Books That Made Us Cry!
This started off as an Instagram Reel and TikTok that Kirsten did back in January, but we love some of the books so much that we thought we would turn this into a blog post for people to read back and refer to when they're after some book recommendations!
Watch Kirsten's Reel here!
Without further ado, here's some books that made us cry (or at least tear up)
Clover Moon - Jacqueline Wilson
Blurb: Clover Moon’s imagination is her best escape from a life of hardship in poverty-stricken Victorian London. When tragedy plunges her into a world of grief, Clover realizes that everything she loved about the place she called home is gone. Clover hears of a place she could run to, but where will she find the courage – and the chance – to break free? And could leaving her family be just what she needs to find a place that really feels like home?
Our thoughts: We would say this book is best for those who are 9 years or older as (like the blog title suggests) it can be really upsetting at times. This is a historical fiction novel set in the Victorian era. Other Jacqueline Wilson books that are set in Victorian Britain include the Hetty Feather series (Hetty Feather, Sapphire Battersea, Emerald Star), which are more suitable for younger readers and less of a tear-jerker.
The Girl Who Speaks Bear - Sophie Anderson
Blurb: Found abandoned in a bear cave as a baby, 12-year-old Yanka has always felt out of place in her small village. When she wakes up to find that her legs have become bear legs, she sets off into the forest to discover who she is, on a journey that takes her from icy rivers to smouldering mountains, with an ever-growing group of misfits alongside her... Interwoven with traditional stories of bears, princesses and dragons, Yanka's journey is a gorgeously lyrical adventure from the best-selling author of The House With Chicken Legs.
Our Thoughts: Like Clover Moon, this book would be best suited for those who are 9 or older. This book is on the longer side at over 400 pages.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - Suzanne Collins
Blurb: It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.
The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined -- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined -- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
Our Thoughts: I'm sure you're all aware that this is the 4th book in the Hunger Games series. This is a prequel to the original Hunger Games books, taking place approximately 50 years prior. The first three books can be emotional at times, and this one was no different! This book is definitely more suited for the older reader (12+) as there's some challenging themes and a lot of violence throughout.