The War that Saved my Life

The War that Saved my Life

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ada, a young girl who was born with a clubfoot has been held hostage by her mother in their apartment because her mother says she's "crippled."  Ada, determined to do something with her live decides to teach herself to walk and eventually that gives her the ability to flee her home during WWII when other children are evacuating London to get away from bombings.  What Ada finds in the countryside of Kent is a things she has never known before and words she's never heard.  She's happy, sad, angry, grateful, and mad all at once.  This story is a great tale of how resilient humans really are. This story isn't only about Ada, there are many characters throughout the novel who teach Ada that she can do anything she puts her mind to.  

Miss Mayhem

Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

Miss Mayhem is the second in a series known as the Rebel Belle series, the first book is titled Rebel Belle as well and a third book just out title Lady Renegades.  In the first book the readers is introduced to Harper Price, a southern belle.  After a strange run-in with her school janitor she discovers that she has super powers and finds out she is a Paladin, an ancient guardian with agility, super strength, and lethal fighting instincts.  Things get complicated when Harper finds out her responsibility as a Paladin is to protect the person she likes least.  The second book Miss Mayehm starts with Harper enjoying a simplistic life after the drama in the first book.  But, drama soon finds her and she is required to go through a series of trials in order to stay a Paladin. If you  enjoy mystery, suspense, and some magic this book is one for you.  It's quirky, funny, intense, and unique.

A Night Divided

A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

Gerta, a 12-year-old girl finds her family divided overnight as the Berlin Wall goes up as her father and brother are on the western side, while her mother and other brother are on the eastern side.  Gerta is frustrated that so many people seem fine with the wall dividing the two sides, almost as penance for World War II.  Gerta, however is not willing to stay separated from her father and brother. With some clues secretly given to her by her father and a determined will, Gerta, with the help of her brother finds a way that they could possibly escape.  It's dangerous and challenging, but she's willing to do anything for her family's freedom, even risk her own life.