In truth, I have not read the first two books in the Family Tree series and it probably is a good idea to read the series in order. The book as a standalone did not present me with a close connection to Francie’s grandmother, mother, or other family members.  It is a novel concept to have the series span four generations and reading the books in order will best show this development. When suggesting this book to students, be certain that they have read the first two books before reading Best Kept Secret.

Medieval history includes brutal events, and this series does not shy away from this truth. Each books begins with a two page spread on the featured topics and events such as Castle Buildings, Wars of Independence, After the Romans, Warrior Elite, and The First Crusades. The art is detailed showing the grandeur of castles and landscape, but also more graphic images such as the lancing of buboes, draining of blood, or sheep eating corpse as can be found in The Black Death. In addition, images in Crusades include severed heads in a basket, and blood covered ax with dead covered in of pools of blood. The section “Edward I Conquers Wales” in the book Castles, opens with the head of a sheriff and tax collector prominently displayed from the doorway showing the level of violence. The book follows up on the topic by providing a page spread of facts, artwork and other full-color images. A page spread glossary of terms is found in each book ranging from abdicated, phalanx to usurper. All books close with an index. With the wide variety of topic areas, this set provides a window into the medieval world with narrative, facts and artwork. Medieval history is most commonly found in the middle school curriculum and this series will help supplement lessons or projects but also serve as a general reading interest book for many students.

Science fiction is high flying with none other than a teenager Cleopatra in this full color graphic novel divided into three chapters. Cleo is about to turn fifteen years old at the start of the book and does not enjoy  algebra. Quickly, through her adventures, she is sent into the future, thought to be the Savior of the Nile Galaxy. In the new setting she must attend school at Yosiro Academy.  She becomes friends with her roommates Akila and Brian, a creative inventor making each moment exciting.  The fun will carry on with the next book in the series Book Two: The Thief and The Sword. This is a great book to introduce readers to graphic novels with striking artwork and an inventive story.