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.

Capture the Flag

In this case, Capture the Flag is not a game.  It is the title of a book written by Kate Messner. The story begins at a fancy event in Washington D.C. in which the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner is on display.  Attending this event are three middle school students; Anna is an inspiring journalist and the daughter of a U.S. senator. Jose is the son of one of the historians charged with the care and restoration of the flag. Henry is at the event with his aunt while his father is on his honeymoon with his new wife. Despite the intense security at this event and surrounding the flag, the flag is stolen that night. This quickly becomes a matter of national security and concern.  The three kids have never met...until the next day when they are all trapped at the airport because of a huge snowstorm. While the three are trapped at the airport, they have reason to believe the flag is in fact in the airport and they work together to find the flag and the people responsible for its theft, clear the names of the innocent people accused of the crime, and get home safely.

This book reminded me a lot of the movie, National Treasure...but kids are the heroes! It is part mystery, part suspense and part comedy.  AND there is a dog in the story. I would recommend this book for 4th graders on up to middle school.

Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson is the author's story of her childhood, first with her grandparents in South Carolina and then with her mother in New York.  She tells the story in beautiful verse (poetry). She writes about her siblings and the good times they share. She writes of her deep and profound love for her grandparents. She writes about her struggles with reading and her love of writing. She writes about growing up and struggles and joy and hope.  It is a beautiful story and I could not put it down.