Lighting Candles in the Dark edited by Elinor Briggs, et al.
These stories from many authors and lands are offered in the hope that they will light candles of understanding. They depict coura- geous people who use nonviolent and creative action in difficult and dangerous situations. Some of the stories are taken from Quaker history, others focus on helpfulness, fairness, the power of love, and care of the earth.
QuakerPress of FGC, 2011, 215 pp., paperback $14.95 Books for Young Adults
Quaking by Kathryn Erskine
Everything changes for fourteen-year-old Matt when she moves in with peaceful Quakers Sam and Jessica Fox, who are active in the movement against the war in the Middle East. After years of being batted around, fourteen-year-old Matt (don’t call her Matilda) has learned to rely on herself at school and everywhere. “Biology is good. I am an expert. We are studying morphing, but I have already morphed. I have my own exoskeleton . . . I have spent years developing my armor and I will not let it be pierced.” She must call on all of her resources to handle Mr. Warhead, the Rat, and the Wall at her new school, not to mention the Beast in her head.
Speak, an imprint of Penguin, 2010, 236 pp., paperback $7.99
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Anything in between is confusing. That’s how Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, always explained it. But now Devon is dead. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an 11-year-old girl with Asperger’s syndrome, she doesn’t know how.
Puffin, 2011, 235 pp., paperback $6.99
Bamboo People A Novel by Mitali Perkins
Chiko is a book-loving Burmese boy whose father, a doctor, is in prison for resisting the government. Tu Reh wants to fight for freedom after watching the destruction of his home and bamboo fields. Timidity becomes courage and anger becomes compassion as each boy is changed by unlikely friendships formed under extreme circumstances. The author does not sugarcoat the terrible reality, but this is a gentle story suitable for younger readers than the subject matter might suggest. It answers the question, “What is it like to be a child soldier?” clearly, but with hope.
Charlesbridge, 2010, 274 pp., paperback $16.95
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QUAKERBOOKS AUTUMN 2011
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