Physik, a review by Carson

Physic, by Angie Sage.
As the books about Septimus Heap return,it gets even stranger. Jenna has returned, and Simon wont be bothering his family again. Silas has started to (sorta) bond with Gringe by playing a game with counters that are acctually alive. Soon, Jenna is horrified when she witnesses Septimus being kidnapped through a mirror by Marcellus,a 500 year old man. No one will believe her but Nicko and her new friend,Snorri. They must go back in time to save Septimus.....

Lizzy Bright and the Buckminster Boy, a review by Linda

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, by Gary D. Schmidt

This historical fiction novel is based on an incident which actually happened. Turner Buckminster, son of a minister, is new in town, and doesn't know anyone. He meets Lizza Bright, a resident of a nearby island. She's the first African-American he's known. They become good friends. But the powers that be in town want the African-Americans off the island, so they can use it for tourism. This is a painful story, with moments of goodness.

You might need a few tissues, as some of the characters do die. It takes place in a small coastal town in Maine in 1912.

This was an honor book for both the Newbery Award and the Michael Printz Award (young adult).

The Black Book of Secrets

This is the first book written by F.E. Higgins. Ludlow Fitch is a boy with the misfortune to be born in The City, a harsh, filthy place from the times of horsedrawn carriages. His parents teach him to steal before he can walk, and he becomes an accomplished pickpocket. When they decide to sell his teeth in order to buy more gin, Ludlow flees for his life. His escape delivers him into the company of a strange man, a Secret Pawnbroker.

Ludlow and this stranger set up shop in an isolated mountain village, paying good money for the town's secrets. But what does this stranger want with them? More importantly, what will the town's most illustrious (and bullying) citizen, Jeremiah Ratchet, do now that all his debtors are able to pay up?

This is a great book, sprinkled with the confessions of the townspeople. At the end are several snippets about real activites of the time, including bodysnatching, being buried alive, and even Sweeny Todd. It's a quick read, but so satisfying!

Skulduggery Pleasant, a review by Linda

Skulduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy (ages 10-12)

Stephanie is twelve years old when she meets Skulduggery Pleasant at her uncle's funeral. Dressed in a long coat and wide-brimmed hat, he is actually a skeleton- and a detective! He helps her escape from strange men who pursue her, and they become partners in a magical journey against ancient evil. There's lots of fun and humor, along with exploding bodies and mad car chases. There are three titles in the series so far- the next two are Playing With Fire (I just read and also recommend) and Faceless Ones.

Flyte, a review by Carson

I think that this book is even better than the first one. One and a half years after Septimus became an apprentice, another journey begins. There's something following Marcia, and to add to the thrill, there's more people in search of Jenna. And one's...interesting. Soon Jenna disappears, and Septimus knows how. The only person that belives him is Nicko. Nicko and Septimus head out on an exciting adventure while Jenna is held captive.....

Magyk, a review by Carson

Magyk, by Angie Sage.

This is by Carson.

I rate this book ten stars. (Yes, I know that's not in existence.) Even one of the reveiws on the book cover said,"Watch out, Harry.......". Its about a family, the Heaps. They are wizards. A boy named Septimus Heap is born. He is the seventh son of a seventh son. Sadly, he soon dies. Silas, (the dad) finds a baby girl the day Septimus dies. Seven years pass as Jenna (the girl) grows up. The family soon finds that Jenna is a princess and she is taken away. (In good hands.) Silas and Nicko (the brother) come and after an assassin comes to kill Jenna, they must embark on a journey to Aunt Zelda's cottage through the marshes.But, they have to do it while being tracked by The Hunter.