Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

This simply told story is about Henry "Box" Brown and is based on the actual life and narrative by the same man. The story begins when he is a child, and given to the master's son, who sends him away from his family to work in a tobacco factory. Henry grows up, falls in love, marries and has children who are sold - never to be seen again. In great distress, and fed up with his situation, he forms a plan to be packaged into a box and shipped to Philadelphia where he can be free. With the help of friends, his plan is a success.

The imagery of the story is beautifully done, and while the narrative itself is simple and felt as though it jumped abit too much, the illustrations were able to carry where the words were lacking. This is a great book for introducing children to the idea of slavery and US History. It doesn't linger on the horror, but tells a man's simple, yet, heartbreaking story.

Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortensen

Listen to the Wind is told in a voice easily understood for children. It follows Dr. Greg's amazing adventure to create a school for needy children in Pakistan, and the start of a much larger adventure in creating many schools for needy children globally. This book shows the challenges with beautiful imagery, and gives readers a good idea of the different characters as well.

Bad Dog, Marley by John Grogan

The new family dog, Marley, is always hearing "Bad Dog Marley", even from the baby. He makes a mess of the house, and creates such a nuisance that the family looks at giving him up. Then, Marley proves he's belongs in the family!

This endeavoring novel is based on the popular books about the dog Marley and his loveable family. Readers young and old alike should be able to relate to this book, and it's guaranteed to start many discussions about the role of pets in our lives.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Nobody Owens is raised in a graveyard by his ghostly parents, and caretaker, after his “first family” dies in a terrible tragedy. But Bod, as he’s called, shows us that it really takes a graveyard to raise a boy.

Follow this boys adventures from young child learning how to Fade, learning to read from grave stones, and history lessons from those who were actually there. But everyone must grow up some day.

What I loved most about this book was the different perspective I saw of how life after death can be, and how the living can and can't interact with the dead. Neil Gaiman has done it again!

Blueberry Girl by Neil Gaiman

A picture book, in the same style as Dr. Seuss’s book Oh, The Places You’ll Go, shows us a prayers of parents towards their soon to be born daughter. The imagery in both illustrations and word choice gives a heartfelt connection for all parents reading this wonderful book.

What I enjoyed most about this book was how it reminded me of my daughter, and what I wish for her life. It also reminded me of my parents and how they still take care of me today, and the wishes they have for me into adulthood. This book is a gem for young and old alike.