Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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.
  

10 comments:

Michelle Isenhoff said...

I read this one last Labor Day weekend, Cordelia. It's a great book!

Sharon Ledwith said...

I am stumbling so bad with my recreational reading, Cordelia! Thanks for sharing this awesome book! Cheers!

Unknown said...

New England always seems so magical to me. Nice book review.

Cordelia Dinsmore said...

Thanks so much for stopping by, ladies, and please forgive me for taking so long to get back to you. I've been tweeting, sharing, and reading everyone else's posts! Lois - I've never been to that area, and yet I feel nostalgic every time I read a book with that setting. I'm going to have to make the journey.

Alan Tucker said...

Sounds like a terrific story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Cordelia Dinsmore said...

Thank you, Alan, for taking the time to stop by.

Suzanne Warr said...

I appreciate the heads up--sounds like a great read!

Lia London, author said...

I'm reading AUTUMN MAGIC by Triana Willard right now, and it's lovely. Lyrical yet approachable for tweens. My favorite so far this summer has been SONG OF THE MOUNTAIN by Michelle Isenhoff, but I've got your books on my "to read" list, too! :D

Cordelia Dinsmore said...

Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne and Lia. And thanks for the suggestions for more reads! Always on the lookout for a great book.

Lynn Kelley said...

You've sold me on this one, Cordelia! Thanks for the recommendation.

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