The no. 1 ladies detective agency Smith, Alexander McCall.
This begins a delightful series of novels that feature the story of a cunning and enormously engaging proprietor of the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana. Precious Ramotswe is drawn to her profession to "help people with problems in their lives." She has set up a small storefront agency and immediately is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. The cases all tug at her heart as she solves each one in a humorous manner. The books in this series are a quick read and well worth your time. Nancy Mayfield.

Small steps: the year I got polio Kehret, Peg.
Meet our Wilkinson, WA author. She shares the onset and recovery of polio at 12 and 13 against the background of three other girls' experiences shared while they live together in a rehab unit. "Her rendition was flawless: clear, true notes strung together in a necklace of sound, a gift for everyone in the room to wear." Kathleen Farrington