Based upon the true story of the adventures and explorations of Percy Fawcett and his disappearance into the jungles of the Amazon, this book was incredible! It goes back and forth between Percy Fawxcett and his search for a lost and developed civilization in the middle of the threatening jungles of South America, particularly Brazil, and the author, David Grann's search for Fawcett's fate and possibly the lost city of Z, the "El Dorado" that had claimed so many lives with its legends of gold and riches. It is a historical mystery that makes you constantly think about the possibilities. It is a puzzle that confounds the greatest minds of exploration, anthropology and archaelogy and leaves you wanting answers. At every turn we are enlightened with new discoveries, and at the same time new questions. It instills a sense of curiousity about this Amazon world and its status as the last great mystery on this planet. It paints a picture of the forest and the indigenous peoples who live there that the world rarely sees. The ending will not disappoint you, but you have to read it yourself!

To Kill A Mockingbird

The first time I read To Kill A Mockingbird I was in ninth grade and it had a profound effect on me. It opened my eyes to the human condition outside of my own world and inspired me with the character of Atticus Finch, a man who is true to himself and his children at whatever the cost to himself. This stirring story of a small town in the Southern United States and its struggle with its demons of past and present will make you think about yourself and the world we live in today and how it has changed... and how it has not. If you have read it before, I will ask you to read it again. I always tell my students to not be afraid to read a book twice or more because they will find and learn something new every time they pick it up. What I got from this book in ninth grade is distinctly different than what I took from it now. For those of you that have not read it, you are missing out on one of the greatest books ever written. It is a story that makes us reflect on ourselves, our own beliefs and the society we live in. It takes us out of our comfort zone and makes us face ourselves. The coming of age of Scout and Jem, Atticus struggle to be an example to his children ( and ourselves) and Tom Robinson's ordeal will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting to finish the book rather than wait for another day. Enjoy the great story, the many layered characters, but most of all let it make you think of your own struggles and the kind of person you want to be. Don't forget about Arthur "Boo" Radley either. I would tell you more, but a great story is waiting for you to read it.

A Long Walk to Water

I have always been a fan of Linda Sue Park, beginning with her stirring tale of a Korean orphan boy in A Single Shard and most recently with When My Name Was Keoko, a heart-wrenching tale told by two narrators chronicling the Japanese occupation of Korea during World War II. I read this new addition as I relaxed on a Saturday afternoon with my daughter and could not put it down. A Long Walk To Water once again is a story of two characters, Salva Dut, a young Sudanese boy whose life is changed forever by the war that engulfs his nation, and Nya, a young girl who must walk miles from her home everyday to bring water to her family. Salva Dut's story is based upon a true story and describes a journey both dangerous and sobering through war ravaged Sudan. His journey gave me a deep appreciation for the stable, safe country that I live in and a heartfelt appreciation for everyone who gives their time and energy to helping the less fortunate around the world. Salva's journey through the deserts of Sudan, escapes from death at the hands of humans and animals, and his suffering in the refugee camps of Ethiopia and Kenya create a tale that held me to every page and brought tears to my eyes as I finished the last page. Nya's story, though fictional could be the story of any young girl in Sudan today, making it that more incredible and emotional. The dirty, parasite infested water she traveled miles for was the lifeblood of her family and prized above all else. The conclusion to her story brought another flood of tears and an aching; a longing to help others. This is a great book for children ( 4th grade and up) and adults alike. Any spare time you have this holiday season should be spent reading this fantastic story. Kudos to Linda Sue Park and her ability to embody the human spirit in words.