Inkspell and Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

Funke's recognition as a fantasy writer is well deserved. I have greatly enjoyed the entire Inkheart trilogy. The series' exploration of the power and possibilities of the printed word especially speak to me as a reader and writer. At the present moment I am having to devote more time in my professional life to writing and publishing. Funke's side-story of the pleasures and frustrations of the author's craft speaks loudly to me. Her mirror worlds of fantasy will appeal to a wide range of readers and will secure her spot in children's and young adult literature.

All three books present a challenge to younger readers in their length alone. Yet, readers willing to take on the Harry Potter saga will be able to handle this series. I believe that the books are complex enough to engage a wide range of ages and readers. It encouraged me that the first book has already been accepted by the commercial film industry. It was the feature film on a flight I took to Ecuador this summer. I didn't really follow the film, but plan to view it at home soon.

Swantown: The Secret Journal of Susanna Shakespeare, by Micahel J. Ortiz

This gives a rich sense of everyday life in Elizabethean England. The plot is really quite gripping. Susanna want to be a "player" and "writer" like her father, the famous William Shakespeare. But, on the way her uncle gets in trouble with the "censor" and Suzanna needs to help save him.I'm not so certain that the historical facts about William's relationship with his family are accurate. But, it is motivating me to go back and confirm what I thought I knew about Shakespeare's relationship with his wife and children.Good read!