A few days ago, I told you guys that I got this in the mail:
Peggy Tibbetts’s middle grade novel ‘Letters to Juniper.’ Avid reader that I am, I immediately started reading it.
The start was a little slow, but by the time I got to page seven, I found myself getting more and more wrapped up in the story. Sarah, our oh-so-lovable protagonist, is a sweet 12 year old girl in a very unfortunate familial situation, who finds her family on the front of what she likens to “a war.” Tibbetts’ strong narrative voice brought Sarah to life, such that I couldn’t even put the book down during dinner (er…tomato sauce spots add character?)
The story is told in a chillingly true style and really draws readers in – not only was I reading through mealtimes, but also on my walk to and from work! The ending, at least for me, came out of nowhere! I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Letters to Juniper’ and think it’s good enough to pull the little (er, middle?) ones away from their gameboys. 
Though Tibbetts markets it as a middle grade novel, I think the story definitely has young adult cross-over potential. I’d recommend ‘Letters to Juniper’ for 10 to 16 year old readers! You can get a copy here. Check it out! 
How do you decide what book to read next?
Do you give books as presents?
Thanks to the internet, the only time I can REALLY sit down and read is if I am far away from it and I relish those times. I usually go by book recommendations from others- I’m currently reading “Maximum City” by something Mehta…it’s based in Bombay and about the black market and was recommended by a friend after I said I loved Shantaram
Ooh, that sounds good! But I always have to make time for books, they’re just too much a part of me. Trust me, it’s better when I have my books
And I think I’m going to have to look up ‘Maximum City’
Oh dear. It’s been too long since I’ve been engrossed in a book. It seems to me that the newer books just aren’t as interesting. I gravitate towards the older books, yet also crave something more modern.
I feel that way too sometimes (not the ‘too long’ bit, but the less interesting bit). But then I just look harder! Old books are funnish sometimes, but I like new ones (as in, preferably from the last 40, tops 50, years). And there are so many new authors, there just have to be great new books! I think it’s just that they’re hard to find…good luck!
I’d recommend ‘The Space Between Us’ by Thrity Umgar – well written & touching.
Won a bunch of awards, too, I think…not like that means anything 
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