I got a terrific email from a young reader today:
Hi Kate,
I am an ABSOLUTE number 1 fan of your book, The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. I was wondering if there are any other books like that you know of? They don’t have to be yours, just books that you would recommend. I am more of a school story girl… I don’t like violence or spookiness, but I also don’t like really girly stuff about princesses or fairies. I know, I am very picky. Just keep in mind that that means your book is JUST right! I am 11 in about 3 weeks, so my reading level is just like your book T.B.F.O.G.Z. (figure it out!) Can you save me? I love to read, but I just don’t know what to read!
Reply soon,
~Rebecca
I love-love-loved this letter, and of course, I am making a list for her. Here’s what I have so far:
A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT by Linda Urban
RULES and TOUCH BLUE by Cynthia Lord
ME AND THE PUMPKIN QUEEN by Marlane Kennedy
VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING by Danette Haworth
THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET by Erin Dionne
THE HARD KIND OF PROMISE by Gina Willner-Pardo
11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass
OPERATION YES by Sara Lewis Holmes
ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Raleigh Baskin
WAITING FOR NORMAL by Leslie Connor
THE STRANGE CASE OF THE ORIGAMI YODA by Tom Angleberger
PENNY DREADFUL by Laurel Snyder
THE CURSE OF ADDY MCMAHON by Katie Davis
EMMA JEAN LAZARUS FELL OUT OF A TREE by Lauren Tarshis
WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead
PROJECT MULBERRY by LInda Sue Park
What else would you recommend?