Powerless by Matthew Cody

When Mrs. Jarombek visited in May to share some of her favorite books Powerless was among them. I was sitting in the back when she picked it up and Ian, now in sixth grade, said under his breath, "Great book." And they were right. I loved Powerless. It is a book that explores so many things - friendship, good vs. evil, what it means to be a hero (and do you have to have a super power to be a hero). The characters are well developed as is the story. And the best part? I just checked Matthew Cody's website - he's working on a sequel. This is a book best read by mature fourth and fifth graders.

Ladder of Years...Ann Tyler

I talk a lot about having a balanced book diet with the kids. And I since I try and practice what I preach I picked up Ann Tyler. I figured she would be my protein, my main course. And Ladder of Years is written beautifully but you know what, sometimes the main course looks pretty but doesn't have any taste. I am perhaps being a bit harsh but this is a book I became frustrated with early on and the only reason I stuck with it is because I wanted to see if Delia decided to return home after abandoning her family (on a whim, I might add). I imagine there are people who read this book and say of course that's how Tyler had to end the story. I am not one of them. Which means - if you choose to read the book we may have plenty to talk about.

The Greatest Catch A Life in Teaching...Penny Kittle

Wow. Penny Kittle is thoughtful, kind, and incredibly observant. She is the kind of teacher I wish to be. There is so much food for thought in this little book - about teaching, about writing, about living. A gift.

Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury

This is the last of the Nutmeg nominees and it's an adventure story not to be missed. Senior patrol leader of his Hilo, Hawaii, scout troop, eighth-grader Dylan looks forward to camping on the coast in the shadow of a volcano despite the presence of Louie, the troop bully. The hike down to the volcano is tougher than expected and then the troop is hit with not just an earthquake but a tsunami as well. It is amidst disaster that both Dylan and Louie have to let go of preconceived notions and rely on one another to help save their friends. Based on a true story.

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

I finished this book a week ago and I still can't decide whether or not I liked it. As the readers of this blog know, I am big into whether or not I can relate and/or root for a character. Split into two parts and filled with flashbacks, Richard Russo creates characters that are memorable; likable I'm not so sure. Jack Griffin returns to the Cape for a wedding. His father's ashes are in the trunk and his mother (long divorced from his father) constantly on his cell phone. The Cape is a place they vacationed as a family, memories plentiful. But his parents were bitter academics and Jack discovers maybe he's more like them than he would like. Over the course of that first weekend he explores his relationships not only with his parents but his wife and daughter, too. Fast forward one year, his daughter is getting married in Maine and life is far more complicated than it should be. There are laugh out loud scenes and Russo gives you plenty to think about.

Elephant Run by Roland Smith

One of the good things about the Nutmeg Award is I end up reading books I wouldn't normally pick up. Elephant Run by Roland Smith is a perfect example. Set during World War II, it tells the story of Nick Freestone, a young man who is sent to Burma to live with his father on a teak plantation. What his mother didn't know when she rushed to get Nick out of England and away from nightly bombings was that the Japanese were on the verge of taking Burma over. Elephant Run looks at WW II from an angle I was unaware of. There are people who are incredibly cruel and there are people who are true heroes. When you finish the book, walk away with the heroes.