It is July first and time to take a look at my favorite 5 star reads for the first half of the year. I have been reading a lot of adult fiction this summer and was feeling a little bit guilty for ignoring my middle-grade book pile. (It is 6 feet tall!) It turns out that 9 out of 11 books on this list are middle-grade. So I was relieved to see I still had so many great books to recommend to my younger readers.
I have already written reviews for many of the books but I did get a little behind in May and so I opted to link a few of the books to the author's book video. I always love to hear what the author has to say about their own book. Click on the links to see a book review or video. If you want to check out my very favorite books from 2021 then this is your list. Happy Reading!
When Stars are Scattered (Audio). I had already read this book but decided to listen to the audio. I was so good. I highly recommend it. It includes a full cast of readers and sound effects. Don't miss this one.
5 Stars | Kirby Larson | Historical Fiction | 2013 | Grade 6 and Up | 240 pages | 4.6 reading level | 6 hours listening time
When Hattie Big Sky came out in 2006 I loved it. I even listened to it on audio and loved it just as much. I never picked up the sequel when it came out seven years later. But, on a recent car trip, I listened to the audio of Hattie Ever After and I loved it. Why did I wait so long?
If you have never read Hattie Big Sky, then I recommend starting with this title. It is the story of an orphaned teenager from Iowa who gets the chance to take over her deceased uncle's homestead in Montana. I really admired her spunk and determination. This book was imagined from the author's own family history.
Kirby Larson didn't plan on a sequel, but so many people asked her about Hattie that she decided to tell the rest of her story. Hattie Ever After takes her to San Francisco where she dreams of being a reporter in the 1920's. She also solves a mystery along the way.
I listened to this book and it was so charming and well done. Even though this book is aimed at the young adult audience, I will recommend it to adults too. It is a great read! 5 Stars!
5 Stars | Matt Haig | 2020 | Fantasy Fiction | 304 pages | 9 Hours Audio
I was not sure if I was going to like this book but it turned out to be a very encouraging story for me. I might even say it was therapeutic.
It starts with our main character, Nora, feeling like her life is on a track to nowhere and so she takes matters into her own hands to end her life. When she awakes she finds herself in a library full of green books. The librarian in charge turns out to be the same one from her school days. She tells her that all of the books are different versions of Nora's life and she has the opportunity to try them out and pick the best one. The story continues as you explore all of the different life possibilities.
This is a quick read and but even though it sounds like it could be sad, it is really an uplifting read. There were some lessons that Nora learned that were things that I needed to hear as well. Maybe we all need to be reminded that even though the choices we have are infinite in life, we are where we are supposed to be. I enjoyed it a lot and give it 5 stars!
I got a few new books from a recent Christian Book haul from christianbooks.com and I binge read the following over the weekend. I loved them..let me tell you about them.
I really enjoy Cynthia Ruchti books. She always writes stand-alone books with unique characters, settings, and issues. They usually are very character and plot rich which is my favorite type of book. In Facing the Dawn, you will read about friendship, family, and grief and probably will need a box of tissues too. This book will move you.
Mara is struggling to raise her three teenagers in Wisconsin while her husband is doing humanitarian work in Uganda. He has been away for three years and it is taking a toll on the family. That is about all I can tell you without spoiling things. Don't read any reviews or summaries. Just dive in on this one. I read it in a day and loved it. I rate it a 5!
If you want a happy and light-hearted read then read The Happy Camper. This is how it goes... Dillon has quit her job and moves back to Oregon to live with her grandfather and mother. Quarters get tight, so when her grandfather gives her a vintage trailer, Dillon falls in love with refurbishing her camper into a perfect home for herself. Of course, she spends time reacquainting herself with her hometown and finds the local hardware store owner very attractive.
This book is exactly like a movie on the Hallmark channel. I was just happy reading about Dillon's work on fixing up her trailer and learning how to take care of it. It is a cozy read with some humor and lots of sweetness. I read it in a day and enjoyed it. I rate it a 4.
3.5 Stars | Heather Vogel Frederick | Mystery | Grades 4-8 | 5th Grade Reading Level | Around 350 pages
This is a cozy mystery series for middle-grade with the main character named Truly Lovejoy who is in middle school. The Lovejoys move from Texas to Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire to help run the struggling family bookstore. Mr. Lovejoy, the father has been injured in a military accident in Afghanistan and is looking for a new start. Truly is in the middle of the family with two older brothers and two younger sisters. Each book includes a mystery as well as lots of family and friendship plotlines. Truly's friends form the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes to help solve the mysteries in their little town.
Book One: Absolutely Truly
Truly finds an unsent letter in a first edition copy of Charlotte's Web which also goes missing and she and her friends go on a treasure hunt to solve the mystery.
Book Two: Yours Truly(check out my previous review) It is the annual maple sugar festival and someone is sabotaging the maple trees. Truly also finds a diary in the floorboards of her home written by her namesake centuries ago.
Book Three: Really Truly
Truly is sent to Mermaid Academy and uncovers the mystery of the sunken treasure from pirates during the founding of Pumpkin Falls.
These books are very sweet, light, and cozy. The mystery and family and friends share equal space. Enjoyed the first ones more than the third one. The mystery seemed a side plotline. I did think going to a Mermaid Academy was interesting and fun! I also loved the cover art for book three. Such a beautiful summer scene. Look closely for the mermaid tail!
This graphic novel is based on a true story about a girl named Rachel Cohen who discovers her passion for photography while she is living in a children's home outside Paris. With World War II ramping up, she find herself sent into hiding because she is Jewish. She has to change her name and is always wary of getting found out. Her camera goes with her and she continues to document her life.
The author writes this book based on her mother's childhood and what she faced during the War. You will find notes and photos detailing this information in the back of the book.
The illustrations in this book are lovely and the story is another great one to add to stories of Jewish children who experienced World War II. This book was translated from French as written by the author.
Amy Lynn Green | Historical Fiction | 2020 | 416 pages | 12 1/2 hours listening time
This book is written by a Minnesota author and is also set in Minnesota. It is a nominee for the 20201 Minnesota Book Award and the winner will be announced later this month. It is published by Bethany House publishing company which is headquartered in Minnesota and they focus on Christian fiction. The author also works at this publishing company. So, I was intrigued and wanted to read this book with so many connections.
This story takes place during World War II in a small town north of Aitkin, Minnesota. The town will be hosting a POW camp for German soldiers to help the farmers with farm work. The mayor thought it was a great idea but the residents of the town are not sure they want to associate with German prisoners in their town.
Johanna Bergland, a linguistics student, is recruited to come back home and help with translation services between the prisoners and the Americans. She reluctantly accepts the position and moves back home. Johanna begins to form relationships and sympathy with the residents of the camp but as a result, her forward ways make her a target for suspicion and gossip.
This book is written in letters written by Johanna to her friends as well as some of the letters she translates from the prisoners. She also gets involved in having inmates write for the paper and so we see these articles as well.
Historical fiction, mystery, romance, and Christian fiction all describe this novel. Johanna Bergland is a delightful and funny character and is really fun to follow her on her adventure back home again. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
The Lion of Mars | Jennifer L. Holm | Science Fiction | 2021 | Science Fiction | Grades 3-7 | 4.0 Reading Level | 272 pages | 5 hours 45 minutes listening time
The story opens with a small group of adults and children who live in a small colony on Mars sent from the United States. You learn that the adults were selected to be the first to live on Mars. The children are orphans who have been delivered to the compound in order to have kids live on Mars. The main character is Bell who is an eleven-year-old boy who has never known life on earth. He is fascinated with earth animals and is always curious about life. One thing he wonders about is why they have been warned to never associate with the other colonies on Mars from other countries. What is wrong with meeting the people in the Chinese, Finnish, or French colonies? They always stay to themselves and it is a bit lonely.
Eventually, the children in the United States colony need help when all of the adults get sick and they find out that they cannot get help from Earth. They are forced to venture out and find help from the questionable colonies and they are not sure if it will be wise or even safe.
I enjoy books on the relational side of science fiction that concentrate more on people and daily life on a planet outside of earth. This book features the daily tasks, concerns, and living on Mars. Heartbreak and death are part of the plot. The importance of relationships is also highlighted.
I listened to an interview with the author about this book and she said she imagined starting a new colony on Mars to be like the pioneers of the past. They often were alone and had to rely on each other to survive. They would most often never return to their place of birth.
I read this book in one sitting and I hope there will be at least a sequel. I enjoyed it a lot!
When You Trap A Tiger | Tae Keller | 2020 | Fantasy | Grade 3-7 | 4.1 Reading Level | 304 pages | 7 1/2 hours listening time
Lilly and her mother and sister move into their grandmother's home because she is ill. Lilly meets a tiger that no one else can see. The tiger tells her that her grandmother stole the stories which are Korean folktales. The tiger wants to make a deal and is willing to heal the grandmother if Lilly can get back what was stolen.
There is no doubt that the family relationships are very loving. The writing is lovely and the Korean folktales connection was very interesting. This book will be loved by many readers.
I was underwhelmed. This book just won the Newbery award and so I was looking for the 5-star feelings but couldn't find them. I was somewhat confused by the folktale storyline about the Tiger and its meaning. I thought it was a sad story and I never really connected with the characters. I was sorry about that because it will make it hard for me to sell this book to other readers.
Furthermore | Tahereh Mafi | Fantasy | 5.5 Reading Level | Grade 4-7 | 8 hours listening time
This is a very whimsical and charming fantasy about a boy and a girl who are looking for her father who has been missing for at least three years. They discover a world called Furthermore with plenty of enchantment and magical rules to make their journey dangerous and impossible. The writing is so clever and lovely. It made me stop and reread to enjoy the words.
If you love fantasy worlds with plenty of adventure then this is a good choice. The illustrated cover was just so beautiful and captured my interest.
Book #2 | Winter (1 year after book #1 which takes place in October)
Boxing Day Murder at the Curling Tournament
Three Pines is more familiar to me this time and so I wasn't as confused by the characters and am more used to the writing style. In this visit, it is Christmas and the village is making festive preparations. You meet a women named CC who imagines herself to be the next Martha Stewart and yet everyone who knows her or meets her is just turned off by her philsophies, decorations, and personality. She has moved to the village with her daughter and husband. The day after Christmas, a curling tournament is held on the lake. CC is murdered in open air by electricution and noone sees the murder. Inspector Gamache is called in to investigate. Meanwhile something is amiss in his professional life and there are hints that trouble is brewing for him too.
Book #2 | Spring | 2007
Easter Seance Murder at a Haunted House
A famous pychic is visiting Three Pines and the villagers decide to do a seance at the old Hadley house which is thought to be evil and hanted. On Easter evening, during the event, someone dies of fright or perhaps it is murder. Inspector Gamache is called in to investigate. We learn more hints about what professional trouble is happening in his life.
This book opens with a funny scene of the villagers hiding chocolate Easter eggs and then finding them all eaten up the next morning by the wildlife. This happened several years ago and so now they just hide wooden eggs. It has become dangerous to be in the area during this time because bears have been known to be appearing each year looking for more chocolate. Also quite whimisical, Ruth Zardo, the elderly, quirky town poet hatches and fosters duck eggs.
This book has been on so many 2020 book lists and it is about twin sisters, so I had to read it. Francine and Maurine are starting 6th grade and Francine is beginning to want to have her own identity. She plans on running for president of the class and also begins to dress differently. The twins aren't even in the same classes anymore. Maureen finds out later that it was a request of her twin sister. She is hurt and lashes out and even runs against her for president. Sixth grade will be a year with a lot of changes and growth for both of them.
I wanted to read this book because I am also a twin and wanted to see how Varian Johnson tells their story. He is also a twin and so I think he nailed the drama that happens in this book. I am very surprised that he wrote about girls since he and his brother are identical twins. I Googled and learned that he wanted to write this story for his daughters. He also wanted this to be a story where they could see Black kids as the stars of the story.
I thought the illustrator did a great job. She added lots of details that aren't in the writing but add so much. For example, the girls were headscarves to bed to protect their hair. I am sure she had fun drawing all the outfits, hairstyles, and school and family scenes. Shannon Wright mentioned in an article I read that she was burned out drawing books that were sad and heavy. This project was what she needed. I hope these two team up and bring us more books about Francine and Maurine!
3 Stars | Becky Wade | Christian Romance | 2017 | 384 pages | 2018 Christy Book Award
Nora Bradford runs and owns a historical village in her town. She also loves to help people with genealogical research questions. She meets a former Navy SEAL named John Lawson who needs help finding his biological mother. He was abandoned at birth and has never been able to learn his mother's identity. He has a medical condition in which he needs some answers from his blood relatives. Nora agrees to help and despite the two being so different, romantic feelings start to rise. The information that is uncovered in their research is something neither of them ever imagined and it brings them to a pause to figure out the implications.
This story is a typical romance until towards later in the book where the new information gets really interesting. It almost felt like it was from another book! I think I was missing some depth from Nora. She seems to be happy-go-lucky and you don't really see her deepest feelings underneath her quirky and sunshiny personality. This is a sweet and clean romance with a touch of intrigue which is what probably made it a Christy Award winner. I would have liked a bit more depth, but overall it was a good story. Nora has two sisters who each have a story to tell in this series called The Bradford Sisters.
I needed to read something different and I picked this time travel thriller. It is quite the ride and it was a page turner. It does get complicated as time travel tends to do, but I just ignored the parts that I couldn't quite figure out. I wonder if the author feels the same way when they write such imagined technical plot lines?
This is a story of a woman who is a scientist and is trying to figure out a way to help her mother who has dementia get her memories back. Turns out that other people are more interested in her research for villainous reasons. As a result of her experiments getting into the wrong hands, there is a epidemic of something called false memory syndrome happening to people. The results are often destructive as people are not able to cope.
There are lots of different timelines going on in this book which you would expect from a time travel book. However, it was a great read and a good change of pace.
This is a great graphic novel about friendships, villains, heroines, and cats. Lots of cats! In fact, Katie finds herself taking care of 218 of them. She is catsitting to earn money to go to summer camp with her friends. Living in a city, in an apartment building, she tries her hands at all kinds of odd jobs. Most of her jobs are flops. Then she finds this very strange job taking care of so many smart cats. They have lots of special skills and even though they can destroy the apartment in the evening, when the owner comes home all is fixed and ready as though nothing happened. Katie also becomes suspicious of the woman who owns all these cats. What is she doing out late every night? Does it have anything to do with the news reports about the crime happening in the city?
What a fun story and a perfect graphic novel for the younger middle grade reader. I hope there are more to come!
I wanted to give this book a hug when I was done because it was so sweet and fun. I adored this feisty little red squirrel who stows aboard the canoe of a group of French Canadian voyageurs who are leaving Montreal for their journey to Grand Portage. Along the way you learn about what the voyageurs go through as they make their way on their mission to transport for the fur trade.
There are lots of extras in the back of the book that help with the French words and pronunciations, history, and information about squirrels too. Don't let the French turn you off...you can read this aloud to kids with just a little bit of practice. Margi Preus has a YouTube channel where she has many videos with read alouds of the chapters. Don't miss this great little book.
Lori Nelson Spielman | Contemporary Fiction | 2020 | 4 Stars
I loved this story. I felt like I went on vacation to Italy! Since we haven't been traveling at all, this was exactly the book I needed to read. It is funny, warm, and a great escape. Food, scenery, and interesting family dynamics are all part of the reading experience.
An elderly aunt takes her two grand nieces with her to Italy where she plans to meet the love of her life. Now, in their family, it is said that the second-born daughter has been cursed and will never marry. All three are in this category and yet the aunt is on a mission to change this.
There is also a second timeline to follow as we learn about the great aunt's younger self and why she is convinced that she will meet her love in Italy.
The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh | Candace Fleming | 2020 | Biography
This is a fascinating account of the life of Charles Lindbergh. It is written for young adults but good for adults too! I had the chance to stop in on a live history day at the Charles Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls one summer weekend and learned a lot about his life. This book added to my knowledge of this famous or "infamous" Minnesotan. He did some amazing things and yet held some very narrow-minded ideas along with being very charismatic and controversial.
The first part of the novel tells about his early life and how he was able to become the first person to fly from New York to Paris. Next, it turns into a true-crime drama when we learn about the famous kidnapping of his son. Finally, you learn how Lindbergh gets wrapped up as a Nazi sympathizer and a political leader.
I have read several books by Candace Fleming. From her picture books to middle-grade to young adult non-fiction, and I found that they were all great. She won an award for best nonfiction for young adults for this book.
The Winter Soldier | Daniel Mason | 2018 | Historical Fiction
This is a World War 1 story about a medical student who enlists in the war in Poland in order to get experience as a doctor. The nurse, who is a nun at the remote field hospital where he is sent, shows him how to do everything. He grows and learns about medicine, life, and love. Suddenly, he is separated from the small hospital and thrust into other parts of the war. The entire time he is trying to get back to his first love.
This book gives you the experiences of how horrific war is. It is also a bit of a romance and a mystery. It can get a bit grim at times because it is descriptive about the battle injuries and fighting. Overall, I really liked the book.
I found the video series Anzac Girlson Amazon Prime and it is a good companion to this book. It is also about WW1 and tells the story of Australian nurses who come to Europe to serve in the war. I watched episode number one and look forward to more of them!
Still Life | Louise Penny | Mystery Series (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Series | 2008
This is a smart cozy mystery with lots of French Canadian cultural references. It takes place in a small village called Three Pines on the weekend of the Canadian Thanksgiving which is in October. A well-loved villager is found dead in the woods and has been shot by an arrow. It seems it may not be an accident. Inspector Gamache is called in to investigate.
It took me a while to get all of the characters straight. About halfway through the book I begin to settle into the writing style. I heard they get better and better! So I will keep going. They have quite the waiting list at my public library and so I think that is a good sign.
CHECK OUT THE BOOKS I READ THE FIRST WEEK IN FEBRUARY!
A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary E Schmidt & Elizabeth Stickney | 2020 | RL: 4.0 | Grades 1-4 | 64 pages | 30 minutes read-aloud time Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney | 2020 | RL: 5.7 | Grades 3-7 | 224 pages | 1 1/2 hours read-aloud time
The Deep End by Jeff Kinney | 2020 | RL: 5.4 | Grades 3-7 | 224 pages | 1 3/4 hours read-aloud time
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater | 1938 | RL: 5.6 | Grades 3-5 | 139 pages | 2 1/4 hours read-aloud time
The Popper Penguin Rescue by Eliot Schrefer | 2020 | RL: 5.1 | Grades 3-5 | 176 pages | 2 1/2 hours read-aloud time
4 Stars | Clean Getaway | Nic Stone | 2020 | Realistic Fiction | Grade 4-6 | 5.0 Reading Level| 239 pages | 4 hours listening time
I thought this book would be a funny book about a feisty grandmother who takes her grandson on an adventure in her Winnebago. It has cute illustrations and seemed to be good for elementary kids. And yes it was, however, it has a darker ending and I would say upper elementary is more appropriate.
This book unveils racism, historical events, and problems of the Jim Crow south as Scoob and his grandmother (G'Ma) travel to various states. The stories that G'Ma tells Scoob gives him a first-hand account of what she faced as a white woman who married a Black man. The ending is surprising so hold on tight!
Nic Stone is a great writer! I recommend this book. I started listening to it which was very enjoyable but when I picked up the printed copy, I found some fun illustrations to enjoy as well.
4 Stars | Once Upon an Eid | Edited by Ali and Saeed | 2020 | Short Story Collection | Grades 3-7 | 5 hours listening time
This is a short story collection about families celebrating Eid which is the culmination of the observance of Ramadan. If you ever wondered what this holiday was like, then this is your window of discovery. There is a variety of stories and some are more serious and others more celebratory. Just as the subtitle says, it is a book filled with joy and hope.
I recommend this book and can see teachers reading some of the stories with their students around the holiday to give their class a window into the culture. This is really an essential book from Muslim own voices.
5 Stars | Genesis Begins Again | Alicia D. Williams | Realistic Fiction | 2019 | 364 pages | Grade 4-8 | 4.5 Reading Level | 9 hours listening length
This book wrecked me this week. I found myself thinking about Genesis and tearing up because I connected with her emotionally.
Genesis is a thirteen year African American girl from Detroit who hates herself. Her father and grandmother have told her of their disappointment in how dark skin colored she is. They perceive that lighter color skin, smoother hair, and finer features put you in a better class of people. What a load to carry! This is also reinforced at school with bullying and derogatory name-calling.
The father is also an alcoholic and gambler and as a result, their family’s financial status has been precarious. They have been evicted many times with their stuff dumped on the lawn. The mother keeps threatening to leave but continues to stay. The parents have plenty of baggage of their own.
Once again, Genesis starts over at a new school which happens to be in a better neighborhood outside of Detroit. She makes friends and her school life begins to look up. Her choir teacher recognizes her vocal talent and introduces her to some famous blues and jazz vocalists such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. She encourages her to try out for the school talent show.
So much of this book is about Genesis trying to be beautiful and not accepting her natural beauty. She is obsessed with bleaching her skin and straightening her hair. I was just so sad for her as she struggled to change her appearance. I also identified with her because I have done the same thing with dieting, perms, hair coloring, and all kinds of lotions and potions my entire life. I also connected with her introduction to singing. I also had a choir teacher who encouraged me in singing. My accomplishments in music got me through a hard time in high school.
Although this book is a little longer than I like for upper elementary kids, I think it is worth it! Williams is a debut author and her theme of self-esteem shines through her first novel. I highly recommend this book!
5 Stars | Becoming Muhammad Ali | Patterson & Alexander | 2020 | Biography | Grade 3-7 | 5.4 Reading Level | 2 1/2 hours listening length
I picked this book up and never put it down until I was finished. There is no doubt that this is a five-star book and should be put in the hands of many kids. The writing team of James Patterson and Kwame Alexander is a dream. Patterson writes in prose with the voice of Lucky who is a good childhood friend of Cassius Clay. Alternating chapters are written in poetry by Alexander from the point of view of Cassius. This works perfectly in the book and creates a wonderful reading experience.
The book tells us the story of Cassius Clay's childhood, neighborhood, family, friends, and of course boxing through his late teen years. A final round or epilogue ties up his remaining life. You also get a view of the history of racism, segregation, and treatment of blacks in his life.
Cassius Clay changed his name later in life to Muhammad Ali after he converted to Islam when he was 22. This is not mentioned until the epilogue. However, after reading about his life, you understand that he followed through with his convictions.
This would be a fabulous audiobook for listening. Kwame Alexander is the narrator and he adds so much drama. I listened to the sample and loved it.
The illustrator also added a lot to this novel. His name is Dawud Anyabwile and is an African American comic book artist. His artwork adds a lot of appeal for kids it is a wonderful support to this biography.
