Children's Book Review

Dark Tales of the Tower
by Donna G. Munch
ISBN-10: 1932196714
Review by Heather Froeschl

Twelve-year-old Chloe Pippin has a little problem holding her temper. When she gets into a scuffle at school her lesson in anger management begins with suspension, embarrassment and two weeks of after school classes. Is this enough to teach Chloe to count to ten when angry? When Chloe's parents decide to send her and brother Luke to visit with their Uncle Wills in England for three weeks, the lessons are almost forgotten.

With a local boy as guide to the behind-the-tourist scene, Chloe and Luke learn about the darker side of London Tower. They hear the ghost stories and the gruesome tales of beheadings at every turn. Mischief finds them and there are a few times when Chloe forgets her anger management. One time in particular lands her in a precarious position. Will it take a visit from some spirits to help her truly learn her lesson?

Donna Munch has written an interesting tale for middle readers. Learning about some of London's history is fascinating, and her settings are full of historic facts. Readers will enjoy the King's English as Uncle Wills acclimates the children to a culture different from America. The plot was a little slow in some instances and I would have liked to see the storyline revolve more around Chloe's issues and more ghostly encounters. However it is a fun read and truly gives the feel of being in jolly old England.