Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

EML two greatest loves have always been libraries and race cars. Only Richard Peck could bring the two together in turn of the century Indiana. Pee Wee's world is turned up side down when 4 young librarians come to town in search of the job of replacing the dead librarian (who was found under the card catalog). If you think one crazy librarian is bad enough, 4 can really cause an uproar. Pee Wee's brother is building a race car that gets mixed up with those librarians and on race day, it will be Pee Wee that learns the most. If you have read any other of Peck books, you will want to try this one. Aimed more at girls than other books by Peck, it still can be enjoyed by boys who likes a little craziness.

The Teacher's Funeral; A Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck

With a title like this, only those teachers who don't think like students will hate this book. Set in rural Indiana in 1904, the only teacher at school dies in August. Like that answer to Russell's prayers, school can't open unless they can find a teacher on short notice. When a new teacher is found, she is Russell's worst nightmare. She is tough and you would not believe how she got the pointer she uses in the school. Even EML would not have reached in there. Russell tries everything to get ride of her but will snakes really work? Maybe the rich guy in one of those new automobiles who takes a fancy to the new teacher will work. If you want to really enjoy this book, let your teacher see you read it and smile sweetly.

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

One of the few times that the sequel is better than the first book. Sequel to A Long Way from Chicago can be read alone. The Great Depression had forced Mary Alice to move in with her grandmother since her parents have no money. Granny in the summer is just a warm up for rest of the year. From getting even with those who tip outhouses to a snake mixed with an out-of-town artist, you never know what grandma will do next. But you never know that going somewhere you think will ruin your life brings you to a place that you meet a person that will change your life. Quick read for those who need one.

A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck

I rarely can read more than 1 or 2 books by an author, but Richard Peck is a must read. If you think you have a weird grandma, just meet Joey's. Joey lives in Chicago during the Al Capone days but sees his 1st dead body in his grandma's living room. Each summer brings a new adventure for Joey and his sister Mary Alice. Summer with grandma is never dull especially when she thinks not all laws apply to her. This runner-up for the Newbery is a fun read even if you don't really like historical fiction.