Lauren's Favorite Books of 2010

Part HUGO CABRET, part THIEF LORD, this middle-grade novel follows three ordinary children brought together by extraordinary events... Giuseppe is an orphaned street musician from Italy, who was sold by his uncle to work as a slave for an evil padrone in the U.S. But when a mysterious green violin enters his life he begins to imagine a life of freedom. Hannah is a soft-hearted, strong-willed girl from the tenements, who supports her family as a hotel maid when tragedy strikes and her father can no longer work. She learns about a hidden treasure, which she knows will save her family -- if she can find it. And Frederick, the talented and intense clockmaker's apprentice, seeks to learn the truth about his mother while trying to forget the nightmares of the orphanage where she left him. He is determined to build an automaton and enter the clockmakers' guild -- if only he can create a working head. Together, the three discover they have phenomenal power when they team up as friends, and that they can overcome even the darkest of fears.

Melody is eleven years old and has never spoken a word in her life. That's not to say she hasn't wanted to... all her life she's been enamored of words, and she's one of the smartest kids in her school. Unfortunately, no one knows this but her, as her cerebral palsy makes others think she's incapable of just about everything. Until, that is, she makes a discovery that finally gives her a voice... A standout novel with a compelling voice and a heartfelt story.

I adored THE HISTORY OF LOVE, so I spent much of 2010 eagerly anticipating GREAT HOUSE. I'm happy to say it did not disappoint. A more cerebral read than HISTORY, this book follows four seemingly disparate characters whose lives are all linked by a great wooden desk. Lovingly constructed, this book is not for impatient readers, but it will reward your efforts and is definitely demanding of a reread.

I loved this dark, comedic, coming-of-age story from local-ish YA author A.S. King. Vera Dietz spent most of her life secretly in love with her best friend Charlie, and even after he betrayed her, she's kept a lot of his darkest secrets. When Charlie dies--under very mysterious circumstances--Vera must decide whether to come forward with what she knows, or keep Charlie's secrets buried with him. Vera is by far one of the most commanding and well-drawn characters I've encountered in young adult lit.