Reviews

Spanning the early part of the 20th century, this tale of England chronicles the end of the established view of those “in service” - those who worked “downstairs” for the privileged class. It is the story of Grace, who, as a girl of 14, began work as a servant at Riverton just before the outbreak of World War I.

Kimberly Chang is eleven years old when she and her mother come to America shortly before Mainland China resumes control over Hong Kong. Her aunt Paula (Kimberly's mother's older sister) along with her husband Bob act as Kimberly and her mother's sponsors covering all expenses for travel, visas, and an apartment in New York City.

Government information for children, parents, teachers, and librarians is readily available at the Gov Doc Kids Group Wiki (http://govdocs4children.pbworks.com/). This site is rich in internet government information resources especially designed for children. Also available are instructions for the annual Constitution Day Poster Contest

Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson, author of "Three Cups of Tea" is the most inspiring and entertaining book I have read in a long while - probably since I read "Three Cups of Tea" a few years ago.

 The first volume of the series serves as an introduction to the character, world, difficulties, and companions of Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist.

Christopher’s goal is “to become a spy or at least a spyish-type figure”. Therefore, he is quite happy to accept a part-time summer job in a hospital morgue and hopes to learn something about forensic pathology before starting college. He expects an easy job.

This little paperback was full colorful and creative fantasy short stories that have a twist of mystery and humor. There is a story of magical murder by Donna Andrews.  Simon Green has a short story from, "the Nightside, Needless to say", where death comes to visit.  Mystery of a fantasy story includes bad guys and magic. Mike Doogan clever fantasy about alien delegates and Federated Plates Corps Diplomatique who shout out famous bad guy names instead of cussing. Overall the book was full of humor and mystery and it makes for a great short story read.

This book I love. Julian Barnes is an author of essays and works of fiction, most recently his novel, Arthur and George. In this memoir, Barnes explores his thoughts on religion and death, more specifically fear of death. He muses on his parents life and death with open eyes, devoid of the maudlin adoration often bestowed on family memories.

“Life is a work in progress” and Joan Anderson’s autobiography A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Life encourages us to take time to reflect.