A Kind of Paradise

What starts as a punishment becomes a refuge and second home in this kindhearted first novel. When 13-year-old Jamie violates her school honor code and steals an annotated book for her crush, Trey, not only must she write an apology letter to him (which his mean sister posts online), she must also spend her summer doing community service at the local library. Tan warmly sketches the library community, including über-organized and dedicated director Beverly, charming staff members Lenny and Sonia, and the cast of regulars, including homeless young man “Black Hat Guy,” who comes for a nap every afternoon, and movie buff, Wally, who always brings a fresh flower when he arrives to check out the “flicks.” The stakes elevate when the new mayor threatens to cut the library’s funding, and Jamie goes from rooting for its closure and the end to her service to championing the importance of the institution. A good-natured debut that will appeal to young lovers of books and libraries. Ages 8–12. [em](Apr.) [/em]