Children of the Great Depression

by Russell Freedman

Excellent photography, AND I learned a thing or two.

Project Mulberry

by Linda Sue Park

Very cool exploration of how an author develops a story occurring between chapters. I thought that part would suck, but it did not.

Hole in My Life

by Jack Gantos

A good reminder why one should not smuggle drugs.

Flamingo Dreams

by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Cathie Felstead

The plot took me by surprise. I loved the illustrations.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale

by Mo Willems

I think sometimes we all face the very real fear that we are going to lose our Knuffle Bunny.

Make Lemonade

by Virginia Euwer Wolff

A happy ending where you might not expect one.

The View from Saturday

by E.L. Konigsburg

Konigsburg's 6th graders are so intelligent, mature and sophisticated. They make me feel inferior.

Whirligig

by Paul Fleischman

I enjoyed the theme of interconnectedness.

David Boring

by Daniel Clowes

Self-indulgent. Delightfully bleak.

The World of William Joyce Scrapbook

by William Joyce.

Really visually engaging. This would keep a child occupied for a long time. Or for a short time over and over again.

Coraline

by Neil Gaiman.

This would make a wonderful Nightmare Before Christmas-style animated film.

Babymouse, Queen of the World!

by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

Cuteness with a side of awesome. I had to put it on hold to get it, so I read it really fast and returned it right away so more kids could enjoy it.

The Tulip Touch

by Anne Fine

Ugh. This really made me feel bad.

The Tale of One Bad Rat

by Bryan Talbot

Really excellent, very well suited to its form.

Days Like This

by J. Torres, illustrated by Scott Chandler

An interesting way to explore girl groups of the 1960s. Left me wishing for a sequel.

The Cradle Robbers

by Ayelet Waldman

This one was pretty lame, Ayelet. I hope you redeem yourself with Bye Bye Black Sheep.

Happy Birth Day

by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley

Another book I need to own, but more because I am a mom and it made me all weepy.

Squids will be Squids

by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, designed by Molly Leach

A goofy book of fables and morals. One of those kids books that has a tongue-in-cheek "for the parents" attitude so you can read it aloud ten billion times and not hate it.

A Splendid Friend Indeed

by Suzanne Bloom

Oh the cuteness! So much love.

Move Over Rover

by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by Jane Dyer

I thought this was lame. But the kids probably dig it.