Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Youth Fiction - 5 stars

One of our Mother/Daughter book club selections, Number the Stars is the story of Danes and the Jews in Copenhagen Denmark in 1943. As the Nazis increased their presence in Denmark, rationing and relocation became realities for the people. An underground resistence movement also existed that focused on the protection and removal of Jews from Denmark to Sweden. This book, told from the perspective of 10 year-old Annamarie Johansen, touches on these very real subjects in a way that children can understand but not be truly saddened. It is one of the few holocaust books that I could say that about. I know Megan will enjoy reading this book, and I can't wait for the conversations that will come from it.

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Youth Fiction - 4 stars

This book club selection for the 6th grade crowd was very provocative. Claudia and Jamie, a brother and sister pair, run away from their home in Greenwich and travel to city to hide out for a little while in order to come back "different." Although their journey does not take them far, it is full of mystery and adventure. Written in 1967, the references to prices for items and travel make me yearn for those times, as does reference to a time when two children could travel the streets of New York safely.  I really enjoyed the book, as did Megan, and we can't wait for the next Mother/Daughter book club meeting to discuss it!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Youth Fiction - 5 stars

This is a beautiful story of a porcelain rabbit named Edward Tulane and the adventures that happen to him in his short life. At first, Edward is loved, but he isn't really attached. As the story unfolds, however, Edward encounters love like he's never seen, and he begins to feel for those who love him. When he meets a 100 year-old doll, she explains to him what life is about for dolls (a category into which he refuses to place himself), and he hopes for the first time. This is such a sweet story, but beware. This story will make your children never want to give up another doll!

Score!!!

Megan, Danny and I went to the used book sale at the kids' school, and I happened upon a collection of Agatha Christie novels that someone had cleaned off of her bookshelf. I was so excited I bought all of them. That, with 9 kids' books, and a historical look at the time of Sherlock Holmes (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's own investigations of European murder cases) was only $15. What a deal! Earlier in the day, Megan had picked up a cookbook for me, so overall it was an awesome day! I know what I'll be reading this summer...

I Double Dog Dare you!

Don't know how many of you know about this, but Borders summer reading program has begun! You can download the form here. My kids have started their reading lists, and they can't wait to get the first freebie! I'm pretty excited myself.