I spent January and February speeding through the stack of MG/YA ARCs I picked up at ALA Midwinter. And if these ten books are any indication, 2016 is going to be an amazing year for kid lit. Here’s what I read, and in one(ish) sentence, I’ll tell you why I loved it:
Ravenous: I raced through this adventure-ful fairy tale reimagining–and I adored Greta, who is one brave, determined sister.
The Key to Extraordinary: Every word of this book is beautiful, and my heart felt so full after the pages I spent in Blackbird Hollow.
Up to This Pointe: A story that seamlessly blends ballet, Antarctica, and grief–it’s utterly original, the voice is perfect, and I loved it.
I Woke Up Dead at the Mall: Quirky, dry-witted, and poignant–and points for an awesomely unique title.
The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary: Diverse and in verse!
Makoons: The latest in The Birchbark House series, this was an engaging and informative story of family life on the Great Plains.
Tru & Nelle: Harper Lee and Truman Capote as kid detectives: Yes.
The Darkest Corners: Compulsively readable, and the ending–DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!
Counting Thyme: Thyme and her family–and all the wonderfully drawn characters–will stay with you for a long time.
Wanderlost: Sweet and swoony story of the power of travel to change you.
Which books are you looking forward to this year?