Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Samantha longs to move back to New York and work as a musician, but for a Chinese American girl in 1849 that dream seems impossible. Instead, when tragedy strikes, she finds herself disguised as a boy fleeing West with a runaway slave. Posing as the boys Sammy and Andy, the two girls join the many heading out in the California gold rush. Along the way, they face many dangers and hardships, but they find unexpected allies in a group of rough cowboys.

Under a Painted Sky is a fast moving western adventure with endearing characters. It also looks at race and gender issues in America’s Wild West. Good for both entertainment and education, it’s a read I would highly recommend.

Recommended ages--12 and up

Patina by Jason Reynolds

Patty Jones is a problem solver/caretaker who is determined to always be strong. She looks after her little sister, keeps tabs on her sick mom, and tries to stay on top of all her school work. Running with the Defenders track team is her one release. But Patty is used to being the one taking care of things, not trusting others. When Coach asks her to run with the relay team, can she trust them enough to build a winning team?

Patina is the second book in Jason Reynolds’s track series. It is a great book for kids who love sports and strong characters. This one is a great book for teens and tweens. I especially love the girl power aspect as Patty faces challenges.

Recommended ages--11 and up

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Raymie Clarke has a plan. She is going to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition. Her father will see her picture in the paper, leave the dental hygienist, and come back home. But things don’t go exactly as she plans. Instead, Raymie meets Beverly Tapinski and Louisiana Elefante. These two friends show Raymie that there are all sorts of troubles in the world, but also all sorts of good.

As usual, Kate DiCamillo approaches some difficult subjects in a poetic and sensitive way. Her writing can touch the ugly things in the world and find beauty anyway. Raymie Nightingale is a powerful read for both children and adults that will teach about friendship, family, and the power of doing good deeds.

Recommended ages--all