Death at Chateau Bremont

Death at Chateau Bremont is by M.L. Longworth. The first book in the realistic fiction Provencal Mystery series. Chief Magistrate Verlaque is called in when a local nobleman falls to his death from the attic of Chateau Bremont, the family estate. Verlaque suspects the death was not an accident and call in his ex-girlfriend, a local law professor, who grew up with the de Bremont family to assist. As family secrets begin to emerge, and another death occurs, Verlaque begins to be certain things are not as they appear with the de Bremont's. A charming and witty mystery that will make you want to take the next plane to Provencal. 

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

The Djinn Waits One Hundred Years

The Djinn Waits One Hundred Years is by Shubnam Khan. A historical fantasy set in South Africa. When Sana and her father move to an old mansion that has been turned into apartments, Sana discovers that the tenants are more than a little strange, as is the house. She begins to wonder about the family that built the house and as she begins to discover their history, strange things begin to happen. When the secrets of the house come to light, will the truth destroy them all? The premise is amazing, but the book was not what I thought it would be - this limited my enjoyment, maybe had I read it at a different time or not read the inside cover I might have gone in with fewer preconceptions - this might have helped. I may try the book again later. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 6 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Meaning of Shakespeare: Vol I

The Meaning of Shakespeare: Vol I is by Harold C. Goddard. A must read educational nonfiction work for all Shakespeare lovers and teachers. Goddard analyzes the plays chronologically and Vol I ends with Hamlet. Goddard's discussion of the plays is a must read for all teachers and lovers of The Bard, you will see the plays differently and will think about them differently as well. 

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10. 

This Day: Collected and New Sabbath Poems

This Day: Collected and New Sabbath Poems is by Wendell Berry. A magnificent collection of Berry's poetry. Each poems draws our attention to nature and the Sabbath. A thought-provoking work for Christians. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Word in the Wilderness: A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter

Word in the Wilderness: A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter is by Malcolm Guite. A wonderful collection of poems to walk the reader through the Lenten season and the glory that is Easter. A great read for all Christians. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Escape Velocity

Escape Velocity is by Mark Walden. The third installment in the H.I.V.E. science fiction series. Dr. Nero has been captured by enemies of H.I.V.E. and the Contessa has returned as Number One's choice to lead the school - no one is happy to see her and she obviously has a secret agenda. Otto and his friends manage to escape the school when the Contessa orders them transferred. H.I.V.E.-Mind has been deleted and can no longer help those who remain at the school or Otto - or can he? Fans of the series will enjoy this installment. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 6 out of 10. 

Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child's Moral Imagination

Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child's Moral Imagination is by Vigen Guroian. A magnificent must read explication of the importance of classic stories, novels, myths, and fairy tales in the development of a child's moral imagination. A must read for all parents and teachers. 

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10.