Sophie is a typical 14 year old girl with a huge crush on the handsome boy she is dating named Dylan. She should be the happiest girl in the world, but she's not. After an ugly breakup, she finds true romance and friendship with the most unlikely person in school. Just how will she be able to tell her friends?

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 7/27/2011

ISBN-10: 0689841140

ISBN-13: 9780689841149

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This tale takes place in England during the seventeenth century or Restoration era or the Civil War between England and Cromwell. Gwendolyn (Gwen) is like an 'angel here on earth' to her Father. She has white hair and pale skin and has a way with animals and a good friend, Jack. When a plague comes to England, the villagers call her a White Witch and blame her for the plague. Her father hides her in a secret place and tells her to stay there no matter what might entice her out. As you are getting used to the way the villagers talk as you begin reading, the plot draws you into this slim tale of historic realism. There is an author's note and a glossary to help you understand some of the context.

Reviewed by: cj

Date read: 8/24/2009

ISBN-10: 159643337X

ISBN-13: 9781596433373

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Eleven-year-old Zoe doesn't trust anybody. Her father left long ago. Her mother couldn't even take care of herself, much less Zoe. o when her mother dies and Zoe comes to live with her newly-discovered Uncle Henry, she doesn't trust him either. Dr. Henry Royster is a former surgeon and a well-known metal sculptor. When Zoe comes to his farm outside a small town in South Carolina, she finds a fiery temper and quick intelligence to match her own, and someone who appreciates her sarcastic humor without taking offense. Uncle Henry's thorny temper covers a generous and caring heart, but Zoe isn't used to trusting anyone. She prefers roaming the woods around his farm, and reaching out to a feral cat who sleeps under the house. This coming-of-age novel has many eccentric characters, and a few surprises for Zoe and the reader.

Similar books: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 4/25/2011

ISBN-10: 9781590786277

ISBN-13: 9781590786277

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Willow's words come out so quietly, no one can hear her. As a result, she sits alone at lunch, her teacher gives her the wrong kind of juice, and she never gets her turn to be Line Leader. Willow wishes she could make her words louder. Then, she has an idea! Find out how Willow finds her voice in Willow's Whispers. Gentle lines, poetic language, and ample white space lend a peaceful quality to this book.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 8/26/2010

ISBN-10: 1554532809

ISBN-13: 9781554532803

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Kelly's softball season is setting up to be a great one: she's a part of a talented team of long-time friends, and everyone is eager to start competing. Then life throws her a curve ball. She is transferred to another team, and instead of playing with her friends, she'll be playing on a rival team. Furthermore, her mom has started dating someone new, and he seems to think he can tell Kelly what to do. Then, a new pitch is introduced into the games. Kelly, formerly the best hitter in the league, can't hit the windmill pitch to save her life. Kelly feels like everything is falling apart. Can she pull it together and save her reputation as a player?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 12/4/2009

ISBN-10: 0316145319

ISBN-13: 9780316145312

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Commenter: Alan, grade 2