Nov. 11-17: A Stargazer, A World Wanderer And Sidewalks For All

In the Spanish Netherlands of 16th-century Europe, Jepp of Astraveld, a teenage dwarf, wages a contest with destiny. From his rural home to the royal courts of the Spanish Infanta, he seeks out a life not readily offered to him. In this young adult novel — inspired by the paintings of Diego Velazquez — Katherine Marsh combines history with fantasy to create an unusual coming-of-age story.

Juliann Garey's debut novel centers on Greyson Todd, a successful studio executive who leaves his career and family. Wandering the world for a decade, he gives free rein to the bipolar disorder he had kept hidden for nearly 20 years. Todd's life is told in three interwoven timelines — the stories of his travels, his childhood and his marriage — all unraveling in the time it takes him to complete his electroshock treatments.

Jeff Speck, a city planner and architectural designer, delves into what it means to make a city pedestrian-friendly. Packed with observations and real-world examples, his book tackles the challenges of city life, advocating for smart growth and sustainable design while presenting a plan for making American cities safe and efficient.

The brothers in the Emanuel family are known for their success and for their chutzpah. The youngest is Ari Emanuel, a high-powered Hollywood agent and the inspiration for a blunt-talking character on the HBO show Entourage. Then there's middle brother and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a tough, foul-mouthed former White House chief of staff and congressman. Author Ezekiel, a doctor and professor, is the oldest, and in this memoir he traces the brothers' careers while offering insight into their upbringing.