Lisa recommends

Ivan, a gorilla, has spent most of his life with humans and the other animals at the mall. His memory of life before humans and cages is hazy. That is, until a terrified young elephant joins him and he starts to remember the importance of family and belonging. A wonderful read full of heart.

Blue Jay, the pirate captain has a fondness for eggs. When his latest treasured egg hatches, and produces a rather large bird, the fun has just begun. Wonderfully descriptive language helps readers visualize this avian pirate adventure.

This historical fantasy involves three sisters, suitors, tea parties, a Brotherhood, a Sisterhood, mind magic, and a prophecy. Cate, the eldest Cahill, has been looking after her sisters ever since their mother died. She is about to come of age and must choose either marriage or joining the Sisterhood. All she can think about, though, is trying to keep secret the fact that she and her sisters are witches. When she receives a mysterious note and uncovers her mother's diary, she realizes that her family's future might be tied to an old prophecy. This first of three books will have have you wondering whether the Cahill's have been blessed or cursed.

The author of "Marcelo in the Real World" has created another thought provoking young adult novel. We see sisters Kate and Mary dealing with the aftermath of their father's sudden death. To compound the situation, they must figure out how to continue to care for their mother who was left in a persistent vegetative state after an accident years ealier. How will they continue to care for her? What can they afford? Should dreams of going to college or creating art be abandoned? What are the options? You will be captivated by the complex characters and their struggles to come to terms with these questions.

Mattie Brown and her mom have moved often.  This time, they have moved in with Uncle Potluck, the janitor at her new school.  Mattie has lots of fears and she is about to deal with her biggest.  Will she be able to make a "hound dog true' friend?

I love Sally Murphy's ability to convey strong emotions and tell amazing stories in verse form. "Toppling" is a wonderful story. John and his group of friends, "the gigglers", are in 5th Grade and this trimester they get to do a project on "anything". When one of "the gigglers" gets sick and ends up in the hospital,they are left wondering what is wrong, what can they do and what will happen. The day the class presents their projects an unlikely classmate shares a story that will help them get some of the answers to their questions

The cards are stacked against Doug Swieteck -- new kid in town, abusive father and a brother accused of robbery. Yet, he rises above and you will cheer him on as he changes the lives of those around him!

When two chicks named Dirt and Sugar ask former rescue dog, J.J. Tully to help locate their missing siblings, a humorous tale ensues.

Shame on me for having passed through my school days without having read this amazing book. I finally took the time to read it when my town chose it for a "One Town, One Book" selection. I so enjoyed everything about this book and wonder how my appreciation would have differed had I read it in my younger days.