Book Reviews

PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM — CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW

Author: Margaret Owen Pages: 384 Reviewer: Rachel Fite, Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library

Calling all young adult and fantasy fans! Are you looking for an adventurous book that has a strong female lead, a diverse cast, and an intriguing magic system that gives the outcasts of society the power to destroy the world as we know it? Then this book is for you, lovely readers.

Our main character is a sixteen-yearold girl named Fie. She is next in line to become chieftain of her band of fellow Crows. The Crows’ job is to be mercy-killers of those in other castes that get the plague. When Fie’s troop gets called to collect someone from the royal court, she is expecting the payout of a lifetime. They carry out a dead royal and his bodyguard to take them outside of town to be burned. The two scare all the Crows as they rise from the dead and explain that they faked their death just to get the chance to change things for the better. The Crown Prince Jasimir and his guard Tavin have a request of these Crows that they won’t be able to refuse. Follow along as these three place the weight of society on their shoulders and must run from those who don’t want anything to change.

You can find this book, events, and more on our website pioneerlibrarysystem.org or through our PLS Connect app. For more recommendations, stop by your local library or contact the SOKC Public Library at 405.979.2200.

A Place to Hang the Moon tells the story of three siblings who are orphaned when their grandmother dies leaving them wealthy but with no guardian. Set in London at the outset of WWII, their grandmother’s solicitor suggests they be evacuated with the other children leaving London for the relative safety of the countryside. He devises a preposterous plan that perhaps this is a way for the children to find their forever home.

Moving from one billet to another, the children suffer cruel tricks played on them by foster brothers, and the cold, harsh realities of living in poverty. Will they be able to find their forever home and someone willing to adopt them permanently?

A Place to Hang the Moon

Author: Kate Albus Publisher: Holiday House Reviewer: Mary Maynord, Children’s Library Associate, Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library

A Place to Hang the Moon is heartwarming, endearing and delightful. If you enjoyed The War that Saved My Life, this book is absolutely a great read for you.

If you enjoy Kate Albus’ debut novel, A Place to Hang the Moon, you may enjoy other historical fiction books. For more book recommendations stop by your local library or call 405.979.2200. For other library events and information visit pioneerlibrarysystem.org or download the PLS Connect app.