Greenglass House by Kate Milford - - OPTIONAL

Milford, Kate  Greenglass House, 376 pgs.Houghton Mifflin (Clarion) 2014. $17.99. Language: G; (0 swears 0 Fs); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.  

Milo thinks this will be a restful holiday for him, but when a slew of guests arrive at his parent’s hotel just as the holiday begins, the usual restful winter break turns into a hunt for a treasure and the secrets of the Greenglass House.  The arrival of so many unexpected guests brings the cook back from her vacation, and Meddy who is the same age as Milo. Meddy is much more outgoing than he is, and, when Milo finds a map that seems to relate to the old house, and with other odd goings on, Meddy proposes a game to keep them busy. A role play game, with characters, new names and the ability to be more brave and adventurous that Milo ever thought possible. Known as Negret and Sirin in the game, Milo and Meddy explore the old house, discover its wonders, try to solve a mystery and find treasure.  

I had a hard time keeping with this book.  The characters name changes might be confusing - they drift in and out of character often, and are referred to by both names within a few paragraphs sometimes.  While I can see the purpose for this (Milo is different when he is Negret) a younger reader may not understand, or even think there is another pair of kids at the house.  Too slow moving to recommend for middle school students, too young for high school.  

MS - OPTIONAL  Lisa Librarian