Found and Sent

Hurray! The next book in the Missing series is out. I read Found last year and was fortunate enough to have dinner with the author, Margaret Peterson Haddix (thank you District 112 librarians!). What a wonderful experience.

Sent starts out with a bang. Jonah, through whose eyes we are experiencing the story, and his sister and best friend have traveled back to 1400's England. It's a great way to learn about a period of time that is unfamiliar to many of us (me, included).

Like all her books, this is action-filled and you immediately care about the main characters. If you didn't read Found, you should still be able to enjoy this book.

I highly recommend it for good 4th grader readers and on up through middle school. Of course, older readers will still enjoy it. I love reading her books!

The Secret Keeper

Just having read two adult books which take place in India, I was intrigued by the thought of a Young Adult book that takes place in India. This book is written from the point of view of a teenager, Asha, who was raised in an unusual manner. Her father treated her like a son in that she was allowed to participate in sports.

However, when she reaches puberty that all changes suddenly. She can no longer play cricket (a British, baseball-like sport) and wear shorts. Her entire life changes. And she does not like it.

When her father leaves them to try to find a job in America, they must move into her grandparents' house where the environment is even more restrictive. She meets a boy from next door while spending time alone on her roof. Their friendship is forbidden--innocent though it is.

Asha must make a desperate sacrifice to keep her promise to her father--to keep her family safe.

This is a wonderful book and the reader will laugh and cry over the events which transpire. Also, for the reader who enjoys learning about other cultures--this is a sure winner!