Sweep

I love when a book surprises me.  I look at the cover, or the title, and think... Nah.  Probably not.  That happened with this book.  And then I began reading it.  What a unique and original tale, beautifully woven and told!  I was enchanted with the story of a young girl in 19th-century London, all alone, and indentured to a cruel master as a chimney sweep.  Through her memories, we learn she once had a kind and loving guardian.  When he disappears, he leaves her a gift, a ball of soot and char.  It is a golem, a protector, and it comes to life at her most dire hour of need.  It is a story of love, and hope, and courage.  I adored it.  It is a must-read...especially if you think it isn't - like I mistakenly did!  (FIC AUX)

Magic Misfits: The Second Story

Neil Patrick Harris has followed up his debut novel with this sequel.  This one concentrates on Leila's, rather than Carter's, story but the whole gang is in this one, solving a new mystery brought to their town by an old acquaintance of Mr. Vernon.  I loved how some questions about background were dealt with and yet you still have more questions you need answered.  You need to keep reading the books!  These are a perfect, innocent, fun mix of mystery and adventure. (FIC HAR)

Tight

Bryan loves his mother and comic books.  He does not like drama.  When his parents encourage him to be friends with Mike, he is excited to have a real friend... someone like a brother.  But Mike seems to be two people - easy and funny one second, and then dangerous and mean in another.  Bryan is becoming someone he doesn't want to be.  Can he be strong enough to make the right choices and not seem "soft" to his family?  The theme of this story is important for students of all ages, but especially middle grades.  (FIC MAL)