Jacob Have I Loved (Middle-Grade Fiction)

How could I have blogged for so long without recommending at least one of Katherine Paterson's books?  It's appalling.  I can't think of anyone better at writing middle-grade novels. 

Paterson is likely best known for the Newbery-winning Bridge to Terabithia, which tells the story of a lonely boy, his new neighbor, their friendship, and the secret kingdom they build together.  But my favorite Paterson novel is Jacob Have I Loved, which also won the Newbery.  (Practically everything the woman writes wins some version of the Newbery.)  The protagonist of JACOB HAVE I LOVED, Sara Louise Bradshaw, is stuck with a twin sister, Caroline, who is both infinitely more beautiful than Louise, and a miraculously talented singer.  Louise is not just jealous of Caroline.  She hates Caroline.  She spends the book working through those feelings and finding an independent place for herself.     

I've read JACOB HAVE I LOVED many times, and I'm guessing I'll read it many more.  It doesn't disappoint.    

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