Off the Bookshelf: HISTORY LOST AND FOUND, by Beth Adams - Secrets from Grandma's Attic series

 

Sometimes homework can be fun!

I bought this book (and a big handful of others in this and a second series) to do research into writing for Guideposts.

What a joy. Mystery wrapped around family dynamics and small town living.

Adams gives a warm, enjoyable introduction to the Allen clan, all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Pearl Allen, the "grandma" of the series title. 

Tracy, who inherited the house and has possession of the attic full of unexplored treasures and memories -- and mysteries to come! -- reads a name written into Grandma's Bible. This is a member of their family, but she doesn't know who he is.

Her search for answers follows a logical progression and reveals some painful details of our country's recent past, as well as gives some insight into the conundrums and joys and sorrows of adoption.

Can't wait to read more in the series, and continue exploring the town and the family and the attic.

Off the Bookshelf: SOPHIE WASHINGTON: QUEEN OF THE BEE, by Tonya Duncan Ellis

 

Middle Grade fiction

Fun book, which I admit I got from Kindle to learn how to write Middle Grade fiction ... but very enjoyable just in itself!

Sophie is a very real girl, with real attitudes and reactions and problems. Her nosy, interfering, exasperating brother, and a snotty boy in class who has to be better than everyone -- and who, as she learns along the way, doesn't have it very easy at home.

Sophie wants a pet fish, but getting her dream doesn't seem very possible. Her parents have all sorts of objections, and reasons why they think she isn't ready for a pet of any kind.

Then her big-mouth brother lets everyone know about the spelling bee, and her parents want her to participate. Sophie is kind of reluctant, until the snotty boy in class lets her know she might as well give up, because HE is going to win. So she buckles down and studies and works hard and ... not going to tell you the ending, but it's satisfying, and Sophie and her brother both learn something along the way.

There are a lot more books in the Sophie Washington series. Check them out!