The Night Diary

This is a historical fiction story set just after WWII, after the nation of India received its independence from England but was divided into India and Pakistan.  Muslims were to have Pakistan.  Hindus were to live in India.  But in a country where all religions basically got along before the line was drawn, this was confusing to the main character, Nisha.  She did not understand why they had to move and why people all of a sudden hated each other.  The story of her dangerous journey, loosely based on the author's father's experience, is told in a diary format in a letter to her deceased mother.  (FIC HIR)

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place

I enjoyed this story very much.  The main character is a 15-yr-old young lady, raised in a boarding school for girls.  She applies for a job a a nanny.  The Ashtons are all too eager to hire her, for the children are like nothing they have seen...found in the woods and apparently raised by wolves.  Penelope has the perfect demeanor to help these poor children.  But do the Ashtons really want her to?  Strange things are going on in that house, and it feels as if Lord Ashton hopes she fails.  The book is set a long time ago, and is the first in a series.  The last chapter leaves the reader wanting more questions answered.  I wish there was a bit more of a resolution in this one, but will read the next to see what happens.  (FIC WOO) 

Red Kayak

This book was so good.  But I hesitate to post it here because it was very mature in its content.  I would not carry it in my elementary libraries but it would be a perfect addition to a middle-school or high-school library.  Brady is pulled out of school one day to help his father patrol the waters when a mom and her young son tip their kayak in the waters off Maryland.  Brady saw the kayak go out that morning and worried that whoever was in it would have a tough go of it with a storm moving in.  When Brady finds the young boy and works to save his life, he is touted as a hero.  But a tragedy happens and Brady is rocked by it.  In addition, he discovers information that tests his courage and his conscience.  (FIC CUM)

George

In this story, George is a boy on the outside.  However, she knows that is not what she really is.  Her desire to be Charlotte in her school's adaptation of Charlotte's web could be her way to let everyone know who she really is.  Is she ready?  Are they ready?  I enjoyed this story and I especially loved her best friend Kelly and her willingness to accept George for who she is, no matter what.  Gay and transgender students need to see themselves in literature.  Due to its mature content, I think its best home would be a middle-school library.  (FIC GIN)