A Review On "A Question Of Loyalty" By: Barbara Greenwood

"A Question Of Loyalty", written by Barbara Greenwood, published in 1984, is a story about Deborah Wallbridge. Deborah must decide where her loyalties lie. Is it with her father, or with the boy she meets in their barn, Dan Peterson? Dan is a rebel, the very people her father and brother, Nat, are fighting against. But Dan is hurt and needs help. Should Deborah help him, betraying her father, or send away this wounded boy? If Dan is discovered her family would be branded with the name "traitor" and have their barn burned down. But, if she turns him in to the sheriff, then Dan would be hanged! Silas Hawkes,a man who never liked the Wallbridge family, is eager and determined to incriminate Deborah's family - even if it means bending the law slightly. What if Silas finds Dan? What if Deborah's parents find Dan? Will Deborah turn Dan away? Dan's plight is in Deborah's hands. Deborah must decide where her loyalty lies. I recommend this book for ages nine to fifteen!

The Celtic Knot by: Sioban Parkinson

"The Celtic Knot" is a story that takes place in Dublin, Ireland. This is just one story from the series "Girls Of Many Lands". It was written by Sioban Parkinson and published in 2003. This story is about Kathleen Murphy, an everyday Irish girl, living in 1937, who suddenly discovers an unknown talent for dancing. Her real dream, though, is not to dance but to live with her Aunt Polly(though her real name is Mary)and go to a cafe on Saturday and eat chocolate eclairs without caring about anything or anyone. Mrs. Maguire is the dance instructor, though Kathleen thinks she looks like a potato sack, that can't dance a step. Many problems get in the way of dance lessons though. First of all, Kathleen has to learn with Tess, the school bully, and Tess's friends, also very mean. The lessons cost money, too much money. Plus, how can she dance in the feis, a competition, without a proper dress? Is it true that the dress she has is made of curtains? Will she win the feis? Find all this and more by... you guessed it, reading the book! I found this book very enjoyable and think it is a great read for ages eight to thirteen!

Book Review on Behind The Bedroom Wall By Laura E. Williams

Published in 1996, "Behind The Bedroom Wall" was written by Laura E. Williams. This story takes place in Germany in 1942. Thirteen-year-old Korrina Rehme is doing everything she can to help Hitler get rid of their little "Jewish problem". She joined the "Jungmadel," a Nazi youth group, and even carried a small black notebook in which to make a note of anyone she caught assisting a Jew. That was before she moved her wardrobe, looking for a mouse she'd been hearing, and discovered a hole in her wall in which two Jews were hiding. Korinna's parents were helping the enemy (the Jews)! How "un-German!" If she did not turn them in she would be un-German herself! Should she turn in her own parents? When Korinna begins to grow fond of the Jews, she feels like a traitor. And when Korinna's best friend turns Korinna's family in, she doesn't know who to trust. Ultimately, Korinna's family is forced to leave Germany, traveling to an unknown destination. I enjoy this book a great deal and I hope you do too. If you enjoy this book you may enjoy other books by Laura E. Williams. I would think this book best for any girls (or boys) who are interested in the plight of the Jews during World War II, with no age limits!

Book Review on Eight Cousins by: Louisa May Alcott

"Eight Cousins", by Louisa May Alcott, first published in 1875, is definitely a classic. This warming tale about Rose Campbell goes straight to your heart. Rose, an orphan used to living in boarding schools, has no choice but to stay with one of her seven aunts or her guardian, Uncle Alec. They all want her, but who will she pick? She decides to stay with her Uncle Alec for the first year. While living with her Uncle Alec, Rose is always learning new things such as how to bake bread or make button holes. Of course, Annabelle Bliss, Rose's "friend", a prim, proper, somewhat spoiled child, teaches her a few things too, like how to act. She even convinces Rose to let her pierce her ears! Uncle Alec can be a little hard on Rose too. Imagine, eating healthful things like oatmeal and wearing sensible dresses, instead of the fancy ones she is used to. How awful! And can she really go to China without leaving town? At the end of the year, who will she choose to live with? In my opinion this a must have book for any girl's (or boy's) bookshelf. This is a great read for ages nine to ninety-nine!