(3) 4-6 Dear America series. In this follow-up to The Winter of Red Snow, Abigail and her family follow George Washington's Revolutionary War regiment. Abby is a young teenager coming of age during wartime, and her growth is both realistic and engaging. Historical information occasionally overtakes the story's plot line, but fans of the Dear America series may welcome the background and will otherwise find a solid read.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. Three reissued titles find orphaned Margaret as companion to a wealthy woman aboard the Titanic; Abigail describing Valley Forge; and "Mem" telling of the Mayflower voyage. In new series entry Fences, Piper discusses her family's involvement in WWII. Each of the fictional diaries, in addition to presenting one girl's unique perspective, conveys engaging information about the story's time period. Review covers these Dear America titles: The Winter of Red Snow, The Fences Between Us, A Journey to the New World, and Voyage on the Great Titanic.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 In this story set in 1860s Idaho (and inspired by the titular song), Clementine, smart and lovely, is determined to make something of herself. However, she's forced to make choices that, seemingly, lead to tragedy. Though the characters are types (spunky little sister, obedient mother, too-good-to-be-true Chinese servant who saves the day), the story provides a creative take on frontier life.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Precocious twelve-year-old Bronte and her parents move from New Mexico to California for a fresh start. For Bronte, this includes organizing a summer book club in order to make new friends. Hesitant at first, the girls open up as they transform into true confidants. A near-drowning adds unnecessary melodrama, but this tale of friendship will entertain tween readers.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) 1-3 My America series. This entry in the series continues the story of eleven-year-old Hope, whose father is fighting at Valley Forge with Washington. The family's house in Philadelphia is occupied by British soldiers, who are rude and demanding. Hope's diary entries effectively capture the events and concerns of the era. A historical note with reproductions is appended.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 1-3 My America series. In this sequel to Five Smooth Stones, ten-year-old Hope continues to chronicle the events of the Revolutionary War as they affect her family in 1777. Hope, her mother, and older brother keep their Philadelphia household running, even after six unwelcome Redcoats take up residence with them. Hope's voice seems genuine, and historical details are incorporated into the story. An endnote offers additional period information.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) 4-6 Royal Diaries series. This fictional diary recounts the year and a half leading up to Eleanor's marriage to Louis, Prince of France. While the details of twelfth-century court life are vivid (as when Eleanor rules that children must use chamber pots for fear they will fall into the "privy"), it is hard to believe that the kind, earnest teenager will turn into the fiery Eleanor of Aquitaine that history remembers. A glossary of characters and historical note are appended.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) 1-3 My America series. Set in Philadelphia in 1776, this absorbing addition to the series offers the short diary entries of nine-year-old Hope. She helps her pregnant mother with chores and worries about her father, who is at sea on a wartime mission, and her brother, who has run away to join the Redcoats. Historical events are woven smoothly into the story, and a note at the end provides further information on the period.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. Susanna chronicles her family's experiences living in the gold rush camps in the mountains of the California Territory during the year 1849. Addressing the dangers for women and minorities, as well as the loyalties and the betrayals associated with mining, Gregory presents an accurate portrayal of the difficult life in the mining camps. Appendices include a historical note, photographs, illustrations, a recipe, a song, and a map.

Reviewer: Juliet Stebbins

(4) 4-6 Royal Diaries series. Despite occasionally breathless prose, this is nonetheless an engaging fictionalized account of twelve-year-old Cleopatra, as she awaits not only her fate but that of Egypt as well. Readers will need patience to keep track of names and events, but the book provides a clear picture of life in ancient Egypt and Rome. A historical note, reproductions, and maps are appended.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. As fourteen-year-old Libby travels west with her journalist father and the rest of her family, she describes the progress of the construction of the transcontinental railroad, as well as the friends and trials her family encounter on their journey. Historical facts are nicely integrated into the fictional text, and a historical note is appended.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) 4-6 In 1878, two young brothers escape from a San Francisco orphanage and end up in a gold-mining town, looking for their uncle. What could have been a colorful portrait of the Wild West, peopled with interesting characters, suffers from sketchy development and preachiness, especially regarding the older brother's prejudice against his uncle's Chinese-American wife.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.