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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Eleven-year-old Brother is left helping his grandparents care for the family ranch in Oregon after his dad is deployed to Iraq. Although he works hard, he's not sure if he wants to become a rancher, nor does he really want to follow his father's footsteps into the Army. Where will his heart lead him? Read this book for a positive look at small-town ranching life and coming of age surrounded by a loving community.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 5/12/2011

ISBN-10: 0375848037

ISBN-13: 9780375848032

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Commenter: Cjones, grade 0

Annie loves to run. She loves to hear her heart beating, and she loves the feel of her bare feet on the ground as she runs with her friend, Max. This year, however, everything is changing. There's a new heartbeat in the picture, the one of the baby her mother will be having. There are also the pressures of her grandfather's failing memory and her friend Max's urging for her to join the track team. As Annie completes her assignment for art class, to draw the same apple every day for a hundred days, she finds ways to dance with the rhythms of her changing life. This touching, thoughtful novel in verse builds the story at a mellow pace, but the gentle evolution of the story leads to a moving conclusion.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 7/29/2011

ISBN-10: 0060540222

ISBN-13: 9780060540227

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Meet Michael Arroyo, he is a twelve-year-old boy originally from Cuba who is the star player on his little league team. But, life for Michael is not as peachy keen as you might think. First, Michael's father dies of a heart attack, leaving Michael's big brother to be the bread winner. If that isn't bad enough, Michael is not allowed to play baseball because some of the little league coaches don't believe that he is only 12 because he is so good. Michael's birth certificate is nowhere to be found leaving Michael in a predicament. This story draws the reader into Michael's world of baseball. Read Heat to find out if Michael can get out of the heat in his life.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/28/2009

ISBN-10: 0399243011

ISBN-13: 9780399243011

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