From the back cover: Flora Fyrdraaca knows taking shortcuts in Crackpot Hall can be risky. After all, when a House has eleven thousand decaying rooms that shift about at random, there's no telling where a person might end up. But it's not just household confusion that vexes Flora, what with Mamma always away being Commanding General of the Army, Poppy drowning his sorrows in … [Read more...] about Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce: A-
Children's Fiction
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum: B-
From the book jacket: Every child knows about Santa Claus, the jolly man who brings gifts to all on Christmas Eve. There are many stories that tell of his life, but the delightful version related in The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is by far the most charming and original. Only L. Frank Baum, the man who created the wonderful land of Oz, could have told Santa's tale in … [Read more...] about The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum: B-
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo: A
Book description: Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to … [Read more...] about The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo: A
Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery: A-
From the back cover: New adventures lie ahead as Anne Shirley packs her bags, waves good-bye to childhood, and heads for Redmond College. With old friend Prissy Grant waiting in the bustling city of Kingsport and frivolous new pal Philippa Gordon at her side, Anne tucks her memories of rural Avonlea away and discovers life on her own terms, filled with surprises... including a … [Read more...] about Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery: A-
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg: B
From the back cover: Twelve-year-old Claudia Kincaid is restless. She wants to do something different, leaving her comfortable suburban life in Connecticut behind for awhile. And she wants to be gone just long enough to teach her parents to appreciate her. But as Claudia plans to run away, not just any place will do. She wants to live in style—in a place with a bit of … [Read more...] about From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg: B