I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Circle of Secrets. I hadn't read any reviews or even the description; it was required reading for me being part of an award committee and the title had received starred reviews in literary review journals. Basically, I looked at the cover and thought "huh, wonder what this is about" and began to read. Immediately I was drawn in to the life of Shelby and the mysterious magic of a Louisiana bayou. I typically enjoy books with a bit of mysticism, so that part wasn't a shocker for me, but what did surprise me is that the story felt like something new; a story I hadn't read before or that had been redone for a new audience. Suggest to your child if they enjoy books with real yet flawed characters, ghosts, magic, and a lot of deep emotion that needs to be confronted and dealt with.
From the book: A year after her mother deserted the family, eleven-year-old Shelby goes to stay with her, deep in the Louisiana bayou, where they both confront old hurts and regrets.
Definitely a middle grade read; probably 4th grade on up. It's not difficult, but does get a bit haunting and may disturb younger children. Next up for me will be Little's debut novel The Healing Spell
which has gotten great reviews but I never read when it first came out in 2010.
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