“Evangeline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle,” by David Elliot

“Evangeline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle,” by David Elliot is the story of a young girl who is raised by parents who are primatologists.

From the time she was born Evangeline Mudd has enjoyed a fascinating lifestyle that is definitely unique. Evangeline's parents are primatologists, scientists who study primates, and so they teach Evangeline to swing from the trees and eat with her feet as well as her hands. In this fun-loving atmosphere Evangeline and her parents enjoy a life that is both peaceful and exciting.

Everything changes, though, when Evangeline's parents are called away on a research trip in the Ikkinasti Jungle. Unfortunately they must leave Evangeline behind, but they promise to return in two weeks. In the meantime Evangeline must stay with her rich aunt and uncle. This highly eccentric couple are obsessed with themselves and money, an attitude that Evangeline neither understands nor values. Needless to say she is eager for her parents return, but when the two weeks are up they still have not shown, and what is more Evangeline receives a mysterious postcard that hints that they may be in danger. Before long the brave young heroine is be involved in a perilous journey to save her parents from the Ikkinasti Jungle.

“Evageline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle” is a book that junior readers are sure the enjoy. The strong main character Evangeline is sure to appeal to young readers with her perky attitude and plucky persistence. The plot itself is hardly special, with no deep suspense or exciting twists and turns, but author David Elliot manages to pull the story through at a reasonably pace. I would recommend “Evageline Mudd and the Golden-Haired Apes of the Ikkinasti Jungle” as a friendly, original tale for young readers.

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“Homeless Bird,” by Gloria Whelan

“Homeless Bird,” by Gloria Whelan is the story of a young girl forced to marry at the age of thirteen.

In India tradition decrees that marriages are arranged, and for young Koly this means that she is forced to marry a sickly young boy with a cruel mother. With no choice in the matter, Koly becomes his wife, but the union is short lived, for he dies, leaving her a widow.

For a time, Koly's mother-in-law lets her live with them so that she can take the small pension that the government pays to widows such as Koly, but eventually she takes her to the city of Vrindavan and abandons her. Here in Vrindavan there are thousands of other white clad Indian widows, homeless and with little hope.

But Koly is determined to shape her own future, and so she does, one small step at a time.

I thought that “Homeless Bird” was a very well balanced book. It depicted the traditions of India without the harshly critical air that many similar stories would assume. Gloria Whelan creates a detailed picture of India and its culture. The calm but bold main character Koly is sure to win her way into any reader's heart. I would definitely recommend “Homeless Bird” for its cultural aspects and interesting plot.

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“Pictures, 1918,” by Jeanette Ingold

“Pictures, 1918,” by Jeanette Ingold is a historical fiction novel about a teenage girl living in 1918.

When Asia first sees the Autographic, she knows right away that she must have it as her own. The camera is state of the art, incorporating all the latest developments in photography technology. Not only that, but it is also beautiful. But the camera costs $55 and in 1918, while World War I is being fought overseas, money is hard to come by, especially for “luxury items” such as cameras.

But Asia is determined to save up the money to buy this special camera, because she feels that with it as her tool she can finally capture the beautiful, and shocking, images around her. Asia's summer, as she works for the camera and finally begins to learn how to use it, is a great panorama of events, both wonderful and frightening, but with her camera by her side, she is ready.

Jeanette Ingold did an excellent job in writing “Pictures, 1918.” The storyline is not exactly exciting, but it has a very down to earth, realistic appeal created by its accurate representation of life in the early 1900's. In addition to the historical aspects of “Pictures, 1918,” the characters are rich and varied. Jeanette Ingold shares Asia's story in brief, descriptive passages that almost feel like looking through a picture album. I recommend “Pictures, 1918” to all young readers.

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