The Great Gilly Hopkins

I loved, LOVED this book. So many people have recommended it to me and i even remember wanting to read it when I was in elementary school. At first I was unhappy with the ending. You can see how Gilly grows throughout the book, but it isn't in your face. Usually I hate an ending that I don't feel like is an ending. You don't feel completely done with the story, but at the same time I like thinking about how it will turn out. Gilly goes from being wanted and feeling lonely and sorry for herself to the girl who is making someone else not lonely- sorry that wording isn't good, but it is the only way I could think to say it.

A Year Down Younder

Even better than the first book. This book is still full of Grandma's antics but it is also somewhat of a coming of age story for Mary Alice. And what's most impressive is what she takes away from Grandma. Reading this was a fresh perspective for me, since it is set during the depression, on these hard economic times!

A Long Way From Chicago

I have heard a lot about Richard Peck's children's books, mainly how funny they were, so I have been wanting to read this for a long time. I was not impressed at all to begin with, but after I finished it, I felt very satisfied. Each chapter is a week that two children spend with their grandmother. Peck did a great job of showing the children growing every year, and how that worked with their crazy grandmother's schemes. I can't wait to read the next book.

The Secret Life of Bees

I have picked up this book several times, but couldn't get into it. I finally made myself read the first few chapters and I was relieved I didn't want to put it down. I absolutely loved these women. I think it is the first modern novel I have ever read that I think women will still be reading hundreds of years from now. It is a true classic to keep on your bookshelf, a coming of age story that even an adult can relate to.