This past January, I took a Goodreads challenge to read at least 50 fiction books before the clock strikes midnight on December 31. A quarter of the year in and I’ve finished 15 novels. My Goodreads timeline says I’m on track, so I guess I’m well on my way to not being turned into a pumpkin!
Most of the books I read impressed me in some way. Here are a few of the standout kid stories. *I put stars on books for young adults.
Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff- I absolutely loved this book! It kind of reminded me of Wonder in that the main character, Albie, was different and struggled for acceptance. Poor Albie is bullied both at school and at home. This book made me laugh, cry and root for the main character until the end.
*Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi – Roll The Black Panther, The Hunger Games and Harry Potter into one and you get Children of Blood and Bone. Tomi Adeyemi has created an exciting and unique world that should translate beautifully into the upcoming film. There is a lot of blood and plenty of bones in this story, which doesn’t hold back on the brutality, so if you close your eyes on scary movies like I do, be warned.
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt – I was on a plane when I finished this story about a 12-year-old girl’s relationship with her foster family and had to hide my eyes to keep other passengers from seeing my tears. It is a sweet, touching book.
*The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas -This is one of my favorite reads, EVER! This book is a classic that beautifully captures the Black Lives Matter Movement and humanizes those labeled as “thugs.” Much love for The Hate U Give.
Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick -What I liked most about this interesting book about two girl’s reactions when their divorced, dating parents encourage them to be friends is that it showed young girls learning computer coding and being excited about reading and being smart. The fact that one Naomi is white and the other black added another dimension.
I’ll be back in four months with my next reads and hopefully I can keep to my schedule. So many books, so little time!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Readers’ Favorite “Five Star†rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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