Emerson's Attic: The Blue Velvet by Kathleen Andrews Davis

I had the privilege of meeting Kathleen Andrews Davis while at a writing conference a few months ago where she handed me a copy of her book series Emerson's Attic.

This review is of the first book in the series Emerson's Attic called The Blue Velvet. This book captivated me within the first few pages. As a middle grade book (my first review for this age group) I found myself wanting more. As Emerson is reeled back into time I'm reminded of the TV show Downton Abby and the staff that make the house and show a great success. 

Emerson is your typical teenager with technology being a staple in her life. When she is punished for an argument and forced to clean the hot, dirty attic Emerson finds herself rummaging through items that where once the objects of enjoyment to older generations. 

In her process of cleaning she finds a trunk that houses a blue velvet hat. Out of curiosity and glamour Emerson places the hat on her head and admires the old fashion style. Next thing you know she's taken off into a world in which she doesn't know or understand. But Emerson has little problems adjusting to this new world. 

With Lizzy's help, Emerson is able to navigate enough through the strange world without too many "slip ups" of the 21st century mindset she holds. Emerson travels for a reason, but to understand the reason she must understand and grow with the story. 

Davis does a great job of incorporating the young, old, new and historic together in this story line. I found that changing my mind set back to being a young kid helped me understand the writing style more than anything. As an adult the mystery of the book felt empty with extreme detail missing, however for a tween these details most likely would mean nothing to the reader. Adult books feel much more in depth vs. middle grade, but then again I can barely remember actually loving books at that age. 

This is a great book that dives the reader into many different genres; mystery, suspense, and time travel; a way to build the young readers interest on numerous levels and having them want more.

At the end of the book I wanted to know more about Emerson and her adventures; it's a good thing too because Davis has a second book to the Emerson's Attic series Smoke & Mirrors available now.