Summer Favorites
Reviews by Melissa Oxborrow

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[August 06, 2015]  Summer is a great time to read and I’ve discovered some wonderful books this year. Here are just three of my favorite reads from the summer. Enjoy!

Wherever You Go
by Pat Zietlow Miller,
illustrated by Eliza Wheeler,
c2015

“Roads give you chances to seek and explore. Want an adventure? Just open your door.”

So begins the adventures of a rabbit and his friends as they follow all sorts of roads, winding through the countryside, travelling through cities, over mountains and through meadows, exploring places near and far. Simply beautiful rhyming language paired with richly colorful illustrations share a sweet message about going out into the world---and coming home. A wonderful picture book for ages 4 – 7, especially those that love animal stories. Some vocabulary will stretch younger readers, but not overwhelm them. This title promises to be a great read-aloud and I’m looking forward to trying it with my older story time group.
 

Circus Mirandus
by Cassie Beasley,
c2015

Micah Tuttle has heard stories about the magical Circus Mirandus from his Grandpa Ephraim for as long as he can remember, and he has never tired of them. But when Grandpa Ephraim becomes terminally ill he tells Micah a fantastic secret: the Circus Mirandus is real, and the Lightbender, a powerful magician there, promised him a miracle. And so begins Micah’s adventure. Along with his best friend, Jenny Mendoza, he is determined to find the Lightbender and help his grandfather collect his miracle. Micah is sure that the Lightbender can save Grandpa Ephraim’s life. But is that truly the miracle his grandfather seeks?

This book is breathtakingly magical, a mix of dark and light, and I absolutely loved it. It's the type of book I craved as a child and still do as an adult; a book filled with glittering magic, staunch friendship, loving family relationships, heart-wrenching sorrow, genuine sacrifice---and pure joy. I can't say enough about it. After reading our library copy I immediately purchased it for myself and my best friend. Her ten year old son read it in two days and declared it the best book ever! I’ve been recommending it to one and all since. Cassie Beasley’s debut novel is sure to appeal to boys and girls, grades 4 – 7 who love magic and adventure!

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Smart Girls Get What They Want
by Sarah Strohmeyer,
c2012

Meg Cabot and Kelly Fiore fans will love Strohmeyer’s story of three best friends and overachievers: Gigi, Bea, and Neerja. Convinced that life truly doesn’t start until college, they put their collective heads down and work their tails off in hopes of snagging acceptances to their Ivy League dream schools. Not a bad idea, of course. But is it possible they’re missing out? It’s time to reevaluate what they want. It’s time to stop hiding in the library and the honors lounge. It’s time to push themselves to do things they didn’t dream possible! Though terrified of public speaking, Gigi will decide to run for student rep. Bea will go back to skiing after a long hiatus. And Neerja will finally put herself out on stage instead of hiding in the background. Add in a bit of unexpected romance, and sophomore year is going to be life-changing.

This is a light read filled with fun and perfect for teens that love some humor with their romance. I loved Gigi, Bea and Neerja and the story of their friendship, and their shenanigans made me laugh right out loud!


To check out these books or get recommendations for other great reads, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin Street.

[By MELISSA OXBORROW, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

 

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