In fiction, Sue fell in love with [[Harmony by Carolyn Parkhurst ]], the story of how a family with an autistic child move to a camp in New Hampshire in the hope of building a better life for them all. The ending is startling and it's only when you've finished the book that you look back and realise how everything was working up to that moment. It's excellent, compelling writing and storytelling at its best. This one comes highly recommended.
In non-fiction, Kate was deeply impressed by [[Purple Prose: Bisexuality in Britain byKate by Kate Harrad ]], a timely, long overdue and thought-provoking insight into bisexuality in Britain today. A must read for all bisexuals, but for the general reader it highlights the misconceptions and prejudice that bisexuals have to face on a daily basis. It is an important book. Its publication may be a watershed moment for the bisexual community in Britain. It is ambitious in its scope, and brave in its approach, but what makes it truly important is that it is a beacon for bisexuals.
For teens, Jill suggests [[I'll Be Home For Christmas byBenjamin by Benjamin Zephaniah and Others ]]. Publisher Little Tiger and homelessness charity Crisis have got together and produced I'll Be Home For Christmas - an anthology of short stories from some of the most popular writers on the UK YA scene. The stories are connected by the theme of home. £1 from the sale of each copy of ''I'll Be Home For Christmas'' will go to the ''Crisis at Christmas'' appeal. So if you can think of anyone who might enjoy these wonderful short stories and who might also get an extra bit of good feeling from the good the sales of this book will do, buy them a copy, ok?
For the little ones, Sue recommends [[Welcome by Barroux ]], a non-preachy buty very perceptive look at the problems which migrants face. Four polar bears find themselves adrift on the ocean on an ice floe. Which island they come to will take them in? This might look like a picture book. It might look as though it's only for children but there's a message in there that we should all take to heart.