The Chosen by Chaim Potok

This is one of my all time favorite books. I first discovered it when I was in 6th grade, and have reread it many times since then. It's a book that has really affected the way I look at the world and changed my life. This book truly is a must read.

I really liked the concise review I found on Littera Scripta Manet, So I decided to just copy from there rather than write my own review:

In The Chosen, Potok tells the story of two Jewish boys in 1940's Brooklyn--Reuven and Daniel--who form an unlikely friendship after a baseball hit by Daniel, a Hassidic, strikes Reuven, a Modern Orthodox, in the eye. As their friendship develops, so does the social and political climate as the boys' fathers react differently to the potential for an Israeli state at the conclusion of World War II. Ultimately, the boys successfully maintain their friendship, while responsibly dealing with the conflicts between their fathers and their beliefs.

The novel's themes include the strength of friendship, the pursuit of truth, religion & the secular world, and father-son relationships; a father's advice on friendship; two views on how to raise a son; serious religious study; discussion of historic events in the context of the novel; and moral themes of family, friendship, religion, and life-long learning.

The Calder Game

Author: Blue Balliett ages: 10+
I just read the Calder Game while I've been in the hospital with Caleb. I really enjoyed it! This is the third book in a series, but can stand on it's own if you haven't read the other two. There was a great mystery with secret codes and fun characters! The setting takes place in England instead of Chicago like the other two. A famous sculpture disappears, a child in the trio goes missing, and the town is full of shadey characters. I really enjoyed the other two book in this series as well: Chasing Vermeer, and The Wright Three. Sometimes the writing is a bit scattered, but over-all I think these books are a lot of fun! The illustrations are inviting and usually have something hidden in them. I like how these books also create an interrest in art! With all 3, I've learned more about the artists mentioned because I was hooked after reading the books!
Want to learn more? visit http://www.scholastic.com/blueballiett/caldergame.htm

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

If you’ve ever wished to be part of an ‘old fashioned story’ then this is the book for you. Lois Lowry has done it again, though this book has a distinctly different flavor than her other books. You can definitely taste the influence of such authors as Roald Dahl or L.M. Montgomery. The book has a certain twisted nature but leaves you content that everything works out in the end. It is a quick read and easily finished in an afternoon.

In the book, Lowry pokes fun at some of English Literature’s most famous ‘worthy and winsome orphans’ while honoring them at the same time. Tired being neglected by their horrible parents, the four Willoughby Children concoct a plan to become orphans themselves. Meanwhile, Inspired by the tale of Hansel and Gretel, their parents are trying just as hard to get rid of them. Like most old fashioned stories, this one also includes a very capable nanny, and an extremely wealthy benefactor. Don’t let the stereotypes fool you though, this old fashioned story is brand new.

One of the best things about the book is the way Lowry plays with you as the reader. She almost smothers the story with wonderfully descriptive adjectives, and then ironically the mother in the story dislikes a book because of its adjectives. There are many blatant hints and forshadowings in the beginning of what is to happen further along in the story, and there are some that might take you a while to realize. It is a very cat and mousish game and I loved every part of it.

This is a book that both children and adults can enjoy. I highly recommend it to anyone out there looking for a quick read. Also, if you would like more information about the author check out LoisLowry.com

Author Spotlight: Audrey & Don Wood

I love every one of Audrey and Don Wood's books! We read them over and over! Our favorites include: King Bidgood's In the Bathtub, The Little Mouse The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear, Piggies, Weird Parents, and The Napping House. They have a really fun website at audreywood.com that has booklists, activities and information about upcoming books!

Cowlick

Author: Christin Ditchfield
Age: Early readers and children who like picture books
I just checked this book out at the library because I saw that it was nominated for an award. It was darling, and the pictures were great! It is about children who go to sleep and a cow sneaks into their room and slurps their hair! There are just the right amount of words to hold children's interest, and they'll love repeating all of the "slurp" sounds! It's perfect for kids with or without cowlicks!

The Moonraker's Bride

Author: Madeleine Brent
age: 14+
I recently read this book and loved it! It was just the right balance of intriguing characters, an engaging mystery and a taste of romance. It was a great adventure that takes the main character, Lucy, across the world. I loved the many twists and turns and I thought the ending was very satisfying! The romance was downplayed and wasn't inappropriate at any time. This was so fun to read, and it reminded me just a little bit of Jane Eyre. The Moonraker's Bride is out of print so you'll need to take a trip to the library!

Book Nook

Many of us attend books clubs and visit websites where we share what we like to read. This cozy spot is a place where we can share what we enjoy reading with a special focus on children's literature and juvenile literature! I want my children to enjoy reading out of the best books! I try not to invite books to visit my home that contain inappropriate humor, "potty talk" and negative behavior. Children get enough of that in the world around them. Instead I try invite books that encourage my children to laugh, to unlock their imagination, to embark on an adventure and to learn new things. If you've read a book that you've enjoyed, I'd love to hear about it! Please comment any time with the title, author, appropriate age and what you enjoyed about it!