Notes From the Kids Staff

~Post by Meghan G. & the BookKids Staff

This week’s kids staff meeting was pretty great, taking us into the final rounds of judging for our annual bookmark contest. Winners will be contacted soon, but regardless of whose designs win, our art show of all the designs submitted will be something to see, so make sure check it out when it goes up on the cafe art wall in April.

As always, we also took some time to talk about what we’ve been reading. Below are some of the (new and not-so-new) books we have recently read and loved!

Meghan and Topher both recently read Jinx by Sage Blackwood

Meghan: “Set within a dark and sentient forest filled with menacing characters and dangerous magic, Jinx truly transcends the sum of its familiar elements. This surprisingly inventive and truly satisfying adventure tale sparkles with an oddly endearing cast of characters that’s a whole lot of fun to get to know.”

Topher says: “Jinx defies its opening chapter and transforms itself–going from a dark tale about a family trying to rid itself from the burden of an older unwanted child to a tale full of wonder and adventure.”

Helen has (apparently) become British after finishing Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, exclaiming: “Blimey! Orphans in London face off against evil magicians in this awesome Newbery Honor Book.”

Merrilee finally finished The FitzOsbornes at War, the conclusion to the wonderful Montmaray Journals trilogy and simply raved about the WWI novel: “I loved loved, loved, it. I cheered, I cried (really!), and I read faster and faster to find out what happened. Then I read it again.”

Wil loved Just One Day by Gayle Forman, finding many elements to respond to: “Shakespeare trips to Europe, finding your own voice, and a lot of intense emotions. Reads like Sarah Dessen taken to the next level. I loved and really cared about Allyson’s character.” *Signed copies available on our shelves and via bookpeople.com. 

Kathleen recommends staff favorite Ruta Sepetys’s latest historical novel, saying: “Out of the Easy is the story of Josie, a young woman living in the French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950. Part mystery, part romance, and very readable–I couldn’t put it down!”

Ta’Necia is excited for Poison by Bridget Zinn, which she calls “a riveting adventure that will appeal to readers young and old. It’s witty and enchanting with a fun dose of romance that will spellbind you from the first page.” Join us Friday, April 19 at 7:30pm for a special celebration of Bridget Zinn and Poison here at BookPeople!