The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence

Ever wonder what life was like for kids in ancient Roman times??? Join Flavia and her 3 friends as they roam through Rome in their adventures and mystery-solving. I guarantee you'll enjoy reading this book!

My favorite part is Aristo's Scroll at the back of the book...a modern-day glossary explaining the terms used in the book that you might not be familiar with.

Follow up with The Secrets of Vesuvius, The Pirates of Pompeii, and the Assassins of Rome; they are all part of the Roman Mysteries series.

I think boys and girls will enjoy reading this book.

Rating *****

Ciao!

LLL

Harry Potter and the Deathly Harrows by J K Rowling

Well, what can I say...this book is the epitome (the BEST) as of yet. Author J K Rowling has outdone herself...I especially loved that she didn't spend half the book re-explaining some things that occured in the past 6 books, as this book was already long enough. She must have felt that if you haven't read them yet, now's not the time to jump in! This last installment focuses on Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they ditch school to fulfill Dumbledore's last wishes that they locate and destroy the remaining horcruxes to bring about Lord Voldemort's timely and overdue demise. This book is not for the feint of heart...if some of the past books upset you, then don't read this one...not everyone lives happily ever after. That said, Rowling has masterfully woven a tale sure to please the most ardent fantasy lover. The details and foreshadowing are fantastic, and without giving the ending away, the finale is nothing less than perfect. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have! RATING: *********************************************** LLL

Summer!!!

Hi all of you bookworms out in Library Land!!! Hope you are enjoying your summer. Any exciting reads??? Just post a comment to this entry, and I will check periodically and share your thoughts in a new post. I have been reading some "grown-up books" lately, nothing too exciting, just some mysteries by Patterson. I will be reading some "kid books" soon, and let you in on any reads that I think you might enjoy. Happy Fourth to all!!! LLL

The Great Good Thing by Roderick Townley

This book was a unique fantasy about the possibility of storybook characters having a real life separate from that of what the reader imagines. The story itself is much like a play to them, and they must be ready when a reader opens the book. But have you ever imagined what could happen if no one read their story for a very, very long time? What if the characters get bored and stray off? What would happen to the story if characters changed their roles, or forgot their lines??? Do they ever get to know the readers??? Possibilities are presented in this book...a little slow in the middle, but a clean beginning and ending. You might like it...try it and see! I think girls ages 8-10 might like this book. RATING: *** and a half LLL PS If you liked the sound of this, you might like others like it: Inkspell, Inkheart (both by Cornelia Funke)

Series of Unfortunate Events 10: The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snickett

This book is about when Violet, Klaus, and Sunny go to a mountain because they think their parents might still be alive. Then Count Olaf captured Sunny. It turned out out their parents weren’t alive but Quigly the brother of Isorda was still alive. My favorite part was when Sunny learned to speak. I think both boys and girls ages 9-13 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** NN

Diary of a Pirate: The Story of Jake Carpenter by Richard Platt

This book is about a boy (Jake) who is off for the summer goes to join his uncle who is a sailor on his ship. But the ship isn’t there! So instead they join a new ship, and then Jake is on his own as his ship get attacked by pirates, joins their crew, and steals Spanish gold! And more adventures. But, I won’t tell you everything so read on to find out more! My favorite part was when Jake’s pirate crew meets a another pirate crew and goes out to join a attack a Spanish camp filled with Gold! I think boys ages 10-13 would enjoy this book.- RATING: ***** by Cpt Lto

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

It is about a kitten who thinks the moon is a bowl of milk. My favorite part is when she gets home and there is a bowl of milk waiting for her. I think both boys and girls ages 4-10 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** by Tweety Bird

Lunch Money by Andrew Clements

A boy named Gregory Kenton who loves making money. His greed and love for money may even force him to team up with his arch enemy Maura Shaw. My fvorite part is at the beginning when he describes how he made money as a tot. I think both boys and girls ages 8-12 would like this book. RATING: ***** by shopaholic

Meet Kit by Valerie Tripp

Meet Kit is about a nine year old girl who is living during the great depression. Kit loves towrite newspapers for her dad. At her garden club, Kits mom invites Mrs. Howard to her house while Stirling’s dad looks for a job. Kit is excited that she will have a boy her age to play with. Stirling ends up having delicate health and cannot play. Kits family then has paying guests to help raise money because Kits dad’s company closes. My favorite part of the book is when kit finds out that Stirling has delicate health. Stirling cannot play and catches a cold and has to stay in bed . I think girls ages 7-10 will enjoy this book. RATING: **** by Go Bananas

ALMOST HOME by Nora Raleigh Baskin

This book is about a girl named Leah, Her parents are divorced and she moves in with her dad and his new wife. Leah writes to her mom often but her mom never writes back. Leah meets a boy named Will and they become good friends. At the end… Wait that’s telling, anyway read this book to find out the end! My favorite part is when Leah meets Will on the way to a field trip on the bus and, Leah is wondering why he was talking to her. And Will said “Because he remembers her from second grade.” I think girls who are 9-12 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** by Abbyluva

Almost Home by Nora Raleigh Baskin

This book is about a girl named Leah, Her parents are divorced and she moves in with her dad and his new wife. Leah writes to her mom often but her mom never writes back. Leah meets a boy named Will and they become good friends. At the end… Wait that’s telling, anyway read this book to find out the end! My favorite part is when Leah meets Will on the way to a field trip on the bus and, Leah is wondering why he was talking to her. And Will said “Because he rembers her from second grade.” I think girls who are 9-12 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** by Abbyluva

Poodle the Other White Meat by Jim Toomey

This book is about a lazy shark who sometimes eats, goes on an adventure, and wanders through the sea too. He thinks chickens can fly, that’s why he got a harpoon gun and looks up but the turtle told him chickens couldn’t fly. I think children age 5-12 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** by billy

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

This book is about one person making another person do something he doesn't want to. I think both boys and girls 2-20 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: *** by NN

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

The book is about a kid who lives on a mountain with a falcon named Frightful. My favorite part was when when the kid found a raccoon. I think both boys and girls age 10-100 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** jiklo

Dear Dumb Diary: Am I the Princess or the Frog? by Jim Benton

This book is about a girl Jamie and how her best friend Angline witch turns out to be her arch enemy. When Jamie finds out what Angline did to her. I think girls who are 9-10 years old will enjoy this book. RATING ***** by Cheerluva

Camp Confidntial #1: Natalie's Secret by Melissa J. Morgan

This book is mainly about an 11-year old named Natalie at Camp Lakeview in Pennsylvania. Natalie, because it was her first year there, was shocked and disgusted at her cabin, 3c’s condition. Natalie deals with it though, and goes along with it. While trying to adjust to her surroundings, make new friends, and “broaden her horizons”, Natalie tries to hide the fact that her dad is a famous celebrity. But when he shows up at camp, what will she do? Read the book to find out! My favorite part was when they went on the hiking trip. I think girls who are age 9-13 will enjoy this book. RATING: **** and a half by Dolphin and dog lover

The Canada Geese Quilt by Natalie Kinsey Warnock

This book is about a girl making a quilt with her grandma. My favorite part was the end. It was sad but, fun. I think both boys and girls ages 10 and up will enjoy this book. RATING: **** by brandi

Greyhounds by Charlotte Wilcox

If you would like to know about Greyhounds it will tell you all about them. The saddest part was when their owners died they killed their dog in Egypt. I think boys and girls of all ages will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** Horse Lover

Spirited Away by Hayao Myzaki

This book is about a girl whose parents turn into pigs and she goes to this place and her letters in her name get taking away and she forgets her name. My favorite part was when the girl gets her name back again and then tells her friend his name. I think that both boys and girls age 8-11 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** by Atabeyra

The Haunted Bridge by Carolyn Keene

It is about Nancy Drew trying to solve a mystery which is wear a bridge is haunted and there is a case that holds special objects inside which have to be found. My favorite part is when one guy signs his name differently and there is a forager in the hotel(which is where this takes place)and Nancy Drew’s friends caught the guy (who signs his name differently) and thought he was the forager. He was not the forager. I think both boys and girls of any age will enjoy reading this book. RATING: ***** By Banana331

Forest of Silence by Emily Rodda

This book is about the Evil Shadow lord took over the city of Del and leaf Barda set out on a journey to find the missing gems of deltora on the way they meet jasmine how helps them on there task to find the first gem in the forest of silence. My favorite part was when they fond the first gem. I think boys who are 9-13 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** zennoy

Buttons: the dog who was more than a friend by Linda Yeatman

This book is about a dog who is with a very friendly family. The family has a little deaf boy. The dog gets lost and is found by a trainer who trains him to be a deaf guide dog. If you want to find out what happens read this book. I love the description in book when Buttons cuddles up next to the deaf boy. I think girls who are 9-13 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** by Dr. doggy

The Canada Geese Quilt by Natalie Kinsey-Warrock

This book is about a ten-year-old girl named Ariel who has a new sibling on the way. Together, her grandma and her secretly make a quilt. But Grandma is sick! Ariel is left to finish the quilt alone. I loved the description and feeling in the text. I think boys and girls 8-12 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: **** by Funky Fire

Jazz by Dean and Christopher Myers

This book is about Jazz music. My favorite part was...THE WHOLE BOOK! I think kids 5-20 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** NN

Al Capone does my Shirts By Gennifer Choldenko

A 12 year old boy Moose moves with his family to Alcatraz Island (yes, the prison!) because his father took a new electrician's job there. The dad will earn enough money working at the prison to hopefully send Moose's sister to a special school...his sister is "different"...that's what they called her in the 1930's, when this book takes place. Now, her symptoms are known as autism. Follow Moose through his own journey as he wrestles with this difficult new environment, typical middle school friend issues, his mother's denial, and his sister's behavior. You will be surprised at Moose's determination and creative solution! I think boys age 9-12 would enjoy this book. RATING: ***** LLL

The 'Tail' of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

This is an adorable mermaid 'tail' about a girl named Emily who lives on a boat, but has never swam before. She finally talks her 'forgetful' mother into letting her take swimming lessons, and when she enters the water, her legs turn into a tail (think the opposite of Ariel!). When she finally realizes exactly what has been happening for the past twelve years, she is shocked. But with the help of Shona, her new mer-friend, Emily writes a 'new ending to her own tail'. Sorry, couldn't resist, and neither will you when you read this enchanting book! Sequel: Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep". Equally cute. I think girls age 8-12 will love this book. RATING: ***** LLL

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristina Gregory

It is about a child named Hattie. In the beginning a family relative dies. They end up headed for Oregon Trail. And a bunch of people die. The saddest part in the book is when two twins went looking for flowers and the next thing they know they're missing. And everyone had to move on. RATING: ****and a half Brandixx

Sean Sullivan by William Durbin

This book is about a boy who works on a rail road. My favorite part was when they got in a fight with the Central Pacific. I think boys age 11 will enjoy this book. RATING: *** NN

The Diary of Amber Billows by Barry Denenberg

This book is about the attack on Pearl Harbor. I liked the part if the book when people helped each other. I think girls would enjoy reading this book. RATING: **** Parker

My Heart is on the Ground by Ann Rinaldi

It’s about a Indian girl who has to go to a school away from her home and learn how to speak English and learn their traditions. The saddest part was when the girl’s friend died while she was away. RATING: ** NN

Journal of Sean Sullivan: a Transcontinental Rail road worker: Nebraska and Points North, 1867 by William Durbin

This book is about a boy that goes off with his dad to work on the rail road. I think children who are 11+ years old will enjoy this book. RATING: *** Jak

The Voyage of the Titanic by Ellen Emerson White

This book is about the Titanic when Margaret Ann Brady wrote her diary. She also survived on the Titanic. My favorite part was when the author was describing the Titanic. It panted a picture in my mind. I think girls who are age 10 will enjoy reading this book. RATING: **** Dogs

Joshua's Oregon Trail by Patricia Hermes

The book is about name Josh who is going to Oregon and about 17 peaople die and the grandpa gets married to the Douglas sister. My favorite part of the book was when they went across a river and three people die. I recommend that boys age 9-12 read it RATING: ** BL

Five Smooth Stones: #1 Hope's Diary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1776 by Kristiana Gregory

The book is about a 9 girl who’s time is the battle of long Island. Her father is at war with King George. My favorite part was when they moved to another part of Virgina. I think boys who are 11 years old will enjoy reading this book. RATING: *** MoMo

The Journal of Finn Reardon by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

This book is about a kid named Finn who is a New York newsie who ho lives in a small flat with three sisters and his mom, dad, and grampa My favorite part of the book is when all of the newsies go on strike and wield Mr.Drinker’s paddle While this book was okay I would not recommend it RATING: * Me

My America Journal of James Edmond Pease

This book is bout the Civil War. The worst part of this book is that nothing happened I think 9 year olds would read this book. RATING: * EF

The Journal of Joshua Loper: A Black Cowboy, the Chisholm Trail, 1871 by Walter Dean Myers

This book is about a cowboy that fights and survives through many times for war. My favorite part is the end when they all fight and have wars. RATING: ** "T"

The Journal of Otto Peltonen by William Durbin

My book is about a boy named Otto Peltonen who lives in Finland and moves to America. My favorite part of my book was when the mine almost caved-in on Otto and he just got away. I think boys who are 11 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: *** JD

The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds:The Donner Party Expedition by W.R. Philbrick

This book is about a boy that made a new friend and his family took him in because the boy’s family died. My favorite part is when the boy made a new friend. I think boys who are 9-12 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: **** "Bob"

C J Jackson by William Durbin

This book is about a fammily who had to move to California because of the dust bowl. My favorite part was when CJ found a gold eagle piece. I think boys would enjoy this book. RATING: ***** Wolf Master

Freedom Wings by Sharon Dennis Wyeth

My book is about a colored family that is trying to get across the Ohio River to be free. The part that I remember most about this book was when a guy gets beat up. I think girls age 13-15 will enjoy this book RATING: * Chuzzle

RMS Titanic by Ellen Emerson White

This book is about an orphan, who lives in London, England and was asked to go to America with an American woman, Mrs. Carstairs. She gets there by sailing on the RMS Titanic as it sinks! My favorite part of the book is when the Titanic sinks! I think girls age 10-14 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** Allison Lee

Daughter of the Nile by Kristiana Gregory

Cleopatra is growing up and is going to Rome while trying to help her father regain his throne and help make Egypt a better place. She dreams of becoming a great queen. My favorite part was when Cleopatra helps form a treaty with the Romans and helps her father not look like a complete idiot. I think girls who are 11 years old will enjoy this book RATING: **** Lydia E. Hamilton

RMS Titanic by Ellen Emerson White

This book is about an orphan who gets offered to go on a ship called the Titanic and she experiences the wondrous voyage. The she gets away as it sinks! My favorite part of the book is when Margaret gets on the last lifeboat as the Titanic is sinking rapidly to save herself. I think girls who are age 10-14 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** NN

Christmas After All: Minnie’s Great Depression Diary by Kathryn Lasky

This book is about a girl in the Great Depression who is trying to bring Christmas together with her family. It shows the entertainment and troubles they had during the Depression in Minnie’s diary. My favorite part is toward the end when the Christmas ends up being a good one. Even through all those tough times, it shows how close they were together. Also when the father came back home, it brought joy to my heart. I think children who are 9-13 years old will enjoy this book I think both boys and girls will read this book. But if your doing a report on this like I did I would suggest girls who are 11 or 12. Parts of the book children would not understand or have never heard of before. So doing extra research would be nice. RATING: *** Amber Hood

Early Sunday Morning by Barry Denenberg

This book was about a girl named Amber Billows. She was at the attack of Pearl Harbor in 1941. My favorite part was when the Japanese attacked. It was very descriptive. I think both boys and girls who are 10-11 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** Ice Dragon

A Perfect Place #2: Joshua's Oregon Trail Diary by Patricia Hermes

The book is about name Josh who is going to Oregon and about 17 people die and his grandpa gets married to the Douglas sister. My favorite part of the book was when they went across a river and three people die. BL

When will this War be Over by Barry Denenberg

It’s a book about the 7 years of war that Emma Simson wants to end. But many sad and happy events happen. My favorite part that was interesting was when the British took over Emma’s house for a while. I think girls who are 10-11 years old will enjoy tihs book. RATING: ***** AC

Crispin: At the Edge of the World by Avi

Another great historical novel by Avi...he is amazing! Crispin has been banished from his homeland in fuedal England, and denied his right to the English throne because of his birth to a commoner. He and his wounded friend Bear must find their way to a place where they can live untroubled, but Bear is ill and Crispin must now care for him. He finds that trust and friendship come from unlikely places, and the adventures are just beginning... I think boys ages 8-12 will enjoy this book. RATING: **** LLL

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Move over Junie B...and make room for Clementine, a fruity little third grader who seems to find trouble no matter what! Paying attention and doing the right thing seem to be hard-to-do concepts for Clementine. Luckily, she has VERY understanding parents, friends, and principal who are able to help her out and love her in spite of her antics. Adorable ending, by the way. Enjoy! I think girls ages 7-10 will enjoy this book. RATING: **** LLL

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

This book is about a boy named Tom who goes on loads of adventures. He also gets an enemy-Injun Joe. My favorite part of the book is when Tom, Huck Finn, and Joe fake their own death. Then they scare everyone at their funeral. I think both boys and girls who are 10 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** NN

The Beacon Street Girls: Freaked Out by Annie Bryant

This book is about 5 girls who are in the seventh grade. The girls names are Maeve, Isabel, Avery, Katani, and Charlotte. Trouble starts when only 3 of them get invited to Julie Faber's birthday party. My favorite part was when Nick asked Charlotte to dance at Julie's party. I think girls who are 12 years old will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** Charlotte Ramsey

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

This book is about 4 girls that take a vacation in Cape Cod. They become friends with a boy who lives in an Arundel house. Everything is great until Mrs. Tifton hates the Penderwick goirls. My favorite part was when Sky, Jane, Jeffrey and Battey go to see the bull and get chased by it. I think both boys and girls age 9-13 will enjoy this book. RATING: ***** SB

The Lucky Lottery by Ron Roy

This book is about a kid named Lucky who wins a lottery ticket that is worth $7,000,000. But the ticket has been stolen! Now it is up to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to get it back. Will they succeed? Read "The Lucky Lottery" to find out! My favorite part was when Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose found the robber in the store and made her tell them that she was wearing gloves. If she said that, then they will know it was her. I think both boys and girls age 7-11 will enjoy this book. RATING: **** and a half Henryetta Day

Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

This book is about a boy who loves pigeons but lives in a town where they have a pigeon shooting contest. After they are shot, if the pigeons are still alive, wringers "wring their necks"...despite all his love for them, the young boy must still be a wringer... My favorite part was when you discover that the boy has been secretly keeping a pet pigeon. I think boys and girls age 10-12 will enjoy this book RATING: ***and 3/4 NN