The Umbrella House by ColleenNelson

The Umbrella House by Colleen Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ruby and Scout decide to try to save their neighborhood from a rich real estate mogul who wants to buy their apartment building. As they dig for information about the history of the Umbrella House, they have questions they need answers to, one of them Who is this Midnight Muralist & can they help? I loved the beauty of this neighborhood, the authors' words and the power of so many people to save their neighborhood. A must read for middle school, one that will make you root for Ruby, Scout, their families and friends!

View all my reviews

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Re-read this as part of my Albright College Zoom book discussion and I loved it even more the 2nd time!

My mother gave this book to me and my reader friend Ruth recommended it years ago. I loved seeing Major Pettigrew grow, become bold, become forthright and fall in love with Mrs. Ali. The English village was beautiful but very tough on who and what they considered outsiders. There was humor, sadness, grief and so much more to enjoy in this book about older characters who change, grab at life, and turn their backs on tradition. Readers will enjoy the Major, Mrs. Ali, Grace, Alice, George, Amina, Sandy, and the Vicar and be chagrined with The Major's son, neighbors, Abdul and lots of others. It was a tug of war to see who could win the war of religion, race, and real estate, and I am so glad I was surprised by this book!

View all my reviews