When the Cranes Fly South

When the Cranes Fly South, by Lisa Ridzén

30/60 | Started 05.31.26 • Finished 06.04.26 | 4 stars

This sad tale centers around Bo, who is home-bound due to his age and failing health. As Bo finds himself with ample time to ruminate about his life, he comes to various realizations about that way he's treated the ones he's loved, and the way they've treated him. Also important in the story is Bo's dog, Sixten. Bo is dedicated to the dog, but Bo's son believes he can no longer adequately care for the dog, and this becomes a point of serious contention between the two men. The conflict does, however, reveal to Bo some of the tensions in his relationship with his son over the years.

The Hounding

The Hounding, by Xenobe Purvis

29/60 | Started 05.26.26 • Finished 05.30.26 | 4 stars

This slightly creepy book has the handprint of some kind of paranormal activity as it follows the legend of five sisters who turn into ravenous dogs at will. It's really less about the sisters and more about the eighteenth-century village near where they live, and how its people believe in, perpetuate, or discount the rumors. I'm finding that it's difficult to explain what I liked about this book, or why I enjoyed it, so these small comments will just have to do. If you'd like to dabble in the scary, without going into full-on horror mode, this one's for you.

Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West

Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West, by Marguerite Henry

28/60 | Started 04.22.26 • Finished 05.26.26 | 5 stars

This book is about Wild Horse Annie. She loves horses and people are killing horses for pet food. So she goes to Washington and gives a big speech to save the mustangs. She wins! I loved this book because I love horses and Annie saved the mustangs.

Carolyn, age 9