Tween Tuesday: Julia Gillian

I love characters with a really good voice, and Julia Gillian fits the bill. She is one of those sweet little girls who, although she is growing up in a big city, is still so innocent. Much more so than a lot of the actual kids we know at that same age. I love that we still have books about kids who are like that--because my own kids are more like that--and I can point to a few girls at my school who are definitely Julia Gillian types. I LOVE the characters who surround her as well--from her parents, to her dog, to the downstairs neighbors she turns to when she needs some wisdom. Julia's world is not without troubles, but they are such good, normal childhood troubles. It is good to remember that childhood can be simple.

The first two: Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing) and Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy) are out already and very popular in my library. The covers are colorful and very eye-catching. I have a hard time keeping them in! The third (and last) Julia Gillian (and the Dream of the Dog)
is due out in July--perfect for summer reading. During the course of writing this post I went to Alison McGhee's blog. Wow, she is a good writer. Several of her posts brought tears to my eyes, particularily this one--what a tribute to her father!

Tween Tuesday was started by GreenBeanTeenQueen. Check her out here!

Also, remember to enter for my 200th post contest giveaway here!