Now that I'm between jobs, I've rediscovered the joys of browsing. We had a lot of rain in June this year, and one rainy day I found myself at the library. Other than the rain drumming on the roof, it was quiet. Schools were still in session, so I had the middle grade area to myself. I usually head to the library with a specific list, and this time was no exception. Among other books, I found Shakespeare's Spy (which proved to be a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to Gary Blackwood's trilogy first mentioned here).
But then as I wandered the stacks, a small book caught my eye. I'd never heard of it before, but I'd heard of the author. Impulsively, I checked it out. I love libraries.
The Magic Half by Annie Barrows (Bloomsbury, 2007, age 8 to 12)
Synopsis (from Indiebound): Miri is the only single child in the middle of a family with two sets of twins--older brothers and younger sisters. When the family moves to an old farmhouse Miri accidentally travels back in time to 1935 only to discover Molly, a girl in need of a real family to call her own.
Why I liked it: The time travel element, of course! Plus, Miri is a well-rounded, sympathetic character. Also, I'm the younger sister of twins. Apparently I used to ask my mother, "Where's my twin?" So this book felt like it was written for me.
What treasures have you unearthed while browsing?
MMGM is the brainchild of Shannon Messenger. Check her blog for the links, or look at my sidebar.
Please note: Next week, I'll be taking a five to six week blogging break to get some writing and revising done, and also going on vacation to Maine for part of that time. But I'll be back after that with plenty of new book recommendations and some writing posts.
Hey hey! Taking a break from my blogging break with an alien interview. Anyhow...libraries do rock don't they? Thanks for sharing your find. I will be sure to check it out.
ReplyDeleteAs for finds while browsing-most recently it was something I shoulda been familiar with but was not...Edgar and Allen Poe! Middle Grade mystery and twins in it too...gothic and fun!
Libraries are wonderful, Deb! I'm so happy to have rediscovered that. I've heard of that book about Edgar and Allan Poe, but haven't read it.
DeleteOh!!! This sounds like a must read.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to browse lately at the library or bookstore, but the last time I did was when I discovered THE PRAIRIE THIEF. It was so worth it too. :)
~Akoss
Yay for browsing! Glad you found something worthy.
DeleteBrowsing is rapidly becoming a lost art. I can't remember the last time I just browsed through the library. I usually just run in and pick up my holds. I'll have to make time to do some browsing. This book sounds like a fun one. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI hope not, Rosi, but I fear you may be right. Everyone's in too much of a hurry now. Goes along with smart phones, I suppose. All that information at your fingertips...
DeleteI remember seeing this one and wanting to love it but... not? Apparently, it seemed too young for my students. Personally, I want to travel back to about 1977! Have fun on your vacation.
ReplyDeleteOh, this would definitely be too young for your readers, Karen. And revisiting 1977 would be fun. Or ghastly, depending. That was the year I graduated.
DeleteI don't do enough browsing, but then I usually have two small children with me, so if I take my eyes off them, I lose them! Good luck with your revisions and have a great vacation!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. And I well remember those days, when all I did was chase after two young boys, with no time to think my own thoughts. It will get better!
DeleteI love browsing... whether libraries or bookstores.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great way to spend an hour, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by, Sue.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun book. I love browsing!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it, Janet. Discovering a fun book I'd never heard of is what makes browsing so worthwhile.
DeleteI've always loved browsing at the library and learned of some of my favorite authors like Maggie Stiefvater and Cinda Williams Chima that way. Sadly with my reading schedule for the blog, I have not many times where I can browse. Maybe when I'm between jobs next year.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool that you found those two amazing authors that way. Well, now you have something to look forward to when you have time next year.
DeleteI agree! I love browsing...but it leads to my binging. I love libraries because my binge is guilt free. This book sounds like a lot of fun. Would it be good for girls who read When You Reach Me? My daughter loved that book.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it that way before, Brooke! Guilt-free binges. Libraries are great.
DeleteAnd to answer your question, this book is definitely aimed at a younger audience than the publisher claims. I'd say it's best for 8, 9 and 10. When You Reach Me has a much more complicated plot. But if she likes time travel and is looking for an easy summer read, I'd say go for it.
I love browsing in libraries! I'm a regular and drop in every week. The coolest thing is when I see some of my students (or former students) reading there!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your blog break -- I hope you get lots of writing done!
Thanks, Andrea.
DeleteI only manage to get to the library once every three weeks, because that's when the books are due! :) That must be fun to see your students and former students.
Good luck with your writing! Browsing is the best, isn't it? Especially in the library where you can check out as many as you like!
ReplyDeleteCindy
Thanks, Cindy.
DeleteI think that's why I love libraries so much. No limit, plus it's free!
I love browsing! I am glad to hear that this is a good read. I have it on my shelf- but haven't picked it up yet. I hope to read it this summer. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful blog break. I hope you get lots of writing and editing done and have a wonderful time in Maine.
~Jess
Thanks, Jess. And yay for browsing!
DeleteThis looks like a cute read and I enjoy time travel tales.
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic blog break.
I love the cover of this book. I have it on my TBR list now. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy VacationLand! Love Maine :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun read. :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on accomplishing all you want to do during your blog break.
I love browsing in libraries. Used book stores, too, but there is something magical about browsing around in a library.The atmosphere is so special. I have discovered so many good reads that way. One of them was the delightful series, The Hall Family Chronicles (8 in the series so far), and one of them, The Fledgling, was a Newbery Honor book. She also writes a mystery series for adults, featuring Homer Kelly. One of those, Emily Dickinson is Dead, received a Nero award.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of The Magic Half, and the book cover is charming, and I love time travel.
You've been MIA.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're ok.
~Akoss