THE MAGNIFICENT LIZZIE BROWN AND THE DEVIL'S HOUND

Lizzie Brown and the Penny Gaff Gang’s latest adventure takes place in Kensal Green, England.  After the traveling circus halts in rural England, it isn't long before the magnificent Lizzie Brown finds herself at the graves of the local cemetery. 

When one of the Sullivan twins get hurt during practice they meet Dr. Gladwell’s elderly housekeeper. Soon, strange activities begin occurring. As the performers practice for their upcoming shows, Lizzie’s premonitions get stronger.  Lizzie’s curiosity compels her to sneak around the cemetery to catch the grave-robbers and the devil’s hound.

Don’t be left out! Read The Magnificent Lizzie Brown and the Devil’s Hound by Vicki Lockwood and find out who’s behind the sinister robberies. Will Lizzie’s premonitions help save her life this time?

Ages 10-12

THE MAGNIFICENT LIZZIE BROWN AND THE MYSTERIOUS PHANTOM

Lizzie Brown definitely did not see this coming. Lizzie’s life at the Rat’s Castle slums had become unbearable, especially after the passing of her mother and brother.  Lizzie needed to escape her no-good father and leave her stealing ways behind.  Well she finally gets the chance to escape, though not too far, as she finds herself amused by Fitzy’s Traveling Circus in Victorian London and joins the circus and befriending their children.

Lizzie’s excitement was great since she was able to find a job assisting the various performers and it was not until her last job that she stumbled upon her powerful gift.  In the midst of all the changes, London was faced with the recent robberies committed by the Phantom.  It was now up to Lizzie to unveil the true Phantom and help the London citizens.

Read The Magnificent Lizzie Brown and the Mysterious Phantom by Vicki Lockwood and help the Penny Gaff Gang uncover the true identity of the culprit. This book is filled with spirited and strong characters and shrouded in Victorian history and mystery.

For grades 5 and up

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.

IT'S AUGUST AND YOU STILL HAVEN'T READ ANYTHING YET...

Here's another list of summer themed books for the older readers.

If you start now, you'll have plenty of time to read before you go back to school.

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen - A boy gets an old lawnmower for a present and makes a ton of money mowing lawns. If you like making money, you'll enjoy this book. A very funny and short read for mature 6th - 8th graders.

The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California by Mary Hershey - A one legged kid has to spend the summer in California with his dad and new wife who's super rich. He also learns how to swim to impress a girl he has a crush on. Note: this boy has a lot of anger issues. Fast read for mature 6th -8th graders.

My Almost Epic Summer by Adele Griffin - This girl fantasizes about having a hair salon based on her literary heroines during a boring summer of babysitting. But, the boring summer turns into a one of intrigue when she finds herself featured in the online journal of a pretty but self absorbed lifeguard. Also for mature mature 6th -8th .

Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison - A girl figures out a way to get a free trip to San Francisco by using her psychic ability to solve her distant cousin's ghostly mystery. Not so scary but good for mystery lovers. 6th - 8th.

Deep Dark and Dangerous: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn- During a summer stay at the family cabin, the sisters discover an old family secret at the bottom of the lake. If you like being scared, then this is a great book with one angry and spooky ghost. 6th-8th .