Series: Minerva Mint Title: The Order of the Owls Author: Elisa Puricelli Guerra Who to recommend it to: Kids who love offbeat mysteries such as Series of Unfortunate Events and anyone who loved Pippi Longstocking, Little Orphan Annie, and Gilda Joyce I'm not sure if the series will take a paranormal spin, but there are no paranormal elements in this one. Why it rocks: We have an orphan in a cool setting with complete freedom (she is "home schooled" by an absent adult), a level of danger, several interesting mysteries, and wild animals. We have a bully bad guy who is pretty scary, and three kids that get by on their wits. Lizard Manor, Minerva's home, is a character in itself. Think: Grey Gardens. I couldn't put it down. It's charming, but not so sweet that the reader wants to brush their teeth afterward. Most importantly, it's a fun read. Finally, diversity. Minerva is a ginger with an unknown background, her "perfect" blonde...