1862. London, England. Charles Dickens is THE author of the day and the Pickel Family are devoted fans. Meg and Orion are spellbound by his latest book-Great Expectations-and are reading it as quickly as possible. Meg, of course getting each of the volumes AFTER Orion. However, he is taking such a long time to finish volume 3 and then he disappears-with the book! The family is distraught and six-months later there still has been no sign of Orion. Meg has difficulty sleeping and takes to the rooftops one midnight only to stumble upon their family friend, Mr. Charles Dickens, also on the rooftops unable to sleep. Meg and Mr. Dickens join forces to find Orion and their adventures are fast-paced, hair-raising, and most complex. Their plans involve disguises as they follow clues leading to kidnapping and forced labor in underground buildings and tunnels. Victorian England comes alive through the quirky and clever antics of Meg and Mr. Dickens.

Similar books: Enola Holmes Mysteries by Nancy Springer

Reviewed by: adf

Date read: 5/11/2011

ISBN-10: 0312382561

ISBN-13: 9780312382568

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The classic story of 'The Headless Horseman' is adapted by Natalie Standiford for the beginning reader. Sleep Hollow is a pleasant and peaceful town during the day but at night, it is full of stories of the Headless Horseman. Ichabod Crane, the town's school teacher, wishes to marry the squire's daughter. Brom Bones also wants to marry the beautiful lady. Read all about Brom's creative and scary way of keeping Icabod out of the picture.

Similar authors: Peter Roop

Similar books: Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter Roop; The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/3/2009

ISBN-10: 067991241X

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Harry, and his detective classmates, try to find clues relating to a mysterious locked closet in Room 3B.

Similar books: Part of the Horrible Harry series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0142404519

ISBN-13: 9780142404515

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One hundred years ago, two runaway slaves, and abolitionist, Dies Drear, were murdered in his home, an important station on the Underground Railroad. Legend has it that the ghost of Mr. Drear haunts the lonely old house. No one has lived in the house for decades, and everyone in town avoids it. But Thomas Small's dad, a Civil War history professor, doesn't believe in ghosts and legends. He buys the house and moves the family in. Thomas is fascinated by the secret passages, hidden doorways, and his imagination runs wild when odd things begin to happen- noises like someone crying or moaning; cold drafts of air when the windows are closed. What is causing these things? Is someone playing a prank? Are there really ghosts here? Hold on tight - the suspense is riveting. Sequel; The Mystery of Drear House.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 1416914056

ISBN-13: 9781416914051

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Everything seems to be going their way. Britt's brother got a job house sitting for an elderly couple and now Britt, Bran, and mom could live in the house without rent. This would give mom the chance to go back to school full time and possibly earn a scholarship. But something doesn't feel right. Britt is suspicious of Bran's actions. He is hiding boxes and acting very nervous. When the owner Mr. Marquis dies, the secret unfolds. Britt did not have permission to move in. He thought the owners were his mother's parents that had disowned her. He thought it would be a wonderful reconciliation but since they were not his grandparents it was a disaster. Luckily, the kind neighbor that Britt had come to know welcomes them in her home and each of them finds the feeling of family that they were missing.

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 10/13/2011

ISBN-10: 0439699703

ISBN-13: 9780439699709

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