#31 The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Recommended to girls ages 11-14.

Now what would a book review blog be without the Mother-Daughter Book Club series???

Alright, we have to begin with Mrs. Hawthorne, because she is the one who started this book club in the first place. She is a book fanatic, and she passed that trait right on to her daughter Emma, who has probably read every book on the face of the earth! Next we have Jess, Emma's best friend who lives on a farm where they name all of their animals after country music singers. Right on to Megan who is fashion CRAZY and dreams of being a famous designer some day, much to the dismay of her mother, Mrs. Wong who is way more interested in saving the environment.  And my personal favorite, Cassidy Sloane a hot-headed red-headed hockey star,  and daughter of a former supermodel. 

Now, can someone PLEASE tell me what any of these mothers or daughters have in common?

Yeah. Not so much.

So when Mrs. Hawthorne forms a book club, and the rest of the mothers force their daughters to come with them and read Little Women, you know something exciting is going to happen. 

You follow the book club through sixth grade, watching from each of the girl's point of view as they have their share of troubles and victories, and form unexpected bonds. 


Heather Vogel Frederick gives each and every one of the characters such a personality. You not only feel like you know everyone, but that you have known and loved them all of your life. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!

    

Tell me how you liked this book in comments below!

#25 Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors

Recommended to kids ages 10-12. At the beginning of this book the (awesome) author assures you that no dogs will die in this book, and tells you that she hates when dogs die in books. I completely agree with her, so I got off to a good start! In this oh-so-funny adventurous tale,  Homer W. Pudding's treasure hunting uncle has just died, and left him with four things: 
1. The love of treasure hunting
2. A droopy old Basset Hound with no sense of smell
3. A gold coin with the letters L.O.S.T. engraved into it, attached to the dog's collar
4. A note telling him that he was leaving him with his most valued possession

N0t much to go on, huh? Homer doesn't understand what his uncle meant. The gold coin has to tie in somewhere, but what about the letters L.O.S.T.? Lost isn't the most ordinary name for a dog, dogs nametags aren't usually made out of gold, and why would the letters be separated with periods??? Plus, what's with the dog who can't smell anything? Homer has got his hands full, but the question is, is he up for the challenge? I love, love, LOVE this book!!! Suzanne Selfors is one of those authors that can get you so wrapped up in a book that you are unable to put it down. She invents such realistic characters that it is crazy! A great adventure that both boys and girls will love!