First, a side note: I have a guest post up at Eco-Novice.  It’s totally unrelated to reading and writing, but if you are interested in a review of zero waste lunch containers, check it out!

On to my recent reads.  For some reason I haven’t had as much time for reading lately, which always makes me sad, but I’m trying to console myself with the thought that busyness of life goes up and down (I’m hoping so, anyway!).  I hope to be able to squeeze in a lot of reading time this summer.

Picture Books:

Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully

Absolutely beautiful illustrations complement a magical story.  I particularly love the picture at the very end–lovely.  The 1993 Caldecott winner.

Easy Readers:

Bink and Gollie, written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile

My sister-in-law gave this book to Squeakers for her birthday and I’m so glad she did; it’s a lot of fun.  I love how the writers kept the text brief, giving the illustrator a lot of creative space.  The characters, writing and illustrations are fun, quirky and heartwarming.

Young Adult:

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 1: The Pox Party and The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume 2: The Kingdom on the Waves by M.T. Anderson

Wow, these took me a long time to read.  Not what I would call entertaining books, because the subject matter is serious, but very thought provoking.  It’s hard for me to remember now that the main character, Octavian, wasn’t a real historical figure.  These books have made me rethink the way I view history, particularly American history.

image credit: public domain