The Books Worth a Library Fine

This post really happened.  It was written at the library with a stack of books and without coffee. It has been left close to its original form for your amusement.  

Yes, it’s happened again.  I’m bound and determined to review a book, to mention it on Redeemed Reader because I know you’d like it.  It’s that kind of book.  Or maybe it’s just good enough that one of your children would enjoy it.

Take Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts: 10 Tales from the Deep, Dark Woods by Craig Phillips and Carole Wilkinson.
It’s a graphic novel for goodness sake.  It’s fairytales.  They’re good and range around the world, from Russia to Estonia, Northern Ireland to Japan.

Then there’s Margot and Matteo Save the World by Darcy Miller.  Completely different from Roll, this MG novel is about some weird aliens trying to take over a little town in California.  It’s also about friendship, and it’s light-hearted —even though the world might just end if Margot and Mateo don’t save it.

And Heartstone by Elle Katharine White —Pride and Prejudice with dragons for your teenaged fantasy lover.  Yes, definitely a hit.  (Maybe even Christmas present worthy for that teen who loves fantasy AND the regency period.)

The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes.  Mayan magic takes center stage in this newest of Rick Riordan presents.  And it surprised me because it’s everything that made the original Percy Jackson series great.  This is one to recommend to that reluctant reader.  It’s good!  Whether the rest of the series will hold up to this book’s beginning remains to be seen.

The Crescent Stone by Matt Mikalatos —this YA is going to get a starred review.  It’s that good.  A little bit of fantasy, a little bit (what is it that Narnia has, pointing ahead?  Starts with an “a” . . . my coffee is too far away) But it’s lovely and thought-provoking with a sidekick who makes you laugh.  And a protagonist you can’t help rooting for . . . and a world where not everything is just the way it seems.

The Stone Girl’s Story by Sarah Beth Durst.  MG fantasy.  Thought-provoking and then some.  Interesting . . . a definite discussion starter.  A good story that makes me keep thinking and wondering —just what did the author want us to think?  What does this say about being a creation?

And there you have it.  The fines are being paid.  Was it worth it?  I chalk it up as support of the local library.  I also wince.  Next spring I’ll be in France and all my books will be checked out online —and automatically returned.  I think I’ll spend the money I save on croissants.

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Hayley Morell

Born in a library and raised by books, or rather, raised by a book-loving family, Hayley loves talking and writing about books. She lives in the middle of Wisconsin and works with children as well as with words.

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5 Comments

  1. Julie Zilkie on December 21, 2018 at 7:52 am

    Hayley,
    I am increasingly thankful for you and for all of Redeemed Reader. With 8 children, it is nearly impossible to keep them all in books, but this website is my go-to for new titles!! Thank you for all you do!!

  2. Sheila on December 21, 2018 at 9:07 am

    I’m always looking for recommendations for teenage boys. 13 to 15. Thanks!

  3. Ashleigh on March 29, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    Can I just say that I have a deep appreciation for this post? Three or four years after it was originally published, it’s still making me laugh. I’m intrigued to learn more about all these titles. Thank you!

    • Hayley Morell on March 30, 2022 at 5:36 am

      Hey Ashleigh! So glad it is still entertaining readers. Book lover problems, right? 🙂

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