Witch of Blackbird Pond

Witch of Blackbird Pond
by
Elizabeth George Speare
Newbery Award winner
copyright 1958

Kit is new to a New England town in the late 1600's, having been raised in Barbados. Her relatives and the townsfolk are shocked at her dress and behavior. Kit sees that New England is drab and dreary and the people do not have fun. It is work, work, work, then church, church, church. Can this tropical bird find a home in Connecticut? Is joy and laughter really prohibited by the Bible? It is dangerous times, politically, in the not-yet United States. It is also dangerous to depart from the normal. If a woman does stand out, she may be accused of practicing witchcraft. This is not Salem, Massachusetts, but it might as well be.
I have read this book numerous times and when I found out that I was going to be visiting Barbados this year, I had to read it again.
I highly recommend this book to 9-16 year old girl readers. I don't think most boys would get into the fashion, etc. very much.

Secret of the Three Treasures

Secret of the Three Treasures
by
Janni Lee Simner
Children's Fiction, ages 7-10.

The main character, Tierney West, takes her place in the echelon of perky heroines. She is always ready for adventure, like Laura Ingalls, the Baudelaire children, Lucky (from Higher Power of Lucky), or Nancy Drew. Another way to look at it is that she has ADHD, but let's be kind and say she is an adventurer.
Tierney wants to be like her father - a writer and adventurer, but she is stuck at home with her mother. What is a girl to do? Look for adventure! This is a quick and easy read with lots of action.
I think I saw this on a list of books to give your grandchildren if you are into genealogy and history. Tierney finds out about her ancestors' past while she is adventuring.