In honor of Valentine's Day,
Rebecca Kiel, on Writing and Living, has created a blogfest that should shoot an arrow straight to the heart of the writer--and the reader--in us:
The Books We Love Blogfest. Thanks, Rebecca, for the opportunity to showcase favorite books, although there are so many books on a reader's list that it's hard to choose! But here are three top contenders...
Middle-Grade:
Missing May,
by Cynthia Rylant (
1993 Newbery Award Winner). Summer is an orphan, shifted around from family member to family member until elderly couple May and Ob choose to take her home. From there it is a story of unconditional love, loss, grief, and hope as healing begins. Oh, and beautiful whirligigs. Touching, tear-filled, beautifully written. A keeper of a story.
Picture Book:
Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson. One of my favorites to read aloud to the little ones. Bear sleeps through the party in his very own lair, until a pepper flake in the stew causes him to WAKE UP. But when "Bear gnarls, and he snarls...roars and rumbles...jumps and stomps...growls and grumbles" it's because he's upset that he missed the party! Never fear, his friends come to the rescue and the party goes on...all through the night. I love the rhythm, the suspense, the surprises--all done so well in rhyme. This story sings.
YA:
Revolution,
by Jennifer Donnelly. This story has stayed with me at several levels--historical fiction, which I love. Setting in 18th-century Paris, and the French Revolution, which I found fascinating. The adept handling of the contemporary character's story with that of the historical--how the two stories are woven together. The intrigue, mystery, adventure. The beautiful writing.
These are only a few of the many books I have enjoyed. And, speaking of enjoying, check out the other participants in the
Books We Love Blogfest, and read about their favorites!
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Oh, and one more thing! I'm happy to announce the winners of my
100-Up Give-Away contest, having reached 100 followers. Drum-roll, please.....
Winner of The Cardturner, by Louis Sachar is...
Winner of Savvy, by Ingrid Law is...
Peggy Harkins.
Winner of The Tension of Opposites, by Kristina McBride is...
Congratulations, and thanks for participating! I'll be contacting you by e-mail to get your mailing addresses, and the books will soon be in the mail.
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Wow, thanks for the book! That shows the power of being at the right place at the right time. Namely, viewing the right round-up and commenting near the end of a deadline.
ReplyDeleteConsidering I had read a few of Louis Sachar's books, it's a nice pick.
And I'm definitely going to jump onto the blog-hop. Might as well dig into the depths of my brain.
Co--You're so right, being in the right place at the right time. I put each name on a small slip of paper, folded them up, threw them in the air, and picked out three. Not very scientific, but fair, I think :-) Congratulations, and I'm off to email you for your address. Have a great day, and hope you enjoy the Cardturner :-)
ReplyDeleteLove your book choices, and glad that you shared a picture book too! Sounds darling! I love finding awesome PB's for my kids - and it's even better if I like them too!
ReplyDeleteI think the only one I may have read was Bear Snores On. Lol. But these are just more books to add to my list! I love picture books, I was shocked when my friends hadn't read Where the Wild Things Are.
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! My daughter would love the Bear book.
ReplyDeleteOooo, I love Bear Snores On - and the whole rest of the series. It's really a great bedtime book (for the kiddos and me). Makes me feel warm and snuggly inside.
ReplyDeleteI, too, want to say "thanks" for the book. The idea that you threw the names in the air and ended up with mine sounds fun. (And I NEVER win anything, so this could be the beginning of good luck for me!)
ReplyDeleteMissing May is an old favorite. I remember when Cynthia Rylant first gained recognition in the 1980s. It's great you picked an Ohio author for your list!
These books sound wonderful. I particularly like the picture book. It looks like a book I'd open and read with my youngest.
ReplyDeleteThanks, all, for stopping in and sharing your thoughts on the blog hop book choices!
ReplyDeleteLove Cynthia Rylant's work. Cobble Street Cousins series has to be among my favorite of hers! So glad you participated, Kenda!
ReplyDeleteMore books to add to my list! Thanks for suggesting them!
ReplyDelete~Debbie