Historical Fiction Pick: Fair Weather by Richard Peck

Us City Folk never stop moving, do we?

Case in point, I've got to leave for a dentist appointment in 18 minutes and if I don't get this post up by then -- what with everything else I've got going on today -- it will become a post for tomorrow.

City folk are crazy. Just ask Rosie Beckett, main character of Richard Peck's Fair Weather. This engaging historical fiction novel initially attracted me because of the years that I spent living in Chicago. That city's rich history has always intrigued me -- and this book centers around the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition -- where an entire "white city" was erected for the sake of this fair.

Rosie lives downstate on a farm -- she thinks going into her own small town is an experience! When the family receives train tickets from their Chicago aunt to visit and attend the fair, Rosie and her sister are sure their strict, hardworking mother will never let them go....

Never underestimate the actions of a mother when she wants to separate one of her daughters (Rosie's sister Lottie) from a no-good boyfriend.

The rest of the book is a non-stop adventure as Rosie, Lottie, little brother Buster and their cantankerous Grandad head north to the fair. Peck expertly weaves the history of the Exposition into the story -- where the family ride the frightening (newly invented) Ferris Wheel , attend Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and learn a few surprises about themselves and their Grandfather.

This book is funny and heartfelt and I loved every minute of it -- any girl with a hankering for history will do the same. If your girl is searching for historical fiction as a reading assignment, she'll enjoy this book and learn about an important event in history. The Columbian Exposition introduced new inventions (the hamburger, carbonated beverages), showcased amazing feats of science (widespread use of electric lights) and for the millions who attended, including the wonderful, independent-minded Rosie Beckett - the world was never the same.

Maybe that world is fast paced and crazy -- but as long as we slow down now and again to spend time together and enjoy a good book, like Fair Weather-- that's OK with me.

I'm off to the dentist ... just got this in under the wire! Have a great day!

Books, Books, Everywhere! Part II: Discover the Bugs

Tomorrow is Wednesday and the carpet man cometh -- I am still clearing out the top floor in anticipation of the event. If you told me 20 years ago that I would be Christmas-Eve-excited about getting my carpets cleaned I would have laughed out loud!

The books downstairs are no longer in piles -- my 7 year old (God bless her) hunted through them last night and now they are spread out all over the dining room -- a virtual carpet of books. Scattered within the books, though, I notice the Bug magazines.

When my girls were babies, my mom bought them a subscription to Babybug, a fantastic publication that features short poems, songs and illustrations on tough card-stock paper --custom made for babies and toddlers.

As they moved out of the baby years, they began to receive Ladybug, the next step up in this series of magazines. Ladybug appeals to the slightly older child (and emergent reader), with whimsical illustrations, a continuing series in every issue, crafts and poems.

Now the girls read Spider, the Carus publishing magazine made for 6-9 year olds -- perfect for my kiddos.

Through the years in our house, these magazines have been collected and dragged everywhere from the doctor's office to the beach -- and have been invaluable on long road trips.

When the girls were too young to read the words, these magazines were a great excuse for me to sit down with them for some quiet time. Now they are more inclined to read them on their own, curled up on the sofa or before lights out at bedtime. The best thing about these magazines is that they will grow with your girls -- with first-rate titles all the way through the high school years.

I consider these publications top-knotch -- with consistently quality material -- kind of kiddie literary magazines. And these three titles are just the tip of the iceberg -- check out the Cricket website to preview issues of many others -- including Click and Ask. And don't let the price of a yearly subcription throw you off -- you'll find that any Cricket magazine is worth every penny.

Give these great magazines a try -- and enjoy reading them with your girls!

Young Adult Pick: Follow the Rules of the Road

If you are a young adult (or know one) in search of an author who is consistently producing great books -- you can't go wrong with Joan Bauer. Her skilled writing, entertaining plots, and funny, human characters will pull you in and leave you wanting more.

This inspiring writer (read her story) has eight young adult novels under her belt. I haven't read them all, but one that I adored was Rules of the Road. This book introduces the nearly 6 foot, 16 year old Jenna Boller and follows her on a road trip with her boss, the indomitable Mrs. Gladstone, from Chicago to Dallas.

I think any teenager can relate to Jenna, who feels most comfortable when she's working in her sales job at a shoe store. According to Jenna,

"I succeeded here. I made money here. I didn't feel big, awkward, and lost. I felt successful. I helped people. They looked to me instead of away."

The introduction of Jenna's family members (including her alcoholic father), and her quirky co-workers make this story sing with realism. The humor is perfect, the emotions are true -- the writing flows on the page in a fast-paced rhythm. You'll find yourself routing for Jenna every step of the way.

As a writer, I am a great admirer of Ms. Bauer's skill -- and as a mother of girls I appreciate that her books present teenagers in a positive light. There's a wonderful message in this book of hope in spite of adversity -- and Jenna emerges as a strong, compassionate human being. When considering the kinds of books I want my girls reading when they hit the teenage years, I will absolutely encourage them to read Joan Bauer.

I think you'll love these books -- give them a try -- and let me know what you think when you're done....

Enjoy!

Princess Academy: For Girls Who Dream Big

If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world, try Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale.

You might think that this sounds like a fairy tale book filled with withering princess-types -- all waiting for their Prince Charming, but it is not. The main character, Miri, is from a mountain town where all the inhabitants work in the local quarry harvesting a precious stone called linder. Miri is small compared to the other teenagers in her village, and, to her great frustration, is forbidden by her father to work in the quarry.

Miri's fight to "be useful" to her family and village is sidetracked one day when an important visitor comes to town. The priests of the country's royal family have decided that the wife of the crown prince will come from Miri's small, unrefined village. A mandate is sent down that all the girls between 12 and 17 must attend a Princess Academy. The future princess will be selected in a year's time from this group of girls.

Miri and her friends are shocked, but they follow the order and each begins to see that the world is much bigger than they could have imagined. Miri's transformation, as she learns to read and wrestles with the notion that she may want to be the princess after all, is wonderfully portrayed

A suspenseful twist at the end will have you at the edge of your seat, and you will be cheering for each of the girls as they discover how to get what they really want from their lives.

Miri is a main character that girls can relate to, she's independent, funny, sensitive, smart, sweet and strong -- you'll be routing for a sequel after you read Princess Academy -- a great book for girls! Recommended ages: 5th grade on up....

Next on my list from this award-winning author (Princess Academy was a 2006 Newbery Honor Book): The Goose Girl -- I'll let you know what I think!

Enjoy and have a great weekend!