by Wilson, BudgeAnyone who ever read the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery might have wondered what Anne’s life was like before she was adopted by the Cuthberts. In Before Green Gables Budge Wilson tries to answer that question. The reader gets to meet Anne’s schoolteacher parents and find out the tragic circumstances that led to her time in the orphanage. You see how Anne’s childhood experiences begin to shape her into the young woman immortalized in Montgomery’s series. Wilson does an excellent job of reinventing a very beloved character. Both her writing style and her portrayal of Anne’s character are very similar to Montgomery’s works.This is a must-read for Green Gables fans! – reviewed by Jessica, Mint Hill Read more…

by Saint-Exupery, Antoine de (1943)My favorite book is The Little Prince because it leaves the imagination full and the heart young.- reviewed by Kate, , Read more…

by Smith, BettySet in the slums of Brooklyn during the early part of the 20th century, Betty Smith’s timeless coming of age story has charmed readers for over fifty years with its descriptive passages, richly developed characters, and universal themes. The story centers on the Nolan family and is told through the eyes of Francie, the intelligent and imaginative daughter of immigrants. The author explores themes of poverty, alcoholism, the value of education, and the strength of family, as well as the experience of immigrants who came to this country in search of a better life. Readers young and old will cheer for Francie, forced to leave school early, mistreated by fate and people—as she pushes forward, spirited and determined.- Read more…

by Shulman, PollyAshleigh is an enthusiast. She has been obsessed with a countless number of things, but the new school year finds her turning into a Janeite: a devoted follower of the work of Jane Austen. However, much to her best friend Julie’s dismay, Ashleigh not only reads Jane Austen but tries to dress, speak and act in a manner according to that of the Regency period. As school begins and embarrassment looms, Julie finds the only deterrent is helping Ashleigh search for her Mr. Darcy at a local boy’s prep school. However, as with any Jane Austen novel, mistaken overtures, humor and a general sense of bewilderment often follow. Shulman has presented a gem worthy of Austen fans or lovers of good books. – reviewed by Courtney, Read more…

by Downham, JennyTessa Scott is sixteen and knows that her cancer will kill her long before she reaches independence. She makes a list of life experiences to collect before her death and sets out to accomplish them. The list begins with sex, drugs, recklessness and crime, and as she ticks each one off she refines her choices to better reflect what she discovers about herself. She is raw with anger, but as she develops she finds ways to make others relate to her as a person, not as a person who is dying. I have so much sympathy for this character. She reminds us that individuals matter and that each life is important. This is a book that delivered way beyond my expectations.- reviewed by Catie, Main Library, Read more…