Kathleen Benner Duble

I received this book through NetGalley.

This thought-provoking middle grade book is about fate and the power of choice. Willow has become a miniature adult in her family. Her younger brother is deathly sick and undiagnosed despite endless tests; their mom is obsessed with curing the boy, with Willow ignored; and their dad has moved out, unable to handle anything. In the thick one of snowstorm, Willow, her mom, and brother wreck their car but find themselves promptly rescued by people from a show more small town. But Willow is soon unnerved by the weird way townsfolk predict what she will do. It’s like... magic.

I really enjoyed this book, and I really would have loved it as a kid. Willow is easy to relate to—smart, complicated, and nosy about the town secrets. Her family dynamics felt realistic. The moral dilemma presented by the book is handled well, too. It would open up opportunities for deep discussions between kids and adults about what they would choose and why. show less

A fresh and engaging look into the legend - ary achievements of the Colorado 10th Mountain Division as soldiers rally against Hitler’s forces and fraternally adopt an orphan boy named Noah, who had been raised pacifist

Jenny’s mom, an Air Force tanker pilot, is preparing for a training mission. But before she goes, she takes Jenny and her best friend, K.C. to see the air base. Although both girls are eager to explore, K.C. thinks being a pilot is exciting but Jenny only worries about her mom being safe and wonders if she likes flying more than she likes being a mom.

Although a bit dated [with a reference to the Gulf War three years ago], the heart of the story is the relationship between mother and show more daughter, the difficulties of military parents having to be away from their families, and the positive look at a woman doing an important job. This is a book for parents to read with their children and to reassure them that nothing will take the child’s place in the parent’s heart.

Highly recommended. show less

I was especially interested in this because I grew up in North Andover and wanted to read about its history. The book stands on its own, though, and doesn't need a draw to make it compelling. The story in the book is based on true figures involved in the Salem Witch Trials, ones who came from Andover and were accused and tried and imprisoned in Salem. It is a terrible history -- people accused by others of being witches who have no option to go free unless they accuse another. The only show more criticism I have is that the main character, Abby, is a young girl who seems more modern than I would expect a girl back then to be. I found the story very compelling. show less