Ms. Bixby's Last Day.  This was quite the book.  I don't want to say too much except that it should be read, for sure.  I loved this book.  I know many teachers are one of the "good ones" and I know one who is the best of the "good ones."  And this book made me laugh and cry and I didn't really want to leave this book.  I can see it being helpful to kids who find themselves in situations similar to the boys in this book.  I see this as an inspiring book for teachers.  I see this as a really, really wonderful story.  Very real.  Very, very good.  I wonder if this is on anyone's Newbery list?  I plan to read more by John David Anderson, for sure.

Always More

A.S. King always offers more-- so much more, in her books.  When I started Still Life with Tornado, I think I had forgotten that.
I was listening and thinking, "Blah, this is like that horrible Wintergirls, but with a different problem."
And then I remembered that this is A.S. King.
Really, really well told story.  In just her way.  Excellent.  I think this might be my Printz pick.  This or We Are the Ants.  Just excellent.

Daughters of Eve and Sons of Adam

Daughters of Eve is a wonky little book.  It really is a slice of American life in the 70s.  When women were starting to more boldly demand their rights.  Well, I guess it started in the late 60s. 
The neatest thing I found after reading this book was this article, that Lois Duncan's granddaughter found, then forwarded to her grandma and her grandma wrote back!  I second all of the positive things about this book.  It also gives teens of today a look at what it was like "back in the day."  A very enjoyable read!