This series is comprised of six engaging novels that are extremely accessible to learners at the fundamental English level. All of the novels are either set in British Columbia or have central characters who are from the province. The books are completely adult in content which, along with the approachable print size and use of white space, have made them a popular addition to classroom discussion. This review focuses on the four that were used the most by learners during the field testing. (A cautionary note: These books contain material that may be emotionally charged for some of the people in your class.)

The Scowling Frog, an adventure/romance story brushed with the supernatural, is set in the Queen Charlotte Islands, but its main characters are from the United States. The story centres on what happens when two men cut down an ancient totem pole and attempt to smuggle it out of the country to make money. The novel raises serious moral questions about appropriation and rightful ownership of cultural artifacts.

The Mailbox, a romance set in rural B.C., focuses on the inner struggle of a married woman who finds herself attracted to an empathetic stranger. Jim, a bush pilot, flies into Helen's life and highlights the loneliness she feels within her marriage to a self-centred artist. Helen's moral dilemma is one which adult learners can understand, write

about and debate. As one of my students confided, "It happens like that. One of my friends had this problem, but she stayed with her husband."

The Buckle follows the fortunes and misfortunes of a bull rider, Luke, who is determined to win the championship buckle. Initially, Luke is not very likeable; he seems to be a hardened, bad-tempered bully who is prepared to go to any lengths to achieve his goal. However, by the end of the book, we learn a lot about why Luke is the way he is and see how it is possible for people to deal with their past and to make positive changes. Students who read this book found its portrayal of the effects of child abuse realistic: "It is right down to earth. It is like the real world...."

Frozen Tears is about Laura, a woman whose childhood is a nightmare of neglect and abuse, who grows to be strong and independent with the courage to save herself and her own daughter from an abusive relationship. This novel seems to be the one to which students are most obviously drawn. The copy in my classroom is already dog-eared and worn--a testament to its popularity. "I liked the lead character. She was strong through everything she went through. She stood up for herself, and she worked hard at everything she did. "

Thanks to the authors for creating books for the adult learner that all of us can appreciate!