Backpacking for Beginners

Article posted February 5, 2007 at 05:52 PM GMT0 • Reads 74

Johnson, Maureen. 13 Little Blue Envelopes. New

York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2005.



(ISBN 0-060-54142-3, 336 pages)



Virginia Blackstone, 17, is in for an unforgettable summer experience when she receives a package from her flighty Aunt Peg. Inside, lie thirteen little blue envelopes, each with a personal note to Ginny as well as a task that she is to complete before she can open her next letter. From the moment she rips open envelope number one, Ginny is catapulted into an adventure that takes her from London to Scotland, Rome, Paris, and beyond. Quickly learning to survive on her own, (she is not allowed electronic devices, guidebooks, or even a journal), Ginny is transformed from a passive girl to an explorer with the help of the friends, artists, and strangers who taught her aunt the most about life. An ALA Teens' Top Pick for 2006, Johnson's novel is sure to entertain as well as inspire. Highly recommended for girls ages 13 and up.

The Luck of the Irish

Article posted May 22, 2007 at 06:13 PM GMT0 • Reads 66

Harris, Nathaniel. Heritage of Ireland: A History of Ireland and its People. New York: Checkmark Books, 1998.



(ISBN 0-8160-3939-9, 159 pages)



This well-researched book is the perfect introduction to Irish history and culture. Complete with more than a hundred beautiful photographs and drawings, it provides a snapshot of life on the Emerald Isle from before the Celtic invasion to the present day. Harris gives an ample overview of Ireland's geography, history, myths and legends, artwork and architecture, lifestyles, and even her famous citizens. Each section starts over at the dawn of Irish civilization, so the reader comes to understand how time has affected many aspects of Irish life, from her castles, unique burial tombs, and horse races to the Great Potato Famine and English Ascendancy. It is a relatively quick read but can also be browsed at leisure via the Table of Contents depending on the interests of the reader. Nathaniel Harris was born in London and educated at University College, Oxford. He is the author of many books on history and the arts and currently lives in Worcester, England. Highly recommended as an excellent starting point for those who wish to learn about Ireland.