Grades 5 and Up
-- School Library Journal, 11/1/2005
See SLJ's December 2005 Holiday Book Reviews
Fiction
AVERETT, Edward. The Rhyming Season. 214p. CIP. Clarion. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-46948-6. LC 2005007046.
Gr 7-9–Some basketball players might have a "lucky" number on their jersey or even wear shoes that are bound to bring them good fortune–but recite poetry at the foul line? That's just what Mr. Hobbs, the new girls' basketball coach/high school English teacher, has his team do to encourage focus and concentration. Does it work? Eventually. Brenda, one of the star players, is mostly the sap that holds the team together even though she is dealing with the death of her older brother, Benny, eight months earlier; her parents' separation; and living in a small town in Washington that doesn't hold much promise. When the Fostoria Mill closes, change is the only thing that is certain. To start with, Mr. Hobbs gives all the basketball players names of famous poets. Brenda's is Emily Dickinson, whose work she learns to embrace on and off the court. However, she does not embrace life as a recluse and in shadow, but decides to come off the sidelines and present herself to the world. In Hemlock, this mostly means going to college and leaving the small-town squabbles behind. This book will attract readers who are on the brink of transformation in their own lives. They will identify with Brenda's determination and self-discovery while she encounters difficult circumstances. Young adults will also appreciate that sometimes a little poetry helps, too.–Kelly Czarnecki, Bloomington Public Library, IL
BATEMAN, Colin. Bring Me the Head of Oliver Plunkett. 261p. (Eddie & the Gang with No Name Series). Delacorte. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-73245-7; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90269-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–This sequel to Running with the Reservoir Pups, with a marvelously over-the-top plot and likable, down-to-earth main characters, resembles a well-crafted PG romp like Spy Kids. Eddie, of Belfast, Northern Ireland, dreams of leading a gang more fearsome than the Mafia, but so far has only one "follower," his friend Mo, "leader" (in her own mind) of the nonexistent Andytown Albinos. He despises his mother's new boyfriend, but his greatest traumas involve avoiding members of a rival gang and starting at a new school that requires students to wear unattractive uniforms. The author is not at all concerned with political correctness: "Eddie was wearing his bright purple blazer. He looked like an idiot. A big girl idiot." Life becomes more complicated with the appearance of Pat, an orphan who witnessed the theft of the martyred Oliver Plunkett's head from St. Peter's church. Feeling guilty because he didn't stop the crime, he's convinced that he will go to Hell if it isn't returned before the Pope's impending visit. Plot turns worthy of an adult thriller keep the pages turning, and Bateman's light touch keeps the violence from seeming as frightening as it otherwise might. Secondary characters play notable roles, ranging from a dastardly Bishop and an unscrupulous reporter to a heroic crossing guard and Eddie's bomb-making classmate. A first-rate achievement, and a truly comic novel with a plot that never lets up.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX
BECHARD, Margaret. Spacer and Rat. 185p. Roaring Brook/A Deborah Brodie Bk. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-058-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–Jack, who has spent his whole life in space, is preparing to leave his apprenticeship on Freedom for a new position on Liberty Station. On his way back from the spaceport, he runs into an Earthie named Kit. She is considered a rat, a pejorative term the Spacers use to refer to anyone who doesn't contribute to society, particularly Earthie children abandoned by their parents. Kit has in her possession a modified "maintenance bot" that is a highly intelligent and sentient being. Protecting this extremely useful and illegal tech and evading the various forces out to get possession of it forms the basis of the adventure. In the process, Jack's views about his future, his attitudes, and his preconceived notions about others are all transformed. The book is loaded with literary references to science-fiction writers as well as very funny and appealing space slang. A gripping and gritty look at a vividly realized future world.–June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY
BENCASTRO, Mario. A Promise to Keep. 133p. CIP. Piñata. Nov. 2005. pap. $9.95. ISBN 1-55885-457-6. LC 2005046494.
Gr 7 Up–When he is 16, Sergio sets off on a journey from Los Angeles to keep a promise he had made to his grandfather to take his body back to El Salvador for burial after his death. After he convinces his parents and guidance counselor to let him go, he leaves behind his struggles in school and his job cleaning buildings to get on a plane transporting his grandfather's coffin. Although the plane crashes over a body of water en route, everyone survives, and the retrieved floating casket gets to its destination. While staying with his aunt for the week, Sergio meets Flor de Ángel. After surviving an earthquake, they realize that they are in love, and Sergio decides to stay and help her as she is smuggled into the United States. Awkward dialogue, implausible situations, and an abundance of telling rather than showing make this book fall short. Ben Mikaelsen's Red Midnight (HarperCollins, 2002) and Fran Leeper Buss's Journey of the Sparrows (Puffin, 2002) are better books that feature Central American characters illegally crossing the United States border for a better life, or simply to survive.–Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ
BESSON, Luc. Arthur and the Forbidden City. tr. from French by Ellen Sowchek. 183p. CIP. HarperCollins. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-059626-0; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-059627-9. LC 2004027651.
Gr 4-6–This sequel to Besson's Arthur and the Minimoys (HarperCollins, 2005) continues the story of a boy who, in search of his missing grandfather lost while exploring in Africa, found himself shrunken to a half-inch tall. Arthur was caught up in an adventure with the Minimoys, a tiny race of people inhabiting his grandmother's garden. Here, Arthur journeys with the Minimoy Princess Selenia and her brother Betameche in search of the forbidden city of Necropolis, home of the villainous wizard Maltazard. They must make their way past sticky spider webs and Maltazard's threatening henchmen, and Arthur falls in love with Selenia. The author, a well-known film director, has not succeeded so well as a children's book author. The plot is weak and muddled. The prose–admittedly a translation–is filled with pronouncements laden with exclamation points and attempts at humor that weigh down the story. Readers also meet Arthur's parents, who act in buffoonish and inappropriate ways as they search for him. Arthur, in love, behaves as if he has at least passed puberty, although he's only supposed to be 10. He even marries Princess Selenia–who is alternately charming and annoying–fairly early in the story. Besson, however, plans to turn this weak tale into an animated adventure in 2006 that will feature Madonna as the voice of Princess Selenia. So beware, all those who decide to skip Forbidden City.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library
BOOTH, Martin. Soul Stealer. 242p. (The Alchemist's Son Series). CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-316-15591-8. LC 2004057728.
Gr 5-7–Continuing the story begun in Doctor Illuminatus (Little, Brown, 2004), this blend of fantasy and horror has little to offer except a fast-paced plot, and even that is full of loose ends. Having vanquished the corrupt alchemist de Loudéac, English twins Pip and Tim think the biggest challenge facing them now is the start of seventh grade at their new private school. By the end of the first day, however, they've met a teacher and a student who seem more, or perhaps less, than human. Their friend Sebastian, who has "hibernated" magically for most of the past 600 years, recognizes the teacher as another wicked alchemist and the student as a beastlike "wodwo." He and the siblings set out to foil the evildoers' plan, which includes controlling people by stealing their souls. Many important details remain unexplained: Sebastian's magical powers, de Loudéac's return from the dead, and the origin of the frightening visions–or are they real?–that pursue the twins as they track down the wodwo and the alchemist. Even readers who enjoyed the first book will likely be disappointed in this lackluster sequel.–Beth Wright, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, VT
BRIAN, Kate. Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys. 266p. S & S. 2005. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-4169-0030-6. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7-10–Megan Meade, 16, is a soccer star whose parents are military lifers. When her mother and father are again stationed overseas, she decides to stay with family friends in Boston. She is immediately overwhelmed by the seven McGowan boys, each of whom embodies a stereotype, e.g., genius, jock, rebel, etc. Shockingly, Megan falls for Evan, Mr. Popular. Also shockingly, Evan has a "mean girl" girlfriend, Hailey, who is trying to make Megan's life miserable. Will Megan become the team's starter? Will Evan fall for her charms? Will readers care? The answers to these questions are pretty obvious. The book is just average with stock characters, pedestrian writing, and a plot that teens have read a million times. Only the most undiscriminating romantic-comedy readers will be interested.–Amy Patrick, New York Public Library
BROWNE, N. M. The Story of Stone. 336p. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $17.95. ISBN 1-58234-655-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Two related stories weave into one in this fully realized fantasy. Jerat struggles to come of age in the dangerous world of the Chief's Brood Trove. Though an able fighter, he is set apart from his more violent brethren by his sensitivity. Interspersed chapters relate how Nela, a Findsman's daughter from many generations in the future, learns of Jerat's world. Using a magic stone, she unconsciously sees the earlier age through the experiences of a female Chief Singer, whose people fear the violent Bear-men of the Brood. When this Singer and Jerat meet, their actions bring about a powerful change for both of their cultures. Browne brings readers right into these fascinating societies, revealing them through the minds of the lead characters. It is initially challenging to keep track of the various classes and roles, especially in Jerat's uniquely structured environment, but compelling writing and vivid characters make immersion in these carefully constructed worlds quite enjoyable. The shifts between Nela's point of view and that of Jerat work very well. While the girl starts out as a curious historian, she eventually takes a powerful role in completing the story that Jerat had set in motion so long ago. Elements of mythology, family dynamics, and caste systems fill scenes with richness and depth without detracting from the compelling plot lines. This multilayered novel may be daunting for readers new to fantasy, but fans of the genre will relish the complex, but thoroughly satisfying tale.–Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR
BRUCHAC, Joseph, et al. Sports Shorts: An Anthology of Short Stories. 127p. photos. CIP. Darby Creek, dist. by Lerner. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 1-58196-040-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–Well-known YA authors provide clever, "semi-autobiographical" snapshots that most people would love to forget. While many of the stories are about failed physical efforts, others celebrate athletic achievement. Many are endearingly and identifiably familiar, either from a nostalgically bittersweet perspective, or from the point of view of a young and hopeful athlete. The element of humor counters the trip-ups, bruised egos, and foiled attempts that accompany organized play. The revelation, especially for students, is that everybody (even successful authors) has had pitfalls. Sometimes the failures are more interesting and laughable than the triumphs. The sports theme will make this book a hit with kids, and the well-crafted prose will assure its repeated use by teachers. Laughter, action, and personal anecdotes are a perfect fit for middle-schoolers wrestling with the pressures to conform to unrealistic social and physical norms.–Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
BURKE, Morgan. Last Call. 253p. (The Party Room Series). S & S/Pulse. 2005. pap. $5.99. ISBN 0-689-87227-5. LC 2004111862.
Gr 9 Up–This concluding volume in the trilogy is the best of the bunch. Kirsten Sawyer, still recovering from her best friend's murder, is attending NYU. A mere five hours into college life, she witnesses a girl falling from a balcony at the student union. The death is ruled a suicide, but Kirsten is sure that she saw Sam's killer on the same balcony at the time of the girl's fall. Other strange incidents take place and an already paranoid Kirsten becomes convinced that she will be the next victim. The multiple plot twists will keep readers engaged until the very end. Because the party life takes a back seat to the crime, Last Call reads more like a mystery than the previous series entries. The book can stand on its own, but readers will likely want to read the other two to fill in the blanks.–Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
CALETTI, Deb. Wild Roses. 296p. CIP. S & S. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86766-2. LC 2004023230.
Gr 9 Up–Seventeen-year-old amateur astronomer Cassie Morgan wants a "normal" life, but that possibility flew out the window three years earlier when her musician mother, divorced five days, married famous violinist Dino Cavalli. Living with arrogant Dino is like walking on eggshells, and the usually competent, clearheaded teen believes he has the unique ability to make her feel "incapable to the point of needing to be institutionalized." Any little thing sets him off, and the problem only gets worse when he stops taking his depression medication while he prepares for his huge comeback concert. When Ian Waters, a promising–and poverty-stricken–young violinist, shows up for lessons with the maestro, Cassie falls in love at first sight despite her belief that passion only brings about pain. Dino demands that the two stay away from one another to avoid compromising the young man's focus, but that is impossible. And as Dino's concert and Ian's scholarship audition draw closer, even Cassie's loving mother can't protect her from Cavalli's escalating bizarre and paranoid behavior. With its profound observations and vivid, if occasionally profane, language, this multifaceted and emotionally devastating novel will stick with readers.–Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY
CALHOUN, Dia. The Phoenix Dance. 273p. CIP. Farrar. 2005. Tr $17. ISBN 0-374-35910-5. LC 2004056281.
Gr 6 Up–In the kingdom of Windward, on the island of Faranor, Phoenix Dance, a young apprentice shoemaker, suffers from a debilitating disease. The illness causes her to vacillate between the Kingdom of Brilliance, in which she is sharp, creative, and full of life, and the Kingdom of Darkness, in which she suffers from deep despair. A healer has concocted a mixture of herbs that can help to alleviate the symptoms, but as much as Phoenix longs to rid herself of the depression, she adores the Kingdom Brilliance, the only time she feels truly alive. As she struggles with her illness, the 12 princesses of Faranor are also stricken with an unknown ailment or enchantment that causes them to dance their shoes to shreds every night and leaves their bodies wasting away. Physicians and enchanters are consulted to no avail. With the aid of a magic cloak, it is up to Phoenix to save the princesses and decide if she should continue treatment of her own illness. The story is well crafted and offers excellent insight into the life of an individual suffering from bipolar disorder. The two plots are deftly interwoven and never forced. Phoenix's growth as a young woman is fraught with half-starts and regressions, exactly like adolescents in our world. The prose is straightforward, yet maintains the fairy-tale essence of the setting. Calhoun has created a strong fantasy novel, complete with a well-rounded heroine suffering from a very real illness.–Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX
CAREY, Elizabeth Doyle. Home Sweet Home. 199p. (The Callahan Cousins Series). CIP. Little, Brown. 2005. Tr $10.99. ISBN 0-316-73692-9. LC 2005002299.
Gr 4-6–Continuing the summer saga of four 12-year-old cousins running loose and free on Gull Island, this installment finds the girls redecorating a house on their grandma's property. Neeve generates some drama when she accidentally finds a photo of her dad marrying a woman who is not her mom. She and Kate don't always agree on the decorating plans, but all four girls do agree on an aversion to Sloan, an island resident. As they fend off run-ins with her, Neeve surreptitiously investigates her dad's secret life. Meanwhile, the cousins paint and create, using Gee's seemingly bottomless pockets to remodel the Dorm. Billed as appealing to fans of Nancy Drew, Hillary McKay, and "American Girl," this sequel to Summer Begins (Little, Brown, 2005) falls flat when read alone. The characters are one-dimensional, and readers are supposed to know who they are and what island life is about. Plot elements such as rich and spoiled Sloan wanting to drive and the girls' solving a romantic mystery serve to make this a clichéd tale. Fans of the first book will read it, but others would benefit more from Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (Knopf, 2005).–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI
CASSIDY, Cathy. Indigo Blue. 223p. Viking. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-670-05927-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Indigo, 11, is a super-responsible kid with a weak, unstable mother. She tries to take care of her toddler sister and to ignore the fights between Mum and her abusive, live-in boyfriend. She attempts to fit in with her more conventional classmates, cope with a strict teacher, and enjoy time with her friend Jo. Life is bearable until Max's bad temper turns physical and Mum flees with the children to a dilapidated basement flat with a dour and suspicious landlady. Things get even more complicated when Jo turns temperamental and tryouts for the school play add a competitive aspect to many of the kids' relationships. For a story filled with problems, this is a surprisingly bright book, with a sympathetic main character and an absorbing plot. The first-person, present-tense narration grounds events with a straightforward immediacy, as does the emphasis on physical details, from nail polish to foods to the smell of mold in the apartment. Yes, Indigo learns to face her feelings rather than hide from them. She also learns the meaning of true friendship. Cassidy seems more committed to telling Indigo's story than hitting readers over the head with a message. A British import with a refreshingly light touch.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
CHEANEY, J. B. My Friend the Enemy. 266p. Knopf. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-81432-9; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-91432-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–During World War II, 12-year-old Hazel Anderson is caught up in a fantasy world filled with comic-book caricatures of sneaky "Japs" defeated by heroic American civilians. Adored neighbor Jed Lanski, en route to the Pacific, has asked Hazel to check on his parents periodically. When she makes the startling discovery that they have hidden a 15-year-old orphaned Japanese-American boy, saving him from an internment camp, she changes her ideas about the enemy and her duties as an American. Hazel's developing friendship with Sogoji is embellished with several subplots, including her older sister's secret engagement to Jed and the new teacher's reason for downplaying his heroic war record. Although there are many novels and nonfiction works dealing with Japanese-American internment camps, there are none that deal specifically with avoiding internment. The premise is an intriguing one, but readers may find Hazel's transformation from a "Jap-hater" into someone who can sympathize with Sogoji's plight too sudden to be believable and may wish for a deeper exploration of the protagonist's evolving sensitivities.–Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA
CLEMENT-DAVIES, David. The Telling Pool. 384p. CIP. Abrams/Amulet. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-8109-5758-2. LC 2005011796.
Gr 7-10–The late 12th century in England brought anguish to a divided land as King Richard led many of the ablest men on the quixotic and dangerous journey known as the Third Crusade. Rhodri, the son of Owen, master falconer on a manor in the Welsh borderland, is left in charge when his much-admired father follows their overlord to the Holy Land. Interweaving this historical fiction with a liberal dose of Arthurian legend, Clement-Davies creates a rich mixture of themes and metaphors. Two archetypal figures vie for Rhodri's soul: Tantallon, a Merlin figure who teaches the boy to look for answers in an ancient, magical pool deep in the forest; and Homeira, an evil-hearted Morgana figure who entraps his returning father's heart. Descriptions of Owen's behavior after experiencing the Crusade will ring true with anyone familiar with posttraumatic-stress symptoms. Rhodri's journey through the countryside to free his father from Homeira's enchantment tests the boy's courage, though a subplot involving an ostracized Jew and his daughter tests readers' credulity. The descriptions of medieval falconry, life on the manor, and Rhodri's interactions with other boys are carefully delineated, but those not steeped in Arthurian legend may find themselves confused by the context of Tantallon's teachings and Homeira's treachery. On the other hand, that could spur them to read further. The power of old legends to effect children's lives is always an interesting theme, one that is more fully developed in Kevin Crossley-Holland's The Seeing Stone (2001), At the Crossing-Places (2002), and King of the Middle March (2004, all Scholastic).–Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT
COLLARD, Sneed B. Dog Sense. 176p. CIP. Peachtree. 2005. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-56145-351-X. LC 2005010821.
Gr 4-7–Thirteen-year-old Guy's favorite hobbies were skateboarding, surfing, and playing video games with his friends, but that was in California before his dad left and he and his mother moved in with Grandpa. Kids in Montana don't do the same things and, besides, he has no friends. Brad, the school bully, is using him as his own personal punching bag. He eventually becomes friends with Luke Grant, who suggests that Guy's Border collie might be a good candidate for the annual Frisbee-catching contest. Since Brad's German shepard is the current favorite, Guy's entry intensifies their rivalry. When he bets Brad for ownership of his beloved pet, readers share his desperation to best the bully. An easy read with believable characters, the story has enough action to keep reluctant readers interested.–Kathryn Childs, Morris Mid/High School, OK
COURTENAY, Bryce. The Power of One. 291p. glossary. CIP. Delacorte. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-73254-6; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90274-3. LC 2004058258.
Gr 6 Up–The opening chapters of this haunting autobiographical novel, set in small-town South Africa during World War II, are as bleak and violent as anything written for young people. Five-year-old Peekay is the only English-speaking boy in a harsh Afrikaans-language boarding school. He is urinated on by a pack of older boys, and then beaten for it by the matron. Although he endures many losses, he grows through his experiences. His goal is to become a boxer, and the story shows how hard work can lead to success. Peekay forges loving relationships with adults, most notably Doc, a German professor. When Doc is detained as an enemy alien, Peekay's life becomes intertwined with the local prison. It is there that he learns to box and becomes a secret ally of the black prisoners. Courtenay's deft and chillingly accurate characterization of the Afrikaner prison warders. The author is unsparing in his portrayal of the brutality meted out to prisoners and in his depiction of racist speech. Courtenay's ear for dialogue is impressive, and he consistently captures the cadences of South African speech. Peekay's story is written in a direct, almost childlike style, which sometimes seems bland, but readers will be swept along by the events in the protagonist's life. The book packs a powerful emotional punch, evoking horror, laughter, and empathy. It is a condensed version of the first part of Courtenay's adult book of the same title, and the ending feels artificial and unresolved. In all, this is an extraordinary and unusual survival story, and one that should inspire young people feeling battered by the circumstances of their own lives.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City
CREEL, Ann Howard. Under a Stand Still Moon. 192p. CIP. Brown Barn. 2005. pap. $8.95. ISBN 0-9746481-8-3. LC 2005011733.
Gr 6 Up–Echo Song's love of birdcalls earned her her name, but her first name was Born of the Stand Still Moon, for the rare lunar position at the time of her birth. Because of this, she has always been labeled as special. When a turn of events allows her to save a life miraculously, her status is cemented. She is sought as a bride for one of the high priests in her Anasazi community and has to give up the young man she loves. But when the crops begin to fail, she finds herself stepping into her role as a leader of her people and ultimately discovers the secret to save their way of life. This spare and lyrical tale offers readers a peek into what life must have been like for the "Ancient Ones," who lived in the Southwest United States over 1000 years ago. Creel awakens their daily life through archaeological records and the development of her characters to create a rich story of a peaceful farming community and the young woman who sacrifices all she loves to save it. This would be a great book to enhance curriculum, but will also be enjoyed by anyone who likes historical fiction.–Anna M. Nelson, Collier County Public Library, Naples, FL
DE LA PEÑA, Matt. Ball Don't Lie. 279p. Delacorte. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-385-73232-5; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-385-90258-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–"That white boy can ball….He don't play like no regular white boy." Sticky, 17, has spent his life being abused by pimps living with his prostitute mother, bouncing from one foster home to another, and living on the street between failed placements. But he's developed incredible hoop skills that have given him considerable social standing among his mostly black peers. And he gets a girlfriend named Anh-thu, who loves him and wants to help him reach his dreams. Sticky sees basketball as his way out of his dead-end life and is determined to make the right moves in the game to attain his goal. But he doesn't quite know how to make the right moves in his life, until a bad decision leads him to confront dark secrets. Jumping back and forth in time, this first novel has a unique narrative voice that mixes street lingo, basketball jargon, and trash talk to tell Sticky's sorry saga from a variety of viewpoints. Although readers who are not familiar with basketball may have trouble following some of the detailed game action, even they will be involved in the teen's at once depressing and inspiring story. Sticky is a true original, and de la Peña has skillfully brought him to life.–Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego
DELANEY, Joseph. Revenge of the Witch. 343p. (The Last Apprentice Series, Bk. #1). CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-06-076618-2; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-076619-0. LC 2004054003.
Gr 5-8–When 12-year-old Thomas, seventh son of a seventh son, is apprenticed to the local Spook, whose job is to fight evil spirits and witches, he expects a life of danger. However, the boy doesn't realize just how soon he'll face a powerful enemy alone, as Mother Malkin escapes her confinement while the Spook is away. Thomas is forced to use his wits, and the help of his enigmatic new friend, Alice, to fight the evil witch. And defeating her is only the start of the boy's problems. Delaney's characters are clearly presented and have realistic depth, and Thomas's mother and Alice stand out for their strong words and actions. The protagonist's voice is clear, and his conflicts over his actions ring true. This first entry in a proposed series is an excellent choice for readers who are looking for a more sophisticated alternative to R. L. Stine's "Goosebumps" books (Scholastic), and the pacing and edgy illustrations at the start of each chapter will appeal to reluctant readers. Delaney's rural, quasi-medieval world is populated by a variety of magic creatures, and readers will look forward to discovering more of them, along with Thomas, as the series continues. A solid choice, particularly for middle school boys.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI
DOWSWELL, Paul. Powder Monkey: Adventures of a Young Sailor. 276p. CIP. Bloomsbury. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-58234-675-5. LC 2005013049.
Gr 5-9–This novel details the hardships of a sailor's life as seen through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy. It is 1800 in Norfolk, England, and Sam Witchall begs to go off to sea. Eventually his unwilling father secures him a post on a merchant ship but his fears come true when Sam is pressed into service aboard the HMS Miranda as a powder monkey, running gun powder from below deck to his cannon crew. His skill is soon tested in the heat of battle. Readers will be absorbed in the day-to-day life of young Sam, and his vivid tale will keep them on edge as he tries to escape his commission. He is forced to confront all of the things that can plague a sailor: fierce fighting, raging storms, cruel punishment, mutiny, and death. Not for the faint of heart, this novel is a brilliant introduction to the likes of C. S. Forester's classic "Horatio Hornblower" saga.–Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL
DUANE, Diane. Wizards at War. 581p. (Young Wizards Series). CIP. Harcourt. 2005. Tr $17. ISBN 0-15-204772-7. LC 2005002439.
Gr 5-8–In this eighth volume in the series, 14-year-old wizards Kit Rodriguez and Nita Callahan have just returned from an extraterrestrial vacation and are getting ready to go back to school. Meanwhile, Nita's wizardly younger sister, Dairine, and their father have been hosting three alien wizards in their basement. Everything changes when the magical group learns that the universe is rapidly filling with a mysterious dark matter that threatens to swallow all of the stars and worlds into oblivion within a few weeks. It is already causing the adult wizards to lose their powers, and even to forget that magic exists. Kit, Nita, Dairine, and their alien guests, along with Kit's magical dog, Ponch, and Dairine's enchanted laptop, Spot, zip off to scour the galaxy for a prophesied secret weapon–a person or thing that can overcome the impending catastrophe. Although Duane has tried to allow each book in the series to stand on its own, most readers will be lost without having read at least some of the predecessors. Those who are familiar with the series will thoroughly enjoy this story, especially its grand and wistful conclusion.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library
DUDLEY, David L. The Bicycle Man. 249p. CIP. Clarion. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-54233-7. LC 2005006409.
Gr 4-6–A story set in rural Georgia in 1927, where poverty, drudgery, and racism are all part of everyday life for African Americans. If she hadn't been talking to her friend Poppy, who was hidden by the branches of an enormous tree, 12-year-old Carissa might never have met Bailey, an elderly stranger who demonstrates kindness, wisdom, and patience. He makes her rethink her mother's admonition to trust no one. The leisurely pace of the novel gives readers plenty of time to think about philosophical issues, such as when it's worth fighting back and when it is better to practice self-control. There's not much action and some of the dialogue is written in dialect, but those who get past those factors will find complex characters and rich themes. While Bailey is a bit too good to be true and there are a few too many easy resolutions, there is much here to digest and a wealth of material for book discussions.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL
FEDERICI, Debbie. Sign of the Crescent. 307p. Llewellyn. 2005. Tr $9.95. ISBN 0-7387-0808-9. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Teens from Tucson are disappearing at an alarming rate so Taryn, a high school senior, and her friend Jen rally at City Hall, hoping to get more of the community involved in solving the mystery. In a parallel world, Zanea, also called Newold, the Knights of Haro know that denizens of Zumar (yet another parallel world) are responsible for traveling through portals to Oldworld (Earth) and kidnapping locals to serve the evil Lord Synomea. Every evening Erick and the other Haro knights enter Oldworld to fight the Zumarians, but it's a losing battle, as the number of kidnappings is increasing. When Erick and Taryn meet, it's love at first sight even though the Newoldian rules are very clear about fraternizing with Oldworlders. When she is kidnapped and learns the truth of her parentage and her ties to Zumar, a happy ending seems unlikely. Overwrought, overwritten, and melodramatic, this book is predictable and shallow. Characterization is nonexistent. Erick and Taryn's romance is rushed and unbelievable, and their various friends are nothing more than names on the page. The different worlds are simply a mishmash of fantasy clichés and the few magic principles included make little sense.–Sarah Couri, New York Public Library
FRANK, E. R. Wrecked. 247p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum/A Richard Jackson Bk. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-87383-2. LC 2004018448.
Gr 8 Up–Anna is driving a very drunk friend home from a party. Moments into the journey, a head-on collision leaves Ellen with a punctured lung and other serious injuries, Anna with a lacerated eye, and the other driver dead. The dead teen happens to be her brother's girlfriend. Anna clearly remembers Cameron's final screams, and she suffers nightmares. Her father is an emotionally repressed tyrant who at first won't allow his daughter to receive counseling. Frank develops and sustains credible characters whose problems are realistic and interconnected. Brief flashbacks allow readers to become acquainted with Jack as he was before Cameron's death and even as he was when he and Anna were children. Their father's brittle personality is not evil or even cruel, but clearly riddled with flaws bred of deeply held fears. In spite of some plot twists that seem convenient rather than realistic, such as the teens' pre-Thanksgiving trip to Florida with Ellen's parents, this story is compulsively readable both because Anna is likable and imperfect and because Frank's writing is so fluid. Rather than being a didactic anti-drinking or pro-counseling story, this is a psychological drama that is definitely worth teens' time.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
FRIESEN, Gayle. The Isabel Factor. 252p. CIP. Kids Can/KCP Fiction. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-55337-737-0; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-55337-738-9. LC C2004-906029-5.
Gr 8-10–The sunny expectations of a counselor-in-training at her childhood camp on a Canadian island become overcast when teen Anna's best buddy, Zoe, can't make the trip. In years past, Anna had traveled the path of least resistance, the one right behind Zoe; but now her experiences give her new strength and insight. Venturing forth on her own, she meets Isabel, an enigma with rainbow-colored hair, whose blunt approach to life doesn't fit in with perfectionist Jennifer's ambitions for their cabin to be the best at all costs. She befriends Isabel, assists the cute but infuriating swim coach, and helps a struggling young camper. Then Zoe shows up, throwing Anna's world out of balance, as she faces a test of character, and friendship. Friesen sketches three-dimensional secondary characters with problems, flaws, and their own unique wisdom. Dialogue is conversational and realistic; plot is reasonably structured if somewhat predictable. Many readers will identify with at least one of the characters and enjoy reading about their challenges. The theme of identity and maturing friendships is worthy of exploration.–Suzanne Gordon, Richards Middle School, Lawrenceville, GA
GLASER, Linda. Bridge to America. 200p. photos. CIP. Houghton. 2005. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-56301-6. LC 2005004319.
Gr 4-7–Based on the childhood of a Polish immigrant, this accessible novel reveals the hardships of the shtetl and its striking contrast to life in America. The youngest of five children, Fivel, about eight years old, lives with his mother and siblings in a hut. His father left for America years earlier, and the family has been waiting to hear from him ever since. Barely surviving on watery soup and terrorized by the brutal Cossacks, the family depends upon the kindness of neighbors to get by. Only the mail wagon offers the promise of a brighter future. When the long-awaited package finally arrives, it is a framed photograph of Pa, which the boy's mother angrily throws into the fire. "'We're starving…Are you meshuggeneh? We can't eat a picture!'" Luckily, Fivel spies the green bills carefully hidden in the frame--enough money to get them to Pa in Minnesota. Though a simple rag peddler, he has a house with electricity, flush toilets, and plenty to eat. While Fivel is eager to be an American, he realizes that he will always be "a boy with two worlds inside." An author's note includes photographs of the protagonist, both as a child in Poland and as an adult. Even reluctant readers will enjoy this riveting account and sensitive portrayal of what it means to be an immigrant.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools
GOPNIK, Adam. The King in the Window. 410p. Hyperion/Miramax. 2005. RTE $19.95. ISBN 0-7868-1862-X`. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-9–A fantasy that is as ambitious in theme, sophisticated in setting, and cosmic in scope as the works of Madeline L'Engle. The unlikely and eponymous hero is Oliver Parker, an 11-year-old American boy living in Paris with his mother and journalist father. After he finds a prize in his slice of cake on the night of Epiphany and dons the customary gilt-paper crown, the boy is plunged into a battle over nothing less than control of the universe. His enemy is the dreaded Master of Mirrors, who rose to power during the reign of Louis XIV, when Parisians developed technology for making sheet glass. This faceless, evil being, capable of capturing souls through mirrors and enslaving them in an alternate world that lies beyond all mirrors, now seeks to dominate the entire universe by mounting a quantum computer on the Eiffel Tower. Oliver's mission is to defeat the Master of Mirrors and save his father's stolen soul. Empowered by the ideas of the French Enlightenment–logic, rhetoric, and his understanding of the difference between irony and metaphor–Oliver is aided by a wild assortment of living allies, along with spirits from the past who dwell in windows, longtime enemies of the Master of Mirrors. Nostradamus, Racine, Molière, and Alice Liddell make guest appearances. The story starts slowly, for its complicated and rather far-fetched premises require quite a bit of exposition, but rises to an action-packed climax. The book's strengths are its engaging characters and its lovingly and specifically evoked setting.–Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams
GRANT, Vicki. Dead-End Job. 104p. CIP. Orca. 2005. pap. $7.95. ISBN 1-55143-378-8. LC C2005-900339-1.
Gr 7 Up–Frances is hoping to save some money for art school. To do this she works the late shift at a convenience store on the edge of town. There, she meets loner/artist/new guy Devin. Unfortunately, he is severely disturbed and begins an imaginary romance with her that threatens her relationship with her boyfriend, her job, and her personal safety. This is an intense, plot-driven book that hits many familiar yet upsetting notes. The tension is meted out in a deliberate manner. The spare text makes it a strong choice for reluctant readers.–Amy Patrick, New York Public Library
GRIMES, Nikki. Dark Sons. 216p. Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. 2005. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-1888-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6 Up–In free-verse narratives, one biblical and one modern, teenagers Ishmael and Sam introduce themselves and relate their parallel problems with their fathers. Abraham is exiling Ishmael, son of his "Second Wife," now that elderly Sarah has finally had a son. Sam's dad has left Sam's mother for a younger white woman. In Book One, Ishmael's poems express his pain, confusion, and love: "Half Chaldean./Half Egyptian./Half slave./Half free./Half loved./Half hated./Half blessed./All me." His story is set against the background of nomadic desert life, always in the context of God's relations with, and plans for, him. Book Two gives present-day Brooklynite Sam his say: "black man breaks/black woman's heart/to marry white witch." He's angry at his father, baffled by his mother, and resistant to his stepmother's friendly overtures. Luckily he has friends and faith; prayer and a kiss from a potential girlfriend provide some peace. The biggest obstacle turns out to be the biggest help: his dad's new son worms his way into his half-brother's heart. Books Three and Four continue the first-person accounts: Abraham's second son is clearly his favorite, and Sarah (a witch here) withdraws her love from Ishmael. Anger and jealousy threaten Ishmael's relations with his father and with God. Sam's father leaves him disillusioned and betrayed. The cross-play is effective, though Sam's story is more vivid and engaging. References to God (not Jesus) layer another father into the mix. Religion is a key part of the healing, but even faith-challenged readers can admire and learn from these stories of struggle in vernacular verse.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI
HADDIX, Margaret Peterson. Double Identity. 218p. CIP. S & S. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-87374-3. LC 2004013448.
Gr 5-8–One October evening, Bethany's parents drive her to another state to stay with an aunt she never knew existed. Left confused and without a way to contact her parents, the 12-year-old tries to figure out the reason behind their strange behavior and learns some family secrets in the process. It turns out that she is the clone of her sister, who was killed years earlier in a tragic automobile accident, and she is being hunted by a man who wants to expose her secret existence for his own benefit. Although there is not much action, the twists and turns of the suspense-filled plot are more than enough to keep readers interested. When one question is answered, another one is raised. Readers will relate to Bethany's feelings of abandonment, as well as her struggle to set herself apart from the sister she never knew but with whom she shares so much. This quick, engaging read is a good choice for reluctant readers.–Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
HARKRADER, L. D. Airball: My Life in Briefs. 198p. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Deborah Brodie Bk. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-060-5. LC 2004030614.
Gr 5-7–Airball is a quirky combination of The Mighty Ducks meets "Captain Underpants" with a sideline story involving the search for a biological father. An untalented group of seventh-grade boys gets the chance to meet its small Kansas town's basketball hero when his jersey is retired at a University of Kansas game. Fearful of being embarrassed by their poor playing, the school board refuses to let the team go unless it starts winning its games. To improve the boys' concentration, Coach tapes over the windows and makes the boys practice in their underwear. His strategy works, but not enough to win while wearing uniforms. Geeky team captain Kirby Nickel convinces his teammates at their first halftime to play in their briefs. They do, they win, and continue to do so throughout the story. Kirby's real goal is to convince the famous NBA player that he is, in fact, Kirby's father. The boy has amassed a drawer of "evidence" that points toward his conclusion. Though unrealistic on several fronts, the story is enjoyable, including the somewhat predictable Hollywood ending. Kirby finds the sought-after identity of his dad, but it's not who he thought it was. The team does well and starts a nationwide trend in underwear practices. The theme will likely provide the hook to entice middle-grade readers.–Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI
HAWORTH-ATTARD, Barbara. Theories of Relativity. 231p. CIP. Holt. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7790-1. LC 2004059754.
Gr 7 Up–Dylan Wallace, 16, lives on the streets of an unnamed Canadian city. His cruel, useless mother threw him out to make ready for her fourth man, whom she hopes to marry. The teen's only refuges are a youth center, a 24-hour doughnut shop, and the library. He keeps a biography of Einstein with him and tries to make sense of theories of time travel and black holes in the context of his own lack of "relatives." He tries to get a job, but he's too dirty to hire. He can either continue to panhandle or work the streets for Vulture, which Jenna, a sexually abused runaway, has been doing, first by begging, then by dealing and prostitution. When Dylan tries to get her away from the pimp, he is beaten and drugged. The prose is simple and direct, and the protagonist is a believable combination of bumbling and brave. As in Todd Strasser's Can't Get There from Here (S & S, 2004), the plot hinges on the drama of staying alive on the streets. While Strasser's narrator is flat and distant, Dylan's pain is acute and accessible. Long, bitterly cold nights set an appropriately bleak mood and remind readers of the protagonist's constant struggle to stay warm and fed. The use of Einstein's theories to mirror the isolation and inertia of street life feels forced and distracts from the considerable emotional impact of the narrative. This honest look at the desperation of teen homelessness is thought-provoking enough to spark discussion.–Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library
HEARN, Julie. Sign of the Raven. 328p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum/Ginee Seo Bks. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-85734-9. LC 2005012615.
Gr 6-9–Tom, 12, would rather be home in Dorset enjoying his summer vacation and hanging out with his mates. Instead, his cancer-stricken mother has driven them both to London to stay with her estranged mother. As soon as they arrive, Tom begins to hear voices from across "the gap," a time portal in the basement of his grandmother's house. The voices belong to a group of adults and children with physical deformities who have been sideshow attractions at Bartholomew Fair for much of their lives. Tom enters their 18th-century world and, with the assistance of some 21st-century technology, helps to free them from their oppressive lives. In the process, he comes to terms with his own family history and renews his hope for his mother's recovery. Dark in tone and suspenseful from the outset, the story contains many gruesome details from this period in English history. They include grave robbing by unethical surgeons looking for specimens for dissection, and the genuinely disturbing implication that female "freaks," including a young girl among Tom's companions, were offered as exotic prostitutes. Hearn's sympathetic characterizations of Tom's friends make their degradation all the more troubling, and their release all the more uplifting. Fast-paced, creepy, hard to put down, and definitely not for the fainthearted.–Beth Wright, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, VT
HERMES, Patricia. The Brothers' War. ISBN 0-7534-5795-4.
RIORDAN, James. Escape from War. ISBN 0-7534-5794-6.
ea vol: 192p. (My Side of the Story Series). Kingfisher. 2005. pap. $6.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–Each flip book contains two short novels that showcase different perspectives and opinions of the same situation. The Brothers' War takes place in Virginia during the beginning of the Civil War. Melody's family is loyal to the Union while her cousin Marshall's family sides with the Confederacy. The overlapping plot here is more evident than in Escape from War. World War II brings together Frank, a Londoner during the Blitz, and Hannah, a German-Jewish refugee. Evacuated to the English countryside, they must confront their own demons and prejudices. Frank's story takes a few chapters to get started and includes some British slang and historical references that may be unfamiliar to most children. The passage of time is unclear. For example, there is no explanation as to why Neville Chamberlain is Prime Minister and, shortly thereafter, the position is held by Winston Churchill. Both books end before the respective wars are over and do not include an afterword to distinguish fact from fiction or to explain events such as Fort Sumter and Kristallnacht.–S K Joiner, Brazoria County Library System, Angleton, TX
HERRERA, Juan Felipe. Cinnamon Girl: Letters Found inside a Cereal Box. 164p. glossary. HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler Bks. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-057984-6; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-057985-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8-10–Young adult fiction dealing with 9/11 has been slow to be published, so Herrera's book might have helped fill the void. Unfortunately it is a disappointing effort. It is a pastiche of poetry and letters written by 10th-grader Yolanda, whose uncle lies attached to life-support machinery after having been rescued from the rubble of the Twin Towers. Yo, herself, has been rescued from a too-daring adolescence in Iowa, where she was befriended by kids engaged in clubbing, drinking, and a game of chicken that ended in tragedy. Now in New York City, the Puerto Rican teen and her relatives keep a bedside vigil and, in a moment of consciousness, her uncle implores her to "save the others." She does so the only way she can: by gathering dust and ashes from the streets and storing it in plastic bags. As her desperation to complete her quest increases, she stays out all night in the company of a boy who convinces her to smoke pot and then abandons her. Amid all the bleakness and despair, Yo's mother finds her and lets her know that she has been better understood–all along–than she had realized. Even better, her uncle has awakened from his coma. Many stories are touched upon, but none are fully developed. The fragments of poetry fluctuate in time and setting and mingle English with Spanish and Spanglish (often untranslated in the appended glossary) in ways that are sometimes difficult to comprehend. Herrera offers glimpses of greater penetration and vision, but the overall package is a mishmash.–Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
HOWE, James. Totally Joe. 189p. CIP. S & S/Atheneum/Ginee Seo Bks. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-83957-X. LC 2004022242.
Gr 6-8–Joe's teacher asks his seventh-grade class to write an "alphabiography" throughout the year, presenting themselves and their lives in entries from A to Z. Joe's essays begin and end with friends, from Addie, a long-time pal and confidant, to Zachary, a new student who, like Joe, has a unique approach to life. Throughout, Joe demonstrates that he truly is a one-of-a-kind kid, mostly comfortable with himself but still struggling with common adolescent issues. It's difficult for him to relate to his athletic brother, and he misses his much-loved Aunt Pam, who moves to New York City. He also comes to grips with his sexuality, questioning gender expectations and traditional roles as he realizes he is gay. Because he is different, he is tormented by Kevin, who calls him a "girl" and "faggot" and falsely accuses him of kissing his friend Colin (a jock not yet ready to come out). Joe's narration always feels honest if not entirely credible. He and his family accept his emerging sexuality rather easily. While a range of responses is depicted, the characters seem to come around too quickly. For example, when the principal is informed of Kevin's actions, he, too, handles the situation expeditiously, and the troublemaker conveniently transfers to another school. Though idealized and contrived, the approach is novel and the conclusion optimistic.–Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library
JOHNSON, Kathleen Jeffrie. Dumb Love. 163p. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Deborah Brodie Bk. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-59643-062-1. LC 2005000647.
Gr 9 Up–Carlotta, pleasantly plump (like Botticelli's Venus) and amazingly well adjusted given her crazy life, is struggling to settle in after moving to a small mountain town. She aspires to be a romance novelist, and when she joins the writing circle at the high school, she expects to let her talent shine. Unfortunately, the other two students in the group continuously stall her progress. Walker offers nothing but insults and Andrea keeps stealing her characters. Throughout this tale, Carlotta falls in and out of love; deals with the antics of her mother (who remains offstage) and her mother's endearing live-in boyfriend (who is a recovering alcoholic); and handles the issue of her absent father. While it is funny at times and has heartwarming moments, this meandering tale is hard to follow. Plot threads are picked up and then dropped, making it seem as though part of the story is missing, or that it is unfinished, and the characters never quite develop enough to fully engage readers.–Emily Garrett, Naaman Forest High School, Garland, TX
JOHNSON, Lindsay Lee. Worlds Apart. 168p. CIP. Front St. Nov. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-932425-28-4. LC 2005012052.
Gr 5-8–Winnie is devastated when her family moves from Chicago to the grounds of a mental institution in small-town Minnesota where her physician father goes to work. In 1959, these facilities are alien and frightening places to most people, and Winnie is appalled at her circumstances. Rejected at school by the local kids, she misses her previous friends, the cliquey Starlings. Her mother is not handling the move any better than she and is no help. But Winnie perseveres as she volunteers to work the hospital snack cart, makes a friend, and adopts a pet goat. Along the way, she evolves into a more thoughtful and sensitive person. When drastic changes in the family dynamic cause Winnie to speak up and ask for the truth about the move, she displays her growing ability to distinguish solid virtues and true friendship. While historically accurate in its portrayal of daily life and the way our culture viewed mental disabilities at the time, the focus is on the protagonist's feelings. While at times Winnie can be an unreliable narrator, she eventually demands the same level of honesty from herself as she does from her parents. This story brings bias and prejudice to the forefront in a discussable and readable narrative.–Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO
KIRWAN, Anna. Searching for the Past. 182p. ISBN 0-439-71010-3.
LASKY, Kathryn. Dancing Through Fire. 172p. ISBN 0-439-71009-X.
ea vol: (Portraits Series). Scholastic. 2005. pap. $9.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–These series titles create backstories for the young women who posed for great artists. Past immediately draws readers into Aurelia's story. Shipwrecked and orphaned at the age of five, she was raised in Boston by an increasingly senile woman and her predatory nephew. Fleeing to Townsend, MA, she finds work with a kind family. Her mysterious past continues to haunt her, though she quickly becomes involved in the community. When Winslow Homer arrives to visit his family, Aurelia's tangled past becomes unraveled. Keeping the many characters straight may be confusing for some readers, but the scenes of Aurelia posing for the artist are beautifully integrated with the plot. The portrayal of town life is deep, compelling, and gently humorous. Fire introduces the model for Degas's L'Etoile. Sylvie, a young student at the Paris Opera Ballet School, grows up amid the uncertainty of the Franco-Prussian War. When bloody battles rage throughout the city, she is drawn into the real world for the first time in her life. After witnessing the horror, she must decide if she can ever return to the magic of the stage. This typical ballet story becomes an exciting coming-of-age tale. Fans of dance will be engrossed, while others may have difficulty getting past the jargon to find the fine work within.–Christina Stenson-Carey, Albany Public Library, NY
KLISE, Kate. Regarding the Trees: A Splintered Saga Rooted in Secrets. illus. by M. Sarah Klise. 143p. CIP. Harcourt/Gulliver. 2005. Tr $15. ISBN 0-15-205163-5. LC 2004027211.
Gr 4-6–Readers with patience, and perhaps a penchant for detail, may appreciate this latest offering from the author and illustrator of Regarding the Fountain (Avon, 1998) and Regarding the Sink (Harcourt, 2004). While the principal is simply looking for someone to trim some trees at Geyser Creek Middle School, a misunderstanding and clever rhetorical spin-offs take readers on a winding journey that includes every leafy pun imaginable. Add an Italian chef and a marriage proposal, and you have a one-of-a-kind plot waiting for that unique reader willing to take the time to unravel this clever book. Each page is painstakingly laid out in scrapbook form as the story unfolds with letters, newspaper columns, even packing envelopes. Some children may find the variety of wacky fonts and page styles difficult to navigate, and the quaint cover depicting a large party taking place under a tree does nothing to add to the book's appeal.–Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH
LAZO, Jeanne. If Looks Could Kill. 152p. illus. photos. Stargazer. 2005. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-9713756-4-X. LC 2004117148.
Gr 5-8–Cutting through the graveyard on Halloween night, four 14-year-old friends stumble across a dead body. The incongruous bright red shoes on the murdered woman point to a clue, and soon Priggs, Fawn, Art, and Tucker are on the case. The shoes lead the teens to a temperamental new artist in town, and when a second body turns up, Priggs puts on her Nancy Drew hat and does some additional sleuthing on her own. She manages to get herself in and out of danger several times as she gets closer and closer to the real killer. As the friends investigate, they also tackle a school project that involves unraveling another puzzle in the graveyard that goes back to Civil War days. The reading level as on the back of the book is noted as 4.5, which would indicate that it is appropriate for struggling readers. However, they may be bothered by the sometimes flowery prose ("an air of haughtiness that drowns my senses," for example). Also, the Civil War mystery isn't well integrated into the murder mystery.–Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI
LEITCH, Will. Catch. 286p. Penguin/Razorbill. Dec. 2005. pap. $7.99. ISBN 1-59514-069-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–During the summer between his high school graduation and leaving for state college, Tim Temples works and drinks hard and discovers that he is not alone at the center of his own universe. In the course of about 15 weeks, he watches his older brother–a former baseball star like their father–degenerate socially and physically for no obvious (to Tim) reason. It's during this same time that he is smitten for the first time in his young womanizing life. Helena is more than five years his senior, hard-bitten by life and her own sarcastic attitude, and only Tim believes that the affair has lasting potential. Daytimes are spent working in a food packaging plant, hauling boxes, and noticing that his old high school friends are quickly fading into the "old men" who staff the plant year round. Only belatedly does Tim realize that he is different from most of his friends, most of his family, most of the town. He's leaving to be a college guy, in a world just down the highway but very far away in terms of prospects. Leitch draws readers to Tim slowly and places him within a cast of characters who are finely etched, realistic, and memorably quirky. Teens will recognize people they know among these characters, some admirable, most deeply flawed, all genuine. This is a keenly felt and absorbing read about this bittersweet rite of passage.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
LOWENSTEIN, Sallie. Waiting for Eugene. illus. by author. 200p. CIP. Lion Stone. 2005. Tr $19. ISBN 0-9658486-55. LC 2004096654.
Gr 6-9–Sara Goldman, 12, never knows when her architect father, a Holocaust survivor, will retreat into the dark, frightening world of his childhood memories. She is fascinated by the stories of his time in hiding, and the many, possibly imaginary, characters who kept him company. Meanwhile, Sara nurtures a budding first romance with the boy next door, and her developing artistic skills help her father face his painful past. The story has potential, but stilted dialogue and awkward pacing will limit its appeal. The time period is unclear, though small details and Sara's air of naiveté give it the feel of the 1950s or early '60s. Sara's character never feels fully developed; her reactions to a complex set of issues and problems seem too simple and childlike for her age. Her changing relationship with neighbor Willie is also very thinly sketched. Readers with a strong interest in the Holocaust might find the novel intriguing. Others looking for fiction about survivors may prefer Ida Vos's Anna Is Still Here (Houghton, 1993), Carol Matas's After the War (S & S, 1996), or one of the many excellent nonfiction accounts of children's experiences during the Holocaust.–Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library
LYNCH, Chris. Inexcusable. 164p. S & S/Atheneum/Ginee Seo Bks. Nov. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-689-84789-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up–Keir is a senior who fancies himself a "lovable rogue." So do his widowed father, his older sisters, and his classmates. He likes being liked; he just doesn't do well with involvement. Keir would never do anything to hurt anyone intentionally–or would he? When he tackles and cripples a member of an opposing football team, it's determined to be an "accident"–one that earns him the good-humored nickname, "Killer." When he and his buddies destroy a town statue, they consider it a high-spirited, funny prank. When he gets drunk, the alcohol abuse is dismissed as "silly, harmless drinks," and drugs at parties are "strictly recreational." And when he date rapes the girl he thinks he loves, at first he convinces himself that "the way it looks is not the way it is." Keir's first-person narrative chillingly exposes the rationalization process that the troubled teen goes through to persuade himself and those around him of his innocence. Characters are clearly developed through immediately post-rape chapters that alternate with flashbacks of Keir's experiences and perceptions leading up to that point. As compelling as Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak (Farrar, 1999), though with a different point of view, this finely crafted and thought-provoking page-turner carefully conveys that it is simply inexcusable to whitewash wrongs, and that those responsible should (and hopefully will) pay the price.–Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ
MCALLISTER, M. I. Urchin of the Rising Stars. illus. by Omar Rayyan. 282p. (The Mistmantle Chronicles, Bk. #1). Hyperion/Miramax. 2005. RTE $17.95. ISBN 0-7868-5486-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-7–Urchin the squirrel believes he is destined for greatness. Dropped from the sky by a gull onto the island of Mistmantle, he is rescued by Crispin, captain to hedgehog King Brushen. He becomes Crispin's page and is quickly embroiled in the murder of the King's young son. When Crispin is framed for the crime and banished, Urchin remains on Mistmantle, working for another captain, Padra the otter. Eyewitness to a power struggle for the throne, he helps fight against cruel new laws and reveals the true murderer. This story will appeal to fans of Brian Jacques's "Redwall" series (Philomel) as well as to readers who enjoy court intrigue and battle scenes with tons of tails and fur. While the action contains too many coincidences to be believed (someone is always perfectly placed to overhear just the thing needed for the next chapter), the characters are memorable and likable, and the writing is smooth and evenly paced. Urchin rises above other animal stories with flashes of humor as well as weighty issues like murder and cruelty to the weak. Although the plot devices and characterization are fairly stereotypical, the book is worth purchasing, especially given the popularity of this genre. Young readers will be pleased to see this new series hit the shelves.–Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT
MCGHEE, Alison. All Rivers Flow to the Sea. 168p. CIP. Candlewick. Nov. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-2591-4. LC 2004054609.
Gr 9 Up–Sisters Ivy and Rose have shared secrets, attended high school together, and always been there for one another. Ivy, 18, has always been the free spirit, while Rose, 17, has always been the grounded one. When they are involved in an accident from which Ivy never recovers, Rose has to learn how to piece life back together without her. The story is a stark interweaving of the present and pre-accident events, and while it is not lengthy, it still captures a full range of emotion and turmoil before reaching a resolution. At times, McGhee's recurring, "Ivy and I had an accident. It was dusk in the Adirondacks that night, and we were coming around a curve" seems oppressive. However, as the story progresses, more is added to those two lines, leading to the discovery of what has occurred and how the characters' lives were altered. Rose's mother refuses to let Ivy go, but never visits the nursing home where she remains on life support. She won't talk about the accident, and is emotionally unavailable to Rose. Ivy's boyfriend finally makes an appearance, which shatters the ambivalence that has surrounded the accident for so long. Rose's main support is found through the family neighbor, William T., who drives her to the nursing home every day, while offering bits of spiritual wisdom and guidance. Rose seeks out sexual relationships in order to feel again–even if that feeling is hurt. While readers struggle along with Rose, they will gain a new perspective about the importance of family and of the grieving process.–Emily Garrett, Naaman Forest High School, Garland, TX
MARINO, Peter. Dough Boy. 221p. CIP. Holiday House. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1873-1. LC 2004040593.
Gr 7-10–In this funny but heart-wrenching story, 15-year-old Tristan spends one week with his college-professor mom and her boyfriend Frank, and the next with his college-professor dad and his girlfriend, and the situation works for everyone. Tristan's excess weight has always bothered him but since both of his parents live with heavy partners, he's been able to deal with it. But all that changes when Frank's daughter moves in. Beautiful, calorie-conscious Kelly turns heads, but her mouth is lethal as she immediately zeroes in on Tristan's weight and twists a knife into the wounds that she inflicts on his self-esteem. Things go from bad to worse as her cruelty, added to the casual torment by other students, finally causes Tristan to recognize that he needs to remove himself from the toxic atmosphere and live exclusively with his dad, and to find coping mechanisms to help him deal with the school atmosphere. The ending is hopeful as the teen regains his humor and discovers how much he enjoys cross-country skiing. A priority purchase for all libraries serving teens.–Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY
MARTIN, Ann M. A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray. 182p. Scholastic. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-439-71559-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-6–From the comfort of her new home, a dog provides a retrospective narrative of her 10 years as mostly a stray. Squirrel's voice is consistently gentle, even as she describes her surroundings and life-changing events. She describes the circumstances of her birth, and conveys sadness and grief upon the disappearance of her mother, separation from her brother, and fear when fighting mean, starving dogs. Perhaps it is her sweet nature that makes her complacent about life on the run, but it also makes her story less compelling. Avi's The Good Dog (S & S, 2001) and Sarah Clark Jordan's The BossQueen, Little BigBark and the Sentinel Pup (Tricycle, 2004) also have canine narrators but convey many rich, satisfying details about what it smells and feels like to be a dog–details that are missing here. Nevertheless, libraries with dog lovers and Martin fans will want to give this book a home.–Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI
MEYER, Adam. The Last Domino. 229p. CIP. Putnam. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24332-1. LC 2004015626.
Gr 9 Up–Most of the dominoes have already fallen when Travis places the barrel of the gun in his mouth in the opening scene of this horrific story. But realizing that, unlike his older brother Richie, he lacks the courage to kill himself, Travis stalks across the field to his high school to exact revenge on those he perceives as his tormentors. Flashing back 16 days, readers then meet Travis's dysfunctional parents and various schoolmates whose taunts and threats lead to the tragic, climactic carnage. Two voices drive the teen crazy: in his head he hears Richie, and in almost daily encounters he grows dependent on Daniel, a new kid who revels in manipulating him. There is no sugarcoating, no surprise turns or twists in the plot, just an all-too-familiar sequence of events portraying the tragedy of school violence, punctuated by realistically nasty language ranging from the rude to the obscene. The violence is detailed, with victims pleading for their lives, tumbling bodies, and blood-slicked floors. So is the aftermath, as Travis is sentenced to life in prison for the murders–including those of his parents'–he doesn't remember committing. Chapters are interspersed with "documentary" items such as transcripts of police interviews, journal entries, and letters that add depth to the characterizations and complexity to the plot. Meyer clearly communicates that insane crimes have reasons, and that the only sad certainty is that they can happen anywhere. This book does for school gun-violence what Alex Flinn did for dating violence in Breathing Underwater (HarperCollins, 2001).–Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA
MEYER, Carolyn. Marie, Dancing. 255p. CIP. Harcourt/Gulliver. 2005. Tr $17. ISBN 0-15-205116-3. LC 2004026547.
Gr 6-8–This is a fictionalized account of the inspiration for Degas's famous statue, "The Little Dancer." Young Marie van Goethem and her two sisters are students at the Paris Opera Ballet. Their mother envisions this as their only hope to get out of their destitute life. The oldest sister, Antoinette, is soon being wined and dined by wealthy men who often pursue the young dancers. Marie, the responsible one, is trying to deal with her mother's alcoholism and care for her younger sister, Charlotte. When Degas chooses Marie to pose for his sculpture both in the nude and costumed, the extra money is only a temporary solution. Eventually Antoinette and Marie are dismissed from the Paris Opera for failing to adhere to the strict rules. Charlotte continues and, with Marie's support, succeeds. Marie finds contentment as she marries and finds joy in her younger sister's success. This is a fairly realistic look at the difficult lives of poor French girls who had few ways to escape their poverty and often discovered that the pursuit of their dreams was fraught with dangerous choices and obstacles. The introduction of Degas and Mary Cassatt enriches the historical interest of this well-written story. Marie's determination and resilience make her an appealing character, and her willingness to try to keep her family intact and support them through their difficulties is believable and admirable.–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
MEYER, Kai. The Water Mirror. tr. from German by Elizabeth D. Crawford. 256p. (Dark Reflections Series, Bk. #1). S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-689-87787-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 5-8–This inventive and original fantasy is set among the canals of a fantastical medieval Venice and grounded by powerful imagery of light and shadow, stone and water. Two orphans are apprenticed to a magical mirror maker. Junipa, 13, is blind, but is given her sight in a magical but dangerous process. Merle, 14, is impulsive, courageous, and already the owner of a magic mirror. She finds herself at the center of the struggle for the survival of Venice in the face of the invading Egyptian army that is besieging it. The city has been kept safe thus far by the Flowing Queen, but now her spirit has been trapped in a glass vial. When Merle comes into possession of this vial, she is commanded by the Flowing Queen to drink the water in it, thus imbibing her spirit and voice. She then has to free Vermithrax, a flying lion of living stone long held prisoner by the Venetian authorities, as the first step in the process of ensuring the safety of the city. A powerful mix of political intrigue, adventure, and magic, the novel is peopled with believable and likable human characters along with mermaids, both feared and enslaved by humans; lions of living stone; and a fearsome and horrifying representative of the Kingdom of Hell. The Water Mirror is a standout in this year's crowded field of fantasy novels, and will have readers clamoring for the next entry in the series.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City
MITCHELL, Jack. The Roman Conspiracy. 164p. CIP. Tundra. 2005. pap. $8.95. ISBN 0-88776-713-3. LC C2005-900541-6.
Gr 5-9–Mitchell's classical adventure rival's Caroline Lawrence's "The Roman Mysteries" (Millbrook) or Jane Yolen's "Young Heroes" series (HarperCollins). Raised by his aunt and uncle, Aulus Spurinna wants more than anything to see the great city of Rome. This wish comes true under tragic circumstances when his uncle mysteriously dies. The family's land and tenants are being plagued by pillaging soldiers, and, as the sole male heir, he must speak to their Protector in Rome to stop the carnage. Once there, Aulus teams up with Tullia, his protector's daughter, and they set out to find his uncle's murderer. Fast-paced action, an authentic setting, and realistic characterization all work together to make this an exciti ng journey to the ancient world.–Karen T. Bilton, Somerset County Library, Bridgewater, NJ
