Chalice by Robin McKinley. YYY Of course I love Robin McKinley, my favorite books of hers being The Blue Sword and Hero and the Crown, so I like to try and read all of her books. This book was very interesting. It took some effort to understand the world I was in while reading the book, but it was worth it. A girl is put into a very important position and the book is about her struggles against the power hungry and how she stayed true to herself. I loved it. I gave it three hearts because it did require effort to read, I didn't just gobble it up... but it is a fantastic story.

Little Lord Fauntleroy by Francis Hodgson Burnett. YYY I saw this book at the library and thought it would be unwise to leave it unread. Kind of like it was my duty to read it, so I did. Of course I dream of having a child like Little Lord Fauntleroy, always pleasant, kind, thoughtful... never throws fits etc.... but my kids are a little more "real" than that. Number one lesson I took from the book, kindness can change peoples lives. We need more of that right now in our society, just people walking around being kind to each other, even if they are in a hurry, especially if they are in a hurry.

Straw into Gold, Gary D. Schmidt. YYYY This is a Rumplestilskin -ish story. I really gobbled this one up in one day. Good conquers evil, be true to your heritage... you know, that kind of stuff. I keep trying to figure out why I loved it so much, but I am still not sure. I think it really helps when you can read a book all the way through in a short amount of time. And may I say, I am glad I know who my parents are.



Perloo the Bold, Avi. YYY Susan loaned me this book, we both really like Avi and I was excited to read it. It is about a rabbit-like creature and his struggle to step up and get involved. He would rather stay home in his little burrow and read. I can really identify. The ending left me a little flat, I like the idea of how it ended but it wasn't believable as written. Perloo needed to do a little more to really make it work. Once again, kindness and honestly are very important!