A fun children's read: a strong heroine who finds she has magic!

Rose
by Holly Webb
SOURCEBOOKS Jabberwocky

September 2013

I always know a book is exceptional when I find myself anxious to return to it as soon as my chores are done. Rose is one of those outstanding books.

The story involves an admirable and empathetic heroine, who knows her place (rare these days) but who understands the responsibility that may come with her gifts.
A great story line provides creative tension and a challenge that echoes with the reader who will readily engage with the characters.

What's different about this book

Rose is an orphan -- but she isn't an object of our pity. She cares for those around her, and she makes her way forward in the world, confident that working hard and doing what is right will get her where she wants to be: just normal.

The Victorian setting --but in a world where "magics" are a fact of life-- makes Rose's tale all the more intriguing. The author deftly develops a realistic, straight-forward plot that has Rose discovering her own powers in a tingling, fun read.

With enough dramatic build-up to entertain and engage older elementary-aged children, this is an accessible and engaging read that all we adults can readily recommend to our readers, reluctant or not.
 

What I'll do now that I've read the book 

This is definitely a library priority purchase. I will have copies in all my elementary libraries, and I will encourage a lot of my middle-graders to enjoy it as well. A fun, just-right, intriguing read. Thank you, Ms. Webb, and thanks to SOURCEBOOKS for the opportunity to enjoy this! (I understand this may become a series? Very cool.)

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A sweet story -- but there are better

The infinite moment of us 

by Lauren Myracle
ABRAMS / Amulet Books 

August 2013

This is a gentle tale of decisions about life made upon graduation from high school.  The usual terms apply:  coming of age, learning of sexual intimacy, making one's own choices in the face of parental disapproval.

What's different about this book

I'm always hooked when the male protagonist is hopelessly in love with the female lead from the very beginning. Charlie loves Wren and always has.  And Wren is the perfect gentle, wants-to-be-good high school graduate.

But this is not a powerful plot line, and there are no transcendant ideals that would inspire young adult readers. Graphic sexual relations may put off some readers, and the lack of a compelling purpose to Wren and Charlie's lives leave this a pleasant book that doesn't really go anywhere.  I would have loved to see Wren's instinct to make a difference to others in important ways be developed into something great -- rather than serving as a bump in the road to the romance.

The theme of family is a strong one: Charlie's experiences with foster families makes the unquestioning support and love  from his current family a meaningful and encouraging element of this story.  Steadfast love is a rare quality, and this element of the book allows this portion of the story to shine.

What I'll do now that I've read the book 

I always tell my readers not to settle for good: there are too many excellent books out there.  This particular title is a good read, but not a must-read.  I appreciate Abrams offering me the opportunity to read this in advance, so I can be knowledgeable in speaking with my young adult readers. 

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