The Egypt Game

As a kid, I was fascinated by the mysteries of ancient Egypt. My mother, an elementary school librarian, introduced me to this book when I was in the fifth grade — and I’ve loved it ever since. The story centers around April Hall, the daughter of a famous movie actress. When the girl goes to live with her grandmother, she and two neighbor kids amuse themselves by creating their own ancient Egyptian “society” based on a shared fascination with archaeology. They make costumes, devise rituals, and even choose a pharaoh to rule them. Their “Egypt” is located in the forgotten… show more.

I recommend The Egypt Game because it is another book about the ingenuity of one’s imagination in the company of a good friend. The friendship between Melanie and April is so satisfying and fun! I love made-up language. I love mystery. I love ritual. These two girls are left to their own devices and they embody the process of making lemonade of lemons. They help each other turn long stretches of time into adventure, connection, and creativity.