New Book in the Origami Yoda Series by Tom Angleberger

The next installment is here...I haven't read it yet, but I definitely will. It looks hilarious! A fortune wookiee! Love it!





Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact by A.J. Hartley

Eleven-year-old Darwen Arkwright discovers another world through the old mirror hanging in his closet--a world that holds as many dangers as it does wonders.

This was a good fantasy adventure book that I would put in the hands of boys. Darwen is living in Atlanta with his aunt. He was raised in England. He feels out of place and different- not only the way he talks, but he is also biracial. His aunt sends him to this private military school and it just keeps getting worse for him.

He meets a strange shop owner who gives him a mirror and after sunset, he is able to go through the mirror into another world.

I enjoyed the book and wanted to find out what was happening and why. Some parts were distracting-like how his "differences" actually solicited very nasty behavior from both other students and teachers at this school.  I just wanted to find out about the other world and why it was there.

I believe there will be a sequel and although I liked this book, I think I will pass on the sequel.

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

Twelve-year-old Marlee doesn't have many friends until she meets Liz, the new girl at school. Liz is bold and brave, and always knows the right thing to say, especially to Sally, the resident mean girl. Liz even helps Marlee overcome her greatest fear - speaking, which Marlee never does outside her family.

But then Liz is gone, replaced by the rumor that she was a Negro girl passing as white. But Marlee decides that doesn't matter. Liz is her best friend. And to stay friends, Marlee and Liz are willing to take on integration and the dangers their friendship could bring to both their families.

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I really enjoyed this book. I loved the kindness of Marlee and the moxie in Liz. The friendship they form is beautiful in a world that surrounds them with ugliness. Stories about this part of our country's history always makes me wonder- what would I have done? Definitely will be on all the possible Newbery lists!