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.

Icefall by Matthew Kirby

Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig, along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors, anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as winter stretches on, and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst. A malevolent air begins to seep through the fortress walls, and a smothering claustrophobia slowly turns these prisoners of winter against one another.

Matthew Kirby wrote his debut novel last year, The Clockwork Three, which I enjoyed. It was historical fiction with fantasy mixed in.

Icefall, his second novel, has similar elements of historical fiction and a bit of fantasy, but it was even better! Again, there is a strong young female at the center of the story. One that is loyal, compassionate and strong, but flawed and trying to find herself. I have read a lot of books recently with similar characters. I enjoy them because you can relate to them. They aren't perfect, but they have good hearts and are trying to do the right thing. There's lots of action and suspense and I was racing to the end to find out what happened! Great read!

The Magician by Michael Scott

This is the second book in the 6 book series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. It is my new FAVORITE series!! Love, love, love it.
It is everything I love in fantasy- mythology, magic, adventure, mystery, suspense, action, a great plot and great characters!

This book is not new. I don't know how it slipped past me when it was first published. There aren't a lot of copies of this series in the MCFLS system, so I know that this just did not get the buzz it deserved when it was first published in 2008.

I have started to read the third installment. What I think is very cool about this series, is that all the characters are from history- either real or legend. World Mythology is abundant in this series and it is very interesting to research the characters to learn more about them. So much so that I am going to do it at the library! So, look for a new reading challenge for 5th grade and up involving this series.

Although this book is found in our YA section, it is only because the main characters are 15 years-old. This series is definitely appropriate for 5th grade and up! So, check it out!

True (Sort Of...) by Katherine Hannigan

This is a beautifully written book about a girl named Delly who always seems to be in trouble, but really doesn't understand why. She has a special bond with her brother, RB, who idolizes her. She doesn't have any friends until Ferris Boyd moves to town. They help each other and through their friendship Delly learns to be the kind of person she wants to be. This book is touching. I loved Delly's spunk and heart. It does touch on a some tough issues, though. Although it is written for 3rd-5th grade, I would recommend it for a little older audience. There are a lot of raw emotions, self-doubt and despair in this book.

Newbery Medal Winner 2011

Moon Over Manifest by Claire Vanderpool won the Newbery Medal, awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

I am going to start off by stating the obvious-I am not a literary critic. I can't say to you this book deserved to win out of the thousands of books written last year. I just believe a book is good when I feel invested in the characters and I want to keep reading to find out what happens to them. To me, that is a good book. Whether it makes me laugh or cry, I start to imagine the characters and the setting  in my mind and to 'see them'. (that's why I never like movies that are made from books- because it never matches my own imagination!)