Summer Reading...

These are some books I have read over the summer. Most of them are either based on fairy tales or magic. Actually, all but one, I bought at the book fair last year. We all know how much I love children's literature, so the book fair is the perfect opportunity for me to stock up for the year!

Hunted by Meagan Spooner
This was not a book fair book. This book was sent to me as part of my Uppercase YA subscription. It is inspired by Beauty and the Beast and is a more creative take on the story, but a great read nonetheless. There were parts I liked and parts I did not and overall I felt the story moved at a slower pace than I prefer, but I appreciated the story and characters.

The Magic Mirror by Susan Hill Long
This is a sweet little read I scooped up at the book fair 100% based on the cover- because even though they say you shouldn't do that, I love unique cover art. When I started this book, I fully expected an interesting children's story about a magic mirror. That is exactly what this is. A silly, fun little story that takes you on a journey through a fictional land. The magic mirror was the hub of what makes all the quirky characters fit together in the end. There was really nothing profound or deep about this story, but the inner child in me ate it up!

The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol
I really really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with the young witch named Arianwyn. I rooted for her throughout her journey as an inexperienced witch and loved when she became the heroine at the end. This was a very short, quick read and the only thing I wish was that the author had made this into a series- I definitely would have bought them all!

The Secret of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strange
Out of this set of books, this one is by far my most favorite. It is also a book fair book and though it is intended for a younger audience, I truly fell in love with this book. When I finished the last page, I hugged the book close, smiled and though what a beautiful story I had just read. This book hits some pretty deep issues and the main character, Henry- a pre-teen girl full of determination and fire, stole my heart. This is a book that I would have a very hard time lending to anyone, because books like this never really leave my mind. Go grab a copy- the book itself is covered with beautiful art!