Strawberry Days tells the vivid and moving tale of the creation and destruction of a Japanese immigrant community. Before World War II, Bellevue, the now-booming "edge city" on the outskirts of Seattle, was a prosperous farm town renowned for its strawberries. Many of its farmers were recent Japanese immigrants who, despite being rejected by white society, were able to make a living cultivating the rich soil. Yet the lives they created for themselves through years of hard work vanished almost instantly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. David Neiwert combines compelling story-telling with first-hand interviews and newly uncovered documents to weave together the history of this community and the racist schemes that prevented the immigrants from reclaiming their land after the war. Ultimately, Strawberry Days represents more than one community's story, reminding us that bigotry's roots are deeply entwined in the very fiber of American society.

Beginning modestly in 1977, the Troy Strawberry Festival now attracts more than 100,000 people for food and fun. The dream of one man grew into one of the largest festivals in the Midwest and has been named the best summer festival in the state by Ohio Magazine. With events like the strawberry pie eating contest and Strawberry Queen pageant, the festival has long signaled the start of summer. Lifelong Troy resident and former journalist David Fong presents the story of the sights, sounds and tastes of this popular annual event.--

Paul Simon’s groovy anthem to New York City provides a joyful basis for this live-for-the-day picture book. “Slow down, you move too fast You got to make the mornin’ last Just kicking down the cobblestones Lookin’ for fun and feelin’ groovy . . .” The 59th Street Bridge Song is a lively picture book based on legendary songwriter Paul Simon’s classic hit, created when he was one half of the folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The song first appeared on their 1966 album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. In the US, the album peaked at #4 on Billboard’s weekly Top 200 albums chart, and eventually went on to sell over three million copies in the US. With song lyrics by Simon and illustrations by Keith Henry Brown, this picture book follows a rabbit cycling through town, going about his day, and pausing to admire the “groovy” and lovable aspects of his surroundings. The 59th Street Bridge Song provides parents a perfect vehicle to teach kids an appreciation of life’s little gifts.

Don't miss the laugh-out-loud companion to the classic, The War with Grandpa--now a major motion picture--about a girl who must face off against her grandma or risk losing the biggest competition of summer. Meg is excited when she hears the Centennial Strawberry Days Celebration is holding a competition for kids. The winner will be crowned the official Strawberry Days Ambassador and get a pair of electric bikes! Meg knows with Dad as her partner, there's no way she can lose. But Meg's strawberry dreams turn sour when Dad can't participate and, worse, he's already invited Grandma Sally to replace him. Without even asking Meg! Grandma likes to play by her own rules and Meg realizes her chances at winning are at an all-time low. For Meg this means war! Only, Grandma is tougher than she looks and willing to give as good as she gets. As the competition begins, it becomes clear that Meg's summer will have the most epic showdown ever.

It's About Forgiveness by Albi Gorn. A delightful comedy about a man who seeks out his wife in heaven to ask for forgiveness. When The Cherry Blossoms Bloom by Steven A. Shapiro. Two joggers who meet in a park breathe life into each other's lives. Do Us Part by Alan Lutwin. Sometimes forgetfulness can be the best tonic for soothing the stress of a long-term relationship. Love-This Game Is Real by Tremane Hickman. A poetic story about a girl and a guy anxiously waiting to play the game of love without getting played. Cause And Regret Loss Of Sanity by Frank Tamez. A woman at a Bus Stop contemplates regret and guilt while life interjects in this surreal world of love, loss and lust. Other plays include: About The Rabbits by Frank O'Donnell; Summer's Time by Michael Alvarez; Virgin Rock by Kevin Christopher Snipes; Loyal Companion by Joseph Wohlgemuth; The Upside Down Mirror by Emanuel Fleischmann; Protect The Crotch by Tim J. MacMillan; Madrid by Paul M. Buzinski; Requiem For A Life by Tony Macy-Perez; Fun On The Bayou by Vivian Neuwirth; Grave Concerns by Susan E. Sneeringer; Cut Short by Jonathan Zungre; The ABC Slump by Ernest Curcio; and many more!