Mrs. Nelson's Toy and Book Shop

Reviewed by Sarah R.

It's 1961 and the Cuban revolution has already begun. Lucia and Frankie Alvarez find their once peaceful town invested with soldiers. It starts off as an exciting way to make the country better, but after a while the Alvarez's realize it's threatening them and their way of life. Lucia's friends begin thinking that the revolution is the only and best way to live even though innocent people are dying because of it. They can now longer trust anyone. Lucia and Frankie's parents decide to send them to America to save them from taking part in the revolution. Despite Lucia and Frankie's wishes to stay, they are sent to America and forced to speak a new language, adjust to a new culture, and live with new parents. Although America is much safer than Cuba, they miss their country and parents and long for their life to return to normal. Will things ever go back to the way they once were? The Red Umbrella is a fantastic story that shows the true meaning and importance of family.

Reviewed by Robin T.

No Problem is a fun, interesting, and useful guide for figuring out how to solve problems that are solvable, problems like not having enough people go to your band's concerts, not having enough money for that used computer you want, or choosing which soccer camp to attend. Some of the scenarios seem a little out of touch with reality - can Albert really walk 3 dogs that don't know each other all that well at the same time? However, this book does, on the whole, seem like a useful item. I recommend it for ages 10+, although it may be more useful for those 11 or older.

Reviewed by DANIEL S.

This book is about these four friends named Ernie--a changling, Max--the owner of the legendary gauntlet, Harley--a mechanical whiz, and Natalia--their best companion. These four are on a quest to save the world from the evil Clockwork King. The Clockwork King is trying to open the gate to the underworld to get his long lost daughter back and to prove to everyone that you can retrieve people from the underworld. But little does he know that if he opens the gate that every demon, zombie, ghost, and evil thing will come out and demolish the world. Max’s adventures will take him near and far like to his school and to Mount Everest.

Opinion: I liked this book because it was filled to the brim with good writing and suspense and that it has imaginative clockworks.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone 9+ depending on how easily scared they are. Because it was a bit scary to me.

Reviewed by Emily C.

This is a really good sequel to “And That’s When Everything Unravelled.” In this book, Delia has even more troubles! In addition to her mother hiding out in South America because she is supposed to be dead, Delia has a crush who may or may not be her boyfriend, a detective who is falling in love with her aunt, and her psychic keeps speaking in code. Delia is still trying to find out who’s trying to kill her mom and possibly her! The only way she can find out is by visiting her mom herself. Will she make it before someone catches on to her trail? I give this book 4 and ½ stars and recommend it for ages 12-18.