Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm

May Amelia Jackson is growing up in the wilderness of Washington State in 1899. Her family is Finnish, one of many who emigrated to the area. She is the youngest child with seven older brothers and the only girl in the area. So, acting ladylike is not something that comes naturally to her. At age 12, she struggles against the restrictions placed on her to act like a lady, and she vigorously experiences life. The descriptions of life in a pioneer farm settlement from the logs rushing down the Nasell River to the day to day backbreaking work routines transport the reader back to another time. The audiobook, read in a suitably childlike voice by Emmy Rossum, captures the spirit of May Amelia. An author's note explains that May Amelia was based on her Great Aunt Alice. When Holm found her diary, she was inspired to bring her story to life. A Newbery Honor Book (Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm. Random House Audio, 1999.)

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

This classic has been sitting on my bookshelf for a while and I finally picked it up. I'm very glad I did. It tells the story of Jethro Creighton, who is nine years old when the Civil War breaks out. Jethro lives with his family on a farm in Southern Illinois and one by one, brothers, friends and other relatives go away to fight, some on the Southern side. Jethro studies the papers and follows the battles anxiously, then matches people and places as letters come from far away soldiers telling of their experiences in battle. Eventually the war ends and friends and family return, but the vivid descriptions of life on the farm and coming of age in such a turbulent time stay with you. In a note, the author states the book is based on stories told by her Grandfather. We are fortunate that she listened so closely. A Newbery Honor Book (Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt. Berkley Jam Books, 1964.)

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza is excited. He is going to visit the father he hardly remembers. When he meets him, he is amazed. His dad is as hyperactive as he used to be before he started taking his medicine! Joey's Dad Carter is coaching a Police Athletic League baseball team, and he wants Joey to pitch for the team. Things go well until in a sudden turn of heart, Carter decides that Joey no longer needs to take his medicine. Slowly things begin to careen out of control. Funny, sad, and filled with action, the book really helped me understand what its like to be "out of control." The audiobook is narrated by the author. (Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos. Listening Library, 2000)

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems

That crazy pigeon is at it again! This time he really, really wants a puppy. Maybe. Willems always manages to put a twist into his pigeon stories even though some of the story is predictable. Pigeon fans won't care though. The usual cartoonlike artwork captivates and the story is fun. A solid addition to the series. (The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems. Hyperion, 2008).

What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! by Barbara Kerley

Alice Roosevelt Longworth was a fascinating historical figure: independent, intelligent, ahead of her time. Kerley describes her impetuous childhood, the frustrations her father felt trying to get her to behave, and how she scandalized many in society at the time who felt she was too forward, doing things no young lady should be doing. The typeface and illustrations scream fun. Alice is shown sliding down the White House stairs on trays, driving in an early automobile, hanging out with her pet snake and more. While primarily focusing on her childhood and teens, an Author's Note at the end describes her life long interest in politics and statemanship. She continued to advise her husband, Congressman Nicholas Longworth for years. A worthy introduction to an early independent woman. (What To Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy! by Barbara Kerley. Illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic Press, 2008)