Walsh Book Club

My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

2010-04-07T13:03:00.001-05:00

Vicksburg is under siege by the Yankees and thirteen-year-old Claire Louise and her family are forced to move into a cave for safety. Her father is a doctor with the Confederate Army and her brother is a doctor in the Union Army. When her brother brings home a Confederate soldier who was responsible for the South’s defeat at Antietam, Claire Louise makes a choice that will prevent the soldier from being tried for treason but goes against her brother’s wishes. As her family endures many hardships and her father falls ill, she deals with the consequences of her actions and tries to regain her brother’s trust. While an interesting story of a well-known Civil War event, the characters are not as well developed as they are in other Rinaldi books and Claire Louise’s motivations are not always clear. However, readers will be intrigued by the descriptions of living in a cave and Civil War stories are always in demand. An author’s note and bibliography are included.

The King's Rose by Alisa M. Libby

2010-04-07T13:02:00.001-05:00

When the young Catherine Howard draws the attention of Henry VIII while serving as a lady-in-waiting for his wife, Anne of Cleeves, her ambitious family uses her as a pawn in their schemes to increase their power. After his marriage to Anne of Cleeves is annulled, Henry marries Catherine and she finds herself at the whims of an aging, and often ill, husband and trying to navigate various court intrigues. Under pressure to conceive a child, she undertakes an adulterous and disastrous affair with Thomas Culpeper, the man she loves. Told in first-person, the story reveals what life may have been like for the young, fun-loving Catherine forced into a marriage with a much older man and the constraints placed upon her because of her position. Catherine remains a somewhat passive victim of her situation and those around her but struggles to meet her end with dignity. The story drags a bit in places but will appeal to historical fiction fans, especially those interested in the times of Henry VIII. There are numerous sexual encounters, but they are handled subtly.

Ghostgirl: Homecoming by Tonya Hurley

2010-04-07T12:23:00.001-05:00

Charlotte and her classmates have graduated from Dead Ed and are now working at a hotline for living teens with problems. But Charlotte gets no calls and begins to feel alone and isolated from her friends. Her best living friend, Scarlett, puts herself in a self-induced coma in order to find Charlotte to help her rescue her sister, who is in a real coma after suffering a serious infection from a pedicure. The girls race against time to save Scarlett’s sister and get Scarlett back before she permanently joins Charlotte in the afterlife. The characters are extreme examples of teen personalities and the dialog is often funny and acerbic. While the story feels somewhat episodic, it is definitely unique and sure to find an audience. Readers should read the first book before this one as there are numerous references to situations that occurred in Ghostgirl.

Fire by Kristin Cashore

2010-04-07T12:16:00.002-05:00

This companion book to Graceling takes place in the Dells, a kingdom filled with monsters that resemble everyday animals, but have feathers and fur in a rainbow of colors which give them a stunning splendor. Fire, the last of the human-shaped monsters and incredibly beautiful, is also able to control the minds of others. She lives a quiet life while trying to live down the legacy of her father, who used his power for cruel and corrupt purposes. But when she travels to King’s City, she is swept up in court intrigue and an impending war with rival kingdoms. Cashore has written another spell-binding story with a strong, courageous female heroine. The setting and characters are well developed and the action is absorbing. Though there is a tie-in to Graceling, readers do not have to read it in order to enjoy this extraordinary story.

Whiteout by Walter Sorrells

2010-04-06T14:54:00.001-05:00

In this third book in the Hunted series, Chass and her mom have landed in small town in Minnesota. When Chass stumbles upon the body of her dead music teacher in the middle of a blizzard, she is determined to find the identity of the killer. But as Chass follows the clues, she also discovers that their new home town is not happenstance. Her mother brought them there so she could dig for information about the man who has been hunting them. The white-out conditions provide an eerie backdrop to Chass’ investigation. Though the voice of Chass doesn’t always feel authentic, readers will enjoy this spine-tingling mystery. Readers starting with this volume will find a few gaps but should be able to piece enough of Chass’ history together to comprehend her situation.

Sphinx's Princess by Esther Friesner

2010-04-06T14:53:00.001-05:00

Young Nefertiti lives a quiet life with her family, working on her writing and dancing skills. When word of her beauty and talents spreads, her family is summoned to court where her aunt, Queen Tiye plans for Nefertiti to marry her son, the future Pharaoh, who Nefertiti finds cold and distant. Caught up in the intrigues of the court, Nefertiti finds herself in danger and must look to her friends to help her escape. This well-drawn story provides a vivid glimpse into life of the period and includes many unforgettable characters. Nefertiti is a strong heroine who values loyalty and truth even when those around her are lying and scheming. The ending provides the possibility of a sequel.

The Stone Child by Dan Poblocki

2010-02-12T10:50:00.001-06:00

Eddie is excited about moving to the town in which his favorite author, Nathaniel Olmstead, lived before he disappeared. But Eddie discovers that many of the people in town do not approve of the author and his books. Things begin to get strange when his mother gives him a book written in code by Olmstead and he begins to encounter creatures straight from the author’s books. He and his friends must figure out the code in order to banish the monsters and keep them from overrunning the town. This is a page-turner with a fast moving plot. The monsters are scary but the actual violence is kept to a minimum. The font used for the author’s handwritten entries is small and difficult to read, but the story makes it worth the effort.

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

2010-02-12T10:48:00.002-06:00

In this sequel to Oh. My. Gods., Phoebe is having trouble controlling her powers. The gods have decided that she is to be tested and she is afraid that any missteps may result in her being smoted, as her father was. To help, her stepfather enrolls her in a remedial training camp populated by 10-year-olds and organized by her evil step-sister. Meanwhile, she is training for the Pythian Games and dealing with feelings of betrayal when she discovers that her boyfriend is secretly spending time with his ex. As in the first book, the plot moves quickly and Phoebe’s feelings and insecurities ring true. Secondary characters are not as well developed. This is a fun read that will appeal to tween and teen girls.

The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks

2010-02-12T10:43:00.001-06:00

Nina, a fifteen-year-old vampire, belongs to a vampire support group run by a local priest. The members are weak and sickly and work hard to avoid fanging humans. Their lives are confined to sleeping, fanging guinea pigs, trying not to expend too much energy, and avoiding unwanted attention. Nina is not very fond of her fellow vampires and deals with her lack of a life by writing stories about brave, adventurous vampires. But when one of their group is murdered, they are all pulled into a real-life adventure and must work together find the killer before he can strike again. This tale is full of quirky humor and plot twists. The vampires couldn’t be farther from the Cullens and will definitely appeal to readers tired of the typical vampire stories.

Tell Me Who by Jessica Wollman

2010-02-03T15:14:00.001-06:00

12-year-old Molly is navigating the mine field of middle school and is feeling like a total loser. On top of that, her father is planning on marrying a woman that Molly really dislikes and has nicknamed “The Claw.” While rummaging through her basement, Molly and her best friend discover a machine that tells them the names of their future spouses. This springboards Molly into a plan to get rid of “The Claw” and also makes Molly a much sought-after person when word of the machine leaks out to her classmates, who want a turn with it. Not all of the matches are positive (one boy has no match and the most popular girl in Molly’s class has 7 matches) and Molly decides to shut down the machine. This story speaks to the ups and downs of middle school and the changes that occur both within individuals and between friends. While this is a fun read, the plot is predictable and the ending a little too neat.

Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Liberty by Raymond Bial

2010-02-03T15:10:00.002-06:00

Since its opening in 1892, Ellis Island has become one of the most famous locations for immigration. Between 1892 and 1924, half of all immigrants came through Ellis Island. This book explains the history of the island and describes the role it played in immigration and the experiences that many immigrants encountered there. This story of the island and the immigrants is enriched with photographs and illustrations, many of them primary sources, as well as quotes from immigrants and those who worked on the island. Sources are not cited and the lack of an index or table of contents may limit its appeal to readers who are willing to read the whole book. A list of books for “further reading” is included.

Lucy Long Ago: Uncovering the Mystery of Where We Came From by Catherine Thimmesh

2010-02-03T15:08:00.002-06:00

This well written book details the discovery of Lucy, a prehistoric hominid. Her discovery surprised scientists and forced them to reconsider certain theories pertaining to the timeline of hominid evolution. The painstaking process of excavating and analyzing the bones is detailed along with other interesting concepts relating to other hominid discoveries. The author uses scientific terminology throughout and discusses the scientific method. The approachable text, illustrations, and striking photographs make this a good choice for both research and recreational reading. Readers will definitely enjoy getting to know Lucy. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and index.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

2010-02-03T15:05:00.002-06:00

Ida Mae Jones was born to fly, just like her father. But two things stand in her way: she’s female and African American. When she learns that she might be able to fly through the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) program, her excitement rises until she realizes that they won’t take her because of her race. so she takes advantage of her light skin to pass as white. Throughout her training and assignments, she makes friends and loves flying but is tormented by the lie she is living. Smith does and outstanding job of telling Ida Mae’s story, from the sheer joy of flying, the fear of discovery, and the shame of denying her family and who she is. Overall, this provides an excellent picture of Jim Crow and women during World War II. An Author’s Note provides additional details of this little known WASP.

Maximum Ride: The angel experiment by James Patterson

2009-11-20T14:21:00.003-06:00

Meet Max, Fang, Iggy , Nudge, Gazzy, and Angel. 6 kids who hold a secret. They all have wings and yes,they can fly.Having wings comes at a price. Scintists from a place called the School are trying to lock them up in dog cages and study them till their death. Even if it means killing them to get them, they will not hesitate. Max and her gang are on the run from mutants called Erasers who work for the School as they try and find out more about there past and how they ever got into the hands of these evil scintists.Join this thrilling ride with Max and her gang.

Submitted by Solidad100

Under Siege!: Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksburg by Andrea Warren

2009-10-23T14:45:00.002-05:00

The Siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War is told from the perspectives of three children who witnessed the event from both sides of the conflict. The information is based on interviews and articles by these children and includes details of the siege, including the escape of the residents of Vicksburg from their homes to nearby caves in order to avoid the bombardment of the city by the Union Army. 12-year-old Frederick Grant’s story is also told as he accompanied his father, General Grant, through numerous campaigns and battles and lived in the camps with the soldiers. This excellent volume provides not only well-researched historical information but a spellbinding story as well. Primary sources, photographs, illustrations, and maps are used throughout. A bibliography and index are included.

Smoke by Mavis Jukes

2009-10-23T14:41:00.001-05:00

12-year-old Colton and his mother move from Idaho to California, away from his beloved grandfather and his frequently absent, rodeo-champion father. His mother is hoping to start a new life and just when Colton is getting a handle on this change, his cat, Smoke, disappears. When Colt goes looking for his cat one night, he finds himself possibly stalked by a cougar and barricades himself in a supposedly haunted cabin, leaving the adults in his life to wonder where he is. His disappearance brings his father to search for him, along with Colt’s friends and neighbors, and helps Colt to come to an appreciation of all that he has. This is a sweet story about dealing with loss, change, and family. The characters are varied and well-developed and will ring true to the book’s intended audience.

The Seven Keys of Balabad by Paul Haven

2009-10-23T14:39:00.002-05:00

12-year-old Oliver, who is living in Balabad with his reporter father and art-historian mother, misses New York. His friends Zee and Mr. Haji are the only things that make living in Balabad tolerable. But things become more interesting when a priceless carpet is stolen from a mosque and Mr. Haji is kidnapped. Oliver and Zee try to unravel the mystery and decipher the connections between Mr. Haji, the carpet, and Zee. The story jumps around a bit from character to character and place to place. But all of the threads of the story come together in the end like a well-woven carpet. Balabad is a fictional country with a rich culture and the characters and settings are well-developed. A perfect book for both adventure and mystery lovers.

Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton

2009-10-23T14:37:00.004-05:00

When Jane’s sister dies from complications resulting from anorexia, it sends Jane’s family into a tailspin. Her parents separate and Jane must find the strength to endure her grief. She does this with the help of an unusual babysitter, a puppy, a camera, and a new friend. This is a powerful look at the effects of anorexia on a family and the characters are authentic. The ending is somewhat disappointing, but readers will be drawn into Jane’s story as she tries to find peace in a difficult situation.

Flora's Dare by Ysabeau S. Wilce

2009-10-23T14:34:00.002-05:00

In this sequel to Flora Segunda, the heroine is determined to learn Gramatica so that she can expand her ability to do magick. She is side-tracked by a sea-monster who is destroying the city, her best friend who has been possessed by a pair of magic boots, her sister who has gone AWOL, and her newly sober father who has become a stern taskmaster. Flora is spunky with a self-deprecating wit and the world she lives in challenges stereotypical gender roles. The action is fast-paced, though occasionally a little confusing. Also confusing, at times, is the fantastical vocabulary. This story will be enjoyed most by those who have read the first book.

Dandelion Fire by N.D. Wilson

2009-10-23T14:31:00.002-05:00

Henry York, after learning that his adoptive parents are coming to get him, once again ventures into the magical cupboards to try and find where he came from. Meanwhile, his cousin Henrietta and the rest of the family end up scattered in different parts of the world from which Henry and his uncle came, fighting against an evil witch who is determined to take control of the world. This second installment of the series is once again full of the magic and adventure that characterized the first one. The first part of the book, while Henry is still in our world, drags a bit. But once he enters his world, the story picks up and is hard to put down. The story alternates between Henry, Henrietta, and the rest of the family and may be a bit confusing to readers who have not read the first book of the series. Though the satisfying ending feels like the end of the series, fans will be happy to know that there is still one more novel to come before the trilogy is complete.

Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli

2009-10-23T14:28:00.003-05:00

14-year-0ld Cologero lives with his uncles and cousin in 1899 Louisiana. The immigrants from Sicily own and operate a produce store and try to get along with all of the townspeople, no matter what their race. However, the town is racially divided and the Sicilians find that they belong with neither the whites nor the blacks. Racial tensions mount as their business grows and the whites become more distrustful until a wandering goat causes violence to erupt. The story highlights the anti-immigration sentiments that were prevalent in Louisiana at the time. Napoli gives readers a look at everyday life during this period while also shining a light on deep-rooted prejudices and Cologero is a likable character who explores the racial tensions while trying to figure out where he belongs. The tragic climax will stick with readers long after the book is finished.

Juliets Moon by Ann Rinaldi

2009-07-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

This book was amazing. I could not stop reading it! It takes place during the civil war. Juliet's brother goes off to the war. She is left alone with her slave. They go to her brother's girlfriends house. Somehow, they go to jail and the jail collapses. One thing leads to another and she gets kidnapped!

I would reccomend this book to anybody. Even if you dont like history, this book is amazing. I really enjoyed it. She is a great author. This is the first book by her I have read, but I am going to read another by her. This is one worth reading twice.

Out of the Shadows by Sarah Singleton

2009-05-13T09:09:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth, a young Catholic girl living in 1586 England, and her family are in danger. It is the Reformation and they have been accused of hiding a priest. Elizabeth’s mother has been taken for questioning, leaving Elizabeth and her sister alone. Help comes from an unlikely source, Isabella, a young girl who has been living with the fairies for the past 300 years. She was unable to help her mother when she was tried and hanged for witchcraft, but is determined to prevent tragedy from befalling Elizabeth’s family.

This smoothly written tale relates the story of two girls whose families have suffered much at the hands of others. The bond formed between them is strengthened as they struggle to protect Elizabeth’s family and the priest that her family was protecting. Isabella’s experiences in the land of the fairies has given her an unusual perspective and a surprising means to help Elizabeth and her family, while trying to find her own place back in the land of people. However, there is too much going on in the story. The issues surrounding the Reformation, Catholicism, and fairies will have readers’ heads spinning as they try to make sense of it all.

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

2009-05-13T09:03:00.001-05:00

Three close friends, Polly, Jo, and Ama, delve into their separate summer activities. Polly tries to make herself over to become a model. Jo spends the summer at her family’s beach house and deals with her parents’ separation, and Ama finds herself at a wilderness trip when what she really wanted was to spend her summer at an academic camp. As they change and grow, they wonder if their friendship will survive.

The three friends who have known each other since third grade are drifting apart and now face spending the summer separately before they begin high school. Each girl is trying to find herself in her own unique way. There are strong messages here about self-acceptance, self-confidence, and friendship and the well-developed characters deal with some serious issues. Fans of the Travelling Pants series will encounter those girls as they make brief appearances, but those episodes feel somewhat contrived. Overall, a sweet story with a satisfying ending that will appeal to tweens.

Incantation by Alice Hoffman

2009-03-21T20:19:00.003-05:00

16 year-old Estrella's honest, humble family has lived in the small village of Encaleflora, Spain, for as long as she can remember. The year is 1500, one of the most hard and toughest times to live in history. The Spanish Inquisition has just been passed, all Jews must convert to Christianity - or die. As violence outbreaks in the village, brought-up Catholic Estrella learns the truth: her family are secret Jews. The fact that Estrella's best friend begins to become envious of her just makes the situation worse.

As time progresses, Estrella's worries begin to rise: what will happen to her family? What is the reason behind her friend's jealousy?

In this short, but poetic novel, readers are captivated by the voice of Estrella, who reminds us that while times may change, people don't - but there is always hope.

Get it off the shelf.

Now.

The Tomorrow Code by Brian Falkner

2009-03-05T11:20:00.002-06:00

Teenage friends Tane and Rebecca receive messages from their future selves warning them that they must stop the Chimera Project to avert an ecological disaster. With Tane’s brother, Fatboy, the teens frantically try to decipher the messages and figure out what they are supposed to do to stop the catastrophe that has been set in motion by scientists who have inadvertently created a cloud of organisms programmed to destroy mankind.

A timely eco-thriller that readers will find hard to put down, The Tomorrow Code presents a frightening picture of how mankind’s quest for scientific knowledge could lead to our own destruction. The teens’ path is unbelievable at times (buying a house and a submarine by themselves) but the storyline is intense and the cloud of creatures feels like something out of a Stephen King novel. The ending is fascinating and will leave readers wondering if something like this could really happen.

Scat by Carl Hiaasen

2009-03-05T11:16:00.003-06:00

Mrs. Starch mysteriously disappears on a field trip to Black Vine Swamp after a fire cuts the trip short. Everyone suspects Smoke, a troubled youth, of setting the fire but Nick and his friend Marta think something fishy is going on. As they investigate the arson, they discover a quirky environmentalist, a couple of shady oilmen, and an endangered panther and her cub. Meanwhile, Nick is dealing with the return of his beloved father from Iraq, who has had his right arm amputated.

The premise is familiar from Hoot and Flush; plucky teenagers battling greedy adults that are destroying Florida’s environment. But Hiaasen weaves his stories so well that it is still a pleasure to revisit this theme. The fully realized characters, with all of their strengths and weaknesses, come alive in the pages as they strive to make sense of life’s ups and downs. There is enough tension (criminal acts and coming face to face with a panther) and humor (a bird that speaks three languages) to keep most readers turning the pages until the very satisfying conclusion.

I Put a Spell on You by Adam Selzer

2009-03-05T11:12:00.002-06:00

Shortly before the annual school spelling-bee, Chrissie Woodward, who has always been the school tattle-tale for the principal, begins to suspect that the bee is being rigged by the school principal. As she investigates the adults involved in the conspiracy, she gets to know her fellow students better and switches her allegiance, vowing to bring the offenders to justice.

Told from the perspective of various students, this humorous story recounts the conspiracy surrounding the annual school spelling-bee, which is a major event in town. The adult-bashing humor will have readers laughing from the start. Chrissie grows throughout the story as she begins to really see the complexities of her fellow students, who are trying hard to do the right thing and steer clear of the adult manipulations.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

2009-02-11T20:24:00.002-06:00

This book is about 6 kids, Angel (the perfect 6 year old), Gasman (A cute little 8 year old), Nudge (a big-mouthed 11 year old), Iggy (a blind 14 year old that makes GREAT bombs), Fang (kinda the 2nd in command), and Max (the leader). Heres the kicker. They arent related and they are MUTANT. They have wings and un-humanly sarcasm. But Angel gets taken away! How does it all end out? Read and find out!

I really enjoyed this book and often found myself laughing along with the characters. It was a great book. If you like this book, then read the next 3! I reccomend it with 2 thumbs up!

Anna to the Infinite Power by Mildred Ames

2008-12-03T17:38:00.006-06:00

Ever since she first started school, Anna Hart was never really like other kids. She was a mathematical genius, a frequent shoplifter, a girl with no friends. Then comes the day when she bumps into a girl exactly like her. Exactly. Same name, hair, intelligence - everything. And then she meets more girls...until Anna's life spins out of control, raising along questions too: Who are these girls- all these Annas- and why are they are unusually identical? And why is she suddenly being stalked by scientific organizations?

A gripper from first page to last, Anna to the Infinite Power is both haunting and inspring. All at the same time Anna is struggling to gain an identity for herself while getting closer to her older brother and loved ones around her. Truly, this is one of the best sci-fi novels of all time.

Seriously. Read it.

Note: This book isn't avalible at the Walsh library. Try requesting it through inter-library loan.

Mystery of the Burmese Bandicoot by Judy Cox

2008-11-14T12:24:00.002-06:00

Two rat brothers, Frederick and Ishbu, formerly classroom pets, escape their cage and are commanded to steal a valuable statue by the evil Big Cheese, who wants to inflict his revenge on humans. The brothers escape only to find themselves thrown into an adventure including sinking ships, balloon rides, and an Indian temple dedicated to rats as they rush to save mankind by thwarting the plans of the Big Cheese.

A sweet story about two rats who become unlikely heroes, this tale is packed with action and adventure. Frederick is brave and athletic and wanting to pursue adventure, while the smart, intuitive Ishbu wants only to return to his cage where he can live a quiet, comfortable life. Though both brothers are very different, they are extremely loyal to each other and to the humans they care about. The author has added factual notes about rats and the various events they encounter during their journeys. This story is sure to appeal to adventure readers.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2008-11-11T20:21:00.008-06:00

Uglies is about a girl named Tally in a town called "Uglyville". She soon meets this girl named Shay, and that's when the trouble begins. You see, when you turn 16 you get an operation turning you into a pretty. Shay doesn't want to do that and runs away. On Tally's 16th birthday, she is faced with a decision. Find and turn Shay in, or never be pretty. The decision she makes may change her life. What does she choose? Read the book and find out.

This book is really good because it takes place in the future and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I recommend it with 2 thumbs up. There are 3 more in the series. Pretties, Specials and Extras. If I were you, I would seriously consider reading the next 3. They are all great. If you like Science fiction novels, make sure to read this. You wouldn't want to miss it.

How the Hangman Lost his Heart by K.M. Grant

2008-11-07T11:09:00.003-06:00

When her Uncle Frank is executed for treason and his head mounted on a pike, Alice determines to reunite his head with his body so that he can rest in peace. While trying to retrieve his head, however, she runs afoul of the law herself and sets off on an adventure to complete her mission with the help of the executioner and a soldier, both of who have fallen in love with the feisty Alice.

This historical romp by the author of The De Granville Trilogy is based on a tale from her own family history. The determined Alice retrieves her uncle’s head from the pike on which it has been displayed as a warning to other traitors and carries it across the land first in a wig bag, then in a hat box as she flees from a cruel officer with the help of her uncle’s executioner, Dan Skinslicer. The two find themselves in one pickle after another as they try to reach Alice’s family home and along the way, Dan falls in love with Alice, despite the differences in their social standing. A young soldier also falls for Alice, and he, too, risks his life to help her achieve her goal. Melodramatic and filled with gallows humor, readers will enjoy the fast-paced action.

Kotuku by Deborah Savage

2008-10-15T16:38:00.005-05:00

Savage's most recent novel, Kotuku begins with 17 year old Charlotte Williamson Thorpe (a.k.a Wim,) mourning over the recent loss of a best friend; depressed, Wim plans to spend her summer working at the local stables tending to horses. Suddenly, the sighting of a rare great white egret brings along many events that disturb her lonley,quiet life: the visit of a great-aunt whose mind is haunted by dark memories, and the arrival of two strangers from New Zealand who've come to visit. One by one, secrets about the Thrope family begin to unfold, and Wim learns to love again.

Although the story seems to "run off" at times, Kotuku is a awesome blend between mystery, historical fiction, the traditional horse-story, and romance; also a perfect introduction to the Maori culture of New Zealand. Like many of Savage's works, Kotuku is a beautiful and moving novel.

Little Audrey by Ruth White

2008-10-10T15:47:00.001-05:00

Eleven-year-old Audrey lives in a coal mining town in Virginia in 1948 and her family’s troubles are numerous. They are very poor and struggling to survive, which is compounded by her father’s drinking binges where he spends their meager food budget on alcohol. Her mother is mourning the loss of one of her daughters and after a battle with scarlet fever; Audrey is rail-thin and needs to wear glasses.

In this mostly autobiographical account of her early life in a mining town, White shares the hardships through the voice of her eleven-year-old sister. The characters are well developed, from her often emotionally distant mother to her hard-drinking father. Each is struggling to survive in a desperate situation. Audrey does more than just survive; she chooses to have hope even against difficult odds. A photograph of her mother with the children in 1944 can be found at the beginning of the book. The black-and-white photograph on the cover will probably not appeal to many readers in the intended age group, but the rewards will be worth the effort for those who chose this book.

More Bones: Scary Stories from Around the World

2008-10-10T15:41:00.003-05:00

Drawn from around the world, these 22 selections range from traditional stories featuring witches and magic, to tales about ghosts and corpses. Black and white drawings accompany each story and a list of sources is included at the end.

A sequal to Ask the Bones, this collection of short stories will appeal to fans of Schwartz’s other books. Some of the stories end somewhat abruptly, but are short enough so that readers will not get too frightened. The illustrations are very chilling and in some cases, scarier than the story.

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

2008-10-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

While visiting an ancestor’s grave, Princess Benevolence’s mother and uncle are killed and her father disappears. Her aunt Sophia is determined to mold Ben, the new heir, into a proper, and thinner, princess while trying to protect the kingdom from outside threats. Ben refuses to be malleable and is locked in a chamber where she discovers a hidden wizard’s room where she begins to teach herself magic. With her newfound knowledge, Ben flees the castle and faces numerous dangers while finding the truth about her father and gaining a new understanding of herself.

Murdock, author of Dairy Queen, has scored another touchdown in this fantasy about a strong-willed girl who refuses to conform to the dictates of her culture. As the head-strong Ben moves from one unpleasant situation to another, she finally comes to terms with both herself and her haughty aunt. Laugh-out-loud moments, romance, and a heroine determined to be herself will grab readers right from the start.