Starred Books
Friends and Family Make the Holidays SHINE!
From a treasure trove of picture books gifted to me by a dear friend, there are two I want to share with you today. (There will be others as the blog year and the alphabet continue.) They celebrate the joys of family and friends, and so are perfect for this season. Title: Friends Stick Together…
Read MoreDwayne Brenna’s New Novel, NEW ALBION — Book Recommendation
Usually when I feature a novel by someone named Brenna, it is by one of my favorite writers (and my cousin), Beverley Brenna. Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to Bev’s husband, Dwayne, whose first novel is hot off the press. This isn’t Dwayne’s first foray into authorship, however. He has written nonfiction, delving into…
Read MoreI Lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosin — Book Recommendation
Title: I Lived on Butterfly Hill Author: Marjorie Agosín Publisher: New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2014. Genre: Historical fiction Audience Age: 11 to 15 years Themes, topics: Home, exile, Chile, refugees Opening Sentences: The blue cloud finally opens—just when the bell rings to let the Juana Ross School out for the weekend. I’d…
Read MoreHeading into the New Year — and a book: Inventing the Rest of Our Lives by Suzanne Braun Levine
Near the end of 2016, I will turn 60. Although many people dread such a number, I am (oddly, perhaps) looking forward to it. Although my 50s brought great grief, they also brought great joy, learning, expansion of horizons, experiences beyond my hopes and dreams, and tremendous opportunities. I look forward to my 60s, wondering,…
Read MoreWords of Remembrance as November 11th Approaches
Many countries observe November 11th as a day of remembrance, honoring those who have served and sacrificed in wartime. In Canada, we call this day Remembrance Day. In the United States, it is Veterans Day. It is important that those people’s stories not be forgotten. There are other stories, as well — stories of families…
Read MoreJulie Gribble and KidLit TV Get Ready for Halloween!
Today’s post is from Julie Gribble and Rocco Staino of KidLit TV. Take it away, Julie! Hello, By Word of Beth readers! I’ve been super busy at KidLit TV getting ready for our first birthday party, so I’m celebrating a bit early by sharing a post from our super cool site with Beth! We’re rushing…
Read MoreDramarama by E. Lockhart — book recommendation (part one)
[Edited to add: I will be revisiting this book in the fall. I want to tell you some of Demi’s story as well as Sadye’s. So watch for part 2 of this post in September!] Title: Dramarama Author: E. Lockhart Publisher: New York: Hyperion Paperbacks, 2007. Genre: YA Fiction Audience Age: 13 to 17 years…
Read MoreOkay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt — Book Recommendation
Title: Okay for Now Author: Gary D. Schmidt Publisher: New York: Sandpiper, 2011, 2013. Genre: Late Middle Grade, early YA Audience Age: 11 to 14 years old Themes/topics: growing up with an abusive parent, trying to fit in at a new school, teenage illiteracy, the power of art Opening Sentences: Joe Pepitone once gave me…
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