My Favorite Books from 2017

FROM SARAH:

The first in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series will surprise and delight you at every turn. You see, the children of Ashton Place aren't ordinary children. They were found in the forest, and it appears they have been raised by wolves...

The audio book is absolutely exquisite. If your kids enjoy this first one, there are 5 more in the series!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Discovered in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. A recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must eliminate their canine tendencies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Abilene Tucker's father sends her ot hte immigrant town of Manifest in rural Kansas with little explanation, and Abilene feels abandoned and alone. In her room, she discovers a a hidden cigar box full of memories... memories that will change Abilene's experience forever. Gorgeous language, a compelling plot, and characters who will stay with you long after you close the pages.

This book is positively exquisite, but I must insist that you listen to the audio version. You won't regret it! This has got to be one of the best audio books I've ever heard. I recommend it for anyone age 10+.

When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. What will happen next? Your kids can meet author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen at his Author Access video replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

I'm a fan of everything written by Caroline Starr Rose, but this one is my favorite yet! Follow Jasper and his brother on their search for gold during the Klondike Gold Rush. It's a page-turning mystery your kids don't want to miss! Best for 10+, though younger kids can certainly listen in.

Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker who survived Hitler's concentration camps and became a heroine of the Resistance. A touching story worthy of many re-reads, I recommend this one for high schoolers and up.

I know this book is out of print, but if you stumble on *any* essays by Katherine Paterson, I have this advice for you: snatch it up! This is my very favorite collection of thoughts about reading and writing books for kids. You can hear my interview with Katherine Paterson on episode 81 of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.

FROM SARAH:

I want to give this book to every teenager I know. It's a book that will make you want to hug a mean kid, stare at Audubon paintings, thank a veteran, read Jane Eyre, and get an orchid. Even if you ignore every other book I recommend, read this one. Highly, highly recommended. Meet author Gary Schmidt in the Author Access replay in RAR Premium.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

At once heartbreaking and hopeful, this absorbing novel centers on Doug, 14, who has an abusive father, a bully for a brother, a bad reputation, and shameful secrets to keep. Teachers and police and his relatives think he's worthless, and he believes them, holding others at arm's length.

This one probably isn't for your kids-- just for you. I've lost track of how many times I've read it, but every time I get it out, I feel re-inspired to live my creative best. Highly recommended.

FROM SARAH:

On a moonlit night in the segregated south, Stella and her little brother see something they’re never supposed to see, something that is the first flicker of change to come— unwelcome change. This story will leave you and your kids with an inspired sense of hope and wonder. (Make sure your kids are ready to hear about the Ku Klux Klan before starting this one. There's nothing graphic, but it's intense.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Stella lives in the segregated South--in Bumblebee, North Carolina, to be exact about it. Some stores she can go into. Some stores she can't. Some folks are right pleasant. Others are a lot less so. To Stella, it sort of evens out, and heck, the Klan hasn't bothered them for years. But one late night, later than she should ever be up, much less wandering around outside, Stella and her little brother see something they're never supposed to see...

This one has my vote for the 2017 Caldecott. A work of art, and a picture book that will leave you with fresh hope and eyes wide open to the beauty that surrounds you everyday.

I'm a new fan of Kyo Maclear's, and this book is one of the reasons why! My kids love hearing it read aloud before bedtime, and I'm always happy to oblige. The magic of winter is told through beautiful text and illustrations that make you want to stare a little longer than necessary.

FROM SARAH

I'm just going to say it: I have no idea why my kids and I love this book so much, but we do. It's a favorite every time I read it aloud, and we usually get to the end and then start it all over again. Ben Hatke's illustrations are hilarious!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Goblin, a cheerful little homebody, lives in a cosy, rat-infested dungeon, with his only friend, Skeleton. But one day, a gang of "heroic" adventurers bursts in. These marauders trash the place, steal all the treasure, and make off with Skeleton―leaving Goblin all alone!

It's up to Goblin to save the day.

FROM SARAH:

The whole Wilderking Trilogy is one you don't want your kids to miss. Start here, with The Bark of the Bog Owl.  Ideal for kids 8-14, though you'll enjoy it every bit as much as your kids will. The less you know before reading it, the better, so try to skip reading reviews ahead of time, if you can!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

12-year-old Aidan Errolson, comes from a long line of adventurers. His grandparents were among the first settlers of Corenwald's Eastern Frontier. His father had been one of the kingdom's greatest warriors. Aidan, on the other hand, lives the quiet, comfortable life, of a nobleman's son. He never has any real adventures, and that, he believes, is the one great injustice of his otherwise happy life.

FROM SARAH:

This is easily one of my "most recommended" books of the year. I found this book impossible to put down-- and so did my kids! If you have a child who hasn't fallen head-over-heels for reading yet, start here. I loved the second book (Code Name Flood) every bit as much as the first!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

One hundred and fifty years ago, the first dinosaurs were cloned. Soon after, they replaced humans at the top of the food chain. The only way to survive was to move into underground compounds...