Riding Freedom

by Pam Munoz Ryan

A fictionalized account of Charlotte Parkhurst, legendary stagecoach driver and the first woman to vote in California, if not the United States. In the 1800s orphaned girls had few rights and it certainly wasn't proper for one to better than a boy at horse riding. When life became too constricted at the grim orphanage, Charlotte set out on her own disguised as a boy. Working first as a stable hand and then as a driver until finally heading west. Ryan does a wonderful job bringing Charlotte to life while adding many memorable characters to the story including stable master Vern, fellow orphan Hayward, and mean Mr. Millshark. Many full page pencil drawings by Brian Selznick are peppered throughout the story and add additional interest to the story.

5 of 5 stars - Highly Recommended.

Smugglers' Mine

by Chris Mould

In book five Stanley receives a visitor to the island, MacDowell, an old pirate who claims to have been a friend of Stanley's great uncle Admiral Swift. Stanley is taken with the new visitor and his stories and trusts him to help him with secrets of the map as they explore the underground tunnels for treasure. The new challenges Stanley faces in this book will keep reader's interest as Mould recaptures some of the quality from his earlier books.

4 of 5 stars - Recommended.

The Darkling Curse

by Chris Mould

In book four of the series readers find Stanley in yet another puzzling dilemma. Sinister and menacing black crows descend on Candlestick Hall foreshadowing the arrival of the Darkling family, who claim that the hall legally belongs to them. Stanley and friend Daisy use secret passages to spy on the Darklings, but it is their quick wit and resourcefulness that bring about a favorable ending. Reader’s unfamiliar with Stanley and the residents of Crampton Rock may not enjoy the book as thoroughly as those who are familiar with the series.

3 of 5 stars - Recommended.

Originally posted 28Dec2009

Silver Casket

by Chris Mould

In book three of the series, the power of the Ibis is drawing forth the sinister spirits of long dead pirates, including the evil Angel Cuzco. Stanley and Daisy prepare to protect Crampton Rock with the help of the gypsies, clever planning, and a bit of luck. The plot action moves at an uneven pace and is a bit scarier than previous books. Readers unfamiliar with the storyline may wish to read the first two books before reading this one.

3 of 5 stars - Recommended.

Originally posted 20Mar2010.

The Ice Hand

by Chris Mould

In book two of the series Stanley Buggles return to Crampton Rock for a winter visit. There’s a chill in the air and it is not because of the weather. Stanley must help a headless Admiral find his head, defend the Ibis from the approaching pirates and prevent the Quickening. Although readers are familiar with Mould’s air of creepiness the plot maintains its quick pace and eerie reading that readers will enjoy.

5 of 5 stars - Highly Recommended.

Originally posted 22Apr2009.

The Wooden Mile : Something Wickedly Weird

by Chris Mould

Stanley receives the front door key to his newly deceased great-uncle’s mansion, Candlestick Hall in Crampton Rock. Stanley knew right off that there was something very different about the place, and rightly so as Stanley encounters a talking fish, a creepy candy store owner, a werewolf, and a trio of pirates. Mould offers readers a quick paced story and black-and-white illustrations with just enough creepiness. The first of six books, readers may enjoy visiting the books website for more information on the characters and appropriately creepy noises.

5 of 5 stars - Highly Recommended.

Originally posted 16Feb2009.

The Treasure Keepers

by Chris Mould

The last  book of Mould's Something Wickedly Weird series. Crampton Rock's self-appointed guardian Stanley Buggles and friend Daisy Grouse form the Secret Keepers-Alliance long with the Darkling children. They will need all their skills as Old MacDowell returns on a pirate ship intent on betraying them yet again, that is until he is bitten by the island's werewolf and needs to be locked up himself. The children try their own tricks, along with the help of the talking pike, to save the rock from being blown up for a bit of gold. Unlike the earlier books in the series this book can be read without the others, although the readers would enjoy the background the earlier books would provide.

4 or 5 stars - Recommended.

Misty Gordon and the Mystery of the Ghost Pirates

by Kim Kennedy

It's hard enough being eleven, it's even harder when your farther buys dead people's antiques and drives a converted ice-cream truck. While working with her dad one day, Misty finds a notebook and pair of glasses that uncovers the mystery of the Golden Three and the real history behind the town of Ashcrumb. Although there are some minor plot flaws the overall story line is engaging and at a swift enough pace to keep readers attention. The black-and-white chapter headings add nicely to the overall "antique" feel of the book.

3 of 5 stars - Recommended.

The Star Maker

by Laurence Yep

Tired of being bullied and called names by his older cousin eight-year old Artie foolishly boosts that not only will he have firecrackers for Chinese New Year's he'll have enough firecrackers for everyone. Uncle Chester promises to help Artie keep his word but time is running out and it doesn't look good. Yep develops Artie and Uncle Chester nicely as well as the background of the colorful San Francisco Chinatown of the 1950s.

2 of 5 Stars.