• Reviews

    Hattie Big Sky & Hattie Ever After

    I actually spent much of my weekend reading – a shock, I know!  I was able to read three books this weekend, which is often unheard of and made me extremely happy!  I finally got to read Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson, which I had thought I already read,…

  • Reviews

    The Fire Horse Girl

    I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based in San Francisco in the early 1920s.  Often, parts of history seem to be overlooked in grade school and although much is said about immigration through Ellis Island, I had never heard of Angel Island, until I read this novel.  Angel Island…

  • Reviews

    Sophia’s War

    The year is 1776 and as Sophia Calderwood and her mother return to their homes in New York City, they witness the hanging of Nathan Hale and Sophia vows to do all she can for the American cause.  Little does she know, that she will become a maid and spy in…

  • Reviews

    Wonder Show

    Another book I grabbed because the cover art caught my attention.  Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby was a fascinating read and was perfect for the two days I was home from work because of Hurricane Sandy.  This book is definitely one to pick up if you love vivid descriptions and settings…

  • Reviews

    Death Cloud

    If you’ve visited my blog in the past, I’ve mentioned my love of all things Sherlock Holmes and this middle grade/young adult novel does not disappoint.  Death Cloud: Sherlock Holmes, The Legend Begins written by Andrew Lane is approved by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate and his surviving relatives, which made…

  • Reviews

    Secret Letters

    I love all things Sherlock Holmes (if haven’t seen the BBC show, Sherlock – it’s definitely worth your while), so it wasn’t surprising that when I saw Secret Letters come across my desk I picked it up immediately.  Secret Letters, written by Leah Scheier, is an interesting take on Sherlock…

  • Reviews

    Ghost Knight

    Ghost Knight written by Cornelia Funke is an entertaining read for children in grades 3 – 6.  The story is about an 11-year-old boy named Jon Whitcroft who is sent away to boarding school where he encounters a vengeful ghost wishing for his head.  A classmate by the name of…

  • Reviews

    The Crowfield Curse

    If the deepest secret has been spoken… can the deadliest curse be broken?  So begins, The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh a medieval story about an orphan 14-year-old, William,  and the abbey he serves.  After finding a magical hobgoblin in the woods, in dire need of help, William learns that he…

  • Reviews

    Book Review: Promise the Night

    Over the weekend I read Promise the Night written by Michaela MacColl.  It’s a historical fiction novel about Beryl Markham, the first pilot to fly solo from England to North America.  I’ll be honest, before I read this book, I had never heard of her but, after reading about her life –…

  • Reviews

    May B.

    May B. by Caroline Starr Rose is a sparsely written story in verse that conjures pictures of the rolling prairies and the vast emptiness that they used to be.  May B. is a 12-year old girl sent to a neighboring homestead 15 miles away “just until Christmas” as her Pa…