What or who are the 'creepers'? Courtney, 13, has just moved to Murmur, Massachusetts with her parents where the family is living in an old stone house next to an old town cemetery. As an only child she wishes for a friend. Her father tries to clean up the overgrown yard, but has difficulty keeping the ivy from overtaking the yard. Courtney also notices there is a lot of ivy. Christian Geyer and his daughter Prudence had lived in the house a couple of centuries ago. Now another Christian Geyer with his daughter Margaret are living in a house down the road from the stone house and are giving tours of the cemetery. They share a secret with Courtney about Prudence and her grave. As the three friends are working on finding Prudence, Courtney's parents become involved in putting the puzzle together. Each chapter is started with a news clipping, or other piece of information that helps solve the puzzle�even a witch is involved. This is a great read for junior high readers. You will have fun trying to guess what is up. There are rich illustrations throughout the book with ivy running through the pages.

Similar books: Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

Reviewed by: cj

Date read: 10/12/2009

ISBN-10: 0762433132

ISBN-13: 9780762433131

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In this exciting sequel to Crispin: Cross of Lead, Crispin and Bear leave Great Wexly to start a new life as free men. But before they can get far, members of Bear's secret brotherhood are on his trail. They believe that Bear was a traitor to them and want to get him back. Soon, Bear is injured, and Crispin is responsible to make all their decisions - who to trust, where to go, and what to do. They make some new friends, as well as some new enemies. Read this book to find out what happens to Bear and Crispin, and how they get to be at the edge of the world.

Reviewed by: mtk

Date read: 7/20/2009

ISBN-10: 078685152X

ISBN-13: 9780786851522

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Life in 14th century England is not easy for Asta's 13-year-old son, Crispin. His mother has died, and he is alone. He is a serf bound to Lord Furnival and has no standing in society. But something is not right. He has been framed for stealing from Lord Furnival, accused of killing the village priest, and labeled a 'wolf's head,' meaning he can be killed on sight by anyone. He doesn't know why his enemies are pursuing him so relentlessly. He runs away, and meets Bear, a giant of a man, who makes his living juggling and entertaining people. Join Crispin on a race across England to discover who he is, and why someone wishes him dead! Crispin is the winner the 2003 Newbery Medal.

Similar books: Cold Tom: A Novel by Sally Prue; The Legend of Lady Ilena by Patricia; Dillon Dillon by Kate Banks

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0786808284

ISBN-13: 9780786808281

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Commenter: Mtk, grade 8

Debbie, Hector, Patty, Lenny and Phil were all friends. They had been friends for a very long time. Middle school brings changes, new talents and interests and maybe their friendship will grow into something more. Or then again, maybe their friendship is fine the way it is.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 1/31/2011

ISBN-10: 0060092734

ISBN-13: 9780060092733

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One day in April, 1812, 13-year-old Rebecca Carver returns to her home on Crooked River in Ohio, to discover that her father, mean 'Major' Carver, has captured an Indian and is holding him under arrest in the loft of their family cabin. The people of their settlement claim that the Indian is responsible for murdering a trapper. Rebecca and her sister Laura are terrified that they too will be murdered in their beds and go to sleep with what weapons they can devise. When they are told to feed the Indian the next morning they carry their weapons with them, but Rebecca sees that he is nothing to fear. Over the next few weeks, Rebecca makes a silent friendship with the Indian and comes to question whether he actually murdered anyone. When a young lawyer, who says he is the Indian's friend, comes to defend him in his trial, Rebecca and Laura hope that he will be successful. The story is told alternately by Rebecca and Amik, the Indian, and paints a realistic and gripping picture of life in the early years of our country's history.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/28/2009

ISBN-10: 0375823891

ISBN-13: 9780375823893

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