AN ENJOYABLE READ

The Emblazon group I recently joined has a feature the fourth Wednesday of every month, which we're calling Tween the Weekend, or TTW. It's one way we've chosen to tie all of our blogs together with posts centering around tween literature. By following THIS link, you will be magically redirected to the emblazon blog, where you can then find links to others who have posted some kind of information you may find of interest regarding tween lit. You will find a wide range of topics if you care to participate, and I believe you can even join in on the fun by adding your own link.

I've decided to take this opportunity to give a mini review of a book I read recently. Because I read. Quite a bit. And a lot of what I read is kid lit in some form. From picture books, to chapter books, to novels, I enjoy many books every year. 

A short while back I had the opportunity to read Summer of the Gypsy Moths, by Sara Pennypacker. It's a lovely story that I recommend to anyone who likes believable and interesting characters who find themselves in a somewhat unbelievable situation.

The story takes place in a tiny camping compound in the New England coastal area. A young girl named Stella is left with her great aunt Louise. Stella's mother needs to sort out some pretty heavy personal issues, and Stella needs someone to care for her in the interim.

Louise takes care of several small summer cottages to supplement her retirement income. She realizes she isn't much company for Stella, so she arranges to foster Angel, a tight-lipped, street-smart girl who makes it clear to Stella right away that she doesn't want or need any friends. 

While Stella is missing her mother and trying to figure a way to crack Angel's shell, a disaster occurs. I can't give you more detail, but believe me, it's a whopper! And Stella eventually is faced with the realization that there is no way she can deal with it on her own. She has to find a way to gain Angel's assistance or starve to death trying.

This really is a fun read with a lot of emotion, a lot of grit, and a lot of insight into the thought processes of a tween's mind. Stella is so full of determination and overcomes such difficult odds, that I couldn't help but fall in love with her. Angel, too, proves to be much more than she first appears, and her story is as powerful as Stella's. The two, together, have many of the traits I'm most drawn to in characters. I highly recommend them.

Have you read any standout tween novels lately? I'd love any recommendations you care to share. In the meantime,

HAPPY READING!

Cordelia Dinsmore

And don't forget to check out the other bloggers who are part of the Emblazoners.