So many books, so little time

So, I spent this lovely 3-day weekend curled up inside reading frantically trying to get all of the BBYA nominations read before dicussions begin at ALA this coming weekend. Lost cause, probably... BUT, I did get a lot read and here are my quick thoughts on them.

Julia Alvarez- Return to Sender

Good story around contemporary issue but really too young for YA










Ellen Jensen Abbott- Watersmeet

Did not expect to like this one as much as I did. Not perfect, but a solid quest fantasy/coming of age.









Kekla Magoon- The Rock and The River

Solid historical fiction featuring the Black Panthers which are not often seen in Children's fiction.




Julia Hoban- Willow

Hauntingly realistic- not quite as elegant as Laurie Halse Anderson but would be a good recommendation for fans of hers or Sarah Dessen.









Jacqueline Davies- Lost

This books biggest problem is its cover. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.








Donna Jo Napoli- Alligator Bayou

Not what I expected from her but it is a very touching historical fiction story with a horrible horrible ending.









Peter Marino- Magic and Misery

Nothing spectacular about it- but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. I found the characters voices to be authentic and interesting. Light-hearted and upbeat while tacking serious issues.








Michael Northrup- Gentlemen

I am still puzzled by this book- not quite sure how I feel about it yet.










Phillip Hoose- Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

Interesting and readable story of a teenager whose contributions to the Civil Rights Movement are not well known, but meaningful. Is it something teens will pick up on their own, no- but would be great for use in classrooms and for assignments.