Mike, a monkey, makes much noise while doing his favorite activity: drumming! Everyone including his family tells him to be quiet. Yet, he wants to keep drumming. He especially yearns to keep drumming after seeing and wanting a new "full-size jamming drum set". But he has a problem: he has no money to buy it. Children will love how he gets a drum set and his family's approval by the story's end. Be Quiet, Mike! is a good story for parents, caregivers, and storytellers to use while teaching children that they can solve problems for themselves.

What a wonderful book! Author Tracey Fern has created a delightful account of Barnum Brown and his discovery of the most famous dinosaur of all--Tyrannosarus rex. Barnum comes alive in the pages as his childhood fascination with the odd fossils found on his father's Kansas farm leads him to become a dinosaur hunter for the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Beautifully written, Barnum's Bones evokes the hard work of dinosaur hunting and the excitement of the find. Telling the story with language that is elegant and descriptive, Tracey Fern keeps the reader wanting to turn each page to find out "what happened next" in Barnum's life. EXCELLENT!

Truly excellent historical fiction based on the accusaton and conviction for witchcraft of seven women and two men from Pendle Forest in 1612. The trial and conviction of these women and men was well-documented and the author drew heavily upon this documentation as well as other relevant historical sources. Consequently the story is well-grounded in the history of the period. Poverty and secret Catholicism were significant contributing factors in the deaths of these nine people for crimes they surely did not commit. At the heart of the story is Bess Southerns also known as Old Demdike. She and her daughter live hand to mouth exchanging day labor with neighbors for scraps of food. When Bess is asked to bless the child of a local family who is very ill, their fortunes begin to change. For a while things look up for the pair. Liza, Bess's daughter gets married and has children of her own. Liza's husband gain employment as a cowman for a local landowner and their life seems to be on a different track. But the husband eventually takes ill and dies. His wife and daughter blame a local "cunning woman" for murdering him through witchcraft. Before it is all over Old Demdike, her daughter and both of her grandchildren are accused of being witches. The descriptions of life in 17th century England are very realistic. Life for the poor was a grim affair and poverty was almost impossible to escape. The language used by the characters beautifully evoked the desires and fears of the characters and how those in power can use that power to enhance their own standing at the great expense of those less fortunate.

Abbess Helewise and Josse d'Acquin team up again to figure out who and why a man in town to sell produce on market day died suddenly in the Tonbridge Inn. When it is determined he was poisoned the motive is even harder to imagine. Until, that is, Josse hears there was a handsome, wealthy young man also present at the inn that night. Could he have been the target? When Josse attempts to find out more about this young man he is brutally attacked in the forest. Awakening in the care of an imaginative young boy, Josse is drawn in to the secrets held by the young man's beautiful mother. While Josse and Abbess Helewise work together as usual, this story centers around Josse and his growing love for the mysterious woman in the forest. Who she and her son are is both believable and surprising.

Josse and Abbess Helewise investigate the mysterious death of a local poacher who is believed to have been killed by the Forest People, a nomadic group who are believed to travel through the forest worshipping the old gods. To further complicate matters, two young women staying at the Abbey are behaving strangely. Their behavior seems to be related to the deaths, but how? While the main characters remain the same, Alys Clare never fails to bing in a host of believable minor new characters so that there is always something fresh and new.

With the motto: “The library is for everyone, la biblioteca es para todos,” Pura Belpré -the first Puerto Rican librarian that worked in the New York Public Library System in 1929- introduced bilingual Spanish/ English storytimes to the Caribbean children that lived in the “Barrio” during the Great Depression. In the biographical book: "The Storyteller’s Candle/ La velita de los dos cuentos" Pura Belpré is introduced by the writer, Lucía Gonzáles, as a caring librarian that wanted to spotlight the warmth, the beauty and the cultural traditions of Puerto Rico to all members of the community. Hildamar and her cousin Santiago, the two main protagonists of the story, were very happy to find out a librarian, in New York, that spoke not only the Spanish language, but also celebrated their cultural values. Lulu Delacre illustrated this children book using delightful paintings and a graceful paper collage from the New York Times newspaper article of 1930. The collage ribbon symbolizes, in one hand, the time-frame of a difficult event that happened in the economy history of the United States and, on the other hand, it emphasizes the remarkable work of Pura Belpré -the bilingual librarian- in The Big Apple.

My name is Gabriela/ Me llamo Gabriela is a bilingual English/ Spanish children book written by Monica Brown that portrays the life of the first Latina Nobel Prize of Literature, Gabriela Mistral. In the book, Brown starts the storytelling with biographical information about Gabriela’s childhood and her interest in discovering the world throughout reading. According with Brown, this Chilean poet taught herself, as a child, how to read the beautiful words of the stories. Lucila Godoy Alcayaga, Gabriela’s birthday name, always showed her passion of teaching as an important step to educate children for a better future. John Parra illustrates the book with beautiful vibrant paintings that reinforces the message of the writer. This book won the 2006 International Latino Book Award.

Book One of Chronicles of the Host. Here is an artful and plausible rendition of the events surrounding the Great War in Heaven.

Lucifer, the Anointed Cherub, the Minister of Praise and worship, the musical genius of Heaven, has everything a high ranking angel could desire. He has the most impressive abode short of the Most High God. He has loyal servants and the high regard of his peers. His best friends are the most powerful and influential Angels in the Kingdom. On the surface, Lucifer, The Morning Star, should want for nothing, right? Wrong!

Lately, Lucifer has been questioning his role in the Kingdom. Sure, he can whip up the most awe inspiring hymns and choral themes, but is that because he was created to do so, or because he has a special ability? If his creations are the product of mere compulsion, is he capable of nothing more? He feels unfulfilled and lacking in upward mobility at the very moment his best friends – his brother Angels, Michael and Gabriel- are being elevated to the rank of Archangel.

To make matters worse, from Lucifer’s viewpoint, The Lord is about to engage in a new creative endeavor that will (or should) require the services of an Angelic administrator. The Morning Star sets his sights on this yet-to-be conferred honor, and he begins to lobby hard for the nomination. He meets almost immediate opposition due in part to the tradition that the Most High has never asked for or acknowledged input on a selection of ministers. Therefore, part of Lucifer’s campaign revolves around a new philosophy calling for “freedom of choice” for all angels. Are angels free to give their loyalty to whomever they please, or are they loyal to God only under compulsion? In fact, what is “free Will”? What are its limits? What will the consequences of transgressing those limits entail?

The controversy around this single issue sparks a heated debate in the Academy that turns into a battle Royal that will sweep through the Host of Heaven, engulf both Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and lay a curse upon the children of Humanity.

This is not your everyday bible story and you may think twice before making moral decisions in the future… Are you really making a choice or is the Morning Star influencing your decisions?

When someone dearly that you love dies, the emptiness of your heart and your soul are fill up with a profound sadness. For many people mourning is a process that must be taken care; accordingly, with the family traditions and the culture that the person grew up. How do you encounter happiness again after a devastating loss? Have you seen Marie? is a beautiful book written by Sandra Cisneros that describes the many ways that growing up people can cope with the loss of someone special. In one of the passages of the story, the author writes: “We found her [a neighbor] planting paperwhites in her front yard in memory of her mother.” Cisneros believes that “it is essential to create when the spirit is dying.” Esther Hernández complements the story telling with vibrant colorful illustrations that reinforces the message of the writer. Do not be confused: This is not a children’s book; but definitely, you can read the story to your children.

What do you do when you are confronted with conflicts in your personal life? Do you know what are you afraid of? Do you know what is your mechanism of defense? Self-discovery is the only positive way to guide your path life. Defining what do you value and what are your limitations can help you establish a better relationship with yourself, family and friends. The author highlights that a spiritual growing can be reached when one self is able to claim the light and the dark side of ourselves as a normal cycle of the human nature. Knowing how to balance these two opposite forces can aid the person to discover the new path of inner self-growing. The book is written in the Spanish language.

Fortune Like the Moon is an excellent historical mystery set in 12th century England. As Richard I takes the crown he releases all the prisoners in the English jails. When a young nun in rural Kent is brutally murdered Richard fears a backlash against his impetuous decision to turn loose on society all the criminals in the country. Richard sends Josse d'Acquin to Hawkenlye Abbey to investigate the suspicious death. At Hawkenlye Josse joins forces with Abbess Helewise, the capable and independent leader of the Abbey. Together they begin to investigate who killed the young nun. When another novice is falls prey to a killer they must quickly find out who is to blame before other deaths follow. The mysterious deaths are at the heart of Fortune Like the Moon, but the well developed characters and authentic historical details make this book entertaining and interesting. First in a series of fourteen mysteries, Fortune Like the Moon never fails to please.

When the kingdom of Lumatere undergoes the "five days of the unspeakable" the entire royal family is killed or is presumed dead. Finnikin, friends with Balthazar, the young heir to the throne, goes into exile with Sir Topher, the late king's First Man. For ten years they travel they surrounding countries visiting other camps of refugees looking for any evidence that Prince Balthazar still lives. When Finnikin is summoned to a remote cloister of the goddess Lagrami he is sure he will find Prince Balthazar waiting there for him. When he is met by a young mute woman named Evanjalin who claims to know the wherabouts of the Prince, Finnikin is both angry and intrigued. The three set out on a long and arduous journey that bring countless surprises and an ending no one expects. Finnikin of the Rock is an excellent story that never ceases to surprise. The tension between the characters is palpable as is the love story. Despite the darkness of the story, there is always a sense of hope in the future. Finnikin and those he picks up along his journey are haunted by the events of the "five days of the unspeakable" and the aftermath of exile and death for the majority of Lumaterans. Never overwrought, the drama keeps the reader wanting to know more.

Another great Aelf Fen mystery. When Lassair finds a second body in the grave of her recently departed grandmother, she must unravel the mysterious death of a young seamstress who is visiting the area with her odd mistress. With the help of Sir Alain de Villequier, a Norman knight and the new local justiciar, Lassair tries to learn more about the well-liked and talented Ida. As always the historical setting and political machinations of the times are well researched and are subtly worven into the story. The addition of several new characters add freshness to the story. Excellent.

McLean and her dad are their own little family. Since her mom's betrayal (that caused a scandal in her hometown), McLean has decided that trying to patch things up with her mom isn't worth it. Because of her dad's job of revamping failing restaurants, the two have moved several times since the divorce. And in each new home, McLean has tried on a new personality, just so she can keep any potential new friends at arm's length. She doesn't want anyone to get too close because she knows how much it hurts when someone you love lets you down. But things are different in this new town. Could it be time to let her guard down? Or would that be the biggest mistake she could make?

Based on the true story of French-speaking women who were trained as intelligence operatives during World War II, this exciting novel puts a twist on the traditional historical spy story. Marian Sutro, like the actual women who were specially trained to serve in the French resistance movement, is recruited by the Special Operations Executive. She accepts the challenge, viewing it as an adventure and an opportunity to participate in the war effort. After receiving intensive training, she is thrust directly into a world of secrets, danger, and risk. Marian is a fascinating character, and her story is quite compelling. The book's heart-pounding conclusion is a fitting end. Highly recommended!

Surrender the dark is tale about Angels, but it’s more about the human condition and the glory of bringing light into dark places. The Remnant are beings, half human-half angelic, with the power to affect the balance between good and evil. Both sides in the Heavenly and Hellish war are determined to find and use the Remnant’s gifts. There were seven, and by Divine law they could not be killed directly, but the Dark has set upon them with a vengeance. Those the Dark could not turn evil, they have driven to madness or to suicide. Some were killed outright in violation of the law. The Light is struggling to find and defend these last Chosen Ones, to nurture their gifts, and set them on the path to their destiny.

Azerial, the Angel of Death, is asked to sacrifice his non-corporeal form and enter the earth plane on a mission to find and protect the Remnant called Celeste. He has been instructed that the transition will strip him not only his wings, but of all the Knowledge and resources currently at his command. Once he has boots on the ground, he will have very little time to get his act in gear, find his charge, and deliver her (untouched) to the location where the Remnant are to gather.

Celeste Jackson is one of the few Remnant still standing. She has seen demons up close and personal. She thinks she’s going mad, and just can’t take it anymore. Her live-up –on, abusive, live-in boyfriend is getting more oppressive by the day. Her aunt Denise swears that boyfriend Brandon is possessed, and one evening Celeste sees the proof. Diving out a window is her only option, but she can’t bring herself to drag this burden to her elderly aunt’s door.

For Azerial,getting to the girl before the Dark finds her is a race against time, keeping them off her back is going to be a bloody battle, and if they are not careful the Divine spark between them is going to flare out of control. Will they both Surrender to the Dark?

Mist Over the Water is the second installment in the Aelf Fen mystery series. Set a few years after the previous book, Mist Over the Water continues the story of Lassair, her relatives and her friends. When Lassair's cousin, Morcar, is seriously injured in Ely, Lassair and her friend Sibert travel to the town to nurse him. Morcar is convinced someone tried to murder him after he witnesses a strange encounter between a young man and four burly men who seem to be forcing him into the monastery. Other deaths lead Sibert and Lassair to believe Morcar. Before long Lassair is caught up in a political plot to overthrow the king and place a decendent of the powerful House of Wessex back on the throne.

Pauline Chen's The Red Chamber is a disappointment as historical fiction. Set in 18th century China it is a retelling of a classic of Chinese literature, Dream of the Red Chamber. While the author does a credible job of presenting the culture of the time, the historical aspects of the novel are minimized by a use of modern slang and terminology. This is jarring to a reader who is expecting a story set in the past. The otherwise descriptive writing lacks depth. Some judicious editing, both in terminology and length, would have increased the power of the story. If these flaws are overlooked, The Red Chamber is a pleasant, but superficial read.

The long awaited Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness was a bit of a disappointment. Newly married, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to Elizabethan England so that Diana can find a witch to tutor her in the practice of witchcraft. When powerful anti-witch sentiment and a summons from Matthew's father force them to flee England they travel to the de Clermont ancestral home at Sept-Tours where Diana comes face-to-face with the de Clermont patriarch, Philippe. After bidding a bitterweet goodbye to his father, Matthew takes Diana back to England and on to Prague. In an attempt to place Matthew firmly in the past, the author creates ties between the vampire and many historical figures from 1590. The constant bickering between Matthew and his famous comrades weakens the story by diluting the primary purpose Matthew and Diana have for being in the past--to find her a tutor. They are also searching for Ashmole 782. Too many subplots that aren't necessary make for some tedious reading. Shadow of Night is best when Matthew and Diana are on their own with new and unknown characters. These are the characters that the reader becomes attached to and misses when they are left behind. Diana, herself, says it best. "London had well over a hundred thousand residents. Why did Matthew have to know everone that historians would one day find significant?" and, " I listened attentively for a while, trying to reconcile hazy recollections of a long -ago history class..."

This first novel shines with vivid characters and a big heart. Former academic and 550 pound shut-in, Author Opp, recalls Ignatius J. Reilly, were John Kennedy Toole's hero achingly humane rather than tragically self-involved. The contrast between Arthur Opp and his co-protagonist, the 17 year-old, intensely self-reliant athlete, Kel Keller, couldn't be more satisfying. Liz Moore does such a masterful job tying these two conflicted souls together that she succeeds in showing the fundamental loneliness that connects us all. This excellent first novel will appeal to both literary fiction readers and YA fans.