A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a hauntingly beautiful story about Conor O'Malley and his inner and outer struggles as he deals with the sorrow of his mom's worsening illness and his guilt that he cannot save her, and also wants her pain and his, to end.

He struggles with the unkindness of a school bully, his feelings of betrayal when his best friend told others about his mom's cancer, his grandmother, and a monster made out of a yew tree as it tries to coach the reluctant boy into facing his feelings and acknowledging them for what they are. The story is both sad and beautiful, and young people as well as adults can learn valuable lessons about life, friendship, feelings, thoughts, actions, and knowing when it is okay to let go.

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary gives us a look into the life of one of her characters, Henry Huggins, and his dog Ribsy, both of whom I was first made familiar with when I started reading Ms. Cleary's Ramona books.

Looking at the world from his prespective was interesting, especially the story of how he and Ribsy first met and became best friends. Henry is an interesting clever character that children, especially boys, can relate to, and the adventures he has are exciting and fun. Kids and adults who enjoy children's stories would enjoy reading or listening to this book.

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom

Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Bloom is a fun book about a boy named Peter Hatcher and his trials having to deal with his annoying neighbor Sheila Tubman, and his even more annoying little brother, Fudge.

Fudge does all sorts of annoying things from acting terrible in front of their dad's client and losing his business, to coloring all over Peter's homework. But when Fudge does the most terrible thing of all, will Peter be able to forgive him? This book is fun for kids and adults who enjoy reading books about sibling conflict and growing up.

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume is a delightful story about a girl named Sheila Tubman who goes to Tarrytown, New York for the summer. Sheila, while being a bit annoying due to her penchant for lying and hating dogs, is at the same time funny and relatable in many ways. I enjoyed the story when I was the age of the character, and I enjoyed it recently when I listened to it again.

Sheila is from New York itself, and for the summer, she goes with her family to stay in the house of one of her dad's colleagues for the summer while the colleague and his family are away. Sheila doesn't like sleeping in a boys' room, but she enjoys making new friends and learning things. I especially liked when she learned about the headless horseman, since that is the area where Washington Irving lived in for some years, and where he got his inspiration for the popular story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow about the headless horseman and poor Ichabod Crane. Sheila learns and grows, and by the end of the book has realizes a few things about honesty and dogs. Children and adults who enjoy reading middle grade books would enjoy this story.

Narnia performed by Duchesne High School

Earlier this evening, I enjoyed a lovely performance by student actors at Duchesne High School. They performed Narnia, based on the book The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. It was a delightful story, following Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter as they set off on a journey into the magical land of Narnia, meet the sinister White Witch Jadis, and find the help of the heroic lion, Aslan and his followers. Will they be able to defeat the white witch and save Narnia? The play will be going for three more nights, November 23, 25, and 26th at Duchesne High School in Duchesne, Utah. Preshow will begin at 6:30 with the play beginning at 7:00 pm. Click HERE for more information.

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

If you enjoy steampunk stories involving brave, intelligent kids, you will enjoy The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson. Joel wants to be a Rithmatist, the chalk weilding people who have special powers with the circles they draw, and are able to fight the wild chalklings in Nebrask who threaten the livelihoods of the citizens living in the American isles.

But as skilled as he is with drawing circles, he doesn't have the same powers that Rithmatists have. So how can he help when a mysterious figure starts kidnapping kids who are Rithmatists, spiriting them away unseen and unheard in the night? Can he and his friend Melody who is a Rithmatist, and kindly Professor Fitch find out what's happening before their entire school, Armedius Academy is attacked?

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis is a delightful story about Polly Plummer and Diggory Kirk, two friends who find themselves tricked by Diggory's dastardly uncle into going on an unexpected magical adventure which takes them on twists and turns, coming into contact with the evil queen Jadis.

Once in her company, they find their way back to Diggory's idiot uncle, then come into contact with an unsuspecting cab man and his horse. Then they find themselves, with the use of Uncle Andrew's magical rings, in the brand new world of Narnia. There, they meet Aslan, the lion. And what does Aslan ask Diggory to do, to help counter the presence of the evil Jadis in Aslan's new world? Read the lovely book to find out! It is a fun book for both children and adults who enjoy magical adventures!