Erm... anyone else think that cat is gigantic?

So, I know our Time Travel theme ended earlier this week, but I hope it’s not too late to tell you guys about one of my favorite books, Yesterday’s Doll by Cora Taylor.

(Once Karen shares with me her secret of how to travel through time, I’ll make sure to mention it in the podcast. For now, this blog entry will have to do.)

In Yesterday’s Doll, while main character, Meg* recovers from an illness, she’s given an old-fashioned doll that’s been in her family for generations. And whenever she falls asleep holding the doll, she dreams that she’s Morag, a girl traveling across the Canadian prairie in a covered wagon… decades ago! Slowly, Meg/Morag discovers why she’s being pulled to the past by this mysterious doll.

By the way — unfortunately, this book’s publisher is not printing new copies any more, so it might be kind of hard to find (I’d lend you a my copy, but… I like it.) So look for it in libraries or ask your parents to track it down… it’s a must-read!

— Nancy

* Um, do you get a Time Travel Card once you’re named Meg or something? WHY WAS I NAMED NANCY? … WHY?!

Reviewed by: Ayra, Age 10 from Ohio

Rating:

“Warriors” is a book series about cats that live in the wild. The first book, “Into the Wild”, features Rusty: A nice house-cat who lives with his humans. However, Rusty soon realizes there is a world beyong his yard. Rusty ventures into the wild and discovers a whole new community of wild cats. Rusty then abandons his easy life and goes to live with the wild cats. Will Rusty survive, or will the whole forest plunge into peril? This book is very interesting, and hooks you into the story as you go along. I would reccomend “Warriors” by Erin Hunter to you anyday! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do!

Get it? These are hot books because it’s hot in the summer! We’re geniuses, right? Right?! Why are you shaking your head and burying your face in your hands?

Anyway… here are some recommended reads that take place during the summer (in no particular order). If you’re a fan of any of these, send in your review:

1. There’s a Bat in Bunk Five by Paula Danziger
2. Bummer Summer by Ann M. Martin
3. Hot and Cold Summer by Johanna Hurwitz
4. The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars
5. Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
6. Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech
7. Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman
8. A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck
9. Summer Reading is Killing Me (The Time Warp Trio) by Jon Scieszka
10. Half Magic by Edward Eager
11. Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee
12. Saving Grace by Mary Hoffman

Plus, check out:

• Fudge-a-mania by Judy Blume (Nancy’s pick)
• Pinky Pye by Eleanor Estes (Karen’s pick)
• The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (our first Kidsmomo Mystery Book!)