Dear Mr. Knightley

Dear Mr. Knightley is by Katherine Reay. A charming romantic comedy take off on Daddy Long Legs. A young orphan is given a scholarship to a prestigious journalism school by a mysterious benefactor. The only thing she needs to do is write him regularly and let him know her progress. While at school, she meets has favorite writer and becomes involved with a group of eccentric people. Since Sam is a huge fan of Bronte, Austen, and other classic writers, this is a fun read for book lovers. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content). 

The Crisis of Narration

The Crisis of Narration is by Byung-Chul Han. A wonderful nonfiction philosophical look at the importance of narration. Humans needs to avoid screen time and talk to each other. This is a must read for home school parents and teachers. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Our Man in Havana

Our Man in Havana is by Graham Greene. The classic historical fiction satire on spy novels. An ex-pat vacuum cleaner salesman in Havana is forced into becoming a spy for MI6. He begins to file fake reports just to get the money and then finds out his life is in danger because everyone, including the other side, is taking him seriously. Not my favorite novel, but it was worth the read.

Ratings: 11th grade - 6 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna

Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is by Mario Giordano. The fourth installment in the realistic fiction Auntie Poldi mystery series. Auntie Poldi is shocked by a visit from a priest and a Vatican policemen who suspect her of being involved in the death of a nun and the theft of a Black Madonna statue from the Vatican. Can Poldi find out who took the statue and killed the nun without losing all the friends she has made in her new home? 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - P (profanity).

Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel

Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel is by Elizabeth Everett. A charming start to the fantasy Wayside Hotel series.  A magical hotel which needs a "reboot" strands its magical travelers on Earth - the least magic world ever. Pax, the hotel manager, must keep the travelers in line as he seeks the answer to the hotel's needs. Can a single mom and her four-year-old son really be that answer? 

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

David Copperfield

David Copperfield is by Charles Dickens. The classic historical fiction epic by the master. This is the semi-autobiographical account of a young boy's journey to manhood and the people who helped him grow into a man of substance. A masterpiece of fiction. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10.

Lies Sleeping

Lies Sleeping is by Ben Aaronovitch. The seventh book in the fantasy Rivers of London series. The Faceless Man has been uncovered and is on the run. However, he is trying to pull off his last bit of magic that will destroy London. To stop him Peter may have to ally with both Lesley and Mr. Punch. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).