Brian and Flip have been friends since grade school. They find a skeleton in the woods near Dreamland Lake. The sheriff thinks it was a drifter from long ago. But the boys can't let it go. When they go back to take pictures, they discover Nazi stuff on an altar. When the pictures are developed, they see a person behind a tree. They were followed! Just what is going on? The ending will shock your socks off!

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0141308125

ISBN-13: 9780141308128

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It's 1909 and orphanages have yet to benefit by the 'progressive movement' credited to Teddy Roosevelt. Plain, trouble-making, 11-year-old Maud lives in an orphanage of that era - tasteless lumpy food, ill-fitting clothes, unfair punishments, but far worse - no love or warmth or even kindness. Maud imagines spending the rest of her time there - for as the head mistress constantly reminds her 'no one would ever want to adopt such a homely, unruly and ungrateful child as she.' So when the genteel Hawthorne sisters come and want Maud, and only Maud, the head mistress is amazed and Maud is delighted. She knows it is the happiest day of her life and the start of a wonderful future. Beautiful dresses and books without pages missing are purchased for her, and she finally knows what it is to have a full stomach. The 'love' part may be a little harder to earn. Hyacinth Hawthorne seems to realize she can make Maud do anything for the sake of being loved. When Maud finds out 'the family business' - seances - and conning grieving families out of their money is part of their plan, she knows she must face a horrible choice.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/28/2009

ISBN-10: 0763638129

ISBN-13: 9780763638122

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Lured by the glamour and excitement of a soldier's life, 11-year-old Nathaniel follows the British Army down the Hudson Valley during the American Revolution, and witnesses the true hardships of war, firsthand. Part of the Stories of the States series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 188188970X

ISBN-13: 9781881889700

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Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life: he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven's world is turned upside down. Between being terrified that friends at school will learn about Jeffrey, feeling ignored by his parents, and being scared for his brother, Steven takes refuge in his basement practice room. His English class journal becomes the place he records the burdens of his young life. Insightful, funny, and touching, this is a book for drummers, and those with little brothers.

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0439755204

ISBN-13: 9780439755207

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Commenter: St. Charles Reader, grade 0

Rat and Duck love books and love to work in their very own Bookstore called Duck and Company. Finding the right book for each customer can be a very difficult job, but it is always lots of fun! Read about Rat and Duck's Bookstore and find the perfect story for you!

Similar books: Termite Trouble by Kathy Caple; Worm Gets A Job by Kathy Caple; Fox and Bear by Kathy Caple

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/22/2009

ISBN-10: 0823421252

ISBN-13: 9780823421251

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