Belle Prater’s Boy I felt like I traveled back in time and to the hills of Appalachia while I read about the sweet friendship of two cousins with more than their fair share of trouble and sadness but also great senses of humor and observation.
The Next Great Paulie Fink The uninformed narrator and the structure of a reality-TV-type competition add lots of intrigue to this story full of strong characters who know each other too well to see what’s really going on in their small town.
Lions & Liars Laugh out loud scenarios, quirky characters, and underdog triumphs make this a fun story with plenty of suspense.
Alice’s Farm Alice is the best kind of spunky and smart, young, female protagonist. She’s also an adorable rabbit with a knack for farming. I love all of the human and animal characters in this funny tale that feels like it could be set right here in Whatcom County.
The Journey of Little Charlie This story has it all: action, adventure, an incredibly likable main character, and a whole lot to think about on big social issues that still resonate today.
What Lane? I was rooting for this smart, sensitive, witty, and relatable character as he struggled to navigate a world where other people’s expectations unfairly impacted his freedom and self expression.
Anna and the Swallow Man 7 year-old Anna travels through the Polish countryside with a mysterious man who speaks multiple languages, can talk to birds, and teaches Anna through fables. A WWII story like no other you will ever read.
Wolf Hollow Annabelle and her family confront local bullies and the trauma of war in this masterfully crafted story that will haunt you long after you read it.
Little Thieves Cursed by her greed and a witch’s proclamation, a princess’s maid will turn into the very jewels desires unless she can change her ways. A delightful, sharply written twist on a fairytale.
What I Carry A foster-care “lifer” Muir knows how to not get attached to things or people, that is until she meets Francine. A “feel good about the world” read.