Mysteries and musketeers

“A to Z Mysteries: The Haunted Hotel”

Ron Roy

Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose read in the newspaper that a ghost has been seen in the Shangri-La Hotel. The gang goes to the hotel. They find out that the first ghost isn’t a ghost. It’s just a woman named Mrs. Spivets. The team settles down for cookies and milk.

They meet the Spivets and ask questions about the ghost. Soon they discover that three people hired someone to be the ghost. Why? There is only one way to find out. Read the book to find out more.

Reviewed by Tom, 3rd grade

Hugo Reid Elementary

Arcadia

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“The Three Musketeers”

Alexandre Dumas

Although it is over 100 years old, this is a gripping story. It is as if it were written yesterday.

The story takes place in 1624 during the time of Cardinal Richelieu and his murderous spies. The king is Louis XIII. He ignores his wife, Queen Anne. Queen Anne has sold her heart to the Duke of Buckingham, who sets up one of the situations that the musketeers have to face.

We watch the story through the eyes of D’Artagnan, who hopes to become a musketeer. The present musketeers are Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Madam Bonacieux is their sidekick.

Of course, the most famous line is: “One for all and all for one!” This is one of the best stories I have ever read.

Reviewed by William, 10

Third Street School

Los Angeles

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“The Midnight Fox”

Betsy Byars

Tommy’s mother tells him that he has to go stay at his aunt’s farm for two months. He doesn’t want to go because he is a city boy. While on the farm, he sees baby lambs, dogs and chickens. Sadly, Tommy is lonely, until he has a dream about the midnight fox. To his surprise, he meets the midnight fox for real. She has shiny black fur, brown eyes and white paws. Every night at midnight, he spends hours watching her in the woods. Soon, Tom’s loneliness goes away, because he cannot stop thinking about the fox. They become the best of friends. One day, the fox is missing. When she finally returns, she surprises Tom with the birth of her cub. Read the rest of the story and find out what Tom does when the fox and the cub are in danger.

Haley, 10

Oakmont Elementary

Claremont

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