Bonnie

Bonnie
by Iris Johansen

Bonnie is the explosive conclusion to the trilogy preceded by Eve and Quinn. Johansen previously wrote 11 books that described these characters and the road they traveled to discover who killed Bonnie.

The trilogy goes into more detail about the initial loss of Bonnie and how Eve and Quinn met. A fitting conclusion to a wonderful story.

-Rochelle

Summer in Europe

A Summer in Europe
Marilyn Brant

Have you ever traveled in Europe for the summer, or wanted to? Enjoy the trip with a quirky groupof Sudoku and Mahjongg playing characters as you relive or imagine your trip of a lifetime. Single, almost engaged Gwen joins the tour with her zany Aunt Mae, discovering her true art and perhaps, true love. The descriptions are delicious - from the food to the vistas and classic points of interest. Discover Europe along with the realization that - “It’s not where you go. It’s what you take back with you.”
-Sally

Jefferson's Sons

Jefferson's Sons
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Written for young people, Jefferson's Sons is the story of Sally Hemings' children fathered by Thomas Jefferson and the life they led as slaves at Monticello. This is a very gently-told fictional account of how life may have been for Beverly, Harriet, Maddy and Eston. Their mother Sally was fierce in her love for them and her assurances to them that "Master Jefferson" would set them free upon their 21st birthdays. It was Sally's firm conviction that Beverly, Harriet and Eston would grow up and pass for white in society. It is also the story of Maddy's anger and frustration, knowing his skin would be too dark to pass and that he wouldnever see his siblings again once they came of age. This is a wonderful book to share with older elementary-aged kids, either at home or in the classroom, and would be a great discussion starter.

I especially liked the Afterword. The author explains what is really known about the Hemings family and how she used historical documents to tell this story. She goes on to say that this is her
imagination at work and that someone else using the same historical documents might well write a totally different story. There is a lot here to get kids thinking. The author includes a list of sources for further study.

- Linda