Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Recently there has been some controversy around the book Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Rowell's book visit was cancelled because some parents believe that the book is inappropriate and obscene. Click HERE and HERE to read about what happened and reactions to the book banning. All this controversy has done is to put the book on my MUST READ list, to find out why it's so controversial. I haven't read it but the reviews are good and I think I'll enjoy it. If you want to learn more about the author Rainbow Rowell, then click HERE.   

Al Capone Does my Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

"Alcatraz is the evocative backdrop for Al Capone Does My Shirts -- a highly original novel set in 1935. Twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan tells about his travails on "the Rock," where his father has taken a job. Hilarious antics are deftly interwoven with themes of isolation and imprisonment, compassion and connection." Quote from Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) - 2005 Newbery Honor Books. Click HERE to go to the ALSC site & also find out about other Newbery medal & honor books.

This book is the first in the Al Capone at Alcatraz series by Gennifer Choldenko. It's an easy read & a lot of fun. For ages 11 and up.

Oliver Jeffers

Oliver Jeffers is a phenomenal author illustrator. His books are quirky and sweet and he is frequently on the best seller list. I love them all & so do children and their parents. Click HERE to go to his site.
Enjoy the following video of Oliver Jeffers reading Stuck.

Conspiracy 365 by Gabrielle Lord

If you are looking for an action packed series then Gabrielle Lord's Conspiracy 365 is for you. Cal is in trouble. He's a 15 year old fugitive who's being hunted by the law as well as the criminals who killed his father. Each book represents one month of his life and end with a cliff hanger. I am still reading through the series but so far am enjoying the books. It's a great series for reluctant readers, ages ten and up. Interested in finding out more, then click HERE. 

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

This series is a great fun read for ages ten and up. Skulduggery Pleasant, an ace detective and a skeleton, and his trusty sidekick, Stephanie Edgley, a fabulous 12 year old girl, work together to save the world from evil. Click HERE to go to the official website with oodles of information about the books and the author Derek Landy.  

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

Hannah Kent was an exchange student in Iceland when she was a teenager. During her time there, she heard about the last woman, Agnes Magnúsdóttir , to be executed in Iceland in 1892. Agnes was found guilty of murdering two men and was sentenced to death. Hannah Kent used facts to make up the story about this woman’s life. It's a fabulous read. 

Click HERE to read the summary of the book on Hannah Kent's. 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

"It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.
Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement."  - This description is from GoodReads

Click HERE to read an excerpt from the book. 

The Book Thief, a best selling book by Markus Zusak, is now a movie. The book was fabulous and the movie trailer looks great!