The Best of 2012

I'm a week late with this "best of" post. If only I had some noble reason for my tardiness - hand-feeding baby hummingbirds or knitting sweaters for chilly chihuahuas ~ but alas, I do not. To be quite honest, I've just avoided putting together a list of my favorites. It's hard. There's so much greatness to choose from. But I'll procrastinate no longer.  Here are my picks.

Second Runner-Up


The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine ~ This spectacular work of middle grades fiction is one of the year's (2012) finalists for the Cybils award. I had the honor and pleasure of being a Round One judge for this year's nominees, and this compelling story of biracial friendship during the civil rights movement was one of my early favorites. Here's what I had to say about Kristin Levine's laudable book.





First Runner-Up

Wonder by RJ Palacio ~ I could not love this book any more. The believable character, the touching story, and the changing points of view combine to make Wonder a contender for children's literary awards, including the Cybils. I have recommended this beautiful book to every fifth grader I know.








My Favorite

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ~ This isn't just my favorite book of the year or my favorite young adult book, The Fault in Our Stars is one of the best books I've ever read. It's sad and funny and wise. If you haven't already done so, please read it.








I didn't pick by genre, I just picked books that engaged me as a reader. These three books made me laugh and cry and THiNK. They are stories that I will read again and again.

Blog you later,

Ali B.