Plumfield and Paideia

Jack and Jill: A Village Story

Reviewed by Sara Masarik
When I read Jack and Jill for the first time, I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t overly impressed with it. However, when I read it aloud to my children, I saw it through new eyes. I saw how exciting it was to young readers. It was funny and creative and full of boyish hijinks. It quickly became one of my favorite Alcott books. Read the full review

Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key

Reviewed by Sara Masarik
S. D. Smith says that he writes new books with old souls. But this time, he is joined by a new author with an old soul, his sixteen-year-old son, Josiah. Together, they take us on an adventure into the space between twelve worlds with peoples and politics just like ours and completely different at the same time... Read the full review

Jade

Reviewed by Sara Masarik
My spoiler-free review is very short: I did enjoy it. I will have it in my library. But, I will be cautious about to whom I recommend it. It is about a strong female protagonist from Colonial Virginia whose family is in the slave trade. Through a series of events, Melanie (nicknamed Jade) finds herself on a ship in the Bahamas attacked by pirates, and she joins their forces. She becomes a notorious outlaw, and this story is a rollicking fun ride. As much fun as this novel is, I found a number of challenges that mar the overall story for me, and I think parents may wish to know about some hefty content. Read the full review