Grades 5 & Up

Gr 4-7–When 12-year-old Rain’s father leaves the family, her mother decides to simplify their lives and move to Rain’s grandmother’s house in the country. Daniel, an intelligent boy who is obsessed with Star Trek and enjoys playing chess, lives next door. At school, the two are called the “Double Drips.” Rain wishes she could play basketball, but feels obligated to hang out with Daniel, who hates sports. She learns that he has to have surgery to correct a heart problem. Her weekends with her father and his girlfriend get better once the adults acknowledge her feelings and Rain and Daniel discover that Julia is a “Trekkie.” Readers will relate to Rain’s adjustment to her parents’ separation and a new home, school, and friends. The Australian setting features a platypus sighting and a visiting cousin who is “so American.” This enjoyable and quirky story is told from Rain’s perspective and includes poems composed from a refrigerator poetry kit and entries from Daniel’s “Captain’s Log.”–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 8 Up–Young Paolo Poloverdo’s complex life is recounted in this translation of the winner of the French Prix Sorcieres. Set in a remote location in Chile, the story begins when a boy’s parents have their throats cut by a vagrant. In a rare moment of compassion, the murderer, Angel Allegros, decides not to kill the child. Paolo’s response to these events is curiously distant, as is the entire narrative. The boy is vaguely upset by, yet matter-of-fact about, his parents’ deaths. A second visitor, Luis Secunda, eventually appears and Paolo dispassionately asks Angel not to stab the man because he does not feel like digging another grave. The three settle into an uneasy routine, with the adults vying to be Paolo’s father figure. A necessary trip to buy livestock is the catalyst for a number of tragic and perhaps inevitable events, including betrayal, an attempted suicide, and capital punishment. The major plot line concerns Angel’s awakening conscience. Through his relationship with the boy, he begins to see the importance of life and love. While the book’s haunting, melancholy air will keep readers turning pages, the complex yet remote telling gives it the feel of South-American literature, which may hold more appeal for adults than for teens.–B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 5 Up–If the Velveteen Rabbit had a satanic bent, it would have much in common with the Plucker, the spirit doll that young Thomas’s father brings him from Africa in 1942. In Brom’s fevered imagination, the love and imaginative play with which children imbue their toys–their “gusto,” as he terms it–can be sucked out and turned to evil purposes, destroying the soul of the child and enlivening creatures too horrible to contemplate. It is up to Thomas’s old Jack-in-the-box to prevent the boy from such vitiation. Aided by the herbal and hoodoo wisdom of Mabelle, Thomas’s stalwart old nurse, and a few other plucky cast-off toys, Jack challenges the monstrous Foulthings spawned by the Plucker and vanquishes its malevolence. Brom’s descriptive powers are revealed equally in his prose and his illustrations. The paintings are so detailed and so layered that they yield their secrets further the more closely they are examined. Poring over them is an exercise in fascinated revulsion. Almost every page–from the opening, “What the hell?” to the resolution–contains abominations calculated to stir up nightmares. Despite its bittersweet, triumphant ending–Thomas is saved, but Mabelle is killed–this book will stir discomfort everywhere it goes. Brom is surely aware of this, as he is photographed on the dust jacket, poised to consume an eviscerated teddy bear with an oversize fork and spoon. Not everyone will be amused, and not everyone should be exposed to this macabre tour de force.–Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 5-8–Sofia, 14, lives in McAllen, TX. What she lacks in material possessions, she makes up for in personality and intelligence. When she is called a “taco head” by a student at her school, she decides to “kick that girl” by getting better grades and being a better soccer player than her tormentor. As a result of this determination, Sofia is offered a scholarship to the elite Saint Luke’s school in Austin. Now she must convince her family and herself that she is up to the challenge. Canales includes vivid descriptions of life in a Mexican-American community. Her prose is engaging and easy to read, making this novel a good choice for reluctant readers. The momentum slows a bit after Sofia’s arrival in Austin in contrast to the portion of the book set in McAllen. Still, the story is a good addition to most collections.–Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX

Gr 6 Up–Left mute after her mother’s death at the hands of English raiders, Mariane de Courcey is sent to live with the family of her cousin Jehanne, the girl who will become known as Joan of Arc. Mariane becomes aware of Jehanne’s visions and becomes involved in her plans to travel to the Dauphin, Prince Charles, and convince him to rally the French to chase the English out of France. In her travels, Mariane realizes that her uncle, Sir Gaston de Louvier, was behind her mother’s murder. She searches for her deceased father’s lost seal and travels to her family’s estate to establish her claim as its heir. Through letters, Mariane relates Jehanne’s efforts to motivate the French forces, and she eventually rejoins her cousin during her trial and execution. Chandler uses Mariane’s and Jehanne’s stories to paint a picture of life in France in the 1400s, creating a moving account of two girls’ struggles to be true to themselves. Jehanne is portrayed as pious and focused on her mission, but she has realistic doubts. Other characters mainly serve as background for the cousins’ stories. This historical portrait will intrigue readers, though the well-known ending of Jehanne’s story lessens the suspense. A “historical note” provides a time line of events following the young woman’s death, though the lack of an author’s note about sources and a clear delineation of which characters are fictional and which are real detracts from the overall value of this book.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 4-7–An engaging, well-written story with a satisfying ending. As the son of a Cuban superstar, 11-year-old Felix Piloto has baseball in his blood. He would give anything to be like his father, or know more about him, but his mother won’t reveal anything beyond the fact that he risked his life and career to get his wife and baby to America. While attending a local Florida league game, the visiting team mistakes Felix for its batboy. He jumps at the chance to hang out with real ballplayers and hopes to discover more information about his dad. Corbett’s love of the game serves her well. The story has an authentic feel, not just in relation to the game, but to the game as it is played in the minor-league ballparks of Florida, where careers are hatched or buried. Felix’s journey to discovery is sensitively portrayed, particularly as it conflicts with his mother’s efforts to provide the life his father envisioned. The supporting characters are a mixed bag of those who aid Felix and those who get in the way. Baseball terms and Spanish words are seamlessly woven into the text and defined in glossaries. This book will predominantly appeal to fans of the sport, even though it is about so much more.–Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

Gr 4-7–Life really stinks for 13-year-old Becky Cohen. She’s not even close to being pretty, has no friends except her brilliant 12-year-old brother, and her overworked, widowed mother constantly finds fault with her. She desperately misses her father. The family has no money for private violin lessons, so Becky is forced to suffer through group classes at the Y with odious, hypercritical Mrs. Stark. Although she willingly practices for hours every day, the girl doesn’t begin to improve until she meets mysterious Mr. Freeman, who teaches her to relax and actually love playing music. With his coaching, Becky pushes herself out of her comfort zone and dares to play with her heart instead of by rote, which pays off with wonderful results. Brazilian native, professional musician de Alcantara soars when describing Becky’s musical development, but other characters seem more stock. Readers will empathize with the protagonist’s struggles and will cheer with great satisfaction as she stretches to reach her potential.–Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 6 Up–This spare, somber picture book is best suited to older students or adults as readers must have some background knowledge of World War I to comprehend it. Careful attention to the black-and-white, pen-and-ink illustrations is required in order to understand the details that are not spelled out in the slight text. The title page features a picture of old-fashioned twin-wing airplanes. A banner in the corner says, “1918 Europe.” The story begins with an illustration of a man writing a letter. It reads, “I did not want to write to you until I could say that I would be home soon.” His descriptions are brief but emotion-filled. As the book progresses, readers learn that he is encapsulating his entire wartime experience in this one letter. They see the journey across a great body of water, then soldiers marching with packs. The illustrations show fortifications with barbed wire and foxholes. The boredom and anxiety of waiting are both conveyed. A signal bird finally brings the long-awaited news–“It ends, 11:00 a.m. 11/11.” A boat passes the Statue of Liberty, providing the clue that the man is returning home. The final image shows a boy holding a letter beside the still-open mailbox as a man in a soldier’s uniform appears before him. A thoughtful reminiscence that’s sure to spark discussion.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA

Gr 8 Up–Ever since Alissa’s father died, she and her friend Evelin have made a midnight pilgrimage to his grave every Christmas. But this year Berlin is covered in snow, and while searching for the grave, Alissa falls into a crypt where she finds a child’s coffin with a strange plant growing from it. Seduced by the plant, Alissa eats it and finds that it has given her powers. She can see strange people who transform into ravens, are invisible to everyone else, and who appear to comfort the dying. She also develops the ability to call back the dead, although she does not immediately realize what she is doing. Evelin watches in horror as Alissa seeks to figure things out and avoid her ex-boyfriend, who has become frighteningly obsessive. This is an odd, often confusing story in which much is left unexplained. The people Alissa sees are almost like angels, but they are cold and uncompromising; the plant was the dead boy’s undeveloped “gift,” but why his unfulfilled potential takes over Alissa or causes her to develop these abilities is unclear. Still, the ambience is undeniable, and the elements behind the supernatural mystery, such as Alissa’s relationships with her mother and stepfather, are evocative and ring true. Readers seeking a truly unusual horror story may find some satisfaction, despite the flaws, but most will prefer Charles de Lint’s The Blue Girl (Viking, 2004), which covers similar territory more effectively.–Karyn N. Silverman, Elizabeth Irwin High School, New York City

Gr 5-8–Bella Lorente, 13, dreams of becoming el lector like her grandfather, reading literature and poetry to the Spanish-speaking cigar-factory workers of Ybor City, FL. However, the Depression, the conflict between workers and owners, and racial tensions alter her plans when her Aunt Lola is arrested for participating in a union meeting. Bella’s extended family struggle to free the woman and to seek community in a divided city. Durbin succeeds admirably in creating an accessible world rich in detail. While most children will not know much about lectores, cigar rolling, and Depression-era Spanish Floridian culture, Durbin explains each one clearly, providing tidy translations for all of the Spanish used. In one particularly evocative passage, the wind brings smells from fresh-baked bread, guava, or damp tobacco, depending on its orientation. However, this richly envisioned world sometimes eclipses the rising action of the labor struggles and slows the book’s pacing, weighing it down with numerous subsidiary plot threads. At certain points, there is an overload of information as the author jumps from labor troubles to Depression-era unemployment to Babe Ruth to 1930s fashions and films. That said, El Lector is better-than-average historical fiction with a strong female protagonist. Give it to fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Becoming Naomi León (Scholastic, 2004) as a read-alike.–Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 7-10–While the cover looks like a trendy romance novel, this is a story of an insecure, almost 15-year-old Canadian girl named Carmen (after the opera heroine). It is Valentine’s Day and she feels invisible, so, on impulse, she sticks a note in her crush’s locker. Thinking about the consequences, she panics, runs away, and is stopped by a reporter who asks what she wants for the holiday. Her face and confession, “I want to be loved,” are plastered all over the news. More confused than ever, she wonders what caused her to make such a pronouncement. She thinks about how many people it takes to feel loved. Wandering into a Laundromat, she spots and follows on-the-verge rock star Manu Gris. Drawn into his strange life and exhilarated by the experience, she begins to open up. Manu, she discovers, is even more desperate to be loved than she is and so self-centered that he doesn’t listen when she offers advice. Armed with new self-confidence, Carmen returns to school, her day both a dream come true and a painful truth. This slim volume is full of angst and self-discovery. The Canadian names and places might be unfamiliar, but they do not take away from the glittery magic or the intense realism. Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak (Farrar, 1999) will relate to this layered character.–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 7-11–When Norah’s guidance counselor informs her that she needs more extracurriculars to strengthen her college résumé, she starts a book club at a local independent bookstore. Along with her two best friends, several interesting high school students from different backgrounds join the group, and Norah becomes attracted to James. From that point on, her focus is less on literature and more on how to grab his attention. Taking cues from her favorite romance writer, she sets up various scenarios that inevitably go awry. For example, she writes herself a love letter, planning to let it flutter down and land at James’s feet during a party, letting him know that other boys are interested in her. Instead, the note lands near James’s friend, who embarrasses her by reading it aloud. Ultimately, Norah discovers that James has read the same romance novel and has watched her plotting with rapt attention. He also shares her feelings. Norah’s voice is quick-witted and strong and conveys the lack of confidence that many teens experience. The book’s urban setting, in Brooklyn’s Park Slope, comes through clearly, and Friedman’s references to numerous popular-culture icons will grab the teen crowd’s attention. Recommend this light read to fans of Janette Rallison’s All’s Fair in Love, War, and High School (Walker, 2003).–Emily Garrett, Naaman Forest High School, Garland, TX

Gr 9 Up–Just as Geras’s Troy (Harcourt, 2001) didn’t actually re-create the Iliad, Ithaka doesn’t tell the story of Odysseus’s voyages. Instead, it focuses on Klymene, a girl in Penelope’s household. She loves Telemachus, who loves Melanthro, a maid; Ikarios, Klymene’s twin, also loves the girl; and a Trojan lad, who has come to Ithaka with one of Penelope’s suitors, loves Klymene. So Aphrodite rules, and she’s so powerful that even Penelope isn’t faithful in this novel. Telemachus doesn’t mature and is manipulated by bad girl Melanthro, who sleeps with the suitors. Despite the length of the book, the ending is rushed. At one point Odysseus and Penelope’s bed, carved out of the trunk of a rooted olive tree, is described as far-famed; how then can it function as the test of Odysseus’s identity when he returns? Penelope sleeps with Odysseus while thinking of her lover, and Klymene tells her Trojan fiancé that she’ll never love any creature as much as she loved the dog Argos. No character is three-dimensional, and setting and language are equally flat. Still, readers looking for a romance novel set in ancient Greece (with pages of Argos’s dreams) will be as pleased with Ithaka as they were with Troy. Others will much prefer Margaret Atwood’s marvelously readable The Penelopiad (Canongate, 2005).–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George’s School, Newport, RI

Gr 4-6–With school out, and summer stretching before them, Ellen and her friend Jenny decide to publish a newspaper, hoping to make some spending money. But when pet obituaries upset their owners, muffin recipes contain the wrong measurements, and the town librarian points out spelling errors, the girls learn important lessons about journalism. When a mysterious stranger rents the property next door, Ellen investigates and learns that people are not always as they first appear. This also rings true when her family hires a new housekeeper who covers up personal facts to keep her job. Then Ellen learns a secret about her own past. Jumpy dialogue and too many subplots may make this a hard sell to most readers, but those who persist might enjoy this nostalgic mystery that encourages a love of books and writing.–Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Gr 6-8–Recently relocated across the country with her mom and stepfamily, 13-year-old Raisin sends a series of blogs and e-mails to her friends back home. She has never been kissed and desperately wants her first to be with CJ Mullin. The story revolves around her schemes to make it happen. While the novel begins with a fresh voice, the plot starts to drag midpoint and fails to keep readers’ interest. Girls looking for laughs about teenage angst written in diary form would be better served by Louise Rennison’s “Georgia Nicholson” books or Meg Cabot’s “The Princess Diaries” (both HarperCollins).–Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams’ Middle School, Hilton, NY

Gr 4-7–When 13-year-old Joe Stosh’s coach brings a radar gun to practice, it prompts a discussion of who was the fastest pitcher in baseball history. Able to use baseball cards to go back in time, Stosh clocks the fastball of famous Negro League pitcher Satchel Paige. Since no cards were produced for those teams, he substitutes a postcard found on eBay. His coach, Flip, accompanies him on the journey to the past and they arrive in Spartanburg, SC, in 1942, a few days before the Negro League World Series. They witness racial discrimination at a local diner, and, shortly thereafter, the duo hook up with Paige and join him on the road to the big game in Pittsburgh. Gutman sketches Paige’s colorful personality: confident, cocky, talkative, and undoubtedly one of the greatest talents ever to play the game. The story is lighthearted but clearly conveys the injustice that denied the athlete the opportunity to play in the major leagues for most of his career. Supporting characters border on the stereotypical and the fast-paced plot hangs heavily on coincidence. Enhancing the action-driven story are plenty of well-written baseball scenes, black-and-white photos, and the appearance of Negro League players Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, and Buck O’Neil. Fans will be delighted with this latest addition to the series.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 4-6–In this comedic adventure set in Australia, 12-year-old Samantha saves a talking dingo. The animal is grateful and offers to perform a miracle to thank her but she declines, not believing his powers. Her family has a struggling wombat ranch and is dealing with a not-too-bright father (aka Mad Dog Fred), a drought, and her brother’s kangaroo accident, which caused him to be paralyzed. To save the farm, her dad decides to become a “bushranger” and rob a bank. Sam follows him and tries unsuccessfully to talk him out of his foolish plan. During the robbery, the bank clerk convinces her father to invest the stolen money by opening an account. Mad Dog and Sam flee, but before they are caught by the troopers, they are transported to meet the Great Dingo, and they wish for a cure for her brother. The abrupt ending has them transported home to find Billy running out to meet them. This one will be lost on kids who don’t understand Australian humor.–Sharon R. Pearce, Chippewa Elementary School, Bensenville, IL

Gr 9 Up–This novel is told in chapters that alternate between Harlan, a popular jock and son of a U.S. Senator, and Manny, a creative backstage drama geek whose single father is struggling to get by. Strange premonitions and nightmares of sudden death haunt both of these 17-year-olds as their parallel tales unfold. Characterization is a bit hollow as Harlan attempts to break free of his controlling mother and Manny wrests the truth about the past from his father. In narrative climaxes that occur without the tension they should muster, both boys learn they are adopted and each has a drunken father in his background. Readers will struggle, as perhaps the author intended, to make sense of the disparate but eerily similar stories the teens’ parents tell them. Finally, in an unsatisfying sort of magical-realism twist, they are revealed as two concurrent destinies of the same child. This murky blend of realistic fiction and supernatural mystery may appeal to some teens, but the characters won’t draw the masses to their corner.–Suzanne Gordon, Richards Middle School, Lawrenceville, GA

Gr 4-8–After fleeing their native Vietnam and spending years in the Philippines recovering from TB, Du Nguyen and his grandmother have come at last to the United States to be reunited with Du’s parents and siblings. The 11-year-old’s life is filled with adjustments to his new family, school, language, and lifestyle. He finds refuge in a storage shed where he hides a cat and plots mischievous revenge on his spying neighbor. Du is rambunctious, impulsive, and stubborn. He harasses his brother and sisters, torments his neighbor, and frustrates his overworked father. At school, his lack of effort and sullen attitude mask his struggles with self-identity and assimilation. Only his grandmother sees Du as a “dragon,” lucky, smart, and resourceful. When he salvages parts to rebuild a bike, he is accused of theft. The elderly neighbor comes to his rescue and Du learns valuable lessons about truth, tolerance, and helping others. When his math prowess is revealed to the class, his annoying behavior and hyperactive demeanor begin to improve. Good deeds and positive thinking fuel his emotional growth. Du’s voice is energetic, descriptive, and direct. His reflections on refugee life and coming to America are unadorned. His bond with his grandmother is strong. Du’s perspective and story may help sensitize readers to the cultural and emotional hurdles facing many immigrant classmates. While his disruptive behavior belies his abilities, in the end he begins to mature, accepting and demonstrating his family’s values of respect, hard work, and honesty.–Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 8 Up–The four Pretty Little Devils are the most popular young women in their California high school, more so even than the cheerleaders. They are also a little bit naughty; they bend the school rules and get away with it. They have a rigid code for their group, including intervening when one of their own is “slipping” (e.g., Ellen’s hairstyle is unacceptable). Hazel has worshiped the PLDs from afar and is surprised and thrilled when they invite her to join them. Soon after her initiation, however, it becomes clear that something is radically wrong when the head cheerleader–the PLDs’ sworn enemy–turns up dead. This fast-paced read is interlaced with chat-room conversations, blog entries, and text messages. Unfortunately, the dialogue is stilted, the characters are static and stereotypical, and the narrative seems to normalize underage drinking. The plot also fails to ring true: popular kids rarely bring a “nobody” into the fold. Nevertheless, the gripping suspense may attract R. L. Stine fans looking for another author. An additional purchase for libraries with extensive, well-circulating horror series collections.–Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 9 Up–Jasmine Callihan, her father, and stepmother are vacationing in Las Vegas at the posh Venetian Hotel. All the 17-year-old really wants to do is sunbathe by the pool, write in her journal, and attempt to be a “Model Hallmark Card” daughter, all the while avoiding her “perfect” cousin Alyson and her “Evil Hench Twin,” Veronique. Her plans go awry, however, when a small boy and his cat make Jas a central character in a murder investigation. Soon Jas’s best friends come from LA to join her adventure and all attempt to solve the murder of Len Phillips, business manager of world-famous photographer Red Early. Teens will enjoy Jas and her friends’ hilarious dialogue and will be entertained by Jaffe’s inclusion of footnotes to the plot twists on each page. While the story is somewhat convoluted and often defies credulity, the book does offer some fascinating characters and plenty of amusement for fans of this genre.–Kathryn Childs, Morris Mid/High School, OK

Gr 6 Up–Vesper, a bat, dreams of following in his father’s glorified path as a Knight of the Moon. Unfortunately, he is too young to participate in the battle against their mortal enemies, the squirrels. When an army of bats massacres the Starwife, a young squirrel maiden, Ysabelle, must travel to the distant land to restore power and become the successor to the Oaken Throne. She and her traveling army of squirrels capture Vesper and decide to take him with them. Their journey throws them into a terrifying world of pure evil, and the bat and the squirrel must overcome their differences and work together to defeat the forces that threaten to destroy their worlds. Readers will have a hard time putting down this dark, gripping tale of love, treachery, and the clashing forces of good versus evil. This second book in the series stands completely on its own. The well-rounded characters enhance the excellent plot, which is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats up to the very last page. Fans of the previous book and of the “Deptford Mice” trilogy (Chronicle) will not be disappointed. This book will also appeal to fans of Brian Jacques’ “Redwall” series (Penguin).–Christine McGinty, Newark Public Library, NY

Gr 5-8–Many secrets are revealed in this collection of 12 unforgettable short stories. In Gillian Chan’s “Dream Girls,” Ella, 10, is happy to be everything Sonia is not–a tomboy who loves playing outdoors, getting dirty, and having fun. Her mother always compares her to her friend’s daughter, but when Sonia comes for a visit, she is well-mannered with the adults but mean and spiteful to Ella. In Jocelyn’s “How It Happened in Peach Hill,” deceit runs in the family. To drum up business for Mama, a pseudo-clairvoyant, her daughter hangs around town, appearing to be mentally challenged while gathering gossip. But when Mama goes too far with a psychic performance on a rich widower, the lies take a different direction. In Teresa Toten’s “Father’s Day,” Katie fakes her drunk and abusive father’s death to avoid the annual father’s day activities at school. Other contributors include Susan Adach, Anne Laurel Carter, Nancy Hartry, Julie Johnston, Dayal Kaur Khalsa, Loris Lesynski, Anne Gray, Martha Slaughter, and Elizabeth Winthrop. Readers will enjoy these tales of life, love, and liberation.–Alison Grant, West Bloomfield Township Public Library, MI

KIDD, Ronald. Monkey Town: The Summer of the Scopes Trial. 264p. CIP. S & S Feb. 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-4169-0572-3. LC 2005008920.

Gr 6 Up–The summer of 1925 is one that 15-year-old Frances will always remember. Her small town of Dayton, TN, suddenly grabs worldwide attention when local teacher Johnny Scopes becomes the victim of an enormous publicity stunt that her father has helped to instigate. Scopes, who is also Frances’s friend and “secret crush,” is arrested and put on trial for teaching evolution from a school-approved textbook purchased in Frances’s father’s drugstore. Although the contrived trial is intended only to bring national attention and tourism to the town, the events that unfold send the teen’s world into a spin when she defies her father and defends Scopes. The drama heightens when William Jennings Bryan, H. L. Mencken, Clarence Darrow, and an entourage of reporters and fanatics converge in sleepy Dayton, throwing it into a hotbed of politics, controversy, and peril. Weaving a somber yet witty narrative around a pivotal event, this fast-paced drama is reminiscent of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Kidd’s personal relationship with account witnesses and his talent for storytelling create a unique and heartfelt story of a likable girl maturing through an unforgettable summer in American history. An excellent read and a wonderful piece of literature.–Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 5-8–This addition to the series occurs in A.D. 80, during the 100 days of games that celebrated the opening of the Flavian amphitheater, now called the Colosseum. Jonathan, one of four mystery-solving friends, is missing and feared dead in the fires that rage through Rome. When word reaches his friends that he may actually be alive but under arrest for arson, the search begins. Their hunt leads them to the Colosseum, where they fear he will be found among the prisoners who serve as gladiators. The author does not shy away from the gory facts of life there, and the myriad forms of torture, attack, and death are described in great and overworked detail. As in previous titles, Lawrence includes a wealth of information about ancient Roman life. This installment stands well on its own, though new readers may need to sort out the group dynamic. Fans of the series will be happy with the fast-paced plot and plucky young sleuths.–Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE

Gr 7-10–When Scottie’s great-aunt teaches her to knit, the 15-year-old is hooked. At KnitWit, a funky store relatively close to her Chicago home, she makes an assortment of friends. The girls take the Stark School by storm, knitting during their lunch periods and study sessions. They bond over joys and trials, each struggling with adolescent issues and with their works in progress. Scottie yearns to get closer to her artsy parents, who want to see their daughter as a “fiber artist”; Bella would like to be a little more rebellious; Tay wants her male friend to see her as a girlfriend; and popular Amanda struggles to hide her learning disability. These are lovable, flawed characters, and their story will be enjoyed by many girls. Project instructions are included.–Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT

Gr 5 Up–A human-rights activist and native Guatemalan tells stories about her grandparents, parents, and herself. She makes clear the cultural importance of the land and its animals, and describes indigenous life in detail. The book focuses on the time before the 36-year war in her native land. Although the reminiscences have value and some beautiful language, the writing is disorganized and the book does not read smoothly. Part of this may be attributed to translation, but in reality, the scattered bits and pieces of ideas do not come together anywhere, least of all at the end. Domi’s beautiful illustrations of people and animals do more to make connections than the text.–Kate McGowen, Topsham Public Library, ME

Gr 8 Up–Sixteen-year-old Jenna’s talent for ballet is matched only by her determination to become a star. But all is changed one fateful day when her younger brother drowns at the beach while under her supervision. Guilt-stricken and grieving, the teen quits dance and devotes all of her time to helping her father at the family restaurant. Her mother, who always favored Benjie, leaves Cornwall for London. Jenna’s emotional scars begin to heal, thanks to a budding romance and the discovery of her brother’s diary, which reveals just how unhappy he was. Through articulate, expressive language, the competitive world of dance and the dynamics in this dysfunctional family are well portrayed. Dealing with grief and overcoming personal tragedy are not presented in a new way, and there is no real suspense as readers wait to find out the identity of the twins or why Jenna’s mother is so uncaring. The answers are too neat to be satisfying. Still, Jenna’s emotions and her parents’ rocky relationship are convincing. Carolyn Coman’s Many Stones (Front St, 2000) is more poignant.–Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 7-9–In 939 B.C.E. a daring girl and her priestly Jewish family journey from Jerusalem to Ethiopia in the company of the son of Solomon and Sheba. It is rumored that they may be transporting the Ark of the Covenant; the most important symbol of their faith. They do not know that Aleesha took an emerald from it and secreted it in her coat. Thus begins the civilization of the Beyta Israel (Ethiopian Jews) and the tradition of handing down the emerald to a female in each succeeding generation. The story then moves to 1984. Ethiopia is dealing with discrimination, famine, and unrest. As readers learn in the parallel stories, Debritu, 14, is as questioning and willful as her ancestor Aleesha. With her father conscripted into the army, and her mother in the hospital, Debritu must take her younger brothers, and the emerald, on the long and treacherous journey to Israel. Discriminating readers will be put off by the plot’s clumsiness and improbabilities, the thinness of the characters, and even lapses of grammar. The book does not realize its potential. It’s an undistinguished adventure story despite positive heroines.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George’s School, Newport, RI

Gr 4-6–In his third adventure, Measle, 12, finds himself in yet another predicament when the Wizard’s Guild accuses his family of misusing their magical powers. His parents are captured, but Measle; his younger sister, Matilda, a magical and rare wizard who has no limitations on casting spells; and his dog escape with the help of a family friend (a villain in disguise), who whisks them away to Caltrop Castle. With the help of Matilda and Iggy, a meek Wrathmonk, Measle uncovers the truth. All too often, the characters are nothing more than the spell they are capable of performing. Problems are conveniently solved, and the adventure rolls along with no real drama, surprises, or page-turning antics. An easy read, but not a very exciting one.–Carly B. Wiskoff, Great Neck Library, NY

Gr 3-6–Mia and her friend Ricky are often included in her uncle’s archaeological adventures that invariably involve finding lost treasure somewhere in the world. In the first book, it is the lost library of the Maya, and in the second, the “Money Pit” on Oak Island off the coast of Nova Scotia. Very little factual material is presented in these books, despite endnotes. What information there is seems muddled, even when it is central to the plots. In Marvels, the written documents of Mayan culture are called both books and scrolls but the word “codex” is never mentioned. Both titles are high on drama and include an element of fantasy but fall short on character development. What little readers know about Mia and Ricky is learned through the pencil sketches. The presence of so many illustrations as well as the heightened pace of the tales will make these beginning chapter books attractive to reluctant readers, but the stories may confuse them.–Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 9 Up–In this second entry in the series, Gaia is dismissed for not following procedures, but is then given a second chance by her supervisor: to solve the murder of a local woman. Gaia interrupted the crime and caught a glimpse of the killer, but she doesn’t remember much and has to learn the ropes of investigation with her partner, Catherine. The rookie has also been flirting with another student, Will, whom she is attracted to but he feels threatened by her. Their competition has made it difficult for them to talk to one another. As the partners investigate the case, Gaia struggles with her own flaws. The intrigue intensifies when Catherine disappears and the FBI believes her to be dead. Modern phrases and references will soon date the story, and the contrived conversations detract from the action. The book leaves a lot of loose ends, thus setting the stage for the next installment.–Karen Hoth, Marathon Middle/High School, FL

Gr 5-7–While continuing to mourn her mother’s death seven years earlier, 12-year-old Tery Ordway likes and respects her new stepmother, taking the extra step to try to understand her. Still, she feels left out of her father’s life and longs for him to show some sign of affection toward her. She is mature beyond her years, in part because of her facility with language and astounding memory, yet she remains childlike in her approach to life. When her father pushes her to try writing for the summer edition of the high school newspaper, even though she is still in junior high, she decides to interview 105-year-old Junior Kuhl, a survivor of the San Francisco earthquake and fire. Pearce blends contemporary and historical fiction as Junior’s memories take Tery back to 1906. The characters are well developed, their voices are distinct, and the plot moves easily from event to event. However, some of the deeper social issues concerning recovery from a catastrophic disaster are addressed in a superficial manner, leaving readers with more questions than answers. Also, those who haven’t read prior titles in the series will be left in the dark about the characters’ backgrounds. The story starts off slowly, but as the narrative unfolds, it has something to catch the attention of fans of the previous books.–Wendy Smith-D’Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 3-6–Platt’s oversize, illustrated story offers a careful presentation of daily life during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (ca. 1475 B.C.E.). The central story is about young Nakht’s family’s move to Memphis because of his father’s promotion. The journey, followed by settling into life in a big city and going to school to become a scribe, provides the boy’s wide eyes with plenty of fodder for his journal. The chief subplot, involving a corrupt official and tomb robbing, supplies a hint of mystery and danger, along with the excitement of meeting the “king,” whom Nakht and his sister are surprised to learn is a woman. Farming, hunting, home remodeling, feasting, and funerals are all examined through Nakht’s eyes. Parkins’s informative pictures include spot art as well as full-page and full-spread illustrations. Detailed scenes show women grinding flour to make bread, potters at the wheel, and even a hippopotamus hunt. The backgrounds are realistic and even beautiful while the characters–whether strongly built soldiers and workmen, lean children, or overweight overseers–display lifelike bodies with generally exaggerated facial features. Endnotes include short essays about how we know about ancient Egypt, how society was organized, and other topics, along with a time line that runs along the bottom of six pages. Bridging the gaps between nonfiction and historical fiction and between easy readers and longer novels, this title should be popular with children who have acquired a taste for the ancient world.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX

Gr 5-8–In a New York City of the future, almost everyone can fly–except for leadfoots like 12-year-old Gurl, an orphan at the Hope House for the Homeless and Hopeless. When she sneaks out one night to rummage for food, she discovers that she can make herself invisible. When Mrs. Terwiliger, the matron who runs the institution, finds out about Gurl’s ability, she blackmails her into stealing clothing and perfumes and into fixing a $20,000 plastic surgeon bill by hacking into his computer. Bug, a new boy determined to fly, befriends Gurl and the mysterious cat she has found. They run away, only to be caught by notorious gangster Sweetcheeks Grabowski, who realizes that Gurl is a Wall, a person born every 100 years or so who can become invisible. He, too, has designs on her and will do anything to hang on to her. This poor-little-rich-girl story is packed with wildly eccentric characters, such as the Professor, who relies on his Answer Hand, which he bought on eBay, for information. There are also rat men with red eyes and filed teeth, a zipper-faced monster, a cat that showers and blow dries her fur, and mechanical monkeys that absorb the secrets and memories of the orphans. All of this fast-paced wackiness is told with humor, often black, that will have young readers giggling even as they cheer for Gurl and Bug, the Wall and the Wing.–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

RUSSON, Penni. Undine. 326p. CIP. HarperCollins/Greenwillow Feb. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-079389-9; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-079390-2. LC 2004059757.

Gr 7 Up–Undine isn’t your ordinary teenage girl. She doesn’t like Tuesdays, has a best friend named Trout, and can cause storms to form out of thin air. She comes from a tight-knit family that includes her mother, brother, and aunt. She has always been told that her father died before she was born but a mysterious whispering voice convinces her that he is still alive. Trout, thanks to his love of Shakespeare, links the words that the voice is speaking with The Tempest. After the book itself appears in her house, Undine figures out where the voice is calling from and goes to meet her father. Teens will empathize with this girl who has magical powers that she can’t control and a desire for a father who loves her for herself, not the powers she possesses or what he can gain from them. The strength of Russon’s writing and the intensity of the story itself will draw readers to Undine, but they will also find some familiar themes, such as unrequited love, reflected in her best friend, Trout. Australia creates an interesting backdrop and readers will enjoy some of the unfamiliar slang. This novel offers readers a new and interesting magical twist as well as a surprise ending.–June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 5-7–This sequel to Varjak Paw (Random, 2003) continues the story of a cat with ninjalike powers taught to him by an ancestor while he dreams. Varjak is now living in the city with his feline friends, Holly and Tam, and canine friend, Cludge. Evil Sally Bones is starting to invade the neutral places in the city with her clan of cat warriors. She is more adept at using the Seven Skills than Varjak and can see into his mind at times. He wishes to lead a peaceful life, but he is drawn into the fight against Sally Bones when she takes a kitten hostage. Like the first book, this one continues with the wisdom and learning of Eastern philosophy. It is fast paced with vivid battle scenes that make it impossible to put down. The society that Said has created with his warrior cats is both realistic and fantastic. The unique combination of animal tale and martial arts is a winning one.–Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI

Gr 6-9–A teen who doesn’t know anything about his past, or even his own name, swirls deeper into mystery against the background of a Vienna-like decaying city. In this creepy but melodramatic sequel to The Book of Dead Days (Random, 2004), Boy is yanked from his previous life of serving the doomed magician Valerian and thrown into the deepest dungeon of the mad Emperor Frederick. The ruler is convinced that the boy possesses the secret of the Book, which foretells the future and might allow the aged Frederick to gain immortality. If Boy will not tell what he knows, he may be thrown to the mysterious Phantom, who dwells in the depths of the palace and drinks the blood of his victims. But Boy is determined to find the Book for himself, to learn his real name and who his parents were, and to be reunited with his sweetheart, Willow. Dark Flight Down, which will perplex most readers who haven’t read Dead Days, is more than a little theatrical; the characters speak in many shouts and exclamation points, and marvelous secrets are revealed in the denouement. But young teens who have read and enjoyed the previous book might embrace this open-ended conclusion.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up–When his best friend, Cate, gets dumped, Cupid-wannabe Lucas seizes the matchmaking opportunity to pair her with Derek, the hot new guy in town. At first, Cate is dubious of their match, and rightfully so, since Derek can’t seem to keep his eyes off Lucas. Lucas, who has just been dumped by Marcus, finds himself curiously intrigued by Derek. Soon, he and Cate–both of whom originally feigned zero interest in Derek–dupe themselves into crushing on him at the same time. Shaw’s sly twist on the old best-friends-fall-for-the-same-guy conundrum is fresh, funny, frolicsome, and not without genuine tension. The characterizations are coyly unique and mingle well with the novel’s in-your-face style. Plus, the author’s keen ability to reproduce current, realistic dialogue enhances the teen appeal. All of these elements help blend the story’s overall sense of comedy and reality successfully, resulting in an amusing story of mismatched lovers with plenty of edge.–Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 5-8–Three flat, unsophisticated portraits of grief and recovery. In the title story, Danica’s best friend vanishes on the night of their sleepover. After months of uncertainty, her faith, family, and a counselor help her move on and accept the tragedy. Unfortunately, the narrative is uneven and unrealistic. In “Some Random Act,” Bobby, 12, and his classmates must perform several acts of kindness. When they visit a nursing home, he meets an elderly resident who is in need of a family and his family is in need of repair. When the woman comes to live with them, she helps Bobby’s father heal the wounds of his own parents’ neglect and brings them all closer together. The final offering, “Such a Terrible Hole,” features Caitlin, who is in mourning over the death of a friend. Her grief is one-dimensional, and the tidy ending is no surprise. There are many better stories about dealing with death and grappling with loss.–Jane Cronkhite, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 7 Up–These short stories by notable YA authors are not the typical Hollywood makeover magic to entrance and captivate the girl, or boy, next door. There are a few Cinderella-type stories, but just enough to keep teens turning the pages. Mostly, though, the selections reflect the vulnerability of teen relationships with family, friends, and strangers. In René Saldaña, Jr.’s “Not Much to It,” Becky spent her high school years on the fringes of the popular group. Encouraged by one of the “in” girls to go to beautician school and capitalize on her hairstyling “gifts,” she claims her vocation, but when the fickle girl reappears, the tension builds as Becky faces resurgent feelings of mockery and degradation. Marilyn Singer’s “Bedhead Red, Peekaboo Pink” is about the budding romance between a boy who thinks he’s ugly and a beautiful blind girl who doesn’t want pity. Marina Budhos’s “The Plan” is a complex story of a teen living the life of a chameleon, yo-yoing between lifestyles, names, and towns at the whim of his superficial mother obsessed with looking forever-young. In Evelyn Coleman’s “Lucky Six,” a teen assumes the role of surrogate mother to her siblings, living in a shelter, going to high school by day, and working as an exotic dancer by night. She hides her earnings from her drug-addict mother and plots her getaway from this scene. Sweet and spicy, tough and raw, these well-written stories will make a lasting impression on readers.–Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 5-8–Slade takes a funny, fascinating look inside the lives of 15 creepy characters from literature, mythology, and folklore, including Dracula, the golem, Medusa, Loki, Sasquatch, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Loba (a female werewolf). Facts and historical background are smoothly presented in a chatty tone with lots of humor and just enough gross stuff to be appealing. Each six-page entry features a terrific black-and-white illustration and a listing of the creature’s loves and hates, favorite saying, fashion rating, and high-school memories. Youngsters will enjoy this quick read and are sure to learn interesting tidbits about their favorite monsters. They may even discover some new ones to investigate.–Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

SPRINGER, Nancy. The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery. 213p. Philomel/Sleuth Feb. 2006. Tr $10.99. ISBN 0-399-24304-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-8–In what is hopefully the start of an exciting new series, Missing Marquess features the intriguing, much younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Enola was a late-life baby, causing something of a scandal in society. Her rather vague mother is a 64-year-old widow who disappears on Enola’s 14th birthday. It takes the girl a short time to realize that her mother left her some ciphers that indicate why she went away and how she is faring. The teen reluctantly enlists the services of her adult brothers, who quickly determine that Lady Holmes has been padding the household accounts for years. When they decide that their sister belongs at a boarding school, Enola escapes and heads for London dressed as a widow. There she is able to solve a mystery involving the disappearance of young Viscount Tewksbury. She decides to stay in the city, adopting a number of disguises, and become a “Perditorian,” or finder of lost things or people. Springer focuses a great deal on the restrictions placed on Victorian females by showing how unusual Enola’s bravery and common sense are, even as she often struggles with conventional reactions. She wants her brothers’ affection, or indeed anyone’s, but knows that a socially accepted life will strictly limit her freedom and learning. Enola’s loneliness, intelligence, sense of humor, and sheer pluck make her an extremely appealing heroine who hopefully will one day find the affection for which she so desperately longs.–B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

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