Month: March 2017

Middle Grade Fiction, Series

Middle School: Escape to Australia by James Patterson

The Bookish Librarian

Grades 3-6

australiaRafe Khatchadorian is back in the ninth book in the Middle School series. He has recently won the school art competition, and is thrilled to be headed Down Under. Australia isn’t what he’d imagined it would be, however. He isn’t used to the scorching temperatures, his host siblings’ welcome skills leave a lot to be desired, and he finds himself constantly trying to escape poisonous critters at every corner. Rafe begins to wonder why he was ever excited about the trip in the first place.


 

Animals, Picture Books, Storytime

Conejito: A Folktale from Panama by Margaret Read MacDonald

The Bookish Librarian

conejitoGrades K-2

This is the retelling of a folktale about a little rabbit on his way to visit his Tía Monica. On his way, he meets different animals who plan to make a meal of him, but he convinces them that he is too skinny, and that he will be much more filling on his way back, after his aunt has fattened him up. The author includes Spanish words to enhance the story, and the traditional song Tía Monica is repeated throughout the story.

Historical Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

Genevieve’s War by Patricia Reilly Giff

The Bookish Librarian

genevieveGrades 3-6

This historical fiction novel takes place in 1939, when thirteen-year-old Genevieve spends the summer at her grandmother’s home in Alsace, France. When it is almost time for her to return to the States, Genevieve makes the bold decision to stay in France. It proves to be a tough one, because World War II breaks out soon after. Gen finds herself in the midst of the war when the Nazis take over Alsace and deport Jews. Then her friend Remi commits sabotage, and she is forced to hide him in the attic. This book is the companion book to Lily’s Crossing.

Thanks to Holiday House Hardcover for a review copy of this book.

Adult Fiction, ARC Reviews

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

The Bookish Librarian

beartownAges 18+

Beartown is a tiny community situated in the forest, and it is known for their ice rink and hockey team. The semi-final match should have been an exciting time, but instead, the result is a girl who is a victim of violence. Now the town must come together and fight back. Will they see victory or will this be the end of Beartown for good?

Thanks to Netgalley.com for a review copy of this book.

Adult Fiction, ARC Reviews, Biography

Over the Hills and Far Away: The Life of Beatrix Potter by Matthew Dennison

The Bookish Librarian

potterAges 16+

Fans of Beatrix Potter and her adorable Peter Cottontail stories will love this biography! It describes what happens in the stories that she wrote and illustrated. The book chronicles Potter’s life, and tells of how she came to create the beloved tales.

Thanks to Netgalley.com for a review copy of this book.

Adult Fiction, ARC Reviews, YA Fiction

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

The Bookish Librarian

Ages 16+

tea girl.jpg

Li-yan and her family’s lives revolve around tea, and they farm certain types throughout the year. Then, Li-yan has a baby, whom she names Haley, out of wedlock and abandons her. While the two of them are separated, Haley grows up as a privileged California girl, but always wonders about her roots and Li-yan longs for the daughter she gave up so long ago. Will the two of them reunite or be separated forever?

Thanks to Netgalley.com for a review copy of this book.

Historical Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

The Bookish Librarian

Grades 4-6

michael-collins

When ten-year-old Mamie’s class is assigned to write letters to the astronauts who are planning to land on the moon in 1969, she chooses Michael Collins, the least known of the three men. Although she doesn’t hear back from Michael, Mamie continues to write to him after the assignment and school is over, using the letters like journal entries. She loves writing to him, and wonders if she will ever get a response.

Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.