About the Reviewer – Kathy Larabell:
I am an educator who recently retired from an extensive career in teaching. Most of my teaching time was spent in middle school teaching language arts which I love. Reading has been my passion along with music and travel since I was a young girl. I hope you enjoy these reviews and these wonderful, creative books.
DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth (YA or Adult Novel)
Finding your identity in a highly structured society is a powerful theme in this first novel by Veronica Roth. Her protagonist, Beatrice aka Tris, chooses to leave her family for an unknown faction. In this society, dominated by adherence to the beliefs and characteristics of one of five factions, this decision may make or break her. Can she help her family and friends with the powerful secret she holds? This novel is filled with surprises and suspense in every chapter.
WILLOW by Denise Brennan-Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan (Ages 6-9)
In this award-winning book, Miss Hawthorn learns a valuable lesson from her new student, Willow. Willow brings her energy and creativity to Miss Hawthorn’s well-organized and ordinary art classroom. This story shows how the power of imagination can change a classroom and a life. The book is filled with great illustrations and humor when Willow broadens Miss Hawthorn’s views about art and teaching.