Pies and Prejudice

Pies and Prejudice by Heather Vogel Frederick

With Emma and her family living in England, the Mother-Daughter Book Club continues by videoconferencing. While tackling "Pride and Prejudice" and coping with new romances, the three other daughters start a pie business with a goal of earning enough to bring Emma home for a visit. Put when the plan falls short, they wonder if they will ever be able to get together again.

My Thoughts - I love the Mother-Daughter Book Club series! Since I read the first book a couple of summers ago, I have eagerly awaited each one! I even had the pleasure of meeting the author at the Texas Book Festival two years ago! This installment didn't disappoint either! The girls are growing up, but they are still friends and still having fun together. This year includes world travel to England and Jane Austen country. After reading this installment of the Mother-Daughter Book Club, I want to visit Jane Austen country too!

*Summary taken from CIP data.

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. by Kate Messner

Gianna has less than one week to complete her leaf project if she wants to compete in the upcoming cross-country sectionals, but issues like procrastination, disorganization--and her grandmother's declining health--seem destined to keep her from finishing.

My Thoughts - This is a story that has depth. Gianna is dealing with some hard issues, like her grandmother's failing mind, and some typical issues, like procrastinating on a big science project. There is humor and sadness and Gianna has to learn to deal with both as part of life. I liked that the story moves quickly. It would make a great read aloud for a class too!

* Summary taken from CIP data.

Only the Good Spy Young

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

Cammie Morgan questions the loyalty of her classmates and friends after she learns that one of her most trusted allies is actually a double-agent, and now danger follows her everywhere.


My Thoughts - I loved this next book in the Gallagher Girls series!  At the beginning of the book, I was a bit confused and had to stop and remember what had happened in the previous book.  But I quickly got back on track and couldn't put this book down!  I look forward to Ally Carter's next book!
 
*Summary taken from CIP data.

Ashes

Ashes by Kathryn Lasky


In 1932 Berlin, thirteen-year-old Gaby Schramm witnesses the beginning of Hitler's rise to power, as soldiers become ubiquitous, her beloved literature teacher starts wearing a jewelled swastika pin, and the family's dear friend, Albert Einstein, leave the country while Gaby's parents secretly bury his books and papers in their small yard. 


My Thoughts - I tend to enjoy historical fiction set in this time period.  I imagine that Gaby's feelings and reactions to what was happening around her were typical of young people at that time.  I liked this story, especially the twist with Albert Einstein and another twist with Gaby's sister. 


*Summary taken from CIP data.

City of Ashes

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Sixteen-year-old Clary conintues trying to make sense of the swiftly changing events and relationships in her life as she becomes further involved with the Shadowhunters and their pursuit of demons and discovers some terrifying truths about her parents, her brother Jace, and her boyfriend Simon.

My Thoughs: This was a fast-paced page turner! I'm ready for City of Glass, the last book in The Mortal Instruments trilogy!  I can't wait to find out what happens with Clary and Jace!  I can't say more because I don't want to spoil any of the story for you.

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Four Perfect Pebbles

Four Perfect Pebbles: A Holocaust Story by Lila Perl and Marion Blumenthal Lazan


The author tells the story of her family's experience as Jews in Hitler's Germany, tracing their horrifying journey from their home country to Holland and back again, living in refugee, transit and prison camps, including Bergen-Belson.


My Thoughts - This is another powerful story narrated by a  mother and daughter as they tell their story of survival.


*Summary taken from CIP data.

City of Bones

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare


Suddenly able to see demons and the Shadowhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn into this bizarre world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster.


My Thoughts - Get ready for a fantastic ride through this story that twists and turns and leaves you hanging and running for the next book in the series! 


*Summary taken from CIP data.