Navigating Early

Navigating Early 
by Clare Vanderpool

 The return home of Jack's father, a Navy captain, at the end of World War II should have been a time of joy and celebration. However, it is the sudden death of Jack's mother that brings home his father after four long years at war. Jack, while mourning the unexpected death of his mother, must also adjust to life with a father he has not seen in many years. His life is further disrupted when his father announces that Jack will be attending a boarding school in Maine, far away from his lifelong Kansas home.

While struggling to adjust to his new life at the Morton Hill Academy, Jack meets the unusual Early Auden. Fascinated by this unique boy, Jack decides to join Early in a journey during their school break. During their long quest along the Appalachian Trail they meet a wide assortment of characters, face dangerous situations, and learn more about each other and themselves.

Navigating Early is a wonderful story of friendship, family relationships, and self-discovery.   I enjoyed reading this book and following the journey of these two unlikely friends as they navigated to find what they were looking for.   I think this book has the potential to appeal to many types of readers.  Fans of realistic fiction that addresses friendships and family relationships will enjoy this book and the World War II setting will appeal to those who prefer historical fiction.  

Author's website:  http://www.clarevanderpool.com/home.html

Flora & Ulysses

Flora & Ulysses
by Kate DiCamillo 
illustrated by K.G. Campbell

After rescuing a hungry squirrel from a disastrous encounter with a neighbor's new vacuum, ten-year-old Flora realizes that the injured animal has suddenly developed unusual talents. Flora, a fan of comic-books, is thrilled with the squirrel's new "superpowers" and is determined to keep Ulysses (named after the vacuum that injured him) despite strong resistance from her mother, an author whose is preoccupied with completing her latest romance novel. As Flora, her neighbor Tootie Tickham, and Tootie's young nephew William marvel over the talented Ulysses, they must also protect him from the attempts of Flora's mother and others to get rid of unusual squirrel.

This humorous tale, combined with its entertaining comic-like illustrations, is a well-written story and very deserving of the Newbery Medal it recently won! Fans of  Kate DiCamillo's other works will likely enjoy this fun story and readers who prefer graphic novels may appreciate the comic-style illustrations.   What a great book!

Author's website:  http://www.katedicamillo.com/

Book trailer:

A Tangle of Knots

A Tangle of Knots
by Lisa Graff

Cady, a young orphan, lives in a world where many people have unique "Talents".   Cady's is the ability to create the perfect cake for anyone.   When the head of her orphanage, Miss Mallory (who has the Talent of being able to make the perfect match for any orphan) places her with a kind man named Toby, Cady finds herself living above the Lost Luggage Emporium, an unusual store owned by an unusual man simply called The Owner.  Also living in the building is Marigold, a girl desperate to find her own Talent, and her family (each with their own unusual Talent).   While this cast of characters goes about their lives, The Owner continues with his own, sinister mission to reclaim what was lost to him many years ago.  

This is a fun, sweet tale that,  as the story progresses,  reveals numerous twists and connections  that bring the characters together in many unexpected ways.   Full of likeable characters, many humorous moments, and appealing cake recipes, this story is a great read and highly recommended to those who like a heartwarming story with a bit of magic.

Author's website: http://www.lisagraff.com/index.html