MSBA Nominee 2009-2010

I liked this one quite a lot. Set during WWII in India, Vidya has a relatively liberal upbringing in a family that believes in non-violent protesting. When an unfortunate accident occurs, she is forced to live with her uncle and his very conservative family, which means that she lives downstairs and is stuck there doing chores a good portion of the time, while the men live upstairs. I think to give away more than that will ruin the story.

Don't want to give away any spoilers, but I think I liked this one better than the first.

#3 on the Barnes and Noble Top Ten Children's Books of 2009

I have always been fascinated by images that look like two things at once, which is why I think I like this book so much. Is it a duck? Is it a rabbit? I'm pretty sure it's just awesome.

#7 on the Barnes & Noble Top Ten Children's Books of 2009

A satisfying conclusion to a popular series. To say more would be to spoil it.

#8 on the Barnes & Noble Top Ten Children's Books of 2009

I think the illustrations in this one are gorgeous. I also think it's a very timely title, with lots of parents in the United States coming back from various conflicts and trying to reconnect with their family. I think it will find a lot of use in a lot of households.

This was better than the first two books in the series. I would put this one on par for readability with the Twilight series.

BIS Book Award Nominee 2009-2010

This one was pretty cute. I think there might be a rush of kids wanting guinea pigs after. Not quite as good as the sneaker one, which is my favorite of the four Stink books.