Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis

Here is another junior high book that I just loved! Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of A Tree by Lauren Tarshis was a wonderful story of seventh grader, Emma Jean Lazarus. This story made me fall in love with eccentric Emma Jean - life has dealt her some ugly blows - and you can almost understand why she seems a bit unable to enjoy life like most young teens. She is also determined to help others - at any cost - and she is coming to learn that sometimes her "helping" can actually cause some even worse situations. This book would make a wonderful read aloud for upper elementary or early Junior High ages - I am sure they would see some similarities in the social structure at their own school! THEN we can only hope that Tarshis has another great novel on the way!!!

Review by Becky Bilby, regular contributor
www.bilbybunch.blogspot.com

Summer of the War by Gloria Whelan

Summer of the War by Gloria Whelan is another wonderful Junior High/Teen book that I just finished. I usually do enjoy Whelan's work so I wasn't surprised that this one scored high on my list. This book is set in Michigan during the summer of 1942. It is the story of Belle and how each summer she and her siblings go to the Upper Peninsula to spend some time on "their island". It is usually a summer filled with family time and lots of fun outdoors but this summer is different - their wealthy, Parisian cousin, Carrie plans to come and stay. It turns their summer upside down and Belle has to learn what it means to live with someone you have a hard time getting along with. Consequently - since it is set during 1942 we have two "wars" going on during this summer! The end takes quite a turn but really clinches the story - I enjoyed this one!

Becky Bilby, regular contributor
In the Pages

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A Drowned Maiden's Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz

A Drowned Maiden's Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz is my latest GREAT find. I had read somewhere that it was a good one and wherever it was, they were right!! This is a great tale of an orphan that is adopted by three sisters. It all seems like a fine arrangement until Maud - the orphan - is told she must stay in the upstairs and not be seen. That strikes an odd chord and begins Maud on her search to find out what the sisters are up to. Maud ultimately becomes "part" of their secrets and must decide just how much she is willing to endure for the sake of being loved. It is a tale with many twists and turns - even the ending will keep you going!! I highly recommend this one!

This review was written and submitted by Becky Bilby of In the Pages fame.

A Drowned Maiden's Hair won the Cybil Award in the middle grade category.

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