FINISHED:

Avi. (2006). Crispin: At the edge of the world. New York: Hyperion.

[This is turning out to be a triumphant trilogy in the Avi canon. Crispin and Bear are off and trying to make do while traveling by juggling and playing music for money. When Bear is injured, the two are taken in by a pagan medicine woman and the "disfigured" girl, Troth, who serves as her apprentice. When the woman dies, Bear takes Crispin and Troth on his his children and the three, to escape Bear's past, catch passage on a ship which ends up losing its crew and drops the trio in France. Here, they are forced to take part in the pillaging of a church and castle by British soldiers bent on stealing a treasure. Interesting themes of religion (Christianity vs. paganism), friendship, dealing with sins of the past, redemption, and, ultimately, loss highlight this insightfully written, compelling, deeply enjoyable gem. When's the conclusion of the trilogy coming out?!?!]

STARTED:
Look, Lenore. (2008). Alvin Ho: Allergic to girls, school, and other scary things. New York: Schwartz & Wade/Random House.

[Getting some buzz lately as one of the best of the year. Heard it's a lot of fun so I'm giving it a go.]

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