Not so fast, Verity!

When I was in the second grade, My Little Ponies and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were the height of popularity. My classmates spent their recesses either prancing about, or spinning invisible nunchucks. I, however, was involved in something much more sober and important. I was, after all, the head of the CIA club, which consisted of myself and my friend Clinton, the only other person weird  inventive enough in my class to “get it.” Equipped with scotch-tape laminated badges and secret codes, we lurked behind snowbanks, carefully observing the mundane activities of the assembled ponies and turtles, waiting for something big to break.

So obviously, Code Name Verity must be the easy winner, right? I mean, it has everything young me would have been looking for: tricksy lady-spies, intrigue, interrogations, top-secret midnight missions, and more! And yet… I found myself skimming whole sections where Maddie would yet again wax eloquent about aviation.

Maybe against another book this decision would be easier, but then Counting by Sevens came along and gave me all the feelings. I loved the protagonist and her unique way of seeing the world, and the way the assembled characters invent their own new kind of family and community. It was inspirational without being cheesy, showing readers how to overcome obstacles and strive to better oneself. I’ve had a couple of students give this one rave reviews already.

So what do you think, Shelley? Should we halfheartedly agree with the previous Smackers, who so presumptuously titled their post? ;) Or should we make this interesting and split the vote?