Clare Hutton

3.5***

This is the fifth entry in the Poison Apple series of middle-school books dealing with various paranormal phenomena. Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone work, however. In this case, it’s werewolves who are at the center of the story.

Marisol and her mom have to vacate their Austin, Texas apartment complex during renovations, so they take up her mom’s college roommate’s offer to stay at their Montana bed-and-breakfast during the off-season. The host family has twins who are Marisol’s age, so the three can go to school together. But the wilderness is a very foreign environment for city-girl Marisol. The howls of wolves are bad enough, but the rumors that werewolves roam the valley during a full moon get her imagination working overtime.

I participated in my public library’s pen-pal program this summer (pairing children ages 5-12 with senior citizens to write letters to one another), and my pen pel recommended this book to me.

I’m not a great fan of paranormal genre, but this one is light on the paranormal and focuses more on the relationships between the kids. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. I liked the cautious way Marisol made friends and how she tried to research the history of the valley to determine the truth behind the rumors.

At its core, this is a story of friendship, loyalty and compassion.… (más)

Gr 3–5—Emma made a list of activities she wanted to do with her two favorite twin cousins, Natalia and Zoe, during her family's annual summer trip. She worries that a week won't be long enough for all the fun she has planned. Emma soon hears a surprising announcement—she and her parents will be relocating from Seatle and moving into her grandmother's home and sharing the home with her cousins family. Emma realizes that she will be leaving all her old friends behind and will become the new kid at school this year. She likes her cousins but do they really have the much in common? A story of family, friendship and dealing with the worries that go with moving.… (más)

Thank you to Edelweiss Plus and Scholastic for providing me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of this new series from American Girl.

I have enjoyed American Girl books since I was a little girl in 1994, so when I found out they were coming out with a new series, I just had to ask for a copy. And am I glad I did.

Emma was my favorite character in the series. I could relate to her (I also don't live near my family). I loved the setting where it took place, the plot, and everything about the book. Can't point out anything I didn't like. This book did not disappoint.

Fans of American Girl, get this book. Great book!… (más)