The Constant Princess (4/5)

The Constant Princess (4/5)

Good historical fiction about Queen Katherine. This book starts at Katherine's birth and ends in the midst of the Anne Boleyn days, but doesn't really focus on that much. Katherine was a strong woman. I liked her. Good writing in this book.

Beware, Princess Elizabeth (YA) (4.5/5)

Beware, Princess Elizabeth (YA) (4.5/5)

A quick read detailing Elizabeth accession to the throne. This book shows the manipulations of various people trying to keep power in England. A good read for upper elementary and middle school students.

Susannah Morrow (5/5)

Susannah Morrow (5/5)
A book about the Salem witch trials and is extremely well done. This book is actually a romance amidst the hysteria. This book is told in alternate narration and this adds to the power of the book. I read this book in one day. I was hooked and could not put it down--the Salem witch trial era is my main area of historical interest. I would recommend it to HS students and adults.

Pope Joan (5/5)

Pope Joan (5/5)

A well-written book about Joan, a girl who disguises herself as a an so she can learn, and whom eventually becomes Pope. Great writing, good action and star-crossed lovers make for a great read. I have had this book for years and I'm glad that I finally read it.

Gizmo

This is Gizmo, my 3 year old sealpoint Ragdoll. He is the runt of the litter but he's a sweetheart. Here he enjoys snuggling with his giraffe in one of our spare bedrooms.

Give a Boy a Gun (YA) (5/5)

Give a Boy a Gun (YA) (5/5)

This book tells the chilling story of a school shooting, based on real-life shootings. Brendan and Gary have been bullied for years. Eventually, at a HS dance, they reach their breaking point and come in with guns and bombs. This book is a heartbreaking read. It is so sad to know that young people feel that there is no way out but to come in with guns blazing. This is a quick but extremely powerful read.

Sarah's Key (5/5)

Sarah's Key (5/5)

This book tells a powerful story of what happened to Jewish people during World War 2. Specifically it focuses on Sarah, a young girl who is taken to Auschwitz by the French police. Sarah locked her younger brother in a secret cupboard so the police wouldn't take him as well. She fully expected to be able to be back in time to let him out. This beginning spirals a tale of suffering. Suffering which goes beyond one family, beyond one country and beyond one generation. This book is extremely powerful. The writing is excellent. Both adults and young adults (HS age) would love this book.