Small Bones by @VickiGrantYA @orcabook

Small Bones
Vicky Grant
Orca Books

I really enjoyed this Secrets book as I found the characters engaging and I connected with them immediately.  I received an advanced reading copy to preview and I was not disappointed.  Dot is an orphan that must leave the quiet sleepy town of Hope, Ontario in 1964.  She obtains a few hints about her birth parents and decides to investigate.
I enjoyed the way the hints are interspersed throughout the book to keep the reader guessing about Dot's father's true identity. I also appreciated that the character is reasonable and doesn't jump hastily to conclusions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the small town summer resort setting.  Vicki provides the reader enough details to see the resort without slowing down the pace of the story.
This book would be enjoyed by students in Grade 6-8.
I think students would gain a better sense of some of the advantages and disadvantages of being a teenager in the 1960's. I feel it would generate some discussion around teenage life then and now.

My Life Before Me by Norah McClintock @orcabook

My Life Before Me
Norah McClintock
Orca Books

I was given an advanced reading copy of Norah McClintock's novel in the latest Secrets series.  As one of  the seven authors in this YA series she created a likable character in Cady who is determined to make something of herself despite the obstacles she faces. I feel that this book would be a great way to introduce many societal issues such as racism and prejudices both against African Americans and women.
I would enjoy reading this to a grade 7/8 class as they would notice the inequities that teenage girls faced in the 1960's.  I also couldn't help but make real life connections to today's news headlines.  I know students would also be able to ask better questions about racial relations after reading this novel as it helps to provide background knowledge.
The mystery Cady solves is expertly written.  It is well paced and there are enough details to engage readers.  I now have to find out more about Nellie Bly!  Once again I thoroughly enjoyed Norah's talent as a writer of mysteries.

student blogger for Silver Birch

Neil flambe and the Crusader's Curse
Kevin Sylvester
Key Porter Books

by Mateo

I read the book Neil Flambé and the Crusaders Curse. I thought it was an amazing book for all ages to read. One of my favorite things that were in the book was how they had the Flambés from all different time periods from 1291 to 2013, that’s 712 years of family history! They told how the Flambés were at the top of their game but suddenly they lose all their will to cook.

The next best thing was the food. All of the food from Chez Flambés sounded amazing. Kevin was able to make me visualize the food he described.  I could see the food right on the dish and almost taste it. It was just so gourmet; I loved it.

The characters were pretty fun to read about.  I really liked to read about Neil Flambé who was the main character.  I liked how his personality was written; how he is an overachiever and way over his head about cooking. This is a very entertaining and very educational book for young readers to read. Kevin Sylvester is an amazing author. I recommend this to many.      

Silver Birch reader student guest blogger

Missing
Becky Citra
Orca Books

Imagine moving constantly to a new school. That’s how Thea lived. She lived as the outsider looking in on life. After school she met her dad at his work. From the booth where she sat doing homework, she saw a man with a cowboy hat walking in. he walked up to Thea’s father and gave him a business card. They went to the guest ranch and accepted the job but didn’t move. They stayed at the guest ranch. Thea was helping Tully (the man with the cowboy hat) clean. While cleaning she found a guest book. In the guest book was a newspaper clipping. Thea was reading it and found out that there was a missing girl named Livia. That’s where the mystery began...

This is a phenomenal book by Becky Citra. It’s the best mystery book I’ve ever read. The book starts very quick. You don’t have to wait to get to the good parts. It also has a lot of surprises at the end. It is currently my favourite book. I would suggest you read it and if you like is you should also read “Never to Be Told.”

Shattika 

Last Message
Shane Peacock
Orca

I enjoyed this story because Shane Peacock used his writing ability to teach me more about some famous French mysteries.  For example, I learned a lot about the author of The Little Prince.  This book would be a good read aloud at the beginning of Grade 7 as Adam the main character is insecure in his abilities yet he discovers that he is capable and up to his grandfather's challenge.  Peacock's development of the main character makes him relate-able.  Although geared for boy readers I enjoyed the story as well.