The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum

The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum, one of the most talented authors/editors I know, is an exciting fantasy/time travel story about a girl named Abby and her boyfriend Dante as well as Dante's brother Orlando, who are trying to stop the evil Zo (Lorenzo) from destorying time itself.

It is the third book in the series, and it is a great conclusion. Through devious ways, Zo tricks Abby into giving him her locket which contain's Dante's life force. But will Abby, Dante, and Orland be able to get it back and save the river of time from unraveling altogether? Read this exciting book and find out! This book is more for older kids and adults as it contains kissing. The scenes are clean and there is nothing more serious than PG in the book.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is one of my favorite books of all time. I just finished listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoy it. Though (obviously) lacking the amazing pictures that help tell the story in the book, the audio book, narrated by Jason Isaacs tells the story just as well as the paper book.

Young Conor is stressed, worried, grieving. His mom is slowly dying of some unnamed disease, though it is strongly inferred that it is cancer, and he doesn't know how to deal with his emotions. Along comes a tough-love, compassionate monster formed from a yew tree that grows on a hill behind Conor's house. It patiently walks him through his emotions through different stories it tells him. In the end, Conor needs to tell one himself. A true story. But will he have the strength to face himself enough to do so? Read this wonderful tale, and find out!

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl is a delightful children's story about a little boy named James and how he goes on an adventure with some unusual friends.

Poor little James is forced to live with his wicked aunts, Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge after his parents are eaten by a rinoceros. One day, he encounters a strange little man who gives him a paper back filled with strange, wiggling cristals, and shortly after that, an old peach tree that didn't have so much as a leaf on it before, begins to grow an enormous peach! What happens after James discovers what (or who) is inside the peach? Read this fun book and find out!

Life After People DVD Directed by David De Vries

Life After People directed by David De Vries and put out by the History Channel is an interesting look at how the world and the animals on it would likely adapt if people were all suddenly to disappear and leave everything behind as it is, just without us.

Some species would have a really hard time, like mice, and domestic dogs, others would be just fine. Although I personally don't want to disappear any time soon, it is an interesting documentary to watch about how the Earth would move on without us.

The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency TV Series based on the books by Alexander McCall Smith

The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency TV series, which I watched on DVD, which are based on the books by the same name by Alexander McCall Smith, are really fun shows to watch. Mma Ramotswe and her no nonsense secretary, Mma Makutsu solve crimes and mysteries in their little corner of Botswana.

In one episode, Mma Ramotswe follows the trail of a kidnapped child whom she fears was taken to sacrifice for wicked voodoo reasons. In another, she investigates the disappearance of a man who had gone into a river with other church goers to assist with baptisms. In yet another, Mma Ramotswe bravely confronts her abusive ex-husband and realizes how much she appreciates the sweet and honorable Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni. It is a series that I strongly recommend.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart

In The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma, book 3 in the Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart, the kids, Renny, Kate, Sticky, and Constance, are off on their third adventure.

This time, Mr. Curtain, the nemesis of their benefactor, the kindly Mr. Benedict, is after The Whisperer, his sinster contraption that he used to influence the minds of children and adults alike before Mr. Benedict took it to keep Mr. Curtain from using it again. But because of government interference and Mr. Curtain's sneakiness, he and his cronies capture it again. As well as the children! Will they be able to escape? Will their parents and Mr. Benedict come to their rescue in time? Read the book and find out!

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart is a fun adventure for kids and adults who like middle grade. The young heroes are back with their adult supporters. Renny, Sticky, Kate, and Constance, and of course Mr. Benedict, Number Two, Ronda, Milligan, and the kids' parents and guardians.

This time, they don't expect any danger but a fun adventure. Instead, Mr. Benedict and Number 2 are kidnapped by the sinister Mr. Curtain and his evil henchmen, and of course the children dash off (without telling the other grown ups of course) to rescue Mr. Benedict and Number 2. The journey takes them over the ocean and over the terraine of an island. Will they be able to outsmart Mr. Curtain and his henchmen, or will the children be captured, too? Read the book and find out!