Lila wants to follow in her father's footsteps, and be a firework-maker. She has been his assistant for years, and thinks she is ready. She sets out for the mountains to be tested by the Fire Fiend. She doesn't know about the 3 gifts, or the special protection, she needs to survive the flames. How will she survive? Will her friends, Chulah and the King's white elephant, arrive in time? Will she be able to save her father? Read this book to find out.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0440866405

ISBN-13: 9780440866404

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Kel wants to become a knight, but has to go through the struggle of being the only girl. Also read- Page, Squire, and Lady Knight.

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/19/2009

ISBN-10: 0679889140

ISBN-13: 9780679889144

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All Ida Mae wants to do is fly. Her daddy taught her before he died, but unfortunately in Lousiana in 1941, nobody will give a black girl a pilot's license no matter how good she is. Then, the army decides they need female pilots to handle non-combat missions so that the men can be free to fight in World War II. However, African American women are not welcome. With her light colored skin, can she 'pass' as white? And if she does, what does that mean about her loyalty to her own family? Ida Mae's story is filled with adventure, danger and hard choices.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 4/2/2011

ISBN-10: 0399247092

ISBN-13: 9780399247095

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Fortunata is helping her shoemaker father sell his wares on the road when they are captured and enslaved by bandits. Fortunata is taught the 'art' of fortune telling. When the evil leader learns of a prince who needs help seeing the future he volunteers Fortunata, not caring that the punishment will be death for her father if the foretold events don't happen. All she has to do to save him is help the prince find a magic sword, defeat a witch, secure a lost slipper and its princess owner after rescuing her from a locked tower! When she realizes she's fallen in love with the prince, events become even more complicated.

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 8/20/2009

ISBN-10: 0805087427

ISBN-13: 9780805087420

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It's summer and Franny Parker's animal hospital has been keeping her busy. With more patients by the day, Franny's summer 'job' becomes more and more rewarding. Humor breaks up the busyness as Franny's sister Sidda accidentally puts crickets into her blueberry pancakes. The new neighbor boy and his mother quickly become friends with Franny's family. What secrets have the new neighbors brought with them? What are they trying to cover up?

Reviewed by: jb

Date read: 8/24/2009

ISBN-10: 0374324697

ISBN-13: 9780374324698

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