We've All Got Bellybuttons

I rarely do a review on a children's book, but Chloe and I enjoyed this one SO much today, I just couldn't resist. We've All Got Bellybuttons by David Martin is WONDERFUL!!! The story goes through different body parts and different animals and shows how each can use that body part - then it asks the child if they can use the body part the same way - we were stretching our necks, closing our eyes, and even finding our bellybuttons - it was a great story and the illustrations help to "make" this book!

Summer of the War

Summer of the War by Gloria Whelan is another wonderful Junior High/Teen book that I just finished. I usually do enjoy Whelan's work so I wasn't surprised that this one scored high on my list. This book is set in Michigan during the summer of 1942. It is the story of Belle and how each summer she and her siblings go to the Upper Peninsula to spend some time on "their island". It is usually a summer filled with family time and lots of fun outdoors but this summer is different - their wealthy, Parisian cousin, Carrie plans to come and stay. It turns their summer upside down and Belle has to learn what it means to live with someone you have a hard time getting along with. Consequently - since it is set during 1942 we have two "wars" going on during this summer! The end takes quite a turn but really clinches the story - I enjoyed this one.

Tomorrow, The River

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Dianne E. Gray as an author!! I just finished Tomorrow, the River and once again she has mastered the fine art of fiction. I love her writing - this one is very interesting to me as it is set mostly in Iowa - along the eastern side - but that is where I am from so I could relate to a lot of that area. The story takes Megan Barnett from all she knows on her farm to the Mississippi River with her sister and her husband. The adventures they encounter on the river are interesting and mysterious. All in all - she leaves us with a wonderfully-told story of a girl growing up, finding out what she wants to do with her life, and meeting a man she may spend the rest of her life with. And if you enjoy this one - RUN out and read Holding up the Earth and Together Apart as well!

A Drowned Maiden's Hair

Whew - I FINALLY found a good read - wouldn't you know - just go to the Junior High section!!! A Drowned Maiden's Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz is my latest GREAT find. I had read somewhere that it was a good one and wherever it was, they were right!! This is a great tale of an orphan that is adopted by three sisters. It all seems like a fine arrangement until Maud - the orphan - is told she must stay in the upstairs and not be seen. That strikes an odd chord and begins Maud on her search to find out what the sisters are up to. Maud ultimately becomes "part" of their secrets and must decide just how much she is willing to endure for the sake of being loved. It is a tale with many twists and turns - even the ending will keep you going!! I highly recommend this one!