One of the advantages of having a daughter who's a librarian is that I get to read ARCs (advance reader's copies) of books that won't reach libraries or bookstores for another few months. Of the last stack I read, here are some of my favorites, in alphabetical order because I couldn't make up my mind which was my very favorite:
Adios, Nirvana
Conrad Wesslehoeft, who lives in nearby Seattle
High school student—musician and poetry award winner—nearly flunks out of school after his brother dies. His compensatory project: writing the memoirs of a WWII veteran dying in hospice. Grittily poetic.
The Grimm Legacy
Polly Shulman
High school kids working in a museum where historical items are checked out like books discover that someone has been stealing magical items from the secret Grimm collection. Likely fans: anyone who has worked in a library or grew up on fairy tales.
Plain Kate
Erin Bow
A classic 'historical' fantasy, in which Kate trades her shadow in exchange for escape from town where her skill in carving makes folk believe she's a witch. Lovely writing, and charming talking cat!
The Space between Trees
Katie Williams
Two girls investigate the murder of their friend and their attempt to wreak revenge on the possible murderer goes terribly wrong. Excellent interior dialog and characterizations.
Star Crossed
Elizabeth Bunce (author of Curse Dark as Gold)
Editor, Cheryl Klein and agent Erin Murphy – Arthur A. Levine Books
Another splendid historical fantasy, with Digger, aka Celyn, unwillingly cast as spy against those who still honor magic. First in a series to be continued in Liar's Moon.
Where the Streets Had a Name
Randa Abdel-Fattah (author of Does This Make My Head Look Fat)
Excellent depiction of the plight of Palestinians, especially those whose homes were taken over by relocated Jews after the Holocaust.
