Morven and the Horse Clan by Luanne Armstrong @greatplainspub

Morven and the Horse Clan
Luanne Armstrong
Great Plains Publications


Luanne Armstrong's historical novel about an adolescent girl was an enjoyable read. I never imagined how the first people might have tamed wild horses to help them thrive.  I loved the way Luanne describes Morven's love of horses and eventually how she learns to communicate with animals although she struggles to communicate with humans.  I learned a lot about the life and survival activities of the people from reading this historical fiction and I appreciate how difficult life was for those living in the Plains in 3500 BC. Because the book is written in the first person, I felt  I gained some insight into her beliefs and dreams of what she wanted to do with her life.  I enjoyed Morven's strength and courage especially when she helps and protects her tribe. I think readers will learn everyone is important and valuable no matter how different they may feel around others.
This novels's main message is that you can be successful if you stay true to yourself.  I like this idea and I think that it shows that it takes a lot of work to stay true to yourself but it is worth it. Adolescents and adults alike, all need to realize that things will get better if we persevere.

Graffiti Knight by @karenbassYA @pajamaspress1

Graffiti Knight
Karen Bass
Pajama Press

I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and historical details in this novel.  Karen Bass-the author, gave me a sense of the difficulties of living in a communist, post war Germany in 1947.  I learned many details and now I have even more questions about life after World War 2. The depiction of teenage life in communist Germany was an eye opener.  This book would be a great read aloud to intermediate students because of the opportunities to have discussions around the themes of loyalty, friendship, revenge, and hope.

Counting Back From Nine
Valerie Sherrard
Fitzhenry & Whiteside

I loved the way Valerie Sherrard tells a teenager's story in prose.  It reminds me of Creech's Love That Cat.  It was easy to read and the dealing with relationships and the teenage uncertainties about who your true friends are is very well done.  I never expected to like the main character as Laren is not a good friend when the story begins.  My grade 7 and 8 girls would really enjoy this story and a lot of discussion would arise from the issues brought up in this novel.