What if you got sucked into a story? I mean sucked out of your chair and into the pages? Jonathan’s life stinks. He has to move in with his dad, from sunny Phoenix to snow covered New England. His dad is never around. The school bully has it in for him. And he’s already managed […]
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, 2003, Book Review
If ever there was a credit to homeschooling, Christopher Paolini would be it. Graduated from high school at age 15, he began working on what would become Eragon, book one of the Inheritance Cycle, a four-book fantasy series. I admit I went into this book skeptically, and it took several chapters before I warmed to […]
Journey to the Center of the Earth, by Jules Verne, 1864, Book Review
I finally finished this one! I started last fall, then a thousand projects seemed to take precedence. Five months later, I started over and read with a vengeance, finishing easily in just two days. It’s a fun story, full of typical Verne science and adventure. No wonder it’s a classic. Henry Lawson lives and studies […]
Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift, by Elise Stokes, 2011, Book Review
I’m excited to be in on the release of Elise Stokes’ second novel, Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift. This fast-paced series is reminiscent of the adventures of comic book superheroes, except Cassidy Jones happens to be a totally hip, totally stubborn, totally modern fifteen-year-old girl. A freak accident left her with enhanced senses and superhuman […]
Deltora Quest Series, by Emily Rodda, Book Review
My daughter and I have been fighting all week, and I’m thrilled! You see, I picked up the first of an eight-volume series called Deltora Quest from the library to fill her reading quota for this last week of school. Not only did she read the first one through in a day, she requested the […]