The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts

Do you live on a farm? Have you ever visited a farm or know what it is like? Reading this book will open a window for you on life on a cattle farm. This story is told from the viewpoint of 12 year old Libby Ryan who is raising two steers for admission into the Practical County Fair contest for Champion Steer, a family tradition. Libby has a very wise friend, Carol Ann who stands by her in tense situations. Will Libby (who prefers jeans to dresses) try out for the Beef Princess? And how does someone whose family raises beef become a vegetarian? Several other female characters in the story add to the drama. There's nasty stuff going on and Libby rises above it. I hope you enjoy the story as I did. Reading the Maud Hart Lovelace Nominees gives you a plenty of variety for reading this year!

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

Do you have a friend that you've had since you were little? A child of your parents' friends perhaps, or maybe a neighborhood kid that doesn't need any special arrangements to just come over anytime and play. Maybe someone you've know since your first daycare.

Amanda and Leo have known each other since their birthday, their real Birth Day—they were born on the same day! They have a special friendship, even though they are boy and girl, they have celebrated every birthday together up to their tenth birthday. Now it is their eleventh birthday and this will be their first party they have separately but the day is not at all what either one of them could imagine, even the fourth time or fifth time around! Find out about their eleventh birthdays in this Maud Hart Lovelace book nominee.

I like this story of friendship, it reminded me of my childhood friend who lived next door to me all while I was growing up. I met her when I was two years old. I am two months older than she is but we never went to the same school and yet we always remained special friends. Now she lives two states away. I think I will write her a letter when I am done with this post. Friendship is a gift you never want to lose.