A GIRL WITH A BEARD

In this world, it's not so uncommon for a girl to have a beard or someone to have a tail. Ghosts are to be expected. Psychics are a dime a dozen. In this collection of stories called SIDESHOW: TEN ORIGINAL TALES OF FREAKS, ILLUSIONISTS, AND OTHER MATTERS ODD AND MAGICAL, edited by Deborah Noyes, and featuring classic children's book authors such as Cecil Castellucci, Vivian Vande Velde, and Aimee Bender. The stories are quick and interesting to read, and the collection includes graphic narration as well. This book is a fascinating look into a mystical world of mutants and mind readers, and is great for 6th grade and up.

THEODOSIA ONCE AGAIN

Theodosia, our young heroine, is back in Victorian England with her family in this second mystery adventure. After mummies from museums all over London appear repeatedly at the doorstep of her father's museum, Theodosia realizes she must use her magical skills and knowledge of ancient Egypt to outmanuever a sinister secret society from turning London into a city of Chaos, keep her father from being imprisoned and as if these weren't enough, free herself from the tutors that her grandmother insists that a proper young ladies need. Phew, this is one busy girl!

For those looking for some armchair excitement. Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris by R.L. La Fevers is for 5th & older.