Dear Hank Williams

I found this book while I was at our local library with my children. I was browsing, as I almost always do, the new children's and young adult section. Because my husband loves old country music, the title caught my attention. I recognized the author's name and so I picked it up and read the synopsis. I checked it out and it waited on my bedside table for a few weeks. I finally read it! This story is the story of Tate P. Ellerbee, a girl living in Rippling Creek, Louisiana with her great aunt and uncle. It is 1948 and Tate's teacher has given her class the assignment of finding and communicating with a pen pal. Tate chooses to write letters to Hank Williams, who she listens to on the radio with her aunt and uncle.  She writes to Hank Williams about school, her family, her fears, what happens during her day and what she hopes for most in this life. The book is written entirely in letters and we see the world in 1948 Louisiana through Tate's eyes. What I loved most about this book was the voice of Tate shining through these pages. There are unexpected twists, interesting characters and a lovable dog.

Clementine

When I was young, I LOVED the Ramona books written by Beverly Clearly. I recently read one of the Clementine books by Sara Pennypacker. Clementine very much reminded me of Ramona. She is smart and sassy 3rd grader, her adventures are fun to read and she is easy to relate to. In Completely Clementine, Clementine is NOT speaking to her father due to the fact that he ate a hamburger. Her mother is about to have a baby, too. She does not want summer to come because that will mean Mr. D'Matz will not be her 3rd grade teacher anymore. She doesn't want to say goodbye. How will Clementine deal with all that is changing in her life? This book reminded me of those Ramona books I loved so much as a girl.

Honey

I just read Honey by Sarah Weeks. The last book I read by Sarah Weeks was So B. It, which I LOVED. I very much enjoyed Honey as well. The main character, Melody, lives with her father in Royal, Indiana. Melody's mother died when she was a baby, so it has always been Melody and her father. When she overhears her father on the phone calling someone, "Honey," she and her best friend, Nick, try to solve the mystery and figure out who "Honey" is. In the process, Melody learns a lot about her mother, friendship and herself. There is also a sweet dog named Mo in this book.  Mo is knew to Royal, and he feels like something is missing. He keeps having these dreams of a long-haired girl he is supposed to meet. He is sure she is what is missing. Melody and Mo are in search of truths that will undoubtedly change their lives...for the better.