Grades 5 and Up Reviews: October, 2005 cont...

-- School Library Journal, 10/1/2005

Fiction cont...

SANCHEZ, Alex. Rainbow Road. 243p. CIP. S & S. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-86565-1. LC 2004025980.

Gr 9 Up–The final installment of this trilogy is a true winner. Even though coming out publicly resulted in Virginia high school basketball star Jason Carrillo's losing his college athletic scholarship, it turned him into an important role model for gay and lesbian teens. And so, when a new GLBT high school in Los Angeles is searching for a keynote speaker for its opening ceremony, it is not surprising that Jason is given an all-expenses-paid invitation. His boyfriend, Kyle, definitely wants to be there, too. And Kyle's best friend–pink-haired, boy-hungry Nelson–has a car and thinks that this would be the perfect opportunity for a post-senior-year road trip. Virginia to L.A. by car: 3000 miles and plenty of time to gain an understanding of what being gay in America is all about. These boys are distinct personalities and genuine teens, searching for clarity and identity and acceptance, trying to make sense of themselves and a world that can be equally bright and dark. Sanchez writes with humor and compassion. Some mature romance scenes, occasional frank language, and an inclusion of transgender/transsexual/bisexual story lines translate into a tender book that will likely be appreciated and embraced by young adult readers.–Jeff Katz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

SCHMIDT, Gary. First Boy. 197p. Holt. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7859-2. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–While not as richly layered as Schmidt's Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy (Clarion, 2004), this novel touches on similar themes. When Cooper Jewett's beloved grandfather, whose endearment for the 14-year-old is, "You're my first boy," dies suddenly, the teen finds himself completely alone. He's never even seen a picture of his parents. Cooper is determined to stay on the New Hampshire dairy farm that he loves, although school, cross-country practice, and endless chores make that decision nearly impossible. The Big Men in black sedans who begin to follow him, ransacking the farm and setting fire to a barn, set off a series of events that ends with him being kidnapped and meeting the president. Senator Wickham, a candidate for the Democratic nomination, wishing to smear the incumbent, uncovers a scandal and believes that the President and the First Gentleman (yes, that's right: a woman president and a nice touch) are the boy's parents. However, since the president refuses to take a DNA test, readers are never certain whether or not Cooper is indeed the First Boy. He just wants to be home with his friends who love him and, in the end, he is able to stay. Cooper's grief, solitude, and loneliness are poignantly and realistically drawn, and secondary characters add humor to this fast-paced tale. At times, but not nearly as often as in Lizzie Bright, the writing reaches the lyricism so compelling in that novel. Like Turner in that book, Cooper learns how memories keep loved ones alive.–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

SERAFIN, Shan. Seventeen. 268p. Bancroft. 2005. Tr $22.95. ISBN 1-890862-40-1. LC 2004114264.

Gr 10 Up–Sophia, who hates her life and thinks about suicide, is in New York City for the summer, taking uninteresting college classes and bemoaning the lack of a boyfriend. Her world revolves around the trials and tribulations of her statuesque roommate, Claudia, who is a model; high school buddies Shauna and her nerdy brother, JP; and dorm mates Nicole, Kim, and Libby. Claudia's boyfriend cheats on her with Shauna; naive Nichole is raped at a frat party; and JP, who once divulged his love for Sophia, develops an ill-fated crush on Claudia. Sophia meets rich, flirtatious Adam and, on their first date at an exclusive club, she is offered drugs she believes are aspirin and blacks out, waking up in his parents' apartment on the eve of her physics final. He arranges to have his father's friend fix the grade, but Sophia's conscience prevails. In an epiphany, she realizes she loves JP and races to his apartment, only to find that he has suffocated himself with a plastic bag. The tragedy seems contrived, an inevitable finish to a series of dire events and a device that allows Sophia to realize her self-absorption. There is no satisfying follow-up on the other characters and the plot is fairly shallow; but the dialogue is engaging and reluctant readers will be absorbed in the details of dorm life and the party scene.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

SHULL, Megan. Amazing Grace. 247p. Hyperion. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-5690-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 7-10–Teenage tennis-star Grace "Ace" Kincaid has the talent and looks that make her a hit both on the court and on Madison Avenue. But she is falling apart, breaking under the tremendous pressure of worldwide fame. She wants OUT. And she gets her wish–a total break from her lifestyle and identity. She becomes "Emily O'Brien," everyday teenager, with nose-ring intact. She is transported to remote Medicine Hat, AK, where she lives with her new guardian, retired FBI-agent Ava Grady, in a rustic cabin, complete with outhouse and freezing-cold showers. At first shocked by her surroundings, Grace comes to love them, as it is here that she experiences a sense of normalcy in her life, including a love interest, solid friendships, and much-needed support from the local therapist. Shull's very short chapters with headings such as "three zillion years later," are catchy, fun, and full of the ever-changing world of adolescent emotions. The novel offers a consistent sense of delight and the feeling that, no matter what, Grace will always come out on top. This is due in large part to her many fairy godmothers along the way, steering her toward a level of comfort with herself, her talents, her feelings, and her desire to live life on her own terms. A Cinderella story for this day and age, indeed.–Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL

SPARKS, Beatrice, ed. Finding Katie: The Diary of Anonymous, a Teenager in Foster Care. 181p. Avon. Oct. 2005. pap. $5.99. ISBN 0-06-050721-7. LC 2004099838.

Gr 7-10–Fans of Go Ask Alice (S & S, 1971) and Dave Pelzer's A Child Called It (HCI, 1995) will be interested in this sensationalized autobiography written by a teen in dire straits. Katie is almost 16 when her diary begins. She is an only child, living on a private, gated estate near Hollywood. Her mother, a former beauty-pageant winner, was once attentive but now uses drugs and alcohol to dampen the psychological and physical pain of domestic violence. Her father, while violently abusing her mother, has always ignored Katie until he sees her in a two-piece bathing suit and begins showering her with gifts and inappropriate physical caresses. He becomes enraged when he finds out that Katie has seen a boy behind his back, and forces her, alone, onto the streets. Abandoned, she begins an odyssey from shelter to foster and group homes and, finally, to an adoptive mother. Teens will relate to Katie's lightning-quick mood changes, her idealism warring with depression, and her universal experiences with school and a first crush. They'll also get a glimpse into the lives of the enormously wealthy, followed by a look at life in truly hellish physical surroundings. Readers drawn to this account of lifelong emotional neglect and the resilience to withstand it won't mind the immature writing style, exclamation points and all, or the gaps in the narrative. A foreword explains the extent of abuse in the U.S., and brief information at the close includes toll-free crisis lines. If your library emphasizes popular materials, order multiple copies.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

SPRINGER, Nancy. Rowan Hood Returns: The Final Chapter. 169p. (Tales of Rowan Hood Series). CIP. Philomel. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24206-6. LC 2004020319.

Gr 4-7–Rowan Hood, the famous outlaw's bold, brave, and sensitive daughter, founds her own band of cohorts in Sherwood Forest to avenge her mother's death. Princess Ettarde, Lionel, and Rook have been featured in separate books in the series and many of the plot elements from the earlier titles carry over into this concluding volume. It opens in spring with Etty's arrival and her revelation to Rowan of the names of her mother's murderers. The teen decides to seek vengeance, severely testing the loyalty of each member of her band. Rowan is gathering coltsfoot when she senses a profound change. Her special powers seem to be waning and she is filled with a sense of foreboding. Once she sets her course, to return to Celandine's wood, her little band undertakes a long and perilous journey. The talents of each member are called upon as they venture through a landscape filled with bounty hunters, man traps, bad weather, and poor cover. The young outlaws and Rowan's uncanny wolf-dog, Tykell, defy capture, witness two knights' fight to the death, and call on the aelfin folk for guidance. As 15-year-old Rowan faces not only physical dangers, but also the detrimental effects of revenge seeking, she approaches adulthood and an awareness of how best to use her powers. Springer weaves enough of the previous stories in for readers new to the series to follow the action, but this final volume is best read as the satisfying conclusion to the saga.–Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

STONE, Jeff. Monkey. 189p. (The Five Ancestors Series). CIP. Random. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-83073-1; PLB $17.95. ISBN 0-375-93073-6. LC 2004012130.

Gr 5-9–Set in medieval China, each book in this series focuses on one of five young orphan monks. Each one is named after a specific animal and is learning a kung-fu-style martial art based on its characteristics. In the opening pages of Tiger and this sequel, their secret temple is attacked by a former student who is attempting to turn himself into a dragon. Their teacher, the Grandmaster, is killed and the five scatter into the forest. This sets up a tense plot that moves quickly from fight scene to fight scene with character and plot development being filled in between battles. Eleven-year-old Malao, the "Monkey," is the youngest monk and is prone to giggling and avoiding baths. Initially uncertain without his brothers by his side, he is befriended by an albino macaque who is the leader of a troop of monkeys. Human/animal interaction is a central theme of both books as is the idea of the "Chosen One" or, in this case, "Chosen Five." While both books begin at the same moment and then follow a separate character, their stories meet at points and the second book takes readers farther along in the narrative. Mysteries abound, with many left unresolved at the end. It is important to read this series in order. Stone has done a masterful job of managing an intricate plot, developing authentic characters, and writing well-described fight scenes. An easy and worthy sell to middle-grade readers.–Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

TAL, Eve. Double Crossing: A Jewish Immigration Story for Young Adults. 261p. CIP. Cinco Puntos. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-938317-94-6. LC 2005008188.

Gr 5-8–As conditions worsen for Jews in Eastern Europe in 1905, 11-year-old Raizel accompanies her father to America. Traveling by wagon, train, and on foot, they arrive in Antwerp to board the ship to New York. When they finally arrive at Ellis Island, Benjamin's shabby appearance, persistent cough, and emaciated body cause the inspector to declare him "liable to become a public charge" and unfit to enter America. Raizel and her father receive passage to return home. With the help of kind strangers, he makes the difficult decision to give up his Orthodox Jewish way of life–shaving his beard and eating unkosher food–for a second chance at entering America. This theme of assimilation as the only means for survival may trouble some readers. With treacherous boat trips and interesting secondary characters, Tal's fictionalized account of her grandfather's journey to America is fast paced, full of suspense, and highly readable. Similar to other immigrant stories such as Karen Hesse's Letters from Rifka (Holt, 1992) and Kathryn Lasky's The Night Journey (Puffin, 1986), Double Crossing offers the unique perspective of immigrants who were denied admission into America.–Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI

TAYLOR, Cora. On Wings of Evil. 230p. CIP. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-55041-929-3. LC C2005-901459-8.

Gr 5 Up–This sequel to On Wings of a Dragon (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2001) continues the story of Kour'el, the bird girl, and her great dragon, Api'Naga, who have returned to their homeland. Readers also learn more about the new Queen Galea, who was brought to the throne with the help of the bird girl and the dragon. Now the queen faces a new evil in her land that has her calling for the help of the dragons once again. The evil Queen Mariah has reappeared in a new form, assassination attempts on Galea's life continue, and a strange black-and-white bird seems to be the center of some new plot against the throne. Filled with adventure and magic, this series offers a fresh fantasy setting with well-developed characters. There are some issues with pacing, as the book reaches a near-breakneck speed by the end after meandering a bit in the beginning. All in all, though, it's an enjoyable read for fans of the first book. It does not stand on its own.–Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI

THOMAS, Jane Resh. The Counterfeit Princess. 198p. CIP. Clarion. 2005. Tr $15. ISBN 0-395-93870-8. LC 2005008841.

Gr 7 10–Intrigue and danger abound in 16th-century England as the young King Edward nears death and various factions vie for control of the throne. Iris, 15, finds herself embroiled in the treachery when her parents, the Earl and Countess of Bentham, are executed by the Duke of Northumberland and she is forced into hiding. Wanting revenge, she agrees to be trained as a spy for Princess Elizabeth and is also asked to act as her double, to lure Northumberland's men away. Soon after, Princess Mary and her Catholic supporters manage to overthrow Northumberland, and Princess Elizabeth is required to go to the royal court in London. She insists that Iris accompany her as a courtier and, once there, the girl has the satisfaction of seeing that Northumberland is in the Tower, awaiting execution. Iris is well delineated and remains interesting as she grows and changes. An afterword sets the novel in context. However, those unfamiliar with Tudor England may not understand what is going on or who all the players are. Readers may enjoy this book alongside other perspectives on the same events, such as Carolyn Meyer's Beware, Princess Elizabeth (2001) and Mary, Bloody Mary (1999, both Harcourt) and Ann Rinaldi's Nine Days a Queen: The Short Life and Reign of Lady Jane Grey (HarperCollins, 2005). Throw in Jane Yolen's The Queen's Own Fool (Philomel, 2000), about Mary, Queen of Scots, for a great mini-lesson on Tudor-Stuart Britain.–Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

THOMPSON, Kate. Fourth World. 330p. (The Missing Link Trilogy). CIP. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-650-X. LC 2004062367.

Gr 5-8–In the midst of a near-future energy crisis gripping Great Britain, three teenagers set out on a journey. Danny, 15, has limited abilities and no future in the sheltered world he shares with his father and stepmother. His mother, Maggie, left him with money and the promise to show him what he really is, so he convinces his 13-year-old stepbrother, Christie, to help him find out. The boys head north into the Scottish winter, after picking up Tina, a homeless girl; Oggy, a talking dog; and Darling, the talking starling that has followed them from home. Unbeknownst to the kids, Oggy and Darling have been sent to escort them to Fourth World, Maggie's farm, lab, and experimental community, but it is their own courage, determination, and drive that get them there. The first part of the book follows their travels, and the last third brings the characters and readers back to the subject of Maggie's genetic experiments and their results, and the purpose of Fourth World. Christie's narrative voice seems far too sophisticated for his age–his reflections on the energy crisis, on Tina's psyche as a homeless child, and on the rights and wrongs of his parents' and Maggie's actions seem beyond most 13-year-olds. However, they add to the character development and atmosphere, giving this book more heft than the average plot-driven series opener. The story is compelling and the questions left open at the end are intriguing enough to lead readers who make it through the long journey into the promised sequel.–Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA

THOMSON, John. A Small Boat at the Bottom of the Sea. 148p. CIP. Milkweed. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-57131-657-4; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-57131-656-6. LC 2004027250.

Gr 5-7–Donovan Sanger, 12, spends the summer on Puget Sound with his ex-con uncle and his aunt, who is dying of lung cancer. His father has been estranged from his older brother for years, but Bix needs help now. Donovan is a solid individual, a keen observer full of questions, and gifted with a sense of adventure. He suspects that Uncle Bix has not left his life of crime behind. Bix, a "mechanical genius," is determined to salvage a wrecked boat from the bottom of the sound, fix its engine, and mount it onto a '63 Chris Craft. But to do so he needs to borrow a powerful winch from his unsavory ex-con acquaintance Gus Hanks, a racist who seems to be behind the hate crimes directed at an African-American family. And Gus's son, Earl, has decided that Donovan is someone he can bully. As Aunt Hattie becomes sicker and weaker, the boy is challenged to find courage not only to dive down to attach a cable to the sunken boat, but also to face his aunt's impending death. Touches of humor and moments of fear help to move the story along. Thomson weaves the many plot elements into a solid adventure story. A satisfactory, but unexpected ending reaffirms the courage, self-reliance, and resilience of youth. Reminiscent of books by Will Hobbs, this compelling first novel will also appeal to reluctant readers.–Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

TIFFANY, Grace. Ariel. 232p. CIP. HarperCollins/A Laura Geringer Bk. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-075327-7; PLB $17.89. ISBN 0-06-075328-5. LC 2004027773.

Gr 6-10–"The first thing you should know about Ariel is that she's a liar." With this grabber, Tiffany takes the characters from Shakespeare's The Tempest and provides background as to how they get to the point where readers find them in the play. The story spans centuries, beginning with Ariel's birth "from the head of a luckless sailor, who was blown across the Atlantic in the fifty-eighth Year of Our Lord" and ending with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World. In between, readers meet Caliban, Prospero, Miranda, Antonio, Alonso, Gonzalo, and Ferdinand. While the general story line remains the same, Tiffany alters some of the details in an attempt to show the motives behind the characters' behaviors. For instance, Tinkerbell-like Ariel serves Prospero because she doesn't want the magician to re-imprison her inside the tree where he first found her. Caliban, not literally a monster, walks with a deformed leg because Ariel refused to help his mother during his difficult birth. Miranda befriends him and makes her sexual desires known; thus, he is totally innocent of making improper advances. Other characters include an innocent Alonso; a spoiled, simpering Ferdinand whom Miranda eventually rejects; and a devoted, loving Caliban who wins her heart in the end. The author seems to have structured her ideas in keeping with a revisionist interpretation of the play as a condemnation of European colonialism. The prose is well written and easy to follow, using language that suggests the Bard's poetry. This is a good adjunct to the play and, in the tradition of Robin McKinley's Beauty (HarperCollins, 1978), a means of familiarizing modern-day readers with the heroes of a classic tale, while taking some interesting liberties with the original ideas.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

TRUEIT, Trudy. Julep O'Toole: Confessions of a Middle Child. 165p. illus. Dutton. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-47619-9. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-6–With an older sister who appears to be perfect and a younger brother who is highly asthmatic and spoiled, 11-year-old Julep feels invisible. She is absorbed in the ordinary trials of life, wishing to be popular, agonizing over what to wear for her school picture, hating her red hair and freckles, and resentful at having to look out for her brother. The low point of her existence is when she suddenly throws up in gym class with all eyes on her. Her priorities and her sense of self-worth, however, take a dramatic turn when her parents are away and she must take charge when her brother has a severe asthma attack. Julep comes across as imaginative, real, and often funny. Her concern over being a middle child, however, borders on obsession; the text mentions it repeatedly throughout. Still, readers who also feel unappreciated, or who can overlook this element, will enjoy the realistic school and family dynamics and will identify with her everychild concerns. Lightweight, with a rather standard plot, this is still fun and will serve a purpose in collections needing to balance the many novels filled with loss and grief.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

VANDE VELDE, Vivian. The Book of Mordred. 342p. CIP. Houghton. 2005. Tr $18. ISBN 0-618-50754-X. LC 2004028223.

Gr 8 Up–This novel opens with a portion of a letter written by Brother Lucien to his sister in 1471. In it, he describes a conversation he had with Sir Thomas Malory about the lack of information on Mordred in Le Morte D'Arthur, arguing the merits of including the knight's heroic acts. The book then proceeds to convey events as seen through the eyes of three women who knew him well. Their stories overlap and provide a complete picture of Mordred, fleshing out a portrait of the knight who betrayed Arthur and caused the breakup of the Round Table. Readers will catch glimpses of the exceptional qualities that made him a knight as well as the inner turmoil that caused him to tear Camelot apart. Though all of the characters are well developed and have a strong presence throughout, teens will be especially interested in Keira, who is 5 in the first section of the book, but 15 by the end. Her angst will reflect many of the same conflicts that teenagers face today–the need to belong and the need to be treated as an adult. Mordred also provides an intriguing counterpoint to anyone who is interested in Arthurian legend, the roles that magic played in Camelot, and in seeing Arthur's son in a new light.–June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

WATSON, Peter. The Heart of the Lion. illus. by Mary Watson. unpaged. Shenanigan. 2005. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-9726614-1-7. LC 2004099573.

Gr 5 Up–This husband-and-wife team first paired their talents for The Market Lady and the Mango Tree (Morrow, 1994). This book, also based on Peter Watson's experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Dahomey/Benin, is made up of a series of 14 vignettes describing a young American's reaction to customs and circumstances he encounters while living in a small farming village. Some of the sketches are graphic and disturbing. In "The Prisoner," a baboon is kept chained to a mango tree for no apparent reason. He is persistently taunted by the village children, and there is some question at the end of the piece as to whether or not he has mauled one of his tormentors. "I thought I heard a scream, but it was probably just the squeal of the tires…." While the writing is clear and well complemented by Mary Watson's realistic paintings, the picture-book format coupled with the gritty subject matter (dog-eating, airplanes crashed into mountaintops with their passengers left inside, and the aforementioned animal torture), it is difficult to imagine an appropriate audience for this work.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

WESTERFELD, Scott. Peeps. 312p. CIP. Penguin/Razorbill. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 1-59514-031-X. LC 2005008151.

Gr 9 Up–Vampire stories are a staple of the publishing industry. They are usually romantic and sexy, steeped in a dreamy magic. Peeps is none of those–well, maybe a little sexy. Nineteen-year-old Cal, a Texas transplant, lost his virginity–and a lot more–when he first arrived in New York City. He became a parasite-positive, or "peep"–he prefers not to use the "v-word." Now he works for the Night Watch, a secret branch of city government dedicated to tracking others of his kind. Unlike the rare natural carriers like Cal, who has acquired night vision, superhuman strength, and a craving for lots of protein, most peeps are insane cannibals lurking in darkness. But now the teen has found the young woman who infected him–and learns that something worse than peeps is threatening the city, and he is on the front lines. Cal's voice is genuine–he's a little geeky, as evidenced by the intermittent discussions on parasites, and he laces a dry humor through this immensely reasonable biological vampire story. The evocation of NYC is exactly right, so that even the most fantastic elements of the plot feel believable. Much of the story is concerned with Cal's detective work and growing relationship with Lace, his "Major Revelation Incident" (he tells her his secret); toward the end, the action picks up in a race to reveal the horrors to come. This innovative and original vampire story, full of engaging characters and just enough horror without any gore, will appeal to a wide audience.–Karyn N. Silverman, Elizabeth Irwin High School, New York City

WILSON, John. Battle Scars. 164p. CIP. Kids Can/KCP Fiction. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-55337-702-8; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-55337-703-6. LC C2004-904766-3.

Gr 5-8–A sequel to The Flags of War (Kids Can, 2004). Nate, from South Carolina; Walt, his cousin from Canada; and Sunday, a black man who communicates in sign language because he has no tongue, come together during the Civil War. The book opens with Nate's return to his plantation home after Lee's surrender. When his father dies, he is free to join Walt and Sunday in Canada. The story then flashes back to the Battle of Gettysburg where Nate watches a friend die. Meanwhile, Walt has left Canada to join the fight in New York, where he observes a lynching, and Sunday joins a black regiment while it is in Charleston and meets Frederick Douglass. The climax has all of them battle weary in Richmond, where Walt is imprisoned while Nate is a guard. Using Sunday as a go-between, a plan is hatched to help the Northern prisoners escape, using sign language between Walt and Sunday to communicate. Readable and exciting, this book looks at the Civil War from the eyes of soldiers who come to realize that their enemies are just men like themselves.–Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia

WISHINSKY, Frieda. Queen of the Toilet Bowl. ISBN 1-55143-364-8. LC C2005-900788-5.
WITHERS, Pam. Camp Wild. ISBN 1-55143-361-3. LC C2005-900787-7.
ea vol: 104p. (Orca Currents Series). CIP. Orca. 2005. pap. $7.95.

Gr 7-9–In the first book, Renata is constantly teased by the snobs at High Road High because her mother works as a cleaning woman. When she earns the role of Maria Von Trapp in the school musical, Karin, who wanted the part, exacts revenge by accusing Renata of stealing her watch. When that plan is foiled, she turns to the Internet, embarrassing Renata with a picture of her mother with her head in a toilet bowl. The protagonist rises above it all and is the best Maria her school has ever seen. In the second story, Wilf, 14, is embarrassed and angry that his parents are forcing him to go to summer camp again. He puts together an escape plan and is blackmailed by a fellow camper into taking him along. Charlie, a younger camper who is a good canoeist, catches up to them and the three kids are forced to work together to navigate some dangerous white water. These small, attractively designed titles are high interest/low ability books. They can be used successfully with special-ed students, lower-level readers, and ELL students. Both books have appealing plots, even if they are a bit pedantic. Teachers and librarians can make good use of them to entice less-skilled readers.–Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

WYSS, Thelma Hatch. Bear Dancer: The Story of a Ute Girl. 181p. map. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. Oct. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-4169-0285-6. LC 2005040620.

Gr 5-8–This fascinating story is based on a real person, Elk Girl, who lived during a time of great upheaval and loss of tradition. Wyss describes in vivid detail life among the Ute people of the early 1860s, including their loss of hunting lands and traditional ways at the hands of white settlers and laws. During the years in which the novel is set, the teen is captured by the Cheyenne and later traded to the Arapaho for "a sack of wormy treaty flour." Eventually rescued by a white soldier, she becomes Susan Carroll and is finally returned to her village to find her people preparing to resign themselves to signing the White Men's treaty. Wyss's portrayal of Elk Girl within various tribal communities gives readers an insight into Native culture and history. Most works on Elk Girl fixate on her adult life as Susan Johnson (her married name), and while her heroics during the Meeker Massacre of 1879, negotiating for the safe return of several white women and children, are noteworthy, her tribal life within the Ute culture is equally, if not more, important. An excellent addition to historical-fiction collections.–G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

YANCEY, Rick. The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp. 313p. Bloomsbury. Oct. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-693-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 6-8–Astonishingly tall 15-year-old Alfred is plunged into a world of adventure, assassination, and Arthurian legend when he agrees to help his uncle filch an ancient sword from the office of a CEO who just happens to be a descendent of the Knights of the Round Table. Of course the sword turns out to be none other than Excalibur, and the guy Alfred swiped it for is Mogart, a knight-gone-bad who hopes to use its magical powers to take over the world. Enter Bennacio, another descendant of the Round Table, who then takes Alfred under his wing on a quest across the Atlantic to rescue the sword from Mogart. The descriptions of minor bits of blood and gore leave much to the imagination and will make Kropp especially appealing to fans of Anthony Horowitz's "Alex Rider" books (Philomel), Geoffrey Huntington's Sorcerers of the Nightwing (ReganBooks, 2002), and even Darren Shan's "The Saga of Darren Shan" series (Little, Brown). True to its action-adventure genre, the story is lighthearted, entertaining, occasionally half-witted, but by and large fun.–Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

ZEVIN, Gabrielle. Elsewhere. 275p. CIP. Farrar. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-32091-8. LC 2004056279.

Gr 7-10–What happens when you die? Where do you go? What do you do? Zevin provides answers to these questions in this intriguing novel, centering on the death of Liz Hall, almost 16 years old and looking forward to all that lies ahead: learning to drive, helping her best friend prepare for the prom, going to college, falling in love. Killed in a hit-and-run accident, Liz struggles to understand what has happened to her, grief-stricken at all she has lost, and incapable of seeing the benefits of the Elsewhere in which she finds herself. Refusing to participate in this new life, Liz spends her time looking longingly down at the family and friends back on Earth who go on without her. But the new environment pulls her into its own rhythms. Liz meets the grandmother she never knew, makes friends, takes a job, and falls in love as she and the other inhabitants of Elsewhere age backward one year for each year that they are there. Zevin's third-person narrative calmly, but surely guides readers through the bumpy landscape of strongly delineated characters dealing with the most difficult issue that faces all of us. A quiet book that provides much to think about and discuss.–Sharon Grover, Arlington County Department of Libraries, VA

Nonfiction

AALGAARD, Wendy. East Indians in America. 72p. ISBN 0-8225-4871-2. LC 2004025666.
BEHNKE, Alison. Russians in America. 80p. ISBN 0-8225-3954-3. LC 2004014789.
ea vol: (In America Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Lerner. 2005. PLB $27.93.

Gr 4-8–These series entries describe life in the homeland and the conditions causing emigration, the immigrants' arrival and reception in North America, and their settling in but still responding to the 20th-century turmoil in their native lands. The attractive format features black-and-white and full-color photographs. Boxes showcase quotations or elaborate upon various topics. A traditional recipe is included. However, East Indians incorrectly states that most Indians are vegetarians. Russians suffers from several blatant errors: emigrants traveling to the U.S. from Leningrad or Moscow via Vladivostok on the Pacific coast go eastward, not westward. The skyrocketing numbers of immigrants passing through Ellis Island after its 1892 opening certainly included Russians and other Europeans, but not Chinese. Their immigration, through West Coast ports, effectively ended in 1882 with the Exclusion Acts and resumed only after World War II. The biographical sketch of George Balanchine does not mention his founding of and longtime association with the world-renowned New York City Ballet. It's unfortunate that these errors or omissions were not caught.–Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA

ALDRICH, Lisa J. Nikola Tesla and the Taming of Electricity. 160p. diags. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2005. PLB $24.95. ISBN 1-931798-46-X. LC 2004018786.

Gr 5-9–Beginning with her subject's boyhood in Croatia, Aldrich makes good use of the drama in the scientist's life to craft a very readable story. She covers his great inventions, such as early remote controls, radio, and alternating current equipment, technology that forms the basis for all electrical service in the world today. Although at one point Tesla was owed millions by Westinghouse, he voided the contract when the company was in financial trouble and died a pauper. Few know that after his death, the Supreme Court revoked the patent for radio given to Marconi and awarded it to Tesla instead. Readers learn about the genius's quirky personality and unusual obsessions, such as his fascination with pigeons and his abhorrence of germs. Some passages read like pulp science fiction, as Tesla works at creating a death ray, states that he has received communications from Mars, and describes beams of light coming from the eyes of a pigeon. The text includes numerous quotes and is supported by insets that explain some of the electrical-engineering concepts. Period photographs, diagrams from Tesla's notebooks, and similar illustrative materials appear throughout. A brief list of Web sites about the inventor, his longtime rival Thomas Edison, and the U.S. Patent Office is appended. A solidly researched and interesting biography.–Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

ARONSON, Marc. The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independence. 221p. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. notes. Web sites. CIP. Clarion. 2005. Tr $20. ISBN 0-618-18179-2. LC 2005001088.

Gr 7 Up–In this fascinating, insightful volume, Aronson investigates the origins of the American Revolution and discovers some startling global connections. The colonies' quest for independence is tied to such seemingly unrelated incidents as Robert Clive's triumph over the French in India in 1750 and John Wilkes's accusations against the king in his newspaper, The North Briton, in the 1760s. In his introduction, the author explains how remarks by John Adams helped him define the scope of his book: "'What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the Revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The Revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760 to 1775.'" Employing a new approach called "transnational" history, Aronson demonstrates the evolution of the colonists from English subjects to an entirely new breed–Americans–and points out such ironies as the fact that slavery made it possible for wealthy Virginia squires to have the leisure to ponder the concept of freedom. The numerous illustrations include portraits, engravings, maps, reproductions of documents, and period political cartoons, which are explained for modern readers. Extensive endnotes, a lengthy bibliography, a list of Web sites, and a time line will encourage readers to explore history on their own. This outstanding work is highly compelling reading and belongs in every library.–Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

BARNES, Trevor. Christianity: Worship, Festivals, and Ceremonies from around the World. maps. ISBN 0-7534-5880-2.
––––. Hinduism and Other Eastern Religions: Worship, Festivals, and Ceremonies from around the World. ISBN 0-7534-5881-0.
––––. Islam: Worship, Festivals, and Ceremonies from around the World. ISBN 0-7534-5882-9.
––––. Judaism: Worship, Festivals, and Ceremonies from around the World. maps. ISBN 0-7534-5883-7.
ea vol: 40p. (World Faiths Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. Kingfisher. 2005. pap. $6.95. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–These books were originally published in one volume–The Kingfisher Book of Religions (1999)–with material added on ancient religions and traditional beliefs. Hinduism crams six Eastern religions into 29 pages of text and is totally unacceptable, with glaring omissions. The three other titles actually expand on their original entries, with varying results; in Judaism it leads to unnecessary repetition, while Christianity and Islam make better use of the additional space. The books are visually attractive, with eye-catching covers, but that is one of their few strengths. Maps are absent or inadequate. Not all unusual or new terms used in the text are found in the glossaries, and many definitions are inadequate and confusing. Corresponding titles in Geoff Teece's "Religion in Focus" series (Smart Apple, 2004) are practical and appealing but have a British bias and sometimes awkward writing; Sue Penney's "World Beliefs and Cultures" series (Heinemann Library, 2000) are comprehensive but stodgily written.–Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

BERNARD, Catherine. E. B. White: Spinner of Webs and Tales. 104p. (Authors Teens Love Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2005. PLB $26.60. ISBN 0-7660-2350-8. LC 2004018097.

Gr 5-8–White was an amazingly multifaceted author who drew inspiration for his writing from the outdoors. Anecdotal chapters chronicle his life and many works. A limited number of unremarkable black-and-white photographs accent the text. An excerpt of an interview with the author from 1969 gives readers a glimpse at White's sense of humor and adds a more personal touch to the book. Aimee LaBrie's biography (Chelsea, 2005) is similar in scope and layout but presents more information than this title.–Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

BLOOM, Harold, ed. Satan. 264p. (Bloom's Major Literary Characters Series). bibliog. index. notes. CIP. Chelsea House. 2005. Tr $32.95. ISBN 0-7910-8177-X; pap. $13.95. ISBN 0-7910-8386-1. LC 2004025649.

Gr 9 Up–Satan, the literary/mythological character, not the theological concept or the supernatural force, is given the once-over (actually the 11 times over) in this intelligent overview of critical opinion. The Satan of Milton's Paradise Lost seems to haunt most of these selections in one way or another; he is of overriding concern to Bloom himself in the introduction and figures in the majority of the articles. Also under consideration are Marlowe's Mephisto and Goethe's Faust, the sometimes unnamed devils of Hawthorne's fables, and the mysterious strangers of Mark Twain's later period. Essays on Satan as an epic hero, the devil in medieval and Romantic literature, and a social history of Satan (by Gnostic scholar Elaine Pagels) are also offered. The articles are erudite and at times extremely challenging reading. The language tends toward the esoteric, and the style toward the tendentious; most of the articles collected here appeared first in scholarly journals or university press publications. For most students, the introduction by Bloom and the essay by C. S. Lewis will probably be the most valuable and accessible material. While it is grand to have such a wealth of intelligence and thought available for teens, it is sad that so much of the writing seems bent on disregarding as many readers as possible. Overall, this is a valuable and sometimes intellectually inspiring resource, but one that is definitely not intended for flaccid minds.–Herman Sutter, Saint Agnes Academy, Houston, TX

BORDEN, Louise. The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey. illus. by Allan Drummond. 72p. photos. reprods. bibliog. CIP. Houghton. 2005. Tr $17. ISBN 0-618-33924-8. LC 2004001015.

Gr 4-8–This beautifully designed volume is a must-have for children's literature buffs. The book is divided into two parts: the first gives background on the couple's childhoods and early life together; the second half is devoted to their dramatic escape from World War II-torn Europe. Husband and wife were both Jewish, born in Hamburg. After serving in the German army during World War I, Hans sailed to Brazil, where he wore a big hat and sailed down the Amazon. Margaret, an old family friend, joined him in 1935, and they soon married. Their honeymoon in Paris lasted four years. It was here that they began writing children's books about a curious little monkey named Fifi. By May of 1940 it was clear they must flee. So begins the second part. Tirelessly cycling by day, they boarded train after train as the Nazis occupied Paris, finally sailing to Rio. From there, it was on to New York, and within a year, Curious George was published. An afterword describes the balance of their lives. Borden spent years going through personal papers, notebooks, and photographs, and contacted people who knew the Reys. As a result, the book is richly detailed. Drummond's charming watercolors appear throughout, some full page, and many sharing or framing a page of text. In addition, abundant primary-source documents and photos along with original art combine to complete this attractive package. An appealing choice for biography assignments and units on World War II or refugees.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

BORUS, Audrey. A Student's Guide to Emily Dickinson. 152p. (Understanding Literature Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2005. PLB $27.93. ISBN 0-7660-2285-4. LC 2004018098.

Gr 7 Up–A good introduction to the work of this complex and subtle poet. A short discussion of Dickinson's life and times is followed by a chapter on how to read and analyze her poems, which would be particularly useful for students reading her work for the first time. Subsequent chapters focus on particular themes in the poems such as death and eternity, truth, faith and reality, the natural world, and the influence of the Civil War. The analyses are of Dickinson's most frequently studied poems, including "I heard a fly buzz when I died," "Because I could not stop for Death," "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant–," and "A bird came down the walk." The full texts of a number of Dickinson's poems are included, as are a glossary of literary terms and a complete list of the poems alphabetically by first line.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

CARNEGIE, Donna Dale. How to Win Friends & Influence People for Teen Girls. illus. by Elisa Cohen. 190p. Fireside. 2005. pap. $14. ISBN 0-7432-7277-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 7 Up–Retro may sell, but the flatly dated '50s look to the superfluous illustrations here and the regurgitated words of the late motivational speaker will fail to sell teens on the advice offered by Carnegie's daughter (and Chairman of the Board of Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.). Although purporting to show girls "the most powerful ways to influence others, defuse arguments, admit mistakes, and make self-defining choices," the real advice here is about getting other people to do what you want them to. Readers are encouraged to step back from problematic relationships, write out analytical lists of facets of the problem from both sides, and then outline the most persuasive arguments to persuade the other party that your solution will be mutually beneficial. The reasoning is often muddy and couched in careful terms–"negotiation," never "manipulation." While the pointers on being a good listener, keeping a positive outlook, and admitting one's mistakes are useful, the sobering dilemmas of many teens' lives are never addressed, such as social drinking, drug use, pressure to have sex, date rape, eating disorders, and physical or emotional abuse. Carnegie's imagined audience appears to be the fictitious '50s girls of the illustrations, dreaming of winning Miss Congeniality, rather than today's young women facing serious, even life-threatening, issues and choices. In stark contrast, Mindy Morgenstern's The Real Rules for Girls (Girl Pr, 2000) pairs up-to-date, nonjudgmental, readable advice with a stunning layout of black-and-white photos from the '50s and '60s, effectively using visual appeal to sell her message of respect for self and others.–Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

CASIL, Amy Sterling. Hantavirus. maps. ISBN 1-4042-0254-4. LC 2004013897.
MARGULIES, Phillip. Diphtheria. ISBN 1-4042-0253-6. LC 2004013395.
RAMEN, Fred. SARS: (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). ISBN 1-4042-0258-7. LC 2004017294.
ea vol: 64p. (Epidemics Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen. 2005. PLB $26.50.

Gr 4-6–These volumes address the first outbreaks of each disease, with additional chapters covering symptoms, research, and treatment. The writing is complete and accurate, but not riveting. A few interesting asides, like how Balto the sled dog delivered the diphtheria antitoxin to Nome in 1925, and how the Chinese government tried in 2003 to keep the outbreak of SARS a secret, help a little to make the seriousness of the diseases more real. The illustrations are pretty much decorative, with a few slides of bacteria and maps of where outbreaks occurred. All three books would be helpful to students needing basic information about epidemics and the current research to stop them.–Christine A. Moesch, City of Tonawanda Public Library, NY

CEBAN, Bonnie J. Tornadoes: Disaster & Survival. ISBN 0-7660-2383-4. LC 2004011700.
REED, Jennifer. Earthquakes: Disaster & Survival. ISBN 0-7660-2381-8. LC 2004011698.
ea vol: 48p. (Deadly Disasters Series). charts. diags. maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2005. PLB $23.93.

Gr 4-7–Each title provides an overview of these natural phenomena for general interest and student reports. The books begin with the description of an actual earthquake or tornado with a colored photograph of the devastation. The authors then explain the science behind the natural disaster, predictions and warnings, and the measurements of intensity using the Richter scale for earthquakes and the Fujita Scale for tornadoes. The following chapters describe actual storms in the areas of the world where they are most prevalent. Personal accounts of survivors add to the readers' understanding of these natural calamities. The volumes conclude with information on being prepared for and surviving earthquakes and tornadoes. Each book has a chart of the 10 deadliest disasters and full-color photos. Earthquakes also includes information on the December 26, 2004, earthquake and tsunami. The "Disaster Alert!" series (Crabtree, 2004) covers these two natural disasters for the same age group. Additional titles where needed.–Ann Joslin, formerly at Erie County Public Library, PA

COLE, Sheila. To Be Young in America: Growing Up with the Country, 1776-1940. 146p. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $19.99. ISBN 0-316-15196-3. LC 2004015109.

Gr 4-8–Cole has done an exceptional job of showing readers what life was like for children in times past. Using topics such as home, life in an orphanage, sickness and health, work, school, crime, and war, she shows how each one affected young people over the course of American history. For each of these subject areas, she highlights the experiences of one real child, drawing on historical diaries and other documents that give readers an opportunity to learn about life through that individual's own voice. This is a fascinating book, and also a beautiful one. From the brown endpapers to beautifully designed chapter openings, the layout will draw readers into this history of American childhood. The use of sepia as well as black-and-white photographs contributes to a historical feel, and the layout has the look of an old photo album. Sidebars in shades of brown draw the eye to personal accounts and interesting facts, which, together with the many photographs, enrich the main narrative. The list of citations and sources shows the extensive research that has gone into the book, and readers will feel the author's passion for her topic. A rich resource for bringing history alive.–Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia

CONNOLLY, Helen. Field Hockey: Rules, Tips, Strategy, and Safety. ISBN 1-4042-0182-3. LC 2003022266.
EGAN, Tracie. Water Polo: Rules, Tips, Strategy, and Safety. ISBN 1-4042-0186-6. LC 2003023671.
GIDDENS, Sandra & Owen Giddens. Volleyball: Rules, Tips, Strategy, and Safety. ISBN 1-4042-0185-8. LC 2003024887.
ea vol: 48p. (Sports from Coast to Coast Series). diags. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2005. PLB $26.50.

Gr 4-8–Each book opens with a quick history of the sport, followed by discussions of courts and equipment, training, etc. Attractive covers, a colorful design, full-page color photos of action shots, and a large font provide easy reading. Highlights of superstars like Karch Kiraly, "Sinjin" Smith, and Flo Hyman (Volleyball) will appeal to some readers. The inclusion of a glossary, index, sports organizations, and further reading (although not all entries are current) adds to the quality of these titles. Anyone wanting factual information about the sports along with playing dos and don'ts will enjoy these books.–Janice C. Hayes, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro

COOLING, Wendy, comp. D Is for Dahl: A Gloriumptious A-Z Guide to the World of Roald Dahl. illus. by Quentin Blake. 149p. photos. Viking. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-670-06023-2. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4 Up–This dictionary-of-sorts is entertaining, insightful, and of particular interest to Dahl's fans. Front endpapers include a family tree, which is referred to numerous times in the text. While the information is alphabetically arranged, it's necessary to read the entire book to get the full story on the writer. For example, the entry "Smile, please!" reveals that photography was one of Dahl's hobbies. Recipes are interspersed, including those for creamy Kit Kat pudding and hot-house eggs. "Q" is represented by 26 questions with answers in alphabetical order. There's a section on Quentin Blake, and one about the Roald Dahl Foundation and Museum. The writing is clear, wicked, and fun. An occasional black-and-white photograph complements Blake's illustrations. Also included are "Random Roald Fact" boxes (he adored spiders) and "Did You Know?" frames (the longest ear hair recorded measures four inches). Swirly bordered warnings can also be helpful. Most discourage readers from attempting something Dahl did, like setting off a bag of fireworks or writing in the lawn with grass killer. There's much, much more. This is a standout tribute to a beloved children's author.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

COTTRELL, Robert C. South Africa: A State of Apartheid. 140p. (Arbitrary Borders Series). map. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. CIP. Chelsea House. 2005. RTE $27.95. ISBN 0-7910-8257-1. LC 2004025349.

Gr 10 Up–A detailed history of the colonization of South Africa and government policies leading up to apartheid and beyond. The author provides impressive notes, a long bibliography, and numerous citations. Unfortunately, the writing style is dry, often pairing some rather cumbersome syntax with difficult vocabulary. For example, a paragraph explaining attitudes toward the abolition of slavery reads: "In spite of [a law granting legal equality to free people of color], feelings of racial superiority hardly dissipated. They continued notwithstanding the abolition of slavery in 1834, which was nevertheless paired with a required four-year period of apprenticeship that amounted to bondage, resulting in the retention of indentured labor." Boxed sections highlight subjects such as Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress. Although there are some factual errors (many of which appear in the chronology and time line), the information is mostly correct. There is only one (outdated) map. The illustrations are small and murky. As this title is part of the "Arbitrary Borders" series, the author is at pains to assert the arbitrary nature of the geographical, social, and political borders and divisions. However, there was nothing arbitrary about the purposes for which those divisions were instituted or the methods used to enforce them. To dwell on their arbitrary nature adds nothing to the process of explaining this tortuous history, and suggests to readers that seeking to understand it is an impossible endeavor.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

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