Grades 5 and Up Reviews: October, 2005

-- School Library Journal, 10/1/2005

See SLJ's December 2005 Holiday Book Reviews

Fiction

ALPHIN, Elaine Marie. The Perfect Shot. 360p. CIP. Carolrhoda. 2005. PLB $16.95. ISBN 1-57505-862-6. LC 2005003159.

Gr 9 Up–This engrossing thriller weaves issues of civil rights, racial prejudice, the judicial system, and the lessons of history into a suspenseful tale of a high-school senior who wants to do the right thing. Brian's girlfriend, Amanda; her sister; and their mother are shot to death in their garage. The girls' father is put on trial for the crime. On the day of the murders, however, Brian saw something that he thinks might affect the case. The story is told in flashbacks as he struggles for his life after being shot–as readers will suspect–by the true killer. What might have been a straightforward mystery grows richer as Brian compares Amanda's father's situation to the 1913 Leo Frank murder case he is researching for class. Another thread follows the arrest of Brian's friend and basketball teammate Julius, one of the few African Americans in their small Indiana town. Brian must also cope with pressure from his father to excel in basketball, and with his overwhelming grief over Amanda's death. Some of the insights about the flaws in our justice system come across as preachy, but Brian's personal dilemma–should he speak out and make waves or keep his doubts to himself–prevent the story from turning into a lesson on social justice. This novel will resonate with readers long after the final page. Sports fans will also enjoy the action-packed games as Brian attempts to lead his team to victory.–Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

AMATO, Carol J. The Lost Treasure of the Golden Sun. 172p. (The Phantom Hunters! Series, Bk. #1). Stargazer. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-933277-01-7; pap. $6.99. ISBN 1-9713756-5-8. LC 2004117661.

Gr 4-7–Twin sisters Scout and Anny, 12, and their neighbor Eric are spending their vacation on the Navajo Nation to help their friend Ben set up a science fair at his school. Upon arrival, they find that the school has burned down. Anny, who has psychic powers, sees a vision of an ancient warrior. She not only has to convince the others that the vision is real but also must determine if the warrior is good or evil. She first convinces Eric, who shares a special bond with her as he is deaf and often misunderstood. After finding a poem on the Internet about an ancient treasure, they are convinced that the fire and some men illegally searching the land for treasure are connected. The four children set out to unravel the mystery; Scout helps with her outdoor camping skills, Ben with his knowledge of Navajo legend and of the area, and Anny and Eric use sign language as they get close to the men they suspect. They are led through desert, mountain cliffs, and secret passages in their investigations. Reminiscent of "Hardy Boys" and "Nancy Drew" titles, this mystery moves quickly and the resolution is plausible. Readers learn about Native American culture and tradition as they are carried along by the adventure.–Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

BAJORIA, Paul. The Printer's Devil. 382p. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-316-01090-1. LC 2005043592.

Gr 6-9–A lively Dickensian adventure story in the style of Leon Garfield or Joan Aiken. Twelve-year-old Mog, an orphan, has a steady job as an apprentice printer, also called a printer's devil. After a mysterious ship called the Sun of Calcutta sails into port with an unknown but valuable cargo, he witnesses an act of thievery on the docks. Intrigued by the nature of the theft and the nasty characters involved, he investigates and meets Nick, a boy who looks so much like him that the two are often mistaken for one another. The new friends become enmeshed in an ever-deepening mystery that includes their own pasts. Like a penny dreadful, the book employs stock characters for minor roles while allowing the heroes adequate depth and character. The novel is better suited for those older children who are able to keep up with the ever-shifting loyalties and boundless characters introduced on every other page. Though the tale is enjoyable and always surprising, readers may find themselves disappointed with the scant answers at the end (not to mention the rather significant plot gaps). Large collections will want this title by a new British writer and those libraries needing to upgrade their action/adventure series might want to give it a shot.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

BELL, Joanne. Breaking Trail. 135p. CIP. Groundwood. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-88899-630-6; pap. $6.95. ISBN 0-88899-662-4. LC C2004-906453-3.

Gr 5-7–Life is difficult enough in Alaska for Becky and her family, but when her father slips into a severe depression, the girl struggles to keep her own dream alive. The man had promised to help her train her own team of sled dogs but he now shows little interest in this or any other undertaking. Determined to persevere, she chooses a group of dogs that has been labeled as useless. As the family makes their way to their cabin, her father's lead dog suddenly becomes gravely ill and must be put down. While things seem to go from bad to worse, Becky is resourceful and resolute. With great patience, she begins to gain the trust of her dogs. Meanwhile, her father's medication starts to give him some relief. Although there are no easy solutions to the difficulties that confront this family, their love and support for one another are touching and believable. Their dependence on and loyalty to the sled dogs also makes this an appealing story for animal lovers.–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

BESSON, Luc. Arthur and the Minimoys. tr. from French by Ellen Sowchek. 219p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-059623-6; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-059624-4. LC 2004016975.

Gr 4-6–A French film director tries his hand at fantasy for children. In order to save his grandparents' home from foreclosure and find his missing grandfather, Arthur magically enters the land of the Lilliputian Minimoys through the garden, where he falls in love with tiny Princess Selenia. Now Minimoy-sized, he travels with her and her younger brother towards Necropolis, the center of power for the evil Maltazard and the place where he believes his grandfather is a prisoner. The journey is perilous and replete with battles with the villain's henchmen, and the book ends with "our three heroes" facing new dangers on their way to Necropolis. The jacket blurb informs readers that there will be two films based on this book and its sequel. Indeed, the volume is full of situations that are likely to work more successfully on film than in print. The author informs readers about the characters' reactions and feelings rather than revealing them through the story, and sections of the book read almost like explanations of the characters to actors. Arthur shifts from being a very young-seeming 10-year-old to being in love with and wanting to marry the princess in a way that is not believable. The narrator's tone is condescending and there are asides that appear to be addressed to adult readers. With flat characters, pedestrian descriptions of the battles, and an ending that feels incomplete rather than cliff-hanging, this book will have trouble keeping an audience.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

BONNERS, Susan. The Vanishing Point. illus. by author. 291p. CIP. Farrar. 2005. Tr $18. ISBN 0-374-38081-3. LC 2004056440.

Gr 4-7–Kate Harris is unhappy living in the midst of chaos: her father is having serious surgery; she is the "surprise" child with much older sisters leading exciting lives. She is sent to spend the summer with her mother's best friend, who has a daughter nearly Kate's age. Kate is a quiet, reflective person who excels in art but seems unable to please her father or to feel as though she fits in anywhere. During the course of the visit, the girls get to know one another, have the usual spats, and spend a great deal of time in art class. Much of the novel repeats the lessons learned there, with the title referring to perspective. Drawings show the various aspects of ways of seeing things. Kate begins to change her perspective on a number of personal issues as well. A subplot concerning her purchase of a sooty old painting and the discovery of its artist take up much of her time. Not much really happens and the extremely self-contained narrator is a bit hard to warm up to, but characterization is generally good. Metaphors are not too obvious and enhance the story. The information on art, as well as the mystery about Kate's painting, adds some interest to this quiet novel.–B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

BOWLER, Tim. Apocalypse. 335p. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-4169-0370-4. LC 2004020506.

Gr 7 Up–This creepy, allegorical thriller by a Carnegie Medal-winning author grabs readers from the very first page. Kit, 15, and his parents are sailing in unfamiliar, fog-shrouded waters when their boat rams into jagged rocks. His parents don't believe Kit when he admits that he lost control of the helm after he saw an older man's face, identical to his own, beneath the waves. They manage to get to a nearby island that appears to be deserted until Kit spots a lone girl nimbly jumping from cliff to cliff. When he and his parents set off after her, they discover a small group of religious fanatics living there. Their request for help is met with hostility, particularly toward Kit, and the islanders threaten them with clubs and stones. Soon after, the teen returns to camp to find his parents gone and their tent torn to pieces. In his search for them, Kit repeatedly encounters his mysterious doppelganger. The islanders believe that this man is the Devil and his return will herald the start of the Apocalypse and the end of the world. Is he really the Devil and Kit his spawn, as the islanders believe? Or is he God? Bowler has written a timely and thought-provoking cautionary tale of good versus evil. The unsettling climax may disappoint some readers who prefer rational endings but the concept of belief versus reality rings true. The story is beautifully written and its themes are intriguing.–Sharon Rawlins, Piscataway Public Library, NJ

BROOKS, Mel & Carl Reiner. The 2000 Year Old Man Goes to School. illus. by James Bennett. unpaged. with CD. CIP. HarperCollins/A Byron Preiss Bk. 2005. Tr $17.99. ISBN 0-06-076676-X; PLB $18.89. ISBN 0-06-076677-8. LC 2004015696.

Gr 4-8–With this book, the zany antics of the character created by Brooks and Reiner in the '60s are introduced to children. Newly arrived in America, the man answers questions during a school visit about what his life has been like: "Back in the old days…Nobody kept time. We just sat around, pointing to the sky, saying, 'Oooh! Hot! Whoa!' We didn't even know it was the sun!'" He skims across the centuries, giving hilarious explanations and insights into history. For example, the handshake and dancing both started because of fear: "A handshake was a way to see if a fellow had a rock or a dagger....a STONE or a MARBLE that the other person could STICK IN YOUR EYE.…Dancing is the COMPLETE use of BOTH hands, plus you keep the feet busy so the person can't kick you!" He knew Robin Hood ("Lovely man"), King Arthur ("There was no ROUND table…it was really...OVAL..."), and Einstein ("He was good"). Children will laugh over his explanations of how Murray invented fire, and how cling peaches are good for diarrhea. The colorful cartoon illustrations are wild, with main characters who look exactly like Reiner and Brooks, and supportive figures with superbly rendered, expressive faces. Using close-up and panoramic perspectives, Bennett captures the story's tenor perfectly. Silly plays on words, slapstick humor, energized artwork, and the accompanying CD will make this a popular choice.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

BURCHILL, Julie. Sugar Rush. 279p. CIP. HarperTempest. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-077619-6; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-077620-X. LC 2004021499.

Gr 9 Up–Kim lives in Brighton, England, with her father and younger brother, Matt; her mother has left them for a younger man and lives in the Caribbean. Kim's voice is authentic teenage, dealing with uncertainty and issues, and with her attraction to superachiever Zoe. Money runs out and Kim must go to a rough-and-tumble local school, leaving Zoe behind. There she meets Maria Sweet, a wild, impulsive Top Girl who tests all limits. Kim and Maria link, indulge themselves in liquor and drugs, and sample with abandon a lesbian relationship. Maria, known as Sugar, betrays Kim and their budding relationship to experiment sexually with men. And Kim somehow picks up the pieces of life and goes on. This is an excellent coming-of-age story that deals with the thoughts and emotions of a girl coming to terms with being lesbian, and also with accepting herself for who she is and not being enamored of the strong personalities around her. British teenage slang will slow American readers down a bit, but not for long, for the dialogue is authentic teen banter. This is a solid addition for most YA collections. All young people need good stories of teen relationships that will help them make their way on the rocky road of growing up.–Alice DiNizo, Plainfield Public Schools, NJ

CABOT, Meg. Ready or Not: An All-American Girl Novel. 240p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-072450-1; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-072451-X. LC 2004030044.

Gr 9 Up–Samantha Madison is back. She is still a semi-celebrity for saving the president's life and she is still dating his son. She is faced with a huge dilemma when it appears that she not only condemns the president's new Return to Family policy, but also implies that she has slept with David. The ensuing consequences and Samantha's conflicted feelings about sex provide drama. A subplot involves Lucy, Samantha's older sister, falling for her nerdy math tutor, who does not return her feelings. This is a surprisingly political book with a positive attitude about sex. The themes are more mature than those of "The Princess Diaries" series. Samantha writes frequent top-10 lists, such as "Top ten things that suck about being the sister of the most popular girl in school." Teen sexuality and honesty about protection, awkwardness, and masturbation are handled in a humorous and sensitive manner. The characters are real, witty, and relatable, and the author has an ear for teen dialogue. Some more conservative areas and school libraries might give pause, but the book is funny, smart, well paced, and honest.–Amy Patrick, New York Public Library

CAMFIELD, Gregg, ed. Mark Twain. illus. by Sally Wern Comport. 80p. (Stories for Young People Series). index. notes. CIP. Sterling. 2005. PLB $14.95. ISBN 1-4027-1178-6. LC 2005001060.

Gr 6-9–This collection of five stories includes "An Encounter with an Interviewer," "The Invalid's Story," "Advice to Youth," "The £1,000,000 Banknote," and "A Fable." "Banknote" comprises a little more than half of the pages; the other pieces are short, even for this author. Handsome illustrations with detailed, revealing facial expressions and body language appear on almost every page. The book opens with a biography, explaining the meaning of "mark twain," briefly outlining Clemens's life, and quickly discussing his influence on American literature. Glossary notes are found at the bottoms of pages. Oddly, the CIP data indicates that this is "a simple retelling of five stories…." This is not the case; the texts are complete and unadulterated. The brevity of the four stories makes them ideal for reading aloud; the subject matter and Twainian commentary are pertinent to younger readers.–Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY

CARMAN, Patrick. Beyond the Valley of Thorns. 221p. (The Land of Elyon Series). map. Scholastic/Orchard. 2005. Tr $11.99. ISBN 0-439-70094-9. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-6–Mystery and adventure entwine in this second book in the series. Alexa and her odd companions (two men, one of whom is two feet tall; a squirrel; a wolf; a hawk; and a giant) share suspenseful and horrific experiences, such as escaping the Black Swarm (hundreds of deadly bats) and running from zombielike ogres on flame-covered hills with only jagged rocks and the Lonely Sea below. Dangerous scenes such as these lend excitement and fear as the group attempts to defeat Abaddon, an evil ogre who asserts his murderous will through lesser ogres and bats while chained in a great pit at the edge of the Tenth City. Carman provides enough background information for those who have not read the first installment. The text is poetic, full of childlike wonder, and well written, but the occasional lapse in action may make this novel unsuitable for some reluctant readers. These adventures seem daunting at times to mischievous Alexa, but fantasy fans will eagerly join in her quest.–Jessi Platt, Auburn Public Library, AL

CATANESE, P. W. The Brave Apprentice. 224p. S & S/Aladdin. 2005. pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-689-87174-0. LC 2004109869.

Gr 4-6–Just 50 years after the Brave Little Tailor killed his giant (but was it really seven at one blow?) the kingdom is in need of another hero. Loathsome giant trolls have begun venturing out of their usual habitat, the Barren Gray, and killing everything in their path. Then word comes that Patch, a young tailor's apprentice, has killed one of the trolls. Not long after that, a party of knights and nobles take him to the king's castle. In truth, Patch only confronted the troll to defend a beloved old friend and managed to topple him off a bridge into a river where he drowned, but the king still hopes that Patch will help find a solution to his problem. In the end, his kindness and cleverness help him find an answer when their brawn and breeding cannot, but only after several mistakes almost cost him his life and that of others. This brief novel has the themes and motifs of an expanded fairy tale with a brave young hero, a wise fool, a kind king and a brave and forthright queen, and some really horrific trolls with various oozing bodily fluids and gross habits. The plot and the language are sometimes predictable, but the characters are interestingly depicted. Fans of fairy-tale-styled novels like Donna Jo Napoli's Crazy Jack (Delacorte, 1999) and The Prince of the Pond (Puffin, 1994) will enjoy this story.–Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA

CHURCH, Lisa, retel. Black Beauty. 153p. CIP. ISBN 1-4027-1144-1. LC 2004013644.
SASAKI, Chris, retel. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. 151p. ISBN 1-4027-1217-0. LC number unavailable.
ea vol: illus. by Lucy Corvino. (Classic Starts Series). Sterling. 2005. PLB $4.95.

Gr 4-6–While better written than most abridged versions, these adaptations sacrifice character and theme development through simplified retellings of the basic plots or action. In Black Beauty, Church has reduced the original 49 chapters to 21 by combining the sequence and action into simpler accounts. Sasaki has reworked six of the Sherlock Holmes stories to maintain the mystery and solution minus Holmes's roundabout explanations of deduction. The books include lists of questions for discussion. The generously spaced, large-type format, interspersed with occasional black-and-white drawings, may serve as an introduction or "starter" as the series intends. However, waiting for the right read-aloud setting combined with discussion of the original is the best way to include the classics in any child's literary experience.–Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

COONEY, Caroline B. Code Orange. 200p. CIP. Delacorte. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-73259-7; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90277-8. LC 2004026422.

Gr 7 Up–Most readers will have high expectations from the creator of The Face on the Milk Carton (1991) and the "Out of Time" series (both Random), but they might be a little disappointed in this offering. Mitty Blake is a talented but underachieving student in advanced biology at a New York City private high school. He is more interested in his friend Olivia than in completing his infectious-disease report, which could keep him from flunking. When he discovers a smallpox scab in an envelope in an old medical book, his research takes a somewhat urgent turn as he tries to determine whether he has contracted the disease. Searching for information on the Internet (thankfully, the high-achieving Olivia knows how to use a library), he inadvertently alerts a terrorist group to his situation. They kidnap Mitty with the intention of using him as a human biological weapon against the people of New York. This should be a highly suspenseful story, but the pacing is often slow and the characters underdeveloped. Even in this day and age, the terrorist angle seems far-fetched, and this underachiever's heroic efforts at the end seem out of character for him. Cooney's fans will undoubtedly read this book, but it doesn't meet the standards set in some of her young adult classics.–Courtney Lewis, Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, Kingston, PA

CRILLEY, Mark. Rogmasher Rampage. illus. by author. 183p. (Billy Clikk Series). Delacorte. 2005. Tr $10.95. ISBN 0-385-73112-4; PLB $12.99. ISBN 0-385-90137-2. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-6–Billy is a normal sixth grader–except for the fact that his parents are not really exterminators but instead work for AFMEC (Allied Forces for the Management of Extraterritorial Creatches) fighting the incursion of aliens across the globe. In this second book in the series, Billy, a trainee, goes on his first mission for AFMEC without his mom and dad. Can he and Ana Garcia save a small village from attacking Rogmashers? And when Billy notices strange things happening in the village, will he be able to figure out the mystery in time to save everyone? This book is a fast read, filled with action and adventure. The writing is slick and clean, creating a book that reads like a graphic novel or an adventure movie. Character development is lacking, but readers will simply enjoy the ride with all of its twists and turns. Recommend this one to reluctant readers who prefer comics.–Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI

CROGGON, Alison. The Naming. 492p. (Pellinor Series, Bk. #1). map. appendix. notes. CIP. Candlewick. 2005. RTE $17.99. ISBN 0-7636-2639-2. LC 2004045165.

Gr 7 Up–In this first volume in a projected quartet, Croggon has created a world that is both authentic and exotic, welcoming and frightening. When 16-year-old Maerad meets a man named Cadvan, she is catapulted from her life as a slave to an epic destiny. Cadvan is a Bard, one of the magically gifted Starpeople, and he begins to teach her about her own gifts and abilities. He believes her to be the prophesied One who will oppose the Nameless, the dark power working toward the destruction of the Bards and the Balance of the world. As Maerad and Cadvan travel, they join forces with Hem, a mysterious orphan, and learn that the Nameless's influence reaches far into the world of the Bards. Encounters with great mythic figures of their world and threatening evil forces add to the epic flavor of their journey. Maerad's story is presented as a translation of the great epic of a lost civilization, and explanatory appendixes add to this fantasy's realistic feel. Maerad is a strong, bold, and appealing character, and her lack of knowledge about her world provides a framework for Croggan's background explanations. Supporting characters, including the Bards and those who oppose them, are given realistic traits and flaws. While some coincidences in the plot may stretch readers' belief, they are integral to the story. Maerad seems a kindred spirit to Tamora Pierce's Alanna, and her story will find a welcoming audience among readers looking for a challenging and fully realized epic adventure.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

CURLEY, Marianne. The Key. 412p. (The Guardians of Time Trilogy). CIP. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-953-3. LC 2004062364.

Gr 7 Up–This conclusion to the trilogy opens with a meteor shower brought on by the wrath of the evil immortal Lathenia. Various meetings, quests, skirmishes, arguments, and love tiffs lead up to a final battle. The protagonists are the Named–teens and their mentors who are the champions of the forces of good. They spend most of the book wrangling with one another over who is allowed to love whom and who might be a traitor while very little time is spent honing the ill-defined powers that they have all recently received. Among all of the mystical journeying there is only one obvious example of time travel–two of the teens save Captain Cook's expedition that will discover Australia. The titular key opens a secret cache of weapons that are supposedly linked to the powers of each of the Named, but it isn't ever clear what that connection is. The armies of darkness aren't all that frightening and the battle feels more haphazard than climactic. Other than brief references, the book relies entirely on familiarity with the earlier volumes for understanding the causes of action and all other background. The characters never really develop and the dialogue borders on being overwrought. The constant action may appeal to fans of the earlier volumes. For everyone else, recommend the works of Garth Nix instead.–Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

CURTIS, Christopher Paul. Mr. Chickee's Funny Money. 151p. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. Oct. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-32772-2; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90936-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 3-6–A humorous and exciting tall tale about nine-year-old Steven, who loves helping his blind neighbor, Mr. Chickee, run his errands. When the elderly man tells Steven he is going on a long trip, he gives the boy a present and tells him to keep it secret. When Steven finally opens the surprise, he finds a quadrillion dollar bill. With the help of his younger friend, Russell, and Russell's drooling, giant dog, Zoopy, Steven manages to evade the smarmy and slightly inept Agent Fondoo from the U.S. Treasury Department, who is desperately trying to get the bill back. Curtis piles the laughs on in this fast-paced mystery. The interactions between Steven and his dad, who uses every opportunity to educate his son (much to Steven's irritation); the dictionary whose copyright page constantly writes insults; and the boy's miraculous spying invention called the Snoopeeze 9000 all serve to give the novel a sense of whimsy and magical realism. Characters are very interesting but the plot is the important thing here. Curtis presents both adults and children as flawed but brave. This book will surely appeal to reluctant readers as well as anyone who wants to laugh and find intrigue and just a little bit of magic.–B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

CUSICK, Richie Tankersley. It Begins. 296p. ISBN 0-14-240463-2.
––––. Rest in Peace. 274p. ISBN 0-14-240464-0.
ea vol: (The Unseen Series). Penguin/Speak. 2005. pap. $6.99. LC number unavailable.

Gr 10 Up–Lucy is sure that someone is following her when she stumbles across a bruised and bloodied girl who passes on her psychic abilities just before dying. Now the teen is tormented by visions indicating that the killer is stalking her. Her only confidant is Byron, the murdered girl's handsome, brooding brother. At the end of part one, however, the two are involved in a car accident that leaves Byron dead and Lucy found clinging to life by her stalker. In the second installment, Lucy escapes after three unconscious days of captivity, but now must deal with the loss of Byron and an even stronger feeling of being haunted by someone, or something. So far, there are hints at a tortured, ancient soul with a vampirelike appetite and an ability to take on any physical form that he desires. While the author effortlessly builds suspense, the real mystery is why this is planned as a four-book series. Too much of the plot consists of Lucy braving one harrowing experience after another, often in a predictable sequence. Flat characters plague the books, with a new friend and romantic interest to replace the old ones when they die. While there's nothing new here, these books will likely appeal to Cusick's devoted fan base.–Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

DEANS, Sis. Rainy. 197p. CIP. Holt. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7831-2. LC 2004060737.

Gr 4-6–By turns endearing and maddening, 10-year-old Rainy is ADHD to the core. As the book opens, she has just arrived at summer camp in Maine. From the start, her impulsiveness gets her into trouble with the staff. Her total self-absorption has an equally devastating effect on most of her peer relationships. Rainy's parents have chosen not to medicate her, but to work with her as best they can. This parameter, as well as the approach the author takes in having readers follow Rainy's thought processes, allows them to experience the ADHD mind. The minor characters seem one-dimensional, including one "bad" counselor and one "good" one. Rainy herself is primarily a sunny soul, but surprisingly profane ("Christ Almighty!") when things go wrong. The plot is rather choppy, with strands that don't contribute much to the overall action, characterization, or theme. Offering more of a slice of life than a picture of personal growth through circumstances, the book has value in its fresh look into an alternate type of thought processing, making real both the experience itself and the related self-esteem issues that it brings.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

D'LACEY, Chris. The Fire Within. 340p. Scholastic/Orchard. 2005. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-439-67343-0. LC 2004058327.

Gr 5-8–This British import has a satisfying domestic reality, spiced with some very unusual dragons. When college student David Rain begins rooming at the home of Liz Pennykettle and her 11-year-old daughter, Lucy, he becomes aware of a variety of unusual happenings connected to the clay dragons that Liz creates and sells. As David slowly learns about the family's past and abilities, he has to decide whether to accept Gadzooks, the special dragon Liz made for him. Lucy's attempts to save the neighborhood squirrels from a scheming neighbor are a second plot focus. A fictional story David writes for Lucy about these animals mirrors real developments in their lives, creating an unusual story-within-a-story. In spite of the dragon's eye staring out from the cover, readers may not find what they expect here–there are no magical battles or world-spanning quests to be found. Instead, d'Lacey has created a realistic relationship among David, Liz, and the appealingly strong-willed Lucy, and his dragon's small size is mirrored in the limited magic it performs. Information about the dragons' past and the promise of further stories from David leave ample room for the sequel. Fire Within is a smooth read and an original addition to dragon lore.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

DUNKLE, Clare B. In the Coils of the Snake. 231p. (The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy). Holt. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7747-2. LC number unavailable.

Gr 6-10–In the final volume in the trilogy, the action moves to the next generation. Marak, the goblin king, is dying, and his son, Marak Catspaw, is taking over the throne. Miranda, the human girl whom Marak has raised to be Catspaw's wife, has come to the underground goblin lands eager to start her role as King's Wife. When a new elf leader arrives and offers Catspaw an elven wife, Miranda's destiny disappears. She escapes the goblin kingdom and is captured by the elf leader, Nir. Meanwhile, elven Arianna, Catspaw's new Wife, is deeply unhappy with her underground life. In the end, both girls play a role in choosing a new life for both elves and goblins. Dunkle has created a tightly drawn fantasy with a pair of strong, independent female protagonists striving to find their places in new societies. The author's themes of the need for tolerance and her exploration of the often-superficial differences between races are continued from earlier volumes and add meaning to the text. Because of this book's focus on the elf and goblin worlds, less attention is given to the alternate Victorian England of the humans than in earlier volumes. Dunkle's language and plotting help build the mood and move her suspenseful story through its twists to its satisfying finish.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

DUPRAU, Jeanne. Car Trouble. 274p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-073672-0; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-073674-7. LC 2004042467.

Gr 8 Up–Computer whiz Duff Pringle, 17, has a used car and six days to get from Virginia to California where a job awaits him creating computer games. When he breaks down shortly after he sets out, he finds someone who has a car that needs to be driven to St. Louis. He picks up Stu, a seemingly harmless drifter, who turns out to be a blessing and a curse. During the ride, Duff explains that he doesn't have time for girls, but in reality he simply doesn't know how to talk to them. In St. Louis, Duff meets Bonnie, the teenage daughter of the vehicle's owner, a con artist hospitalized in Virginia. She decides to travel with the guys to California where she can stay with an aunt. Slowly Duff begins to break out of his shell and to have a relationship with her. His transition does not occur with the push of a button; instead it takes place over "real-time," and even though there's no job when he reaches California, readers know that his life is on the right track. Ending with hope, Car Trouble is a good read that is kept moving by strong characters who steer the flow of the story.–Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL

EMESSE, Tea. Nova Rocks. 130p. (Star Sisterz Series, Bk. #1). Mirrorstone. 2005. pap. $5.99. ISBN 0-7869-3625-8. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-6–Nova Darling, 14, is facing a summer full of dance classes. Unfortunately, she no longer cares about ballet, but she doesn't want to disappoint her mother. Nova's secret passion is an old guitar that she bought at a sale. One day a message appears on the ATM machine she is using. It says "Act like a rock star in front of a group of strangers." She continues her ballet lessons and also signs up to be a library volunteer. She encounters a grumpy supervisor, a perky children's librarian, and a new librarian named Blue Anderson. There is also a good-looking volunteer, Joe, whom she would really like to impress, but he thinks of her as a little kid. By the predictable end, Nova is feeling more confident and empowered and is able to tell her mother her true feelings about ballet and the guitar. And, as it turns out, Joe also plays the guitar. This story is told with a lot of humor and teen angst. This series is a tie-in to a charm game developed by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is most likely to appeal to girls who are playing the game.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

FEDERICI, Debbie & Susan Vaught. Shadowqueen. 300p. Llewellyn. 2005. pap. $9.95. ISBN 0-7387-0827-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8-10–Unfortunately, this sequel to L.O.S.T. (Llewellyn, 2004) is not very magical. Sixteen-year-old Jazz Corey, Queen of the Witches, is dead. She was sent to death's haven by the evil Nire minutes before Nire's defeat by her own son. Bren, who was unwillingly taken into the magical land of L.O.S.T. in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, undertakes a perilous journey to rescue his queen. The setting is never fully described so readers feel as though all the action is taking place in an amorphous haze. Character development is scant, and the evil creatures never seem particularly menacing. Shadowqueen does not stand alone; there are too many references to the first book. Teens looking for a series about witches would be better served with Cate Tiernan's "Sweep" series (Puffin).–Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

FLAKE, Sharon G. Bang! 298p. Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-7868-1844-1. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–Even though random shootings have become increasingly common in his neighborhood, Mann is horrified when his little brother is gunned down while playing on his own front porch. Two years later, the 13-year-old and his parents are still struggling with their grief. His father believes that if he had been less loving and protective, Jason might have been tougher and capable of avoiding the shot. Mann and his friend Kee-lee keep track of the shooting deaths around them, certain that their own time may come and make them nothing more than numbers on their list. Influenced by ancient African coming-of-age rituals in which young boys are sent into the wilderness to attempt to survive, Mann's father takes him and Kee-lee camping and abandons them far from home. For two urban teens with little food or money, this is a dangerous, frightening experience that leads to crime and violence. After the boys make their treacherous way back home, Mann's father turns him out to live on the streets, determined he will not lose another son because he is too "soft." This disturbing, thought-provoking novel will leave readers with plenty of food for thought and should fuel lively discussions.–Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

FREDERICK, Heather Vogel. The Black Paw. illus. by Sally Wern Comport. 231p. (Spy Mice Series). CIP. S & S. 2005. Tr $9.95. ISBN 0-689-87753-6. LC 2004016969.

Gr 4-6–Ozymandias Levinson's problems are far more severe than his mouthful of a name. His father, always jumping from job to job, has just landed a position at Washington, DC's International Spy Museum and Oz has a hard time fitting in. So when a run-in with two bullies brings him into contact with a real spy, he's delighted. Her name is Morning Glory, and she's a clever little field mouse in the middle of a critical assignment. The mice of the world are involved in a kind of Cold War with their rat enemies, led by the unscrupulous and rather disgusting Roquefort Dupont. When he steals the Kiss of Death (a lipstick-sized gun), Glory teams up with Oz for help. Referencing every example of pop-culture espionage from James Bond to Emma Peel, this amusing adventure is sure to catch the eye of those kids already familiar with the spy genre. The book follows in the footsteps of such other rodent undercover works as Margery Sharp's The Rescuers (Little, Brown, 1959), though sadly it lacks the charm of a Miss Bianca to set it apart. Also, as with multiple references to Glory's "elegant nose," the book has a penchant for repetition. Frederick is to be commended for the factual information included (since both the Spy Museum and the Kiss of Death exist), though here's hoping that future books in this series are more satisfying than this airy concoction.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

FREEMAN, Martha. Who Stole Halloween? 232p. CIP. Holiday House. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1962-2. LC 2004060560.

Gr 4-6–Alex, his remarkable cat, and Yasmeen are back in their second romp that started with Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas? (Holiday House, 2003). While following Luau into the local graveyard, the two friends find a flyer from a boy in their school asking that his cat be returned. As they investigate, Alex's mom, a local police detective, finds that more and more felines are disappearing, and some witnesses think maybe a ghost is responsible. Legend has it that the Harvey house is haunted because of a murder in 1879. The story unfolds to a satisfying resolution to both mysteries. Characters are well drawn, and the book will entice even reluctant readers with its action and humor. Fans of the first book will enjoy it, but it stands perfectly well on its own.–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

FUNKE, Cornelia. Inkspell. tr. from German by Anthea Bell. 647p. Scholastic/The Chicken House. Oct. 2005. Tr $19.99. ISBN 0-439-55400-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5 Up–This sequel begins a year after the conclusion of Funke's popular Inkheart (Scholastic, 2003). In this fantasy world, certain readers have the power to bring characters out of books–and send them back. Meggie and Farid, apprentices to the fire-eater Dustfinger, follow him to the Inkworld, the land of the book-within-a-book, Inkheart, after he has been read back into its story by a mysterious man named Orpheus. Orpheus uses his powers to read Mortola and Basta, some of the villains of the first volume, into the story, along with Meggie's parents. In Inkworld, Meggie enlists the help of Fenoglio, the original author of Inkheart, to help create a new future for her parents and herself as palace intrigues, war, and the Silver Prince threaten. The story moves along at a rapid pace, from Farid and Dustfinger's original meeting with Orpheus to Farid's warning of Mortola's return to the shift of action to the Inkworld and the heightening conflict in both worlds. Expanding on the ideas behind Inkheart, Funke explores what might happen if authors try to change the world they have created. Familiar characters and those new to this volume are clearly drawn. This is an involving story that will draw readers smoothly to its conclusion and leave them waiting for the final volume in this projected trilogy.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

GALLEGO GARCÍA, Laura. The Legend of the Wandering King. tr. from Arabic by Dan Bellm. 213p. map. glossary. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-58556-2. LC 2004011696.

Gr 7-10–The author of several books in her native Spain, Gallego García has set this quasi-historical fable in pre-Islamic Arabia. Crown Prince Walid ibn Hujr, "a fine prince, attentive, generous, and brave," has everything except for recognition as a poet. When for three consecutive years his "perfect" poems lose to an unknown at a competition, he devises an atrocious (and pointless) revenge. Alas, he is too flat a character to accommodate such a contradiction. Gallego García tells readers that her hero is "courtly, open-minded, and friendly," but shows him as petty, vain, heartless, and deceitful. His sudden remorse is as unfounded as his initial cruelty, and his inaction and turnaround are equally inexplicable. There are fairy-tale elements here–a fantastic carpet, a wicked sidekick, a beautiful woman, a predictable narrative structure--but the central character is at once too good and too evil to believe in, and too clueless to care about. The setting is a sixth-century Arabian court, but readers don't experience its sounds, odors, or tastes. Walid learns not from his own experience, but via magic. The rival's winning poems succeed because they are "real" and have "heart": unfortunately, this fiction doesn't. Its weighty pronouncements about art, fate, and responsibility are undercut by its thinness of character, texture, and morality.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI

GOSCINNY, René. Nicholas. tr. from French by Anthea Bell. illus. by Jean-Jacques Sempé. 128p. Phaidon. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-7148-4529-9. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-6–This classic book about a mischievous schoolboy and his friends, originally published in French in 1959, is now available in English. The expertly translated text is enlivened by artwork by a New Yorker cartoonist to create the unforgettable milieu of Nicholas and his rowdy friends. A collection of 19 escapades, the stories introduce the protagonist and his cohorts as they wreak havoc out of simple, everyday situations at school, on the playground, and at home. Pestering the substitute teacher, trying to adopt a "lost" dog, and quarreling over soccer positions (only to find there isn't even a ball) make for hilarious and timeless anecdotes that will have readers giggling. Adults will also appreciate Nicholas's childlike perception of each troublesome situation through his comments at the end of each adventure. These charming vignettes beg to be shared aloud in a classroom or library setting. A delightful choice for spicing up middle-grade collections and for exposing kids to stories from abroad.–Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

HALE, Shannon. Princess Academy. 308p. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-993-2. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-9–The thought of being a princess never occurred to the girls living on Mount Eskel. Most plan to work in the quarry like the generations before them. When it is announced that the prince will choose a bride from their village, 14-year-old Miri, who thinks she is being kept from working in the quarry because of her small stature, believes that this is her opportunity to prove her worth to her father. All eligible females are sent off to attend a special academy where they face many challenges and hardships as they are forced to adapt to the cultured life of a lowlander. First, strict Tutor Olana denies a visit home. Then, they are cut off from their village by heavy winter snowstorms. As their isolation increases, competition builds among them. The story is much like the mountains, with plenty of suspenseful moments that peak and fall, building into the next intense event. Miri discovers much about herself, including a special talent called quarry speak, a silent way to communicate. She uses this ability in many ways, most importantly to save herself and the other girls from harm. Each girl's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but this is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale, even though it has wonderful moments of humor. Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home.–Linda L. Plevak, Saint Mary's Hall, San Antonio, TX

HART, J. V. Capt. Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth. illus. by Brett Helquist. 342p. CIP. HarperCollins/A Laura Geringer Bk. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-000220-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-000221-2. LC 2004027987.

Gr 6 Up–Opening with young James's arrival at Eton and following him to the beginning of his life at sea, this is a disturbing and engaging portrait of a young villain. At school, he feuds with the young Arthur Darling and falls in love with the forbidden Sultana Ananova. After taking his revenge on Darling and pursuing Ananova, James and his friend Roger join the crew of the Sea Witch, a ragged ship with a cruel captain. When its identity as a slave ship is revealed, James sides with the slaves to earn his own name, Hook. Throughout the story, his dreams of finding a magical Neverland set the stage for his future role in Barrie's classic story. Hart, whose screenwriting credits include the movie Hook, has taken information from Barrie's Peter Pan, including his protagonist's attendance at Eton, his yellow blood, and his unusual appearance, and used it to create a character of his own. James's illegitimate status and its prominence in the story seems to be Hart's own invention, and while it provides ample motivation for James's actions, it takes away from the story's appeal to younger Peter Pan fans, who may also be confused by some aspects of British school life. This is a much darker Pan prequel than Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's Peter and the Starcatchers (Hyperion, 2004). Helquist's illustrations add slightly to the text, but seem an attempt to appeal to "Unfortunate Events" fans. Overall, this is a detailed look both at Victorian life and what a young Hook may have been like.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

HICKS, Betty. Out of Order. 169p. Roaring Brook. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-59643-061-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-6–Hicks provides readers with a fresh look at blended families, offering much food for thought and several multilayered characters. Chapters alternate among each distinct voice and point of view, much like in Wendelin Van Draanen's Flipped (Knopf, 2001) and Carl Hiassen's Hoot (HarperCollins, 2002). The novel begins and ends with sixth-grader Lily, who is not only jealous of her "perfect" new stepsister, V, but feels ill-treated and verbally abused by her as well. Prior to the remarriage, she was the oldest, somewhat bossy, and always the "idea" person. While Lily can't think of an idea for a science project, V wants to grow tomatoes to sell in order to buy soccer balls to send to kids in Iraq. Existential Eric reads Hemingway, lives like a Spartan, and plays Rock-Paper-Scissors with Parker, the youngest. Plots interlace with characters as their goals and problems blend. False accusations, creative moneymaking schemes, edible cicadas, and Old Man of the Sea references all make this a worthwhile read. The tidy conclusion not only gives Lily the science-fair project she needs, but handily explains the title as well: she does research on birth order and what can happen when it becomes rearranged. A captivating and timely novel.–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

HOFFMAN, Alice. The Foretelling. 167p. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-316-01018-9. LC 2004025102.

Gr 6 Up–This atmospheric coming-of-age fantasy tells the story of a teenager who is destined to become queen of the Amazons. The product of a rape and shunned by her distant mother, Rain struggles to find her identity and prove herself. Her first-person narration is accessible while evoking a sense of otherworldliness. She talks of animals and people as "sisters." The story unfolds at a measured pace with little dialogue, but the language makes it compulsively readable. Readers will be drawn in by Rain's attempts to win her mother's approval even as the teen begins to question the Amazonian way of life and see a new future for her people. Like the best of myths, this story finds truths in details and emotional insights. Not for everyone, but a treat for fans of Tamora Pierce and Hoffman's other novels.–Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

HOOBLER, Dorothy & Thomas Hoobler. The Sword That Cut the Burning Grass: A Samurai Mystery. 211p. CIP. Philomel/Sleuth. 2005. Tr $10.99. ISBN 0-399-24272-4. LC 2004020320.

Gr 5-8–Another mystery in the series set in 18th-century Japan. Seikei, a 14-year-old samurai apprentice, is eager to prove himself to the shogun. When the 14-year-old emperor refuses to perform his duties, the shogun sends Seikei to talk some sense into him. Along the way, the boy hears of a plot to overthrow the shogun but dismisses it as implausible. When the emperor is later kidnapped, however, Seikei gives some validity to the plot. The authors have written other books featuring this protagonist and this installment may make readers feel as though they're walking into the middle of his story. It is sometimes difficult to keep the names straight and remember who is on which side. However, the action moves quickly and the mystery of the emperor's kidnapping is intriguing. Facets of Japanese history and legend are well integrated and Japanese words are contextually obvious. This book is best suited for fans of the series.–Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

JOHNSON, Maureen. 13 Little Blue Envelopes. 317p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-054141-5; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-054142-3. LC 2005002658.

Gr 8-10–This whirlwind adventure begins as Ginny, 17, reads a letter from her free-spirited, unpredictable Aunt Peg, who has recently passed away. She is given several destinations, four rules, and the instruction to open one envelope upon her arrival at each place. Thus begins a rapid tour of Europe as the teen struggles to accomplish the tasks established by her aunt. The motivation: Ginny wants to understand the woman's wanderlust and, possibly, she just wants a connection to her beloved relative. Throughout her adventures in Rome, Paris, Greece, England, and the Netherlands, the teen collects pieces of Peg's past and learns more about her rapid departure. She also learns much about herself. The reason Ginny is sent to meet certain people is not always clear; sometimes she (and readers) wonder about the point of the exercise. Overall, though, the novel drives home the importance of family, love, and the value of connections that you make with people. It is a quick read that will interest high school girls.–Emily Garrett, Naaman Forest High School, Garland, TX

KARBO, Karen. Minerva Clark Gets a Clue. 228p. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-677-1. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–Rebus-loving seventh grader Minerva Clark humorously describes the worst day of her life, which includes making a fool of herself in front of peers at an arcade, seeing her favorite cousin getting arrested, and suffering from electric shock. But events soon take a dangerously suspenseful twist when Minerva's personality changes as a result of the jolt of electricity. No longer suffering from self-conscious, self-deprecating adolescent woes, she becomes comfortable with herself and generally more confident. This confidence and ability to look beyond outside appearances enables her to help solve a mystery and deal with the popular girls, peer pressure, trendy clothes, and her kleptomaniacal pet ferret. References to pop culture abound, including allusions to instant messaging, cliques, camera cell phones, and movies like The Matrix. (A reference to choosing the Red Pill or the Blue Pill becomes symbolic of Minerva's adventures.) Despite these and a few words that some parents will frown upon, this tale is interesting and witty enough to recommend to reluctant readers. Interspersed with Minerva's amusing revelations is an entertaining mystery with engaging characters and a positive theme.–Jessi Platt, Auburn Public Library, AL

KEHRET, Peg. The Ghost's Grave. 210p. CIP. Dutton. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-525-46162-0. LC 2004022064.

Gr 4-7–Josh, 12, is furious at his mom and step-dad, who are spending their summer in India while he is trapped in Carbon City, WA. Aunt Ethel is very peculiar–she serves dinner for breakfast and thinks the peacock living on the porch is her dead sister. Josh's luck turns when he discovers a tree house and a stray cat with kittens nearby. He also meets a ghost named Willie, who shares the tragic story of his death and convinces Josh to dig up his leg bones and reunite them with the rest of his body. When Josh stumbles upon a metal box full of money buried with Willie's leg, he heads home with the cash, planning to tell Ethel and to call the police. But she breaks her ankle and is rushed to the hospital before he gets the chance. Later that night, the owner of the cash tracks down Josh and demands it back at gunpoint. Willie, the peacock, and a quick-thinking neighbor come to Josh's aid and foil the thief. This fast-paced and engaging book should be a hit with fans of ghost stories. Josh is a rich character to whom readers can relate and they will cheer him on as he searches for the truth.–Alison Grant, West Bloomfield Township Public Library, MI

KLASS, David. Dark Angel. 312p. CIP. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. Oct. 2005. Tr $17. ISBN 0-374-39950-6. LC 2004053340.

Gr 9 Up–Seventeen-year-old Jeff Hastings is a good kid. He plays soccer, has nice friends, and does fairly well at his New Jersey shore high school. He has a sweet, beautiful girlfriend, Beth. The church-going Hastings look like a perfect family. However, they have a dark secret–they have another son, who is a murderer. Jeff is terrified when Troy is released from prison and horrified when his parents decide to take him in. Jeff's girlfriend leaves him, and his friends soon follow. When Jeff's teammate disappears, Troy is assumed guilty. The witch-hunt that follows ruins what's left of the teen's former life. Troy is a masterfully drawn wolf in sheep's clothing. Klass's spot-on use of ex-con stereotypes makes him extra smarmy–falsely pious, muscle-bound, and in love with the sound of his fancy new vocabulary. Jeff's frustration at his manipulation of their parents is palpable, as is his fury as his life unravels. He despises and fears Troy throughout the novel, so his loyalty at its climax seems odd, and mildly sentimental. The plot builds ferociously in tandem with Jeff's suffocating conflict and burgeoning courage. The deliciously suspenseful mood, sheltered setting, and flawed but sympathetic narrator compare to those in Kate Morgenroth's Jude (S & S, 2004). Klass's clean, direct prose is a departure from the pained, hilarious narration of You Don't Know Me (Farrar, 2001) but the sober style suits the gravity of the story. Recommend this fast-paced, thoughtful story to older reluctant readers, especially boys.–Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

KOSITSKY, Lynne. Claire by Moonlight. 271p. CIP. Tundra. 2005. pap. $9.95. ISBN 0-88776-659-5. LC 2004110122.

Gr 8 Up–Cultures and nationalities clash in this complicated novel set in the 1750s. The Acadians hate the English who occupy their land; people in the Massachusetts colony hate the Acadians; and just about everyone hates the Native American tribes. Claire is trying to hold tight to her family, her land, and her life. A prologue recounts a shipwreck and foreshadows the tragedies awaiting the 15-year-old and her Acadian family. In part one, despite mounting tensions, Claire builds a secret relationship with Sam, one of the British soldiers, but their loyalties are put to the test when the soldiers imprison all of the men in her village. Claire and the rest of the women are deported when the English complete their takeover of Acadia. Part two, after the shipwreck, describes the hardships Claire faces as an indentured servant in the Massachusetts colony. She decides to try to make her way back to Canada with the help of a Mohawk Indian. They fight a battalion of English soldiers along the way, a group that coincidentally includes Sam. An epilogue ties everything together. The novel covers a lot of complex history and is a commentary on the atrocities that happen when one nation or group of people declares superiority over another. The characters experience one bad thing after another, but the story ends on a hopeful note. Readers with a little knowledge of colonial history may have an easier time understanding the events, but others may be educated by these slices of history that are not often covered in traditional social-studies classes.–Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

KROVATIN, Christopher. Heavy Metal and You. 186p. Scholastic/Push. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-73648-X. LC number unavailable.

Gr 11 Up–Sam wears spiked bracelets, gets wasted with his friends, and has almost encyclopedic knowledge about heavy-metal music. But he's also incredibly intelligent and as knowledgeable about classic literature as he is about the music he loves. Sam attends an expensive all-boys prep school in New York City, and he and his buddies often cut classes to smoke or get an early start on the weekend. But all good things must end, and they do with a sudden crash when Sam begins to date Melissa, a "straightedge" who doesn't drink or do drugs and doesn't like the fact that he does. Sam tries to modify his behavior for the girl who is more important to him than he ever thought possible, but pleasing Melissa means completely changing who he is. This romance is chock-full of music references, slang, and general metalhead band knowledge such as album release dates, etc. The language is raw and full of sexual talk and innuendo, especially among Sam and his friends. The main characters are well developed and mostly believable, if a bit more emotional than expected on Sam's part. The plot moves quickly and jumps from past to present, with Sam interspersing his current situation with relevant scenes from his past. This rapid progression, as well as the realistic situations and language, keep teens' attention, making the book a good choice for reluctant readers.–Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

LANDON, Dena. Shapeshifter's Quest. 182p. CIP. Dutton. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-525-47310-6. LC 2004021457.

Gr 7-9–In Landon's first novel, readers are introduced to 18-year-old Syanthe, a shapeshifter confined with the rest of her race to the Carlbine Forest. The king and his priests control the movements of this magical race, and only Syanthe has escaped the tattoo mark on the cheek that identifies them. As her mother and the forest around her sicken from the king's corruption of the land, she is forced to venture out into the human world in search of an herb that will save her people. But can she trust those who are so unlike herself? As Syanthe's journey begins, Landon loses the intensity that drives the first part of the novel. The teen meets with a strange band of traveling tradesmen led by Jerel, a mysterious young man with magic of his own. Unfortunately these tradesmen are not drawn well enough to allow readers to picture them or to understand their true cause. Also, Syanthe's first glimpse of a new land rushes by with only a few small descriptions of the wonders and terrors found in the world outside the forest. Shapeshifter's Quest is an average attempt in an already overcrowded YA fantasy field and an additional purchase for most libraries.–Lisa Marie Williams, Fairfax County Public Library System, Reston, VA

LES BECQUETS, Diane. Love, Cajun Style. 303p. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-674-7. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8-11–Growing up is inevitable but confusing for Lucy, whose 16th summer unfolds with the sweet, languid pace of her small Louisiana town. Her mother might be having an affair, her best friend's boyfriend might be cheating, and something's up with her favorite aunt's love life. There's romance brewing at the local retirement home, and the sexy new drama teacher doesn't seem to appreciate her baby-sitting skills as much as he seems to want something else–something that feels especially wrong compared to the feeling Lucy gets around blond, piano-playing Dewey. Her professed reticence to growing up seems mildly at odds with her perceptive nature, but overall her coming-of-age rings true. With a cast of distinctive characters, this story is told with humor and warmth and is deliciously full of Cajun metaphors and mouth-watering cooking descriptions–and one particular scene with Tabasco that will provoke squirms and giggling. Recommended for fans of Ellen Wittlinger, Joan Bauer, Deb Calleti, and the like.–Rhona Campbell, Washington DC Public Library

LYNCH, Janet Nichols. Peace Is a Four-Letter Word. 158p. Heyday. 2005. pap. $9.95. ISBN 1-59714-014-7. LC number unavailable.

Gr 9 Up–Living in a small San Joaquin Valley town, Emily Rankin has found a comfortable teenage niche: helping on her family's orange ranch, doing stunts on her cheerleading team, dating a local sports hero, and working hard to get top grades. In 1990, events reshape her perceptions: the arrival of Connell McKenzie, Emily's dynamic and brilliant new AP history teacher who is also a Vietnam War expert, coincides with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Further, a rare persistent freeze ruins her family's crop, devastating her parents as well as the fruit. Emily's friendship with her teacher leads her to greater political awareness and attendance at peace vigils, creating chilled relations with her boyfriend and best friend. Before the school year ends, McKenzie is ousted by the school board for her views and classroom lectures on the country's mistakes in undertaking the Persian Gulf War. Emily's new ideology becomes less sure, but her alienation leads to self-examination and the will to form her own opinions. Emily's characterization comes off as a bit wooden, and her growth away from the beliefs of her community to those of her mentor and finally to her own seems strident and unconvincing, more morality play than young adult fiction. For the most part, the tale will be a tough sell to teens, just as the unconventional teaching style of Dr. McKenzie was a tough sell in conservative Visalia.–Suzanne Gordon, Richards Middle School, Lawrenceville, GA

MARKS, Graham. Zoo. 266p. Bloomsbury. 2005. pap. $8.95. ISBN 1-58234-991-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 9 Up–Cameron Stewart, a 17-year-old athlete and all-around good guy, is kidnapped from his San Diego home and winds up in Seattle. He escapes his captors by accidentally killing one of them, and then proceeds on a long journey home by boxcar and the back of a pickup truck. When the owner of the truck and his girlfriend, Tee, discover Cam's presence, they take him to their home in Santa Monica, where he begins to unravel the secrets of his life, including the fact that he is not who he appears to be, and that his parents are involved in a covert eugenics company, of which he is actually a product. Having the feel of a survival story with a touch of mystery, Cam's weeklong adventure takes him through a dire predicament where he manages to elude his kidnappers while simultaneously dodging the police in fear of being accused of murder. However, as the plot unfolds, there are a few distracting elements, such as the coincidental discovery of the computer chip in Cam's shoulder holding secrets to his identity, and the breakneck development of Cam and Tee's romance. In addition, the epilogue provides too pat an ending. For teens wanting compelling contemporary fiction about genetic manipulation, Nancy Werlin's Double Helix (Dial, 2004) is a superior title, but Marks's precise choice of words and the book's fast pace redeem Zoo and make it a satisfying read.–Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ

MARTINO, Carmela A. Rosa, Sola. 244p. glossary. Candlewick. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2395-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-6–Loss and healing play a central part in this gentle and moving story of an Italian immigrant family. Set in Chicago in the 1960s, the plot focuses on Rosa, an only child. While visiting her friend, she becomes enthralled with AnnaMaria's baby brother and soon begins praying for her own. When her mother becomes pregnant, Rosa is overjoyed. But the labor and delivery are difficult and the infant is stillborn. Afterward, Rosa's mother is physically and emotionally shattered, her father is angry, and Rosa feels guilty, sad, and lost. Gradually she begins to lean on her friends and extended family as she learns to cope with her loss. The story unfolds layer by layer, revealing each character's personality, secrets, and flaws. The author does not spare the difficulty of the situation and realistically depicts the ramifications of the tragedy. The healing is drawn honestly and the ending is ultimately hopeful. Italian words are defined in context and included in a glossary.–Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

MAZER, Norma Fox. What I Believe: A Novel. 166p. CIP. Harcourt. Oct. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-201462-4. LC 2005002252.

Gr 5-8–Vicki's life is turned upside down when her father loses his job, becomes despondent, and eventually leaves the family. She reveals her innermost thoughts through poems and journal entries that tell the story of change–a new neighborhood, new school, new friends, and a once-secure life that is becoming more and more uncertain. Readers are drawn into the girl's struggle to right her impulsive decision to steal money, and they will identify with the anguish Vicki faces each day, trying to be normal and hiding the facts of her home life and changed financial situation. The format and the contemporary setting make this an appealing story for both strong and reluctant readers. Those who enjoyed Sonya Sones's What My Mother Doesn't Know (2001) and Margaret Peterson Haddix's Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey (1996, both S & S) will be taken with the novel's free-flowing style and revelations.–Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

MEYER, Stephenie. Twilight. 499p. Little, Brown/Megan Tingley Bks. Oct. 2005. Tr $17.99. ISBN 0-316-16017-2. LC number unavailable.

Gr 9 Up–Headstrong, sun-loving, 17-year-old Bella declines her mom's invitation to move to Florida, and instead reluctantly opts to move to her dad's cabin in the dreary, rainy town of Forks, WA. She becomes intrigued with Edward Cullen, a distant, stylish, and disarmingly handsome senior, who is also a vampire. When he reveals that his specific clan hunts wildlife instead of humans, Bella deduces that she is safe from his blood-sucking instincts and therefore free to fall hopelessly in love with him. The feeling is mutual, and the resulting volatile romance smolders as they attempt to hide Edward's identity from her family and the rest of the school. Meyer adds an eerie new twist to the mismatched, star-crossed lovers theme: predator falls for prey, human falls for vampire. This tension strips away any pretense readers may have about the everyday teen romance novel, and kissing, touching, and talking take on an entirely new meaning when one small mistake could be life-threatening. Bella and Edward's struggle to make their relationship work becomes a struggle for survival, especially when vampires from an outside clan infiltrate the Cullen territory and head straight for her. As a result, the novel's danger-factor skyrockets as the excitement of secret love and hushed affection morphs into a terrifying race to stay alive. Realistic, subtle, succinct, and easy to follow, Twilight will have readers dying to sink their teeth into it.–Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

MOLLOY, Michael. Peter Raven Under Fire. 502p. Scholastic/The Chicken House. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-439-72454-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–This is a thoroughly researched and exciting tale of war, piracy, and intrigue. In 1800, continuous war has depleted France's treasury, but Napoleon still wants to expand his empire. To this end, he needs money to defeat the superior British Navy and to exploit Louisiana for the greatest gain. In England, midshipman Peter Raven, 13, is assigned to HMS Torren. When powerful, sadistic pirates murder everyone on the ship except Peter and jack-of-all-trades Matthew Book, the protagonist finds himself apprenticed to a British spy, Commodore Beaumont. Together, these three outwit politicians and outfight pirates. Fast paced with multiple plot twists, the story sails from the English Channel to Paris to the Caribbean and back. Molloy's writing is intelligent and engaging, allowing readers to experience one part of the struggle for political and economic control of the Americas. This long book, which promises to be the first in a series, is indeed an epic. It would be best for deeper collections, or where high-seas adventure and historical fiction are popular.–Christina Stenson-Carey, Albany Public Library, NY

MOREDUN, P. R. The Dragon Conspiracy. 290p. (The World of Eldaterra Series, Bk. #1). CIP. HarperCollins/Eos. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-076663-8; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-076664-6. LC 2004030084.

Gr 5-8–This historical fantasy, originally self-published, jumps between separate story lines set in 1895 and 1910 that eventually come together, but neither is very coherent or exciting. In 1910, James, 14, stumbles upon a portal to a parallel world while visiting England's northern coast and finds himself in Eldaterra. In this magical world, all creatures are either good or evil, unlike James's world where magic doesn't exist and the distinction between good and evil is blurred. Like his grandfather before him, the teen has entered Eldaterra to be the one who will decide whether evil will breach the magic that separates the worlds. He is pursued by a dragon spider and a creature of the undead, but manages to escape them with the help of twin dwarves. A dog and bear that talk also help him foil a plot by dragons disguised as humans and aided by the Kaiser's army to overthrow humanity. The story line set in 1895 is about a British Chief Inspector and a mysterious civil servant investigating a series of murders of women pregnant with mutant reptilian babies. The Tolkien influences are obvious, but Eldaterra pales in comparison to Middle-Earth. What should have been a thrilling battle against a giant spider is boring, and the talking animals lack originality. Too much of the plot here is recounted matter-of-factly, and the flat characterizations make this one to skip.–Sharon Rawlins, Piscataway Public Library, NJ

MOSS, Marissa. Amelia's 6th-Grade Notebook. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S/A Paula Wiseman Bk. 2005. Tr $10.95. ISBN 0-689-87040-X. LC 2004045309.

Gr 4-6--Amelia describes her agonizing first days in middle school in her latest hand-written journal. Colorful sketches of lockers, teachers, students, and the mazelike building are just some of the visual details that readers will scrutinize as Amelia encounters intimidating eighth graders and faces the question of where to sit in the cafeteria. Worst of all, her English teacher, Mr. Lambaste, hates her. Big sister Cleo confesses that she had played a mean trick on Mr. Lambaste and now Amelia's attempt at being nice to him lands her in detention. As her other classes encourage her to look at art and science differently, she also learns to look at life and people differently. When she finally writes Mr. Lambaste a story about getting to know people and seeing them for who they are inside, Amelia realizes she has found a way to see through the personas of the cool kids and has taught her teacher something as well. Readers who have just started middle school will relate to and sympathize with Amelia; younger students will feel as if they are getting the inside scoop on what to expect when they get there.–Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

NAPOLI, Donna Jo. The King of Mulberry Street. 245p. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks. Oct. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-74653-9; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90890-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–When Beniamino, a nine-year-old Jewish boy from Napoli, is smuggled aboard a cargo ship heading to America in 1892, he assumes his mother is onboard, too. Soon realizing that Mamma isn't with him, he makes the best of his plight, but his goal is to return home as soon as possible. Landing at Ellis Island, he evades good-hearted people who would send him to an orphanage and patrones who would put him to work begging on street corners. Assuming the name Dom Napoli, he sleeps in barrels and under bushes, and he quickly learns the lessons of the street: think fast, watch what's going on, and find friends who will help you. With the aid of two other streetwise urchins, he sets up a profitable sandwich business and eventually realizes that he likes New York and that his mother sent him there to make a better life for himself. The major characters are believable, and the minor ones–especially Mamma, landlady Signora Esposito, and grocer Grandinetti–are also wonderfully drawn, adding liveliness to the book. Though Napoli is an expert at gripping readers' emotions, which she does with consummate skill in this tale, the story occasionally lags as the boys figure out how to be successful in their chosen enterprise. Still, this richly imagined tale, based loosely on the author's family history, paints a vivid picture of the struggle many children faced when they first came to America.–Barbara Scotto, Michael Driscoll School, Brookline, MA

NELSON, R. A. Teach Me. 264p. CIP. Penguin/Razorbill. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 1-59514-084-0. LC 2005008148.

Gr 9 Up–Carolina is a high-school senior who feels she is too smart and mature for small-town Alabama life. Then she meets Mr. Mann, the new language arts teacher who is obsessed with Emily Dickinson. After she makes him feel at ease in his new job, she feels he is worthy of her attention, and the two begin an intense, clandestine affair, which is consummated on her 18th birthday. The love ends devastatingly for the teen when Mr. Mann suddenly dumps her and quickly marries another woman right before graduation. Carolina finally confides in her best friend, Schuyler, and he helps her try to figure out who Mr. Mann is and why he acted as he did. Nelson's writing is wonderfully eloquent and full of poetic references and wry humor, yet the plot and characters are occasionally chaotic. It is difficult to identify with Carolina, who not only thinks she's better than everyone else, but also goes to extreme lengths to seek revenge on her former lover. Mr. Mann is no more sympathetic. As his mystery unravels, readers discover, along with Carolina, how dull he is. Still, the story is juicy and cautionary without being preachy, which gives it wide teen appeal.–Jane Cronkhite, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

NIMMO, Jenny. Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors. 411p. (Children of the Red King Series). Scholastic/Orchard. 2005. Tr $9.95. ISBN 0-439-54528-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–Charlie Bone is starting a new school year and once again there are unpleasant surprises in store for him and his friends at Bloor's Academy. Little Billy Raven has finally been adopted, but the sinister de Greys have other plans for Billy, and it is up to Charlie and his friends to find a way to save him. Nimmo once again delivers an exciting, plot-driven tale that is sure to please fantasy and adventure fans. This new chapter in Charlie's saga is full of plot twists and thrills that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. While the character development is a bit lacking, fantasy fans will enjoy the story.–Anna M. Nelson, Collier County Public Library, Naples, FL

NORDIN, Sofia. In the Wild. tr. from Swedish by Maria Lundin. 119p. CIP. Groundwood. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-88899-648-9. LC C2004-906455-X.

Gr 4-7–Amanda, the target of harassment by her classmates, is on an adventure trip with her sixth-grade class. When she and one of the bullies, Philip, are separated from the group and become lost in the wilderness, they are forced to work together to survive. Amanda takes to the challenge much better than her counterpart because she has existed in semi-isolation for so long and actually seems to thrive in this bare-bones existence. She also knows about nettles and edible roots and tapping sap from trees. Both characters learn something about themselves and one another and come out of the experience with changed perspectives. Nordin realistically depicts the psychological effects of relentless hounding, and readers get an inside look, through Amanda's first-person narrative, at the toll it takes. The translation is smooth and the text flows naturally. Minor details, such as the names of junk food brands and fast foods, have been changed for North American audiences. Värmland, Sweden, the original setting, could just as well be the Canadian Rockies, Oregon, or a number of other states as specific locations are not named. The subject matter, too, is relevant to young people wherever they reside. Well written, and a lightning-fast read, this contemporary tale of physical and emotional survival is a worthy addition to most collections and a good recommendation for reluctant readers.–Carol L. MacKay, Camrose Public Library, Alberta, Canada

ODOM, Mel. The Mystery Unravels. 242p. (Hunter's League Series). S & S/Pulse. 2005. pap. $5.99. ISBN 0-689-86633-X. LC 2004115072.

Gr 7 Up–A sequel to Hunter's League (S & S, 2005), this book is an interesting combination of science and historical fiction. A group of 19th-century aristocrats and lower classes have united forces to fight Lucius Creighdor, a man of seemingly supernatural powers who wreaks havoc in London and has killed Matt Hunter's parents. In an attempt to discover the mysteries surrounding Creighdor's business, this group finds themselves in constant danger as they prowl, chase, shoot, and scheme through the underside of London, hiding from Creighdor and his henchmen. Unusual characters like rancher Jessie Quinn link England to the American West, and the shady Gabriel connects the upper and lower classes. The plot, while full of suspense, is a bit unbelievable. Matt and his friends uncover an automated Mummy imported from Egypt that projects images from history through his eyeballs. They are attacked by automated stone gargoyles, and discover Creighdor's plan to implant mind-controlling creatures into people's brains via their ears, all in a time period in which electricity has just been invented. Much of the character development depends on reading the first book, so it is a bit hard to understand how one woman knows so much about science and medicine and is able to perform an autopsy simply by befriending a young physician. The characters are a bit sketchy yet colorful, the description is good, and the short chapters are suspenseful.–Julie Webb, Shelby County High School, Shelbyville, KY

PAOLINI, Christopher. Eldest. 684p. (Inheritance Series). map. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. 2005. Tr $21. ISBN 0-375-82670-X; PLB $24.99. ISBN 0-375-92670-4. LC 2005009325.

Gr 5 Up–Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have survived the battle at Tronjheim, but their challenges are not over. Galbatorix, the corrupt emperor, still rules Alagaesia and is looking for them. The magically bonded pair must help the rebellious Varden regroup after their leader is slain. Eragon helps deal with the resulting diplomatic complexities and then leaves for Du Weldenvarden, the home of the Elves, in order to finish his training as a Dragon Rider. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must unite the small town of Carvahall as it is battered by Galbatorix's forces, including the nasty Ra'zac. The story alternates between Eragon and Saphira and their political maneuvering and Roran and his more traditional adventure over land and sea. Paolini provides a worthy companion to Eragon (Knopf, 2003), though it does not stand alone (a summary of the first book will be included in the final edition). The plot–indeed, most of the fantasy conventions–is heavily inspired by Tolkien, McCaffrey, and especially George Lucas. The momentum of the narrative is steady and consistent: a problem presents itself and is neatly (and conveniently) solved before the next one arises, making it appealing to some adventure-quest fantasy fans and runescape.com players. Eragon's journey to maturity is well handled. He wrestles earnestly with definitions for good and evil, and he thoughtfully examines the question of good at what price.While there's nothing particularly original here, the book will find its fan-base.–Sarah Couri, New York Public Library

PEARSALL, Shelley. Crooked River. 249p. bibliog. CIP. Knopf. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-82389-1; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-92389-6. LC 2004010310.

Gr 5-8–Pearsall quickly engages readers with her captivating tale of fear, ignorance, and bravery on the Ohio frontier. The year is 1812 and 13-year-old Rebecca Carver is driven hard to help her older sister, Laura, make up for the loss of their mother. Terrified of their abusive and violent-tempered father, the girls care for the family silently and dutifully until a prisoner, an Indian who is accused of murder, is chained in their loft. Although surrounded by a family and town overflowing with an unabashed hatred of Indians, Rebecca slowly begins to believe in Amik's innocence and defies her Pa, her family, and her settlement in order to see justice done. The unique sharing of narration between Rebecca and Amik further opens the mind to the injustices and inhumanity suffered by this country's Native people. Packed with believable characters wrapped in a thoroughly researched plot, Crooked River is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and would aptly serve as a discussion-rich tool for American studies.–Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

PIERCE, Tamora & Josepha Sherman, eds. Young Warriors: Stories of Strength. 312p. CIP. Random. Oct. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 0-375-82962-8; PLB $19.99. ISBN 0-375-92962-2. LC 2004016432.

Gr 6 Up–What does it take to be a warrior? Fifteen different fantasy writers offer answers to this question in this well-written and carefully arranged collection of new short stories by experienced writers. Their examples include both males and females fighting physically, mentally, and spiritually; in times ranging from prehistory to World War II; and in distinct settings including Central America, a Russian shtetl, the Near East, Australia, the Sudan, India, the African savannah, and an Irish convent, as well as fantasy worlds. The protagonists are mostly teenagers, some driven by the nature of their world to rise to heroism, others seeking out adventure and potential glory. It is the nature of short-story collections to be uneven, but these selections are almost all strong, with quickly sketched but memorable characters and well-drawn settings. Readers will particularly welcome Pierce's own contribution featuring Kylaia from Lioness Rampant (S & S, 2003) in her familiar Tortall universe. The other contributors include Bruce Rogers, S. M. and Jan Stirling, Janis Ian, Holly Black, Pamela Service, Esther Friesner, India Edghill, Mike Resnick, Laura Anne Gilman, Margaret Mahy, Doranna Durgin, Rosemary Edghill, Lesley McBain, and Brett Hartinger. This timely and appealing anthology will surely help swell the ranks of teenage fantasy readers.–Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

PRATCHETT, Terry. Only You Can Save Mankind. 207p. (The Johnny Maxwell Trilogy, Bk. #1). CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-054185-7; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-054186-5. LC 2004004341.

Gr 5-8–Johnny Maxwell, 12, thinks he's a loser. People don't seem to notice him, his parents are threatening to split up, and he's not very good at the shoot-up-the-bad-guys computer games that he and his friends are always playing. But after his hacker buddy, Wobbler, gives him an illegal copy of "Only You Can Save Mankind," strange things happen. The captain of the alien fleet that Johnny is supposed to shoot up surrenders to him–unheard of in a computer game–and soon after that all of the aliens from all copies of the game have vanished. Players looking for someone to shoot at sail through light years of empty space and return the game to the store, demanding their money back. Johnny also discovers that he is able to enter the alien ship in dreams and grows convinced that the aliens are somehow real, and are actually dying when human players shoot at them. And soon the day arrives when the humans can resume their shooting. The story is told against the backdrop of the 1991 Gulf War, in which many of the battles were fought with the help of PC screens, and the antiwar message of the story soon becomes a little too heavy-handed and obvious. Although the storytelling here is not as polished as it is in Pratchett's The Wee Free Men (HarperCollins, 2003), the humor is sharp and the story is great fun to read. This is the first in a trilogy published in England; U.S. editions of Johnny and the Dead and Johnny and the Bomb will soon follow.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

RESNICK, Mike. Lady with an Alien: An Encounter with Leonardo da Vinci. 156p. (Art Encounters Series). reprods. chron. further reading. Web sites. Watson-Guptill. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8230-0407-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 6-9–The premise of Lady is that as Leonardo is painting Lady with an Ermine, which began as a portrait of the Duke of Milan's mistress, Cecelia, and her cat, he is interrupted when he finds a blue, ferretlike animal in his studio. The animal is soon joined by his owner, Mario, a boy who has traveled from a 24th-century planet to learn firsthand about the Renaissance. He discovers that his lost pet, Melody, escaped to Leonardo's house and has become a subject in the artist's famous notebooks. Having become fond of the unfamiliar creature, Leonardo substitutes the alien for the cat he so dislikes. History aside, this fictional work will capture the interest of middle school students and perhaps teach them something about Leonardo and Renaissance Italy. The book includes a short summary of the artist's life and work, some black-and-white illustrations of paintings and notebook sketches, and a suggested resource list of works about the painter.–Pat Bender, The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA

RICHARDS, Justin. Double Life. 204p. ISBN 0-399-24313-5. LC 2004009536.
––––. Shadow Beast. 172p. ISBN 0-399-24314-3. LC 2004020477.
ea vol: (The Invisible Detective Series). CIP. Putnam. 2005. Tr $10.99.

Gr 5-8–Brandon Lake resolves various crimes around London in 1936, even though people never see him. Actually, he doesn't really exist–"he" is four young people, led by 14-year-old Art. They call themselves the Cannoniers, with several comparisons to the Baker Street Irregulars. A parallel story line follows a modern-day Art as he finds the casebook of the Invisible Detective, recognizes the handwriting as his own, has flashes of memories of the cases discussed in it, and, with explanations from his grandfather, figures out what's going on. In Double Life, the Cannoniers' meeting place, an old abandoned building, is taken over by a man who is presenting a paranormal puppet exhibit. At the same time, people keep disappearing all over the neighborhood. The group helps Art's dad, a Scotland Yard Detective, along with their new friend Charlie, solve the case. As it turns out, the puppets have been trained to kill; their most important target, the Duke of York, is soon to be the next king of England. Shadow Beast concerns a monster living in the sewers of London who is killing and mutilating cats. But Art's father is more concerned with the recent robbery of a bank over the sewer lines. Could the two events be related? The modern-day Art helps his grandfather find out about the reappearance of the monster in the sewers. Two fast-paced, action-packed stories for mystery fans.–Diana Pierce, Running Brushy Middle School, Cedar Park, TX

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