This is the sort of story that I enjoyed reading as a child when, much like Tess, I was reading The Great Gilly Hopkins and Anne of Green Gables. I read Newbery Honor-winning Rules by the same author a few years ago, so I was really excited to see a new book out by Cynthia Lord. Tess and Libby imagine what it might be like to have Aaron live with him, but neither of them expect what actually happens that summer.

Aaron comes to live with Tess, her sister Libby, and their parents. Show More keep their school from closing, a few families decide to take in foster kids, keeping the numbers up enough to satisfy the state. For those readers, it is an excellent choice. Despite its short length and relatively easy vocabulary, this is a book for young readers who are enthusiastic about books and reading. The homage to these other titles may spark ideas for further reading in some children, but others may find the allusions to other works irritating. Like several other recent books, it references well-known children's literature titles, including Anne of Green Gables, Bud, Not Buddy, and The Great Gilly Hopkins. This middle-grade novel is sweet, funny, and touching. In reaching out to Aaron, Tess comes up with a plan to help him settle in to his new life on the island - but will all of her luck be enough to help Aaron finally feel at home? Tess is excited to meet her new foster-brother Aaron, but she's not prepared for the sullen, lonely boy who arrives in her family, convinced that he will be there for only a short time before moving on again. The islanders have come up with a plan to keep the school open: several families, including Tess's, will take in foster children. Tess's family depends on the school, not only for Tess and her little sister Libby's education, but because teaching there is her mother's job, as well. Show More little island community where Tess lives is not large enough to support a school.

Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord