A peek at Brandon Mull

If you have any Fablehaven fans in your house, they might enjoy watching this!

Gloria Whelan

I just finished Parade of Shadows by Gloria Whelen. I've read almost all of her books and have really enjoyed them all!
Here's a review I liked from commonsensemedia.org:
National Book Award winner Gloria Whelan tells a classic, enjoyable tale of spies, mystery, adventure, and romance in PARADE OF SHADOWS. Whelan's pace throughout the book mirrors the pace of teen heroine Julia's adventure. At times the book speeds through the ancient streets of the Ottoman Empire. Other times it plods along through the desert. Even when the pace slows down, the layered characters and glimpses at their hidden agendas keep things interesting.
Even though Julia is rather sheltered, she begins to catch on to the true nature of almost everyone -- though at times readers will jump up and down in frustration at her moments of blind trust. Readers will never want her to feel too comfortable since suspense and suspicion are everywhere. As a bonus, Parade of Shadows is peppered with detailed historical references. It's kind of like a sneaky history lesson disguised as fun.


My favorite book by Whelan is Listening for Lions! Here is a review from allreaders.com:
"Rachel Sheridan was born and raised in British East Africa, the daughter of British missionary parents who ran a hospital there. Africa is the only home Rachel has ever known, and she loves it. But everything changes in 1919, when Rachel is thirteen. An influenza epidemic arrives and kills her parents. Because her parents were orphans, Rachel has no family to turn to, and is caught up in the devious plans of their wealthy neighbors, the Pritchards.

The Pritchards lost their daughter Valerie, who was Rachel's age, in the epidemic. Valerie was about to leave to visit her grandfather in England, and the Pritchards force Rachel to impersonate Valerie and take her place. They hope Rachel will win the grandfather's heart and persuade him to leave his estate and money to the Pritchards. Rachel is devastated to leave her beloved Africa and travel to cold, lonely England. She finds herself coming to care for her "Grandfather," but hates living a lie, and fears the Pritchards will someday follow her to England. At the same time, she is determined to find a way to return to Africa and reopen her parents' hospital. "

Beehive Award Nominees

Every year the Children's literature association releases a list of nominees for the Beehive awards! I almost always love the books that are on the list each year! If you'd like to see the list for the 2010 nominees visit this website. Winners are chosen from the nominated books by the children of Utah, who vote for their favorite books. I'd love to what you think about any you might have read! Many of the authors listed are among my favorites, so I'm excited to check them out!