Charlotte's Library

  Mockingbird written by Kathryn Erskine   I picked this book up after hearing a lot of buzz about what a great read it is.  The added incentive of the author being from my hometown (and nobody's from my hometown) was awesome, too.  I'm actually pretty disappointed that I missed her recent visit to my public library, but I'm hoping there will be more opportunities to meet her in the future.  I really enjoyed this book.  I don't know much about Asperger's beyond reading this book and working with some kids with PDD, so it was emotionally satisfying to really get into the head of a child with Asperger's.  I found myself relating to many of the things Caitlin talked about, although I would imagine her experiences with life would be more intensified than my reflections on them.  I may have missed out on a deeper layer of the story, as I haven't read To Kill a Mockingbird , which is heavily referenced, but I can honestly say this is one of the best bo...

The Name of the Star written by Maureen Johnson Release Date: September 29, 2011 There's an interesting story about how I came to own this book.  I've linked to it below.  I may have scared Maureen Johnson in the process.  Sorry, Maureen!  (I mean, I don't apologize for the enthusiasm, creepy as it was.  BUT.) The book itself, though?  Definitely lives up to the hype.  I've been going off on rants lately about how annoying the stretched out YA trilogies/series tend to be, but Maureen does a great job of writing a novel that can be read on its own, but does extend onwards to more books in the future.   The Name of the Star  is a book that isn't comparable to others in its genre.  Come to think of it, it's difficult to even slap a genre label on the book, it's just that good.  There's the complicated intertwining of mystery, paranormal, humor, romance, and John-Green-esque boarding school/girl-Hogwarts.  Only someone as brilliant...