Search Results for: blog the true confessions of charlotte doyle avi

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle – Avi

If you have even a speck of adventure in your soul, you will enjoy “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” by master storyteller Avi. Charlotte Doyle was raised to be a proper lady. At the age of thirteen, she knows how to dress, act, and behave in a genteel fashion, just as her parents have always hoped. But when she is thrown, unprepared, into treacherous situations, she has to decide for herself how to get out of them. Charlotte was scheduled to sail aboard the Seahawk, a ship belonging to her father’s firm, which would take her from her home … Continue reading →

The Crimson Oak – E. M. Almedingen

This young adult novel was set in a time of Russia’s history where education was only allowed to the rich, and peasants were allowed very little at all. The author was born in Russia and the story is rich with culture and heritage. Our main character is Peter, a boy who dreams of more. One morning, he had the rare treat of a whole day off to do whatever he wanted. His mother asked him to go pick some berries, and he didn’t want to do it, but he sighed and headed off anyway. On his way back from the … Continue reading →

Billy Creekmore – Tracey Porter

“Billy Creekmore” by Tracey Porter was an unexpected delight for me. The story of a young boy who was left at a cruel orphanage, I thought it would be depressing and gloomy. It did have depressing moments, but Billy’s spiritedness and determination to survive pulled it out of the gloom and made it remarkable. When Billy was born, he opened his eyes and gestured at the ceiling, saying, “There.” It shocked his midwife so much, she said he must be communing with spirits. His mother’s heart was weak to begin with, and she didn’t survive the birth, and his father … Continue reading →

Multiple Choice – Janet Tashjian

“Multiple Choice” is the story of Monica Devon, a teenage girl with an obsessive compulsive disorder that has not yet been diagnosed. She lives her life in a perpetual state of fear, worried that she’s going to say or do the wrong thing, rehashing everything that has happened and wondering what she could have done to make the outcome different, and blaming herself when things do go wrong. Her friends and family know that she is a little bit obsessive, but none of them realize to what extent she’s struggling. Monica is also somewhat of a genius when it comes … Continue reading →

The Window – Michael Dorris

Rayona knows her mother’s not responsible enough to take care of her, but that doesn’t keep her from having fierce loyalty. For years she’s made excuses for her mom’s midweek benders and hangovers, the lack of food in the fridge from grocery money spent on alcohol instead, and the days missed at work because her mom was too “sick” to go in. When Rayona’s dad comes for a visit and sees how things really are, he removes Rayona from the house and calls in a rehab clinic to take in the mom. At first, Rayona thinks she’ll be living with … Continue reading →

Newbery Medal Winners: 1991-2000

1991 brought on the start of the grunge music scene, as well as Oscars for Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster for “The Silence of the Lambs.” EuroDisney opened in Paris in 1992, bringing the fun of a Disney park to Europe. And lucky for those of us with Families.com, the first blogs were created in 1997. 1991 Medal Winner: “Maniac Magee” by Jerry Spinelli Honor Book “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” by Avi 1992 Medal Winner: “Shiloh” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Honor Books “Nothing But The Truth: a Documentary Novel” by Avi “The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the … Continue reading →

Great Books For Your 7th or 8th Grader

Take your young teen to your local library this summer and check out some of these great titles. Read my recent blog to learn about the importance of summer reading programs and how they can benefit your child. Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain Tom Sawyer is a lovable rogue who is constantly getting into trouble. This book outlines his adventures with his best friend Huck as he runs away finds buried treasure, and even attends his own funeral. Every boy (and girl) will be able to relate to Tom. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko This … Continue reading →