Because this is the group where I first knew her and admired her passionate reviews, I want to share my sadness over the death of Debbie Alvarez, The Styling Librarian. Even ill, she continued to read and share about the books she loved. I won't forget her, and loved reading about all the things she's accomplished in her too short life. She will continue to be an inspiration.
I've tried to find and read more of the books that have been loved by others (and I've loved them, too). Here they are, plus one older one discovered at the library.
The Firekeeper’s Son - Linda Sue
Park and Julie Downing
This book caught my eye because it was by Linda Sue Park. It's the time of year for traditions, and while this is a "needed, not a celebratory" one, tradition it is from the country of Korea. Lighting a fire on the highest peak is what Sang-hee's father does each night, proclaiming that all is well in his village by the sea. When the next mountain's fire keeper sees that fire, he lights his own, on succeeding mountains until the king sees the final fire and knows no enemy is coming to attack. Linda Sue Park has fictionalized the history by telling of a young boy who must go to his father's aid because his father fell on the way to making the fire. Full color pages make the story come to life in this story of responsibility and pride. Children might be interested in the extra back matter Park shares. She could not find the date for the beginning, but did write that the fires were still being lit in the late nineteenth century.
