August 2019 Book Report

YA special! Lately, when Lia visits, she brings along several books that she is in the process of reading and/or thinks I will like. Her reading tastes have matured a great deal over the last couple of years. We have a lot of fun discussing them afterward.

Bigger Than a Breadbox (2012) by Laurel Snyder

Rebecca is struggling with the separation of her parents, living with her maternal grandmother and having to leave her father behind. She finds an old wooden breadbox in her grandmother’s attic and discovers that if she wishes for something that would fit in this breadbox, it will appear. She discovers also that there is a price to pay for all these wishes.

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Wishing Day (2017) by Lauren Myracle

On the 3^rd night of the 3^rd month after a girl turns 13, she gets to make 3 wishes at the Wishing Tree. One impossible wish; one wish she can make come true herself; one deep wish of her secret heart. Natasha doesn’t know if she believes all of this, but is willing to try it out. First book in a trilogy.

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Ordinary Magic (2012) by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

In a world where everyone has some kind of magic, the few who are born without magic are outcasts. When a child turns 12, they are given a test to see what kind of magic they possess. If it turns out they are an “ord” or ordinary person, they are usually sent away from their family or are sold as slaves. Abby is very much loved by her family, though, and is instead sent to a “special” school to learn how to live a full life without magic. I was very disappointed to learn that there are no sequels to this book. I would love to learn more about what happens to all the characters.

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Breakout (2018) by Kate Messner

Wolf Creek Middle School is contributing to the community time capsule project. Nora is excited by this because she wants to be a reporter some day and writes several letters to future residents of the town. When two inmates from the nearby prison escape, everything in this formerly sleepy, friendly, easy going town changes. People start locking their doors for the first time. The book consists of sticky notes, letters, news articles and the like that Nora gathers together to put in the time capsule. Very cleverly done. Great book to get kids thinking.

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The Secret of Nightingale Wood (2016) by Lucy Strange

Very cool book. The year is 1919 and 12 year old Henrietta (known as Henry to her family), her parents, her baby sister and Nanny Jane move from London to the countryside after the tragic death of Henry’s brother and the complete breakdown of their mother. While all the adults are concerned and caring for the mother, Henry is left alone a lot and seems drawn to the mysterious Nightingale Wood near the house. She sees smoke coming a campfire in the middle of it. She investigates and thinks she discovers a witch living there. She starts seeing the spirit of her brother, Robert. No one will tell her what is wrong with her mother or even let her see her mother. She finally takes matters into her own hands and rescues her mother from an asylum.

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