LARA'S GIFT

LARA'S GIFT, by Annemarie O'brien (Knopf,  August, 2013)(ages 8-12).  It's 1914 and Lara, the daughter of the Count's borzoi keeper, wants more than anything to some day be appointed kennel steward herself.  But with the birth of a baby brother (only men can be kennel stewards), she is afraid that will never come to pass.  Worse, she's promised to keep her mysterious visions secret, even though they may be the only things that can save the dogs she loves.

LARA'S GIFT offers a well-researched and fascinating tale of a girl striving to find her place.  Atmospheric and evocative, LARA'S GIFT is both satisfying and heartwarming.