Katerina’s Wish by Jeannie Mobley. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012.
Katerina’s life in America is a far reality from her dad's dream of becoming farmers and owning their own farm, instead they are living in a miners camp working their days away with little hope of ever being able to leave the mine. All this will change when Katerina makes a wish on a magic carp after listening to old Bohemian folk tales but could wishing on a fish truly work? Would a few seeds and chickens turn their lives around? Everyone around Katerina starts to believe that dreams do came true, including Mr. Johnson the owner of the only store at the camp. Would he stop Katerina's dreams? Would love and tradition derail her dreams? This book reminded me of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, set around the same time period Katerina's defiance of the traditional roles, her passion, ambition, and ingenuity makes her persevere against all odds. Great role model for girls.
Homesick by Kate Klise. Feiwel & Friends, 2012.
Kate Klise is one of my favorite authors, I love her series "Regarding the Fountain" so when I saw this book on our New Books Shelf I had to read it. It is a quick read where we meet Benny our main character, who is dealing with his parents separation after his mom leaves him behind with his hoarder dad. Benny has to figure how to help his dad while surviving a collapsing house but a lucky turn would have the entire town pitching in after they win the American Most Charming Small Town contest. Would they manage to clean Benny's ramshackle of a home before the dignitaries arrive or would it be to late? A good read for boys.
Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin. Little Brown Books, 2012.
I picked this book after reading reviews about it and while it had a slow start it turned to be an amazing storytelling book. Rendi has run away from home when he arrives at the Village of Clear Sky. Here he seems to be the only inhabitant to notice that the moon is missing and the sky is oddly crying each night. This changes when a mysterious lady arrives at the Inn and they start to exchange stories. Would their exchange solve the moonless nights, the odd rivalries, and disappearances? The book includes marvelous full-color illustrations with Chinese folklore, fascinating characters, and exciting adventures.
