“On the Far Side of the Mountain,” by Jean Craighead George

“On the Far Side of the Mountain,” by Jean Craighead George, is the wonderful sequel to the Newberry Honor Award winning “My Side of the Mountain.”

When Sam Gribley ran away from New York, his goal was just to live his own life in the quiet Catskill Mountains. Gradually he learned how to live not only off nature but with nature. Now Sam's sister Alice has joined him at the mountain farm, and is living in a tree house nearby.

Their idyllic life is completely turned around, however, when a conservation officers confiscates Frightful, Sam's hunting falcon. He says that only licensed falconers are allowed to own endangered raptors such as Frightful. Then Alice suddenly disappears, leaving a series of cryptic messages in her wake. As Sam follows Alice across the Catskill Mountains it becomes more and more obvious that both Frightful and Alice could be in danger.

Ever since I read “My Side of the Mountain,” Sam's independent and self-reliant lifestyle made me wish for a sequel. “On the Far Side of the Mountain” is an excellent continuation of the series, featuring the same wonderful writing style, plucky characters and nature scenes. I feel that “One the Far Side of the Mountain” is a book that nature lovers will enjoy.

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“Shackleton's Stowaway,” by Victoria McKernan

“Shackleton's Stowaway,” by Victoria McKernan is a survival story based on the real life experiences of a young boy who was part of the ill-fated Endurance expedition to cross the Antarctic continent.

In the early 1900's exploration was considered to be one of the most daring occupations a person could have. When Perce Blackborow meets up with Ernest Shackleton, the famed Artic explorer it is a dream come true. Shackleton is setting off on another amazing quest, this time with the goal of crossing the Antarctic. At first Perce Blackborrom hopes that the explorer will take him on as a sailor with the crew, but soon it becomes obvious that he has no intention of accepting him as part of the team.

So Perce decides to stow away on the Endurance, aided by a few friends that he has made on board. Little does he know but the Endurance has a dangerous future in store. Before the expedition can even reach the Antartic continent the Endurance is trapped in the ice and slowly crushed. The crew is forced to abandon the ship and set out across the ice, packing the three life boats and as much supplies as they can. In the dangerous Southern climes even a small mistake can mean your death from frostbite. With little equipment and food the men of the Endurance must fight for their lives.

I really enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of “Shackleton's Stowaway.” The story feels well researched and Victoria McKernan demonstrates an exhaustive eye for detail as she presents the storyline. The character interactions and descriptions of the Arctic climate are fascinating, and the stories suspense is reasonable without becoming overdone. I highly recommend “Shackleton's Stowaway” as a survival story that I enjoyed.

During one of his Arctic voyages Ernest Shackleton and his crew created the first book written, illustrated, published, and bound on the continent of Antarctica. You can read more at Aurora Australis by Ernest Shackleton.

“Shakespeare's Scribe,” by Gary Blackwood

“Shakespeare's Scribe,” by Gary Blackwood is a fascinating historical fiction novel that is part of “The Shakespeare Stealer Series.”

When Widge first joined The Lord Chamberlain's Men it was with the intent of stealing one of their plays for his master, the owner of a rival theater company. But with Shakespeare's acting company Widge experiences two things: a group of people who open their hearts to accept him as one of their own, and an intense desire to become an actor himself.

In “Shakespeare's Scribe” the theater company is facing dangerous times. The Black Plague is threatening London, and the Queen, eager to prevent an outbreak, decides to ban all public gatherings, including plays. The Lord Chamberlain's Men have only one option: leave London and try their luck performing in the surrounding townships and villages. Along the way Widge helps Shakespeare by serving as a scribe as well as an actor.

Gary Blackwood did a wonderful job in researching and designing “Shakespeare's Scribe.” The historical details feel very real. Indeed, sometimes the hardest part is figuring out what is actually fiction. The characters feel very real, with admirable depth and realism. I highly recommend “Shakespeare's Scribe” both as an enjoyable adventure and as an educational experience.

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“The Miner's Daughter,” by Gretchen Moran Laskas

“The Miner's Daughter,” by Gretchen Moran Laskas is a historical tale about a young girl who lives in a mining town during the Great Depression.

Willa Lowell has lived in the mining town of Riley as long as she can remember. Riley is a town of hard work, coal dust, and drab houses. It seems to Willa that her family may never escape the clutches of Riley, for they have no money to leave the town and no other jobs are available. Not only that, but with the Depression setting in the coal mine is opening for fewer and fewer days each month.

When Willa's brother Ves hears about work to be found further downstate, he leaves with his father to try to make some money for the family. Meanwhile Willa dresses as a boy so that she can work in the fields for food for the family to eat. It seems that no matter what Willa's dreams are, she will always be poor. Though she wants to learn, and loves to read poetry, her future is nonetheless grim and empty.

But then, at the last moment, the Lowell family is given a chance to start a new life, in a new town. Is this the bright future that Willa has dreamed of, or will it just turn out to be another illusion?

“The Miner's Daughter” is a reasonably well-written book. The plot and writing style are not particularly special, but the historical aspects presented are always interesting to me. Primarily, “The Miner's Daughter” teaches about the New Deal homesteads that Roosevelt's administration began during the Great Depression. It does an excellent job of showing both sides of the issue, both Roosevelt's desire to help poor mine workers, and the racism and social forces that limited who was chosen to participate and who remained at the mines. I would recommend “The Miner's Daughter” as an interesting historical jaunt, but I found the book only mildly entertaining.

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“Sahara Special,” by Esme Raji Codell

“Sahara Special,” by Esme Raji Codell is the story of a fifth grader who is an aspiring writer.

Sahara Jones has two files. One is the school file, which contains the test scores, letters, and notes that took Sahara out of the regular school classroom and put her into a special education class. But Sahara ignores the teasing of other kids and the humiliation she feels because she has another file, hidden behind the books at the local library. This concealed file is about the real Sahara, the Sahara who wants to be a writer when she grows up and is currently compiling her Heart-Wrenching Life History and Amazing Adventures.

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Review of "Sahara Special" by Esme Raji Codell

“The Underneath,” by Kathi Appelt

“The Underneath,” by Kathi Appelt is a marvelous animal story that has a pleasant but suspenseful plot.

“The Underneath” is a story made up of two parts. To begin with it is the tale of a calico cat who is abandoned in the forest. She finds a rundown shack inhabited by a lonely, chained-up hound, and his cruel master, Gar-Face. When the calico cat hides under the porch she makes a choice that will have long lasting consequences, for it is here that she has her kittens. The kittens are very curious, and if they should ever leave the safety they enjoy beneath the shack they are sure to caught by Gar-Face and used as alligator bait.

But “The Underneath” is also the tale of a serpent buried in a clay jar, a serpent who lost the only things she ever loved. One day she will be set free, and then she gain her revenge.

Kathi Appelt's tale is written in a remarkable voice that captures the power of both love and hate. The strongly woven plot teaches lessons about the importance of keeping promises. “The Underneath” is a book that I'm sure readers of all ages will enjoy for its wonderful characters and beautiful plot.

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“Project Mulberry,” by Linda Sue Park

“Project Mulberry,” by Linda Sue Park is a junior novel about a surprisingly enthralling science fair project.

The two main characters are Julia Song and her friend Patrick. They have always worked on school projects together but this time they have a more important goal: win the blue ribbon at the school science fair. The only problem is that they need an idea that is sufficiently interesting. Then Julia's mother suggests that they raise silkworms and harvest the silk like she did when she was a young girl in Korea.

Patrick immediately accepts the idea wholeheartedly, but Julia is a little more hesitant.

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Review of "Project Mulberry" by Linda Sue Park

“Home, and Other Big, Fat Lies,” by Jill Wolfson

“Home, and Other Big, Fat Lies,” by Jill Wolfson is a novel about a young orphan named Whitney.

When Whitney's social worker takes her to Foster Home #12, Whitney is certain that the experience will be short-lived. She will be living in Northern California, in a small town surrounded by redwood trees. Most of the men in town are unemployed because logging regulations have caused the town logging company to lay off its workers. As a result, many of the families in town have taken on foster children as a means of income.

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Review of "Home, and Other Big Fat Lies," by Jill Wolfson

“Hurricane,” by Terry Trueman

“Hurricane,” by Terry Trueman is the story of a Honduran family struggling to survive during the devastating Hurricane Mitch of 1998.

José always viewed his life as quite comfortable. Not only was he a student at the exclusive bilingual school that only rich kids go to, but he was also a pretty good soccer player. But life in his small village is completely changed when Honduras is hit by Hurricane Mitch. The hours of cowering in the dark, listening to the storm's fury are nothing compared with what José must face when the storm is passed.

Not only are José's father, sister, and one brother missing, but he must face of a deadly mudslide, lack of food and water, and spreading illness. José is able to help his fellow villagers using his English language skills to get help from United Nations disaster releif teams, but tragedy is still all around and the good that José is able to accomplish still can't keep the question from his mind: “Will he ever see his missing family members again?”

I felt that “Hurricane,” by Terry Trueman was a well-written book that did a good job of capturing the feelings of young José and the other Honduran's faced by disaster. Of course no mere written word can completely express the loss of death, but Terry Trueman's story is still touching while not coming across as over-played. This fine balance and skillful handling make me recommend “Hurricane” to all readers.

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“Go Big or Go Home,” by Will Hobbs

“Go Big or Go Home,” by Will Hobbs is a rather ludicrous science fiction novel for young readers.

The story begins when a meteorite smashes through the roof of Brady Steele's house. Brady and his cousin Quinn are shocked and excited by this amazing event. Soon they discover that there meteorite is one of the rarest of all kinds. But all too soon the boys lose the meteorite to the Carver boys, two young rivals notorious for their underhanded tricks.

Brady and Quinn use their time bicycling, fishing, caving, and battling the Carvers for possession of the meteorite, but everything changes when Brady discovers that he can do things that he could never do before. Not only is he stronger but he has more stamina and speed that anyone should. The strange thing is, it appears to have something to do with the meteorite. Brady enjoys his new powers until they begin to take a deadly turn...

“Go Big or Go Home” is not exactly a literary masterpiece. The plot is almost ridiculous, like something out of a bad comic. But younger readers are sure to thrill over the crazy stunts, surprising turns, and silly humor that “Go Big or Go Home” has to offer. Personally, I enjoyed reading Will Hobbs historical adventures much more than this junior fiction novel. However, its obvious that Will Hobbs is trying to expand his reader base by writing for a broader audience.

To summarize, “Go Big or Go Home” is a book that may be enjoyed by readers in the young tween group, but its nothing special to an older audience.

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Other Books by Will Hobbs

“Evangeline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle,” by David Elliot

“Evangeline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle,” by David Elliot is the story of a young girl who is raised by parents who are primatologists.

From the time she was born Evangeline Mudd has enjoyed a fascinating lifestyle that is definitely unique. Evangeline's parents are primatologists, scientists who study primates, and so they teach Evangeline to swing from the trees and eat with her feet as well as her hands. In this fun-loving atmosphere Evangeline and her parents enjoy a life that is both peaceful and exciting.

Everything changes, though, when Evangeline's parents are called away on a research trip in the Ikkinasti Jungle. Unfortunately they must leave Evangeline behind, but they promise to return in two weeks. In the meantime Evangeline must stay with her rich aunt and uncle. This highly eccentric couple are obsessed with themselves and money, an attitude that Evangeline neither understands nor values. Needless to say she is eager for her parents return, but when the two weeks are up they still have not shown, and what is more Evangeline receives a mysterious postcard that hints that they may be in danger. Before long the brave young heroine is be involved in a perilous journey to save her parents from the Ikkinasti Jungle.

“Evageline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle” is a book that junior readers are sure the enjoy. The strong main character Evangeline is sure to appeal to young readers with her perky attitude and plucky persistence. The plot itself is hardly special, with no deep suspense or exciting twists and turns, but author David Elliot manages to pull the story through at a reasonably pace. I would recommend “Evageline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle” as a friendly, original tale for young readers.

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“Homeless Bird,” by Gloria Whelan

“Homeless Bird,” by Gloria Whelan is the story of a young girl forced to marry at the age of thirteen.

In India tradition decrees that marriages are arranged, and for young Koly this means that she is forced to marry a sickly young boy with a cruel mother. With no choice in the matter, Koly becomes his wife, but the union is short lived, for he dies, leaving her a widow.

For a time, Koly's mother-in-law lets her live with them so that she can take the small pension that the government pays to widows such as Koly, but eventually she takes her to the city of Vrindavan and abandons her. Here in Vrindavan there are thousands of other white clad Indian widows, homeless and with little hope.

But Koly is determined to shape her own future, and so she does, one small step at a time.

I thought that “Homeless Bird” was a very well balanced book. It depicted the traditions of India without the harshly critical air that many similar stories would assume. Gloria Whelan creates a detailed picture of India and its culture. The calm but bold main character Koly is sure to win her way into any reader's heart. I would definitely recommend “Homeless Bird” for its cultural aspects and interesting plot.

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“Pictures, 1918,” by Jeanette Ingold

“Pictures, 1918,” by Jeanette Ingold is a historical fiction novel about a teenage girl living in 1918.

When Asia first sees the Autographic, she knows right away that she must have it as her own. The camera is state of the art, incorporating all the latest developments in photography technology. Not only that, but it is also beautiful. But the camera costs $55 and in 1918, while World War I is being fought overseas, money is hard to come by, especially for “luxury items” such as cameras.

But Asia is determined to save up the money to buy this special camera, because she feels that with it as her tool she can finally capture the beautiful, and shocking, images around her. Asia's summer, as she works for the camera and finally begins to learn how to use it, is a great panorama of events, both wonderful and frightening, but with her camera by her side, she is ready.

Jeanette Ingold did an excellent job in writing “Pictures, 1918.” The storyline is not exactly exciting, but it has a very down to earth, realistic appeal created by its accurate representation of life in the early 1900's. In addition to the historical aspects of “Pictures, 1918,” the characters are rich and varied. Jeanette Ingold shares Asia's story in brief, descriptive passages that almost feel like looking through a picture album. I recommend “Pictures, 1918” to all young readers.

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“Way Down Deep,” by Ruth White

“Way Down Deep,” by Ruth White is a novel about a young orphan girl who lives in a remote mountain town.

The town of Way Down Deep is one of those hidden places that few people know about. So when a two-year-old red-headed girl shows up on the courthouse steps its quite a surprise to the local citizens. All that they know about her is her name, Ruby, but Miss Arbutus, the proprietor of the local boardinghouse takes her in.

Ruby grows up in the town of Way Down Deep, learning the cultural values and caring attitude that motivates other town people to help everyone who comes their way, even the bank robber that holds up the local bank!

But Ruby's life is due to change dramatically when a new family comes to town with news of her past. Finally Ruby can meet the relatives that she never knew, but in the end, does she want to live with them, or with the loving family that she has already made her own?

Ruth White's novel is a well written story that has small town appeal and delicately crafted characters. The plot isn't exactly exciting, but the personal relationships and developments in the novel are still sure to keep readers interested.

I would recommend “Way Down Deep” for its unique portrayal of small town life.

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