Synopsis: Suki treasures her blue cotton kimono, a gift from her grandmother that carries memories of her summer visit. Excited to wear it on her first day back to school, Suki shares her summer experience with her classmates, recounting the street festival and the circle dance they enjoyed together. Enthusiastically reminiscing, she begins to hum and dance, captivating her classmates. "Suki's Kimono" is a heartwarming story of a girl who embraces her individuality and celebrates her heritage through dance.

Synopsis: The Twin Novae battle marked a horrific chapter in the Idiran war, where the Idirans caused two suns to explode, destroying countless worlds and lives. Eight hundred years later, the light from the first explosion reaches the Masaq' Orbital, home to 50 billion inhabitants who gather to commemorate the lost lives and reflect on the Culture's role in the tragedy. Major Quilan arrives from the war-torn planet of Chel, ostensibly to retrieve the dissident Composer Ziller, who fears for his life. However, Quilan's true mission is intertwined with a deeper conspiracy that even he cannot remember. "Look to Windward" explores the complexities of war, memory, and the consequences of past actions within the Culture.

Synopsis: Toni Morrison has gathered archival photographs depicting the historical events surrounding school desegregation. These images inspire a fictional narrative exploring the dialogue and emotions of children during the era of “separate but equal” schooling. "Remember" is a pictorial and narrative journey that introduces children to this significant period in American history and its relevance today. The book coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which ended legal school segregation on May 17, 1954.

Synopsis: In a humanoid/machine symbiotic society known as the Culture, Jernau Morat Gurgeh stands out as a master Game Player, excelling in every board and strategy game. Bored with his success, he seeks a new challenge in the Empire of Azad, a cruel and wealthy civilization where the stakes are high. The Empire's game is complex and resembles life itself; the victor becomes emperor. Gurgeh faces mockery, blackmail, and life-threatening risks as he embraces the ultimate challenge of the game, which could determine his fate.

Synopsis: This slipcased scrapbook features rare photographs, removable documents, and memorabilia that offer insight into the musician's formative years. It traces his arrival in New York and emergence as a distinctive voice of his time, including excerpts from early interviews and his 1965 performance at the Newport Folk Festival on the accompanying CD.

Synopsis: In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as "flor de la Nochebuena," or flower of the Holy Night. This legend tells how the flower came to be through a little girl's selfless gift to the Christ Child. Author and illustrator Tomie dePaola depicts the story with vibrant paintings that celebrate the colors of Mexico and the joy of Christmas, highlighting Lucida's journey to discover the true beauty of giving.

Synopsis: In *Excession*, Iain M. Banks presents a deeply imaginative and satirical tale. The Culture's espionage section orders Diplomat Byr Gen-Hofoen to steal the soul of a long-dead starship captain. By accepting the mission, Byr becomes entangled in a conspiracy that could either bring about an age of peace or lead to annihilation.

Synopsis: Eine riesige schwarze Kugel erscheint im Weltraum, offenbar tausend Milliarden Jahre alt, älter als unser Universum. Doch wie ist das möglich? Ein in sich abgeschlossener SF-Abenteuerroman voller exotischer Space-Opera-Elemente.

Synopsis: The Emperor's daughter witnesses the stark contrast between her father's luxurious palace and the suffering of the city outside its walls. To escape her gilded cage, she asks the royal kitemaker to create a massive kite that will carry her away.

Synopsis: This collection of essays by Umberto Eco explores diverse topics, including holography, wax museums, the Middle Ages, popular culture, ancient African religious sects in modern Brazil, terrorism, and the implications of snug-fitting blue jeans. Eco examines the connections between figures such as Jim Jones, Marshall McLuhan, and Woody Allen, offering insights into both social and personal themes.