Two books in one

Like the main characters, Jake and Lily, by Jerry Spinelli, is two books, both literally, and figuratively.  It is told in two, alternating voices, those of twins Jake and Lily.  In my opinion, though, there is the annoying part and the part I liked.

Since six years old, Jake and Lily have shared "goombla," the ability twins sometimes have to know each other's thoughts.  If one was in trouble, the other knew, and, it was impossible for them to play hide and seek.  Then they turned 11.  Suddenly, Jake is hanging out with a bunch of guys, leaving Lily adrift.  Lily has to learn to be Lily-without-Jake.  At the same time, Jake faces his own challenges as his new friends begin to bully a new kid.  Both Jake and Lily must come to terms with their lives separately and together.

As the book started, I did not like it.  I found the constant shift in voice distracting, and the initial problem introduction uncomfortable.  Having said that, as the problem resolution began, I was used to the changing perspective and was invested in how it finished.  If you start this book, be sure to finish; it is worth it.

Compelling MN historical fiction

I read Frozen by Minnesota author Mary Casanova because of a great confluence of events....being from Minnesota, meeting her at a conference, co-planning a historical fiction unit, and, finally, running into the right person at the right time.  The book sort of fell in my lap.  I am so glad it did.  In fact, I'm beginning to rethink my opinion that I'm not a fan of historical fiction.

It is set far in the north of Minnesota on the eve of Prohibition.  A prostitute is found, dead, frozen in the snow.  Everyone assumed she passed out and died from exposure.  Known to only a few, huddled near her body was her six-year-old daughter.  Fast forward 10 years.  The girl is now a teenager, foster-child to a state senator, and she hasn't spoken a word since she was brought to them all those years ago.  She still has dim memories of the night her mother died, and she suspects there was foul play.  She begins a secret journey to find the truth, and her voice, both literally and figuratively.  Clear-cutting, logging barons, environmentalism, women's rights, greed, mental illness and murder come together in this compelling mystery.  

This story has it's inspiration in a news story from that era about a prostitute found frozen in the snow whose body was propped in the city hall as a "joke."  I admire the creative mind that took such a sad, sordid article and created such a rich backstory.

Arrrgh........watch out for the Jolly Robin (yes, I do mean Robin)

I had gotten the book The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate by Scott Nash on a whim....I was a bit skeptical about a pirate story to begin with, let alone one in which the pirates are birds.  I must say, however, it was captivating, funny, and full of all the swashbuckling a pirate book requires.

Captain Blue Jay of the dread pirate ship Grosbeak is "generally the most bloodthirsty and fearsome pirate to sail the high skies."  Because of this reputation, most ships surrender their booty without even a fight.   This suits Jay just fine, as he is really quite caring and concerned about his crew.  His one obsession, besides treasure, is his collection of unusual eggs.  A battle with raccoons leads to a rare egg, like none Jay has ever seen.  Imagine his surprise when one of the crew, Junco, is inspired to SIT on the egg.  Her vigil is ultimately supported by the crew, and out hatches.....a goose.  Geese are considered "sky gods" and Jay can just imagine the value one would be on the crew.  The Captain and the crew begin to raise the homeless gosling, teaching him to be a pirate.  As the ship crashes and is stolen from them by the evil crow, Teach and his mob of thugs, Jay must inspire the lost goose, a mole, and the peasant sparrows to plan a daring rescue and escape.

There is so much that is appealing a out this story:  amazing illustrations, non-stereotypical roles, great plays on words.   Great fun for all to read! 

Books in verse....no thank you (I know, argue away)

May B by Caroline Starr Rose has an exciting and compelling story line. Set in the time of homesteading on the Kansas prairie, eleven-year-old May has been contracted to help at a neighbor's homestead until Christmas.  Times are tough and her family can use the extra money she will earn.  A sudden, terrible turn of events leaves young May all by herself to survive with winter approaching.  She is miles away from anyone else and it is so easy to get lost in the endless prairie.

The story is told in verse, which I found annoying.  I may be in a minority on this.
 

Surprising!

I read Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead, Newbery Award winning author of When You Reach Me.  I LOVED When You Reach Me and First Light and wasn't sure I would like Liar and Spy as it seems a different genre.  Without going into too much detail about other books, they fit in with my first love which is of  Sci Fi/Fantasy.  This book does not...no lost civilizations or time travel or wizards.  Boring......

...and yet.  

This book was absolutely compelling!  Rebecca Stead has a talent for taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary, and for adding surprising twists.

Georges (the S is silent) is not having the best year.  His best friend has simply abandoned him for the cool table, his dad was laid off, his mom is working way too many doubles, and they have to leave the house he loves to move to an apartment.  Then he meets Safer, a home-schooled boy that lives in his new building.  Safer is sure the mysterious Mr X is up to something terrible and needs Georges's help to prove it.  In an understated way this book tackles huge issues such as trust, bullying, and belonging.  Just as there is more to Mr X, there is more than meets the eye with everyone in this story.  

I found it funny, touching, and entertaining, even for this lover of all things fantasy!