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THE VALLEY OF SECRETS by Charmian Hussey
British orphan Stephen Lansbury suddenly finds himself the only heir to a great estate in the countryside, and he sets off to claim his inheritance. But when he arrives at Lansbury Hall, there is nothing to greet him but a mystery. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon and excerpted.
LAST SHOT: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein
Eighth graders Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson have won the U.S. Basketball Writers Association's contest for aspiring journalists, and their grand prize is a trip to the Final Four in New Orleans. But when they overhear what sounds like a threat to throw the championship game, Stevie and Susan Carol have just 48 hours to figure out who is blackmailing one of MSU's star players --- and why. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.
CHINESE CINDERELLA AND THE SECRET DRAGON SOCIETY by Adeline Yen Mah
Born into a family of wealth and privilege in 1940s Shanghai, Chinese Cinderella is sheltered from the harsh brutalities of the Japanese invasion in China. But after enduring abuse at the hands of her cruel stepmother, she seeks refuge at a martial-arts school and joins a secret dragon society. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.
THE ILLUSTRATED MUM by Jacqueline Wilson
Sometimes Dolphin's small, unconventional family seems held together by just a thread --- but when her mother's mental illness causes a family crisis, Dolphin discovers just how strong that thread of love can be. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
OUT STANDING IN MY FIELD by Patrick Jennings
Ty Cutter was named after baseball legend Ty Cobb, but he is not living up to his namesake's reputation when it comes to America's pastime. In this humorous and deeply poignant novel, Ty must figure out exactly who he's trying to please --- his father, his teammates, or himself. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.
GUARDIANS OF GA'HOOLE, Book Six: THE BURNING by Kathryn Lasky
Once again Soren and his friends must find ways to protect the owls of the Ga'Hoole tree from the evil intentions of the Pure Ones, who are still led by Soren's twisted brother Kludd. Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber.
SURVIVING AUNT MARSHA by Sofie Laguna
The dreaded Aunt Marsha will be taking care of the Wendle children for three long weeks while Mum and Dad go off to Paris to "find romance again." Bettina and her two younger brothers groan when they hear this news --- and for very good reason. Reviewed by Bob Oksner.
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