Miss Abby's Top 3
1. Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
Why: This series has just the right amount of creepy and fantastic/magical elements to be really intriguing to me. It was a very engaging story. I needed to know what things were going to play out, and I like the characters and world. It's mostly realistic, yet contains magic. It made me think about how I feel about magic's place in the world we live in.
Why: This was a clean, simple, good story. It takes place over one summer and follows sisters and the shenanigans they get into. Each sister has a distinct personality. It's kind of a coming of age story, yet takes place in a very short span of time. It's a good snippet of childhood, I think.
Miss Kim's Top 3
1. The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Adam Rex
Why: I can truly say that this is the only book I feel I need to read with a French accent. There are even some interactive bits to get kids involved in getting Escargot the snail to his salad.
3. The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
Why: I have been listening to many different books this year but this was one of my favorites. There was puzzle solving, code breaking, explosions, mystery, apothecaries, and it all takes place in 1665 London, just before the Great Plague hit in full force.
1. Real Friends by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Why: Making and keeping friends is not easy, and this graphic novel based on the author's own childhood experiences is one of the most relatable friendship stories I've ever read. Fans of Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson or any of Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels will love this.
2. The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
3. Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk