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Sisters of Glass (Shard, Book One) by Naomi Cyprus (2017)

8/31/2018

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​By Piranha T.
 
Nalah is the daughter of a glassblower in a land where magic is forbidden, yet she possesses it. Her own magic gift is growing stronger, and she must struggle to control it. Because there’s not just people who don’t want her to have her power. There are those who want to use it for themselves.
 
Halan is the crown princess of a desert kingdom where your magic dictates who you are. She has none, a fact that she has always struggled to understand. The royal family has always had magic, and Halan will grow to wish for it more than ever. For although there’s a rebellion against her father slowly spreading around the castle, the rebels aren’t the only ones who want to take her life.
 
They are two girls, from two worlds. Yet Nalah and Halan’s lives are about to collide, and together they will uncover secrets which someone wants to hide forever.
 
Sisters of Glass is a fun, exciting fantasy with a plot full of unexpected twists and turns. Nalah and Halan are two excellent characters with understandable and sympathetic desires. I recommend Sisters of Glass to readers ages nine and up.
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One for the Murphys - by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (2012)

6/19/2017

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By Guest Contributor Sylvie Strawberry, age 13, Massachusetts

Ages 9-14
Fiction

“I look at this family. A family I don’t know. That I am supposed to stay with.”

Carley Connors was in foster care.

This book is about how Carley struggles in the random family she is supposed to live with. Carley was away from her real mom who betrayed her.

That new family, they were all too perfect.

A dad who earns good money as a fireman and is affectionate with his kids, two boys who love playing games, with an older brother who’s obsessed with sports, and even a flawless mom who thinks crying is perfectly normal.

Not that Carley would ever cry.

Carley figures out how she can survive with this family, and go to a new school and make friends.

Carley soon realizes that one of the brothers in her new family hates her, her new best friend gets suspicious about Carley’s foster care secret, and once Carley feels like she really fits in, her real mom ruins everything.

I really liked this book because it talks about family, that you can always be loved no matter what mistakes you make. It shows you that everyone struggles with life, even if it looks like they don’t. I would recommend this book to other readers because they will enjoy the realistic character of Carley, who makes mistakes and gets confused and is far from perfect.

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Wonder - by R.J. Palacio (2012)

6/5/2017

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By Contributing Writer, A.R., Massachusetts

ages 9-15
realistic fiction

This book is about a boy named August who is going into middle school. When August was born his face came out very different than most other people, so naturally he is nervous of being made fun of in middle school. August has been home schooled up until this point, so he barely knows anyone in his class. The book shows persistence and good friendships, and is an amazing and unique story.

I loved how realistic the author was about middle school students in the book. I also loved how the author switches point of view a lot to help you understand all sides of the story.

Note from Super Kitty & Piranha T: We also loved this book - it is one of our favorites and, if you haven't read it already, we highly recommend reading it with friends - it makes for excellent discussion!
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Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan (2000)

6/3/2015

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- by Super Kitty

It seems to Esperanza that her life on El Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico - full of beautiful clothes, a lovely house, Papa, Mama, and Abuelita - will be perfect forever. But when tragedy strikes, Esperanza and her Mama must flee to a farm worker camp in California. Esperanza is not prepared for the hard working and living conditions that the camp provides. But when her Mama falls ill, Esperanza realizes she must rise above her worries.

I like Esperanza Rising because it is a wonderful book. It is a very good audiobook to listen to, as well. The beginning is rather sad, it it gets much better. Piranha T did not like it at first, but at the end she liked it a lot. It is great for book clubs. I recommend Esperanza Rising to all readers.
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