England
Maree Lister, Marti Sevier, Roseline Ngcheong-Lum

A general overview of England is presented in this nonfiction title, part of the series “Welcome to My Country” from Marshall Cavendish. Like others in this series, it includes a table of contents and back matter: map, quick facts, glossary, further information sources (books, DVDs, and websites), and index. England is introduced with a quick welcome that describes England as a world leader for hundreds of years. Britain, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom, but this title focuses on Britain and its people. The geography, landscape, and climate are explained, as well as a brief early history. England’s history is long and complex with the major ethnic groups mentioned: the Celts, Romans, and Anglo-Saxons. A period of “change and expansion” focuses on King Henry VIII and his daughter by Anne Boleyn, Queen Elizabeth I, who both shaped so much of England’s history. Here, the vast British Empire is implied through the colonization of Africa, Asia, and America. The twentieth century saw the British fight to victory in two world wars and the formation of the European Union, of which England is a member. The history of England is followed by sections explaining government and economy, then changing gears to discuss the English people and their lifestyles–family life, education, and religion. One cannot imagine a book about England without coverage of the English language and some of its most famous literature: Beowulf, the Canterbury Tales, Austen and Dickens, and of course, Harry Potter, are listed here. The remaining sections include the arts (painting, music, film), leisure time (sports, festivals), and food. England has many contributions to world history and culture and Welcome to My Country: England tries to briefly cover many of them. Although successful in explaining the basic overall arc of the country, this is not a recommended book if depth or detail is needed. The captions are helpful and relevant but a few of the pictures portraying modern life appear outdated. 2011, Marshall Cavendish, Ages 8 to 12, $19.95. Reviewer: Emily Griffin (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9781608701520

England
Harlinah Whyte

For young readers interested in holidays around the world this title in the “Festivals of the World” series from Marshall Cavendish focuses on celebrations in England. Some festivals may be familiar, such as Easter or May Day but many are unique to this island country. But first, where is England? An opening spread of introductory material explains, and shows with maps, where England is located, a bit about the country and its history. Also presented is a list, organized by season, of popular festivals celebrated. The festivals highlighted show off the diversity of English holidays: several are historical (Guy Fawkes Day and Trooping the Color), others are religious (Easter), and a few celebrate different cultures (the Notting Hill Carnival). Not all festivals are explained fully but England does offer plenty of facts aimed at introducing readers to festivals from another culture. Included is a “Things for You To Do” section which shows how make your own “Guy,” how to make scones, and how to make your own May basket. Suggestions for further information, a glossary, and index are in the back matter. 2010, Marshall Cavendish Benchmark/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 9 to 12, $28.50. Reviewer: Emily Griffin (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9781608700981

Ferris Wheels
Valerie Bodden

This text is part of a series specifically focused on thrill rides that might be of interest to primary/early elementary readers. This particular text, focused on Ferris wheels, defines what they are, provides a short history-although they originated in Europe in the 1600’s, they are named after George Ferris who build a huge steel Ferris wheel in Chicago in 1893-and discusses the different types of coasters. The book also highlights three Ferris wheels that are “famous” for specific reasons: the Singapore Flyer which is, currently, the tallest; the Big O in Japan which is the world’s biggest wheel without spokes and boasts a roller coaster passing through its center; and the London Eye in Great Britain which was built to celebrate the millennium in 2000 and allows riders to see objects as far as 25 miles away. Photos of various Ferris wheels are found throughout the text, as are pictures of carnival fare like cotton candy, ride tickets, and popcorn to add to the fun features of the text. The Glossary, Read More, and Web Sites sections are minimal although probably appropriate to the reading level of the young readers upon which the text focuses. This text, and the “Thrill Rides” series in general, provide a fun look at the type of rides little kids-and their parents-can’t wait to ride and enjoy at amusement parks and fairs. 2011, Mason Crest Publishers, Ages 5 to 9, $17.95. Reviewer: Jean Boreen (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9781608181131

London: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape
Sarah McMenemy

Packed neatly in its own sturdy box, this accordion-folded “diorama” unfolds to reveal London from the EYE to The Royal Observatory. The compact size (4″by u”) is appealing and when the reader discovers the die-cut pages inside, it becomes an attention magnet. The selection of scenes from London’s most prominent landmarks gives a good overview of the city and its long history. As the pages are extended, there are pop-outs and three dimensional representations of such sites as: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Globe Theatre, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, etc. Over five feet long, when stretched to its fullest extension, the book has illustrations and text on both sides–which gives viewers over ten feet of London sights. The succinct text accompanying each landmark gives enough history and tidbits of interest to satisfy youngsters (and to get adults off the hook for specifics). Colorful watercolors are used to detail the various vignettes of the city and grace the small map that appears on the last two pages. This novelty would be an excellent introduction to London for those planning a trip to the great city or as a keepsake for those who have already visited the “thriving center of commerce, culture, and finances.” 2011, Candlewick, Ages 5 up, $8.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9780763653538

Scotland
Patricia Levy and Jacqueline Ong

This is an overview of geography, history, government, economy, environment, clans, lifestyle, religion, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and food. Short essays on Swona cattle, Sir William Wallace, and John Knox among others, add information. Although part of the United Kingdom along with England and Wales since 1707, Scotland has had a limited self-government since the election of a legislature in 1999. The queen of England is still the head of state. The people are a mix of ancient tribes with several languages. Discovery of offshore oil in 1970s helped the economy. The Gross Domestic Product amounts to about $31,465 per person. Textiles, whisky exports, and banking services are important. The Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian denomination, is the established religion with 10 percent attending church regularly. Colored pictures and photographs illustrate the text. A map and a list giving coordinates of places mentioned are included. Also here are a map of economic entities and facts, a map with notes on cultural sites and further notes, a Scottish timeline beside a timeline of world events, a glossary, a list of books and music for further information, a bibliography, two recipes, and an index. This is one of the “Cultures of the World” series. Teens will be able to find material for reports on various aspects of Scotland. 2011 (orig. 1999), Marshall Cavendish Benchmark/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 14 to 18, $29.95. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9781608702183

Wales
Anna Hestler and Jo-Ann Spilling

This is an overview of the geography, history, government, economy, environment, people, lifestyle, religion, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and food of Wales. Short essays on Bertrand Russell, John L. Lewis, Dylan Thomas, and Anthony Hopkins (all born in Wales) add interest. With a Celtic background, Wales was invaded by Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, the Normans, and finally England. Wales is part of the United Kingdom, along with England and Scotland. Health care is provided by the National Health Service. Although the people of Wales are English speaking, there has been a resurgence of interest in the Welsh language. Because the Church of England was seen as being pro-English, Methodism arose during the industrial revolution and is now merged with Calvinist churches. The Welsh are noted for poetry, men’s choirs, and the triple harp. Rugby and soccer are popular sports. Colored photographs illustrate the text. A map and a list giving coordinates of places mentioned. Also includes a map of economic entities and facts, a map with notes on cultural sites and further notes, a Welsh timeline beside a timeline of world events, a glossary, lists of resources for further information, a bibliography, two recipes, and an index. This is one of the “Cultures of the World” series. Teens will find material for reports on various aspects of Wales. 2011 (orig. 2001), Marshall Cavendish Benchmark/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 14 to 18, $29.95. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9781608704576

A Walk in London
Salvatore Rubbino

A mother and daughter set out to explore the great city of London. Sticking to central London this pair has a busy day ahead of them. They hit many of London’s most famous sights, but author and illustrator Rubbino makes sure readers get more than just typical tourist highlights. This mother-daughter pair also walks through St. James’s Park to visit the pelicans, watches street performers at the Covent Garden piazza while eating fish and chips, investigates the Whispering Gallery inside the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, looks up at The Monument and learns about the Great Fire of 1666, and at the end of their day they take a ferry ride on the river Thames back to Westminster. Rubbino’s mixed media illustrations have a distinctly vintage vibe to them and while there is a lot to look at on each page it does not feel cluttered or overwhelming. The main text, narrated by the daughter, is clear and engaging. Many smaller trivia facts are scattered around on each page, providing further depth to the story of this city. Near the end, a large fold-out shows the skyline of London with labeled landmarks. A wonderfully narrated walking tour of London; recommended. 2011, Candlewick Press, Ages 5 to 7, $16.99. Reviewer: Emily Griffin (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9780763652722

The Apothecary
Maile Meloy

When Janie Scott’s Hollywood scriptwriter parents fall under scrutiny during the McCarthy trials of the early 1950’s, the family moves from Hollywood to London to escape persecution from the Federal Marshals. Janie feels awkward and out-of-place until she meets Benjamin, the son of the local apothecary, who dreams of becoming a spy. When the apothecary suddenly disappears, Benjamin’s spy games start to feel too real. Janie and Benjamin must discover the truth and find a way to rescue his father, using the information they find in an ancient book that the apothecary asked them to keep safe. They discover that magic and science are closely related, allies might be found in the least likely of places, and sometimes taking the impossible path is the only option. Carefully weaving elements of mystery and intrigue, magic and fantasy into the tapestry of a very real historical setting, Meloy tells a captivating story about having the courage to do the right thing, even when the odds are stacked against it. The first few chapters were a little slow as Meloy set the stage for the story, but by the end of chapter six, I couldn’t put the book down. 2011, G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Young Readers Group, Ages 12 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Veronica Bartles (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9780399256271

Beswitched
Kate Saunders

Totally against her wishes, twelve-year-old Flora is on her way to Pentrice Hall, a private school. Health issues with her grandmother in Italy and the remodeling of her family home in England have made it impossible for her to remain at home while her parents deal with these issues. On the train ride to the school, Flora finally falls asleep but has a very strange dream. She is awakened by a weirdly dressed woman and realizes there is something totally different about her surroundings. Flora realizes that she, herself, is dressed differently than before. The lady informs her she is on her way to St. Winifred’s, a girls’ school in France. Despite her protestations, they arrive at St. Winifred and meet the equally weird headmistress, “Old Peepy”. Flora realizes she is not only in strange surroundings but has traveled back in time to 1935 socially, culturally and historically. After meeting her three roommates and chatting with them she realizes that they, too, have experienced time travel and long to return to modernity. The story follows Flora and her roomates’ adventures at St. Winifred’s and the lessons learned from them while they plot their return to the present. The reader will be entertained as Flora and her friends experience many of the same growing up issues as most young teens even if it is 1935. Will they return safely to their homes? The story is another in the recent fascination with the supernatural among young people. 2010, Delacorte Press/Random House, Ages 10 to 14, $16.99. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9780385740753

Courtship & Curses
Marissa Doyle

Imagining a hybrid of Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice might be difficult, but in her new book, Doyle spells out a story that integrates a spirit of magic into England’s Regency period. Doyle’s protagonist, Lady Sophronia (Sophie) Rosier, is similar to others in Austen era novels: Sophie is young, attractive, independent, and-as the daughter of a marquis-rich. Unlike other heroines of this era, however, Sophie is a witch and is able to both sense and-intermittently-use magic. She further deviates from typical female characters of the period in that, rather than being a nearly perfect specimen of femininity, she is physically handicapped with an obvious limp after suffering from a horrible fever. This handicap precipitates Sophie’s apprehension about her approaching introduction into London society and results in an overall lack of self-confidence. Despite these insecurities, by the end of the novel, Sophie learns to trust in herself and her abilities as she makes new friends, learns who to trust, and falls in love-all while simultaneously attempting to foil a foreign attack against the English. While the magic in this book is not nearly as prevalent or well developed as that of Hogwarts, Doyle is still able to create a fantastical realm that will capture the imagination and interest of her readers. While certainly an engaging read for those who like Victorian and Regency literature, this also novel has enough variety in it to appeal to a wider range of readers. Additionally it could act as a bridge book for teachers planning to use other works from the early nineteenth century in their classrooms. 2012, Henry Holt and Company/Macmillan, Ages 14 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Christine Nicodemus (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9780805091878

The Hero of Little Street
Gregory Rogers

The Boy, of The Boy, The Bear, The Baron, The Bard, and Midsummer Knight fame, still can’t resist an errant soccer ball, so when one appears in the London square he’s meandering through, he kicks it into a fountain, and he is soon set upon by the ball’s angry owners. His escape from their clutches takes him into a museum, where his mischievous antics get him in trouble once again. A small terrier leaps out of a painting and he follows him back into another one, this time landing in seventeenth-century Holland. Here he finds both allies and enemies, and after a mad chase through the city and another narrow escape, he climbs back through a painting into present-day London, where his bullies get their comeuppance. The chase itself has to carry more of the plot than in the Boy’s previous intricately plotted adventures, but his merry dashes provide scope for introducing readers to the colorful cityscape of Delft and its inhabitants going about the kinds of everyday business that inspired the Dutch masters to whom this book pays homage. Younger readers will find the wordless story easy to work through, and they will certainly be carried along by the predicament and cheer the Boy’s clever escape from his tormentors. Rogers’ deft management of perspective and movement, his clever visual jokes and intertextual allusions, and his careful compositions demonstrate once again his masterful storytelling in the wordless genre. 2012, Porter/Roaring Brook, Grades 2-4, $17.99. Reviewer: Karen Coats (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, June 2012 (Vol. 65, No. 10)).

ISBN: 9781596437296

The Name of the Star
Maureen Johnson

Over 100 years after the Jack the Ripper murders occurred in London, the violence and the mystery of the acts continue to consume people’s imaginations. When Rory arrives in London to attend school for a year, the first copycat Ripper murder has just occurred and Ripper Mania is beginning to take hold of the city. Coming from the New Orleans area, Rory finds herself in the center of a new world, forced to make new friends, quickly adjust to a new school and new culture, and thrust into the center of the new Ripper murders. Johnson has written an intriguing, thrilling mystery that presents fascinating characters, a hundred year old mystery with an intriguing twist, and makes the reader wish they were in the middle of London with the characters. While the focus is on the Jack the Ripper murders, the novel does not disclose extremely gruesome details, but does describe the murders, both current and historical, in some detail. This gripping novel will appeal to history buffs as well as fans of horror and mystery fiction. 2011, G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Young Reader Group, Ages 15 to 18, $16.99. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9780399256608

Scarlet
A.C. Gaughen

The traditional players of Robin Hood’s band of thieves all make an appearance in this reinvention of the legend, but there’s one notable difference: Will Scarlet is a woman in disguise. On the run from a past she refuses to discuss, Scarlet has spent the last two years repaying a debt to Robin by helping his clan provide food and money to the Nottingham villagers, who are currently at the mercy of a greedy and violent sheriff. When the sheriff calls in an expert “thief-taker” from London to put an end to Robin’s antics once and for all, Scarlet’s secrets are revealed and threaten to disband the friends for good-if the bounty hunter doesn’t kill them first. A fast pace and cinematic fight scenes give this immediate appeal, while the gritty details of medieval peasant life and the nobility of Robin’s cause remain true to the original tale. Quick with a blade and a curse-ridden insult, Scarlet is a gruff, often unlikable narrator, but in between demonstrating her impressive knife-wielding skills and threatening to cut off various body parts of those who cross her, she reveals a harrowing backstory that eventually allows readers to see her as a vulnerable and sympathetic protagonist. Her love triangle with John and Robin serves to humanize all three characters while interrogating notions of romance and chivalry in a world where marriage is essentially a property transaction. Moral-minded rebels and conscientious outlaws will find kindred spirits here. 2012, Walker, Grades 9-12, $17.99. Reviewer: Kate Quealy-Gainer (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, April 2012 (Vol. 65, No. 8)).

ISBN: 9780802723468

Secret Letters
Leah Scheier

Famous detective Sherlock Holmes’s skill and cunning have obviously run through the family because, unbeknownst to him, his daughter, Dora, challenges the current detective stereotype by trying to become one herself. She and her cousin, Adelaide, venture to London trying to find Holmes in the hopes that he will catch the man who has been blackmailing Adelaide. Dora has her own secret agenda to meet Holmes and tell him that she is his daughter. Upon learning of Holmes’s death, Dora accidentally meets Peter Cartwright, an apprentice detective who volunteers to help her find her cousin’s blackmailer. Amidst twisting plots, multiple mysteries, and a budding romance, Dora and Peter work together to solve a mystery of a kidnapped lady; this in turn will lead to the blackmailer and clear Adelaide’s good name. Dora must escape her aristocratic family to pursue her dreams of following in her father’s footsteps. This volume is an engaging read that holds the reader’s attention throughout. The multiple, interwoven mysteries create an engrossing reading experience. The characters are realistic, and their motives are believable. As a girl, Dora faces more challenges than a boy in her situation, and because of these obstacles she is a more compelling character. A story that involves young sleuths in complex investigations will bring in mystery readers; however, the setting in Victorian London with references to Sherlock Holmes could attract more than just the usual mystery readers. 2012, Hyperion/Disney Book Group, Ages 12 to 18, $16.99. Reviewer: Susan Allen (VOYA, June 2012 (Vol. 35, No. 2)).

ISBN: 9781423124054

Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings
Sophia Bennet

Three fourteen-year-old best friends, Edie, Jenny, and Nonie, undergo a rite of passage in Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings when they meet and help Crow, a twelve year old, realize her dreams of clothing design. The girls discover that Crow is a refugee from Uganda who was sent to the London by her family. A diehard blogger and activist, Edie raises awareness for global causes, and Nonie is an eclectic dresser aspiring to work in the fashion industry. An actress with self-image issues, Jenny–who is plastered in the media–soon discovers her confidence when Crow designs a dress for her. Combining their talents, the teen girls pull off a fashion show of Crow’s clothing designs and successfully raise money for the invisible children in war-torn northern Uganda. Readers will devour this dish of literature written to entice teenage female readers with helpings of fashion, friendship, and angst amidst global plight. Appropriate for teens, the language delivers the book’s poignant message of global trepidation while treading lightly on issues teens struggle with, like acceptance and self-image. Bennett writes notes of fashion and fabric that ring tunes of art, expression, and passion. Overall, the author challenges readers to be unique in fashion and in life, where anyone, in this case teenage girls, can make a difference. Her next book, Beads, Boys, and Bangles, will be released in 2012 and will be the second edition in this trilogy. 2011, Chicken House/Scholastic, Ages 11 to 15, $16.99. Reviewer: Mirta R. Espinola (VOYA, February 2011 (Vol. 33, No. 6)).

ISBN: 9780545242417

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Jennifer E. Smith

Seventeen-year-old Hadley misses her flight to London by four minutes causing her to be late for her father’s second wedding to the woman who broke up her parents’ marriage. While stuck at JFK waiting for the next flight, Hadley meets Oliver, a charming British Yale student with his own family issues in England. Serendipitously, the two have seats next to each other on the next flight and Oliver helps Hadley deal with her airplane claustrophobia, anger at her father, and meeting her father’s new bride. Set over the course of one day, The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight shows how quickly two people can fall in love, whether on a plane, at work, or in the dentist’s office. The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight is a sweet, character-driven, romantic comedy with plenty of twists to keep readers engaged and is sure to delight teens from beginning to end. Young adult readers will enjoy reading about Hadley and Oliver, two characters who are familiar, witty, and have terrific chemistry together. This book is highly recommended and would be a great addition to any library serving teens who enjoy romance and realistic fiction. Be prepared to have this book fly of the shelves. 2012, Poppy/Little Brown, Ages 12 to 18, $17.99. Reviewer: Stacy Holbrook (VOYA, February 2012 (Vol. 34, No. 6)).

ISBN: 9780316122382

The Wicked and the Just
J. Anderson Coats

Cecily d’Edgeley is devastated when she and her father must leave their manor in England to move to Caenarvon, Wales. Her uncle has returned from the Crusades and has claimed his inheritance; the home Cecily’s mother had promised would be hers someday. Cecily misses her friends and dislikes everything about Wales. She refuses to adjust and comes across as a spoiled brat, yet the reader cannot help but be sympathetic to her first person accounts of her new life in a place where she is afraid of the rough-seeming Welsh. Alternating chapters present the first person narrative of their young maid Gwenhwyfar, who illustrates the resentment the Welsh hold for the English. Escalating political turmoil makes life increasingly dangerous. Both Cecily and Gwinny begin to change their views a bit. More importantly, Cecily matures and is no longer “the Brat” Gwinny despises. A guarded respect develops between the two teenage girls caught in the turmoil of 13th century Wales. 2012, Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 12 to 18, $16.99. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson (Children’s Literature).

ISBN: 9780547688374

Updated 7/1/12

To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.

If you’re interested in reviewing children’s and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.