"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is a book by Ian Fleming written in 1964.

In "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," there are 4 main characters, Caractacus Pott (called Jack), Jeremy Pott, Jemima Pott, and Mismie Pott. In "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," the Pott family purchases a motorcar. Jack takes it to his workshop where he tinkers with it to get it in working order. They decide to go to the seaside for a picnic But, but, but, And once again but! 22,654 other families had the same idea! While they are waiting, a light begins to flash “PULL.” Jack is a little taken back, then the light changed to “PULL IDIOT.” So Jack pulls - and the car gets wings! Another pull and the car takes off! Then, once while exploring a cave, they find Joe the monster's secret weapon store! (Joe the Monster is a notorious criminal) They decide to blow the the weapons up! But, but, but, and once again but! Joe the Monster was watching! Eager to seek revenge, Joe kidnaps Jeremy and Jemima! Will Mismie and Jack be able to rescue their children? Will the children be able to warn Monsieur Bon Bon before Joe the Monster steals his money? Read the book to find out!
Review by Spencer, age 10

"The Mystery of the Stolen Boxcar" was published in 1995.

The Mystery of the Stolen Boxcar is the 51st in the boxcar children series. All of the boxcar children books are about 4 orphans: Henry, Jesse, Violet, and Benny. They use to live in an old boxcar until they started living with their Grandfather.

In The Mystery of the Stolen Boxcar, the boxcar children are getting their boxcar ready for a parade and it gets stolen! Will the box car children find their boxcar in time for the parade? Read the book to find out!
review by Spencer, age 10

Mom's note: The first 19 books in the Boxcar series were written by Gertrude Chandler Warren and are all excellent. We also enjoyed this one, but cannot vouch for all the other titles written after number 19.

"The Cabin Faced West" is a book by Jean Fritz written in 1958.

"The Cabin Faced West" is a true story about a girl named Ann Hamilton. She goes west with her Father, Mother, and two brothers, Daniel and David. After they move, Daniel makes “The Rule”: the first one to find fault with the west will get a bucket of water over their head. Ann keeps a Diary and writes almost every day. One day while Ann is in the woods writing in her diary, she feels something touching her shoulder, is it a wolf? An unfriendly Indian? It turns out to be Andy McPhale their new neighbor. Later, another visitor comes named Arthur Scott who Ann eventually marries. One time when Ann us picking grapes, she hears horses coming. She hides, but the men still see her! Who are these strange visitors? Will they hurt Ann? Read the book to find out!
review by Spencer, age 10

Mom's note: The character of Ann really struggles throughout this book with getting along with her brothers, missing her best friend from back East, trying to do a good job helping her family, and really just wanting to move back "home." By the end of the book, she has grown and become committed to helping build the new country of the United States. I enjoy that this book features a gentle loving mother who understands Ann and her struggles and appreciates her. I also appreciate the strong faith of her father and how it is highlighted and modeled for his family and the reader.

"Codes and Ciphers" is a book by John Laffin, written in 1964.

Codes and Ciphers is a book about, yes, codes and ciphers. Do you know the difference between a code and a cipher? A code is when you have one word represent another (ie. green=hello, blue=friend, green blue=?). A cipher is when you have one letter,number,or symbol that represents a letter (ie. %=a, $=c, @=t, $%@=?). in this book you will find out how to read, write, and decode ciphers. "Codes and Ciphers" includes information on the Ceaser Shift Cipher, Edgar Allen Poe, the Zodiac alphabet, the Shakespeare-Bacon argument, and much more! This is a great book for anyone that is interested in codes and/or ciphers!

Review by Spencer, age 10

"Silver for General Washington" is a book written in 1944, by Enid La Monte Meadowcraft.

The book begins in Philadelphia were Gilbert Emmet and his younger sister Jenifer live with their father in the late 1700's. One night, Mr. Emmet sends Gil and Jen to Valley Forge with their aunt and uncle, where it's safer. When the American army moves to Valley Forge, Gil and a man in the army named Seth become friends. When Gil finds that George Washington needs money he has an idea. Gil and Danny (his cousin) go back to Philadelphia and get the silver Gil's father buried there. When they get there, they find that British soldiers are camped in their home! With help from the Emmet's slave (who is also in the house), they dig up the silver to sell. When they try to leave the city, Gil is shot by a British picket! Will they get out of Philadelphia safely? Will they be able to get back to valley forge with the money? Read the book to find out!
Review by Spencer, age 10

Mom's note: The main character in this book is a great example for young people to read about. He exhibits a great deal moral courage during the difficult and trying times of the American Revolution. He is successful in his endeavor and is rewarded for his contribution to the war effort. There is even a cameo appearance by George Washington!