This is the story of James Madison Hemings, son of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. It's a quiet reflection on his life and his father. He acknowledges that his father did many great things, but he also owned enslaved people and did not free them upon his death (other than the children of Sally Hemings, but not Hemings herself). I think this is a fitting way to introduce complication into the Jefferson narrative for young and old.

An interesting look at four presidents, focusing on their relationship with slavery. Due to the nature of the amount of material we have about slavery, I would say the focus is far more on the presidents. I think it is up to you to decide whether that makes this book good, or bad, or changes the way you feel about it at all. I am okay with it. I wish their had been more information, but I recognize the limitations of what we have.

I think one of my favorite things about this book is how Fleming talked about First Nations material. She explained why she used each term, and owns any mistakes. To me, that is the best way you can work with it.

I didn't know much about Buffalo Bill to begin with, and I admit that Western stories aren't always my favorite. I did enjoy this one more than I thought I would. Fleming works to explain what we know to be true about Bill, and what is perhaps myth. I also liked that she laid out his flaws, and his complicated relationships. For me, this one is a winner.

It was okay. I like his Star Wars series much more. I found this one to be confusing at times. I think if it were presented as a series of vignettes, I would have liked it more. Instead, I just found myself sort of wondering what the point was. It was clear he did a lot of research, and I did like that part. I think it may have been a case of the wrong reader for the book.

Twins are born. Rather than sacrifice one as they are supposed to when a parent is an Other, the girl is kept hidden in the attic. For all anyone knows, she does not exist. Her kind are hunted, called monsters. But when a simple switcharoo causes all kinds of problems, will this Redwing soar?

I enjoyed this one. At times, I found the mythology and the action a bit confusing, but it was nice to read something different (where a volcano factors in heavily.) I'm looking forward to reading other books by Rule.

I liked this one, although not as much as I thought I would. It is a compelling tale, interweaving the author's quest to discover what happened to Fawcett with Fawcett's own life. Basically, what I realized was that I do not want to go exploring in the jungle any time soon.

Quicksilver is 12, and her only companion is her dog, Fox. There is a boy, Sly Boots, who sometimes lets her stay in his attic if it gets too cold. If you're alone, no one can hurt you. But an old lady with a scraggly dog wanders into town, seeming to be a witch, even though the Wolf King has outlawed witchcraft for years. Can Quicksilver let the woman change her life?

I loved this one so much. It has heart, it has complex plots about good and evil and the nature of truth, and what friendship is.

Kyle is running away from the September 11 attacks, knowing his father is running toward them. He sees a girl, covered in ash, on the Brooklyn Bridge, and brings her home. She doesn't remember her name, just bits and pieces about her life. As they live through the days following the attack and taking care of his Uncle Matt, Kyle is smitten further and further. This can't last forever though. What will happen when she remembers who she is?

I have been loving this story, told from both Kyle and the girl's point of view. Each is clearly delineated by a change in font. It's also a good reminder of what New York City was like at that time, and for those who had family in the towers and involved in the clean-up.

This is an adorable piece of magical realism about a girl named Emmaline May, who sees winged horses in the mirrors of Briar Hall, the mansion-turned-hospital where she lives. She has what she calls the "stillwaters" (what we would today call tuberculosis) and lives with other kids that have the same during WWII. There are nuns there trying to keep the children alive and happy, and a one-armed man named Jack who is a caretaker. Em's closest friend is a girl named Anna, who is also the most ill. She lies in bed all the time. One day, Em finds one of the winged horses hiding in the garden and finds a note from the Horse Lord asking her to take care of it.

I think the beauty of this story is that you can choose to read it two different ways--you can give into the magic or stay with the mundane. I really enjoyed it, and think that it's a great story for horse lovers young and old.

Jazz Jennings demonstrates that she is wise beyond her years and an inspiration to us all in this memoir. You can hear her voice distinctly throughout the whole book. I also enjoyed hearing how she understands that she had an unusual situation but continues to work for ending discrimination against those who are not as lucky. If anyone is curious about what it is like to be transgender, this book is an excellent place to start.