The Starborn Revue is about to take a break for the summer, but before we set out the ghost light and close the stage door for the season, I want to share some book recommendations with you — and I’d love it if you’d suggest some books for me to read over the summer.
A while ago, I read the wonderful Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly. Apple Yengko is the only Asian in her school, she’s obsessed with the Beatles, and she doesn’t fit in at all with the other kids in her class. She believes that music, particularly the Beatles’ music, and her own guitar, will change everything. Perhaps they will — but perhaps it won’t be in the way she expects.
My friend, Patricia Howe Tilton, wrote a wonderful review of this book not long ago on her blog, Children’s Books Heal. Here it is.
Evie Brooks is Marooned in Manhattan by Sheila Agnew. Evie’s mother has died. Evie has to leave her home and all she knows in Dublin, Ireland and go to live with her uncle in Manhattan. it’s not an easy transition — but Evie is helped by the animals in her uncle’s veterinary clinic. There’s a chance she’s going to be glad she’s been “marooned in Manhattan.” I’m delighted to see there’s a second Evie Brooks novel, as well, Evie Brooks Central Park Showdown.
Katie Takeshima’s sister, Lynn, knows how to see the glittering joy — the Kira-Kira — in everything. When Lynn becomes seriously ill, Katie must find a way to help her whole family be able to look past the tragedy and still find the kira-kira glittering in the most unexpected places. Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata is a moving story, and will help you see the glittering spots in your everyday life.
These are just three of the many books that have touched my life in the past year or so. I’m eager to discover new treasures! What have you read that you would recommend? Please leave a comment and guide my summer reading.
The Starborn Revue will be back in September. Until then, have a wonderful summer!
I have to read the Evie Brooks story–since I grew up with my parents’ veterinary clinic! Thanks for the rec.
Thank you so much for sharing my review, Beth! I haven’t read Evie Brooks or Kira-Kira, and both sound like books I would enjoy reading. Thank you for the recommendations! Have a great summer!
I love Kira-Kira! I am almost finished reading Plain Kate by Erin Bow and loving it. Another good summer read on my list is Last Chance Island by Norma Charles. Have a fabulous summer!!