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Sally Lockhart Mystery
“Beware The Seven Blessing. . . .”
When she first utters these words, sixteen-year-old Sally Lockhart doesn’t know their meaning. But when an employee of her late father hears them, he dies of fear. Thus begins Sally’s terrifying journey into the seamy underworld of Victorian London, in search of clue that will solve the puzzle of her father’s death. Pursued by villains and cut-throats at every turn, she at last uncovers two dark mysteries. One involves the opium trade; the other, a stolen ruby of enormous value. Sally soon learns that she is the key to both — and that it’s worth her very life to find out why.
This is a great book for kids of all ages from the award-winning Philip Pullman better known for His Dark Materials trilogy. There are four books in this series: The Ruby in the Smoke, The Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well, and The Tin Princess. Try them — you’re going to really like them.
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You Should See Me In A Crown
Liz has always believed she’s too black, too poor, and too awkward to shine. She’s planned an escape route from her small town via an uber-elite college, but has no money to get there … until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. Liz fears the spotlight, but must face the gauntlet of social media trolls and catty competitors if she is to win the scholarship.
The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen.
Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams … or make them come true?
You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson, is a smart, hilarious, black girl magic rom-com that you’re going to enjoy.
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Crows, Ravens and Rooks
Corvids (not covid—notice the “r) are birds in the crow family. There are over 120 species in this family that includes crows, ravens, rooks, jackdaws, jays, magpies, and others. Corvids are remarkably intelligent and even play games and remember human faces. They have also been known to bring shiny gifts to people in exchange for food. They are found everywhere in the world except for the very bottom of South America and the polar ice caps.
We have many corvids around my house in Southern California, mostly crows and ravens. I find both of them fascinating. But sometimes I wonder which bird I’m looking at. How are crows different from ravens?
To start with, ravens are larger than crows. Their bills are thicker and their legs stronger. They have longer wings and can soar for a long time, unlike crows. Usually ravens hang out with only one other raven and rarely with more than 100. A group of ravens is called a “conspiracy.” Ravens have deep, hoarse caws.
Crows are smaller than ravens. Their bills and necks are shorter than a raven’s. Their wings are shorter and rounder. Crows can sometimes flock together with more than 1,000 individuals. A group of crows is called a “murder,” and this term probably came from superstition or folktales. Their call is higher pitched than a raven’s.
When trying to figure out what kind of shiny, black bird you are looking at, compare and contrast them:
How are they alike? Both are black, smart, widespread, playful, and clever.How are they different? Ravens are larger, less social, bigger-billed, strut and hopping, soaring birds. Crows are smaller, smaller-billed, very social walkers.
Happy birding!
