"It begins with a death." From the first line in the book Gale Sears draws a reader into the story of a family torn apart under communist rule.
Wen-shan is sent away to Hong Kong to escape t…
It took a long time for The Penderwicks At Point Mouette to come in for me at my local library. During the waiting time, while I was busy reading other books, I often found myself missing Rosalind, Sk…
An important tip: Don't read May B. late at night, by candlelight, while in the middle of the blackout. Such a setting makes May's lonely sojourn on the Kansas prairie—and the wolf that leaves its tra…
War, PTSD, and mental illness are heavy topics, and this book does not treat them lightly; however, the story is redemptive, hopeful, and finds the characters drawing strength from family and the righ…
Written for young adults, I'm So Sure "brings out the Sharpay Evans" in several people. Prom is messy enough, but trying to mix boyfriends and "just friends" lands Bella in a world of …
Hope is all we have sometimes, and for Ali Daniels this is certainly true. Every day she steps into the rodeo arena she comes one step closer to death. She also comes one step closer to love.&nb…
This book was incredibly poignant and tender, as well as being educational. I learned a lot about Afghanistan and all the political upheaval there that led to the Taliban taking over, but the writing …
For those of you who once played with green plastic army men, Reluctant Soldier, Reluctant Saint follows the determination of a man seeking honor while it appears he has no choice but to kill the peop…
This book is perhaps the most accurate portrayal of LDS girls dealing with eating disorders I have ever seen. There is true internal conflict about needing to be good enough (and thin enough) an…
What are four kids stuck together in a snowbound airport waiting for their canceled flights to do? Solve a mystery, of course! Capture the Flag is an adventure from the very first page. I en…
The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis is a short, sweet read, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. I enjoyed the wonderfully evocative setting, and Popeye and Elvis's adventures with the creek near …
Criss Cross tells the story of a group of young teenagers, each of them trying to discover their own voice. The story unfolds slowly, comprised of little things—a guitar lesson, a bus ride, a firefly-…
