Books Make the Best Gifts

Today is World Book Day. Bring on the new worlds, new experiences, and new adventures. That's what I'm excited about when I start a new book. Where will it take me? Well, right now I'm one of the Faeren, wounded and riding on the back of a wolf to a healing lake guarded by a great white bear. I'm reading Robert Beatty's Willa of the Wood.

Have you thought about what you want to read next, or what you would like to gift to someone? You can't lose with Willa of the Wood.

If you think the kids will scream, "No! Not another book!" you're wrong. Well, it could start out that way, but you'll find them snuggled up in their favorite spot unable to stop reading. And what will be their response at the end? "Bring on another!" LOL.

Move without a sound. Steal without a trace.

To Willa, a young night-spirit, humans are the murderers of trees. She's been taught to despise them and steal from them. She's her clan's best thief, creeping into the log cabins of the day-folk under cover of darkness and taking what they won't miss. It's dangerous work, but Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people.

When Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in the day-folk world, she calls upon the old powers of her beloved grandmother, and the unbreakable bonds of her forest allies, to survive. Only then does she begin to discover the shocking truth: that not all of her human enemies are the same, and that the foundations of her own Faeran society are crumbling. What do you do when you realize that the society you were born and raised in is rife with evil? Do you raise your voice? Do you stand up against it?

As forces of unfathomable destruction attack her forest home, Willa must decide who she truly is--facing deadly force with warm compassion, sinister corruption with trusted alliance, and finding a home for her longing heart.

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L.B.'s Thoughts:

This is probably my favorite book this year. I was already a Robert Beatty fan, but this just took my loyalty over the top. There are scenes that are written so poetically in the way he describes the forest and the animals. I was just in awe. Honestly, I didn't want it to end. You will totally fall in love with the main character, Willa. And let me tell you, I don't think a middle grade book has ever brought me close to tears. I enjoyed it even more than Beatty's Seraphina series.

But...

There's just one teeny-tiny thing you should consider. First, let me just say if you haven't read my post about the problem with middle grade books (books for 8-12 yr olds), you can read it here. It will explain what I'm getting at.

The violence in Mr. Beatty's books can cross the line into young adult fiction. There. I said it. I love his books so much, I didn't want to bring in a negative notion. But how many parents actually read books before their kids, to help determine if it's a good fit for them? Sorry, I can't even raise my hand. That's why I'm trying to help.

I would say, this book is for the older spectrum of middle grade readers, not your eight or nine year old--possibly not even a ten year old. Of course that's up to you--the parent. You may feel your child is an advanced enough reader, but you also must consider the visuals. Do I want that in my child's head? How will it affect them?

That's it. That's the worse thing I have to say about it. That wasn't so bad, right? Willa of the Wood deserves five stars. I'm probably going to read it one more time because I miss Willa. LOL!

Thank you for stopping by, and if you're in the neighborhood, please bring me tacos. :)

Blessings.

LB

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