Andrew Clements is a favorite author in our home. I recently picked up two of his books for teens: THINGS NOT SEEN and THINGS HOPED FOR because I saw the second one reviewed on Marcia's blog. And I rememberd that Patti Gauch (the editor) had talked about it in a workshop once. The entire scene came flooding back to me ... the girl playing her violin in the dark. Both these books are amazing. I loved these passionate, intelligent teens and their stories.
I've also been reading a lot of Dick King Smith's books. He's famous for BABE (most people have seen the movie). But all his other animal stories are just as delightful and whimsical. We especially love MARTIN'S MICE and GEORGE SPEAKS. They are excellent read-aloud books as well.
For Christmas, my daughter received Kate di Camillo's GREAT JOY with illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline. Today she picked it out again to read. Brings tears to my eyes every time.
I also just finished SALVATION IS FROM THE JEWS by Roy Schoeman. Much food for thought in this book. And I am hungry ...
I'm feeling too lazy to make a link to all these authors and their books. But I hope you'll check these books out.
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3 comments:
MORE books to read! Sigh...I wish I were a faster reader.
I just finished reading THINGS NOT SEEN. I wasn't quite as blown away by it as by THINGS HOPED FOR, but I liked it a lot. I admire how Clements explored all the ramifications of being invisible, how he poked fun at the science a bit through the ending, which I figured out (don't want to give spoilers here). And I really enjoyed the little subplot with Sheila. I also know that the name "Sheila" means "blind," and figure that was a deliberate choice.
Oh, I didn't know about Sheila. I love it when an author does that ...
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