Barbara Wersba (1932–2018)

I love this slim, allegorical novel. It is a pensive, touching story with little action and bright words. It champions friendship between wildly different physical beings, but beings who find common ground in loneliness, quiet, and words. I would say it's more for adults than children.

I read this book yesterday morning. We had yet another snow day and I took advantage of the time off and ripped through my books.

"Whistle Me Home" made my cry. And, seriously, I rarely cry over books. The novel is so breathtakingly beautiful.

It really struck a personal chord with me. Well, I guess it would with everone; who hasn't suffered from unrequited love? I think we've all been both Noli and TJ, on both sides of the story.

One of my favorite books ever. I read it at least twice a year just for the good feeling it gives me when it is over.

I first read years ago to my class when I taught 4th grade. Walter, The Story of a Rat, is a story about friendship plain and simple and beautiful. It is a book that gives you hope, and leaves you with a overwhelming feeling of contentment. I read it at least once a year and it never loses its appeal.