FASHION DISASTER by Lauren Myracle

 

Realistic Fiction, First Day of School, Friendship

135 pages.

Description

Booklist (September 15, 2005 (Vol. 102, No. 2))

“Gr. 5-8. Twelve-year-old Allison had hoped that seventh grade would be the year that she "finally stopped being invisible."But her first day of school brings more attention than she wished for: she unknowingly arrives with her mother's underwear clinging to her pant leg. Her "fashion disaster"has unexpected consequences when Rachel, queen of the popular clique, defends Allison against her classmates. Allison has conflicting feelings about her closest friend, Kathy, whose frequent jabs hurt her feelings, and she is more confused when Kathy accuses her of being a "wanna-be"in Rachel's clique. Myracle captures the stomach-twisting anxiety of middle-school friendship with spot-on details. Allison tells her own story in a diary filled with sharply authentic emotions that many kids will recognize: "I wish I were anyone but me."Supported by family members whom she finds both comforting and annoying, Allison finally learns to rely on her own instincts. Readers negotiating changing friendships of their own will find themselves in this honest, comical tour of middle school.”

My Comments

The most embarrassing possible moments of middle school in a comical setting. Myracle captures the insecurities of being new and navigating different social groups at school. This is a quick read with a positive message about friendship, loyalty, and kindness.

THE 57 BUS by Dashka Slater

 

Narrative Nonfiction, African American, Bullying, LGBTQIA, Prejudice and Racism, True Crime

High School

Grades 7-12

305 Pages

Description

Horn Book Magazine (January/February, 2018)

“It was late afternoon on Monday, November 4, 2013. Sasha was napping on the 57 bus in Oakland, California, when Richard, egged on by friends, set their gauzy skirt on fire. (Sasha is genderqueer and prefers the pronoun they.) Sasha survived, but sustained third-degree burns on their calves and thighs. The incident was captured on video cameras installed in the bus, and the next day Richard was arrested for a hate crime and processed in the justice system. From the start, the deck was stacked against Richard, an African American teenager with a criminal history, who had now committed a horrific crime that grabbed media attention, caused national outrage, and fomented local protests. Slater goes beyond the headlines to tell the very human stories behind these individuals and their families (although it's clear she did not have as much personal access to Richard as she did to Sasha). It's a powerful story of class and race (Sasha is white), gender and identity, justice and mercy, love and hate. Using interviews, court documents, and news accounts, Slater has crafted a compelling true-crime story with ramifications for our most vulnerable youth.” - jonathan hunt

My Comments

Grades 7-12

Informative and enlightening about both gender, identity, and the criminal justice system. It illuminates cultural differences and obstacles, but also shows how people can transcend stereotyping and dehumanizing groups of people who are not our own. This title is on my school's 8th grade ELA reading list. Great choice.

A CERTAIN OCTOBER by Angela Johnson

 

Realistic Fiction, Autism, Death, Friendships, High Schools

158 pages.

Description

From Follett

After a terrible accident, Scotty feels responsible for the death of someone she hardly knew and struggles with her own reality while her friends and family deal with their own troubles, but the prospect of a boy and a dance add positive possibility back into Scotty's life.

From the Publisher

Three-time Coretta Scott King Award-winner Angela Johnson writes a wrenching, honest book about surviving the unimaginable and finding a way to go on.

Scotty compares herself to tofu: no flavor unless you add something. And it's true that Scotty's friends, Misha and Falcone, and her brother, Keone, make life delicious. But when a terrible accident occurs, Scotty feels responsible for the loss of someone she hardly knew, and the world goes wrong. She cannot tell what is a dream and what is real. Her friends are having a hard time getting through to her and her family is preoccupied with their own trauma. But the prospect of a boy, a dance, and the possibility that everything can fall back into place soon help Scotty realize that she is capable of adding her own flavor to life.

With artfully spare prose, acclaimed and award-winning author Angela Johnson explores the ramifications of unexpected death in this compelling coming-of-age story.

My Comments

Poetic and tender. I was a little confused at first with the scene and time shifts, but fell right into the story once I understood the structure. I would be aware that some readers may have the same trouble, but pointing it out may be sufficient. I would recommend this to more mature middle school students as well as high school students. A great book to have on your book lists! Angela Johnson is pure talent!

CODE TALKER by Joseph Bruchac

 

Realistic Fiction, Navajo Indians, World War II, Marine Corp.

231 pages.

Book Description

From Follett

After being taught in a boarding school run by whites that Navajo is a useless language, Ned Begay and other Navajo men are recruited by the Marines to become Code Talkers, sending messages during World War II in their native tongue.

From the Publisher

Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years.

But now Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adults through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. His grueling journey is eye-opening and inspiring. This deeply affecting novel honors all of those young men, like Ned, who dared to serve, and it honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians.

My Comments

A good choice for kids who are looking for books about World War II. It reads almost as narrative nonfiction so it can reach those who prefer factual books. An interesting perspective on some of the major battles in the Pacific. Similar to Fallen Angels which is more of a high school book. Definitely offer this as a middle school historical fiction choice. Excellent.

THE PROPHECY by Hilari Bell

 

Classic Fantasy, Dragons, Unicorns, Magic, Courage, Friendship, Fathers and Sons

194 pages

Description

"Can a bard, a sword, a unicorn-and a hopeless prince-save a kingdom? Fourteen-year-old Prince Perryn is teased for loving books more than swords. But Perryn's books are his best weapons to stop the dragon that is destroying his kingdom-and his one hope of earning his father's respect. When he unearths a prophecy on how to kill the dragon, Perryn sets out to find the three things needed to make it come true-a unicorn, a true bard, and a special sword. But, as everyone knows, the only thing more absurd than pursuing a prophecy is believing any of these legends might still be found. From acclaimed author Hilari Bell, The Prophecy unfolds with wit, wisdom, danger, and discovery, as any unforgettable adventure should." (Good Reads)

My Comments

A charming read! (Pun intended) This is a wonderful story in the classic style of fantasy. The plot moves quickly as the prince seeks to protect the kingdom, earn the respect of his father, and prove his worth all through a mysterious prophecy. This is perfect for elementary through grade 6, but keep in mind that people of all ages love stories about unicorns, dragons, and magic. I was disappointed to find that this book (2006) is out of print, but hope the publisher will think about bringing it back. A favorite!

ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Baskin

 Realistic Fiction, Autism,  Families, Friendship, Literary Devices, Emotional & Social Intelligence, Writing

Book Description

School Library Journal (March 1, 2009)

Gr 4-7-Baskin writes in the voice of a high-functioning boy who identifies himself as having numerous disorders, most with labels that appear as alphabet soup. In the third grade, after yet another battery of tests, Jason receives the diagnosis of autism. Now in sixth grade, he relates how he does not fit in, even though he tries to follow the instructions of his therapists and helpers. He labels the rest of his classmates and teachers as neurotypicals, or NTs for short. While humor resonates throughout the book, the pathos of Jason's situation is never far from readers' consciousness. If only he could act on what he knows he needs to do, his life would be so much easier. Jason also shows himself to be a deep thinker and an excellent writer. Through his stories and thinly veiled fictional characters, Baskin reveals not only the obstacles that Jason faces, but also his fierce determination to be himself at all costs. Jason is a believable and empathetic character in spite of his idiosyncrasies. Baskin also does a superb job of developing his parents and younger brother as real people with real problems, bravely traversing their lives with a differently abled child without a road map, but with a great deal of love.-Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

My Comments

Five Stars! Jason's character portrays the confusion, intelligence, and emotions of an autistic child in this spare and heartbreaking story. It brings to life the day in the life of an autistic child. Young readers will be pulled into Jason's world in this short, readable story, allowing them to empathize with people who are struggling with disabilities. A book like this could greatly benefit the social culture of a classroom, encouraging kindness and patience. I enjoyed reading Jason's descriptions of the writing process and literary devices which could be helpful examples for ELA teachers.

THE STAR THIEF by Lindsey Becker

Adventure, Fantasy, Steampunk

407 pages

Description

From Follett

"Young parlor maid Honorine and her friend Francis find themselves in the middle of an epic feud between a crew of scientific sailors and the magical constellations come to life"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

The constellations come to life in this imaginative fantasy adventure debut.

Honorine's life as a maid at the Vidalia mansion is rather dull, dusting treasures from faraway places and daydreaming in front of maps of the world. But everything changes when she catches two brutish sailors ransacking Lord Vidalia's study, and then follows a mysterious girl with wings out into the night....

Suddenly, Honorine is whisked into the middle of a battle between the crew of a spectacular steamship and a band of mythical constellations. The stars in the sky have come to life to defend themselves against those who want to harness their powers. Much to her surprise, Honorine is the crux of it all, the center of an epic clash between magic and science, the old ways and the new. But can this spirited young girl bring both sides of a larger-than-life fight together before they unleash an evil power even older than the stars?

My Comments

Engaging adventure. I like the way curiosity, problem solving, and engineering are central to the story along with the mythological element of the constellations. This would be a good choice for advanced elementary readers through 6th and perhaps 7th grade. It would also be a great read aloud for elementary students.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS by Ann Braden

Realistic Fiction, Poverty, Families, Debate Teams

Description

From Follett

Seventh-grader Zoey Albro focuses on caring for three younger siblings and avoiding rich classmates at school until her fascination with octopuses gets her on the debate team and she begins to speak out.

NPR Best Book of 2018,

Bank Street List for Best Children's Books of 2019,

From the Publisher

Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they've got to do.

Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there's Lenny, her mom's boyfriend--they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer.

At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they're in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it's best if no one notices them.

Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses.

Unfortunately, she's not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom's relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia's situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they're better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she's ever had?

This moving debut novel explores the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of one girl, living on the edges of society, trying to find her way forward.

My Comments

Five stars, truly fantastic, great book for reading groups and class discussions. This book offers a lot to think about and brings awareness to the fact that some students face tremendous obstacles everyday to succeed in school and life.

SAL & GABI BREAK THE UNIVERSE by Carlos Alberto Hernandez

Science Fiction, Cuban American, Diabetes,  Grief, Humor, Multi-Universe

Book Description

Winner of the 2020 Pura Belpre Award

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents a brilliant sci-fi romp with Cuban influence

that poses this question: What would you do if you had the power to reach through 

time and space and retrieve anything you want, including your mother, who is no 

longer living (in this universe, anyway)?

How did a raw chicken get inside Yasmany's locker?

When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn't under the best of 

circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for the third time in three days, and it's 

still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school 

paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. 

She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany's locker, 

even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously 

disappeared.

Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he 

relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes 

never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he's capable of conjuring things much 

bigger than a chicken--including his dead mother--and she takes it all in stride, Sal 

knows that she is someone he can work with. There's only one slight problem: 

their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.

A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a 

Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights 

that await in his mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter. (Publisher)

My Comments

Aimed right at a wide middle school audience. Fast paced, page turner. 

ANCIENT EGYPT MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION & BIOGRAPHIES

BIOGRAPHIES

Hoobler, Dorothy. Cleopatra
A biography of the Egyptian queen who gained and maintained powerover her kingdom through her alliance with Julius Caesar and later Marc Antony.

Morgan, Julian, 1958-. Cleopatra: ruling in the shadow of Rome
A biography of Cleopatra VII, famous for her relationships withJulius Caesar and Mark Antony, the last pharaoh of Egypt.

Sapet, Kerrily, 1972-. Cleopatra : ruler of Egypt
The seventh Cleopatra -- The shadow of Rome --

Schiff, Stacy. Cleopatra : a life.

Cooney, Kara. The woman who would be king : 
Hatshepsut's rise to power in Ancient Egypt 
A biography of Hatshepsut, the longest-reigning female pharaoh of ancient Egypt,and the story of her rise to power.

Lange, Brenda. Nefertiti
Egypt then and now -- Everyday life in Egypt -- The mysterious queen Nefertiti --

Edwards, Roberta. Who was King Tut?

Hawass, Zahi A. Tutankhamun : the mystery of the boy king

Graphic Novel Biography
Jeffrey, Gary. Cleopatra : the life of an Egyptian queen

TALES

Climo, Shirley. Illustrated by Ruth Heller. Egyptian Cinderella

his Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo. 

Green, Roger Lancelyn. Tales of Ancient Egypt

Puffin Pixels is a new collection of classics featuring pixelated, 8-bit video game cover artwork. Whether you're an adult nostalgic for video and computer games of the past, a teen looking for something edgy for your bookshelf, or just someone who tends to divert from the mainstream-Puffin Pixels adds a sophisticated, fresh, flair to the canon to satisfy every reader. - Publisher

Hibbert, Clare. Illustrated by Janos Jantner. Terrible Tales of Ancient Egypt 

(Monstrous Myths series)

The myths of ancient Egypt are peppered with tales of creation, love, family, trickery, and revenge. Readers will love learning about the famous Egyptian gods and goddesses, including Ra, Osiris, Horus, Isis, and Set. - Publisher

Land of enchanters : Egyptian short stories from the earliest times to the present day
Contains over twenty stories from ancient, Greco-Roman, Christian, Muslim, and modern Egypt.

McCaughrean, Geraldine. Casting the Gods Adrift. A Tale of Ancient Egypt

When Akhenaten, Egypt's new pharaoh, decrees that only one god shall be worshipped from now on, life is thrown into chaos for Tutmose, the young son of a dealer in rare animals meant for the temples of the traditional gods. Tutmose's happiness at living at the pharaoh's court is darkened when his father, maddened by the pharaoh's rejection of the gods, plots a deadly revenge. Back matter suggests further reading. -Publisher

Williams, Marcia. Ancient Egypt, Tales of God and Pharaohs.

In this retelling of nine tales of ancient Egypt, Marcia Williams uses her signature comicstrip style to capture the rich mythology and early history of this great civilization. Rami, Ra's beloved cat, highlights Egypt's many cultural and technological advances along the way. An instantly engaging, accessible introduction to an ancient civilization, this collection of stories is sure to fascinate and inspire young Egyptologists.

FICTION


Aubin, Henry T. Rise of the Golden Cobra
During a picnic overlooking the Nile, 14-year-old scribe Nebi spots the riders first. Led by the treacherous Count Nimlot, the raiding party slaughters Nebi's master, the region's head of police. Although wounded, Nebi escapes, the only living witness that the pharaoh's northern territory is no longer secure. Nebi is quickly catapulted into events that will change history. Set in 728 B.C., Rise of the Golden Cobra surrounds the actual reign of Pharaoh Piankhy, the brilliant and compassionate leader whose astonishing campaign united Ancient Egypt... - Sora

Carmichael, Leslie. The amulet of Amon-Ra
Jennifer is given an old scarab amulet that transports her back to ancient Egypt,where she explores her new surroundings and tries to solve the mystery of how she got there and what she needs to do to get back home. -Publisher

Cooney, Caroline B. For all Time
The fourth installment in the time travel series finds Annie, a teenager in 1999,attempting to get back to 1899 Egypt where she hopes to join her boyfriend, Strat,but she instead ends up in ancient Egypt and in great danger. -Publisher

Carrol, Emma. Secrets of a Sun King
It's November, 1922. In a valley in Egypt the tomb of a long dead pharaoh is about to be discovered. The world watches and waits for news with bated breath. Thirteen-year-old Lilian Kaye, who lives in a flat above a shop in London, is eagerly following the story. One morning the news takes a sinister turn: a man- a famous Egyptologist- disappears. All that remains of him are his feet. Then Lil's grandfather is taken suddenly ill, and when a mysterious package turns up for him from the Egyptologist, Lil starts to believe there is truth to the rumours of a pharaoh's curse. - Publisher

Curry, Jane Louise. The Egyptian Box 
Tee is happy to find that the ancient Egyptian box she inherits holds a spirit who will serve her, until she notices changes in her servant's appearance and behavior. (out of print)

Duey, Kathleen. Mummy
When the portal transports them to the Valley of the Kings in ancient Egypt,the Time Soldiers encounter thieves and an angry pharaoh as they try to make their way to safety, and along the way they learn that the amulet may give them some control over their journeys. (out of print?)

Ellerby, Leona. King Tut's Game Board.
With a mysterious friend he meets while vacationing in Egypt, 16-year-old Justin makes astonishing discoveries about two ancient civilizations. (out of print)

Friesner, Esther M. Sphinx's Princess
Although she is a dutiful daughter, Nefertiti's dancing abilities, remarkable beauty,and intelligence garner attention near and far, so much so that her family is summonedto the Egyptian royal court, where Nefertiti becomes a pawn in the power play ofher scheming aunt, Queen Tiye.

Friesner, Esther M. Sphinx's Queen
Nefertiti escapes the palace and the consequences of a false charge with two of her friends,
but while she takes refuge in the hills along the west bank of the Nile, Nefertiti's desires to prove her innocence in front of the Pharaoh are shadowed by questions about long-held, sacred beliefs.


Hofmeyr, Dianne. Eye of the Moon
Isikara embarks on a dangerous adventure when, while helping her father with the mummification of the Egyptian queen and her eldest son, Tuthmosis, she discovers the prince is still alive and decides she must rescue him and help find allies who can assist him in regaining his throne.

Hofmeyr, Dianne. Eye of the SunWhile Ta-Mui, maidservant to Nefertiti's rival, Kiya, is imprisoned for her effort to rescue T
uthmosis and Isikara and her relationship with a handsome villager, Tuthmosis and Isikara spread rumors of the prince's intentions as they make their way back to Egypt, which terrifies both Nefertiti and the High Priest.

Hulme-Cross, Benjamin. The Egyptian Warrior
Travel back in time with brothers Arthur and Finn as they help a Pharaoh's daughtersurvive a siege and stop an assassination plot.

Gregory, Kristiana. Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile, Egypt, 57 B.C. 
(The Royal Diaries) 
Captivating story of young Cleopatra's tumultuous life. Daughter of King Ptolemy Autletes, Pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra lives a life filled with opulence and mystery. -Publisher

Jarmon, Julia. The Time Traveling Cat and the Egyptian Goddess
Topher, mourning the loss of his mother, an Egyptologist, takes in a stray cat--with the approval of his dad--that leads him on a time traveling adventure to ancient Egypt.

Kerr, P.B. The Akhenaten Adventure
When 12-year-old twins John and Philippa get their wisdom teeth, they suddenly have the power to grant wishes and make things disappear. They are genies! Quickly, they learn to control their powers just before they embark on a dangerous quest that will take them into the tomb of an ancient pharaoh. Along the way, the must confront Iblis, the most evil genie in the universe! This fast-paced and funny fantasy is the first children's novel from critically acclaimed thriller writer P.B. Kerr. -Sora

LaFevers, R.L. Theodosia
Nate is sent to live with a family cousin, the world's last beastologist, after his parents are declared lost at sea, but danger mounts when he is brought on an expedition to the Arabian desert, gets lost, and must protect a newly hatched phoenix egg and rescue his guardian.

Lester, Julius. Pharaoh's Daughter : A Novel of Ancient EgyptA fictionalized account of the Biblical tale in which a Hebrew infant, rescued by thedaughter of the Pharaoh, passes through a turbulent adolescence to eventuallybecome a prophet of his people while his sister finds her true self as a priestessto the Egyptian gods.

Maurer, Gretchen. Call me Isis : Egyptian Goddess of Magic
Isis, Egyptian Goddess of Magic, thinks herself destined for a charmed life as theGoddess-Queen of Egypt. But in one fell swoop she loses her love, her home,even her magical powers. How will she reclaim Egypt's throne for Horus, against the will of the evil usurper, Seth? Will she be able to save Egypt from ruin? And where can you find her now?"
--Back cover.

McGraw, Eloise Jarvis. The Golden GobletA young Egyptian boy struggles to reveal a hideous crime and reshape his own destiny.

McGraw, Eloise Jarvis. Mara, Daughter of the Nile
The adventures of an ingenious Egyptian slave girl who undertakes a dangerousassignment as a spy in the royal palace of Thebes, in the days when Queen Hatshepsut ruled.

Napoli, Donna Jo. Lights on the Nile
Kepi, a young girl who was content staying at home helping her father who was wounded while building a pyramid for the pharaoh Khufu, is kidnapped along with her baboon, Babu,and taken to the capital city, where she is separated from Babu, sets out to find him andappeal to the pharaoh, and discovers she has powers she never knew about.

Paver, Michelle. Gods and Warriors (Book 1)
In the turbulent world of the Mediterranean Bronze Age, Hylas, a lowly twelve-year-old goatherd, thief, and outsider, journeys from the Greek mountains to Crete and Egypt, making allies with animals, battling tyranny, and withstanding the elemental powers of the gods of land and sea. - Publisher

Paver, Michelle. The Burning Shadow (Gods and Warriors, Book 2)
In his search for his sister Issi, Hylas is kidnapped and sold into slavery and must escape the Crows with the help of his friend Pirra and a lion cub"--Publisher

Riordan, Rick. The Kane Chronicles (also in graphic novel format)
The Red Pyramid - Book 1
The Throne of Fire - Book 2
The Serpent’s Shadow - Book 3
(Series description) When a magical accident unleashes the Egyptian gods on the modern world, siblings Carter and Sadie Kane discover that they are the only ones who can put things right. As descendants of the greatest Egyptian magicians, they must find a way to defeat the evil god Set before he can destroy them. - Follett

Rubalcaba, Jill. A Place in the Sun
In ancient Egypt, the gifted young son of a sculptor is taken into slavery when he attempts to save his father's life, and is himself almost killed before his exceptional talent leads Pharoah to name him Royal Sculptor.


Rubalcaba. Jill. The Wadjet Eye
After his mother dies, Damon, a young medical student living in Alexandria, Egypt, in 45 B.C., makes a perilous journey to Spain to locate his father who is serving in the Roman army led by Julius Caesar.

Scieszka, Jon. Tut, tut.Sam, Joe, and Fred finish their school project on ancient Egypt without using their
magical time travel book, but when Joe's sister Anna plays with it and travels to
the land of pyramids, they must follow her back in time to bring her back to 1996.

Shecter, Vicky. Cleopatra's Moon
Selene, having grown up in a palace with her parents, Cleopatra and Mark Antony,is forced by war to build a new life in the household of Roman emperor Octavianus,where she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies.

Sevigny, Alisha. The Lost Scroll of the Physician
After a brutal fire takes their parents’ lives, Sesha and Ky, children of the pharaoh’s royal physician, are left charming snakes and stealing food to survive. Unsure of who to trust, the pair are found and brought back to the palace, where the pharaoh tasks Sesha with finding a rare medical document her father was transcribing. But are the royals hiding something?

Snyder, Zilpha Keatley. The Egypt Game
Melanie and April turn a deserted lot into an imaginary Egypt where they spend many hoursenacting rituals and consulting oracles, but there are real dangers and problemslurking outside their make-believe world that almost bring their game to a disastrous end.

Turetsky, Bianca.The time-Traveling Fashionist and Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile
After trying on a Grecian dress, a twelve-year-old girl who likes vintage fashion travels back to ancient Egypt, where she experiences life as a handmaiden to Queen Cleopatra and learns valuable lessons about confidence and leadership.

Travis, Lucille. Tirzah
Tirzah’s people, the Israelites, have been in slavery to the Egyptians for many years. She observes the suffering of her people and the injustices that are done to them by the Egyptian police. One night, when the plague of death strikes down Pharaoh’s own son, he allows the Israelites to flee on foot, only to pursue them with horses and chariots. Tirzah befriends a young Egyptian girl who has fled with them, even though others treat her badly. In spite of hardship and disappointment, Tirzah and her family keep trusting Yahweh to carry them through.