Serafina and the Black Cloak

This spooky story written by Robert Beatty (FIC BEA) was set in an emormous Vanderbilt mansion around the turn of the 20th century.  The wealth of the famous family offsets the poverty of the main character, Serafina.  She and her father live in the mansion's basement, unknown to the owners.  When children start disappearing from the estate, only Serafina knows what really happened to them.  Her curious birth and emotional ties to the forest will give her the skills to catch the Man in the Black Cloak who has been stealing bodies...and souls.  In doing so, she will also discover who she really is.  This was a spooky one.  I would not suggest this to those younger than 5th grade.  It may be upsetting.

The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky

I know I shouldn't say this, but I almost did not read this because of the cover.  I am glad I did.  It was a wonderfully unique story (which of late is really saying something) about the definition of beauty.  A young girl living in a poor community is asked to spruce up her home.  She does by making whimsical recycled sculptures for her lawn, but when they are called junk, she can not understand it.  Her strength and determination in opening the eyes of those that would define beauty in their own terms changes her town and lets her discover her "shine".  I loved it all...the charming characters, the beautiful language... all of it. (FIC SCH)

What Was the Great Depression?

The hugely popular Who Was...?  series just branched off into historical events.  This one about the Depression is readable and informative.  Students who love history will be pleased with its drawings, photographs and quotes that make the event come alive.  (973.91 PAS)