Magic Marks the Spot - by Caroline Carlson

Aargh, Matey!  This is a delightful pirate story that is far from normal, and is wonderful for its quirkiness.  Hilary Westfield has always wanted to be a pirate, and is well on her way with her own sword, ability to tread water for well over half an hour, and swashbuckling attitude.  There are two problems:  1) Her father is admiral of the Royal Navy, and has a life mission of ridding the kingdom of pirates, and 2) The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates has rejected her application for piracy on account of her being a girl, and has forwarded it to Ms. Pimm's Finishing School for Delicate Ladies.  Hilary is on her way to the dreaded school when a magical theft turns things upside down, and she must battle stern governesses, magical thieves, treacherous sailors, and rapscallion rogues of all sorts in her quest to solve the mystery of the Queen's missing treasure.

Armed with her trusty sword, and backed by a nervous gargoyle and a mismatched crew of unexpected friends and associates, Hilary sets off to Gunpowder Island, where her fortunes will explode, and she must sink or swim.

This is a witty adventure, full of twists and turns, interesting and surprising characters, and a perfect ending.  Boys and girls alike will enjoy this fantastic book.

The Valley of Secrets - by Charmain Hussey

A secret English estate, overgrown and without visitors for half a century, is suddenly the center of a slow-paced adventure involving one teen boy, a collection of mysterious animals, and a 60-year-old journal.  Young Stephen, an orphan, must uncover the secrets of his own past while at the same time learning the amazing position has been thrust into, keeper of a very old and important secret.  

This excellent book takes the olden style of storytelling, letting the tale unroll at its own pace, slowly and with plenty of juicy bits to leave you hanging on for what comes next.  The author is an anthropologist, which shows in her careful description of the people and history of a certain Amazonian tribe.  The characters, both human and animal, are intriguing and lovable, and it's a story that will both hold your attention and capture your heart.

Read this if you love secrets, mysteries that unravel slowly, botany, South America, Cornwall, or simply touching stories.