Heroes, Gods, & Monsters of the Greek Myths

Heroes, Gods, & Monsters of the Greek Myths is by Bernard Evslin. A wonderful introduction to Greek mythology. It goes through the main gods, the nature myths (Echo & Narcissus, Pandora), the demigods (Perseus & Atlanta), and fables (King Midas). Evslin tells these timeless tales in a way that holds the reader and yet is faithful to the original Greek. A great little book.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw is by Beverly Cleary. A young boy comes of age and deals with his parents' divorce by writing letters to the author of his favorite children's book. The author's responses and advice help Leigh to come to grips with his life and family problems. A cute story for less advanced readers.

Ratings: 5th grade - 8 out of 10.

Wolfling

Wolfling is by Gordon R. Dickson. One of Miss D's favorite science fiction authors, Dickson is also the author of Miss D's favorite science fiction novel, The Right To Arm Bears. Wolfling is the story of Jim Keil, who is sent from Earth to the Throne World to observe the High-born and determine if Earthlings are indeed descendants of these advanced beings. He becomes involved in a plot against the High-born Emperor that may destroy both the Throne World and Earth. Dickson is rated 9th grade merely for reading level. There is no profanity or mature content of any kind in this book. If you love hard core science fiction, you will love Dickson.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister is by Jenny Nimmo. The second in the Children of the Red King series. Charlie is hoping for a better term than the last at Bloor's Academy. Then Henry Yewbeam appears, brought forward in time by the Time Twister. Henry is a relative and Charlie feels he must save both Henry and the Time Twister from the evil Bloor's. But with the Bloor's, his grandmother, and evil aunts out to stop him can he possibly succeed?

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

Lady Friday

Lady Friday is by Garth Nix. The fifth of seven in The Keys to the Kingdom series. Four down and three to go for Lord Arthur, Rightful Heir to the House. He must rescue his friends from the Piper and save the House from an invasion by the New Nithling army and find the fifth part of the Will and the key held by Lady Friday, who holds his friend Leaf and other mortals, including possibly Arthur's own mother.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Cobra King of Kathmandu

The Cobra King of Kathmandu is by P.B. Kerr. Book three in the Children of the Lamp series. John & Philippa sneak away from home to help Dybbuk discover who murdered his friend and is trying to murder him. They travel from New York to London to Nepal to India and end up in the clutches of the Cult of the Nine Cobras. They must escape themselves and rescue Nimrod and Mr. Rakshasas as well. Another excellent installment in an enjoyable series.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is by Ann Brashares. Four best friends must separate for the summer. They decide to share a pair of jeans that fit all four miraculously well. Each will have the pants and then pass them on to the next in turn. All four must face a personal challenge and learn something about life, love, courage, and friendship. A wonderful journey for pants and reader alike. Some mature thematic content and slight profanity, but nonetheless a wonderful adventure.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).