Girl in a Box

Book Description

"It's taken me almost a whole lifetime to become a decent liar."

Award-winning author Sujata Massey is back with a delicious blend of mystery and contemporary women's fiction, and in Girl in a Box, Japanese-American sleuth Rei Shimura is on her most dangerous outing yet.

Chronically underemployed Rei takes a freelance gig with a Washington, D.C., alphabet agency that just might have ties to the CIA. Her mission, should she choose to accept it, is to go undercover as a clerk in a big Tokyo department store. It's a tricky and risky assignment, but it also gives Rei the opportunity to check out all the latest fashions and use her store discount to indulge her shopping impulses.

Meanwhile, she's listening in on conversations not meant for her and crashing a conference she's not invited to. She winds up fending off the advances of a couple of the store's executives who seem to be fascinated by her navel ring. When her cover is blown, Rei is in big trouble, and it will take all her resourcefulness and unorthodox methods to unmask a killer.

Customer Reviews:

Faux Rei.......2007-05-31

It's been seven-and-a-half years since we were first introduced to intrepid girl sleuth with an international flair, Rei Shimura, in "The Salaryman's Wife". So much has happened to Rei since then: she started her own successful antiques business; deeply loved and lost two men; been kidnapped, nearly stabbed; poisoned; nearly burnt to death in an arson fire; pushed down a flight of subway stairs, thrown out of a speeding car, & nearly drowned in a typhoon-swollen river. She has had her picture in the tabloid press, been deported for breaking into a hotel room; broken an engagement (twice) and lost her lover's baby.

Rei has only aged a year to every two of ours out in reader land, taking her from 27 to 30 years old. Still, with all that, and her twenties now behind her, one would expect this slightly older Rei to be slightly wiser, too, and have an adventure worthy of all her growing life experience. I found "Girl in a Box" disappointing on that score. This installment finds Rei back in Tokyo, posing as the 'perfect' department store employee: a 23-year-old well-bred and immaculately-groomed girl still living at home with her parents. Her mission: to gather intelligence about potential organized crime activity on behalf of the American government. Since it comes as a surprise to no one that the Japanese mafia ('yakuza') has its fingers in every major profit-making concern in Japanese interests both domestic and abroad, the conceit that it's so shocking to the fictitious government agency that employs Rei that they'd go to ridiculous lengths to imperil her life by sending her in to gather intel is the only real mystery here. Rei as a covert ops agent alone strains credulity; allegedly she has been spending 6 months in spy school, but she's not very good at it, as she manages to make frequent blunders as called for by the plot in order to maximize her peril. For all her blundering about on the job, evidently she slips so effortlessly into her cover, aided by a super-glam makeup job and new haircut, that no one ever questions her identity. Rather odd, since her quaint non-native pronunciation & her functional illiteracy in reading written Japanese have always made her stand out and struggle in the past. Rei is just not convincing as either a department store doll or a spy. A large part of Rei's prickly charm is missing in this installment; her complete lack of introspection becomes grating--it was only two books ago that Rei had a miscarriage & ended her relationship with Hugh for good(again), but there's no hint of that water under the bridge. Indeed, there is no connection to any of Rei's past life at all, save one brief appearance each of Aunt Norie and BFF Richard Randall. It's rather instructive that Rei is posing as a 23-year-old here, because Massey has essentially erased most of the last 7 years like they never happened.

The best part of any Rei adventure for me is always the Japanese cultural tidbits. Through Rei's exploits I have learned a great deal about antique Japanese woodwork; kimono, ikebana; comic book culture & the battles 'half-blooded' people fight daily in that society. This book focuses on the modern Japanese obsession with mass consumerism, a facet that is neither flattering to the Japanese people nor particularly interesting. Having spent 6 years in Japan, I can say that Ms. Massey's cultural details and the physical aspects of her locations have been spot-on so far. I never had the funds to shop in the upscale department stores such as the one Rei works in here, but it still fails to engage me on a level of her other books. I do wonder whether the real Mitsutan Department store, an actual company, and the Japanese equivilent of Macy's, has any issues with being raked over the coals as a hotbed of underworld criminal activity? That would be a severe loss of face for them, even if the work is entirely fictional.

As a stand-alone work, "Girl in a Box" is a pleasant-enough outing. But for those of us familiar with Rei's milieu, this effort falls far short of what we are accustomed to seeing. I don't think any of us are ready, either, to see Rei replace Hugh so quickly with her older boss, no matter how attractive he might be. Let's hope that Rei makes good on her plan to quit the spy agency and return to her first love of antiques. The antiques world desperately needs her, but the espionage world is better off if she stays as far away as possible. I'm also gunning for a return to the picture of Rei's estranged lover, Hugh Glendinning. Rei might not want to admit it, but even if those two are often like sushi & Guinness, they belong together.

Yet Another Great Rei Book.......2007-04-05

In this new adventure, the reader has the opportunity to read on the makings of a new spy. How carefully the cover story and the training have to be develop a "personality profile". Then, the reader is allowed to stoll in the poshiest department store in Japan, thru the cover of Rei as an employee. Its a delightful book that grabs your attention since the first page. Rei's character is growing older and more complex. Yes she has made a lot of mistakes, but to me that is what makes her more interesting and fresh...i never know how she is going to react! That is what keeps me reading.
There is something to be said about the careful description of garment labels. It is a very Japanese thing to do; it seems many Japanese are enamored about couture names. It is only normal that our Rei Shimura is also very interested in them too!
I am eagerly awaiting for the next book!

Rei is getting off the mark.......2007-03-16

I have read all of the Rei Shimura books and have enjoyed all but the last two tremendously. Rei is an engaging and surprising character--completely unstereotypical, as are her interesting parents and family. But, it was extremely disappointing that the relationship with Hugh ended, and Rei's character and the plotlines are increasingly problematical. I do not believe Rei as an undercover operative and Michael is too boring a character for words. There are so many interesting adventures Rei could have. Why not make her a reporter for a bilingual US/Japan magazine? She could develop into an art consultant and extend the series in that direction. How about a brief (tragic?) marriage to a Japanese man? Rei's self-absorption and character flaws grow increasingly irksome as she enters her 30's. Time to grow up. Hugh was the perfect foil for Rei--bring him back, please!

Rei is a delightful character.......2007-03-16

Rei is a delightful character, youthful and mature at the same time, and she is why I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. While I have little interest in fashion myself, I got caught up in Rei's interest. The importance of Japanese culture to the story is a definite plus, and the writing is very competent, competent enough to make Rei a credible character. The plot makes sense once you are willing to accept the secret organization which is Rei's employer, and why this organization would take on the mission it did. The novel has a very mediocre beginning, but gets much better once Rei makes it to Japan and begins her employment in the department store; the mystery aspect becomes important, and even suspenseful, at about the time Rei meets the Indian MBA, which is well along in the book.

an entertaining read.......2007-03-09

I look forward to each of Rei's new adventures. This latest one did not disappoint me.

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy

Average customer rating:

School Review
The heroing tale of a young girl taking a stand
Behind Rebel Lines
The good Forcer
A woman's extraordinary role in the civil war

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
Seymour Reit
Manufacturer: Gulliver Books Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0152164278

Book Description

In 1861, when war erupted between the States, President Lincoln made an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army. Posing in turn as a slave, peddler, washerwoman, and fop, Emma became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death at every turn behind Confederate lines.

Customer Reviews:

School Review.......2006-12-15

Disguised as a union soldier, Emma would risk her life for her country. Emma Edmonds was born in Saint John, Canada in 1840. When she was sixteen years old she ran away to the United States. When she was twenty one, President Lincoln made a request for seventy five thousand men to volunteer for the Army. She decided that she wanted to be a field nurse for the Union Army but those jobs were so dangerous that they were only given to men. So she cut her hair short, dressed up like a man, and enlisted under the name Franklin Thompson. Emma was assigned to the Second Regiment of Michigan Volunteers. The next day she and all the others in her Regiment were off to training camp. Upset at hearing the news that one of her friends had died in the war, Emma went to go see a woman named Mrs. Butler who lived on the camp with the soldiers. Emma started talking and she ended up telling her secret identity. After that day, Mrs. Butler became Emma's closest friend and the only one who new here secret. One day news came to the camp that a Union spy had been killed at a rebel camp. Now they needed a new spy and Emma volunteered. So she disguised herself as a black slave named Cuff. She snuck onto a rebel camp to gather any valuable information. She found out how many weapons they had, where people were hiding, anything that would help the union defeat the rebels. Once she had gathered enough information, she snuck back to the Union camp. With this information, the union began to fight. Emma became very busy in the hospital as more and more got injured. As the union reached a river, they had to stop and make a bridge across it which would take weeks. The Union army didn't have enough information to make an attack. It was time for Emma to become a spy again. This time she dressed up as a middle aged peddler woman. In this disguise she had no trouble at all getting into the camp and she was allowed to walk around freely. She found out a lot of useful information including the fact that the rebels had an ambush waiting for the union troops. She then rode away on a one of the rebel's horses. They were so impressed with Emma's work that they made her a messenger during all the fighting. For many months Emma was sent off on spy missions and was successful on all of them. Emma returned to being a nurse as the war went on. She was then struck with malaria. She couldn't go to the hospital she worked at because then they would find out she was a girl. So she decided to leave, get the help she needed and then come back. So she left and checked herself into a hospital. Once she got her malaria under control, she saw a union poster in a window. It said that Franklin Thompson was absent without leave. He was known as a deserter. Emma was upset but she continued being a nurse under her rightful name. Later on, after she was married she petitioned the war department to review her case. She had her military rights restored and received and honorable discharge. Other troops were surprised to find out that their old friend Frank Thompson was actually Emma Edmonds. Emma lived in La Porte until her death in 1898. This is a good book full of adventure and suspense.

I thought it was cool how Emma was able to pull off so many disguises. Emma's biggest disguise was being a man. She was able to fool everyone, even her fellow soldiers who she became friends with, that she was a guy. She pulled it off without anyone ever asking questions. Also, there was her favorite disguise, the black slave named Cuff. She was again pretending to be a guy and she was able to come up with something to make her skin look dark. She was able to fool everyone in the rebel camp. Another disguise was as a peddler woman. Even though she was dressed up as a girl, no one ever thought that she actually looked like a real girl. She was even able to fool them then.

Emma was brave and took many risks during her life. One big risk was just signing up. She could have gotten into a lot of trouble if they found out that she was lying and was a girl. And being in the middle of a war is dangerous too. Another risk was when Emma disguised herself as Mr. Mayberry. She was supposed to lead a man, who was leaking union information to the rebels, into a union ambush. If anything went wrong she could've ended up dead and no one would have known. Also, when she was dressed up as a black slave woman, she could have gotten killed. She found secret rebel documents and was going to take them back to her camp. But if she was caught with them they probably would have killed her.

When ever Emma made a decision she stuck to it and didn't turn back. For example, when she decided to run away. She was only sixteen and was afraid of her dad. But she set her fears aside and made the decision to leave and she was happy about it. Another example is when she decided to volunteer for the Army. She was scared and worried that they wouldn't believe her disguise. But she made her decision and wasn't going to second guess herself. Also, when she wanted to become a spy. It was dangerous but she wanted to do it anyway. And even after Mrs. Butler tried and tried to convince her not to do it, Emma stuck to her decision.

This is a great book that will make you not want to put it down. I would recommend it to most people who like biographies and adventure story. This book may not interest everyone but overall it was good.

C. Chapman

The heroing tale of a young girl taking a stand.......2006-02-21

Emma Edmonds is a young girl from Canada, living in the North during the Civil War. She's always been outgoing and bold- never able to stay in one place at a time. So when she feels a calling to join the Union army, she does what any rebellious girl would do- cuts her hair, gets the uniform, and joins up. At first she's awkward and unsure- terrified that she'll be discovered. She sees the whole thing as a big adventure-that is, until an old love interest of hers is killed in the war. She decides to really take a stand and looks at the war in a whole different way. She fights with all her power-until she gets word that a Union spy was recently killed by the Confederates. She quickly lands the job of replacement. She goes across the rebel lines, a different disguise each time, and collects useful information which helped to save many battles.
Emma Edmonds, whom I had never heard of before reading the book, is a facinating character. How she summoned the courage to join the army I will never know. A very good book, but a little slow in places.

Behind Rebel Lines.......2005-05-03

I didn't really like this book. I didn't really like the author's writing style, it was a little hard to understand and follow. The subject wasn't very interesting to me. I think that it would have been hard to try to re-create a story about the civil war. I think that the author did good on that.

I wouldn't really recommend this book unless you are interested in things about the army. I think that it was cool though that a woman would take that kind of risk just to be in combat. Also it was cool that she was that passionate about serving her country.

The good Forcer.......2004-12-11

My grandma forced me to read "Behind Rebel Lines". But it turned out to be an awsome and interesting book!

A woman's extraordinary role in the civil war.......2003-12-28

Behind the Lines is an adaptation of the Emma Edmonds story for young adults. Emma Edmonds was a native of Saint John New Brunswick, Canada who left for the United States several years prior to the war. She eventually found her way to Michigan where, following the outbreak of war, she under the alias Franklin Thompson enlisted with the 2nd Michigan Infantry. She served with the unit as an orderly for about a year before she volunteered herself as a spy, and during the course of the next year went on eleven assignments. Not only were her spying activities dangerous, but she always had to remain vigilant among her comrades as well, lest her identity be discovered. This is a very interesting and entertaining bit of history, one that is sure to interest even some of those who insist that history is "bo-ring".

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls)

Average customer rating:

Love and Crime!
Love and Crime!
Better than expected
Great for daughters and mothers!
good writing but plot has holes

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls)
Ally Carter
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1423100042
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Book Description

The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls schoolthat is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE, the latest in chemical warfare in science; and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes computer class. So in truth, Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniusesbut its really a school for spies. Cammie Morgan is a second generation Gallagher Girl, and by her sophomore year shes already fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti).But the one thing the Gallagher Academy hasnt prepared her for is what to do when she falls for an ordinary boy who thinks shes an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without his ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her?Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, shes beginning her most dangerous missionshes falling in love.

Customer Reviews:

Love and Crime!.......2007-08-29

This was Alias meets high school. Cameron Morgan is a Gallagher Girl. Translation, she's being trained to be a spy at her private school. She and her other soon-to-be-licensed-to-kill gal pals speak in multiple language, have been using roundhouse kicks for years, and absolutely don't know how to act around normal boys. To make it even worse, Cameron's mother is the principal of said school and so her problems are multiplied. Of course, Cameron meets a normal boy and can't tell him who she really is.

She finds herself on a tight balance, trying to date her hottie and do well in classes such as CoveOps, where she learns to trail people successfully on the DL. Her friends all call her the Chameleon for obvious reasons. What she really loves about her new boypal is that he seems to notice her, whereas usually she has been taught to blend in to the background.

There is a town vs. gown kind of rivalry going on, as well. The townie folk don't trust those Gallagher Girls. They are thought to be snooty and rich. While the Gallagher Girls are for the most part wealthy, they certainly aren't snooty, just can't reveal who they really are to most people. So Cammie has to pretend she is NOT a Gallagher Girl, causing her to tell lie after lie. You know she is going to be caught eventually, but you sympathize because this is her first boyfriend.

There are a lot of funny moments: the girls get ready dressed up for the CoveOps class (the teacher is really hot) only to find themselves facing the creepier paranoid chemistry teacher. I also laughed out loud as said boyfriend drove a forklift into a building while Cammie is performing a simulated heist. He thinks she is being kidnapped. I also enjoyed when they learn how to learn dirt on people through what is in someone's trash. Next thing you know, Cammie, Bex, and the other girls are looking through the boy's trash collecting notes and candy wrappers like they are evidence.

It is an enjoyable read for girls that are sick of the whole Clique or Gossip Girl scene. These are REAL girls with REAL problems (dead parents, how to tell if a boy likes you, choosing your friends over boys). It also had humor reminiscent of Kiki Strike. The girls are feeling bonded as they connect themselves to rappelling cables.

Love and Crime!.......2007-08-29

Better than expected.......2007-08-25

I got this book only because i was at Borders and it looked alittle interesting. I ended up asking my friend about it, who said she only read half of it and then gave up. So when i started the book i was alittle ugg. I started reading it and i was almost tempted to stop only because it was still background information. But half way through it started getting interesting. And surprisingly i ended up really enjoying it. The author seemed to do a lot of studying and all the facts seemed well reserched. The only thing i can still complain about it that sometimes through out the book. especially while drive, i wanted to know how she did but she only talked about her friends. I also didnt like the ending. Not that is wasnt a good ending, it was. But it was one of those endings that you kind of make up what happens. and i dont like those books. but i am looking forward to reading the next one.

Great for daughters and mothers!.......2007-08-16

This is a smart, well written book. Not a lot of gratuitous malice. Even the details are well researched and interesting. I don't know why this book hasn't been picked up as a television show yet. Daughters from about 7 to 15 will enjoy this book and if mothers want to know what's being read, they can enjoy it too, it's that interesting.

good writing but plot has holes.......2007-08-13

I really enjoyed reading the book because the writing was great and I liked the premise of the story. A spy school for girls sound awesome and empowering. And a camouflaged romance is exciting.

The characters, Cammie and her friends, are very likeable. The reason I gave only 3 stars is because:
1. Her lies to Josh (the boy she was sneaking out to meet) were ridiculous. She gave him her real name but made up everything else about herself. It was irritating because it didn't make any sense. You could see how she was mucking up the relationship from the beginning.

2. After all the lies, you have no clue what they had to talk about to build a relationship on!! She lied about her schooling, so they couldn't talk about her 'hopes and dreams'. She lied about her family, so he couldn't sympathize with her parental situation. Basically, I don't know how they got to 'know' each other when her life was a lie.

I think she could have let him get to know her without giving her whole identity away and it would have made this story better.

Average customer rating:

One of our favorite revolutionary war books!
Ryan Reader's 3
Ryan's Readers 2
Phoebe the Spy
Great story

Phoebe the Spy
Judith Griffin
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0698119568

Book Description

Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington's housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has learned. One day Phoebe's father tells her that Washington is planning to leave town in a few days, and the person plotting against him will act before then. Phoebe is very frightened, but she is determined to figure out who is after Washington before it's too late. . . .

"This episode drawn from the Revolutionary War is related with historical accuracy and suspense and illustrated with finesse." (School Library Journal)

Customer Reviews:

One of our favorite revolutionary war books!.......2007-05-15

A great book to include in a unit study or just read out loud to your children. It is filled with excitement and intrigue for children. There is a book two to Phoebe the Spy!

Ryan Reader's 3.......2007-02-07

Phoebe Fraunces is a young girl that is on a mission to help Genearal George Washinngton and findd is trying to kill him.Phoebe had to be a spy. So she had to work undercover.She was a maid for Mr. Washington.I love this book because it was very mysterous.

Ryan's Readers 2.......2007-01-31

Phoebe the Spy is a great book. This is what happens: Phoebe's father asked Phoebe to be a spy and Phoebe said yes, she would do it. She was a brave girl. Phoebe is a wonderful spy. She helped save General Washington's life from Thomas Hickey. I likeed this book because it is a mystery book and I love mystery books.

Phoebe the Spy.......2007-01-19

This is an exciting and wonderful book, but the title character is not real. You can visit the Fraunces Tavern in NYC at Broad and Pearl Streets, and they will tell you that Sam never had a daughter named Phoebe. It is a great book to read, but they need to change the postscript in the back and let people know that the Fraunces family was not African-American, and Thomas Hickey was a traitor, not an assassin.

Great story.......2005-02-23

I liked this book alot! I had to read it for 5th grade so I thought it would stink, but it was really interesting.

Average customer rating:

complete!
good bad girls
Not bad, but more photos needed
good but could have been better
Bond Girls are Forever: The Women of James Bond

Bond Girls Are Forever
John Cork
Manufacturer: Abradale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 081098251X

Book Description

"Before Bond, the parts I used to play in films were demure, sweet, antiseptic and antisex. I wasn't even allowed to think like a woman. Pussy Galore and 007 worked wonders for me."-Honor Blackman, Pussy Galore, Goldfinger

Sexy, stunning, bold, and brazen, the women in James Bond movies are among the most interesting females in films. Attacked by some feminists in the 1960s and 1970s as sex objects, the Bond women today are seen as self-confident, sexually assured role models. Teeming with anecdote, first-person testimony, intelligent commentary, and a wealth of visual material, from film stills to memorabilia, Bond Girls Are Forever explores the mystery and mystique behind the Bond women-as heroes and villains, as actors and characters, as love objects and mother figures, as steely bureaucrats and trained killers.

From Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) rising from the sea in her sexy bikini in Dr. No to secret agent Jinx (Halle Berry) in Die Another Day, the Bond women have had a lasting impact on 007, on the lives of the actresses who played them, and on pop culture. Looking at these icons from both the male and female perspective, this elegant book shows us that no matter how they have changed over time, Bond girls are forever-in the fantasy lives of us all.

Customer Reviews:

complete!.......2007-05-22

this book is fantastic. in a very beautiful and big format, it's complete with all the bondgirls in a great description. very good if you are a bond fan or at least a woman lover!

good bad girls.......2007-01-18

great pictures and an in depth look at each girl and her relationship to the movie

Not bad, but more photos needed.......2006-11-05

Overall the book is ok, however for a coffee table sized book (It's rather tall, which makes it awkward to store in a bookcase - well mine anyway) there's not enough photos, and a bit too much text. Almost all of the photos I'd seen before, so while most people new to the Bond world might be impressed, there's not enough unique content to make the book a must have. Actually come to think of it most of the text does seem like filler, too generic to be interesting. A book this size shouldn't be a novel, it should be mostly photos. With only one or two photos per actress there definitely needs to be a lot more photos.

good but could have been better.......2006-03-21

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but when I had read other reviews I hoped for the best. This is not the best. So, what one is the best? It is the one yet to be published. yet I will admitt that this one is the best out there that I have seen. A book on Bond women should have a lot more pictures, and more inside stories would help as well; yes, more photos, that would do the trick.

Bond Girls are Forever: The Women of James Bond.......2005-09-04

If you are a James Bond lover...you will ENJOY this book!!! Great book!!!

Average customer rating:

A SPY AMONG THE GIRLS
It Was Awesome.
a great read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
great book
It's a laugh

A Spy Among the Girls (Boy/Girl Battle)
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Manufacturer: Yearling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440413907
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Book Description

Valentine’s Day is coming up and love is in the air between Beth Malloy and Josh Hatford. When they are spotted holding hands, Josh tells his teasing brothers that he’s simply spying on the girls to see what they’re plotting next. When Caroline Malloy decides she must know what it’s like to fall in love, too, poor Wally Hatford is in for it!

Meanwhile, big sister Eddie couldn’t care less about that mushy stuff. All she cares about is her sixth-grade science fair project. But when she comes up with a great plan, Josh and Jake Hatford horn in on her project. On the day the plan goes into action, little do the boys know that Eddie has a trick up her sleeve. And with daredevil Caroline’s amazing attention-getting stunt, trouble is sure to follow. Get ready, the Malloys and Hatfords are at it again!

Customer Reviews:

A SPY AMONG THE GIRLS .......2006-11-16

A SPY AMONG THE GIRLS is a great book. It has funny pranks and confused feelings. Miss Caroline the dreama qween is at it again with the I'm the star and gets jeles when Beth, her sister gets love. And when Caroline is desparite she'll go for anyone even Wally Hartford. As for Eddie, the oldest of the girls all she wants is to win the science fair... too bad for her. But what happens when their parents forbid both families to see each other? You will have to read to find out.

It Was Awesome........2005-10-08

A Spy Among the Girls was one of the best books I've ever read. It's one of those books you can't put down because you're just dying to find out what happens next. It was my favorite book in the series.

a great read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2001-12-27

this book is great!!! its easy to read and is fun too!! i love all the books in this series for they are funny and well written and this book is just as good!!!

READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

great book.......2001-12-07

i just love this series its a great book after reading the previous books its funny how josh and beth fall in love and what the rest of the gang has in store. I recommend this book

It's a laugh.......2001-10-04

I loved this book. It is always a laugh to check up on the Malloys and the Hatfords. If you need to laugh then I recommend this hole sires. I won't give away the book but there is a little twist in this book!

Peril at King's Creek: A Felicity Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)

Average customer rating:

One of the most enjoyable additions to the 'American Girl' mysteries, that provides a lesson in history, as well as politics!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
The Great Felicity Mystery!
Suspense All the way
Felicity is Back!

Peril at King's Creek: A Felicity Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)
Elizabeth McDavid Jones
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1593691017

Book Description

Felicity is spending the summer of 1776 at her family's Virginia plantation, King's Creek, where she rides her beloved horse Penny every day. But soon Felicity hears news that British soldiers are burning Patriot farms and raiding their animals. Could the British threaten King's Creek . . . and Penny?

Customer Reviews:

One of the most enjoyable additions to the 'American Girl' mysteries, that provides a lesson in history, as well as politics!.......2007-02-09

The year is 1776. Felicity "Lissie" Merriman is ecstatic to be spending the summer on her family's plantation in King's Creek, where she has the opportunity to ride her cherished horse, Penny, most everyday. However, the stifling June heat instantly leaves Felicity in discomfort, and wanting nothing more than to wade along the river to keep cool. But, alas, Felicity is a young lady, and is expected to accompany her mother to various dinners and teas, all of which leave her bored, and searching for excitement. When Felicity is introduced to a most interesting visitor of the Wentworth family, known as Mr. Haskall, however, her boredom at fancy dinners quickly diminishes. Mr. Haskall is unlike any adult that Felicity has ever met before. He is interested in answering Felicity's many questions, and loves to hear her opinions regarding a large amount of subjects. As a naturalist, and a nature lover, to boot, Mr. Haskall asks permission to search various plantation owners properties, in an attempt to record his findings, and make new discoveries. However, as Mr. Haskall's behavior becomes slightly strange, she begins to question his motives. After all, Felicity has been hearing a lot of news regarding British soldiers, and their penchant for burning down Patriot farms, and stealing the animals of Patriot's to teach these traitors a lesson. Felicity's family are Patriots, and she begins to wonder if something harsh will fall upon her own family. Something that could leave her without a home, and without Penny by her side. With this in mind, Felicity resolves to do a little snooping to learn the truth about the curious Mr. Haskall, and becomes determined to halt any destructive activity that may befall King's Creek or Penny. But when you're a young girl on your own, sometimes trying to stop something as lethal as the British can be more complicated than expected; and Felicity may not have the strength, or the know-how, to protect her family from danger before it's too late.

I remember reading the FELICITY series when I was much younger, and enjoying the tales very much. However, that enjoyment came back to me quickly, as I turned the pages in PERIL AT KING'S CREEK. The spirited nature Felicity always showcased in her previous tales comes alive in this latest addition to her life, illustrating just how fond of her family, home, friends, and animals she truly is. Her newfound friendship with her younger sister Nan is delightful to read about, as their constant bickering has stopped, showing just how much each of the girls has matured over the years. The character of Mr. Haskall was enjoyable to learn more about. His pleasure in nature really makes the reader feel a fondness for his character. However, his penchant for taking advantage of the people around him, by perusing their property whenever he'd like makes him a slightly sketchy character. The two sides of his personality really create a pleasant confusion for the reader, that makes it almost impossible to determine the truth regarding his motives. My only complaint is that Ben was hardly featured in this Felicity tale. However, it was not meant to be, as he is working in Williamsburg over the summer. Luckily, the few times he does appear are quite enjoyable, and the conversation between him and Felicity flows like water. One of the most enjoyable additions to the AMERICAN GIRL mysteries, that provides a lesson in history, as well as politics!

(.....)

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-18

Peril at Kings Creek is about a girl in the 1700's trying to save her horse Penny & kings creek from the british from burning them down.There is alot of turning points in the story.The book is a definite crowd pleaser.The way they used so many emotions was remarkable!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A BOOK THAT BOTH YOUNG AND OLD SHOULD READ!!!!!!!!!!

The Great Felicity Mystery!.......2006-12-02

Felicity is my favorite character in the American Girl Series. A story filled with suspense that gives you chills. I was thrilled to be able to read another Felicity book because I have read her first 6 books many, many times. It is set at the plantation rather than in Williamsburg and Penny, Felicity's favorite horse is in danger. A great book for girls who love reading about history and horses! The American Girl Mystery books are the first mystery books I have read and now I love that genre - Nancy Drew here I come!

Suspense All the way.......2006-05-05

"`What is it Penny, what's wrong?' Felicity asked, easing toward her. Felicity cokced her head, her senses suddenly alert. She had heard something from inside the stall - the clink of metal and the rustle and creek of movement." (Jones, 75)

Elizabeth McDavid Jones' most recent book, "A Felicity Mystery: Peril at Kings Creek," sets in the year of 1776 at Kings Creek Plantation in Virginia, with Felicity Merriman, a spunky, independent eleven-year-old girl, who befriends Mr. Haskall, a supposed botanist traveling from Philadelphia. When Felicity hears news of British soldiers burning Patriot farms and confiscating horses, Felicity can not help but to worry that her beloved horse, Penny, and Kings Creek will be threatened. But when Felicity suspects Mr. Haskall of a secret plot, she must use all her power and determination to catch the true rebel himself, and save dozens of animals and plantations from peril.

The suspense of "Peril at Kings Creek" really comes alive to the reader, and you can somewhat feel all the emotion that takes place throughout the story. Mrs. Jones did a superb job with the research of the "Looking Back" summary of what life was like for Loyalist and Patriots in 1776, which can be noted as an absorbing way for your child to learn about the history of America in late eighteenth century.

Overall, I highly recommend this Felicity Mystery to all girls who enjoy reading about not only horses and mysteries, but rather the life of Americans and British who fought for the freedom of what they believed was right.

Felicity is Back!.......2006-04-03

I'm glad the WB made their Felicity film, as I believe the American Girl people were about to drop her character from the the roster (at least she did not get a short story book the last time, where all of the other girls did). "Lissie" has been one of my favorite characters and the American Revolution period seems to be much ignored in children's historical fiction these days (whereas 80 years ago it was extremely popular). I also enjoyed that the "villain" of this book was not stereotypically bad. I would like to see Lissie's sister and brother fleshed out a bit more, especially now that William is getting older. They tried with Nan in this novel, but I would like to see more.

A Spy On The Home Front: A Molly Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)

Average customer rating:

Watch in amazement as American Girl alienates its core readership!
Well written and not heavy handed
this book rocks!! a kid
a new Molly story
Wonderful New Mystery for Middle Readers

A Spy On The Home Front: A Molly Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)
Alison Hart
Manufacturer: American Girl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1584859881

Customer Reviews:

Watch in amazement as American Girl alienates its core readership!.......2005-10-23

The story is exciting, and the ending bittersweet, which is quite fitting given that the book concerns the internment of German-Americans as well as German citizens during WWII.

However, the historical notes section of the book is quite troubling. Opposition to American entry into the war prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, as well as general political opposition to Roosevelt, is equated with support of Nazism. Furthermore, Hitler is described as wanting to eliminate all who were not white Christians, when in fact Hitler asserted the superiority of the German race and despised the Christian religion. Does the author not know that millions of Christians were also killed by Hitler including those of the Jewish "race" who were Christian converts or even Christians of mixed ancestry?
American Girl is a big enough business that they could hire a decent editorial department. Our daughters deserve history which presents fair arguments instead of the kind of propaganda that would make Joseph Goebbels proud.

Well written and not heavy handed.......2005-08-31

This is another in the History Mystery series from American Girl, in which a young American girl is confronted by a mystery that will test her resolve and her ability. This is another story of Molly McIntire, a ten-year-old orphan girl living on the home front during World War 2.

It's summer, and Molly is spending two weeks on her grandparent's farm. But, a dark cloud appears when Molly realizes that her friend's family is being harassed because they are immigrants from Germany. The situation goes from bad to worse when Molly's aunt, a WASP (Women's Air Service Pilot) is arrested by the FBI for carrying anti-war propaganda in her airplane. How did the leaflets get into the plane, and who put them there? This is a mystery that Molly must get to the bottom of...and before she leaves for home on Sunday!

Overall, my fourteen-year-old daughter and I found this to be a great book. The mystery is very well written, keeping you wondering just who is up to what. Also, I liked the view that the book gave into the American home front during WW2, and the fact that the author handled it without being heavy handed.

So, if you have a younger reader who likes a good mystery, then get this book. It is a wonderful addition to the Molly series of American Girls books, which my daughter and I both highly recommend.

this book rocks!! a kid.......2005-05-09

This was a great book. i own all the ag misterys(samantha, molly,kaya,and kit). it also teaches kids that even if we are difrent we can still be friends.

a new Molly story.......2005-04-04

"A Spy on the Home Front" is the first Molly mystery. In this story, Molly is visiting her grandparents in rural Illinois in the summer. She has a new friend, Anna Schulz, to play with. One day Molly's Aunt Eleanor (first introduced in "Molly Takes Flight") comes back and stirs up trouble when the two FBI agents stationed at the airstrip find anti-American literature on her plane. Aunt Eleanor is questioned, and Anna's brother is taken into custody simply because he's German. Molly and Anna become determined to prove Max's innoncence by spying around the hangar, and what they learn surprises them. In the end, Molly learns just how much the war has changed things. The peek into the past section talks about internment of Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants, efforts by the FBI to track spies, and the women military pilots of Molly's time (the WASPs). This mystery is a little bit different from the regular Molly books, and seems to be gaged for an older audience. (The book posts its reading level to be ages 9 and up.) At times the book could be a little dry and predicatble, which is why I give this book four stars. It was released with "The Count of Ravenscourt" a mystery involving Samantha, "The Silent Stranger" a mystery with Kaya, and "Danger at the Zoo" a mystery with Kit. Party kits were also released by American Girl and can be found on thier website. I'll have to get used to this new format of American girls books. I'd also like to see mysteries for Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten and Addy.

Wonderful New Mystery for Middle Readers.......2005-03-24

The year is 1944, and nine-year-old Molly McIntire is ecstatic to have the opportunity to spend a full two weeks at her Grammy and Granpa's farm. Like the previous summers visiting her grandparents, Molly spends the majority of her time with her very good summer-buddy Anna, a German girl. The two girls spend the hot, summer days swimming, eating cookies, and getting into all sorts of mischief. But this summer, things aren't so happy-go-lucky. When Molly's Aunt Eleanor, a pilot for the army, flies into town with a handful of propaganda fliers in her plane. Soon Anna's older brother, Max, is taken in by the FBI as the main suspect in the case. Molly now knows that it's up to her and Anna to solve the mystery, and clear Max's name, or else Anna may never see her beloved older brother again.

I have been reading the AMERICAN GIRL books since I was about 5-years-old, and even as I got older, my interest in the series never dwindled. So you can imagine how happy I was to hear that PLEASANT COMPANY was releasing the new AMERICAN GIRL MYSTERIES series. Molly, as always, is an exciting character whom middle readers will love, and identify with. Alison Hart has done a fantastic job with this mystery, and I can't wait to read the rest of the AMERICAN GIRL MYSTERIES, as I'm sure they are just as fascinating.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

IN DISGUISE!: Stories of Real Women Spies

Average customer rating:

Intriguing history of real-life female undercover agents
A reawakened sense of adventure

IN DISGUISE!: Stories of Real Women Spies
Ryan Ann Hunter
Manufacturer: Beyond Words Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1582700958

Book Description

Girls find strong role models in this collection of biographies of real-life women who weren't content to sit back and let events unfold as wars raged around them. These women spies -- from chef Julia Child and Civil War activist Harriet Tubman to lesser-known figures in the world of espionage -- chose the perilous route of standing up for their beliefs and taking action -- leaving the safety and comfort of their homes to fight for the causes they believed in. Courageous and resourceful, these women often pioneered new technologies -- such as satellites, robots, and unmanned spy planes -- to gather intelligence. Emily Geiger, Josephine Baker, Josepha Ortiz de Dominguez, and Eva Wu are just a few of the courageous women featured in this book. Interspersed with these exciting tales are fun activities for girls, such as how to make a spy camera, an undercover spy disguise, and invisible ink, and spy factoids on "escape and evasion" scarves, lipstick pistols, and "topoquilts" used during the Civil War.

Customer Reviews:

Intriguing history of real-life female undercover agents.......2004-09-07

Everyone loves a good spy adventure story; but such are usually couched in novel form: well, consider this: Ryan Ann Hunter's In Disguise! is nonfiction, providing real-life historical accounts of women spies. While In Disguise! is intended for a somewhat younger audience and thus includes spy codes and spy-related activities and trivia, many an adult won't want to miss the intriguing history of real-life female undercover agents.

A reawakened sense of adventure.......2004-07-06

Thank you for the opportunity to read about courage in action and to appreciate the often silent service of so many brave women in the defense of freedom. A must read for all ages, particularly young women interested in selfless service. This work chronicles the unvarnished truth of a fasinating and dangerous occupation with both historical context and personal experience.

Undercover Girl #2: Fugitive (Undercover Girl)

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Undercover Girl #2: Fugitive (Undercover Girl)
Christine Harris
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439761263

Book Description

Jesse is on assignment again, to track down and bring into C2 headquarters a man called Ari. Why is C2 so desperate to find this man? How will Jesse seize him when he is protected day and night by a clever, ruthless professional killer? What is Ari's connection to the group Peace First, which Jesse has been ordered to infiltrate? Does this case have anything to do with the disappearance of Jesse's friend and fellow C2 kid spy, Rohan?

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