What have you been reading recently? I have especially enjoyed these books in particular:
Novels:
If you enjoyed Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood & Co. (or even if you haven't yet) don't miss JACKABY, by William Ritter. This paranormal-infused detective story, which takes place in New England in 1892, is chock-full of personality, murder, and supernatural beings. Abigail Rook arrives in New Twiddleham needing a job, and the only one who will take her on is a rather strange man, Mr. R. F. Jackaby. Her first day on the job lands her right in the middle of a murder investigation, and things only get crazier from there. This is high on my list of favorite books for 2014. As a bonus, check out the first paragraph--it's pretty nearly perfect.
If you like steampunk, check out the STOKER & HOLMES novels, THE SPIRITGLASS CHARADE, and THE CLOCKWORK SCARAB. Evaline Stoker, sister of Bram, and Mina Holmes, niece of Sherlock, find themselves investigating a couple of strange cases involving missing society girls, vampires, fraud, and murder. And yes, this series is paranormally infused too. It's good fun.
MORTAL HEART, by Robin LaFevers, is a strong, strong finish to her HIS FAIR ASSASSIN trilogy. This one is told from the point of view of Annith, a handmaiden of Death who seems to be on a path to be the convent's next seeress. But Annith wants to venture forth to prove herself on a mission before being locked away in solitary service to Saint Mortain for the rest of her life. She wants to see if she may serve the god of Death in a manner more truly befitting her. So she strikes out on her own, whereupon she does, indeed, find plenty of adventure, romance, and courtly intrigue.
And I have to mention HOW IT WENT DOWN, by Kekla Magoon. It's a timely piece of YA fiction, what with all the high profile shootings of unarmed black men that have spurred protests in cities throughout the country. Told in alternating points of view, Magoon offers her account of a fictional shooting and how it affects one particular neighborhood.
Picture books:
FLASHLIGHT, by Lizi Boyd, is another wonderful book by the author/illustrator of Inside/Outside. It's full of all the wonder of nature on a dark, moonlit night. A young child with a flashlight sparingly illuminates sections of what might be a backyard, while all around creatures are at work and play in the darkness. Small dye cuts add to the richness of the experience.
THE CROCODILE WHO DIDN'T LIKE WATER, by Gemma Merino, is the charming story of a misfit. The straightforward narrative is augmented by illustrations brimming with personality.
In WHAT IF. . . ? by Anthony Browne, young Joe is on his way to a party, but he and his mom don't know the exact address. As they walk down the street, searching for the right house, Joe's fears of fitting in, along with his imagination, run wild. This complex story, illuminated with gorgeous, fantastical paintings, will entertain, reassure, and amaze.
--Lynn
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