October was a busy reading month for me. I read a lot of kids' books, a few diverse novels, and even found time for a memoir. One of the highlights of the month was hearing new author Brit Bennett talk about her debut novel, The Mothers, at Brazos Bookstore, one of my favorite local bookshops.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I was a bit late to the party on this one, but I've read Kristin Hannah in the past and I loved The Nightingale. Set in Nazi-occupied France, the novel follows the lives of two sisters as they deal with the challenges of war in very different ways. It's a fantastic story, perfect for fans of WWII literature.
Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson
Our school librarian recommended this middle-grade title that deals with loss and grief. Ms. Bixby is a sixth grade teacher who is diagnosed with cancer. Told from the points of view of three of her students, this novel examines the power of a good teacher and how we deal with grief and sadness. One of my favorite books this month.
Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley
Another middle-grade novel, this Bluebonnet nominee centers around a magical circus. Micah Tuttle's grandfather is dying and only a miracle from the circus's Lightbender can save him. This is a lovely novel about friendship and believing in magic.
With Malice by Eileen Cook
In this young adult novel, Jill has been injured in a car accident and can't remember what happened or how her best friend ended up dead, with Jill accused of her murder. The unreliable narrator in this story leads the reader through twists and turns. A fantastic YA thriller.
Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
I read this lyrical novel by the National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming (one of my favorite novels in verse of 2015) for my book club. It tells the story of four young girls growing up in Brooklyn, a city full of promise but also danger, as friends August, Sylvia, Angela and Gigi discover as they transition from childhood to adulthood. It's a beautifully written novel.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
I am so glad that I read The Mothers right after reading Another Brooklyn because both books share themes of growing up motherless in a black community. This debut novel by the incredibly talented Brit Bennett examines friendship and how the choices you make affect your life and the lives of others. The writing is stunning.
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
This hilarious middle-grade novel is set on Moon Base Alpha (Earth's first moon colony) in the year 2040. There's been a suspicious death, and 12-year old Dash and his new friend Kira set out to discover the truth and possibly solve a murder. Another Bluebonnet nominee, this one was really fun with plot twists that I didn't expect. Though slow-going for Henry, it was a huge hit with Will, who devoured it in a day and immediately requested the sequel.
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
J.D. Vance grew up dirt poor in the Rust Belt. This memoir examines the culture of Appalachia and America's poor working class and what helped Vance get out, attend Yale Law School and achieve the American dream. Touted as an explanation for Trump's rise, though never actually mentioning Trump, I found this a fascinating read during this year's election season.
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
I adored this novel! The prologue takes place in 1966 at an exhibition of Walker Evans's Depression-era photographs, on display for the first time. A married couple viewing the exhibit come across two strikingly different photos of the same man, and protagonist Katey Kontent is taken back to the year 1938 when she and her best friend Eve meet Tinker Grey. This is a gorgeously crafted novel.
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
This graphic novel is another Bluebonnet nominee and it is not one that the boys or I would have ever picked up otherwise, so I was surprised at how much all three of us like it. Twelve-year-old Astrid has always done everything with her best friend, but the summer before junior high is different; Nicole is interested in boys and clothes and signs up for dance camp while tomboy Astrid chooses to learn the ins and outs of being a roller derby player. A gem.
Moo by Sharon Creech
Sharon Creech is a phenomenal middle-grade author, and Will and I picked up her newest book, Moo. Set in Maine (I'm a sucker for Maine stories), this middle-grade novel alternates between prose and verse, and looks at what happens when you let yourself be open to changes.
What have you been reading lately?
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