Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Best Books of 2015--Lynn Becker's Book Picks

What are your favorite books of 2015?

I have lots, but the list is not comprehensive in any way—I didn’t read nearly as much as I wanted to this past year—I never do!

Here are my (too many) top picks:

Picture books:
HOME, by Carson Ellis
POOL, by JiHyeon Lee
LENNY AND LUCY, written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead
WOLFIE THE BUNNY, written by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora
THE NEW SMALL PERSON, by Lauren Child
LOOK! by Jeff Mack
LITTLE ELLIOT’S BIG FAMILY, by Mike Curato
THE NIGHT WORLD, by Mordecai Gerstein
TWO MICE, by Sergio Ruzzier
BOATS FOR PAPA, by Jessixa Bagley

MG Novels:
ECHO, by Pam Munoz Ryan
GOODBYE STRANGER, by Rebecca Stead
THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH, by Ali Benjamin

YA novels:
THE HIRED GIRL, by Laura Amy Schlitz (publisher calls it YA, though I think it’s really for 10 to 14 age range—older MG)
THE MURDSTONE TRILOGY, by Mal Peet
AS I CRAWL THROUGH IT, by A. S. King
THE ACCIDENT SEASON, by Moira Fowly-Doyle
LAIR OF DREAMS (sequel to DIVINERS), by Libba Bray

And I’m not finished with it yet, but MANNERS AND MUTINY, by Gail Carriger, is looking to be a strong favorite, too!

Happy Holidays!

--Lynn

December Recommendations--Lynn Becker's Book Picks

Read anything good lately? We’d love to hear!

Here’s what I’ve got:

Novels:

GEORGE describes the efforts of one transgender kid, born George, who wants everyone to know her for the girl she really is. When George’s fourth grade class begins practicing for the play version of Charlotte’s web, more than anything George wants to perform the part of Charlotte. That’s a pretty huge leap for a kid in grade school. George is an earnest, appealing character, and even though her journey may seem a tad easy, author Alex Gino does a great job of bringing readers along George’s path towards being recognized as Melissa. (MG)

THE ACCIDENT SEASON, by Moira Fowley-Doyle, is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel revolving around the annual titular phenomenon that afflicts Cara and her family. Every October, they are all bruised and battered despite the elaborate precautions they take, like wearing thick layers of clothing, ridding the kitchen of knives, and padding over sharp corners in the house. This season will be a bad one, Cara’s friend Bea predicts, and indeed many things come to a head, including love, death, and deeply hidden family secrets. This is an unexpected favorite of the year for me. (YA)

THE HOLLOW BOY is the third LOCKWOOD & CO. installment, by Bartimaeus books author Jonathan Stroud. I love this series—it’s pure, self-indulgent escapist reading of the supernatural kind. Narrator Lucy Carlyle is definitely not happy about perfect, perky Holly Munroe joining the agency, but a massive outbreak of supernatural activity is wreaking havoc in London and all agents, including the talking skull in the ghost-jar, must work together to figure out the mystery. (MG)

Dory Fantasmagory--Lynn Becker's Book Picks

December’s Book Pick is the fabulous DORY FANTASMAGORY, by Abby Hanlon. This chapter book is heavily illustrated by the author. In fact, I would go so far as to say that, with a six-year-old protagonist and illustrations filling every spread and nearly every page, in many ways DORY can be viewed as a 153-page picture book!

The irrepressible Dory, tellingly nicknamed Rascal by her family, has an older brother and sister who won't play with her. Luckily, Dory's friend Mary (who is invisible to everyone but Dory) always wants to play, thinks Dory is the greatest, and even sleeps under her bed. Despite the constant chatter (to Mary, of course), the temper tantrums, and the weird quirks (like wanting to wear her flannel nightgown day and night all summer—except for the time she wears her cow costume, of course), Dory is an incredibly endearing and imaginative character. Her story is completely perfect for the age and format, and this is a stellar example of fine literature for young people.

Abby Hanlon did her own illustrations, seamlessly weaving them into her text, but writers who do not illustrate should feel confident that they, too, can tackle this genre. And illustrated books are highly desirable right now, repeatedly asked for by editors and agents.

Have you read DORY FANTASMAGORY? Well, if not, have at it and enjoy!!!

--Lynn