The Hand on the Wall is by Maureen Johnson. The third book in the realistic fiction Truly Devious series. Stevie has solved the mystery, all she needs to do now is find Alice's body. When the school is evacuated for a major blizzard, Stevie and her friends stay behind to solve the more modern crimes, which Stevie believes are murders, not accidents. A fitting ending to this part of the series. Fans will rush through this book to the exciting ending.
Ratings: 7th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Vanishing Stair is by Maureen Johnson. The second book in the realistic fiction Truly Devious series. After the death of one student and the disappearance of another, Stevie's parents bring her home from Ellingham Academy. Then powerbroker and future presidential candidate, Edward King shows up and convinces her parents to let her return to Ellingham. There is of course a catch, Stevie needs to keep an eye on King's son, David, who is a trouble maker at the school and also Stevie's crush. Now she's back and still working on solving the Ellingham mystery and living with the lies she has to tell about her return. Fans of the series will enjoy this one as well, but FYI, it ends on a huge cliffhanger - so if that bothers you have the next book ready to go.
Ratings: 7th grade - 7 out of 10.
Once Upon a Curse is by E.D. Baker. The third installment in the fantasy Frog Princess series. Emma and Eadric must travel into the past to find the cure to the curse that has been placed on Emma's family so she and Eadric can get married. Fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy this book as well.
Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10.
Eight Girls and a Dog is by Carolyn Wells. A classic historical fiction novel that reminds me of Little Women. Eight girls and their dog decide to take a vacation to a summer house next door to one of the girls' aunt. Set at the turn of the century, not a great deal happens of import; the girls have fun and tame adventures. A wonderfully charming tale for fans of Little Women or just simple clean fun stories.
Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10.
St. Francis of Assisi is by G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton's masterful biography of one of the most well known of all Catholic saints. Chesterton's writing is so beautiful, you almost feel like you are there with St. Francis on his road to becoming a humble man of God. A must read for all Christians. A true Christian classic.
Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Little Village of Book Lovers is by Nina George. A historical fiction novel with more than a touch of magical realism. In George's The Little Paris Bookshop, Jean Perdu was inspired to start his floating bookshop after reading an obscure novel about a young woman with an amazing gift - this is that novel. Marie-Jeanne is an orphan in the south of France in the 1960s. She is taken in by a couple who love her, then she discovers she has a gift - she can see shimmering lights that show her which couples are meant to be together. She then sets out to bring together the couples in her village, using her father's traveling library as a way to find and connect people. The story is narrated by Love, who has left her mark on Marie-Jeanne and given her her gift. If you enjoyed The Little Paris Bookshop, you will enjoy this book as well.
Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10.
Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe is by Nancy Goldstone. A nonfiction recounting of four Provencal sisters who all became queens. Set amidst the turmoil that was Europe in the thirteenth century, four obscure sisters rose to power and helped redraw the map of Europe. The book is not as dry as it sounds and is very informative. I had no idea queens went on the Crusades with their husbands. The power dynamics and political posturings are fascinating.
Ratings: 12th grade - 7 out of 10.
