Serafina's Promise

Author: Ann E. Burg

Genre: Realistic Fiction, fictional story about a real event

What it's about: Serafina has a secret dream. She wants to go to school and become a doctor with her friend Julie Marie, but it seems impossible. They have little money and endless chores. Will they ever go to school? What will happen when the floods come, and later the earthquake? Read this book to find out.

What do you think about it: I thought this was a good book that showed what it was truly like to be in the Haitian earthquake or live in Haiti without much money, like Serafina does.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book? I think people who are interested in the Haitian earthquake or who like books in verse would enjoy this book.

Reviewed by NM

The Thing About Luck

Author: Cynthia Kadohata

Genre: Realistic Fiction

What it's about:  This year, Summer's family has had nothing but bad luck. Just before the harvest season, Summer's parents have to go visit old relatives in Japan just before the harvest season, leaving no one but Summer, her younger brother, Jaz, and their grandparents to work for the custom harvesters. Their bad luck continues there, too. Can Summer find a way to change her family's luck? Read this book to find out.

What do you think about it? I thought this was a pretty good book. One thing I didn't like was that Summer judged a little too much based on looks and the first few comments they made. With some of the characters, her first impressions were not always right after she got to know them. I did like how Summer was not afraid to change her family's luck, even if it involved driving a combine by herself.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book? I think people who are interested in learning more about custom harvesting would enjoy this book. This is also a good book if you are just looking for a good story.

Reviewed by NM