Victoria Griffith

“Those We Fear” is quite a page-turner. It is more or less a young adult rendition of “The Turn of the Screw”, featuring an 18-year-old American girl named Maria who comes to Scotland to serve as an au pair following a tragedy that landed her in the Witness Protection Program. Increasingly bizarre and dangerous things happen at the Harley estate, and the line between reality and the supernatural and sanity and madness blurs. With continuous action and psychological tension, the story is difficult to put down, if a bit predictable.… (meer)

"The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont" is a wonderful read-aloud picture book that can easily be incorporated into any lesson about the history of flight. This book offers suspense, beautiful and detailed illustrations, and a wonderful tribute to those responsible for early aviation. I would recommend this picture book for any classroom. The author and illustrator brings the story of Santos-Dumont to life through a lively plot, touches of humor, and illustrations that perfectly capture the history and importance of the events.… (meer)

So this was a short, fun read. The tension and pacing definitely kept me awake and the pages turning! I particularly enjoyed it for seeing how the author kept things happening, setting the pace high and never letting it slack. The setting was great, too; in isolated Scotland with all the mists and mysteries that go along with it. The main character, Maria, was well drawn and definitely going through something terrible, which became clearer as the story unfolded (though admittedly the truth about what happened to her mother felt off to me). The story itself reminded me the most of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, with a heathy sprinkling of Jane Eyre tossed in as well. Overall, a fun read with a refreshingly realistic ending that I appreciated. If you're looking for something a little dark, a little suspenseful, and definitely a little creepy, check this one out!… (meer)