The Vote
Author: Sybil Downing
University of New Mexico Press, 2006

If I were independently wealthy, I would hand this book to every high school student!  They might as well learn from the start what an astounding priviledge we all hold. 

The Vote by Sybil Downing turns the spotlight on unlikely heroes in the early 1900's.  This historical fiction draws the reader into the issue of woman suffrage in a very personal way.  The reader learns first hand just what it took to give women the right to vote.  There is no way to take voting for granted ever again.    ~Maryjo

The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Random House , 2007 Knopf Books for Young Readers

See this video of the author, Markkus Zusak.

The unique point of view grabbed my attention on the first page and I raced throught this book in record time!  Vivid, witty, sad, astonishingly colorful, it has become my favorite book. ~ Maryjo

The Birthday Pet
Author: Ellen Javernick (Loveland author!)
Marshall Cavendish Children, 2009

This beautifully illustrated story reminds us that children need to be ... heard.  Makes a totally delightful birthday gift for any age person. ~ Maryjo