For aspiring chefs!

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer is one of those books that I didn't want to end.  When the Elvis-impersonating boyfriend of Foster McKee's mom becomes abusive, Foster and her mom make a quick exit from Memphis and end up in Culpepper, West Virginia.  Yes, it's one of those small towns with quirky characters, and they're great to read about: the kindly couple that lets the McKees stay in their trailer; Macon, the boy who wants to make documentary films (but doesn't even have a camera); and famous movie actress Charleena Hendley, who's just looking for a little privacy.  Foster's dream is to make cupcakes on her own cooking show; she's not able to read recipes, but she's awesome at remembering what she learns from the show of her chef idol, and soon her cupcakes are making their way into the hearts (and stomachs) of the Culpepper residents.  The stories and hopes of the characters are woven together so well, you'll wish you could visit Culpepper, meet everyone, and try one of Foster's specialities.

A safe home at last?

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech was comforting, amusing, and touching.  Dallas and Florida are 13-year-old twins and orphans.  They've had a rough life, being shuffled between absolutely awful foster homes and the equally terrible Boxton Creek Home for Children, run by the Trepids.  It was no surprise that the twins didn't expect anything good at their new (temporary, of course) home with elderly Sairy and Tiller, but the couple's gentle care and the beautiful, rolling countryside of Ruby Holler start to win the children over.  As Florida and Tiller prepare for a boat trip and Dallas and Sairy get ready for a bird-watching expedition, they don't know that nasty Mr. Trepid and the mysterious "Z" have something planned that could ruin their futures....