Just finished Dark Waters by Catherine MacPhail. It is the story of a boy (Col)from Scotland who is brother to the biggest thug in their town. Col wants to be just like his law-breaking brother, but then ends up rescuing another boy from drowning in the loch. Now that he knows how it feels to be a hero, what choice will he make for his life?
The book was gripping towards the end and the Scottish setting and language make for an interesting setting. I recommend it.
This book is for YAs. It is one that boys will read happily and girls will enjoy. I always enjoy finding a book for boys that doesn’t revolve around sports and yet keeps a strong masculine tone.

It is great to find passionate postings about chidren’s books on blogs that don’t focus on that subject. This post in Boing Boing: A Directory of Wonderful Things, a blog that tends to focus more on technology, speaks to a love of fantasy for kids by an adult reader. I feel the same way! Bring on the great fantasy reads!