A Swiftly Tilting Planet
Facts:Date finished: 7-28-08Author: Madeline L’EngleCategory: Children’s, fantasyPublished: 1978Pages: 278Rating: 4/5 Basic Plot: My assessment:I didn’t realize when I picked this up that it was part of a series that included A Wrinkle in Time. I remember (vaguely) reading/being read that book when I was a kid, but I don’t remember…
The Iron Hand of Mars
Facts:Date finished: 7-17-08Author: Lindsey DavisCategory: Historical fiction, mysteryPublished: 1992Pages: 305Rating: 5/5 Basic Plot:Despite his best efforts, Falco finds himself on a quest to Germany for the emperor Vespasian in search of a lost legate. Along the way, he discovers a second missing legate, uncovers corruption in a pottery contract and…
Introducing the Mysterious Benedict Society
I love books meant for the 10-to-12-year-old set. Frankly, they’re just a lot more fun than many adult books. (Much like I enjoyed doing murals for kids’ rooms better than painting adult spaces. People are more willing to take chances with stuff for kids.) So, back to books, the latest…
Weedflower
Facts:Date finished: 7-8-08Author: Cynthia KadohataCategory: Children’s, historical fictionPublished: 2006Pages: 257Rating: 3/5 Basic Plot:Sumiko’s family runs a flower farm in California, growing beautiful carnations and stock (weedflower) for the local flower market. She dreams of someday running her own flower shop, but life intervenes when Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. Suddenly, Sumiko’s…