The Boy on the Wooden Box

The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible...On Schindler's List by Leon Leyson

Summary: This is a memoir of a boy who was saved from the Holocaust by being placed on Schindler's List.  For those who have read Schindler's List or seen the movie, people mentioned in the book will be familiar. For those who are not familiar with the story of Schindler's List, this book should spark interest in the story.

My Thoughts: A good memoir and biography of a Holocaust survivor who was a child at the time. The book starts with Leon's sheltered childhood in a small village in eastern Poland before the war begins, surrounded by generations of extended family.  The story goes through his pre-war childhood, the family's move to Krakow, and then the events of World War II and the Holocaust unfold and the reader is introduced to Oscar Schindler and Amon Goeth.  The book ends with the eulogies given at Leon's funeral in early 2013 by his two children.  A worthwhile read!

Breaker Boys

Breaker Boys: How a Photograph Helped End Child Labor by Michael Burgan

Summary: Lewis Hine was a photographer took pictures of child laborers accross the United States.  Some of his most famous pictures were taken of child workers in the coal mines of Pennsylvania.  They were used by the Progressive movement to help end child labor in the United States.

My Thoughts: The photos of these child laborers are powerful even today.  Both the history of the fight against child labor in the United States and the work of Lewis Hine is woven together in an easy to follow narrative. 

Miracle on 49th Street

Miracle on 49th Street by Mike Lupica

Summary: After her mother's death, tweleve-year-old Molly learns that her father is a basketball star for the Boston Celtics.

My Thoughts: This was the first book I've read by Mike Lupica.  I've seen his work for years, but never picked anything up to read.  I enjoyed this story.  The story moved quickly, which I liked and was set in Boston and New York City, both fun places to visit!  Molly is a great character and I would love to meet her and see what happens next in her life.

*Summary taken from CIP data.

Umbrella Summer

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

After her brother Jared dies, ten-year-old Annie worries about the hidden dangers of everything, from bug bites to bicycle riding, until she is befriended by a new neighbor who is grieving her own loss.

My Thoughts - This is a touching story about how one girl struggles with recovering from the loss of her brother. The story made me cry. I would recommend this to anyone dealing with grief or anyone who just wants a story they will remember for quite awhile.

*Summary taken from CIP data.

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.