One Half from the East

One Half from the East
Author: Nadia Hashimi
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Sue

Summary: This Caudill 2019 book is about a 10 year old girl living in Kabul.  After Obayda’s father loses his leg in a bomb explosion they are forced to move back to his small village.  With 3 older sister who must abide by the Afgan customs for women, it is decided that Obayda will become Obayd, a bacha posh.  Life is very different as a young boy!  He dresses in shirts and pants, has no chores, can stay out until after dark, plays sports, gets more food to eat and has many more freedoms that girls and women are now allowed.  But he cannot stay a bacha posh forever. 

Review: While dealing with some tough topics, this is a very captivating book.  I found it hard to put down.  I would definitely recommend this book!

Kindred Spirit: A Biography of L.M. Montgomery, Creator of Anne of Green Gables

 

Kindred Spirit: A Biography of L.M. Montgomery Creator of Anne of Green Gables

Author: Catherine M. Andronik

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z. 

Summary: Kindred Spirit  is a biography on L.M. Montgomery, who is the author of the popular Anne of Green Gables series.

Review: I really enjoyed learning more about L.M. Montgomery from this excellent biography. I have read the Anne of Green Gables series when I was a child, and Montgomery’s style of writing and simplistic setting of Green Gables always had me longing for an adventurous life such as Anne Shirley’s. Catherine Andronik’s biography shows exactly how Montgomery formed Anne into a familiar character that a lot of girls can relate to and inspire to be. It becomes clear how Montgomery used her life experiences to make the series so many love. I especially enjoyed reading about Montgomery’s start as a writer and how some of the funny circumstances we think of that happened in Green Gables actually happened to her in real life. It was also interesting to see the similarities between the author and the character she created. Anyone who wants to learn more about the author of Anne of Green Gables and of how these stories came to be, this book is for you.  

Skeleton Creek

Skeleton Creek

Author: Patrick Carman

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z. 

Summary: Although housebound following an eerie accident, teenaged Ryan continues to investigate the strange occurrences in his hometown of Skeleton Creek, recording his findings in a journal and viewing email video clips sent by fellow detective Sarah. The reader may view Sarah's videos on a website by using links and passwords found in the text.

Review:  A young, enthusiastic reader introduced me to this series. Patrick Carman does an excellent job intertwining mystery with horror with his unique writing style. The book is written in diary form, making it seem real and believable. There’s also videos that you can access online to make the story come to life even more and will keep young readers intrigued and wanting to know what happens next. This book can be too scary for those who spook easily, but perfect for older readers.