The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

4.7/5
The book is just as good as the movie; the book's rich imagery & descriptions drew me in, as did the self-recriminating heroine, Lily. It's a quick read & I would recommend it to anyone looking for a book to read.

Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper

3.5/5
Sophie is given a journal for her birthday and she proceeds to document the demise of her current life on the island of Montmaray. It is the late 1930s and Sophie lives on the island kingdom of Montmaray with her sister Henry, and cousin Sophie and Sophie's mad father their reigning king. There pleasant existence is changed forever when some Nazi soldiers arrive on the island. The beginning of the story is a bit slow as Cooper builds the characters and history of the island but soon the pace quickens and you will hardly be able to put it down. Recommend for 7th grade and up.
-Suzanne

Pirates by Celia Rees

4/5
Using the overly cliche plot of a princess running away from her homeland to avoid marriage, this author turned it into an adventurous novel. This story takes place in the 1700s when royalty and pirates existed. The princess has run away from a marriage and climbs aboard a pirate ship. This exciting book is an absolute must for adventure lovers.

Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper

In 1650, a young medical student is ecstatic to be in attendance at his first autopsy. He is ready with pen and paper until he notices a small flicker. Did the body just move? Could this girl have survived a hanging? She was tried for a crime and put to death should she be revived if she is not dead. This is a great story that is told in alternating chapters by the medical student and Anne the dead girl. It is intriguing to think about her story and in the appendix an actual account of the real story is printed. Great Read!!