A Book Of Discovery

A fascinating account of the world's famous explorers, including the early travelers in ancient times, the discovery of the New World, explorations in Africa and Australia, and the expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Many of the explorers tell part of their story in their own words. Amply illustrated with reproductions of early maps and charts, as well as old woodcuts, drawings, paintings, and miniatures. Emphasis is placed on the explorers' 'record of splendid endurance, of hardships bravely borne, of silent toil, of courage and resolution unequalled in the annals of mankind, of self-sacrifice unrivalled and faithful lives laid ungrudgingly down.'  Ages 12-18

This colourful, large-format book develops comprehension, vocabulary and fluency. It offers cross-curricular informational stories and poetry, supports content-area reading instruction, and contains visually motivating, easy-to-see pages.

Backseat Saints

I have been a fan of Joshilyn Jackson's since gods in Alabama. She is a wonderful writer. Her descriptive powers amaze me. At one point in the book, she is writing about Rose's trip across the country in search of her mother. The line reads, "Desert air whirled through the car in a constant cyclone, catching up our hair and rifling through it, blowing all the Alabama off our skins." The words actually transport you to that car and that moment with Rose. I love it.
In case you couldn't tell, I would highly recommend this book to fans of women's fiction or Southern fiction. It's a great book from a very talented author.

Asking For Murder: An Advice Column Mystery

"Asking for Murder" is a nicely written, well-plotted mystery. Rebecca is a complex character - a psychologist who is good at her job but with plenty of her own issues. One of the things I like best about her is that she doesn't have all the answers and often jumps to the wrong conclusions, which makes her a very realistic character. She is a loyal friend to Annabelle but she struggles with her relationship with her ex-husband and Meigs as well as a new relationship with a guy who might be too nice for her. The psychology aspects are well done (author Roberta Isleib is a clinical psychologist) and I found the sand play therapy fascinating..

Booked for Murder: Lighthouse Inn Mysteries

An ex-cop, now a security man, believes that when one of Alex's guests is shot while jogging the assault is intentional. Alex decides to conduct an informal investigation, too. Alex Winston is a pleasant main character. He seems like the sort of person one would like to know. When Alex learns from a surveyor that the lighthouse may not be on his property he is made anxious. The mystery is wrapped up when the true identities of the surveyor and a muffin lady are discerned.