To Say Nothing of the Dog
By Connie Willis


Publisher's Note:  Ned Henry shuttles between the 1940s and the twenty-first century while researching Coventry Cathedral for a patron interested in rebuilding it until the time continuum is disrupted.


Overall Review:  To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis may technically be a science fiction novel, but it feels more like The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde.  You don’t have to be a die-hard science fiction fan to enjoy this book.  (In fact, if you want hard-core science fiction, this isn’t it.)  Willis is amazing in her incorporation of chaos theory, time travel, English history, and literary knowledge.  The true charm of this book is the first-class, dry, understated humor and dialogue.  The pacing is even-handed and the conclusion most satisfying.  After this book, I will never look at an English bulldog without smiling.  Overall Rating:   4.5 out of 5 stars!




Content Review:
VIOLENCE:  one mild instances

PROFANITY:  a few mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  one mild instance

MATURE THEMES:  none

RECOMMENDED AGE:   21+

Violence is minimal.   There is one fairly lengthy scene that occurs during a German bombing of a cathedral in London.  Within that scene there are explosions, a fire, and general chaos, but no deaths described.

Mild religious profanity was noted three times. 

Sexual content is mostly non-existent as most of the story occurs in Victorian England.  One character does kiss another character.

This delightful book has nothing that would be inappropriate for ages younger than 21.  However, the pacing and dialogue of the book lend itself to an older, more mature reader who can appreciate its tongue-in-cheek and dry humor.

To Say Nothing of the Dog is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 21+!
_

_This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer

_Sixpence in her Shoe
by Phyllis McGinley

Publisher's Note:  None - This is an older title in its sixth reprinting!

Overall Review:  This collection of essays about all aspects of homemaking is written in an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek manner that will make you smile—and maybe even giggle once or twice. Sixpence in Her Shoe is more than just a rosy-eyed view of domesticity; McGinley makes her arguments for the stay-at-home housewife in an articulate, educated manner, with plenty of exceptions to her rules. In fact, the thing I liked best about this book is that, while McGinley has plenty of her own opinions to bring to the fore, the overall message of her delightful book seems to be "figure out what works for YOU." In hilarious manner, she explains how most of the popular advice given to young wives has little bearing on her marriage: her husband never wants to talk about his work, he longs to be given a list of problems to fix around the house, and he can't stand to have his wife get up and prepare a hot breakfast for him. Likewise, McGinley urges her readers to find their own rhythm when it comes to being a wife, homemaker, and mother. In a few places, the book seemed to drag a little as the author went off on a tangent or got bogged down in details.  However, overall it was a very entertaining read! Sixpence in Her Shoe is perfect for homemakers of all sorts—whether they stay at home full time or not, have kids or not, or subscribe to conventional ideas or not.  Overall Rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

Content Review:

PROFANITY: Very mild

VIOLENCE: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: Very mild

MATURE THEMES: None

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 18+

There is one instance of very mild profanity (a religious epithet used in its proper context). At one point, the author says that sex (along with religion and politics) is one of the three topics that inspires the liveliest discussions at dinner parties. The content of this book is appropriate for any age; however, since it is most likely to be of interest to married women, Sixpence in Her Shoe is recommended as a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 18+.

This Review was Written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer

_ Heist Society
by Ally Carter

Publisher's Note:  When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history--or at least her family's (very crooked) history.

Overall Review:  Meet Kat, a cleverly believable fifteen-year-old sleuth in a cast of sassy characters on a mission to save Kat’s dad from a dark enemy with a bad reputation.  As the daughter of a professional thief, Kat has always been his assistant by necessity, not by choice.  Then there’s Hale, Kat’s gorgeous guy friend and willing accomplice.  Although Kat’s left the family business once and for all, Hale’s begging her back into it and she’s in over her head.  As she assembles her own group of teenage partners in crime while running around the globe, you will feel you are right along with her. In a witty escapade that cannot be put down, there were no wasteful words -- a brilliant adventure with just the right amount of love and intrigue.  Since I enjoyed Heist Society so much, I will definitely be looking for more from this ingenious author, Ally Carter! Overall Rating is 5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY: none

VIOLENCE: none

SEXUAL CONTENT: none

MATURE THEMES: mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

A refreshingly clean, enjoyable read.  Nothing much to complain about, but if I must be picky, there is one character who is noted for her ample chest, long legs and short skirts.  Also a brief question of male nudity, although it doesn’t turn out to be actual nudity.  Another character is noted to have an ample chest in quite a few instances, although not in an overly sexual way. 

Honeymoon Heist is recommended as a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 14+.

_This review was written by Jen.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer.
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Disney/Hyperion for a review.

_ The Incovenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck
by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Publisher’s Note: Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away
 
Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol. Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college. Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes.

Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible.

But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

Overall Review: If you are a fan of romance, you’ll love this one!  Although light on substance, the romance is sweet, fun, and takes a long while to come!  Charlotte definitely has her own mind and is as crafty as a fox when it comes to getting her own way!  She is funny and spunky.  I love all of her plans, even though, as an ‘outsider’, you can see all the obvious flaws (along with the predictable outcomes)!  As a headstrong and spoiled young woman, full of her own ideas about life, her father thinks she needs to be tamed a bit.  Enter Alex Hambly, a titled (yet poor) member of the English aristocracy.  I loved Alex’s laid-back personality.  He takes things in stride all the while knowing that he usually has the upper hand!  His mother loves to spend money, his brother is a bit mentally challenged due to the rigors of a war he endured, his father passes away suddenly, and he himself is a dreamer—full of the desire to follow his calling as an astronomer.  Therefore, he finds himself in dire need of money to save his family from ruin.  What better circumstances to bring two people together?  The banter between Alex and Charlotte (or Charlotte and anyone) is fun and the bargains they continually make are pretty silly!

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck has all the elements of the predictably perfect romance novel: Two people loathe each other but always seem to be thrown together; they fight in public as well as private; someone outside of their relationship sees through the fighting and throws them impossibly together…and then… What better recipe for a great romance novel!?  It’s the perfect curl-up-with-a-warm-cup-of-cocoa-on-a-long-dark-winter-evening read. Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
VIOLENCE: A few very mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: A few mild instances

PROFANITY: None

MATURE THEMES: Very Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: Ages 16+

Violence consists of fist fights and a character believing he is always being followed or attacked by soldiers, etc.

Sexual content consists of the following:  talk of corsets; a few tense moments when the characters are attracted to each other (nothing occurs); some kissing (three instances); some talk of consummating the marriage (they aren’t going to so they can have the marriage annulled).

Mature themes included arranged marriages and life choices.

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck is a Squeaky Clean Read that can be enjoyed by Ages 16+.

_This review was written by Emily.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Waterbrook Press for a review.

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_ The L.A. Dodger (Ballpark Mysteries #3)
by David A. Kelly

Publisher’s Note: Now batting third—book #3 in a brand-new early chapter book mystery series where each book is set in a different American ballpark!

It's spring break and Kate and Mike are off to Los Angeles to visit Kate's dad, a scout for the Dodgers. But all is not sunny in L.A.—strange things have been happening to Kate's dad. Pages have gone missing from his clipboard. He's gotten threatening phone calls. And he thinks he's being followed! Is someone after Mr. Hopkins's top secret scouting reports?

The L.A. Dodger includes a fun fact page about Los Angeles's Dodger Stadium.

Cross Ron Roy's A to Z mystery series with Matt Christopher's sports books and you get the Ballpark Mysteries: fun, puzzling whodunnits aimed at the younger brothers and sisters of John Feinstein's fans.

Overall Review:In the spirit of The Magic Treehouse, two children find themselves constantly in the midst of an adventure.  But instead of a magic treehouse, or even a magic anything, all the mystery and excitement revolves around baseball!  In this installment, it appears that someone is trying to get Kate’s dad fired…or does it go even further than that?  Does someone want to bring down the whole team?  Could the L.A. Dodgers be in trouble?  Kate and Mike, in the spirit of all curious children, soon discover the source of what could be the problem, but he’s always one step ahead of them (hence, the ‘L.A. Dodger’).  Can they outsmart him and help Kate’s dad keep his job (and his sanity)?  The fate of the L.A. Dodgers is in the hand of two smart kids with a plan!  The L.A. Dodger is a fun little mystery whose fast pace and easy reading level will bring joy to any young fan of baseball.  Overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: One Very Mild instance

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: None

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There are a few moments when the main characters try to catch the ‘bad’ guy—there is some yelling and slight ‘tackling’ as a backpack is grabbed.  But other than that, there is absolutely nothing questionable.

The L.A. Dodger is without a doubt a Squeaky Clean read for ages 9+.

_This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House for a review

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_The Jungle Book
by Rudyard Kipling

Publisher's Note:  One of the most beloved classics in children’s literature, Kipling’s masterpiece follows Mowgli, the boy raised by wolves, and his animal friends as they fight for survival in the Indian jungle. Young readers will love the wise bear Baloo and Bagheera the black panther; shiver at the vicious tiger Shere Khan; laugh at the silly monkeys; and feel compassion for the grown-up Mowgli—who must finally acknowledge his own humanity.


Overall Review:  This retelling of the classic story of The Jungle Book is sweet, simple and sure to please young readers. The vocabulary and culture are rich.  However, it is lacking in pictures and resources to define the new words that young readers are sure to encounter in this book. Overall, The Jungle Book is a wonderful book to add to your family’s collection of children’s classics!  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY:  none

VIOLENCE:  mild

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES: none

RECOMMENDED AGE:  9+

There is no profanity, sexuality, or mature themes in this book. Violence consists of references to hunting, killing, and occasional threats.

The Jungle Book Retold from the Rudyard Kipling original is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+.

This review was written by Shelley.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Sterling Publishing (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)_ for a review.

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The Count of Monte Cristo
by Alexandre Dumas

Publisher's Note:  Dashing young Edmond Dantès has everything. He is engaged to a beautiful woman, is about to become the captain of a ship, and is well liked by almost everyone. But his perfect life is shattered when he is framed by a jealous rival and thrown into a dark prison cell for 14 years.

Overall Review:  Love. Betrayal. False Imprisonment. A Daring Escape. A Hidden Treasure.  A Calculated Revenge.  The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas has it all.  A classic among classics, this story justly deserves all the praise its fans have heaped upon it over the years.  It transcends beyond an adventure story into the dissection of motives, revenge, and justification.

Overall Rating:   5 out of 5 stars!

Reviewers Note: Readers beware! Make sure you read the right book!  The edition of this book that was sent to me for review had an anonymous abridgement and translation.  Frankly, it was poor.  Significant sections of the story are omitted all together, some story lines are not finished, and sections of no relevance to the plot are included.  These flaws result in the diminishing of a great story to a barely tolerable, diluted one.   If you choose an abridged version, I strongly suggest the version by Lowell Bair.  That is The Count of Monte Cristo I fell in love with! 

Content Review:
VIOLENCE:  a few mild instances

PROFANITY:  one mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  one mild instance

MATURE THEMES:  a few mild to moderate mature themes

RECOMMENDED AGE:   16+

The following content review is for the Sterling (Barnes and Noble Classics) edition with translation and abridgement by an anonymous party.  Content in the unabridged version or in other abridgements, may (and does) contain additional items which are not noted here.

Violence  includes the following:  report of a robber and his methods; report of impending execution; report a of skirmish and fighting with a few details; report by a character of a battle involving death by sword, knife, gunfire; the death by poisoning or illness of five characters; the suicide of two characters. 

Profanity was noted once.  There were instances when characters called upon God or Heaven for help, but these instances fell under the category of supplication. 

Sexual content consists of a character kissing another character’s hand.  An affair was implied.

Mature themes include, but are not limited to betrayal, revenge, vengeance, judgment, and suicide.  This book has excellent discussion material for a book club or school project. 

This particular abridgement of The Count of Monte Cristo is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 16+!

_This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Sterling (Barnes and Noble Classics)  for a review.

_ R my name is Rachel
by Patricia Reilly Giff

Publisher's Note:  Rachel, Cassie, and Joey live in the city with their Pop, until Pop's search for work lands the family on a run down farm. Dreamy Rachel loves to read, and doesn't know much about the country. Times are hard there, too—the school and library are closed.  When Pop gets work near Canada, he has to leave the children on the farm alone. For two months! But Rachel's the oldest, and she'll make sure they're all right. Somehow.
 
Overall Review: In R my name is Rachel, award-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff delivers a delightful and touching story about life during the Great Depression. Twelve-year-old Rachel adores life in the city. She shines at school and loves to read and write letters -- she’s even planning to write a letter congratulating Babe Ruth on hitting so many home runs! The bits of history that were sprinkled throughout these pages were charming. I loved that popular books and songs of the period, as well as presidents, were all woven into the story.

As the Depression changes everything, Rachel and her two siblings are suddenly alone on a dilapidated farm. Rachel steps up to the challenge and proves she is a one-in-a-million character. She’s charming and optimistic, not afraid of hard work and wise beyond her years. Rachel’s perseverance during difficult times is nothing short of inspiring. Her honest narrations offer a realistic view of how life during the Depression must have been. With similar economic times today, the novel’s message of hope and love will resonate with readers of any age. Lovable characters and a heartwarming plot make R my name is Rachela real winner. Overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY: none

VIOLENCE: none

SEXUAL CONTENT: none

MATURE THEMES: mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There is no profanity, violence or sexual content in this book.

There are several mature themes that deal with life during the Great Depression; however, they are approached mildly and from a twelve-year-old’s perspective.  These themes include the consequences of a parent losing a job, financial hardship and emotional stress, moving, and living without parents.

R my name is Rachel is a fantastic Squeaky Clean Read recommended for all ages!

_This review was written by Rachel.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Wendy Lamb an imprint of Random House Children's Publishing for a review.

_Shadow Magic
by Kitty Wells

Publisher's Note: This second book in the exciting new middle-grade series about the adventures of a little girl and her three tiny Pocket Cats is sure to delight young independent readers.

When Maddy discovers another one of the cats has come to life, she can't wait to get to know Nibs and start using her new magical power. But Nibs doesn't seem very friendly, and she's here for a reason.  There's a new problem to be solved.  It doesn't take long for Maddy and Nibs to figure out who needs their help. Maddy's cousin Chloe is having trouble settling into her new school. She's so miserable that she's decided to run away. Can Maddy and Nibs use their Shadow Magic to stop her?
 
Overall Review:  Shadow Magic is a cute, simple story about a girl trying to help her cousin. The imagination  sprinkled though out the story is perfect for a young girl who may also wish her toys came alive and she could be invisible! Although this book would be delightful for a young girl, it is does not have wide appeal for an older audience. Overall rating is 4.0 out of 5 stars
  
Content Review:
PROFANITY:  none

VIOLENCE:  none

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES:  mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  9+

Shadow Magic is perfectly clean and contains no violence, profanity, or sexuality. Mature themes may include running away from home and a negative attitude that a character uses with the family.

Shadow Magic by Kitty Wells is a Squeaky Clean Read for all ages 9+!

_This review was written by Shelley
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House for a review

_Baby's First 100 Days
by Margaret Stephenson Meere

Publisher's Note:  This compact, common sense survival guide takes the stress and guesswork out of the first three months of a baby's life for parents, grandparents, or any infant caregiver. This guide sheds light on your baby's behavior by explaining how a baby behaves and why, offering simple and authoritative advice on everything from burping to breastfeeding, recognizing signs of fatigue, dealing with crying, and establishing a sleeping pattern. At a glance you can have the answer and be able to enjoy the first 100 days with your newborn.

Overall Review:  Baby’s First 100 Days contains some great practical advice on how to care for a newborn.  First-time parents are sure to find some tips that they will use and be grateful for. Although this book is charming and easy to read, it doesn’t offer any new or unique parenting advice. Most of the information presented is commonly published in parenting magazines or articles.  It might be nice baby-shower gift for first time parents, but it is not a parenting resource one refer to repeatedly. Overall rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

Content Review:
PROFANITY:  none

VIOLENCE:  none

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES:  none

RECOMMENDED AGE:  18+

Baby’s First 100 Days is a Squeaky Clean Read!  It is recommended for ages 18+ because of its genre.

_This review was written by Shelley.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by CedarFort for a review