Before We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak

Before We Were Strangers by Brenda Novak - 378 pages

Something happened to her mother that night. Something no one wants to talk about. But she's determined to uncover her family's dark secrets, even if they bury her.

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn't sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound--the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone. The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn't sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn't just difficult--he was deadly.

Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a small town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend and a father and brother who'd rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn't whether she can uncover what really happened that night...it's what will remain of her family if she does?

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey - 326 pages
The Owl Trilogy #3

Darian has always wondered what happened to his parents when they disappeared.  Now he has a clue that they might have been transported north.  He travels to the north with his friends to see if he can find them.

This is the final book in the Valdemar series featuring Darian.  It is a good conclusion to the series.

Blanche Hates the Night by Sibylle Delacroix

Blanche Hates the Night by Sibylle Delacroix - 32 pages

Every day ends the same. Night always falls. Blanche’s mom turns off the light and closes Blanche’s bedroom door. It’s time to go to sleep.

There’s just one problem: Blanche hates the night. She does not want to go to sleep! She would much rather play

(me too)

Good for opening the discussion with a child about the importance of sleep.

Alchemy by Margaret Mahy

Alchemy by Margaret Mahy - 207 pages

Roland's teacher gives him two choices -- either spy on a fellow student for him or be turned into the authorities as a thief.  But why is his teacher so interested in the Jess?  Who is the mysterious man that seems to be following Roland around?  And what is the voice in his head protecting him from?

This is a supernatural romance from Margaret Mahy.  While I didn't enjoy it as much as her other book The Changeover, it was interesting and kept my guessing as I read it.

Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark

Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark - 218 pages

Juliette and Abram meet while both are getting their prescriptions filled at the CVS.  They know of each other but have avoiding one another since their parents died together in a car crash and it came out they had been having an affair.  Juliette knows she should avoid Abram, but yet she can't seem to stop running into him.

This book has everything in it -- depression, prescription pill addiction, eating disorders, parental abandonment, and more.  Even with way too many things stuffed into a short book, it was interesting to read.  I'm looking forward to seeing what else the author writes.

Ms. Rapscott's Girls by Elise Primavera

Ms. Rapscott's Girls by Elise Primavera - 265 pages

Ms. Rapscott's runs a school for girls of busy parents.  These girls do not know how to live or survive in the world as their parents are too busy to teach them anything.  Ms. Rapscott is going to fix that.  Unfortunately, one of the girls got lost on her way to the school and they have to find her before they can finish their term.
I thought the idea behind this book was very interesting.  The girls were all very distinct personalities even though they were stereotypes.  I think my main issue with the book was that the girls personalities changed very quickly and between chapters so it was a little abrupt.

Jack the Castaway by Lisa Doan

Jack the Castaway by Lisa Doan - 144 pages
The Berenson Schemes #1

Jack is dismayed to discover that his parents intend to take him on their next get rich quick scheme to the Caribbean where they plan to start a snorkeling business.  Jack is sure that somehow he will end up dead on this adventure - whether from whale sharks, pirates, or just his parents' neglect.  He had no idea that he would actually end up as a castaway on a deserted island though - all due to his parents lack of planning.
This is the first book in a new series.  I personally found Jack to be a bit annoying.  Yes, his parents are neglectful, easily distracted, and have no clue on how to raise a kid.  But even when they eventually come around as you know they will he continues to bad mouth them and disparage them at every opportunity.  However, I think kids will see it as the ultimate boy knows best story.

MSCHMITT-- Love Waves by Rosemary Wells 28

 MSCHMITT-- Love Waves by Rosemary Wells 28

This is a reassuring tale for little ones when mom and dad have to be away. Love waves are always in the air even if mom and dad cannot be at your side.