My favorite books of 2012

I love to read, and I hope that at least one of the books I shared has intrigued you enough to read it too. If so, please let me know!

Here’s my annual wrap-up of the best books I’ve read this year (though not necessarily published this year) – with a special thanks to the Hawaii Public Libraries!

Best simple, fun, and interactive children’s book:
* “Press Here” by Hervé Tullet – about dots that change color, multiply, move around, and get bigger (my son was 5 years old but still enjoyed pressing the dots and guessing what would happen)

Best young adult star-crossed romantic fantasy:
* “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” by Laini Taylor – about learning who you are, “hope makes its own magic,” choosing a different life, and tyranny vs. slavery

Best danger-filled, explosive paranormal urban fantasy:
* ShadowCity” by Diana Pharaoh Francis – about loyalty, obligation, trust, and freedom to choose

Best high-voltage action, risk-taking fantasy:
* “Cast in Peril” by Michelle Sagara – about change, the gift of mortality, living in the moment, and the power of words and story

Best action-packed steampunk investigative fantasy:
* “The Iron Wyrm Affair” (2012) by Lilith Saintcrow – about trust, duty, and powers of detection

Best Hawaii historical guidebook:
* “Ancient Sites on O‘ahu: A Guide to Hawaiian Architectural Places of Interest” (2010) by Van James – part tour guide, part history book, part cultural guide

Best practical and effective teachers’ guide nonfiction:
* “Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College” (2010) by Doug Lemov – “the techniques described here may not be glamorous, but they work”

Best cheerful, encouraging, rediscover-your-creative-power nonfiction:
* “Living Artfully: A Heart-full Guide of Ideas and Inspirations That Celebrate Life, Love, and Moments That Matter” (2006) by Sandra Magsamen – reminding us that “Life is a word of art and we are its artists.”

Make friends with books and have a Happy New Year!

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