BOOK REVIEW: ONE CAME HOME

ONE CAME HOME

Amy Timberlake

Scholastic

2013

Available:  Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audio

   The year is 1871. The place is Placid, Wisconsin. The story opens with young Georgie Burkhardt sister's funeral. She can't believe it's real. And somehow it seems like it's all her fault; her and her habit of speaking of what's on her mind. It's the reason her older sister took off with a pack of strangers. "Pigeoners" following the huge migration of passenger pigeons. Men go in search of her and

BOOK REVIEW: A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE

A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE

Ann M. Martin

Scholastic

2002

Available: Paperback, Kindle

     Twelve-year-old Hattie Owen has lived a rather sheltered life in a small town in 1960's. She lives with her parents and a host of other interesting characters. This is because her parents own a boarding house. It feels safe, secure, and predictable. That is until her young uncle Adam arrives for the summer. suddenly she discovers that things aren't what she thought. Her family has secrets. Secrets she's dying to find about it. Adam and his mental problems are a big one. And to quote the book jacket, "In one summer Hattie will find out how small a small town can be, how big the world outside is, and how far . . ."

     There's a reason this book is a Newbery Honor Book. Hattie's voice is strong. Her roller coaster emotional growth is compelling. Her family dynamics poignant. The plot pulling at the heartstrings of pre-adolescence.