The Fault in Our Stars by John Green- YA

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Well, I read this after Wonder and Crow and now I am completely drained and can't cry anymore. I need to read a fantasy adventure next, for sure! This was an awesome book. I think it definitely is Printz-worthy. I loved the honesty and strength of the two main characters- Hazel and Gus. I loved their crazy, witty banter. For sure it is depressing. If you have anyone in your life that has cancer, I'm not sure if this is the book for you. Although it is absolutely impossible to understand what these kids and families go through, this book allows you to reflect on it. As humans, we complain a lot. We take a lot for granted. We often see what we don't have instead of appreciating what we do have. We all know this. It is our human nature. But, it is good to stop for a moment to reflect on this- that there are so many people out there in the world with far greater problems and struggles than the problems we face each day. It is a very humbling moment when we do take the time to reflect and this book definitely makes you do that.

Crow by Barbara Wright

The summer of 1898 is filled with ups and downs for 11-year-old Moses. He's growing apart from his best friend, his superstitious Boo-Nanny butts heads constantly with his pragmatic, educated father, and his mother is reeling from the discovery of a family secret. Yet there are good times, too. He's teaching his grandmother how to read. For the first time she's sharing stories about her life as a slave. And his father and his friends are finally getting the respect and positions of power they've earned in the Wilmington, North Carolina, community. But not everyone is happy with the political changes at play and some will do anything, including a violent plot against the government, to maintain the status quo.

This is great historical fiction book filled with wonderful characters as it sheds light on a little known piece of our country's history. I loved Boo Nanny and would have loved to have known her in real life. Strong, simple people who have weathered the trials and tribulations of this world, yet retain their humanity and their hearts, are always very compelling to me. Moses couldn't have had a better grandma. I loved Moses and his momma and dad. Decent, hard-working people who taught their son to do the right thing always, even in the face of danger. My only disappointment was the ending. I don't believe the dad would have made that choice- his family was more important. And the very end was a little cliched. I understand the need for the hope of the future when in the midst of unfathomable evil, but sometimes it only is what it is.

Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger

Regular kid Lenny Flem Jr. is the only one standing between his evil-genius best friend—Casper, a master of disguise and hypnosis—and world domination. It all begins when Casper spends money from his granny on a spectacularly convincing fake mustache, the Heidelberg Handlebar #7. With it he’s able rob banks, amass a vast fortune, and run for president. Is Lenny the only one who can see through his disguise? And will he be able to stop Casper from taking over the world?

This will be yet another certifiable hit with the 9-12 year old set for Angleberger. This is completely absurd and silly story and they will love it!.


Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.

I started to read this right after watching the viral video on YouTube that shows 10 minutes of a group of 7th grade boys savagely taunting a 68 yr. old bus monitor. I was feeling depressed wondering how we as a society have reached this point in which children treat an elderly woman with such unfathomable maliciousness without any remorse.

Then I read this book and it touched me so. I think it is one of the best books I have ever read. I think every child should read it. I do hope this wins the Newbery this year. Although it is only June, I can't imagine there will be another book in the next 6 months that could make me change my mind. Absolutely beautifully written. Absolutely touching.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." —1 John 5:4, King James Bible

Wilma Tenderfoot: The Case of the Frozen Hearts

Wilma Tenderfoot, a tiny, brash, and determined ten-year-old orphan, dreams of becoming a world famous detective so she can find out who her parents are. Wilma discovers that her new next-door neighbor is the renowned detective Theodore P. Goodman, and he has a new case. Wilma is set on becoming Mr. Goodman's apprentice, so with the help of her beagle, Pickle, she makes deductions, follows leads, and scouts out suspects. She's sure she'll win the famous detective over and crack the case, as soon as Pickle stops eating the clues.

This is a great mystery for 3rd grade and up! It's a rollicking, goofy whodunit!

Kindred Souls by Patricia MacLachlan

Jake’s grandfather, Billy, hears the talk of birds, is eighty-eight years old, and is going to live forever. Even when Billy gets sick, Jake knows that everything will go on as always. But there’s one thing Billy wants: to rebuild the sod house where he grew up. Can Jake give him this one special thing?


This is a beautifully written simple story of life, love and family. It is touching and even more poignant because of its simplicity. It is a very short read, but sweet and heartwarming. I cried :)




What Am I Reading?

Ok, these are the current books I have on my nightstand! I am going to power through them! They are all getting "buzz" on all the Newbery blogs. So, we will see...and I will let you know!

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

This is the second installment in the trilogy and I will simply say that I thought it was better than the first! Will be reading the 3rd one, for sure!

Tough Books to Review

The most difficult books for me to review or to simply read to provide better readers' advisory for patrons are the 1st-3rd grade books. Board books are easy for me- are the pictures bright and bold and clear? Is the text simple? Picture books are easy for me- Is it funny? Touching? Are the illustrations beautiful? Easy Reader books are easy for me- Is the text in larger print with many sight words? Fiction for 4th grade and up is easy for me- Were the characters well developed and the action great? Was it moving? Funny? Touching? Sad? Could I wait to see what happened? Do I want to read the next one?


All these things are easy for me to relate to when I read these books. Just because I am a librarian does not mean I am a literary expert by any means. The way I appreciate books and share my appreciation for books with patrons is on a very simple, personal level. Does it grab me in some way?


But the books that are written for the 1st-3rd grade group are the most difficult. Characters aren't well developed, the plot is over-simplified and often, silly, and, naturally, there just isn't much meat to them. It's been too long since I was that age to put myself in that child's shoes and determine if they would think this was a great book. I need to hang around more kids this age and get their opinions! :)