Read in March 2011

It's book review time again! Lots of middle grade this time around. Click on the pictures for links to the summary. Here are my favorites from last month:

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander - I can't believe it took me so long to read something by Lloyd Alexander. I've been giving tours about him for the past year (we have some of his office at the library), but hadn't really known what I was talking about. He is amazing! I wish I'd read this as a child, I would have eaten it up. I'll probably try to read the rest of the Prydain Chronicles this year. If you haven't read them, you should! Great fantasy.


The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone - This was such a sweet MG historical fiction. It takes place in the 1940s (I know the cover makes it look modern) right before WWII. I loved the characters and the sweet, simple romance, as well as the adjustments the main character makes to her new family life. Very sweet, and all kinds of references to Frances Hodgson Burnett, so what's not to love?


Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai - Another MG historical fiction, about refugees coming to America from Vietnam after the war. It's written in verse, but it works so well with the story. I loved the observations made about America from another culture, like calling Thanksgiving "the holiday where they eat a turkey the size of a baby." An excellent book.



Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - Paranormal romance done right! This follows the story of a girl who's part angel. I really liked the lore created for this world, and the romance was just right. Even though there was a love triangle, for once it was one I actually believed, instead of spending the whole time thinking just pick a boy already! Plus the prose was beautiful. It does end on a cliffhanger, so I am anxiously awaiting the next book.


Also read in March:
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
The Drowning Pool by Ross MacDonald
The Color of Earth by Kim Dong Hwa
Open Interval by Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon

What have you been reading?