Sees Behind Trees was a surprise favorite for the year, the story of a Native American boy who’s limited by severe nearsightedness, yet can do things no other person in their tribe can accomplish. Homer Price is a childhood favorite that was fun to reread. I’d forgotten most details, but I definitely remembered that doughnut machine! And We the Children kicks off a serial tale (told in parts). Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School is shaping up to be a contemporary quest & a historical mystery involving secret societies and sailing ships.

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This set makes it obvious that I’d been tackling the more challenging letters for an A-Z Reading Challenge. Zinnia and the Bees is mostly about family and friendships … and anger and isolation … and not giving up. Oh, and yarn-bombing! The Year of the Book is a slice-of-life story about Anna, who is ABC (American-born Chinese), shy, bookish, and a little embarrassed by her mother. The Queen’s Nose (set in England) is about a girl, her uncle, and a magical coin that grants wishes. All you have to do is rub … the queen’s nose.

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Kimchi & Calamari is about a Korean boy raised by Italian parents in New Jersey. A school assignment pushes him into learning more about his heritage. Fortunately, the Milk is pure whimsy with fun illustrations. Lower middle grade that would be perfect for read-aloud. And Twerp is further proof that I’ll read any book in which Shakespeare is a theme.

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