Books that Make You a Better Person

Sometimes, if you're a very lucky, you will encounter a book that makes you feel like a better person because you read the story. The first time this happened to me was when I finished A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. I was so humbled and felt changed by the power of the story. The times this happens for me are rare, but the most recent one I finished just today. The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones is powerful. The book examines race in 1950s Alabama through the unlikely friendship of Ethan, a quiet, biracial boy visiting from Washington, and Juniper, a effervescent, white girl determined to have an invincible summer. The story is full of adventures, light, and laugher that gives hope to the hate and horrors Ethan and Juniper experience. This is one to read, reread, and gift.

Grab the tissues.

Ms. Anderson