What Should I Read? Book Talks and More

Tending to Grace by Kimberly Newton Fusco Cornelia has a few difficulties:  when she chooses to talk--she stutters, she is poor, she has been put in classes inappropriate for her learning level and her mother leaves her with her very strange older great-aunt whom she has never met before.  This is a coming of age story and Cornelia has things to sort out in order to move on and grow up. Realistic Genre, Coming of Age

Sound Bender by Lin Oliver and Theo Baker.  An orphan with a secret power that he doesn't understand and must learn to control!  It sounds like a familiar storyline. But, it is a good story with lots of suspense and action.  Instead of being disadvantaged and poor, Leo and his brother Hollis live with their wealthy and mysterious step-uncle.  It takes a while to sort out if the uncle is a good guy or a bad guy.  There's a complicated relationship between the brothers, who both have sound talents.  Hollis's is more normal--he is a great musician.  Leo feels very guilty when has to miss one of Hollis's concerts to chase a mysterious sound all the way to a South Pacific island. Genre:  fantasy There is a sequel: