When her grandmother decides to ditch assisted living, and start a boarding house, Amanda Jane signs on for the work crew, where she just happens to meet a boy, who embroils them both in a mystery. While walking a dog, they inadvertently record a robbery. Now they know that they should get the police involved, but the appeal of solving the mystery, in spite of the danger, gets the better of them.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0689850816

ISBN-13: 9780689850813

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With a touch of his hand, Jacob Reckless traveled through the mirror in search of his father into the land where fairy tales come alive. The mirrorworld holds secrets that Jacob must uncover to survive among the warring factions of fairies, Goyl, dwarfs, and humans. Over time, Jacob finds the skills to become a master treasure hunter and is enjoying his role until his brother Will follows him through the mirror and dark magic takes hold. Neither Jacob nor Will can stop the magic that is turning Will into a Goyl, the Jade Goyl of legend, a beast that is destined to follow the whims of the dark Fairy. With Fox, Clara, and a dwarf, Jacob sets forth on a quest to get his brother back - a quest everyone knows is impossible. Cornelia Funke has created another imaginative fantasy world filled with elements from familiar fairy tales woven into an adventure teeming with unpredicable events.

Similar books: Inkheart, Inkspell, Inkdeath also by Cornelia Funke

Reviewed by: adf

Date read: 11/24/2010

ISBN-10: 031605609X

ISBN-13: 9780316056090

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Twelve-year-old George's mother died when he was young, and his dad is in search of get rich quick schemes in Florida. So George lives with his pregnant sister, and her husband, in the Versailles trailer park in Ohio. George's brother-in-law works at the town mill, like most of the town residents. One day the mill is closed down due to pollution violations, and George comes home to find his family has driven off in search of a new job. They have left him $50 to follow them. Instead, George decides to live above the pool house of the towns' richest family, whose son George knows from school. When the family discovers him, and he meets and impresses the family's matriarchal grandmother, they invite him to live in the house, at least until the school term is over. George goes from ripped jeans and faded flannels to khakis and polo shirt, from the school bus to a chauffeured Mercedes. It's the life about which George always dreamed. When school is over, the Grandmother wants to legally adopt George- but what does George want- will he stay- or join his sister and brother-in-law?

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0689831463

ISBN-13: 9780689831461

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Adam's dad has gone to get the deed to the land. While he is away, three men capture Adam, his mom, and his sister. Will they escape? Will Adam's dad come back in time to help them?

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/5/2009

ISBN-10: 0823406504

ISBN-13: 9780823406500

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After Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother escape the Big Bad Wolf, things are great. There is just one problem: Granny is lonely. Red Riding Hood would love to visit her more, but she has so many activities after school. Can Red Riding Hood find a way to save the day? This beginning chapter book has lots of pictures and is ideal for kids just starting out with chapter books.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 10/29/2010

ISBN-13: 9781434213082

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