What I Read in February (Laurie)

I am still reading a lot of kid literature, but I also managed a couple YA books and a grown-up read last month.  Here's what I read in February:

Middle-Grade Books

Double-Dog Dare, by Lisa Graff  (300 p.)

This was a cute book about a dare war between a boy and girl who both want to win the position of newscaster for their media club.  In the process, they learn a lot about empathy and friendship.

All The Answers, by Kate Messner (257 p.)

A girl is surprised to find that a pencil she found in the kitchen drawer has the ability to answer factual questions.  All she has to do is write the question down and a voice tells her the answer.  The pencil helps calm her anxiety and her build her confidence, but she also finds it gives her more information than she really wants.

Young Adult Book

The War That Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley(322 pages)

This is a very sweet story about a brother and sister who go to live in the country during the evacuation of London in World War II.  Nine-year-old Ada is happy to have escaped her abusive mother, who hates her because of her club foot.  She and her younger brother move in with Susan Smith, a woman who initially seems not to want them, but with whom they develop a close bond.

The Savage Fortress, by Sarwat Chadda (309 p.)

Ash is on vacation in India with his aunt and uncle and gets himself involved in a dangerous battle again evil Rakshashas (demons) who hope to reclaim their power.  This a fantasy adventure with some gory descriptions and details, but it's a great read for those who like that sort of thing.

Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson (353 p,)

This book has won a number of awards, and after I read it, I understood why.  Woodson has such a beautiful gift for capturing life in words.  The book is her memoir told in verse.  

Grown-up Book

Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers, by Alexander McCall Smith

This book is the latest in the 44 Scotland Street series.  It's a fun series revolving around various characters whose lives occasionally intersect based on connections from their building at 44 Scotland Street.  Bertie is a young boy whose mother is determined to raise him gender neutral, yet who is desperate to do all the boyish things his mother abhors.  He's an endearing, lovable character around whom the series seems to revolve, though there are many storylines going on.  I love this series and always look forward to the next installment.

Movies

One Small Hitch (2015)

Sometimes I just get in the mood for a good romantic comedy, so I decided to give this one a try.  It was a cute story about a guy who convinces his best friend's younger sister to act as his fiancee to make his dying father happy.  It had a very predictable ending, but the happy ending is what we want in a romantic comedy, right?

Mockingjay part 1 (2014)

I enjoyed the Hunger Games series, so I've been watching the movies as they come out.  I think they do a pretty good job sticking to the books when they make the films.  I enjoyed this one and look forward to the next.

X-Men, Days of Future Past (2014)

My son and I were both home with colds this week, so we watched this. We also watched Big Hero 6, and we liked that too.  Sometimes watching movies is good medicine.

What are you reading?  Would love to hear your recommendations!