Out of Darkness by Russell Freedman

Reading level: 3rd grade-

76 pages

This is a brief biography about Louis Braille and his development of the Braille system of reading for the blind. Louis was three when he was blinded by an infection in his corneas. I learned a lot from reading this book and it really opened my eyes.

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

Reading level: 6th grade-

Pages: 240 ish

I picked this book up because I though it was about a blind boy, but turned out the boy was legally blind and the story is more centered around soccer and football. This book has won several awards and is also on Barnes and Nobles summer reading list.

Honestly I found the story a little bizarre. It is about a 7th grade boy who moved with his family from Houston to Tangerine, Florida (hence the title). The events that follow are struggling with a school, a jerk older brother that is the football star, the school falling into a sinkhole, killer mosquitoes and jewel thieves.

I won't read this one again, and i wouldn't recommend it unless you had an interest in soccer. This would probably appeal to a teen aged boy, but then again the twists and turns really made the plot interesting.

Charlotte's Rose by A.E. Cannon

Reading level: 5th grade-

230 ish pages

This is a story about a girl who crossed the plains with the Mormon pioneers to Utah with her father. During the journey one of the ladies traveling with the company dies in child birth and the father of the baby, being emotional distraught, will not care for the baby. Thirteen-year-old Charlotte volunteers to care for the infant when nobody else will. Her sacrifice in this journey is increased with this responsibility and naturally she undergoes much growth.

I actually read through the night finishing this book by flash light.

I recommended this book to Mom and the only thing she didn't like about it is a derogatory past is revealed about one of the company. Something that really didn't have any bearing on the story and seemed very out of place.

Wesley the Owl by Stacy O'Brien

Age: Adult

about 200 pgs

Sarah recommended this book to me and I found it enlightening and very interesting. This a memoir written about a biologist who adopts an injured baby barn owl. Written from a scientists point of view, this book includes many insights to animal behavior. But what is surprising (even to the author) is the relationship that would develop between Stacy and Wesley.

Goose Chase by Patrice Kindl

Age level: 4th grade to adult

214 pages

This book was recommended to me by Mom and is an interesting twist on fairy tale stories. The story is about an orphan girl who watches over twelve geese. Before her mother died she promised her that if she always treated the geese well they would protect her and keep her from want. The goose girl, Alexandria is also given three magic gifts from a hag she gives her meal to: the gift of beauty, enchanted hair that golden dust falls from and when she cries her tears become diamonds. Obviously the rumors attract the attention of royalty: a prince of one kingdom and a king of another.

This tale is full of surprises and humor (rather I found the plot very amusing). Thanks for the recommendation Mom!

Another book by this author I hope to read is called "Woman in the Wall"

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead
197 pages
reading level: 4-6 grade ish
2010 Newbery Award winner

I first noticed this book in the bookstore last year, but I didn't think it looked remotely interesting, so I ignored it. Then while I was supposed to be studying in the library a couple of weeks ago I just happened to walk past the Newbery display and was surprised to see this there. I picked it up just to read the back, but the back had nothing but reviews. So in a very non-committal way I cracked open the cover just to read the front page. It hooked me! I sat down on the ground and read for two hours. It is amazing. It is 92% contemporary realistic fiction, and 8% (the main part of the plot) blow-your-mind-away, mysterious, almost weird, modern fantasy/science fiction.  That is all I can say at present, as this book is too good to divulge any aspect the plot. You just have to read it for yourself.