A World BelowBy Wesley King Eric, Silvia and the rest of Mr. Baker’s eighth grade class are less than excited about their field trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. The students think that geology and cave exploration is rather boring. Mr. Baker, however, is thrilled about their trip inside this natural phenomenon; he’s studied […]
Choosing a favourite between Neil Gaiman’s books is akin to choosing a favourite snowflake. They are all different, and equally beautiful. Each book has its own distinctive voice, and each has something to say about the reality we live in and what it means to be human. But one of Gaiman’s stories that is very […]
Hysteria Hysteria by Elisabeth de Mariaffi The dictionary definition of Hysteria — exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, describes well the experiences of Heike Lerner, the main character in Elisabeth de Mariaffi’s novel with this title. The story begins with Heike and her younger sister escaping from Nazi Germany. It is a brutal trek […]
Ghosts of Greenglass HouseBy Kate Milford Milo Pine and his family return in this follow-up story to Greenglass House. One year has passed since Milo’s first mystery. Christmas is rapidly approaching but there is still no snow. To make matters worse, Milo is having trouble with his teacher, and school is really stressing him out. […]
The Two-Family HouseBy Lynda Cohen Loigman It’s 1947, and Brooklyn housewives Helen and Rose share many things. Married to brothers Abe and Mort, the two women are friends and confidantes. Both families even live in the same house – Abe, Helen and their four boys live upstairs, while Rose, Mort and their three girls live […]
By Barbara Kingsolver Things have not been going well for the Knox family. Willa, a middle aged journalist, has been let go from her job, right after her husband lost his teaching job. Her gravely ill father in law has been put into their care, their 26 year old daughter has moved back home, […]
by Kathleen Flinn I don’t usually read a lot of non-fiction, especially memoirs and biographies, but this one was recommended to me so I thought I would give it a try. Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good is the story of the author’s childhood, family and the food they shared, the two often inextricably linked. […]
by Lisa Genova Every Note Played is the latest novel from Lisa Genova, neuroscientist turned bestselling author of titles such as Still Alice and Love, Anthony, stories that deal with early onset Alzheimer’s and parental loss and grief. This latest gem goes inside ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, as we follow the decline […]
The Snow ChildBy Eowyn Ivey Jack and Mabel are struggling with their relationship and their inability to have children. Seeking a new start, they travel north to become homesteaders on the Alaskan frontier. 1920’s Alaska can be a brutal place. Jack must manually clear his land for farming. Mabel is expected to keep the home […]
Fatty LegsBy Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton Young Olemaun Pokiak is desperate to go to school and learn to read like her sister. But Olemaun lives in the High Arctic, and to attend school she will have to make a five-day journey to Aklavik, Northwest Territories. Not only that, but she will have to stay […]