I think I have a good one for you.
I can't remember where I saw this title but I put Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord on hold at our library. While we didn't read it aloud, three of us finished it in less than a week.
From my 12 year old boy: "Mom, you have to read this. It's a touching story."
From my 10 year old girl: "I want my own copy and I really hope there will be a sequel."
The jacket summary begins like this:
"Lucy's family has just moved to an old house on a New Hampshire lake, and her dad, a famous photographer, is already leaving on another business trip.... As she seeks out the perfect subjects for her photos, Lucy gets to know Nate, the boy living in the cottage next door. He's been coming to the lake to stay with his grandmother every summer since he was a baby."
There's lots to love about this story and it all works so well together.
Kids working out friendships. Family (and neighbors) caring for a grandmother. Working hard at a hobby and using it for good. Thoughtful decisions. Learning about birds on a lake. Summer!
And so, from me: "Two thumbs up. It is well worth your time."
Linking up to Read Aloud Thursday. Take a look!
