Zinnia and the Bees by Danielle Davis

Note:  I received a copy of this book in an author sponsored giveaway on Twitter.

Zinnia is having a very bad day.  First, her "yarn bombing" prank goes awry, then her brother disappears, and, to top it all off, bees move into her hair! As she deals with one problem after another, she learns the true meaning of friendship, trust, and home.  

This clever story is told intermittently through Zinnia's voice and the voice of Bee 641 who is in charge of finding a new home when an accident forces (or allows) her bee family to find a new hive.  It is witty, clever, and just really, really good.

I don't knit, but I feel the need to learn how to do so in order to create some of my own "yarn bombs".

Congratulations, Danielle Davis, on this wonderful debut novel.  I can't wait to not only share Zinnia's and Bee 641's story with my students, but to also see what you produce next.  

This is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans

Recommended for fans of fantasy, adventure, mystery, and the Spirit Animals series

My review will be somewhat brief because I don't want to divulge anything.

This is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans is definitely not a werewolf story--even though I kept thinking it might be until almost the end of the story.  Raul is a student at the One of Our Kind boarding school.  He is a loner and somewhat of a misfit.  When a new student shows up at the school, Raul just may have a chance at friendship, but, first, he has to come to terms with what happens to him each weekend when he visits the woods.  He also has to determine just how much he can share AND who exactly he can trust.

With a cast of characters that kept me guessing about whose side they were on until the last page, this story was mesmerizing.  I finished it in one sitting, and I am so hopeful that Raul's story will continue in another book.

I can't wait to book talk this one to my class.  There will be a line of readers waiting for it.  

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

Recommended for those who enjoy reading about redemption, relationships, and forgiveness

When Arthur T. Owens makes a rash decision that lands him in juvie, he has no idea what his victim, James Hampton, has in store for him.  Given a list of the Seven Most Important Things and an old shopping cart, Arthur is tasked with scouring through trash to find the items.  Through his work, he makes discoveries about himself, his family, and the world around him.  Told with raw emotion and tenderness, this is a story that will touch your heart and make you look at things a little differently.

As much as I adored this story, the author's note about the real James Hampton was a wonderful bonus.  I immediately went online to research and read about this very, very interesting and talented individual.  I couldn't stop poring over the photographs of his masterpiece.

Thank you, Ms. Pearsall, not only for writing a beautiful tale but also for introducing me to James Hampton.

Gertie Milk & the Keeper of Lost Things by Simon Van Booy

Recommended for fans of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy

I happened upon this title while browsing in a bookstore.  Having never heard of the author or the title, I was immediately drawn in by the cover.  After reading the blurb, I was more than intrigued.

What a wonderful tale Simon Van Booy has created!

When Gertie Milk wakes up on the shore of the island of Skuldark, she doesn't remember anything about herself.  She soon discovers that she is the next chosen Keeper of Lost Things.  Along with the help of Kolt, a fellow keeper, Gertie is off on one adventure after another to return important artifacts in history to those who have lost them.  

Trying to stand in their way are the Losers who are trying to destroy all that Gertie and Kolt must accomplish.  In an unexpected twist, Gertie discovers something about herself that she never imagined and is forced to decide upon which side her loyalty lies.

Usually when I get to the end of a book and realize there could be a sequel, I am disappointed because I like good strong endings where everything is neatly resolved. That is not the case here, however.  I am so, so delighted that Van Booy left this open for a possible sequel.

One of the most clever stories I have ever read!   Congratulations, Simon Van Booy!  Now, when can we expect a sequel?!?!

Race to the Bottom of the Sea by Lindsay Eagar

Recommended for readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, pirates, and strong characters

I first fell in love with Lindsay Eagar's writing when she released Hour of the Bees.  I was so blown away by the depth of her characters that I found myself thinking of them way beyond the pages of the book.  With Race to the Bottom of the Sea, Eagar has accomplished the same experience for the reader.

Fidelia Quail thrives working alongside her marine scientist parents; however, when her parents are killed in an accident that causes Fidelia to be overcome with both guilt and grief, she must find her new place and discover her new path.  

When Fidelia is kidnapped by the pirate Merrick the Monstrous, she is forced upon an adventure that just may help her work through her grief and guilt--if she can survive the danger.

This is a story of love, loss, regret, and triumph--a roller coaster of emotion that will leave the reader feeling exhilarated and thankful for the ride.

Lindsay Eagar--You are officially one of my faves.