When Genesis’ father disappears on a routine boating trip, his empty boat is found floating on the lake, but his body is gone.  Genesis doesn’t know what to believe–did he die in an accident, or did he disappear to start a new life, as circulating rumors suggest.  She decides to investigate and in the process of finding the truth, makes peace with her family.  Becquets has written an interesting story, but what I enjoyed most were her descriptions of the northern Maine town where Genesis lives.  Genesis lives in a whole new winter world of snow, ice, car racing on frozen lakes, snowmobiles and logging, and Becquets makes it all come alive.

Hildy is a newspaper reporter for her high school newspaper.  She is commited to following in her late father’s footsteps by becoming an investigative reporter.  When a local haunted house starts making sensational headlines in the town paper, Hildy decides to find the truth behind the wild rumors.  Hildy is a fantastic character–strong, funny and real.  I enjoyed seeing her grow from a timid writer to a confident reporter.

Marnie returns home to the South Carolina Lowcountry to help care for her nephew after a boating accident.  Once home, she must confront her estranged sister and a whole boat full of family secrets.  A good “chick lit” book.  White does family drama without making it (too) nauseating.

Another unique book by Konigsburg, linking the seemingly unrelated stories of two young boys, their eccentric neighbor, an art museum, an estate sale and a tragic secret from the persecutions of World War II.  An excellent story for middle schoolers who are looking for something to read that goes much deeper than the typical middle school dramas.

Shortly after the birth of their twin sons, Groneberg and her husband were told that one of their sons had down syndrome.  Road Map to Holland tells of their first two years as a family.  A book every parent should read.  Well written and honest.

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