Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson, 304 pages

I love this author. A few of her books have been turned into Hallmark movies. I have to admit I hesitated on reading this book. Beauty pageants aren't my thing. The main character is an elementary school librarian so my interest in this book didn't quite go away. I figured I'd wait for the library to get their copy in and then give it a try and then if it really wasn't my cup of tea I'd just turn the book back in unfinished...no harm, no foul. Then a book subscription box that I'm a fan of posted a one time box they were doing for Valentine's Day. It was a rom com box. Turns out this was the book. So yet another sign I should read this book. I started reading the book on a Friday night and didn't get out of my chair until I had finished it. Obviously I could not put this book down. There are a lot of Harry Potter and Jane Austen references. Two literary loves of my life. I had to stop and take a picture close to the beginning of the book because the main character was wearing a Harry Potter shirt and so I was.

I messaged most of my friends and told them they have to read this book. Mind you if you're not into Harry Potter and/or Jane Austen you might roll your eyes at the references or miss them entirely. This book spoke to my nerdy soul. I was sad when I got to the end. I almost wish I hadn't read it so fast. I can't wait for my friends (and some library patrons) to read this book so we can discuss it.

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo 236 pages

Raymie's father has run off with a dental hygienist named Lee Ann Dickerson.  But Raymie has a plan, she's going to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire pageant, get her picture in the paper and that will get his attention.  To this end, she begins baton twirling lessons.  She doesn't get a lot out of the classes, but the classmates are what she really needed anyway.  This is every bit a Kate DiCamillo story, full of quirky characters and loads of heart.  It's quiet, but moving.  Raymie and her friends keep you interested and involved the whole way.  There is a very good reason DiCamillo wins awards.  I highly recommend this one to students 3rd grade and up who just want a gentle slice-of-life story.