A Little Princess (Adapted)

Title: A Little Princess (Junior Classics for Young Readers)
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Hannah's Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction


Age Level: 8 and up
Grade Level: 3 and up
Pages: 178

Summary: "Sara Crewe looks like a little princess - that's what her schoolmates say when Sara's rich father brings her to Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for girls.  Yet when Sara's fortunes vanish and she must live as a servant in a cold attic room, she proves that being a real princess takes heart, hope, and perhaps a little Magic."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's magical.  My favorite part of the book was when her dad came back from the war.  She was so happy.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes an old-fashioned story.  I will review The Secret Garden once I read it.

about the author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett (24 November 1849 – 29 October 1924) was an English playwright and author. She is best known for her children's stories, in particular The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and Little Lord Fauntleroy.

When her father died, the family was forced to sell their home and move to Salford, England. When she was sixteen, the family emigrated to Knoxville, Tennessee.

In 1872 she married Swan Burnett. They lived in Paris for two years, where their two sons were born, before returning to the United States to live in Washington D.C. When her oldest son died of Tuberculosis, she was very sad.  She divorced her husband and remarried, but it only lasted a year.  She died in New York at age 74.

We have a few things in common.  My little sister's name is Eliza.  I used to live in Tennessee.  And Frances died on my birthday, October 29.  I do wish Frances would have made different choices so she could have had a happier life.  I was sad to hear about the sad parts of her life.

Little Women (Adapted)

Title: Little Women (Junior Classics for Young Readers)
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction


Age Level: 8 and up
Grade Level: 3 and up
Pages: 178

Summary: "Little Women is the story of four girls - pretty Meg, headstrong Jo, sweet Beth and spoiled Amy - growing up with plenty of spirit but little money during the Civil War era in New England. Little Women is more than a story. It is a timeless book of lessons, a classic tale of laughter and tears, and a tribute to home and family."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's a sweet story about sisters.  My favorite part of the book was when their dad came home from the civil war.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes old-fashioned sweet stories and friendship.

about the author: Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott (November 29, 1832 – March 6, 1888) was an American novelist. She is best known for the novel Little Women.

The Alcott girls were mostly educated at home. "I never went to school," Louisa wrote, "except to my father or such governesses as from time to time came into the family. . . . so we had lessons each morning in the study. And very happy hours they were to us, for my father taught in the wise way which unfolds what lies in the child's nature as a flower blooms, rather than crammed it, like a Strasburg goose, with more than it could digest. I never liked arithmetic nor grammar . . . but reading, writing, composition, history, and geography I enjoyed, as well as the stories read to us with a skill peculiarly his own."

Running in the Concord woods early one fall morning, she stopped to see the sunshine over the meadows. "A very strange and solemn feeling came over me as I stood there," she wrote in her journal, "with no sound but the rustle of the pines, no one near me, and the sun so glorious, as for me alone. It seemed as if I felt God as I never did before, and I prayed in my heart that I might keep that happy sense of nearness all my life."

Poverty made it necessary for Alcott to go to work at an early age as an occasional teacher, seamstress, governess, domestic helper, and writer. When the American Civil War broke out, she served as a nurse in the Union Hospital at Georgetown, D.C., for six weeks.

Louisa May Alcott never married. She was a guardian for her sister's daughter and adopted a nephew. Two days after her father died, Louisa died of a stroke at the age of 55.

Anne of Green Gables - Abridged

Title: Anne of Green Gables (Dover Thrift Classics - Abridged)
Author: L.M. Montgomery
Hannah's Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction


Age Level: 8 and up
Grade Level: 3 and up
Pages: 91

Summary: "Among the most popular and enduring children's books of the first half of the twentieth century, Anne of Green Gables tells the story of an endearingly talkative and precocious 11-year-old orphan who comes to live on the farm of an elderly brother and sister on Prince Edward Island. Red-haired and irrepressible, Anne causes a major disruption in the quite lives of Matthew and Marilla Cuthburt, the people who take her in, but her honesty, intelligence, and good heart soon make her the light of their lives and the object of great affection in the community. Newly abridged and enhanced with six new illustrations, this warm and nostalgic tale will enchant readers today as it has since its first publication in 1908"

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's funny how much she loves "puff" sleeves.  My favorite part of the book was when Anne died her hair green.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes funny stories and adventures.  I'm excited to read the real Anne of Green Gables series when I get older.

about the author: L.M. Montgomery

Lucy Maud Montgomery lived from November 30, 1874 – April 24, 1942. She was born on Prince Edward Island in Canada.

Her mother, Clara, died of tuberculosis when Maud was 21 months old. She was raised by her grandparents who were very strict. She had a very lonely childhood. To cope with her loneliness she created imaginary friends and worlds.

She married a minister, Ewan, when she was 34.  They had 3 boys.  The second baby was still born.  Even though she shared so much joy through her stories, she lived a sad life caring for her husband who was mentally ill.

During her lifetime, Montgomery published 20 novels, 500 short stories, an autobiography, and a book of poetry.  Her most-loved story was Anne of Green Gables.

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters

Title: Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters
Author: Lesley M. M. Blume
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction


Age Level:  8 and up
Grade Level:  3 and up
Pages: 264

Summary: "Eleven-year-old Cornelia is the daughter of two world-famous pianists—a legacy that should feel fabulous, but instead feels just plain lonely. She surrounds herself with dictionaries and other books to isolate herself from the outside world. But when a glamorous neighbor named Virginia Somerset moves next door with her servant Patel and a mischievous French bulldog named Mister Kinyatta, Cornelia discovers that the world is a much more exciting place than she had originally thought."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it has a lot of adventures about the Somerset Sisters.  My favorite part of the book was when they went to India and met Patel.  Patel was an orphan and Virginia let him come with her and her sisters on their adventures in India.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventures.

about the author: Lesley M. M. Blume

Lesley M. M. Blume is an author, journalist, columnist, and cultural observer based in New York City. She is the daughter of a classical pianist and a journalist. She has written 3 children's books including "Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters."

The Penderwicks

Title: The Penderwicks
Author: Jeanne Birdsall
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: "This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures. The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's so funny.  It just is.  My favorite part of the book was when Rosalind meets Cagney because she liked him.

I would recommend this book to any kid who likes funny stories and adventures. It is recommended for age 8+.

This is the first book in the series.  I haven't read the 2nd or 3rd books because they are just coming out.

about the author: Jeanne Birdsall

Jeanne Birdsall wrote The Penderwick Series.

"Jeanne Birdsall grew up in the suburbs west of Philadelphia, where she attended wonderful public schools. Jeanne had lots of great teachers, but her favorites were: Mrs. Corkhill, sixth grade, who encouraged her intellectual curiosity; Mr. Tremonte, eighth grade algebra, who taught Jeanne to love and respect math; and Miss Basehore, second and fourth year Latin, to whom Jeanne (and Mr. Penderwick) will be forever grateful. 

"Although she first decided to become a writer when she was ten years old, it took Jeanne until she was forty-one to get started.

"In the years in between, Jeanne had many strange jobs to support herself, and also worked hard as a photographer, the kind that makes art.

"Jeanne's home now is with her husband in Northampton, Massachusetts. Their house is old and comfortable, full of unruly animals, and surrounded by gardens."

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

Title: Peter and the Sword of Mercy
Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy

Summary: "The year is 1901—it’s been twenty-three years since Peter and the Lost Boys returned from Rundoon. Since then, nobody on the island has grown a day older, and the Lost Boys continue their friendship with the Mollusk tribe and their rivalry with Captain Hook. Meanwhile, in London, Molly has married George Darling and is raising three children: Wendy, Michael, and John. One night, a visitor appears at her door; it’s James, one of Peter’s original Lost Boys. He is now working for Scotland Yard and suspects that the heir to England’s throne, Prince Albert Edward, is under the influence of shadow creatures. These shadow creatures are determined to find a secret cache of starstuff, which fell to London many centuries ago. The starstuff is hidden in an underground vault, which has only one key: the Sword of Mercy, a legendary weapon kept with the crown jewels. Molly is determined to locate and protect, but when she suddenly goes missing, it is up to her eleven-year-old daughter, Wendy, to keep it out of the Others’ clutches. Wendy has heard her mother’s stories of a flying boy named Peter Pan, and he may be her only hope of saving the world from a shadowy doom. . . ."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because Peter meets Wendy, Molly's daughter.  My favorite part of the book was when Peter rescued Wendy because Wendy was falling from the flying train.

I would recommend this book to any kid who likes adventures and Peter Pan. It is recommended for 4th-6th graders(age 9+), but I was able to read it in 2nd Grade (age 8).

This is the fourth book in the series.  The fifth book in this series, The Bridge to Never Land, will be released in June 2012 and hopefully I can check it out of the library, read it, and share my review here on this site.

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon

Title: Peter and the Secret of Rundoon
Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy

Summary: "In this action-packed third installment in the Starcatchers series, Peter and Molly find themselves in the dangerous land of Rundoon, ruled by an evil king who enjoys watching his pet snake consume those who displease him. But that’s just the beginning of problems facing our heroes, who once again find themselves pitted against the evil shadow-creature Lord Ombra in a struggle to save themselves, not to mention the planet. It’s a wild desert adventure, with rockets, carpets, and camels all flying through the air, zooming toward an unforgettable climax... "

Hannah's Review: I like this book because everything is exciting with the rocket.  My favorite part of the book was when Peter saved Tinkerbell because she was going to drown.

I would recommend this book to any kid who likes adventures and Peter Pan. It is recommended for 5th graders(age 10+), but I was able to read it in 2nd Grade (age 8).

This is the third book in the series.

Peter and the Shadow Thieves

Title: Peter and the Shadow Thieves
Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy

Summary: "In this riveting and adventure-packed follow-up to Peter and the Starcatchers, we discover Peter leaving the relative safety of Mollusk Island—along with his trusted companion Tinker Bell—for the cold, damp streets of London. On a difficult journey across the sea, he and Tink discover the dark and deadly, slithering part-man/part-creature Lord Ombra. It seems that the dreaded Ombra has a variety of mysterious powers including the ability to make shadows disappear. When Peter reaches London, he sets out to find the indomitable Molly. Together they must combat Ombra’s terrible forces to both protect the Starcatchers and the treasured starstuff and most importantly to rescue Molly’s mother from the clutches of evil."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because the shadow thieves are interesting but the leader is scary (but not too scary though!).  My favorite part of the book was when Peter saved Molly because it was cool.

I would recommend this book to any kid who likes adventures and Peter Pan. It is recommended for 5th graders, but I was able to read it in 2nd Grade.

This is the second book in the series.

Peter and the Star Catchers

Title: Peter and the Star Catchers
Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy

Summary: "Don't even think of starting this book unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. A fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the Never Land, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk in its cargo hold-and the journey quickly becomes fraught with excitement and danger. Discover richly developed characters in the sweet but sophisticated Molly, the scary but familiar Black Stache, and the fearless Peter. Treacherous battles with pirates, foreboding thunderstorms at sea, and evocative writing immerse the reader in a story that slowly and finally reveals the secrets and mysteries of the beloved Peter Pan."

Hannah's Review: I LOVE this book because it's so magical and cool.  My favorite part of the book was when Peter finds out about the star catchers because it's cool that he can fly permanently.

I would recommend this book to any kid who likes adventures and Peter Pan. It is recommended for 5th graders, but I was able to read it in 2nd Grade.

This is the first book in the series.

about the authors: Ridley Pearson, Dave Barry

Ridley Pearson began writing at the age of ten when he taught himself to touch type and found himself with nothing to type. ... Ridley is the #1 nationally bestselling author of a dozen YA novels and picture books, including the Peter and the Starcatchers series and the Neverland Books. ... He and his wife, Marcelle, have two daughters, Paige and Storey. (That's right: page and story.)

Dave Barry has written 30 or so books. Most of them are for adults, but he wrote Peter and the Starcatchers with his fellow band member, Ridley Pearson. I don't think my parents would like me to read any of his other books except the ones about Peter Pan and Neverland.

Betsy's Wedding

Title: Betsy's Wedding
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: "Ever since Betsy first met Joe, there's been something special between them. And when Betsy returns home after a tour of Europe, Joe is waiting at the dock, ready to propose. After a year's separation, Betsy and Joe are determined never to be apart again. But as Betsy discovers, marriage isn't all candlelight, kisses and roses. There's cooking, ironing, and budgeting as well-not to mention forging her career as a writer. But Betsy has always thrived on challenge. And her life remains as full of love and laughter as it's been since she was a little girl living on Hill Street in the first of the classic Betsy-Tacy books."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because she gets married to Joe.  My favorite part of the book was when she learned to cook.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the tenth and final book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Betsy and the Great World

Title: Betsy and the Great World
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: "Betsy has dreamed of seeing the great world ever since she was a little girl growing up in Deep Valley, Minnesota. Now twenty-one years old, she's finally getting her wish! From Munich to Venice, Paris to London, Betsy's grand tour of Europe is filled with adventure-and as a budding young writer, she is determined to make the most of the experience. But wherever she goes, Betsy can't help thinking about her estranged sweetheart, Joe Willard. Can she find a way to make amends, an ocean away from home?"

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's so exciting to hear about all the places she went.  My favorite part of the book was when she went home.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the ninth book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Betsy and Joe

Title: Betsy and Joe
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: "Betsy Ray has always thought that she and the fascinating Joe Willard would make the perfect couple. Now, in her senior year at Deep Valley High School, it looks as though she'll get her wish. As soon as Joe returns from his summer job in North Dakota, he's on the Ray's porch with sweet words for Betsy. It's going to be a wonderful senior year! Then Tony Markham, Betsy's longtime chum, comes calling-and his intentions are definitely romantic. Betsy is torn. She really cares for Joe, but she doesn't want to hurt Tony. Can she figure out a way to follow her heart without ruining her friendship?"

Hannah's Review: I like this book because Betsy and Joe are in love.  My favorite part of the book was when Joe kisses her.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the eighth book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Betsy Was a Junior

Title: Betsy Was a Junior
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: "That's the kind of junior year Betsy Ray had planned for herself. And when her childhood friend Tib Mueller moves back to Deep Valley, Betsy's sure her perfect year is off to a grand start. With charming, funny Tib around, Crowd doings are more fun than ever-especially after Betsy starts Okto Delta, the first-ever sorority at Deep Valley High. But soon Betsy's luck takes a bad turn. The Crowd is getting into trouble at school, and Betsy isn't given a chance to complete in the annual Essay Contest. Could Betsy's best school year turn out to be her worst?"

Hannah's Review: I like this book because Tib moves back.  My favorite part of the book was the essay contest.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the seventh book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Betsy in Spite of Herself

Title: Betsy in Spite of Herself
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: "Betsy is now a sophomore, and she and her "Crowd" are in the thick of things at Deep Valley High School. Between parties, exams, and her duties as class secretary, Betsy's got her hands full. But she's not too busy to notice the new boy in town - the oh-so-cosmopolitan Phil Brandish. If only she could make him notice her!"

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's interesting to see what they did at the time.  My favorite part of the book was when Joe (this guy she likes) defended her from one of her teachers about a poem she wrote.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the sixth book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Heaven to Betsy

Title: Heaven to Betsy
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: "It's Betsy Ray's freshman year at Deep Valley High School, and she and her best childhood chum, Tacy Kelly, are loving every minute. Tib had moved back to Milwaukee.  Betsy and Tacy find themselves in the midst of a new crowd of friends, with studies aplenty (including Latin and -ugh- algebra), parties and picnics galore, Sunday night lunches at home - and boys!"

Hannah's Review: I like this book because she meets Tony and he's really nice.  My favorite part of the book was when she moved into her new house and met Carnie.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the fifth book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown

Title: Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary:"Betsy, Tacy, and Tib are twelve-old enough to do lots of things…even go downtown on their own. There they see their first horseless carriage, discover the joys of the public library, and see a real play at the Opera House. They even find themselves acting in one! Best of all, they help a lonely new friend feel at home in Deep Valley-the most wonderful place in the world to grow up."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's cool that they go to see a play at the Opera House.  My favorite part of the book was when Tib got to ride in the first car in town.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the fourth book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill

Title: Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary:"Betsy, Tacy, and Tib can't wait to be ten. After all, getting two numbers in your age is the beginning of growing up-exciting things are bound to happen. And they do! The girls fall in love with the King of Spain, perform in the School Entertainment, and for the first time, go all the way over the Big Hill to Little Syria by themselves. There Betsy, Tacy, and Tib make new friends and learn a thing or two. They learn that new Americans are sometime the best Americans. And they learn that they themselves wouldn't want to be anything else."

Hannah's Review: I like this book because it's funny that they fall in love with the King of Spain. My favorite part of the book was that they made a new friend.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the third book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.

Betsy-Tacy and Tib

Title: Betsy-Tacy and Tib
Author: Maud Hart Lovelace
Hannah's Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: In this book, Betsy and Tacy meet a new friend named Tib. She moved into the beautiful chocolate colored house. They become friends. Sometimes they fight with Betsy's and Tacy's bossy big sisters, but they never fight with each other. One time they made a huge mess in the kitchen. Another time they cut off each other's hair. Oops! They are really good friends.

Hannah's Review: I like this book because they have funny adventures with each other. My favorite part of the book was when they pretended to be beggers and put mud on their faces.

I would recommend this book to any girl who likes adventures and funny stories and friendship.

This is the second book in the Betsy-Tacy Book Series by Maud Hart Lovelace.