M.L. Tarpley

Travel and learning about different countries combines with a girl's desire to achieve her dreams while facing the trials of a younger brother, writer's block and whatever other problems being 10-years-old might throw her way.

Maylie is ten and dreams of becoming a famous author, but no matter how hard she tries, she just can't get a story out onto paper. To make matters worse, her aunt...who is a famous photographer...wants to take them on a tour of Europe during summer break. If her younger brother wasn't joining them, she'd be more excited. But most of all, she hopes to end her writer's block.

I enjoy how travel and information about other countries, in this case London, mixes in with an interesting story in such a smooth way. Maylie sees the sites and gets a bit of historic information, letting the reader learn right along with her. The illustrations also dabble between the pages and words not only along with the story itself, but help to slide in visual aides when necessary. And these are always done in such a way, which seems as if they are simply accompanying the tale.

The story itself brings across different problems readers of the intended age group (8 to 12) will be able to identify with. While Maylie's biggest issue in this book is her inability to write like she wants, there's also the relationship she has with her younger brother. The message of never giving up and the reminder that dreams aren't easy to achieve, ring loud and clear. But so do other ones about sibling relationships and dealing with others.

This tale is well written but is a bit slow paced. However, when the main problem of the castle and maze finally hits about mid-way through, the tempo picks up and creates an entertaining read. It will be fun to see where Maylie goes next and what problems she'll have to figure out along the way.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed Maylie's adventure quite a bit.… (mere)