ACCENT: A Little Russian Collection

  Gregory Maguire, best known for his Wicked books, is back with another revisionist fairy tale. This time, he weaves together classic Russian elements — Baba Yaga, Faberge eggs, endless train tracks, snow laden countryside — in this middle grade novel. Elena is a young girl who lives in a dying country town. There is no…

REVIEW: THE FAIRY RING by Mary Losure

I have always loved this story – a story within a story, really.  It speaks so much of the times and the psychology of an era.  I was a teenager, though, before I learned about the Cottingley Fairies.  I do wish I’d had a book like this to read when I was young. The book…

REVIEW: THE BLACKHOPE ENIGMA by Teresa Flavin

This was another young adult (I’d place this in the 9-13 year old age range) title that made its way into my review pile.  Something about its description, and yes, its cover, kept tempting me.   It centers around a group of young teens who are assigned to do a historical art project.  Two of the…

GREAT READS FOR HALLOWEEN

October is my favorite month.  It always has been, even when I lived in different parts of the country.  Of course, it’s no coincidence that October means Halloween for me.  Scary stories, chocolate, costumes – what’s not to love!  So, as the days grow shorter and cooler, here are some suggestions for the change in…