The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling

Title: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling
Author: Mary Rose Wood
Year: 2010
Genre: Historical fiction/ fantasy / faux Lemony Snickett
Age: 5th grade up

Summary:Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners in time for the holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische? (From the official website)

Review: This book is adorable. Miss Lumley displays powers of remarkable calm in the face of chaos and mayhem. Did I mention mayhem? Well, what do you expect when children are raised by wolves.

I recommend this book to anyone needing a smile. Especially fun for adults who loved Jane Eyre, with it's gentle ribbing of the governess genre.

Gregor the Overlander

Title: Gregor the Overlander
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2004
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 4th-6th grade

Summary: Gregor and his toddler sister Boots fall through a shaft in their laundry room to the Underland, a world beneath our own populated by enormous bugs, rats, bats and even (regular sized) humans. Now the problem is, how will he and Boots return to the surface?

Review: An amazing book. A bit slow to start--world building takes time--once you hit the first battle scene this book takes off. Gregor is beautifully flawed and easy to identify with. The plot is a great adventure and the characters really grow and blossom. I especially liked the interesting politics of the Underland and the interplay of various societies. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves adventure tales.

The Mortal Instruments Trilogy

Title: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Year: 2008
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 7th grade up

Summary: Clary is just a regular girl in New York City, until she realizes she sees things others can't.

Review: This book is a wonderful distraction. The characters are a bit slow on the uptake (you might be yelling DUH! when they finally figure things out) but they're still a lot of fun to hang out with. There are twists and turns in the plot and great moments with zingers and descriptions of totally original fantasy elements. I would recommend this to those who enjoyed the Twilights.