Doctor Witch uses her magic to heal animals. She receives an invitation to a ball, but she encounters multiple animals in need of help on her way there. She arrives at the ball in a mess, and the wizard in charge won't let her join the festivities. Will she find a way into the ball? Young people fond of fairy tales featuring princesses may like this tale, which focuses on the witch's healing talents, but also takes some detours to highlight her joy in dressing up for a fancy party. This story would make a great selection for students too advanced for most beginning readers but not yet ready for full chapter books. (Reading Level: 3.3)

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 4/15/2011

ISBN-10: 0753459779

ISBN-13: 9780753459775

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Princess Wilhelmina has a problem. Her father, King Mildred, has promised her hand in marriage to the first knight who slays the dragon which has been ravishing the countryside. Willie doesn't want to be a princess, or to get married. All she wants is to have adventures. As it happens, the old squire, and a page are the only ones brave enough to slay the dragon. They set off, with Willie sneaking off behind them. The dragon, it turns out, was conjured by an old witch seeking revenge on the king. Her husband left her years before, and her son was lost in a fire set by the king's army. Will all these comical characters get together, and thwart the dragon?

Similar books: Dealing With Dragons series by Patricia Wrede

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0785758194

ISBN-13: 9780785758198

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At birth, Ella was the unfortunate recipient of the 'gift' of obedience. She must obey any order given. Filled with princes, giants, ogres, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers galore, this is the story of Ella's quest to break this gift/curse once and for all.

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0064407055

ISBN-13: 9780064407052

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Commenter: Pamela, grade 5

Commenter: Scpl Reader, grade 0

Timid Emily is suddenly orphaned, and to escape the Catchum Child-Catching Services (who want to deliver her to her wicked Uncle for a fee) she goes on a wild stagecoach ride to the far-away town where her Aunt Hilda lives. It will take all of Emily's emerging courage and the help of her fellow orphan Jackson to escape the wiles of her uncle. This book is written in a lively, engaging style and each chapter ends with a 'cliff-hanger' in bold type that will keep even reluctant readers interested in what happens next.

Awards nominated: 2014 Bluestem Nominee

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 3/10/2011

ISBN-10: 0385736169

ISBN-13: 9780385736169

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Emma-Jean Lazarus is what some people may call a nerd. She doesn't really get why most people do things, though she tries to figure it out. At William Gladstone Middle School the buzz is the spring fling dance. Emma-Jean doesn't think she'll go, but every time she passes Will Keeler, her heart flutters, and she doesn't know why. Emma-Jean's friend, Colleen, gets a mystery note in her locker asking her if she's going to the spring fling. Who's Colleen's secret admirer? Will Emma-Jean go to the spring fling with Will Keeler? You'll just have to find out by reading Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love.

Reviewed by: mes

Date read: 6/15/2009

ISBN-10: 0803733216

ISBN-13: 9780803733213

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