Ms. Anderson's ATM

If there's one thing I've learned over the past three weeks, it's that there's nothing better to do in a snowstorm than burrow in my Comfy with a great book.

I am also left wondering, what' s with all of the Thursday storms? But I'm guessing I'm not getting an answer for this so I'll just set that right there. Anyway, what's been keeping me reading?

There are so many things I love about author, Jewell Parker Rhodes.

1) Her book are the perfect length and ideal font.

2) Her stories are always about something new.

Paradise on Fire addresses the issue of Global Warming (maybe a bit heavy handed but I think it works) and how National Parks are under visited by minority populations. This story is action packed and perfect for a reader that likes adventure with some mystery.

I listened to Amina's Song and was delighted with the experience. Amina is fresh from a visit to Pakistan but is left struggling to figure out how much she has been changed by her visit. How does she incorporate her love for Pakistan in her American life? Will she still feel connected to her friends and family after she leaves? Has her visit changed her so much that she won't be close to her American friends again? Amina is funny and honest and easy to spend time with. It is easy to see why this won ALA awards this year.

Tola is the youngest child in a family in Nigeria. She's adorable but not as memorable as her bossy grandmommy.

I love the quick storytelling and laughed throughout. If you loved Akissi then you will be just as charmed by Tola.

Kyle's Little Sister addresses not just the pains of changing friendships (like Roller Girl or Best Friends), but also the difficulties of being in the shadow of a popular and successful older brother. How many times will teachers compare her to Kyle? How many friends will try to meet her brother with her help? The comics are a treat and a great match for the narrative.

I'm still reading a couple others, Snake Falls to Earth (different) and Last Night at the Telegraph Club (just three chapters in).

Happy Reading!

Ms. Anderson