The Question of Miracles by Elana K. Arnold

The Question of Miracles by Elana K. Arnold. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014? Middle grade fiction. (I read an advanced copy of book that said publication would be February 3, 2015.)

Iris and her family have moved to Corvallis, Oregon after her friend, Sarah, has died. That sounds like a really depressing way to start a book for children. But, the story is much more about Life than about Death. Iris finds it hard to adapt to all the rain, to make friends, to not think that Sarah's spirit has moved with them, and to move on. But, her upbeat househusband dad and "miracle" friend Boris are worthy and interesting characters who pull along the slowly building plot and help Iris. Iris learns new skills and even teaches Boris a thing or two! This middle grade debut by Arnold is a little miracle of its own and will be no doubt be generating Newbery buzz very soon.

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

 Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald. Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, 2014. (Middle Grade fiction).

Theodora Tenpenny's family has seen better days. After her grandfather dies, about all they have left is their townhouse, some chickens, a garden, and less than $500. But, this tale has a painting at its center. It might be very old. It might be very valuable. It might be stolen since Grandpa Jack had been a security guard at the big art museum.
How Theodora unearths clues, lives with little money, and even makes a friend in Bodhi, the daughter of a couple of rock stars provides a varied and interesting plot. Along the way are well drawn, highly memorable characters like Reverend Cecily who can translate Latin, a street vendor who knows all about paints, and the new male librarian who is willing to bend a few rules to help two tweens who need information. This is one of those great mysteries that teach readers about Raphael, about the Monument Men, about eccentrics, and about friendship itself. As Fitzgerald's middle grade debut novel, this book only bodes well for her future works. I can hardly wait to see what she does next! In the meantime, look for Under the Egg in Newbery 2015 buzz!

The Book of You by Claire Kendal

 The Book of You by Claire Kendal. HarperCollins, 2014. (Adult fiction)

In Bath, England, likeable Clarissa seems to have made the wrong choice in men and is soon being stalked. She reads all the pamphlets about what to do and keeps a journal to document the increasingly bizarre attempts of the man to track, contact, and become part of her life. Clarissa has been chosen for a multi-week jury trial and it soon seems like the case is paralleling her own life. As she gets closer to other jurors, the story expands until its heartpounding ending.

This suspenseful thriller is UK author Claire Kendal's first novel and it bodes well for future works from her. The events seem believable and the pacing is quick. Readers will care about Clarissa, her parents and friends, and the budding relationships she is trying to establish as she breaks free of one man's obsession. If you liked Gone Girl and Before I Go to Sleep, try The Book of You!

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & The Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming

 The Family Romanov:  Murder, Rebellion & The Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming. Schwarz & Wade Books, Penguin Random House, 2014. Middle grade readers and up.

It's easy to become absorbed in the tragic story of Russian tsar Nicholas II who looked so much like his cousins in the English royal family, the beautiful  Empress Alexandra who put so much faith in the healer Rasputin, and their four daughters and little son and heir. Many other books tell their story. The real contribution of Candace Fleming's nonfiction book is the vast research she has done and the interweaving of the accounts of Russians who lived during the times. Fleming makes readers understand how little access to or even news from the royal family any average peasant, factory worker, or WWI soldier had. Even the little heir's hemophilia was kept secret. As poverty soared, food, heat, and other basics of life became scarce. Men like Lenin seemed to offer new ideas and solutions.  The great Russian empire crumbled and few suspected that the very lives of  the royals were in danger. Readers can do no better than this title for an overview of Russian history from 1903-1918. Fleming updates with modern searches, DNA analysis, sainthoods, and attempts to reunite the family in burial. Photographs and extensive sources enhance the book.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart.

 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Random House, 2014. Young Adult

I grew up an only child in rural East Texas.  Stories about wealthy families who have lots of cousins and spend summers on their own private island are great summer fantasies for me. So when the trailer and all the pre-publicity about this book started, I thought to myself, "I am in!" It turns out this is one wild ride. With a May, 2014 publication date, the timing is perfect. Grab a copy and  put this one in your beach bag and enjoy.

The narrator is Cady Sinclair, the oldest grandchild. Readers may suspect from the title that she will not be a completely reliable storyteller. Add migraines that totally incapacitate Cady, a summer she cannot remember, and whispered conversations of others to that mix. Too much detail would give away the things that make the book work. Just read it!

The Secret Rooms by Catherine Bailey

  The Secret Rooms by Catherine Bailey. Adult Nonfiction.
                             Penguin Books, 2012.

Family secrets! Lords and Ladies! A history mystery! All are wrapped up in this tale set in Belvoir Castle in England. Home to the Duke of Rutland's family for generations, Belvoir was the regional seat of power and wealth. Catherine Bailey was among the first researchers to have access to "secret rooms" that were sealed in 1940, after the 9th Duke died there. Bailey hopes to write a book about the area men who valiantly served in WWI efforts. What she finds is that the 9th Duke has clearly eliminated several years of documents in his own lifetime and caused distinct gaps in three different time periods. Why? What is hidden?

Bailey is not able to solve all of the questions, but it is fascinating to follow her careful research. The current Duke and his family support her efforts. Their archivist provides some clues to the organization of the thousands of boxes of letters, records, and documents, but it is Bailey who sorts and sifts and ponders. She pieces together a lively look at the people, the events, and the tragic history of Belvoir.

The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay

 The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay. HarperCollins, 2012.
                                  Adult Fiction.

In the tenements of New York City in the 1870's, twelve-year-old Moth is sold into servitude by her own mother. She is cruelly treated, escapes, and finds her way into a high class training school for prostitutes. Wealthy gentlemen pay high prices for "untainted" companions, it seems, and believe this can cure them of a variety of diseases the men may carry. Of course, sometimes the girls get sick and die of those scurges. Moth makes friends with Dr. Sadie, a physician who treats the residents of the area and who wants very much to help Moth and rescue the child. Details about the society of the times, the role of women, the unprotected status of children, and the high prices of freedom and life alone are vividly described. Moth's story is one that readers will remember for a long time.