Read it or Weep

Do you remember when I shared one of our many library-type insider secrets? You know, the one where we like to read and we like to share what we read and we thought we’d expand our knowledge base by choosing individual books in a genre slash category to discuss? (If this is only ringing a faint bell, you can go back and read the original post New Year, New Things to Try!)

I’m hoping the title of this post reveals our first genre… Children’s Books! It was a great discussion because there was such diversity in what was selected, a wide range in the publication dates, formats, and story content. And here’s an even bigger payoff for our fellow dedicated readers, everyone wrote a brief summary of the book they read and gave me permission to share! So, this is what they had to say:

Evelyn’s Selection

Trouble Don’t Last by Shelley Pearsall

In 1859, slaves 11-year-old Samuel and 70-year-old Harrison escape Blue Ash, Kentucky and head through Ohio on their way to freedom in Canada.
Thoroughly researched, this upper elementary story is told from the view point of Samuel and details their journey through Ohio to Sandusky and Canada. Written by Ohio author Shelley Pearsall, it is an interesting and compelling read. Makes a great discussion book for classroom situations.

Carol’s Selection

The Tale of Desperaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo. DiCamillo won the 2004 Newberry Award for this novel which was recently made into an animated film, but more importantly, this quick and sweet read about courage and love won my heart. Loved it!

Ann’s Selection

Over The Edge by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

The Landon Family travels to the Grand Canyon with their foster child, Morgan to investigate and photograph the condors by the canyon. When Jack and Ashley’s mother receives a threatening e-mail, suspicion falls on Morgan, a computer geek who was in trouble back home for using the computer to “flame” the town’s residents. Part of a series of mysteries set in national parks by a mother and daughter writing team.

Emma’s Selection

I read Night of the Twisters by Ivy Ruckman. This is a fictional account of the night 7 devastating tornadoes hit Grand Island, Nebraska, in June of 1980 experienced by a twelve-year-old, his family and friends.

Stacey’s Selection

The Thirteen Clocks by James Thurber has everything you could want in a book: adventuring, brave men and women, and a satisfying end. In this fairytale the evil Uncle keeps his beautiful niece, Princess Saralina, locked away from the world. The tasks set to win the Princesses hand require brains as well as brawn, so it will take just the right Knight in Shining Armor to solve the deadly challenge. Will it be Prince Zorna or is doomed to defeat?

Rosemary’s Selection

Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka by John Scieszka is a very funny memoir about growing up in a family of six boys during the ’50s and ’60s.  This would be a great book to read out loud to your kids.

Dori’s Selection

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass 

Told in their unique voices, this novel chronicles the unlikely friendship and self-discovery of Ally, Bree and Jack, three teens who find themselves at the Moonshadow campground to witness an eclipse.

Julie’s Selection

Rapunzel’s Revenge written by Shannon and Dean Hale (husband and wife), illustrated by Nathan Hale (no relation), is a retelling of the classic fairy tale in graphic novel form. Rapunzel is imprisoned in a tower and uses her lengthy hair to rescue herself — as well as a few others along the way. The Hales have created an adventure that will be enjoyed by boys and girls ages 10 and up.

Janet’s Selection

Little Audrey by Ruth White is the story of a poor, coal mining family told from perspective of the oldest daughter, 12-year-old Audrey. Although her family circumstances are difficult Audrey tells the story of her family with a fresh voice. An unforeseen tragedy may give Audrey’s family a chance for a better life. This bittersweet story is a small gem of a book.

 Next up? Romantic reads!

—Stacey