When a young woman moves into a new neighborhood, her kleptomaniac cat decides to “fix” the lonely people in the community while he simultaneously tortures the neighbor’s dog. This is a cute, light story that is perfect for a palate cleanser between heavier books. If you love cats, you should definitely check this one out.
Jessie’s mother died when she was fourteen-years-old. Now she is sixteen and starting a new school after her father eloped and drug her across the country to sunny L.A. where every girl seems to be blond, skinny, and rich. All of the things that Jessie is not. Soon after her arrival, Jessie receives an e-mail from an anonymous source offering to give her all the info she needs to survive her junior year. I have been surprised at just how many teen books deal with grief in a very realistic, compassionate way. This book does a great job of describing the loneliness of grief and dislocation. There is also quite a bit about sexuality.
When Jilly’s sister is born deaf, she attempts to find out more about being deaf from an on-line friend. Her friend is not always nice or patient with her questions. I found this book to be realistic in the responses of frustration from the oft questioned acquaintance. There are a lot of serious issues discussed in this book. There is also a police shooting. I think the issues were covered in a sensitive way.
If you haven’t hopped on the “Pete the Cat” train, you need to get your groove on! This groovy cat thinks life is “all right”. Kids love Pete.
Albright was the first female Secretary of State under President Clinton. She was also a refuge as a child fleeing to the United States from the Nazis. This was a deep dive into various fascist regimes in the past and her concerns for the future. Check it out on audio on Libby!
