Girl Defined: God's Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity by Kristen Clark, Bethany Baird

Girl Defined: God's Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity by Kristen Clark, Bethany Baird -- 240 pages

Most of the principles that sisters Kristen and Bethany share in "Girl Defined" are not new or novel to a lot of Christian girls I know, but compiled in this easy-to-read (and pretty) little book, it is certainly ideal for young girls who seek to discover their purpose as a girl. Along with the same themes that run in other solid Christian books, Kristen and Bethany share their own stories that drive home different points, and leave journal space to write your own similar experiences or thoughts.

Bunny Drop, v.1 by Yumi Unita

Bunny Drop, v.1 by Yumi Unita - 208 pages

Daikichi and his family are shocked to discover that his recently deceased grandfather had fathered a small girl.  Nobody in the family wants to deal with her, so Daikichi takes Rin home with home.  Now he has to figure out how to take care of Rin while still working.
I really enjoyed this graphic novel.  In fact, I immediately put the next five volumes on hold as soon as I finished reading it.  I thought the reactions of Daikichi, a man known for not liking children, were realistic to the situation.  I'm also looking forward to the mystery of Rin's mother.

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck - 145 pages

Everything changed for PeeWee when the tornado came through town.  Four college students who came to see the damage end up sharing the job of town librarian.  Two of them in particular have a profound effect on PeeWee and her brother Jake.  They help PeeWee admit to the world that she is actually a girl and help Jake to compete in the county fair's automobile race.
The only other books by Richard Peck I have read are the Blossom Culp series from the 1980s.  This book is completely different from what I thought it would be.  The writing was much better in this book.  And as this book is a historical fiction it doesn't get the dated feel that the other series has.  I enjoyed the dynamic between the librarians, PeeWee and Jake.  I also even enjoyed all the car description that was included in the book.  A great book for all to read!

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

"Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry - 215 pages
(Book 2 of  "The Giver" series)

Kira's father was taken by beasts before she was born with a severely crippled leg. Her mother, alone in the world, fought for her infant daughter's life when the villagers came to throw her away. No "rejects" of society are allowed to drain the resources of the village. Years later, Kira's mother takes ill and passes away. Once again Kira's life is in danger. The village women have eyed her land for their own purpose. Seeking to have Kira tossed out of the village because of her deformity, her accusers take her before the village counsel in the hopes they will rule against Kira. With her true talent revealed, Kira is moved into a high place within the village. There she begins to learn there's more to her village than meets the eye.