From the back cover: Dear Reader, I hope, for your sake, that you have not chosen to read this book because you are in the mood for a pleasant experience. If this is the case, I advise you to put this book down instantaneously, because of all the books describing the unhappy lives of the Baudelaire orphans, The Miserable Mill might be the unhappiest yet. Violet, Klaus, and … [Read more...] about The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket: A
Children's Fiction
The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket: B+
From the back cover: Dear Reader, If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted, but their lives, I am sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched, and the one … [Read more...] about The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket: B+
The Battle for the Castle by Elizabeth Winthrop: B
From the back cover: As William turns twelve, he wonders if Jason is still his best friend. In the past year Jason has grown a foot taller while William is still a shrimp. When Jason challenges William to "jump the trains," William is terrified. How else can he prove himself to Jason? William has the chance when his former housekeeper sends him a magic token that once again … [Read more...] about The Battle for the Castle by Elizabeth Winthrop: B
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop: B-
From the back cover: William has just received the best present of his life. It's an old, real-looking wooden model of a castle, with a drawbridge, moat, and a finger-high knight to guard the gates. It's the mysterious castle his housekeeper has told him about, and even though William is sad she's leaving, now the castle is his! William can't wait to play with it—he's sure … [Read more...] about The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop: B-
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket: A
From the back cover: Dear Reader, If you have picked up this book with the hope of finding a simple and cheery tale, I'm afraid you have picked up the wrong book altogether. The story may seem cheery at first, when the Baudelaire children spend time in the company of some interesting reptiles and a giddy uncle, but don't be fooled. If you know anything at all about the … [Read more...] about The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket: A