Bella at Midnight
Diane Stanley
Grades 5-8
Set in medieval times, this is a lovely fairy tale with glimmers of Cinderella scattered throughout. The heroine of the story is Bella. Bella's mother died during childbirth, and she is left with a horrible father that decides she should be raised by her wet nurse and peasant family. While growing up with her new family, Bella becomes close friends with a young prince named Julian, (who is very close with Bella's foster family).When her biological father decides that he wants her back, Bella is forced to move to his home where she does not receive a warm welcome from her new stepmother and stepsisters. Bella’s true character is revealed when she overhears a plan involving the overthrow of the kingdom, and the murder of Prince Julian. Bella’s bravery shines brightly as she attempts to make peace within her beloved country in a most unusual way.
Each chapter of the book is told by a different narrator, which makes the story really come to life.
Where I'd Like to Be
Frances O'Roark Dowell
Grades 4-6
The East Tennessee Children’s Home is home to many children with anxious hopes and big dreams. The narrator of this story is 11-year old Maddie, a level-headed orphan who has given up hope of ever being adopted. In her spare time, Maddie creates her very own Book of Houses, which is a scrapbook of beautiful houses that she has cut out from magazines and newspapers. She makes up stories about the different homes, and dreams of living in her very own perfect house. She also finds comfort in the company of all of her unique friends. They decide that together they will build a fort. They use the fort as their place to share stories, create perfect houses, and discover new things about themselves. I found all of the characters to be very believable and lasting. The author helps readers to believe that with some hope, lots of imagination, and love, anything is possible.
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