Yes, I know. I am the last person on Earth to read a Jodi Picoult novel. In my defense, they are so hyped and popular I don’t feel they need any help finding readers. Picoult is noted for choosing highly politicized topics to write about and “My Sister’s Keeper” is no different. She is a master at enabling her readers to see both sides of an issue. However, the ending seemed highly unlikely.
“The Lost Girl of Astor Street” by Stephanie Morrill is a wonderful historical fiction novel set in 1920s Chicago. Crime is rampant when Piper’s best friend goes missing. Piper’s father has defended criminals before but Piper’s awareness of these ties is minimal. Piper is a strong and relatable protagonist. This is an engaging mystery with some light romance.
Another true confession: I had never read “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr. A very short novel perfect for the 3-4 grader in your life to explain the bombing of Japan during WWII and its aftermath. A very touching read.
Matt Pena and Christian Robinson team up to make a beautiful picture book in “Carmela: Full of Wishes”. A young girl accompanies her big brother to work and stumbles across a dandelion. Just as she is getting ready to blow the dandelion fluff away, her brother tells her she must make a wish. This is an enchanting look into Carmela’s life.
Christina Uss’s “The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle” is a great little audiobook. It is perfect for a diversion while you are washing dishes or weeding gardens. A humorous, coming-of-age story incorporated into a travelogue. Summer is the perfect time to try out the free Libby/Overdrive digital audiobook system. https://meet.libbyapp.com/