The Mystery of the Third Lucretia by Susan Runholt

Two 14-year old best friends from St. Paul stumble into the ride of their lives when they find themselves in the middle of a stolen art mystery.  The books takes readers to Paris, London, and Amsterdam as they follow the protagonists trying to uncover the mystery of the "Gallery Guy".  Many aspects of this book are enjoyable:

• the friendship the girls have...it's not perfect, but it's reflective of how friendships go in 9th grade.
• the history of art lessons...I didn't know I was so interested in classic, museum-esque type art!
• the places the book takes you...I can't wait to go to Europe to see those places for myself
• the mystery...I love a caper!  
• the MN connection...since these girls live in St. Paul, there are references I recognized from being a St. Paul-ite myself.  Fun!

Hope you enjoy it.  It looks like it's going to be the first in the Lucas and Kari series. Just another reason to fall in love with this book.  Let me know if you pick it up!  Keep reading, everyone!

thanks to letsbuyit.co.uk for the image!

Harry Potter Books 1-3: Winter Break 2010

Harry Potter and friends have been keeping me company this winter break.  The series has swept me up, and all I can hope for is for 2011 to be filled with as much fun, adventure, and wisdom as these books.  I would love to have some students join me on this ride.  The magic, the wizards, the legends will captivate you!

While I had hoped to read the first five books over break, I got sidetracked by some other grown-up books.  Moonlight Mile by one of my favorite authors Dennis Lehane and National Book Award Winner Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.  But like I said, I don't think middle-schoolers will like these but I do recommend these to my grown-up reading friends.

Keep reading, everyone!
-stenson

*Photo found on wizardingworldpark.com