Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up–This sequel to the first-rate Fake ID (Dutton, 2005) finds 16-year-old Chastity and her mother hoping to make normal lives for themselves in San Francisco. They are still pursued by a powerful, menacing figure from the past who is determined to reclaim a tape recording that proves him guilty of murder. Chass is a talented singer who dreams of having her own band. She witnesses, and is implicated in, the drive-by shooting of a famous young musician. Soon she is drawn into the dark underworld of a secret society that might have something to do with the crime. Teens with an interest in music will especially enjoy this suspenseful, action-packed thriller. Several unexpected twists add to a well-crafted story that’s filled with sympathetic, colorful characters. This title can stand on its own but the first book fills in more of the history of Chass and her mother. Readers searching for a quick, suspenseful read will find a winner here.–Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 7-10–“Kid, we have four engines. What could go wrong?” These are the last words uttered by the pilot of Flight 29 just before it crashes. Ten teenagers are onboard, all on the way to an eco-camping trip on the island of Palau in the South Pacific. When the pilot takes three of them into the jungle with him to search for help, the remaining seven must settle their differences and work together to survive. The stranded students include class president rivals who insist on battling for control while problems continue to crop up at an alarming rate. Will the plane, their only shelter, be pulled out to sea by the incoming tide? How long will their meager rations last? Why hasn’t the pilot returned? As with other novelizations of television series, this book lacks characterization, appropriate pacing, and effective dialogue. Each person is simply a caricature, such as the loner, the geek, the bad boy, and the princess. The cliff-hanger ending makes it clear that there will be more to come. Fans of Lost or Survivor may appreciate the similarities to those programs, and reluctant readers will be comfortable with the format and writing style.–Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

STANLEY, Diane. Bella at Midnight. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. 278p. CIP. HarperCollins Apr. 2006. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-077573-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-077574-2. LC 2005005906.

Gr 5-8–Left by her father, an arrogant and unpleasant knight, to be raised by her wet nurse after her mother’s death, Bella is an imaginative and attractive child whose best friend is the wet nurse’s previous charge, Prince Julian of Moranmoor. It is not until her father summons her that she is told that the loving people with whom she has spent her childhood are not her true family. She finds his household miserable, her new stepmother unwelcoming, and no place to sleep but the kitchen. Using familiar ingredients including a pair of glass slippers and a magic ring as well as the legend of a Worthy Knight with a halo of heavenly fire, Stanley has brewed a magical elixir that will warm the hearts of readers who like their adventures set in medieval worlds, and who appreciate a bit of a love story as well. Bella is a worthy heroine, capable in the kitchen and courageous enough to journey to a foreign land to warn Prince Julian and attempt to forestall the reopening of the war between Moranmoor and Brutanna. As a bonus, she has inherited her mother’s magic touch that comforts all who come in contact with her–a gift that she hardly needs to accomplish her political task but that revives the spirits of a stepsister, still mourning her own father. More than a reworking of the familiar, this is a 21st-century fairy tale, thoroughly enjoyable in its own right.–Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 9 Up–Pickpocket Mollie Flynn and prostitute Annabelle Lee are struggling to survive in New York City in the late 1880s, where they witness the unforgiving sights and smells of the tenements. The story opens as Annabelle is released from jail, and Mollie finds out that her friend is pregnant. The baby’s father is only interested in how much money Annabelle can earn for him. When the girls meet Miss DuPre, who runs a settlement house, she gives them a chance to be educated and learn a trade. Their lives slowly change but when the well-intentioned woman informs Annabelle that there is a family interested in adopting her baby, the two friends vehemently reject the idea and return to the streets. The harsh language and dialect are contextually appropriate, and the young women’s desire for a better life but inability to achieve it comes through clearly. The story explores the lack of opportunities available to women in the 19th century while describing the start of social programs to teach skills that would enable disadvantaged individuals to provide for themselves and their families.–Kelly Czarnecki, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg, NC

Gr 5-7–Julep O’Toole feels stuck in early childhood. At age 11, she would love to be more independent and make her own choices about her clothes, taking piano lessons, or wearing a bit of blush. Aunt Ivy explains that her Mom is stuck in a mother/daughter time warp and can’t bear to see her little girl grow up. Julep records her frustrations, unhappiness, and feelings about her strained parental relationship in her journal. Unable to open any verbal communication with her insensitive and somewhat clueless mother, she turns to her Aunt Ivy for advice and develops a bit of insight after sharing her concerns. She finally finds a solution through a mother/daughter writing journal and creates a new level of understanding between them. In this story of conflict and resolution, an insecure, vulnerable, and caring girl evolves into a fine young woman. Julep’s voice is bright, witty, and thoughtful, and her story will ring true for many a budding adolescent.–Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 8-10–Suicide is never pretty but Jordan has no qualms about describing the day his father shot himself three years earlier. Angry and traumatized, he is slow to heal, especially since he refuses to discuss his feelings. Now 16, the teen has isolated himself from everyone and all of his former interests. When his mom begins dating again, he is barely cordial to her new boyfriend, Don, but is nevertheless intrigued by the man’s vintage Corvette. Jordan becomes hooked on the thrill of riding with Don and risks the budding friendship by borrowing the car without permission. Bolstered by the adrenaline rush and sense of freedom, his joyriding becomes addictive and rewarding when he catches the attention of the girl of his dreams. He continues taking the car at every opportunity, and readers fear what his friend Walt has warned all along: Jordan is finally busted after speeding. Reclaiming his girl’s and Don’s trust requires uncorking bottled emotions about his father’s death. The first-person point of view works well here, as Jordan acts upon gut feelings, rationalizes his behavior, and waffles back and forth with guilt. The description of the suicide scene is realistic and powerful, and great dialogue and car details keep the plot moving for reluctant readers.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 5-8–Jules and Gen’s time-travel adventures continue in this second installment in the trilogy. In case you didn’t know, a JumpMan is a gizmo that will be released in the 15th billennium. It enables users to visit selected pivotal moments in history and, while the kids of the future love it for its ability to dial up time-twisting trips, two present-day teens aren’t so sure they dig it. That’s been the case since Genevieve was first surprised in her bedroom by the materialization of Theo, a cool, celebrity time-jumping kid from the future. Since then, she and Jules have been madly moving back and forth through time with him in an evolving plot to save the world, and all this slicing and dicing of the time-space continuum has totally interrupted their budding romance. In this episode, which better readers should be able to jump right into without having read the former, Franklin, the eccentric inventor of the technology behind the JumpMan, is convinced that his codeveloper, Quincy, is bent on using the device to tamper with history and further his own selfish interests. That’s a no-no that violates JumpMan rule #1: Don’t touch anything! The action in this lighthearted sci-fi adventure includes the reintroduction of pizza to the people of the future and a frantic race against and around the clock as Gen gets stranded in Pompeii just as Vesuvius is about to blow its top. An inventive temporal romp that will leave readers waiting for the conclusion.–Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 8 Up–This novel examines modern-day cults from an insider’s point of view. Elinor, 15, is a “Follower” of the True Cause cult, which is headed by Howard, a power-driven, mentally unstable demagogue. The Followers, all of whom seem to be young females, earn their keep by selling “The Book” and encouraging Outsiders to become “New Joiners.” When they reach the age of 16, they become Howard’s “brides.” Elinor’s brainwashed life gradually changes after she encounters Jamie, a handsome Outsider who begins to sow doubts in her about the cult. She starts to have feelings, show self-awareness, take an interest in how she looks, and think independently. Her story is related through interior monologues permeated with references to the Newspeak-type of language True Cause foists on its members. Elinor’s first-person narrative gives readers a view of her changing, confused thoughts as well as her climactic escape and reintroduction to the outside world. The mantralike use of language is sometimes forced, but the story moves quickly to a message-laden climax that readers will not soon forget.–Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego

Gr 4-6–Jimmy Fleming is the new kid in town, having chosen to accompany his recently divorced father to Hudson City, NJ. He makes the middle school baseball team and tries to fit in with this diverse group of boys unlike the kids back home in rural Pennsylvania. Success is slow in coming as the team opens the season with a series of close losses, and Jimmy--often the last pitcher on the mound--feels the pressure. But with a little soul searching and encouragement from his teammates, he settles in and the Hornets finally win their first game. The book ends on a high note as the boy looks forward to a bright future with new friends and athletic success. This is a lightweight read with stock characters and formulaic situations. However, the action scenes are handled competently. The book lacks the humor and insight of the father-son dynamics in Dan Gutman’s “Baseball Card Adventure” series (HarperCollins) and the breadth of character found in John H. Ritter’s excellent The Boy Who Saved Baseball (Philomel, 2003).–Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

Gr 7 Up–Originally published in The Country of the Blind and Other Stories (Nelson, 1913), “The Magic Shop” evokes the mood that results from observing the unexplained and the unexpected. A boy and his father are drawn into a magic shop by the marvelous items on display in the window. However, what begins as entertainment in response to the father’s request for a few “amusing” tricks for his son–some sleight-of-hand performed by the shopkeeper, some seemingly magical toy soldiers–soon becomes unnerving. Roca’s dark oil paintings, set in an earlier London of hansom cabs, men in high collars and bowler hats, and little boys in sailor suits, contain elements both surreal and sinister, appropriately echoing the mood of the story. Small ink drawings of yesteryear’s toys–clown, kewpie doll, metal plane–also appear as orange-colored prints on the endpapers. The absence of introductory material on H. G. Wells and his writings is noticeable; the audience for an illustrated edition of this particular tale would seem to be limited.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 4-6–It is 1943 and Hugh and his family escape a polio epidemic by leaving Charleston for the South Carolina seashore for the summer. While there, the 11-year-old considers it his duty to watch for any signs of enemy activity. He becomes suspicious after seeing what he believes to be a periscope off the coast, finding German cigarettes, and stumbling across an unreadable map. When no one believes him, he goes out on his own to discover if the town has been secretly infiltrated. At times, it feels as though the author is compelled to get in as much background information surrounding WWII as possible. This may become a slight distraction for some readers, but the simple, flowing story will still appeal to reluctant readers, and boys, especially, will connect to the protagonist. An author’s note gives more specific details about what occurred on American coastlines at this time. An enjoyable historical novel.–Christine McGinty, Newark Public Library, NY

Gr 5-8–Victor Forlands, 13, is spending a boring summer hanging out in the Berlin apartment he shares with his taxi-driver dad and going to the city pool. Local bullies and his own fear of jumping off the high diving platform are making him miserable. His mother, who has left the family to pursue a career, confuses him as she comes and goes in his life. When mysterious, unaddressed, unsigned messages turn up in his and his neighbors’ mail and he meets a pretty girl who calls herself Deborah, things start to get interesting, and Victor decides to record his observances in a journal he received for his birthday. The death of his neighbor’s red cocker spaniel seems to be connected to words in the first sinister message: “the red animal is dead.” When details of Deborah’s troubled life come to light, it becomes clear that she is the author of the strange notes. She inspires Victor to stand up to the pool bullies and take the dive, and he arranges for a better living situation for her. The story is engrossing, if somewhat convoluted, and the characters are quirky. Victor’s interest in the stars and in numbers, as well as the diary format, provide an appealing structure, but the writing (or translation) is sometimes choppy, and readers will be disappointed that the messages, which appear to be clues and promise a mystery, are nothing more than a plea for attention.–Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 6-9–In this sequel to So Super Starry (Dial, 2004), Octavia Clairbrook-Cleeve has transferred from Darlinham House, “where everyone was the son or daughter of somebody famous,” to a local school, Jethro Park, where she’s being very low-key to try and fit in. She’s adjusting well until her family becomes the target of the paparazzi due to her TV-star mother’s romance with married marketing exec Bud Carnaby. Or rather, the soon-to-be-ex-Mrs. Carnaby’s very public fuss about the romance. To present a “united front,” Bud and his son, a neo-goth with the melancholy of the ages, have moved in with the Clairbrook-Cleeves. Meanwhile, Octavia is still trying to live the life of a normal teenager: friends, boys, exams, and homework. It all seems manageable until India Withers, her nemesis from Darlinham House, begins attending Jethro Park as “research” for her part in an upcoming movie. Though the usual high school worries and joys are magnified in this tale of a celebrity’s daughter, the trappings of glitz and glamour don’t outshine the core story of a teen dealing with typical concerns. A divorced mother’s romance, a bully, and the insecurities of a crush are plotlines that girls will sympathize with and recognize. A good choice for libraries with starstruck teens or fans of Meg Cabot’s “Princess Diaries” and Teen Idol (2005, both HarperCollins).–Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

WINTHROP, Elizabeth. Counting on Grace. 230p. further reading. Random/Wendy Lamb Bks Mar. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-385-74644-X; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-385-90878-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–Inspired by Lewis Hine’s haunting photograph of a French Canadian girl in Vermont in 1910, Winthrop’s compelling story vividly captures the mill experience. Grace Forcier and her friend Arthur, both 12 and the best readers in the mill school, are forced to suspend their educations to doff bobbins for their mothers’ frames in the spinning room. While this is difficult for left-handed Grace, Arthur is desperate to escape the stuffy, sweaty, linty, noisy factory. Miss Lesley, their teacher, helps them write a letter to the National Child Labor Committee about underage kids, as young as eight, working in their mill. Grace understands the dilemma a response will cause. If the children don’t work, the families won’t have enough money to survive. Lewis Hine is the answer to the letter. He comes and photographs the mill rats, as the kids are called; no one will believe the conditions without pictures. Arthur, however, can wait no longer to carry out his escape plan. In a horrifying scene, he jams his right hand into the gearbox of the frame, painfully mangling it and losing two fingers. Miss Lesley’s interference causes her to be fired, and she encourages Grace to be the substitute teacher, leaving readers with a sense that she will escape the mill and have a better life. Much information on early photography and the workings of the textile mills is conveyed, and history and fiction are woven seamlessly together in this beautifully written novel. Readers won’t soon forget Grace.–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

ZUSAK, Markus. The Book Thief. 552p. Knopf Mar. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-375-83100-2; PLB $18.99. ISBN 0-375-93100-7. LC number unavailable.

Gr 9 Up–Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers. Death himself narrates the World War II-era story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken, at age nine, to live in Molching, Germany, with a foster family in a working-class neighborhood of tough kids, acid-tongued mothers, and loving fathers who earn their living by the work of their hands. The child arrives having just stolen her first book–although she has not yet learned how to read–and her foster father uses it, The Gravedigger’s Handbook, to lull her to sleep when she’s roused by regular nightmares about her younger brother’s death. Across the ensuing years of the late 1930s and into the 1940s, Liesel collects more stolen books as well as a peculiar set of friends: the boy Rudy, the Jewish refugee Max, the mayor’s reclusive wife (who has a whole library from which she allows Liesel to steal), and especially her foster parents. Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward. Death is not a sentimental storyteller, but he does attend to an array of satisfying details, giving Liesel’s story all the nuances of chance, folly, and fulfilled expectation that it deserves. An extraordinary narrative.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up–A solid overview of the history of radio and television communications in the United States and the people involved. The introduction highlights the early pioneers, such as the well-known Samuel Morse and Guglielmo Marconi, as well as lesser-known innovators like Frank Conrad, who started the first commercial radio station in 1920. Chapters on later visionaries, such as David Sarnoff, founder of NBC, and Rupert Murdoch of the News Corporation, parent of Fox TV, reveal both personal and professional achievements. Two women are included: Catherine Hughes, who started the Radio One empire, a voice for the African-American community, and Judy McGrath of MTV fame. Color and black-and-white photos enhance the text, which, while not the most engaging, relays both the facts of the actual development of radio and television and the men and women behind it. Source notes and a lengthy index are appended.–Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 4-6–Cobblestone magazine has long been known for its excellent coverage of historical topics. These three books are comprised of articles appearing in both Cobblestone and Appleseeds and maintain the reputation for quality, interest, and clarity. The volumes cover narrow topics in a remarkably in-depth manner given their relative brevity. Lincoln, for example, is divided into 13 sections, ranging in length from one to six pages. Coverage is given to Lincoln’s childhood and courtship of Mary Todd; his family life; the politics surrounding the Civil War (including a lucid and compelling discussion of the Lincoln-Douglas debates and the impact of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and the Dred Scott decision); Lincoln’s personality and character; the steps he took to create a stronger nation; his assassination; and the various acts of homage to him. Pages are arranged so that the numerous illustrations and sidebars do not distract from the blocks of text. The period illustrations and photos are well placed and extend the text beautifully, and the central map presents the United States, as it existed between 1861 and 1865, with Confederate and Union states noted, as well as territories, battlefields, cities, state capitols, and other important locations. Similar in content and subject matter to books in the “We the People” series (Compass Point) dealing with the Civil War, these books are superior in both the quality of the text and the illustrations. These excellent introductory titles could be expanded by referring students to Russell Freedman’s Lincoln: A Photobiography (1987) or Jim Murphy’s The Boys’ War (1990, both Clarion).–Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Gr 5-8–These new editions reflect changes that have occurred within the past 10 years, but the basic format of the series is the same. Each book opens with a set of quotes from famous authors and past residents and concludes with brief biographical profiles of the “state stars.” Additional video and Web site references have been added. There are now complete chapters on government and the economy. Other new features include maps of the state’s counties and population centers, as well as a chart showing a breakdown of its workforce. The sections on recipes, folktales, and the state song have been retained. All of the photographs are new and are in full color. This series is similar in scope to the “World Almanac Library of the States” series (Gareth Stevens). Both have high-quality photos, but the World Almanac books seem cluttered because so much information is packed into each page. Well researched and comprehensive, these books will be excellent for reports.–Polly L. Kotarba, Gordon Elementary School Library, Bellaire, TX

Gr 7-10–These attractive, well-organized books fill a gap in literary criticism for intermediate readers. Heavily illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, they will appeal to students who might be intimidated by longer or more scholarly titles. Chapters provide information on the life, career, and writings of the individual; only one or two of the most widely studied works are discussed in any detail. In Miller they are The Crucible and Death of a Salesman; in Morrison, Sula and The Bluest Eye; and in Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby. Historical background, such as a discussion of Prohibition in Fitzgerald, and critics’ assessments of the writings are included. Back matter contains a chronology, a list of works, and a filmography.–Pat Bender, The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA

Gr 4-7–Large color reproductions expose readers to a wide variety of art, from the best-known paintings of the 14th and 15th centuries to contemporary photographs and “wrap” art. European, Asian, and American art is included in the more than 30 discussed works. Illustrations are arranged to fill single pages, spreads, and small squares. The text, at times calligraphic, becomes part of the art as it invites viewers to take more than a cursory look. Questions encourage readers to observe details, while statements of opinion help to provoke new thoughts and elicit emotional responses to the pieces. Because the book is not arranged by chronology, medium, or style, readers have the option to skip around, to pick and choose the works to study–much like visiting favorite paintings in a museum. A concluding section gives the size, location, and dates of the works and the artists’ birth and death dates. The book will stimulate discussion and a higher level of appreciation of art.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 6-10–Like Bell’s Fearless Fashion (Lobster, 2005), this book begins with a multiple-choice quiz to help readers decipher their style–“control chick,” “improv queen,” “hostess with the mostess,” or “over-the-top gal.” Once a party personality has been determined, the eight theme parties can be adapted to fit. Although they are not particularly original, they are well suited for the target audience. For each one–Hawaiian luau, spy thriller, beach party, etc.–Bell offers suggestions for food (recipes included), music, invitations, decorations, activities, and party favors. The ideas are fresh and simple enough for the hostess to accomplish on her own, with parents contributing little more than financial support. The busy layout of the cartoon and photo illustrations with colorful margins and backgrounds is reminiscent of popular teen magazines, adding to the adolescent appeal. The book ends with helpful tips about party crashers and parents who hover. This manual is sure to fly off library shelves.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 4-8–Expecting just another set of flashy collections of tidbits about lingering mysteries of the past? These titles offer more substance than most. Each one begins with a volume-specific introduction and discusses seven controversial events or persons from the past. Most of the stories have been told before, although a few are relatively unknown. Deaths explores questions surrounding the demise of Tutankhamen, King Edward IV’s young sons, Christopher Marlowe, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Meriwether Lewis, and others. Two-page supplements discuss doubts about the circumstances of the deaths of Sacagawea and of the discoverers of Tutankhamen’s tomb. Some of the individuals described in People were connected to prominent personalities in history. They are known as “pretenders” as opposed to “imposters,” terms explained in the introduction. (They truly believed they were Joan of Arc, the Grand Duchess Anastasia, and infamous Billy the Kid, etc., after these people were presumed to be dead.) Events examines great extinctions, especially of the dinosaurs, the lost colony of Roanoke, and others. Legends looks at Atlantis, Amazons, King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Pope Joan. Two lesser-known stories of the origin of El Dorado and of Welsh expeditions to North America complete this stimulating collection. Each volume has a significant glossary, a lengthy bibliography, and footnotes. These inviting titles have the look of leather-bound journals; a full-page illustration opening each chapter; reproductions, many in color; and a generously spaced format.–Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY

Gr 9 Up–The Leakey family has been a leading force in the anthropological world for three generations, beginning with Louis and Mary and continuing with their son Richard and his wife Meave, and their daughter Louise. Intertwined in their studies of man’s origin in Africa is Jane Goodall, who branched out to be a force of her own, redefining scholars’ understanding of chimpanzees through her observations in Gombe. The authors’ depictions of the strong personalities, personal interests, and private lives of their subjects are well developed, illustrating the passion with which these individuals lived and worked. Well-researched chapters help students answer typical inquiry-based research questions. The Leakeys thoroughly recounts the history of the family; Goodall is more readable, with events captured in episodic “stories.” Both books contain a few black-and-white photos and detailed time lines. Accurate, accessible biographies that go beyond facts to create engaging profiles of exceptional personalities.–Kathy Lehman, Thomas Dale High School Library, Chester, VA

Gr 9 Up–The book’s introduction opens with an account of the 2001 revelation that former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey may have committed war crimes during his service in Vietnam, describing how the controversy ended his presidential hopes and explaining that the episode illustrates the “difficulty that Americans have in facing and answering questions about war crimes and atrocities in Vietnam.” The 13 essays that follow are divided into three chapters that cover American policies and practices in Vietnam, the My Lai Massacre, and Vietnamese war crimes. The readings are a mixture of excerpts from books, articles, and public statements, and they include segments from 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry’s now-famous 1971 testimony before the U.S. Senate and statements that Jane Fonda made about American POWs during her 1972 visit to North Vietnam. There are also statements from North and South Vietnamese soldiers and officials, and some period analysis from scholars and historians. Although this book is generally evenhanded in its selection of readings, the readings themselves reflect the intensity and partisanship that continues to characterize the debate over Vietnam. It will give readers a sense of the contemporaneous debate over the conduct of the war, but it offers little recent scholarship or historical analysis to help them understand how the events in Vietnam have affected our country’s attitudes and policies and continue to influence the public debate over the war on terror. General researchers will do better with William Dudley’s The Vietnam War: Opposing Viewpoints (Gale, 1997; o.p.).–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 4-8–In a conversational style, Burleigh offers brief insights into Cézanne’s personal life, such as his relationship with his father, who did not support his son’s interest in art. However, the emphasis is on interpreting some individual paintings and understanding the artist’s various styles, including the impact of the Impressionists and his evolution to a freer and simpler manner of expression in his later years. This is all accomplished in a seamless fashion that uses excellent selections as, for example, a comparison of Cézanne’s and Pissarro’s paintings of the same scene and several landscapes that were done of Mont Sainte-Victoire in three different decades. Throughout, the author asks readers to reflect on various aspects of the artist’s works and life. The high-quality reproductions demonstrate Burleigh’s points. Several photos of Cézanne are included. A solid, lively introduction.–Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 5-8–Colman set out to create a collective biography that related historical adventure stories about women because so many of them seem to focus on men. The figures she chose lived predominantly in the 19th century. They had to deal with societal limitations and stereotypes, but none of them let these expectations or constraints hold them back, proving that there are many ways to live a “passionate and productive and adventurous life.” The eight individuals profiled are Louise Boyd, arctic explorer; Mary Gibson Henry, plant hunter and botanist; Juana Briones, a Hispanic landowner in early San Francisco; Alice Hamilton, a pioneer in industrial medicine; Mary McLeod Bethune, educator; Katharine Wormeley, nursing superintendent during the Civil War; Biddy Mason, humanitarian; and Peggy Hull, reporter. The chapters include black-and-white photos, and some have excerpts from diaries. There are extensive source notes, brief chronologies, and a selected bibliography. These short entries will introduce readers to the lives of several unfamiliar figures and demonstrate that history, indeed, is full of many fascinating people. Bethune and Hull are the best-known women in this collection; information on the others is harder to find in books for children. Libraries wanting readable, browsing nonfiction will want this book. It will be useful for Women’s History Month, or anytime kids want to read about people who defied the odds and lived their lives as they saw fit.–Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD

Gr 3-6–Told in a conversational tone, the narrative draws readers into the realities of the Pilgrims’ arduous but monumental voyage. Students witness illnesses, storms at sea, and the unknown wilderness of the settlers’ new home. Sprinkled with lighthearted but important advice–“Handy hint: Try to survive and raise lots of children–your ancestors will be grateful!”–this book portrays the significant implications of the Pilgrims’ landing in America. The author also provides the necessary historical background, explaining why they left their homeland. As in previous titles, cartoon art adds humor and engages readers. A diagram of the ship’s layout provides perspective and small, illustrated maps are also an aid.–Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

Gr 9 Up–This book introduces teens to financial planning, employment, loans, consumer rights, and credit-card use and abuse. Considering that the average American family carries almost $9000 in credit-card debt, the concepts presented are a must-read. Text boxes in each chapter provide summaries, definitions, and other sources of information. The book is divided into seven parts: “You and Your Money,” “You Are a Consumer,” “Understanding Banks,” “You and Your Job,” “Understanding Loans and Credit Cards,” “Avoiding Financial Risks,” and “If You Need More Information.” Contracts–whether for buying a car, a gym membership, or a cell phone–are clearly explained and provide details in easy terms not found in other books on money. A chapter on how to apply for a job includes a checklist of interview dos and don’ts; there is also a section on tattoos, piercings, and dress codes in the workplace. There’s a wealth of practical information in this volume.–Kathleen A. Nester, Downingtown High Ninth Grade Center, PA

Gr 8 Up–These titles examine issues germane to teens, offering timely information and dispelling common myths. Introductory chapters provide an overview and a diagnostic test so that readers can gauge their knowledge and/or risk factors. A to Z entries follow (“Single-Parent Families,” “Death of a Parent,” “Gang Violence,” etc.). These 3- to10-page treatments contain definitions of terms and balanced, detailed coverage with statistical information from authoritative sources. Chapters close with “see also” sections that indicate related entries and list books for further reading, but not articles or contact information for organizations whose research has been cited. Useful Web sites and hotlines conclude each volume. Sidebars feature “Fact or Fiction?” “Q&A,” and “Teens Speak” sections; the latter are short, compelling essays and interviews in which anonymous teens present personal perspectives on chapter topics. The black-and-white tables and charts do little to enhance chapter content. Nonetheless, these books are excellent in the currency and quality of research presented, in the unbiased approach, and in the user-friendly format. Information is accessible to researchers and readers seeking impartial answers to personal questions. These titles complement the “Teen Issues” and “Teen Decisions” series (both Gale).–Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 4-7–These four volumes (part of a six-volume set) provide a highly readable and accessible introduction to the Holocaust. Clear, concise writing is coupled with text boxes, photographs, illustrations, and maps. Origins begins in 922 B.C. with a brief overview of Jewish history and the history of anti-Semitism, including the birth of Christianity, the European Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, World War I, the creation of the Nazi Party, and Hitler’s rise to power. Genocide spans the outbreak of World War II until 1942, with information about the German invasions and occupations; the creation of the ghettos, camps, and gas chambers; and the Wannsee Conference. Fighting Back outlines why resistance was difficult and provides examples of Jews in hiding, righteous gentiles, partisans, and secret and open resistance movements. Aftermath describes the founding of the State of Israel, the Nuremberg Trials, the Eichmann trial, and the erection of memorials and monuments, as well as the vast impact that the Holocaust has had on world history and politics. While the information is well presented, it is unrealistic to expect libraries to buy six books when the same information can be found in equally accessible single volumes such as Barbara Rogasky’s Smoke and Ashes: The Story of the Holocaust (Holiday House, 2002) and Clive A. Lawton’s The Story of the Holocaust (Watts, 2000).–Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 7-10–By combining differing viewpoints with the steps to writing a persuasive essay (researching, outlining, drafting, and editing), The first book attempts to put critical thinking and writing in the context of a specific topic and, for the most part, it succeeds. An attractive layout, relevant color photographs, and useful appendixes (a glossary, an up-to-date bibliography, and lists of relevant organizations and sample essay topics) complement the text. Political cartoons lack the captions afforded photographs and charts. Many of the articles are abridged, but their actual content has not been altered to any large degree. More problematic are the sample essays’ citations: the first essay has no footnotes or bibliography, the second essay has a three-item bibliography with no footnotes or parenthetical citations, and the third only footnotes the two direct quotations. While having the same occasional abridgment of articles, the second title lives up to its stated mission. In short articles, readers are coached to think about the author’s perspectives with the help of a few questions and an “Evaluating the Author’s Arguments” box. Visuals are engaging and always related to cloning, but not always to the specific viewpoint. Although there is a good scientific glossary, the occasional unfamiliar word (e.g., “draconian”) is awkwardly defined in brackets using synonyms. The appendix contains basic information and the annotated lists of organizations and further reading are up-to-date and comprehensive. Schools sponsoring debates would find an audience for these introductions. Both are good general purchases, but suffer in comparison to the higher quality “Opposing Viewpoints” series (Gale).–Courtney Lewis, Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, Kingston, PA

Gr 5-8–Two biographies that will engage and inspire readers. Pei came to the United States from China in 1935 to study architecture. Known for his modern structures such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the pyramid entrance to the Louvre, he influenced the world of architecture in ways that are still very much in evidence. Black-and-white and full-color photos help explain concepts and provide visual representations. Hayslip was born in Vietnam and emigrated to the United States in 1970. Taught by her father to protect the land of her ancestors, she started the East Meets West Foundation to encourage Americans and Vietnamese citizens to heal from the Vietnam War. Her humanitarian efforts in Vietnam have helped her fulfill her father’s wishes. Background information about the subjects’ native countries includes geographical and historical facts. Englar introduces two very different people and shows how they made their dreams a reality.–Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT