A ROMANCE FOR JANE AUSTEN OR BRITISH FANS

...then you have to read this.  Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl is absolutely predictable but still a good fast read.   Seventeen years-old Miss Crawley must marry but she can't marry just anyone. It must be someone wealthy.  Her grandfather has left them a crumbling faux castle at the edge of a cliff in Yorkshire County England and in order to keep her young brother (the heir) mother and two stepsisters in food, clothes warm, and a roof over their heads along with the staff, she has to make a decent match but of course she has no dowry, only her beauty.  

Althea almost always speaks her mind and because of misunderstandings, prejudices and  circumstances it looks like she and her family may lose everything.  For a bit of British romance in the style of Jane Austen, pick up this light-hearted book and bury yourself under the blankets for a few hours.  For mature readers in 6th and up. 

THE CASTLE IS ALIVE!

Castle Glower is an unusual castle. It's a magical castle. It can change rooms, add rooms and hallways depending on its mood. It always seems to know when there are changes within the household or special visitors are coming. Princess Celie loves the castle and its many quirks can map all its changes everyday.

When Princess Celie's parents, the King and Queen, are attacked en route to bring home her older brother from school, everyone assumes that they are dead and her oldest brother would become the king. But with no changes from the castle, that can mean only one thing. Her parents are still alive.

The castle loves Celie most of all and would do anything to protect her and do anything she asks. Can the castle help find her parents before the bad guys take over her kingdom? An unusual thrilling and humorous fantasy story where the castle comes alive. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George is for readers 4th - 6th.

AWARD WINNER--THE DOOR IN THE WALL

Ever since Robin was a young boy, his father, Sir John de Bureford, has expected him to learn the ways of the medieval knight. But Robin's future changes when he becomes extremely ill and loses his ability to use his legs. During this time, the plague sweeps across the land and his devoted servants abandon Robin. With the help of two unsuspecting people, they help bring him back to better health; and Robin inevitably learns about his strengths, his courage, friendship and how he can still serve his King.
Students who are interested in the medieval period may enjoy this Newbery winner. A Door In the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli is best for students in the 6th grade and older. Another title that takes place in the medieval period is the Newbery winner, The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman. Check Them Out!