What I Saw and How I Lied

by Judy Blundell

Summary: The time is just after the end of World War II. The soldiers are finally home, including Evie's stepfather, Joe. One night, the phone rings, and Joe has a strange and puzzling reaction to the call. The next day Joe, Evie and her mother are in the car on a road trip from New York to Florida for what Joe says is a surprise vacation. While hanging out at the mostly empty hotel (they have arrived in the off-season) Evie meets 23 year old Peter. He's gorgeous, and kind, and pays attention to Evie in a way she has never experienced. She falls head over heels in love. When Joe meets Peter, it's clear they're no strangers, and that no love is lost between them. What secret are they hiding? And what's going on between Joe and Evie's mother? The tension is building, and Evie can't figure out why.

My thoughts: There are many novels set during WWII, but I love that this one takes us to the weeks and months following the war. Rations have been lifted; people can eat what they want, sew what they want, and shop, and work and rest without the stress of the war. This books gives us a glimpse into that exciting time. It is also a smart, disturbing mystery with a strong central character you can't help but love. You might see what's coming for Evie before she does, but you'll never guess how this story ends.

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Summary: Miranda and Sal have been best friends since birth. As they walk down the street one day, a boy walks up to Sal and punches him in the stomach for no apparent reason. From that moment on, their friendship changes. He begins avoiding Miranda, and completely cuts her out of his life. By chance, Miranda must come face to face with Marcus (the puncher) at school one day, and the two have a very interesting conversation about Miranda's favorite book, A Wrinkle in Time. Marcus makes her think about things in a different way. Meanwhile, Miranda is finding strange, cryptic little notes that instruct her to keep the notes a secret, mention the location of her house key, and most importantly, to write a letter. What do the notes mean? Who are they from? And will her letter really help save Sal's life like the mysterious author claims?

My thoughts: Finally! This book is everything a Newbery Award winner should be. It's sweet, real, and completely believable, even though the biggest plot element is total fantasy. Somehow Stead makes you believe that the impossible can happen. I absolutely loved this book.