bar in Sài Gòn. Once in the big city, the young girls are thrown headfirst into a world they were not expecting. They learn how to speak English, how to dress seductively, and how to drink and flirt (and more) with American GIs in return for money. As the war moves closer to the city, the once-innocent Trang gets swept up in an irresistible romance with a handsome and kind American helicopter pilot she meets at the bar.

Decades later, an American veteran, Dan, returns to Việt Nam with his wife, Linda, in search of a way to heal from his PTSD; instead, secrets he thought he had buried surface and threaten his marriage. At the same time, Phong—the adult son of a Black American soldier and a Vietnamese woman—embarks on a mission to find both his parents and a way out of Việt Nam. Abandoned in front of an orphanage, Phong grew up being called “the dust of life,” “Black American imperialist,” and “child of the enemy,” and he dreams of a better life in the United States for himself, his wife Bình, and his children.

Past and present converge as these characters come together to confront decisions made during a time of war—decisions that reverberate throughout one another’s lives and ultimately allow them to find common ground across race, generation, culture, and language. Immersive, moving, and lyrical, Dust Child tells an unforgettable story of how those who inherited tragedy can redefine their destinies with hard-won wisdom, compassion, courage, and joy.

The Dull Knife of Pine Ridge: A Lakota Odyssey by Joe Starita

Joe Starita tells the triumphant and moving story of a Lakota-Northern Cheyenne family. In 1878, the renowned Chief Dull Knife, who fought alongside Crazy Horse, escaped from forced relocation in Indian Territory and led followers on a desperate six-hundred-mile freedom flight back to their homeland. His son, George Dull Knife survived the Wounded Knee Massacre and later toured in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. Guy Dull Knife Sr. fought in World War I and took part in the Siege of Wounded Knee in 1973. Guy Dull Knife Jr. fought in Vietnam and is now an accomplished artist.

Starita updates the Dull Knife family history in his new afterword for this Bison Books edition.

Students Honor Local Heroes at Veterans Day Program

 6-12th grade students from Exeter-Milligan-Friend Public Schools gathered this week to honor local veterans through music, reflection, and heartfelt performance at the annual Veterans Day Program.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from Shawn Gray, followed by a prayer led by Tim Schrunk. Sixth-grade student Brynn Rohren led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and this year’s Boys and Girls State participants - Brett Kallhoff, Caleb Black, Babe Weber, and Taylin Schluter - were recognized for their leadership. The program also featured Diane Odoski, the Auxiliary Speaker, and a closing statement was provided by Principal Liz Stutzman.

The program included performances from the 6th grade choir and band, 7th and 8th grade choir and band, and the high school choir and band. Each group performed patriotic selections that reflected gratitude and respect for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Mark Perez, EMF’s 6-12 Vocal and Instrumental Teacher, shared insight into how he prepares students for such a meaningful event.

“I enjoy going with the classic, patriotic songs,” Perez said, “but I also like to find songs with good, meaningful messages about unity.”

Perez encourages students to connect personally with the meaning behind Veterans Day. 

“One thing that I have the students do leading up to Veterans Day is to have them raise their hand if they know of a family member who has served in the military,” he explained. “Most kids raise their hands. To the ones who don’t, I encourage them to ask their parents. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they learn that they do - and it becomes a little more personal for them”

One of the highlights of the program was the high school band’s performance of “America’s Finest,” a medley of songs representing each branch of the armed forces. As the band played, Mrs. Brandi Perez announced each branch, inviting current service members and veterans to stand and be recognized for their service. 

Perez said he hoped the community felt the students’ appreciation through their performances.

“I hope that the audience was able to see the amount of respect these students have for our veterans through their performances,” he said.

The Veterans Day program served not only as a musical showcase but as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served and the gratitude felt by the students and staff who honored them.

Bobcat VB Team Earns Third Place at State

 The Lady Bobcats played Shelton in the consolation match at the Nebraska State Volleyball Tournament. The Bobcats swept Shelton to earn third place. Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

Veterans Day

 

What's New on the Library Shelves? | Christian Edition

 Armageddon: The Cosmic Battle of the Ages by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

The scattered Tribulation Force is drawn toward the Middle East, as are all the armies of the world, when human history culminates in the battle of the ages.

During the last year of the Great Tribulation, safe houses are no longer safe and the world has become a powder keg of danger. Except for those already in Petra, everyone has been forced to relocate as the Antichrist ratchets up the pressure in the world’s most treacherous game.

As the Tribulation Force waits for the coming of Christ, Chloe Williams is drawn out of the safe house to investigate something suspicious. Buck and Tsion travel to Jerusalem while Nicolae Carpathia orders an attack on the city, and Rayford becomes seriously injured outside Petra. Who will survive Armageddon?

Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

On a Boeing 747 headed to London, passengers instantaneously disappear from their seats, resulting in terror and chaos for those left behind―not only throughout the plane, but also worldwide as the apocalypse begins.

Lady Bobcats Lose to Amherst in the Semifinals

 Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.