RTW – What were your top five favorite books of 2011?

This week YA Highway’s Road Trip Wednesday asks, What were your top five favorite books of 2011? I’m not very good at favorites lists, but I’m willing to give it a go. Most of mine aren’t brand new in 2011 because I’m still exploring the children’s literature field. But these are the ones that stuck with me, not in any particular order.

Rules by Cynthia Lord

This is one of the few books I read in paperback, because I met the author at an SCBWI conference. Her talk was incredible, heartwarming and heartbreaking. Cynthia had me in tears. So did Rules.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

This is one that I keep recommending whenever the subject of must-read books comes up. It has the most horrifying scene I’ve ever read. It’s also thought-provoking and riveting, with marvelous characters.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Another one that had me in tears. I knew Caitlin, the main character. My heart ached for her. The ending was uplifting and joyful without being saccharine.

Room by Emma Donoghue

I saw this on a “best” list, then heard the author on NPR. She did a reading from the book and I was hooked. It can be a frightening read at times, and it’s difficult to see a child in peril. But it develops to a wonderful ending.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

I heard about this book via the #racefail controversy. I knew nothing about the story, which was pretty nice because I was unwittingly pulled along as it kept turning and twisting in (for me) unexpected ways. The main character is great, the story fascinating, and the end left me wondering if I’d ever really heard the truth.

So there you go. Those of you who read widely in children’s literature have probably already read them. But if you haven’t, I highly recommend you check them out.