Books in Vermont

So I am in Vermont at my very last residency for my MFA degree. I am surrounded here by people who love to write for children, and most importantly—love books for children! As I stumble on amazing books, I'm going to post them here, as much for me as for all of you. Get your pens out and make your list for the library! (Or the book store)

Heroes of the Valley by Jonathan Stroud

I don't know why they have such a hard time making great covers for this book, but seriously, this book is amazing. Vikings. Fantasy. One of the best children's authors of all time. Probably age 14 and up unless you have a younger fantasy lover in your brood. This is a book for you grown-ups too.

Again for older kids, this book is haunting. Short, sparse. Makes you think, and you can't put it down. Worth every page.

Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt

I know I've talked about this before, but just in case you haven't read it—JUST IN CASE—I'm putting it on here again. You inhabit this world when you read this book. You inhabit this character. You love her. You ache for her. You feel her incredible joy—and it is soooo romantic. For age 14 and up, and okay, probably just for girls.

And one more, just because I just remembered it and it is one of my favorites in the whole word.

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise McGraw

Romance. Drama. Suspense. Adventure. Danger. Egypt! Princes. Queens. Read this book!!! And then read it one more time!!! Ages fourteen and up. You will not be able to put it down.

(I'll try to post more younger books next time....)