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Read It!

Family Book Club Year in Review: "Stella By Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper
by Tess

Join Family Book Club on Monday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. as we meet to discuss our favorite book(s) from this year! Here is the final of my four favorite books from this year. 

"Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper

Stella By Starlight

Stella by Starlight is a historical fiction novel about Stella and her family who live in North Carolina in the 1930s. They experience hatred and racism from the KKK (Klu Klux Klan) but find strength and joy in their community. That's what I loved most about this book. I really enjoy stories about people who come together and support each other during difficult times. I love stories about people who fight for their rights and persevere in spite of obstacles.

Stella is a very endearing character. She struggles in writing class. While most kids pursue things that come easily for them, Stella has a passion for something she finds challenging. Stella loves to write and she works hard to improve. She is brave, sweet, and tenacious. Above all, she and her family have hope. 

I highly recommend this book. Hopefully, you will learn some history and be inspired by the characters, as I was. It is available in print and as an eAudiobook via HooplaDigital. Click here to place a hold or check it out.
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 28, 2020 at 8:52 AM
  
On December 26th, 2020 at around 11:18 p.m. Aurora Police responded to a report of a possible shooting in the 2000 Block of North Fulton Street

Upon arrival officers located a deceased adult male with an apparent gunshot wound in the alleyway between Fulton and Florence Street. At this time Detectives from the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit are investigating this case as a suspicious death.

The identity of the victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and the next of kin have been notified of his passing.  

Any witnesses to this shooting are are asked to submit a tip or call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 27, 2020 at 2:44 AM
  
Read It!

APL Staff’s Favorite Reads of 2020

“Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.”  

While we spent more time at home than anywhere else in 2020, books were able to transport us to anywhere in the world (or beyond)! Some were educational. Some were for entertainment. Some were an escape – to a far away world, or a different world just around the corner; into the future or the past; the start of a grand adventure or embracing the mundane everyday – every book took us somewhere. As we start to reflect on the year that has come and gone, our staff share some of their favorite reads.  



Elizabeth’s Pick: “Raybearer” by Jordan Ifueko 
Let’s talk about magic. Picture the first book you remember that made you feel like you’d stepped into another world. The colors felt more vibrant, right? You could imagine the world’s history, picture the wide halls and secret places, wonder about the magic, cheer for the brave young teen who wanted nothing more than to protect their friends and help good triumph over evil. 
That’s “Raybearer”, and I want this to become the next wildly popular fantasy series. Here’s a short, spoiler-free summary: Tarisai must compete to become one of Prince Dayo’s trusted, telepathically-bonded-for-life council. However, if she’s chosen, she’ll be magically compelled to kill the prince, her first true friend.  
Not persuaded yet? Here's what waits for you in this book. Do you like kind and clever heroines who fight for justice despite being cursed? Here you go. How about a detailed fantasy world full of fairies, alagbato (djinn/genies), and magical powers? There’s a country in this book where children are born to walk through the land of the dead, and a country filled with shapeshifters. There’s a corrupt dark secret in the empire, a secret backstory for the heroine, and everything else you long for in a fantasy world. Plus: it's the first in a series, so if you like it, you have plenty to look forward to! It’s on Hoopla right now. Stop reading this review and go get it! 

Erin’s Pick: “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman 
In a tranquil retirement village called Cooper’s Chase, four unexpected friends meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves The Thursday Murder Club. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves. When a local businessman is found dead, the Thursday Murder Club makes it their mission to solve the crime!  
This book was an absolute delight! It was funny and smart with endearing and compelling characters, even the minor ones. The plot was twisting and turning and Osman writes with such a tenderness and affection for, not only elderly people, but humanity in general, you just come away feeling good inside. I really loved this one. Very excited for the next one to roll out. I'd love to retire to Cooper's Chase!  

Megan’s Pick: “The Mother Code” by Carole Stivers 
When a virus runs amok (sound familiar, anyone??), and threatens the whole of humanity, a group of scientists scramble to genetically engineer embryos who are immune to the disease. However, with the speed the virus is overtaking the world, there are serious concerns about anyone remaining alive to raise these children. Enter a new type of AI – the Mother Code – specifically created to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of a human, from infancy to adulthood, while keeping the child safe throughout it’s life. 
I love all science-fiction, but what I really find impactful is when an author creates a world that allows us to examine our current existence and norms, and nudge things down a path of future possibility in a realistic manner. The scenarios created are all logical steps forward, and the characters are regular humans; flawed, but trying their best to do what’s right for the future - no superheroes in this tale.  
This narrative jumps between timelines, from the onset of the virus to the future, where the immune children are being raised by Robot Mothers. The transitions between past and present are smooth, and following the storyline between timelines is deeply satisfying - all of the hints and clues click together to form connections between past and present. Overall, Stivers presents us with a refreshingly hopeful outlook on humanity’s relationship with technology, and our future as a species.  This is Carol Stivers’ second book, and I’m looking forward to her future stories.  

Nicole’s Pick: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens 
This book was one of my favorite reads of 2020. I had heard so much hype about this book for the last couple years that when my book club suggested we read it, I was looking forward to it yet skeptical at the same time. This book has long wait lists at the library, has been given multiple awards and has even managed to stay on the New York Time’s Bestseller list for 32 non-consecutive weeks! However, I must say this book was totally worth the hype!   
The story follows the journey of Kya Clark, also known as the Marsh Girl around town, and her experiences of growing up alone, love and loss, and finding herself along the marshes of Barkley Cove where she is the lone suspect of a murder case. The story takes us back and forth between the present day in 1969 where the murder takes place and 17 years before that where we see Kya grow up from a small awkward girl into a beautiful wild woman. There are twists and turns you don’t see coming, and a sweet budding romance that is perfect for a coming of age story. I couldn’t put this book down, it kept my attention until the very end! 
Those who enjoy romance, suspense and a strong female lead will definitely enjoy this book. 

Sara’s Pick: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins 
One of my favorite reads from 2020 was “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”, Suzanne Collins’ prequel to “The Hunger Games”, following the life of Coriolanus Snow. It has been a long while since I had visited Panem, and I was honestly skeptical when I heard this prequel was being released. I loved “The Hunger Games” trilogy with our heroine Katniss so much – would I really care about Snow as a young adult? Yes. Very much, yes.  
"The Ballad of Snakes and Songbirds" was just as enthralling as the original trilogy; I could not put it down. I've read many books before the Hunger Games and after, but there is something about this series that makes it hard to not consume all in one sitting. From a dystopian future to a unique cast of characters, from the (sometimes terrifying) biological inventions that come from the Capitol and the underlying commentary of human nature – it all make this series so good! Collins did an astounding job expanding on the world of Panem and setting the scene for what would become the world we know in the trilogy. Knowing how corrupt Snow becomes, it was interesting to read his backstory and get a glimpse of how a young Coryo, our protagonist in this novel, becomes the villain President Snow. 
Overall, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is an engaging read and a truly great addition to “The Hunger Games” series. From beginning to end, there were twists and surprises that kept me guessing and immersed in the world of Panem as Snow worked his way through challenges to discover his ultimate fate and future.

Stacy’s Pick: “The Bear” by Andrew Krivak 
This book was by far my favorite read of 2020! This novel follows the story of a young girl and her father as she grows up in an almost-apocalyptic maybe-not-so-distant future. It focuses mainly on how she learns the stories of her passed mother, learns what civilization used to be like, and how to live, adapt, and survive alone in the mountains. 
One of the biggest reasons I loved this book - as someone who has gone through the loss of a parent, I resonated strongly with the main protagonist as she overcomes losing hers. The feelings and thought processes the girl goes through as she learns to accept her loss felt very reminiscent to how I felt. Although the situations were very different, the feelings are universal after a close loss such as that. While it was a difficult situation to digest, I love books that make me feel raw emotions. 
On a lighter note, this book very much reminded me of an adult version of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Books. In a very simplified plot, this is a story of a child who grows up in the wilderness with two parental humanoid/animal figures. One of my favorite books/Disney movies since I was child, I was very very excited to be able to pick out hidden references and allusions (which may or may not have been intentional).  
As hard as I try, I can’t seem to put a finger on what genre this novel is. I would say it’s something between a dystopian novel, a coming of age story, and a survival tale. Though limiting this novel to just one of these three genres feels like an injustice as they all impact one another.  

Tessy’s Pick: “Wild Seed” by Octavia E. Butler 
“Wild Seed” was almost the first book of the year for me, and it was the second time I read this particular book. I love reading Butler’s science fiction works, and “Wild Seed” and the first novel in her “Xenogenesis” series, “Dawn”, always stand out for me.  
“Wild Seed” is the earliest book in her “Patternist” series, and the book I recommend readers start with (even though it’s the fourth book in the chronology). The “Patternist” series is a secret history that starts in Ancient Egypt, and through biological engineering, a group of telepaths emerge and gain dominance in society. “Wild Seed” is the beginning of this story, with two African immortals vying for power as they live through the centuries. Their choices are the incipience of the timeline.  
“Wild Seed” in particular is extremely interesting as you watch the power struggle between the two immortals, along with the gender dynamics and taking into consideration the powers that make them immortal. Doro is a spirit that can take over other people’s bodies, and in the process killing them. Anyanwu has complete control over her body, she can heal herself and change it into anything living. Eugenics and biological engineering come into play as well. However, the reason I love this book (and Butler’s other works) is for the Afrocentrism and Anyanwu as a strong black female protagonist, which can be hard to find in science fiction even now.  

Virginia’s Pick: “Frontier Follies” by Ree Drummond 
Having lived in Oklahoma for over a decade – I can relate to Ree’s stories of living out on a ranch and the liveliness that comes with it. O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, where the wind comes blowing down the plains! 😊  
In this relatable, charming book, Ree unveils real goings-on in the Drummond house and around the ranch. In stories brimming with the lively wit and humor found in her cookbooks and her bestselling love story, The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, Ree pulls back the curtain and shares her experiences with childbirth, wildlife, isolation, teenagers, in-laws, and a twenty-five-year marriage to a cowboy/rancher. 
A celebration of family life, love, and (mostly) laughter, “Frontier Follies” is a keepsake to curl up with, have a good laugh, and remember all that’s wonderful (and funny) about family. 
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 26, 2020 at 8:18 AM
  
UPDATE:  Arrest made in Mariscos El Rey Homicide Case

Aurora Police have arrested a 28-year-old woman for the murder of an 18-year-old man that occurred at the Mariscos El Rey Restaurant on December 22, 2020. 

Following-up on investigative leads, officers arrested Jacqueline De Paz (DOB: 03/27/92) for 2nd Degree Murder during a traffic stop at East Colfax Avenue and North Boston Street at around 3:30 this afternoon.  De Paz was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Aurora Detention Center where she is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond.


Jacqueline De Paz, DOB: 03/27/92

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commander Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Information previously released on December 23, 2020:

On Tuesday December 22, 2020, at 7:59 p.m., multiple 911 callers reported a shooting at Mariscos El Rey 2 located at 10293 East Iliff Avenue.

Upon Aurora police officers arrival an adult male was found in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital were tragically he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

Initial information obtained suggests a disturbance in the parking lot led to a male being fatally shot. Right now, investigators are still working to identify a suspect(s) and believe this was an isolated incident.

It is not yet clear if the suspect(s) were known to the deceased, or what caused the disturbance. This homicide investigation remains active and ongoing, and no additional information is known to provide at this time.

The name of the victim will be released by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been properly notified.

Anyone with information about this homicide investigation is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). By using crime stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.00.

Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 24, 2020 at 8:48 PM
  
On December 17, 2020, Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson terminated the employment of Officer Jordan Odneal.

On June 4th and June 7th Officer Odneal entered a request for overtime pay into the department’s automated scheduling system for time that he spent completing an on-line training course. In the entry he indicated that his overtime pay had been approved by his supervisor. This was not the case, prior to entering his entry into the system he was told by his supervisor that he was not authorized overtime pay to complete the training.

After the completion of the Internal Affairs Bureau investigation the case was reviewed by a discipline review board and the Independent Review Board (IRB). He was sustained for violating three department directives and both boards recommended termination. After reviewing all the facts and recommendations regarding this case Chief Wilson made the decision to terminate his employment.

“On day one of our academy we instill in our officers the core values of duty, honor and integrity. Through our New Way plan, we have added the important pillar of accountability. Officer Odneal’s actions have diminished those values. Our officers deserve to work alongside someone who upholds these important principles." said Chief Wilson. “I pledge that I will hold those who commit such egregious acts accountable for their actions. I want to reassure our community that the Aurora Police Department has over 750 men and women who are devoted to serving our community every single day.”

Officer Odneal joined the Aurora Police Department in 2011 and was last assignment was Patrol Officer.

IA Investigation Summary 

Lieutenant Chris Amsler 
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit



Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 21, 2020 at 4:18 PM
  
Read It!

Family Book Club Year in Review: "Mimus" by Lilli Thal
by Tess

On Monday, Dec. 28 at 5p.m., Family Book Club will be meeting to discuss our favorite book(s) from this year! Each Monday of December I will be posting a short book recommendation for four of my favorite novels that I read in 2020. Register to receive the Zoom link here. 
 
"When Stars are Scattered" by Omar Mohamed & Victoria Jamieson

When Stars Are Scattered

In this historical fiction graphic novel, Omar and Hassan are separated from their mother when war hits Somalia. They are forced to flee with neighbors to a refugee camp in Kenya. They live there for 15 years before being relocated to America. The story of their lives is one over 70 million people are currently experiencing and most people never get to leave the camps.  This book is an eye-opening account of life in a refugee camp, how difficult it is, but also how much love and support there is in the community, at least in Omar's experience. 

I appreciate that it is a graphic novel (and don't let anyone tell you those aren't real books!) because the imagery is that much more powerful. You can literally see how Omar and Hassan lived in the refugee camp. I am a visual learner and I know I'm not the only one! Sometimes it is difficult to imagine another person's experience without actually seeing it for yourself. 

The graphic novel is illustrated by Victoria Jamieson who has written many other graphic novels such as "Roller Girl". The dialogue and other text is written by Omar himself, which makes the book a memoir as well. I highly recommend this book!

"When Stars Are Scattered" is available in print as as an eComic via Overdrive, free with your library card.
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 21, 2020 at 3:53 PM
  
(December 18, 2020)  The Aurora Police Department Traffic Investigations Unit is investigating a deadly hit and run crash that occurred on December 16th, 2020 at the intersection of East Iliff Avenue and South Peoria Street. 

At around 7:30 p.m. a 62-year-old man was crossing East Iliff Avenue in the westbound lanes of traffic when he was struck by an unknown vehicle.  After striking the man the driver fled the scene of the crash.  A passerby found the victim laying in the roadway and called police.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment, tragically he died from his injuries today.  At this time there is no information about the suspect vehicle or the driver.  Investigators are asking anyone with information about this deadly crash to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867.  Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.

This is the 35th fatal accident in the city of Aurora for 2020.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 18, 2020 at 8:28 PM
  

Game on!
 Game reviews by Kristin, Brandon, and Stacy

Hello everyone! We hope you’ll enjoy these reviews for free games to amuse, or frustrate, you!  These are a all browser games and none of them will cost you anything to play.

Today's theme
Games that make you go AAAAUGH

Game One
QWOP 
A browser-based game available here

QWOP

The premise is simple—on your keyboard, the letters Q & W extend the runner’s thigh muscles, and O & P control his calves. What results is the most uncoordinated, undignified series of face-plants you could possibly imagine. What’s particularly great is, when you’re making even a teeny bit of progress, the music picks up like in an inspiring sports movie. Pro strat: If you get in a kneeling position you can wiggle your way a good distance… until you hit the first hurdle. And yes, if anyone recognized the style, this game was created by the same designer who created Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy.   -Kristin

This game broke me as a human. Not only did QWOP go splat, but so did my pride - Brandon
Game 2
Fly Sui 
A browser-based game available here

Fly Sui
This infuriating game is about catching flies with chopsticks. Each fly you catch gives you more time. Catching them is nearly impossible. In college, some friends and I got really competitive and played this for days, posting screenshots of each new high score. After a while, you get into a meditative trance. You don’t just see the fly, you see where the fly will be, like seeing through the Matrix. You don’t just catch the fly, you are the fly. Best score we saw was 11.   -Kristin

I refuse to believe anybody can score in this game. I chop, but they don’t stop! The constant buzzing, I can’t escape it. I just wanted to catch one fly! - Brandon

Wow. This game. I didn’t think there could be a game more frustrating than QWOP until this. My inability to catch flies with one mouse click it somehow stings more than the confusing controls of QWOP and other like “I Am Bread.”  - Stacy

High scores: (after 10 minutes)
Kristin – 4
Brandon – 0
Stacy –  2
Game 3
Winnie the Pooh’s Home Run Derby
A browser-based game available here

Winnie the Pooh Home Run Derby

If you haven’t heard of this game, buckle in for some internet history. This game became a viral hit back in 2013 due to its insane difficulty. The controls are slow, it requires preternatural reflexes and when you get to higher levels the pitchers cheat with things like invisible or warping balls. The final boss is Christopher Robin, who was difficult enough to inspire dozens of memes depicting him as an Eldritch horror. Pro strat: Click the ‘Status’ button on the home screen to upgrade your abilities, such as Contact to make it easier to hit the ball. I only learned you could do this while writing this review, so no wonder I couldn’t get past Piglet the first time around.    -Kristin

This game, I remember this game. It lures you into such a false sense of security. Pleasant music, vibrant colors, and the frame rate seems to hold up! The menu is very responsive, and it’s natural to think you are in a for a good time. The true nature of this game begins to reveal itself in about five minutes in. The hit detection is way off, the music repeats constantly with no variety and worst of all, the pitchers all just stare at you, with their cold eyes. They challenge you, they dare you to take them on. Are you up for the challenge? (No, no you are not. I’m lucky I tied with Kristin)   - Brandon

Probably if I had known about the updates, I would have gotten farther than Piglet! But alas, Piglet was where my skills ended. I find the only way I could get home runs was if I blocked out the music and unfocused my eyes and only focused on the sounds of the pitcher throwing. Even then, it was a chance if I actually got a hit! - Stacy

High scores: (after 10 minutes)
Kristin – 11/12 vs. Kanga
Brandon –  11/12 vs Kanga
Stacy – 5/5 vs Lumpy
Tell us what you think!

Shatter one of our records? Let us know! Post your victories (or defeats) in the comments, we love to hear about it.
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 18, 2020 at 1:08 PM
  
Read It!

APL Reader's Corner
with Julie & Elizabeth

Welcome to APL Reader's Corner! This month we are reading "We Met in December" by Rosie Curtis. Let us know what you think about the book in the comments! Check it out instantly as an eBook from hoopla digital.

Looking for some festive romance reads and movies? Check out Holiday Romance and December Movies of the Month on hoopla - free with your library card! 

Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 18, 2020 at 1:00 PM
  

(December 17, 2020) On Saturday March 21st at approximately 5:45p.m officers responded to a homicide at the Windsor Court Apartments located in the 10900 block of East 16th Avenue in Northwest Aurora.

The Aurora Police Department Major Crimes Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Octavius Demond Styles (09/04/1995), please note this is the correct spelling of his name and corrected date of birth from previous releases.

Styles was arrested in Hollywood, Florida on an active Homicide warrant issued by the 17th Judicial District. At this time, Styles is still in the custody of the Broward County Sheriff's Office until he is extradited to Colorado.

The attached booking photo courtesy of the Broward County Sheriff's Office and can also be found online at https://apps.sheriff.org/ArrestSearch/InmateDetail/132001427.
DemondStyles
Officer Crystal McCoy
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095 





(June 15, 2020) On Saturday, March 21st, 2020, at approximately 5:45 P.M, District 1 Patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting at the Windsor Court Apartments, which are located in the 10900 block of East 16th Avenue in Northwest Aurora.

Through our investigation, we have identified Octavius Demond Styles (09/04/1995) as the suspect. Octavis is described as 5’10”, 175lbs, with multiple tattoos to include distinctive tattoos on his neck (pictured below). Octavis currently has a warrant for First Degree Murder.

We are currently searching for Octavis and we are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to please call 911 or reaching out to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using Crime Stoppers, tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.

Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095

Octavis StylesOctavis Styles



















________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Information previously released on March 21st, 2020


On Saturday March the 21st at approximately 5:45p.m, District 1 Patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting at the Windsor Court Apartments, which are located in the 10900 block of East 16th Avenue in Northwest Aurora. 

Upon arrival officers located an adult male in an apartment who had been shot. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumb to his injuries.

This case is still an active investigation and at this time there is no additional information to share. Investigators believe this is an isolated incident and that there is no danger to the general public. 

The name of the victim will be released by the Adams County Coroner's Office once he has been positively identified and his next of kin have been notified. 

Anyone with information about his case is asked to call Agent Prince with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at 303.739.6127. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867. By using crime stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a REWARD of up to $2,000.

Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095 
Posted by [email protected]  On Dec 17, 2020 at 5:14 PM
  
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