This novel involves three women in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962 during the civil rights movement. The story has broad appeal—my 82-year old mom, my 22-year old daughter and I all read it and loved it for the wonderful plot and characters that grab you and don’t let go! ~ Alison

This book is hard to read in parts because of the violence to women, but the stories of hope and perseverance of these amazing people overshadow that. Most inspiring to me are the stories of individual women—one, for example, who built a hospital in a country in Africa that doesn’t officially exist, and another, in India, who let her past inspire her to work for rehabilitation and counseling for young girls held captive in brothels. The authors provide a lot of information that could be dry and boring, but because of the excellent writing, the stories and facts blend together to make an inspirational work. I am giving this book to my mom, my sisters and my daughters because it is so important and compelling. ~ Alison

What an amazing book! In this powerful, beautifully written novel, 13 year-old Kit Watson moves with his family to an old English coal mining village where his ancestors had lived, worked, and died. This is a place where the mysterious past is very much a part of the present. Kit meets the boy John Askew, with his dark game of death, and Allie, who brings bright light to Kit's life. Through Kit's writing and John's drawings, they illuminate the connections of us all to our ancestors, to the land and to each other. The images and magic of this book will stay with you a long time. Ages 12 and up.

My 13-year-old daughter and I love anything written by Bauer and this book is no exception. Warm, wonderful characters like 16-year-old spunky waitress extraordinaire Hope, honest and courageous politician/diner owner G.T., and strong, fast-flipping cook Addie-these are people I would love to meet. This book is all about meeting life's challenges head on with laughter, friends, good food and great waitressing. Ages 12 and up.~ Alison

New York poetry anthologist Heard put together this collection for schoolchildren in lower Manhattan following September 11th. The poems are illustrated by 18 well-known picture book artists, making this a beautiful, powerful work. Not overly emotional, and not just for kids who live in NYC, this book will help young people and adults with any difficult times they encounter in their lives. There is a great section in which the illustrators explain the inspiration for their images. The pairing of poetry and art is perfect. I tried to pick my favorite but couldn't? I liked so many of them! ~ Alison

In this novel by the author of The Thief Lord, Meggie and her father Mo have a special ability to bring characters in any book to life just by reading aloud. Nine years ago, reading a book titled Inkheart, Mo accidentally brought the evil Capricorn and his henchman Basta to life, with dire consequences. Now Meggie and Mo must find a way to overcome their villain. Meggie, a wonderful heroine, must use all her creativity to make sure her own story has a happy ending. This is an imaginative, thrilling fantasy about books and the power of reading and the power of love. I liked it even better than The Thief Lord ! ~ Alison

When Cox was 17 and on a morning training swim, she encountered a baby whale that had been separated from its mother. This beautiful book describes her magical and mystical experience uniting mother and baby. Great for readers of all ages.

Francis is back with one of my favorite characters, Sid Halley, who deals with race fixing, internet betting, and . . . murder.

This novel traces the life of Young Ju from the age of four in Korea to the time right before she leaves for college. When she first comes to America, she struggles to understand the language and fit in, while trying to be a "good Korean girl" at home. Young Ju gradually learns American customs and English, and, in an especially moving chapter, she helps her father deal with the Immigration Office, an experience embarrassing for both of them because he is so helpless and she is in control. As she grows in years and wisdom, Young Ju shows the same quiet strength as her mother, and they both defy Young Ju's father as he becomes an increasingly violent alcoholic. This is an amazing story with wonderful language that shows the growth of a young girl into a strong, independent woman. When I turned the last page, all I could say was "Wow." Ages 12 & up. ~ Alison

With a title like this, who can resist? This novel is the story of Moose and his family, who move to Alcatraz Island in 1935 so his father can work as an electrician and a guard. The famous gangster Al Capone also lives on Alcatraz. Moose, who misses playing baseball with his old friends, tries to fit into life on the island by making friends with Piper, the warden's daughter, who has all sorts of schemes, one of which is to collect laundry from fellow classmates and charge to have it cleaned by Al Capone and "other world-famous public enemies." All Moose really wants to do is try to stay out of trouble and protect his sister, Natalie, who is autistic?but that proves hard to do. A creative plot line, fast-paced story, and wonderful characters all add up to a great read. Ages 8-12.

I have always been fascinated with the legend of King Arthur and have read many books about the Knights of the Round Table. This book is the latest telling of the story-with a twist. It's the diary of a 13 year-old boy named Arthur who lives in the 12th century. His friend Merlin gives him a magical stone that shows him visions of the once and future King Arthur. The boy Arthur is an engaging, likeable narrator. Filled with wonderful descriptions of people and life in a medieval manor, this is the first book in a trilogy and I can't wait for the next! ~ Alison