The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall illustrated by Matt Phelan

 When Gwen is thrusted onto her Great-Uncle Matthew for two weeks, she is thrilled. Her divorced parents only interact with her for their own benefit. Great-Uncle Matthew, however, is kind, caring, and fun. He pours more love into her those two weeks than she has ever experienced in her lifetime. This new reality also brings something fantastical. At the local library, Gwen witnesses winged creatures swooping among the children. Normally children over six cannot see them. Why can Gwen see them? She soon discovers a family history that has its roots in Scotland. These winged creatures have depended on the MacKinnon family for centuries. Is Gwen truly heroic enough to fulfill the role expected of her?

I love Jeanne Birdsall's Penderwicks series (It's my favorite chidren's series). I have been waiting years for this book to be published! Although this book is wholesome, is fun to read, and contains lovable characters, I did not enjoy it as much as the Penderwicks series. 

I highly recommend it for 2nd-5th graders.

-Borrowed from the library.

Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

 Carly's life has been in upheavel since her police officer husband's death. Trying to raise her infant son and manage her demanding younger (but adult) sisters requires all of her time. Then she uncovers what seems to be a Faberge egg and family secrets.  Suddenly she and her family are in constant danger. Thankfully her next door neighbor is a homicide detective and more than willing to protect beautiful Carly. I loved how it took me on my own rabbit trail looking up Faberge eggs! 

A very fast paced novel  A bit "Hallmarkish"

A very wholesome romantic suspense novel (fine to share with teens)  I had never read any novels by this author (she has written a lot!). If I am in the mood for an easy read that focuses on suspense and a bit of romance, I will read one of her books!

 God and prayer are mentioned but are not major components to the characters' lives. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Junonia by Kevin Henkes

 Every year for her birthday, Alice and her parents leave gray Wisconsin for Florida's warmth. This year she will be celebrating her tenth birthday. Looking forward to commemorating the passage to double digits with "her" people: the Wishmeiers and their grandchildren, Helen Blair from NYC, Mr. Barden, who is in his nineties, and Kate, her mom's college friend, Alice discovers this year the guest list and the routines will be disturbed with a newcomer, Mallory, a six-year-old. Alice also has to deal with her intense desire to find a rare shell, the junonia.

A gentle story filled with emotional thoughts about growing up. Mr. Henkes fills the pages with descriptive, emotional language. I enjoyed reading it just for the word choice and the superb writing. I am not so sure how many kids will enjoy this slow-paced story filled with emotions.

Right after the dedication page is a two-page spread of illustrations of Florida seashells. Beautiful, apt illustrations head each chapter.

Points to discuss: Alice decides to name God, "junonia" and declares him a female, disappointments, intense feelings/emotions, divorce and the emotions that accompany it

Pair with-Little Houses by Kevin Henkes ( a picture book about shell searching)

-Borrowed from the library.

A Bird Will Soar by Alison Green Myers

 2022-Youth Media Winner-for Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.

Out of all the novels/chapter books for this year's ALA winners, this one looked the most interesting. 

Alex, an autistic boy, loves birds. In his own backyard he observes eagles raising their eaglets. A tornado whips through their neighborhood and destroys the tree, holding the nest. A different tree crashes into their home. As a result, Alex's estranged father returns to help repair their home. Suddenly Alex realizes that his mother and the adults in his life have kept secrets from him. Will order ever be restored?

Each chapter begins with a new poem. I looked forward to reading them! Ms. Myers not only weaves together a family story but also creates poems that support the story's development. 

Originally I decided to read this book so I could pass it along to my twelve year old who loves birds. I won't be recommending it to him.

Warnings/points to discuss: Alex's home is on the property of two men, Emmett and George. They are lovers. Their physical affection for each other is displayed by one laying a hand on top of the other and a kiss on the cheek. When I read the summary about the book, I thought it was about an autistic boy, his love for birds and his struggle with his parents' separation. I was not aware of this element. If I had known about this inclusion, I would not have borrowed it. Once I started, I enjoyed Alex and his story, so I finished the book.  Alex's parents have been separated because of the father's alcoholism. Also, if readers are not familiar with autism, it would be good to discuss the spectrum and its implications.

-Borrowed from the library.

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M.M. Blume*

 My friend recommended this delightful book to me.

Cornelia despises being known as the daughter of famous pianists. She rarely interacts with her traveling pianist mother; her father disappeared from the familial scene when she was young. To protect herself, she memorizes, utilizing them as weapons with annoying people.  Her loneliness dissipates when elderly Virginia Somerset moves in next door. Virginia fills Cornelia's afternoons with colorful stories about her adventures with her older sisters as they traveled the world. Slowly Cornelia emerges from her protective shelter of words and ventures into the real, exciting world.

This book certainly promotes vocabulary development! It also transports the readers to different countries and cultures around the world (Africa, France, England, India) from 1949-1954.

*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss: Cornelia's father does not involve himself with her and has numerous wives/girlfriends, Lucy, Cornelia's mother, smokes, a dear character dies

-Borrowed from the library.

Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt*

 Meryl Lee's (from Mr. Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars) best friend dies suddenly.  Life has lost its meaning.  The Blank seems to hover, threatening to consume her.  Her parents decide to send her to a boarding school in Maine.  

Matt Coffin is on the run.  Shug always gets his man.  Matt has something to belongs to him.  Wherever a kind soul "adopts" Matt, the place is destroyed, and sometimes the person who harbored him is harmed.  

Meryl Lee and Matt begin to find friendship and hope together and as individuals.  

I loved reading this book.  The setting and characters are well-developed and the plot kept me devouring the pages.  Although Meryl Lee and Matt are in eighth grade, some aspects may not be appropriate for junior high (see warning section).

The setting is the same area as Schmidt's Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster's Boy.  Some of those characters' relatives appear in this book! In fact I borrowed Lizzie Bright again from the library so I could trace the characters' ancestries!  I really like how Mr. Schmidt integrates his characters into other his books.  

One aspect that bothered me was how the characters who were more conservative politically were portrayed negatively. The reader will naturally like the  characters that  lean towards the Democratic and liberal beliefs.  Darwin's Origin of Species is mentioned again (just in a couple of sentences).  

I have not read Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. It was mentioned throughout the book (Meryl Lee reads it several times.  One teacher at the prep school insists it is lewd.  Everyone who reads it, however, claims they cannot find any "lewd" parts.). 

*Highly recommend (but read the "warning/points to discuss" section).

-Borrowed from the library.

Warnings/points to dicuss: divorce, boys are taken in as "slaves"-taught to steal for a mob, graphic violence, Vietnam War, death, comment about Scottish men "not wearing anything under their kilts", Meryl Lee and Matt kiss throughout the book (just on the cheek or it is just stated-"they kissed"), a couple of swear words

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

 I started to read this book aloud to my eleven-year old son, but he did not like the characters' behavior (adulst and children).  As a result, I read it to myself.  I found the story clever and amusing.  Ms. Lowry is a superb writer.

Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby have no interest in their children.  To free them from the burdern of children, they plan a trip from which they would never return.  The children also scheme and find themselves in a pleasant situation.  

I love Ms. Lowry's vocabulary incorporation and her references to quality classic stories. She defines the words and summaries her references.

Warnings/points to discuss: divorce, abandonment, Commander Melanoff wants to pinch Nanny's behind (he thinks his wife is dead, but she isn't.)

Sequel just published-The Willoughbys Return

The Lost Boy's Gift by Kimberly Willis Holt illustrated by Jonathan Bean

 Since I grew up in the same area as Mr. Bean, I try to keep up to date with his publications.  The reason why I borrowed this book was because he had illustrated it. 😊

After his parents divorce, Daniel moves to a quaint village with his mom.  He misses his dad.  His mom works into the evening.  To combat his loneliness, he wanders his street discovering interesting individuals and animals.  His neighbor, Tilda Butter, notices (with the help of her animal friends with whom she can communicate) that Daniel is a lost boy and needs some help.  

To be honest, I did not care for Daniel.  I loved Tilda Butter and Dewey Wonder!  The setting and characters reminded me of Kate Dicamillo's Deckawoo Drive.  I wanted to know more about Agatha Brown and what made her finally begin to actually play her saxophone.

Mr. Bean's illustrations are expressive.  The map of Falling Star Valley is intricate.

Points to discuss: divorce, lying

A delightful neighborhood and characters!

-Borrowed from the library.

Hideout by Watt Key

 After being beaten up by two boys at school, Sam does not like himself.  To prove that he is brave, he takes his new boat out into the Alabama swamp to search for a dead body.  Instead, he discovers Davey living in an abandoned camp.  The boys soon develop a secret friendship.  As their relationship develops, Sam realizes that Davey's secrets could launch the boys into serious trouble.

I kept reading this book into the wee hours of the morning.  The suspense is well-crafted,  and the plot compels the reader to read "just one more chapter".  I felt, however, that ending was too long for how fast the rest of the plot was.  Davey's adoption process was sweet, but it felt tagged onto the end of another wise suspenseful story.  

Sam and his parents attend church.  It seems like Sam's mother is the only one who values a relationship with God (she works at the church too).  Sam's dad attends because he knows his wife wants him there and out of duty.  Sam daydreams and does not listen to the sermons.  When he does pray, it is to bargain with God. 

Points to discuss/warnings: swearing, lying, divorce, underage drinking/smoking, murder, drugs (marijuana)/drug dealers, violence (When the two boys beat up Sam and his friend Grover, it is graphic; a dead body is found; Slade, Davey's step-brother is evil and resorts to violence).

-Borrowed from the library.

Boys of Blur by N.D. Wilson

I read this book aloud to my twelve year old.  My nine year old thought it was too creepy.
The residents of Taper, Florida are surrounded by sugar cane, water and muck.  Football is a way of life.  When  Coach Wilson, the beloved high school football coach dies, Mack returns with his wife, stepson Charlie and daughter Molly for funeral.  Charlie is intrigued by the unusual town and smoking sugarcane fields.  His cousin Cotton is odd, but endearing.  When Mack is offered a temporary job as the football coach, Charlie knows he would rather live in this small town than in the fast pace northeast suburbia.  Cotton entices him into the cane fields where they find true evil lurking that threats to possess the town.  Can two teen boys prevent this evil from invading everyone's hearts?
Quite unique and exciting.  Sometimes I was not sure if I was "getting all that there was to get", but it may be because we read this book over a long period of time, with weeks in between readings (We had to return it and then request it again.).
This book reveals the power of envy and storing up angry.  But love and forgiveness prevail.
-Borrowed via inter-library loan (My local county system does not own it).
Warning: Charlie's first father was abusive, one swear word, evil, violence, violent riots, death

Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt*

On his first day of sixth grade, Carter's house is in chaos.  The Jeep won't start.  Each sibling has an major issue.  Their father is deployed.  Then a butler appears on their stoop.  Apparently their grandfather (they had never met him) had passed away and left a generous endowment where the butler could continue his services to the family.  Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick, who is the butler,  is British and a passionate cricketer.  He enters Carters' life when he especially needs a male role model to help him process a sibling's death and an absent father.  Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick not only teaches Carter how to play cricket, but also how to be noble to his family members and to be a gentleman.
My favorite character was Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick. 
Under each chapter number, an aspect of cricket is explained. The chapter's events correspond to the cricket terminology.  Very creative and clever!
To be honest, I sort of blanked out during the cricket descriptions and games while I read this book.  I have no schema for it so my brain was struggling to connect!
*Highly recommend (for junior high and older).
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: sibling death, absentee father, adultery/unfaithfulness

The Treasure Chest #9 Leonardo Da Vinci: Renaissance Master by Ann Hood

Twins, Felix and Maisie,  travel back in time to Florence where they interact with young Leonardo Da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. 
Each time they travel to a new place in history, they learn more about the mysteries of Elm Medona (their great uncle's mansion) and their family history.
Points to discuss: The twins' parents are divorced and they are both dealing with the raw aftermath of it.  Maisie has a crush on Sandro Botticelli.
Initially I found it difficult to get into this book since I had not read the others in the series.  I found the facts about Leonardo Da Vinci and this time period fascinating.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Dancing Pancake by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff*

A novel in verse
Bindi is mad at her father for leaving them.  As she and her mom try to survive under these new circumstances, Bindi learns life lessons about kindness, forgiveness and unselfishness.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: martial problems/separation; homelessness; crushes (Bindi has a crush on a boy for a short time)
-Borrowed from the library.

Rosetown by Cynthia Rylant*

Rosetown, Indiana is a stable, comforting town, even during the 1970's.  Nine year old Flora loves its dependability.  When her parents separate, her dog dies and her fourth grade assignments overwhelm, the reliable town and its inhabitants (especially a new friend) help her endure the changes. 
Ms. Rylant really develops the characters and setting.  Readers who love action filled plots may not enjoy this book.  Yet Ms. Rylant's superb writing may just draw them into Flora's life and Rosetown.  I have found myself thinking about this book and the lovely town days after reading.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Points to discuss: martial issues/separation; 1970's (environmental movement vs. pesticides and saving endangered species)
 

The Reading Promise-My Father and the Books We Shared by Alice Ozma*

With humor and honesty, Alice shares how, from the time she was in fourth grade until the day she leaves for college, she and her father do not miss a night of reading together.
The book is also a tribute to her father who raised her as a single parent and who was a fabulous children's librarian in the public school.  Towards the end it focuses a bit on public education and its disregard for books and reading aloud.
This book was a treat to read as Alice divulges with wit and a delightful writing style the ups and downs of her childhood.
**Highly, highly recommend to those who love reading, reading aloud, children and books.
-Borrowed from the library.
**I first heard about Alice Ozma on Read Aloud Revival podcast by Sarah Mackenzie.  https://amongstlovelythings.com/

Paper Angels-DVD

After reading Walk to Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne, I researched other books he has written.  Instead of reading his book Paper Angels to myself, I borrowed the DVD based on his book to share with the family.
It is recommended for 12 years or older (see warnings) but we were ok with our first and fourth grader watching it.
Thomas's mom jumps in the car with him and his sister to flee her abusive husband.  As the threesome struggles to make ends meet, Thomas experiences bullying at school and figures out a way to rise above it.  Meanwhile, Kevin is the owner of a floundering business.  His biggest concern, however, is his wife about to give birth to twin boys.  One of the boys is not developing at the proper rate.
These two stories are woven together but the characters do not necessarily ever realize the impact the one has on the other.
Our first grader was amazed that Thomas gave away all of his gifts!!
Thomas is an amazing role model!
Warnings/points to discuss: abuse (alcohol and physical), bullies/cyber bullying
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Booked by Kwame Alexander*

Twelve year old Nick Hall loves soccer, his mom's food and April (a girl in his etiquette class).  He hates reading, especially his dad's dictionary.  Then, abruptly he hates his life when his parents separate, bullies get the best of him and he loses the chance to play in a major soccer tournament.
Through free verse and poetry, readers sympathize with Nick and applaud as he attempts to make some positive changes in his attitude and outlook.
Perfect for reluctant readers (especially boys).
Text set: The Crossover, Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse,  All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg
Points to discuss/warnings: some swearing and crass language; Nick has a major crush on April (nothing inappropriate occurs); separation/divorce
I love the unique words,  the footnote definitions and the wordplay.
*Highly recommend for junior/high school.  The library has this book categorized as "young adult".

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff*

Trent wishes he could change his fifth grade year.  He hit a hockey puck.  The puck hit Jared Richards in the chest.  Jared died (he had a heart defect).  As he enters sixth grade he is convinced the whole town hates him.  As the anger bubbles inside of him, he retaliates with mean words and actions.  Then he and Fallon Little become friends.  A girl with scar right through the middle of her face. . . .no one knows how it happens and each time someone asks, she makes up a new story.
Will Trent's simmering anger destroy the only friendship he has?
The title comes from one small section in the book.  Would be interesting to discuss with the reader/students why Ms. Graff choose this title in relation to her message in the book.
I stayed up until midnight to finish this book.  Ms. Graff is brave to expose a young boy's guilt and anger over a tragic event.  My heart broke for Trent.  I became frustrated with the parents (I did not like his dad at all!!).
*Highly recommend.
For mature junior highers only (my opinion).
Points to discuss/warnings: swearing ("a" word, "jacka" etc), divorced parents/new marriage, death, anger (sometimes explosive), a bit of violence (fight between Trent and Jeremiah, Trent's thoughts/ book of thoughts),  disrespect to teachers and father

Strategies: inferring, character traits, author's message/main idea

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman*

I could have read this book in one sitting!
Intriguing plot that weaves the past with the present plus an appealing setting (I wanted to pack my bags and wander in Twig's orchard, taste her mom's pies and help Twig and Julia revive the herb garden!!).

In the 1770's two families lived side by side in Sidwell, Mass.  The one son from one family fell in love with the one daughter from the other family.  Then the Revolutionary War broke out-the boy's family was on the Colonist side while the girl's family sided with the British.  Their families forbade them to see each other.  Despite their families' demands, they decided to run away together.  On the night of their planned escape, the boy never shows . . . the girl waits all night, all day, a week, a month, a year.  She places a curse on the boy and  future male generations-they would grow wings.

Fast forward to the present-Twig's family has a secret.  No one knows she has an older brother James .  . .who has wings.  Twig and her mother keep to themselves on the family farm and orchard.  Twig has no friends; no father.  Then a family moves in next door to Twig and starts to remodel the "witch's" house who placed the curse on Twig's family.
Is this a summer of change-for Twig to finally have a friend, to break the curse and for a long-lost father to return?
Some reviewers did not like how everything is resolved neatly and perfectly but I did!  I like nice endings where everything works out!!
**Highly recommend.  Well-written.
Apple pie recipe included in the back.
Warnings/points to discuss: witch/curse; parent separation

The Secrets of Eastcliff-by-the Sea by Eileen Beha illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright*

"The Story of Annaliese Easterling and Throckmorton-Her Remarkable Sock Monkey"
Throckmorton, a sock monkey, was made lovingly by Annaliese's great grandmama and given to her the day she was born.
Throckmorton brings Annaliese much joy in an otherwise somber, joyless household.  Motherless, friendless, Annaliese confides in Throckmorton daily.  She longs to know more about her mother but her father, Judge Easterling, forbids the mention of her name.
Then Great-Grandmama Easterling invites all the sock monkeys she has ever made and their owners to her 90th birthday party.  At the party and days that follow many secrets are discovered and many hurts are forgiven.
All because a sock monkey is who is he suppose to be: loving, loyal, very good listener, and forever smiling!
**The story is told from the sock monkey's point of view.
Points to discuss: The punch at the party is supposedly spiked and the boys rather enjoy it!!  Divorce/parent abandonment.