Published by Candlewick Press
Summary: “When the enemy bombed the library, everything burned.” So begins the story, a boy forced to leave his home and flee with his family to another city far away. His father brings along a book he had borrowed from the library, one that he had read many times and that he told Peter is “about our people, about us.” His father protects this treasure as they travel, and when he dies, Peter carries it as far as he can, then buries it beneath a tree. He moves to a new country, grows up, and eventually returns to his now-peaceful homeland, where he finds the tree, digs up the book, and takes it back to his village. A new library has been built, and Peter places his father’s book back on the shelf to be loved by generations to come. 40 pages; grades 2-5.
Pros: A timeless story about people preserving what’s of value to them, even in the most difficult times. The beautiful watercolor and collage illustrations change from grays and browns to bright colors as Peter’s life becomes easier and his world turns into a brighter place.
Cons: I think the cataloging on the old book would have to be updated before Peter sticks it back on the library shelf.
Summary: Middle school is always difficult for quiet, shy Emmie, who only speaks to her best friend Brianna, walks through the halls with her head down, and hides by drawing whenever she can. But one day stands out as particularly horrible. At lunch, she and Brianna amuse themselves by writing over-the-top love notes to their crushes. Emmie accidentally drops hers, and it’s discovered by insufferable class clown Joe. He proceeds to tease and torture her for the rest of the afternoon, until Emmie feels like she has been reduced to a puddle of slime. Interspersed with her story is a comic tale of Katie, a classmate who is pretty, popular, smart, and confident. The two girls connect in a surprising way late in the day, and Emmie has a good last class that bodes well for the rest of her seventh grade year. 192 pages; grades 4-7.
