Insight into Asperger syndrome

Mockingbird by Kathryn Eskine

Caitlin has lost her brother, Devon, in a tragic school shooting. Everyone in her small town is grieving but for Caitlin her grief shows differently. Caitlin has Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome is a disorder that is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, along with repetitive patterns of behavior.

Now her family is just her and her dad. Her dad is not coping well. And, really, neither is Caitlin but it's hard to tell, because she doesn't do well with emotions. Devon was her guide. He always helped her understand. Now he's gone. Mrs. Brook, a guidance counselor at Caitlin's school, is trying to help but it's Caitlin who must find closure.

The book topic sounds like it would be a sad read. It is but it isn't as well. Caitlin manages to help herself, her dad and others find closure to the sad event. Caitlin also learns and grows a lot during the process.

Coming of Age on the Res.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
by Sherman Alexie

This semi-autobiographical story reveals the inner thoughts of Arnold Spirit, Jr., a fourteen year old Indian boy growing up on the Spokane Reservation. Arnold, aka Junior, has made the difficult decision to attend the all-white high located outside of the reservation. To his best friend Rowdy, and others in the tribe, this decision is treasonous. Junior is convinced that staying on the Res will kill him as hope for a better future is non-existent there. Still there are many moments when he questions his decision but returning is no longer an option. Peppered throughout with strong language, this story is only for those who can read the words as a inseparable part of Junior's character. I actually listened to this story read by Alexie. His performance is as poignant as the story. If you have the opportunity to get an audio version it's well worth the listen. It will make you laugh and laugh and cry.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by Jacqueline Kelly

This Newbery Honor book is a real treasure. Eleven year old Calpurnia Virginia Tate, aka Callie Vee, is the only girl of seven children. Sandwiched among her six brothers, Callie brings readers into her hot, dusty, small town, Texas world of 1899. Her story is fun-filled with hilarious tales of life with her family. But the story is not just about growing up in Texas at the turn of the century, it's about her dreams and how she comes to realize them through the developing relationship with her grand daddy. Calpurnia and her grand daddy share a common passion for science and observing the natural world around them. Will Callie Vee be allowed to pursue her dreams in a time when young women are expected to get married and have a family?

If you are looking for a book that is fun-filled and pleasurable pick this one up. I liken it to The Penderwicks: a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits and a very, interesting boy by Jeanne Birdsall.

Strong Female Character Anyone???

First Test by Tamora Pierce
Ten-year old Keladry is the the first girl to train for knighthood. In this medieval, magical fantasy, she suffers hard physical training and many prejudiced opinions from those who hope she flunks this first year. Determined to prove herself, Keladry perseveres and even begins to rally some classmates into ousting bullies. This is the first title in the Protector of the Small series and proves itself a worthy read.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This Newbery winner is definately worth the award and the time to read! Miranda and her best friend Sal have a falling out upon entering sixth grade. Soon after she begins finding mysterious notes accurately prediciting the future. The mystery isn't that difficult to figure out. The brillance of the story rests in delivery. It's really a story about friendship but it is so uniquely wrapped up in a bit of sci-fi fantasy. Upon finishing, you'll want to check back to see if you missed some key clues. You'll also want to pick up A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle as this classic sci-fi is an intricate part of the story.

Humor with Heart

After Ever After
by Jordan Sonnenblick
When I picked this book up to read, I was clueless what I was about to experience. The story is actually I sequel to Sonneblick's Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. You don't need to read the first, I didn't! The story picks up on the Alper family's struggle with Jeffery's cancer. In the first book, the story by Jeffery's older brother, during 8th grade. This time it's Jeffery telling the story, again during 8th grade. The story, though sad at times, is told with such ease and humor. It will make you laugh and cry...just like life. I particularly like the wording and description of following review.

"Most of all, he recognizes that humor and heart aren’t ways to lighten a story—they’re there to deliver it. As hilarious as it is tragic, and as honest as it is hopeful, don’t confuse this book with inspirational reading. It’s irresistible reading."-Booklist

Irresistible...YES!

Insight into a culture

Keeping Corner

by Kashmira Sheth

Set in India at the time of Gandhi, Leela is poised to embark on her new life with her husband when he suddenly dies. His death marks her as a widow. Keeping with tradition, Leela must shed all bight, colorful clothes and jewels; shave her head, and remain inside the family home for one year, "keeping corner". Her confinement isn't the worst of it, it is knowing that at age thirteen, she is a widow, considered bad luck with no future, and having a heart-broken family.

Sheth chronicles Leela's year juxtaposed again the revolutionary times of Gandhi. Will change come to India and to her small rural village? And if so, will it provide an opening, an outlet for Leela to learn, grow and love.