VVMBookBlog

Diamonds in the Shadow by Caroline B. Cooney

Jared is not pleased when he learns his family will be hosting a refugee family from Africa since the church’s original plan did not work. To make matters worse, Jared will have to share a room. While this news is aggravating to Jared, his sister, Mopsy, is excited to share her room with Alake even though Alake doesn’t talk. Their family of four will share their home with the refugee family of four. Things are not as they seem, and the new family seems a bit off to Jared. As this story, mystery, unfolds we learn more about the refugee family and their former life in Africa. We also learn more about the true character of Jared.

Caroline B. Cooney is part of a church community who has welcomed many refugee families. Although her story is fictional, she does give some facts in her “A Note from the Author.” This book is a mystery full of tension. The title is a bit of foreshadowing.

Every Move by Peter McPhee

Emily is a high school girl living a fairly average life of going to school and working with her best friend at the coffee shop. When the neighborhood geek, Michael, becomes interested in her, she thinks it’s sweet and doesn’t want to hurt his feelings. Michael, on the other hand, wants to be more than “just friends.” What will happen when Emily starts dating another boy? How will Michael feel about her new relationship?

Every Move is probably best for mature audiences. The book is somewhat creepy and full of suspense. It does show the reality of being careful on the computer. Supposedly the book is “inspired by true events.”

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor

What would you do if you needed money, needed money fast? Georgina is faced with this question as her life drastically changes. Without notice she is living with her mother and brother in a car. Even though her mom is working two jobs, they don’t have enough money for the down payment and the first months rent. Since there only money is quarters and dollars in a jar, Georgina figures out a plan to help.

Although this book has some humorous situations, the topic of the book is serious. Georgina and her family are struggling. The events in this book give “a small dose” of the reality of being homeless. Her best friend begins to distance herself while her family struggles with every day aspects of eating and keeping clean. As the family struggles, they have little help from anyone.