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Children's Books

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FEBRUARY 17, 2011
The Last Best Days of Summer by Valerie Hobbs
Year after year Lucy looks forward to the days just before school recommences because she always spends them with her grandmother in a rustic cabin by the lake.  This summer, more than ever, she looks forward to the peace, quiet, and companionship because she is longing for a release from her commitment to spend time interacting with a neighborhood boy, Eddie,  who has special needs, and because school now means the intimidating prospect of experiencing middle school.  Also somewhat to Lucy's chagrin, her best friend, Megan, determined that they both achieve "in-crowd" status, voices numerous rules that she feels they must memorize and to which they must adhere.  Unhappily this year, shortly after Lucy arrives at Gram's cabin, she begins to realize that her dear grandmother has become dangerously forgetful at times.  Then Eddie unexpectedly appears.  Events seem to be conspiring to ruin Lucy's dream of a memorable visit until she is influenced by observing her grandmother's acceptance of Eddie and his obvious delight in simple pleasures.  Despite Megan's many rules for middle school popularity, Lucy now seems ready to make her own way.  Well suited to readers 8 - 12 years old.   

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FEBRUARY 15, 2011
The Ride The Legend of Betsy Dowdy by Kitty Griffin

A wonderful legend not proven by any facts brings together American Revolutionary history with human character in this story of Betsy Dowdy.  Betsy is a young girl who loves her home, family and horse named Bess.  Word came to the people of the barrier island of Currituck Sound on the shores of North Carolina one day in December of 1775 that King George's British Redcoat Military had been spotted and was headed right to Currituck Sound.  Betsy fears along with all the other folks for their lives and families. The people needed General Skinner and his American patriot militia for protection.  They were camped 50 miles away.  Tomorrow would be too late.  No one could go that night.  The ride is too long and too dangerous.  Betsy realized three things.  She could not stop the King's command.  Betsy could not fight as a soldier.  However, thirdly, she could ride her horse and ride it well.  The fortitude and bravery of Betsy are clearly illustrated in her decision against all odds to take off on Bess for the 50 mile ride that night!  It was not an easy ride but Betsy endured.  There is a clear projection for the reader to face reality of what is not possible but to take action upon what one can do.  This book is a historical fiction story formatted in picture book style.  I highly recommend this book for readers in grades 1-3.  The author notes that in North Carolina today a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution have named themselves for this legendary character.

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FEBRUARY 4, 2011
TheTilting House by Tom Llewellyn

Josh and Aaron Peshik are constantly discovering new things left in the old house their parents have purchased for a home.  The house was the right price for the family.  This bargain house has mysterious writings and items throughout the house that peak the boys' curiosity.  The most curious thing about the house is that it is tilted at about a three degree angle.  It was built that way for a purpose, but what purpose?  Many clues are throughout the house in an unraveling riddle mystery and have to do with the previous owner.  Read this "mad scientist" style tale and find yourself in suspense!  Most suitable for readers in grades 4-7.

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