Here is what I've been reading for the past 3 weeks:
1. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan - Terrifying! I don't know that I've ever actually read a book that can be classified as horror. My husband is always pestering me to go see scary movies with him and I refuse. When FHT is made into a movie I don't know that I will be able to watch it! That being said, this is a fabulously exciting and well-written horror story.
2.Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri - I'd almost like to call this a quiet fantasy, meaning there are no dragons, wizards, or huge action-packed scenes. But I said almost. This is not a quiet story by any means; the characters are memorable and powerful and the story dark. I'm a big fan of fractured fairy tales and retellings and this is no exception. I linked to the audiobook for this one because I purchased my copy of this on iTunes and listened to it. The narration was SO well done!
3. Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko - I loved the book Al Capone Does My Laundry, and therefore had high hopes for this title. I was not disappointed. Al Capone Shines My Shoes is humorous and touching in a way that reminds me of Gary D. Schmidt's Wednesday Wars. I think this would be a perfect classroom read aloud. I can't imagine many kids in 5th - 8th who would read this and be disappointed. It's just as exciting, well-written and crowd-pleasing as the first!
[note: the copy I read was an ARC]
4. The Comeback Season by Jennifer E. Smith - Amazing parallels between life and baseball are drawn in this heartbreaking story of love and loss. Highly recommended for ages 14 and up, baseball fan or not.
5. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - I have read other books by Dessen and enjoyed them, but haven't particularly loved them...until now. I am so glad that one of my students gave this to me to read! I really sympathized with the main character, Macy, in this story as she explored loss and love. The character development in this story was intriguing and wonderful.
