Sparrow

Author: Michael Morpurgo
Pages:253
Age group: 11+
Genre: Joan of Arc, history, Birds, Battles
Published: 2012
There was only one creature on this earth who really knew Joan. He was a sparrow, just an ordinary sparrow...
He was her best friend on this earth, maybe her only friend, too.
A young girl faces an impossible task - to save her beloved France from tyrants. To free her country, Joan will lose everyone she has ever loved. But she listens to her heart and believes in her calling.
Many years later, a girl called Eloise has a very special dream about her heroine, Joan of Arc.
My Review
wow! Great book! This was a really interesting book which is set in the time of Joan Of Arc. It was even more suitable because at school I am learning about the Medieval Times. The story is told through both a sparrow and Joan's point of view. It is all about Joan's life and how she rids the English out of France. 

Hope you enjoy this great book by Michael Morpugo! He also published a book called outlaw about robin hood, when sparrow was released!
See you soon,
Courtney 

Rebecca of sunnybrook farm

Author: Kate Douglas Wiggin 
Page: 279
Age group: 11+
Genre: Realistic, friendship,olden days etc.

Blurb

"Shes's got the making of most anything in her, Rebeccca has." 
It is with some trepidation that Rebecca dismounts from the old stage coach at the austere brick house in riverboro. She doesn't quite know what to expect - no more than do her elderly spinster aunts, Miranda and Jane. but her mother is certain that this will be "the making of Rebecca" - and she's right.
Rebecca is about the most likeable girl you could hope to meet. Her extrovert nature, boundless energy and irrepressible enthusiasm soon captivate all who come across her, and life is never quite the same again. 
My Review
I thought this was a great book! I can see how it has been a firm favorite since its publication in 1903. I was slightly disappointed that Rebecca and Mr.Aladdin didn't get married. The Author has done a great Job creating this spectacular book.

Keep reading
Thanks,
Courtney

Brumby Mountain #5 Diamond Spirit series

Author:  Karen Wood

Pages: 242

Genre: Horses, adventure, realistic

Age group: 11+ (Great for any age)

Blurb

"I want to stop whoever's running those brumbies." Luke looked up at her suddenly.
"Come with me, Jessy. I don't want to leave you behind this time. I miss you too much."

When Luke brings home a truckload of traumatized brumby's, some with horrific injuries, Jess agrees that something
must be done. Can Jess, Luke and their friends foil the brumby-runners and save the wild mountain horses from their cruel fate ?
And in going back to Matty's Flat, will Luke discover where he really belongs ?

 My Review

I just can't believe that I had the privilege to have interviewed this very talented author on my blog! I just cannot comprehend the skill Karen has to write!! In Brumby Mountain Jess & Luke  embark on a journey to the tiny town of Mathews Flat(Matty's Flat). Jess is afraid that she is going to lose Luke as this town is where he was born and will always belong. 

Will Luke stay at Coachwood crossing or not??

Spectacular book (of course) couldn't put it down.

I have got all 5 books in the Diamond Spirit Series, My most loved books.

I believe that these books need to get more attention as I reckon that anyone who reads them will thoroughly enjoy them. "Congratulations Karen, keep up the great work!"

Enjoy readers,

New post next Wednesday!

Courtney

The night they stormed Eureka

Author: Jackie French

Pages:252

Genre: History, Eureka Stockade, olden day life.

Age:10+

It′s 1854, and the Ballarat goldfields are a place of dreams and rebellion as Sam, a homeless teenager, is called back to the past to join the Puddlehams, who run ′the best little cook shop on the diggings′.

The Puddlehams dream of buying a hotel with velvet seats, while others dream of freedom from the government, with its corrupt officials and brutal soldiers.

 As the summer days get hotter, and the miners' protests are ignored with catastrophic results, Sam experiences at first-hand the power of a united stand, which will change her life forever.

My Review

 I am amazed at how well Jackie French can captivate history. She has written it so well that I can clearly feel how it would have felt to be the Puddlehams, Sam or any of the miners on the Ballarat goldfield in 1854.

I rate the night they stormed Eureka 8 out of 10!!!!

great book, as are all of the other historical Jackie french books I have read.

I will see you next week...

Courts

Nanberry black brother white

Author: Jackie French
Pages: 320

Genre: Historical, Aboriginals, English settlers

Age Group:11+

 Two brothers -- one black, one white -- and a colony at the end of the world It′s 1789, and as the new colony in Sydney Cove is established, Surgeon John White defies convention and adopts Nanberry, an Aboriginal boy, to raise as his son. Nanberry is clever and uses his unique gifts as an interpreter to bridge the two worlds he lives in. With his white brother, Andrew, he witnesses the struggles of the colonists to keep their precarious grip on a hostile wilderness. And yet he is haunted by the memories of the Cadigal warriors who will one day come to claim him as one of their own. This true story follows the brothers as they make their way in the world -- one as a sailor, serving in the Royal Navy, the other a hero of the Battle of Waterloo. No less incredible is the enduring love between the gentleman surgeon and the convict girl who was saved from the death penalty and became a great lady in her own right.

 My Review

In Nanberry black brother White, we read about five main characters , Nanberry, Maria, Surgeon White, Rachel and Andrew.Each of these characters each has their own personality's and way of acting. It is an amazing book which takes us back in the future to the time of the first English settlers. Jackie French has written yet again another amazing book.

Hope to see you all soon, 

Courts

Next Wednesdays book will be....

 

The night they stormed Eureka

Author: Jackie French

Mollie hazeldenes school days

Author: Maude S. Forsey

Pages:297

Ages:9+(too long for anyone younger)

Genre: Realistic, Boarding school life

Published: around 1920's-1930's

  I rated this book 9 out of 10

Mollie Hazeldenes school days is about an ordinary girl who goes to a boarding school. It is similar to Malory towers as they were both written in the same era. It is a great book about the ups and downs of Mollies boarding school days. In the 1920's many books were written about children at boarding school.

I personally love reading these books as they are quite exciting and they always seem to make me chuckle as in this type of book the kids usually play some pranks on the teachers and I  can't help but start laughing.

I am not sure that you will be able to find this book because it is quite old. But you never know it could just be in your attic right now.......

There were a few different editions published, so keep your eyes peeled for them in your local op shops or second hand book stores. I have the top book except mine is more orange,It is the 1st Edition so it is pretty old. It was originally my grandma (mums mum) then it got handed down to my Mum and her sister and now I have it!!!( It had good use huh)

Good luck with your book hunting....

Courtney♥

#6 The Mystery In Arizona

Author: Julie Campbell

Pages: 234

Age group:11+

Genre: Mystery, Arizona, cowboys

 My review

I love Trixie Belden books and can see how they were such a hit in the 1950's & 1960's. Unfortunately they aren't extremely popular in this generation but I want to change that. As usual the Mystery in Arizona was great although this was Julie Campbells last book and people think that she didn't do a very good job of her last two books, I thought they weren't that bad at all, in fact I thought they were just as good as the others.

In this book Trixie, Mat, Brian, Honey, Jim & Di all get invited to fly over to Arizona to spend Christmas at Di's uncle's Dude Ranch. Unfortunately Trixie assumes she won't be allowed to go as she has to study for the half year exams. Since she was failing every subject her mother said she had to study, study, study. When they arrive in Arizona, Di's uncle is flustered because strangely enough all of his staff have left the dude ranch.
What will the Bob-Whites do?? Is Trixie allowed to go??
 Read this awesome book to find out!!! 

Hope you are enjoying this series as only have 8 more books to get before I have the whole series (39 books)!!

see you all soon,

courts

Golden Stranger #4 Diamond Spirit Series

Author: Karen wood

Pages: 241

Age group:11+

Genre: horses, Cattle drafting, real life

  

Shara heard her father's four-wheel drive and moments later the sounds of hoovesup a tailgate. She rushed to the window and saw Rocko's big brown rump disappearinto the float.

'Dad! Dad! No!' She threw herself down the back steps, sobbing. 'I'm sorry!'

When Shara decides to join her friends in protesting against a wild horse race at the local show, it sounds fun, even heroic, but she isn't prepared for the tangle of heartbreak that follows. Now the police are at the door, her friend Corey has severe head injuries and her dream of rescuing a golden colt from its cruel owners is fading fast. Can she clear her name ? Will she ever see Goldie again ? And what will happen between her and Corey now ?

My review

As usual an amazing read. Karen wood has done an amazing Job of this series!

 In Golden Stranger, Shara's friends convince her to join them in a protest against the wild horse race at the local show. They don't agree with this discraceful event and would love to see the brumbies released.They didn't realise that they could get into a lot of trouble if they are caught out.

When a special Golden brumbie turns up in their yard, Sharsy knows she has found her once-in-a-lifetime horse. But when she and her friends muck up again will she be able to keep him?

Lovely read. You would understand it best if  you read the first 3 before reading it.

Brumby mountain is getting released in June so watch out for it!!

Thanks readers,

Hope you are all having a great holiday and Have a good Easter.

Cya soon,

Courts

#4The unsuspecting Gourmet

Author: M.E Rabb

Pages:169

Genre:Mystery & detectives, General
Age:7&8 (12+)

Sophie knows that she's made a big mistake, when she accidentally lets her mother's famous matzo ball soup recipe to Wilda Higgins, the owner of the Petal Diner. After all, she and her sister, Sam are known to the town of Venice, Indiana as two Christian girls whose parents were killed in a car accident, not two Jewish girls who ran away from Queens, New York with their evil stepmother's money. However, Wilda quickly adds some Midwestern touches to the recipe to make it her own, and then enters it into a contest. However, when Wilda wins, and is chosen to appear on Griffin Gateauxs cable television cooking show, she invites Sophie to join her on-screen. Now, Sam must figure out a way to prevent Sophie's face from being broadcast all over the media, or their identities will definitely be blown. But that's the least of their worries, for Wilda and Griffin quickly disappear while touring local dairy farms, and now it's up to Sophie and Sam, along with their Private Investigator boss, Gus, to find Wilda and Griffin before they're both...deceased.

My review

Margo Rabb has a fantastic way of writing her books and makes it feel like everything is happening in real life. When I read her books I seem to read twice as fast as usual and lose track of time! Margo defiantly deserves an award for writing such an amazing series!It is such a shame that this Fabulous series has came to an end.

Case #4 The unsuspecting gourmet was and awesome book!! Case #2 was my favorite book in the series! Actually I loved all the books in this series equally. This is my favorite series along with the Trixie Belden books.

In this book Sophie accidentally shares her mothers delicious Matzo ball soup recipe with Wilda Higgins, the owner of the Petal Diner. Wilda added a few personal touches and then entered it in a contest. Sophie didn't think it wouldn't have a chance of winning But unfortunately... It won!! When Griffin Gateaux's crew appears in the town to start rehearsing the show,The girls have to quickly make up a reasonable excuse to get Sophie out of it or else her face will be plastered all over the Media and their cover will be blown. But they needn't 

worry because Wilda and griffin quickly disappear. Now it's up to Sophie Sam and their Private Investigator Boss, Gus, To find Wilda and Griffin before it's to late.

Hope you enjoy reading these 4 exciting mystery books, if you like these books you will also like reading the Trixie Belden Books!! Enjoy

#3The Venetian police man

Author:M.E.Rabb

Pages:1

Genre:Mystery & Detective, fiction, General

Ages: 7 & 8(12+)

Sophie and Sam thought they knew everything there was to know about Gus Jenkins, the private detective they're working with. But when Gus's life takes a turn for the worse, the girls discover that he has a missing son. They decide that they have to find him. Can they manage to find Gus's son, while keeping their identity and their motives a secret? 

My review

I rate this book 9 out of 10. Terrific book!

In this book the sisters uncover the truth about Gus and find that he has a son called Jack that left home and apparently travelled to Los-vegas to have a career in show biz. Will they ever be able to find Jack amidst the busyness of los-Vegas???

It is sad that there is only one more book of the series to read:(

Margo Said that she will be releasing a new book coming out next year!!

I know it is a long time to wait but... I know that her new book will be awesome!!Enjoy,

Courtney

#2 The Chocolate lover

Author:M.E Rabb

Pages: 192

Genre:Mystery 
Ages: 7 & 8(12+)

When Sophie starts school, she notices a flyer for a lecture featuring Professor Leo Shattenberg. Could this be their grandfather’s missing cousin, believed to be dead since World War II? At the lecture, Sam and Sophie discover that Professor Shattenberg has a missing person of his own—a childhood sweetheart who, like him, had a love of chocolate. Seeing their chance, the girls offer to help the professor find his missing sweetheart—all the time running their own investigation of him.

Will they finally have relatives like normal people?? 
                   My review

I rate this book 10 out of 10!!!!
Case #2 of the Missing Persons series was awesome!It was a great sequel to the first book!You will love it!!

Sophie and Sam have finally settled into Venice, Indianan, and now have a nice group of friends and both have great jobs working alongside Gus, The local detective. When Sophie finds a flyer featuring professor Leo Shattenberg, she thinks they have finally found there grandfathers cousin who apparently died in World War II. After the lecture they found out that Leo was missing his childhood sweetheart Ruth, Who like Leo also loved Chocolate.The girls saw their chance and offered to help.

Will the girls be able to find Leo’s sweet heart?? Or will she remain undiscovered like the girls themselves.

The next book I shall be reading will be....

 

Case #3 The Venitian Police Man

Enjoy your reading

,Court's

#1 The rose queen

Author:M.E.Rabb

Pages:176

Genre:Mystery & Detective, fiction, General

Ages: 7 & 8(12+)

Sophie and Sam Shattenberg are two Jewish sisters from Queens, New York. Both love knishes(Type of pastry pie) and kosher pickles. Both have said I'm wawkin here! to cab drivers and meant it. When the unthinkable happens and their father dies, the girls are devastated. Desperate to get away from their greedy stepmother, they withdraw their fathers money from the bank, pick up fake IDs, and hit the road. All is well until their car breaks down outside of Venice, Indiana, a town so isolated that the mechanic tells them, You could get lost here forever. Which is exactly what they decide to do.... Sam and Sophie arrive in the small town of Venice, decide to stay, and try to blend in. They get jobs, make friends, and practise talking the talk instead of tawking the tawk. Then 16 year old Noelle Mcbride the most popular girl in town,the queen of the upcoming Rose Festival disappears. The sisters were the last people to see her and so become prime suspects. Sophie and Sam realise that they're going to have to find the missing girl themselves if they want to clear their names. Even if their names are fake....

Will the sisters be able to blend in and find the missing girl??

My Review

I rate this book 10 out of 10!!! Awesome book you'll love this amazing series and will enjoy reading a good mystery!In this first book the two sisters have to escape from there evil step mother who wants to separate the girls by sending Sophie to a Canada to a girls boarding school. So Sam decides that they will have to go and live somewhere miles away where their step mother wouldn't find them. When their car breaks down just outside of Venice Indianna, They have to stay there for the week... But they loved the town & people so much that they decide to stay. But when the popular soon to be Queen of the rose festival goes missing... The villagers turn the blame to them... If the sisters can't find Noelle themselves they will have to leave.

I am positive that you will love reading this book every bit as much as I did.

Enjoy your reading,

Courtney

#5Trixie belden and the mystery off glen road

Author: Julie Campbell

Pages:236

Genre:Mystery

After a hurricane hits sleepyside, the Bob whites clubhouse roof gets damaged.They are desperately trying to earn the money to repair it. But bad storms and snow is on the way, If the Club house doesn't get repaired quickly it could be ruined! Brian offers the money he had saved to buy his car, but Trixie and Honey come up with a plan to get the money and keep Brian's car.A diamond ring, a strangely dressed man, a unicycle and a dead deer become elements of a strange mystery that in the end isn't that mysterious. 

My Review 

I rate this book 9 out of 10
This book was a great read, Although most people say it isn't as good as the first 4 books in the Trixie Belden series, I thought it was great just like all of her books! It was Julie Campbell's second last book, before Kathryn Kenny took over writing the rest of the series.

In this book Honeys father had just bought the paddocks along glen road to use as a game reserve.Unfortunately his Game Keeper wasn't very good at his job and got fired leaving the Wheelers without a Game Keeper.

At the time a huge hurricane ripped through Sleepyside partly wrecking the Bob-whites club house roof/wall. They are all broke so the Bob-whites have to earn money quickly before the snow comes.

Could they be the Game Keepers until Mathew(Honeys dad) finds another one? 

Hi all you readers out there.

I would love to hear what you thought 

about the trixie belden series.

Cheers, Courtney

War horse

Author: Michael Morpurgo

Pages:165

Genre:Horses,War, 

War horse was an Inspiring story told through the eyes of a horse. Joey falls into the hands of a young boy called Albert who simpily adores him. When his father sells Joey off to the army, He knows he made a terrible mistake!! Albert is heart broken as his whole life leaves him. He desperatly heads off to war in hope of finding Joey among the hundreds of thousands of horses there.

Joey made many friend along his journey of life and Albert was the very first and greatest friend! It was very sad that he had to leave Albert behind but luckily he made many great friends along the way who loved and supported him. 

War horse is a amazing book that will be popular forever and inspire many people. It is suitable for all ages. Even Adults will enjoy reading this beautiful story.

Thanks again, 

Courtney