When her wounded brother returns from battle, 12-year-old Mary must get help for him without telling her father, a wealthy Tory, who has disowned his son for joining General Washington's army. Book four in the American Diaries series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0689803877

ISBN-13: 9780689803871

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Nine year old Mary Margaret comes up with a variety of schemes to get her own pet. Unfortunately, none of them really work. Her dad is allergic to dander, her mother is preoccupied with the baby that is arriving soon, and her older brother has his own problems. Will Mary Margaret ever be able to have a satisfying pet? If you like this one, look for other books featuring Mary Margaret.

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 7/14/2009

ISBN-10: 0525471839

ISBN-13: 9780525471837

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Marvin, the beetle, is the narrator and artistic genius of this warm, humorous and intelligently written book. The story follows the adventures of Marvin and a boy named James in New York City, specifically the human/insect encounter in their apartment and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Marvin is the artist, James is the conservator of the copies that look like ones done by a famous artist. There is also a staged art heist into which the two are drawn. The novel has just the right blend of suspense, mystery, humor, and compassion to appeal to the middle grade audience.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 5/9/2011

ISBN-10: 0312608705

ISBN-13: 9780312608705

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Commenter: Guest, grade 0

Commenter: Sc Reader, grade 0

Matilda Wormwood is a very intelligent girl. However, no one notices, certainly not her parents, who are far too preoccupied with their own lives. From the time she was four, Matilda has spent hours alone at the library, teaching herself to read, finishing all the children's books, and then moving through titles recommended by the librarian. When she goes to school, she is ready to fly. Her teacher knows it, the other kids know it, but Miss Trunchbull, the oppressive head of the school, will have none of it. Trunchbull's time is devoted to suppressing any creativity or enthusiasm displayed by students, and faculty. Can Matilda survive Miss Trunchbull?

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0142410373

ISBN-13: 9780142410370

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Commenter: St. Charles Reader, grade 0

Steve's pretty sure his best friend, Max, will be skeptical of his fully-guaranteed time machine, which Steve purchased for $2.50 from a neighbor's garage sale. After all, Steve's grand plans almost never turn out the way he expects, and Max has to deal with the consequences. With some quick talking, though, Max agrees to come along for the ride. After they assemble the machine, they decide to give it a try, even though it looks like 'a giant jelly-bean dispenser from outer space.' Their first experiment lands Steve in the body of Sir Robert in England in 1250 as he is about to compete in a jousting tournament against a bitter rival. Where is Max? Will they survive the trip?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 4/9/2010

ISBN-10: 0064402223

ISBN-13: 9780064402224

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