Books of the Month: June 2013
Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson: My youngest son and I are enjoying reading this series together. Raiders of the Sea begins the story of Bree, a young Irish girl, and her capture by Viking raiders. As she struggles to escape from their fourteen-year-old leader, Mikkel, she finds strength in her fellow captives and her deep faith. In Mystery of the Silver Coins, Bree continues to struggle to find a way back to Ireland while having to prove to Mikkel that she did not steal his bag of silver coins. The Kindle price for all five books is extremely reasonable.
The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff: We are studying the first book in Sutcliff's Roman Britain Trilogy over the summer using the study guide from Progeny Press. I recommend reading it aloud to middle school children, then have them read each chapter independently while working through the study guide. It is an excellent historical fiction account of courage and determination as the main character, Marcus, searches for the symbol of his father's lost legion.
Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George: George's Inspector Lynley series continues with a recuperating Barbara Havers mixed-up in a mystery outside her jurisdiction. But, will Barbara survive the scrutiny of her superiors and save not just her career by the life of a friend?
Pity the Beautiful by Dana Gioia: I recommend more than one read of this poignant, personal collection of Gioia's poetry. Stunning!