November Reads

It’s not quite the end of the month, but here’s my November reads (for kids/teens). A couple of them were mentioned in an earlier post…

(I was looking for boy protagonists this month.)

• Hero Type by Barry Lyga. Teen hero Kross wrestles his inner demons and tries to find answers as to what defines a hero and also the meaning of patriotism. Thought-provoking but lightened by funny pranks. Nice job handling the emotions of a teen boy and portraying a group of friends  as well addressing some big issues without weighing down the story.
• Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan. Blake finds himself torn between two girls: his girlfriend and his friend that happens to be a girl. Interesting plot, premise, and weaving in of photography. I especially liked the supporting cast of characters.
• The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson. (See above post link) I knew there had to be a twist/surprise ending to this story–but it wasn’t the one I expected. Can’t explain without giving spoiler!
• Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli. (See above post link ) Fun to read a new book by such a master. Tough that the first of his books that I ever read was Maniac Magee. I’m always wanting that experience repeated.

For adults, I absolutely loved Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. These interwoven stories are incredible. They made my heart ache in the best of ways and the language and writing made me want to read them over and over again. So satisfying! This book won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize, but I read it because my sister-in-law passed it on to me.

Hmmm, what to read next?

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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OCTOBER’S RECOMMENDED READING

I’ve read so many fantastic books lately! It’s been an abundance of brilliance.

To wrap up the month, here’s my list of favorite novels read this month–in addition to the ones mentioned in earlier posts (JUMPED and WHEN YOU REACH ME).  I keep thinking I’ll get back to Goodreads some day, but it’s overwhelming to get caught up there.

• IF I STAY by Gayle Forman (Dutton Books-Penguin Group, 2009)
• THE CHOSEN ONE by Carol Lynch Williams (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2009)
• THE UNINVITED by Tim Wynne-Jones (Candlewick Press, 2009)
• WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking-Penguin Group, 2009)
• BECAUSE I AM FURNITURE by Thalia Chaltas (Viking-Penguin Group, 2009)
• JELLICOE ROAD by Melina Marchetta (Harper Teen-HarperCollins, 2008)
• JUMPING OFF SWINGS by Jo Knowles (Candlewick Press, 2009)

All are highly recommended!

I also enjoyed CATCHING FIRE, the sequel to the amazing HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins – but, IMHO, if you aren’t already hooked, wait for the final book to come out before reading this one. HUNGER GAMES is amazing all on its own. But CATCHING FIRE left me hanging in a most unpleasant state of limbo, like it wasn’t actually finished. I felt almost as annoyed as I did way back when after seeing Back to the Future II, knowing I had to wait for the last movie to find out how it all works out.  But that could just be impatient me.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Sarah Wones Tomp

WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

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