New reads
Because I don't know when I'll be getting around to do another Squeeter Pig newsletter, I wanted to list some of my favorite recent reads, since I think that's the most important part of the newsletter.
Reaching for Sun, Tracie Vaughn Zimmer
A year in the life of a middle school student, told in first person poems. I used to cringe at the idea of a novel in poetry but I've done a 180. When done well (as Tracie has), this kind of poetry is so accessible to young readers. Reluctant readers will feel so much pride at how quickly they're turning pages. The writing is gorgeous without being heavy handed, and readers can easily empathize with this story of a girl with cerebral palsy.
I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith
Written in the 1930s, this book is the journal of a clever, lively 17-year-old girl, telling the story of her family and their home in a decaying English castle. It's my personal policy not to say anything negative about books by living authors. There are too many good books to waste my time with the negativity. But since Dodie Smith is deceased, I feel okay saying, this book broke my heart. I absolutely adored it and was preparing to recommend it at the top of my lungs to everyone I know...until the last chapter. Then the ending was so heartbreakingly disappointing that I recommend it now with real reservations. I think it's still worth reading, but just be warned. Anyway, you may completely disagree with me about the ending. Jessica Day George does. And Speaking of...
Dragon Slippers, by Jessica Day George
A girl befriends a dragon and moves to the big city to pursue her dream of being a dressmaker, unknowingly wearing a pair of enchanted slippers that could bring on a war. This is fun, clever, quality adventure, great for ages 10-14 especially or anyone who appreciates Patricia C. Wrede and Diana Wynne Jones.
The Astonishing X-Men, by Joss Whedon
Joss is king. I just read the latest installment of his X-Men story arc and it's so freakin' brilliant. Best suited for those who already have some knowledge of the X-Men characters and relationships.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick
This book is all the talk in the book community, and rightly so. Selznick, a brilliant illustrator, creates a gorgeous novel with hundreds of full sized illustrations. It reads like a cross between a movie and a novel, and tells the story of an orphan in 1930s Paris uncovering a mystery. Great for reluctant and eager readers alike, ages 10 and up. It's hard to explain without seeing it. Next time you're in a bookstore, pick it up and flip through a few pages.
Al Capone Does My Shirts, by Gennifer Choldenko
Super! The story of a boy who lives on Alcatraz, where his father is a prison guard. I read this almost straight through, and the ending made me grin madly.
Stiff, by Mary Roach
Fascinating, hysterical, and often gross (but not too gross), journalist Mary Roach details the lives of human corpses, from medical school experimentation to forensics studies. Great for non-fiction fans.