Black Hearts in Battersea

This was a sequel to The Wolves of Willoughby Chase but you don't have to necessarily have to read that book to follow. It follows the character Simon as he tries to become an artist and make it on his own as an adult. Only he doesn't know what's become of his friend Dr.Field. Sophie from the first book shows up as well. Soon he finds the people he lives with the Twites, who have been dishonest about Dr. Field, want to get rid of the Duke of Battersea. Soon Simon finds himself involved in a kidnapping and other complications happen. It was cute. I also liked the character Dido.

The Summer of the Swans

I remember liking this in grade school. This was a pretty good read. Sara doesn't realize how much she loves her handicapped brother until he gets lost. After showing him swans one day, he decides to venture out on his own to see them. Soon the whole town searches for him. Sara finds much to her surprise out that the school bully is one of the people who help the most in the search. She learns a lot about her self, family, and that people aren't always what they seem to be.

Egyptian Mythology for Kids

Sometimes it helps to read a kid's book on mythology or history. It dumbs it down. I enjoyed this quick read and it was free from Amazon. I haven't read about the Egyptians since the sixth grade. There were many things I didn't know like there are other cultures that have pyramids and that the Egyptians had problems with diabetes and obesity. I wish it had pictures. That would have made it a better children's book.

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase

This classic book influenced many children's books after it's publication including one I recently read Peppermints in the Parlor. It's the story of two orphans who have to live in a a home where a wicked governess rules. She dismisses the servants and soon the children think of a way to leave. I think this even influenced Lemony Snicket. It has style AND substance. I just wish that the wolves were used more. They are only brought up like twice and for being in the title I was hoping that they would be more in the plot.