Grades 5 & Up Cont.

-- School Library Journal, 9/1/2006

MLYNOWSKI, Sarah. Frogs & French Kisses 277p. CIP. Delacorte 2006. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-73182-5; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90219-0. LC 2005016141.

Gr 6-8–In this sequel to Bras & Broomsticks (Delacorte, 2005), Rachel’s younger sister, Miri, uses her magic to perform a safety spell on 50 about-to-be-slaughtered cows. Unfortunately, they are safely removed to the high school gym, causing $40,000 damage and ruining the venue for the prom. The administration thinks this was an obvious senior prank, but, of course, Miri and Rachel know better. Meanwhile, their mom, who has been a nonpracticing witch for years, has decided to resume her enchanted ways. She suddenly has more men to date than she can handle and replaces important mother/daughter time with magically zapped up ready-to-eat pizzas. Rachel’s first-person narration moves the story along, and subplots include her dealing with the school bully and falling in love with her crush’s brother and Miri’s other accidentally misused magic. However, the part involving the girls’ father, who remarried, is a bit weak and contrived. While the story is predictable, it’s still enjoyable and will have a ready audience.–Kelly Czarnecki, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg, NC

Gr 5-8–Gwen and Vic are cousins who were born within five hours of one another. Their mothers were sisters who mysteriously showed up out of nowhere in the Yucatan jungle, where their husbands-to-be, two brothers, were working at an archaeological dig. Now Gwen’s parents have been killed under strange circumstances and Vic’s mom has disappeared. The boy’s father is obsessed with finding his wife and figuring out what happened to his brother and sister-in-law. After he tells the kids that they are going away, they find him in a room surrounded by strange crystals, and suddenly Gwen and Vic are transported to another world. Elantya is a way station and an educational center that travelers from different worlds can visit through crystal doors. No one is quite sure how the cousins arrived there, but everyone is anxious to help them return home, until the teens and the rest of Elantya are forced into a war with the monster merlons. Crystal Doors is a fun fantasy adventure. It starts off a little slowly, but once the adventure in Elantya begins, the pace picks up considerably. Some of the foreshadowing is a little heavy-handed, but the protagonists are realistically drawn and the adventures exciting. The ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel or two.–Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 4-6–When Amelia’s father invites her and her sister Cleo to a family reunion, Amelia doesn’t know what to expect. Her parents have been divorced for years and she has never met her dad’s extended family. Will they be nice? Will they like her? Will she fit in? Amelia reveals the not-so-easy answers to these questions in her familiar notebook-style journal. The colorful illustrations and chatty writing are appealing, and readers will quickly relate to the protagonist’s sometimes-funny tale of life in a less-than-perfect family.–Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT

Gr 5-9–Roberto, the protagonist of Stones in Water (Dutton, 1997), continues his struggle to return to Venice following his escape from a forced labor camp in Nazi-controlled Eastern Europe. Three years have passed and, now 15, he is alone again, having lost both his best friend, who was Jewish, and the Roman deserter who nursed him back from a bullet wound. Apprehended by the Germans, Roberto has escaped yet again, finally reaching the southern portion of Italy aboard an American warship. But his trek back home is jeopardized once more when Nazi bombs force him to jump ship. Once on Italian soil, he continues to move north; is captured by a German soldier who uses him as a translator; and eventually encounters a young woman working in the resistance movement. With her encouragement, the teen learns the intricacies of partisan fighting. Not able to stomach any killing by his own hand, he does his part through the clandestine delivery of ammunition and valuable information. Throughout his ordeal, Roberto’s humanity and strength of character overshadow the brutality. Napoli extends the reality of his experiences by leaving an open-ended conclusion in which Roberto reaches his beloved Venice unsure, yet hopeful of who and what he will find. Powerful World War II literature.–Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 4-7–The battle began when the Malloy girls moved from Ohio to West Virginia for a year, staying in a house across the river from the Hatford boys. In this final volume of the series, a power failure in Ohio causes the girls to remain in Buckman longer than expected, and they move in with the Hatfords. Rivalry, silliness, and pranks occur during the big underwear switcheroo, the invasion of the ladybugs, and the frying of eggs on the sidewalk. When the girls and boys secretly explore an abandoned coal mine on a double-dare, they become witnesses to an explosion caused by a stranger and ultimately aid the police in solving the mystery. The characters are well developed through their dialogue, actions, and relationships with one another. Fans of the earlier books will want to read this engaging novel to decide for themselves who really wins the war.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA

Gr 6-8–Osborne has revised her fairy-tale adaptation of the legend of Undine (Candlewick, 1994), making language and stylistic changes. Lord Huldbrand meets and becomes enamored of a fey marine maiden. Trouble comes upon their marriage when Undine’s difficulties in adjusting to a terrestrial life and Huldbrand’s inabilities to fully trust his wife’s magical origins bring tragedy to them both. Osborne’s straightforward tale exhibits some superb writing. Of Undine, Huldbrand says, “She was my axis: whether I was brushing my horse or whittling my bow, I located my heart with her.” The descriptions of Undine’s relationship with the sea are equally evocative, while short, declarative sentences and first-person narration reinforce its inescapable, tragic conclusion. Unfortunately, the spare writing causes the pacing to suffer slightly; the unvarying sentence structure is somewhat stilted, although Osborne’s tale is more successful than flawed. Audience is another question. The story’s theme of marriage and betrayal is too sophisticated for Osborne’s “Magic Tree House” series (Random) readers, but the tale’s atmospheric chivalry makes it a hard sell for mainstream middle school readers. Give this to readers who like ghost stories and Arthurian lore.–Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 5-8–Paterson has drawn upon the facts of the famous 1912 Bread and Roses strike in the mills of Lawrence, MA, and the sympathetic response of the citizens of Barre, VT, to tell the story of two children enmeshed in complex events. Rosa Serutti’s mother and older sister work in the mills and are joining the protest against unfair labor practices. Jake Beale works there to keep himself and his alcoholic father alive. As the strike turns ugly, arrangements are made for children to leave Lawrence temporarily, and Rosa is sent to an elderly couple, the Gerbatis, in Barre. After a terrifying incident in which he finds his father dead, Jake sneaks onto the train, mistaking its destination as New York City. He convinces Rosa to say he is her older brother and to persuade the Gerbatis to keep him, too. Illiterate “Sal” begs off going to school, working instead in Mr. Gerbati’s stonecutting business where, despite fair treatment, the temptation to steal overwhelms him. Caught in the act, he learns that the forbidding man is really a compassionate soul who gives him the chance he needs to make a new life for himself. Paterson has skillfully woven true events and real historical figures into the fictional story and created vivid settings, clearly drawn characters, and a strong sense of the hardship and injustice faced by the mostly immigrant mill workers. Ethnic rivalries and prejudices play an important role, and the alternating points of view of Rosa and Jake allow for a broader picture and add tension and balance.–Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 5-8–Exhausted by his efforts to teach math to apathetic middle schoolers, Mr. Collins proposes that his class attempt to build the world’s largest tetrahedron structure. The resulting endeavor, described in alternating chapters by Mr. Collins and four of the students, builds more than geometry as readers come to see them as individuals and as a developing unit. They include artistic tough guy James Harris III, who insists that the individual tetrahedrons color coordinate; Marcel the Magnificent, who works vigorously at his father’s barbecue grill; veteran foster child Sharice; and quietly ambitious Rhondell. Marcel’s dad’s recipes are sprinkled throughout. This novel is based on the true story of a Cleveland middle school tetrahedron built in 2002. Pearsall has a knack for creating strong narratives and characters that eschew predictability. While this solid, multivoiced offering is a hopeful one, the action is realistically gritty and true to its inner-city setting. The book may take a little hand-selling, but, like E. L. Konigsburg’s The View from Saturday (S & S, 1996), it is a feel-good read.–Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 9 Up–Caitlyn’s world is crumbling. Her mother and stepfather are having a baby and her best friend has a boyfriend who takes up all of her free time. Caitlyn feels lonely and left out until she meets Tyler, the boy of her dreams and more. Spending all their time together seems great at first but when he pressures her to cut classes, get a belly ring, and experiment sexually, Caitlyn begins to have doubts. Her friends notice changes in her demeanor, but she refuses to listen and defends Tyler against any criticism. It is not until a physical confrontation at a party that she begins to realize that the happy front that she’s been putting up is not real. While the author’s message is strong, it is not overpowering, and it illustrates how easily one can become a victim. Peters clearly has her finger on the pulse of teenage dating behavior, and has written an excellent book for any girl who falls prey to a boyfriend’s abusive behavior.–Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 6-9–In a dystopian future where children are expendable and society is in chaos, Bradley, Victor, Floris, and their canine companions fight for survival. The children are kept from becoming feral by the stories of the Old Woman who watches out for them, stories of a time where humanity wasn’t in ruins. One night, Floris is kidnapped and taken to the Invisible City, from which no child ever returns. Bradley, his dog, and Victor set out through the Forbidden Territories, which are ruled by vicious warlords, to rescue the girl. The world depicted in this novel, with its cinematic pacing and well-drawn characters, is brutal. The violence is not overly graphic, but there are several dogfight scenes that might be disturbing to sensitive readers. A thrilling adventure reminiscent of Rodman Philbrick’s The Last Book in the Universe (Scholastic, 2000).–Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 4-6–When Zoe Richards turns 12, her grandfather tells her the story of how he was once a superhero and that she has inherited the gene. She realizes that she’s under more pressure than just what to wear to school tomorrow or if the cute soccer-star math genius really did wave at her from across the room; she now finds herself confronted with the challenges of keeping her superhero status a secret. Readers looking for something between Junie B. Jones and Nancy Drew will enjoy this story. Zoe could be the girl next door with her police-detective father, ecology-minded mom, and fashion-conscious friend. With snappy cover art and a funky heroine who is set to save the world, or maybe just her friends from an unknown culprit trying to sabotage the school play, the story will have readers lining up for the next installment in the series.–Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Gr 4-6–After the death of her father in a sawmill accident, Jane-Ery, 11, passes through levels of grief so poignantly revealed that her voice sets a ragged emotional tone throughout. This tension, paired with a languorous pace, deepens the value of an authentically drawn backdrop that embodies stillness and reflection. The Virginia mountains are home and push Jane-Ery into a personal space where her memories prick her heart. They pour over her and then fade away, leaving an ache that she cannot escape. Her pain is balanced by her mother’s contained grief and Grandpap’s wisdom, kindness, and humor, characteristics reminiscent of her dad. Though her grandfather’s folksy speech evokes her father, it both uplifts and uncovers the family’s raw and slowly healing spirits. A novel full of insight and truth.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 9 Up–Meet Matt, a 17-year-old Australian student whose once-stable life is crumbling. His parents have divorced, his mother has married disgusting Claude, and his best friend has just died. His buddies encourage him to “drop out” with them to avoid his problems, but his inner voice, called “Joker,” keeps pushing him toward avenging all the injustices overwhelming his life. This tale uses the basic elements of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but numerous details and the language place it solidly in the 21st century. Instead of monologues, Ranulfo provides lengthy descriptions of Joker’s antics as well as “conversations” between Joker and Matt. However, unlike the classic tale, Matt confronts Joker, overcomes the evil thoughts and behaviors that have nearly driven him to madness, and returns to his forgiving girlfriend. This novel has the potential to captivate young adults, and could easily lead to the exploration of Shakespeare’s tragedy. The text, divided into five acts that mirror the play, is fast paced, with chapters of one to three pages in length, many of them titled with references to Hamlet. Nevertheless, the Australian slang may be puzzling to American readers. Most collections seeking a “jazzed-up” approach would be better served by the comic-book Classics Illustrated: Hamlet (Berkley, 1990) or by Lisa Fiedler’s Dating Hamlet: Ophelia’s Story (Holt, 2002).–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 7 Up–In this rather gothic mystery, Rees introduces readers to a man who is frequently called the greatest American portrait artist. Sargent is the narrator of this eerie and unusual story. Early in his career, he is commissioned to paint Edward Boit’s four young daughters. But all is not well in the restless household. Iza Boit is known to be eccentric, and Sargent is bemused by her capriciousness and the daughters’ antipathy toward him. This odd scenario builds slowly and steadily into a macabre tale of spirits, demons, and possession, as the artist tries at first simply to fulfill his commission, then is drawn deeper into the dark mystery. Rees provides plenty of detail and insight into Sargent’s creative process as he paints this dark portrait of the four unhappy sisters. The story and the detailed reproduction of the painting on the book’s jacket are woven together with an atmosphere rich in foreshadowing and dread. Appendixes provide an excellent framework for the period in which Sargent painted, including a time line, a brief biographical sketch, and a list of additional resources. Readers should be sufficiently captivated to look up more information about the artist and his work.–Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 5-9–Out of the blue, 14-year-old Clara Luna receives a letter from her grandparents inviting her to spend the summer with them in Mexico. She has never met her father’s parents and he has not seen them since he left his homeland more than 20 years ago. Wary of visiting people she doesn’t know and yet frustrated and restless with her life at home, Clara embarks on the two-day journey to the remote village of Yucuyoo. Through her experiences there, she discovers not only her own strength as an individual, but also her talent for healing, which she shares with her grandmother. The exquisitely crafted narrative includes Clara’s first-person impressions and descriptions interspersed with chapters of her grandmother’s story. The characters are well developed, each with a fully formed backstory. Resau does an exceptional job of portraying the agricultural society sympathetically and realistically, naturally integrating Spanish words and phrases in Mixteco into the plot without distracting from it. The atmosphere is mystical and dreamlike, yet energetic. Readers will relish Clara’s adventures in Mexico, as well as her budding romance with Pedro. This distinguished novel will be a great addition to any collection.–Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX

Gr 6-10–For Joel Demetrius, the move to a new house with his new stepfamily-to-be is somewhat exciting. His older sister, Cassie, on the other hand, is not happy about the situation. She wants no part of her mom’s fiancé or his two sons. The old and battered house gives Cassie even more reason to hate the move, but for Joel it is just different, quirky even. But then, when vivid scary dreams awaken him at night and he repeatedly sees things move out of the corner of his eye, he begins to wonder whether there is more to this house than he originally thought. Then, the dreams start to become vivid hallucinations during the daytime. Soon, all four of the teens have experienced something they can’t explain and begin to question what is really going on. This fantastic supernatural thriller will have readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The main characters are well developed and consistent throughout and details are revealed at a steady pace. The underlying tones of how two families come together as one are well done, with just the right amount of rivalry and bitterness, but with continual glimmers of hope.–Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 7-10–This action-filled sequel to The House of Windjammer (Bloomsbury, 2003) takes readers from the high seas to the streets of 1637 Amsterdam. When his family’s fortune is lost, Adam Windjammer sails to the Americas to try to find his uncle, hoping that he is alive and can help to restore the family’s business and good name. Unsuccessful, he returns to Amsterdam to find that his old friend Jade van Helsen, the daughter of the moneylender who ruined the Windjammers and many others, has resolved to help his family. She seeks to prove her independence and to find favor with her father by protecting him from certain ruin as he entangles himself in shady business dealings. Adam becomes a man after narrow escapes on his voyage, and Jade begins to believe in herself after she undertakes the task of saving her father’s fortune. This book stands on its own, but it will be most satisfying to readers familiar with the first book. The abrupt ending indicates a further installment. An appealing read for all who enjoy mystery and adventure.–Denise Moore, O’Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 9 Up–Fifteen-year-old David Case, scared out of his acceptance of dailiness by his baby brother’s near calamity at an open window, changes his name to Justin and allows several new people into his life. He is befriended by a somewhat older–and definitely more worldly–girl when he enters a thrift shop to remake his sartorial presentation. Angela is easy to fall in love with, but frustrating for Justin and suspicious for readers. Peter Prince, on the other hand, a new friend who urges Justin to discover how very good he is as a distance runner, lives up to his surname. Justin’s baby brother, Charlie, knowing and telepathic since birth, worries that Justin won’t ever recover from the shock of having to haul him back from his experiment with flight. Justin’s other companions on the journey through the six months between that momentous occasion and Christmas include an invisible dog, Peter’s psychologically perceptive sisters, and their male rabbit, Alice. The crisis that flings Justin and Angela literally into bed together is a horrific plane crash at the local airport. As he runs from her gallery show of photos of him in shock in the disaster’s aftermath, he collides with a woman from whom he contracts meningitis, nearly allowing Fate to talk him into dying. Only Charlie’s visit to the hospital pulls Justin back from the existential abyss at which he has perched for six months. Rosoff writes of these characters and Justin’s interior and exterior adventures with beautiful grace and wit. Even sensitive teens usually have more psychological armor than Justin, but Rosoff’s made him a compelling hero, not a nerd.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 7-Up–Kernel is a teenager with an odd talent–he sees pieces of colored light floating in the air, and if he concentrates he can put them together like a jigsaw puzzle into a window shape. But everything goes horribly wrong when a demonic face jumps out of one of the windows and draws the boy into another dimension. When Kernel reappears in his own world, he doesn’t quite remember all that happened, but figures out that his baby brother was also kidnapped by the demon. The family moves to a new town, but there is no escape from the horror that has entered their lives. Demon Thief follows Lord Loss (Little, Brown, 2005), the first volume in this grim and very gory series from the author of the “Cirque du Freak” books (Little, Brown). Readers who love the ghastly and demand a fast pace will be asking for more.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 5 Up–Part-vampire Darren Shan is traveling again with Mr. Tall and his Cirque du Freak in the 11th and penultimate book in the series. When he returns to his hometown, Darren would love to see his family and friends, but he knows it is too dangerous, especially at this point in his battle with the Vampaneze. Steve Leopard and his evil minions manipulate events to bring about a fight to the death between Steve, the Lord of the Vampaneze, and Darren. The winner will determine the fate of vampires everywhere. The story, fast-paced, violent, and gory, is filled with anger, revenge, and death, with a touch of redemption and a cliff-hanger ending. Readers of the series will anticipate the conclusion, whether they catch the foreshadowing or not. This book is not for the young or faint of heart, but others will eagerly devour it.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 8 Up–Petty thief and slacker extraordinaire Evan Macalister is back for more international espionage in this sequel to Finding Lubchenko (Penguin, 2005). Just when the teen thinks his life is getting back to normal, he is again dragged into the world of bioterrorism. After his father leaves for an emergency trip to Brussels, Evan gets a mysterious phone call telling him that his father’s business partner, Mr. Richmond, will be transporting a shipment of live smallpox virus to Switzerland to sell to a terrorist group. The anonymous caller also informs him that Mr. Richmond plans to murder his dad, as well as Evan and his two friends. He decides that the best course of action is to blow off summer school, convincing Erika and Ruben to jet off to Europe with him to save the day. Chaos ensues as the trio quickly learns that Mr. Richmond’s henchmen are more ruthless than they had thought and that they are in way over their heads. Reading like an action movie, this sequel packs just as much punch as the first book. Evan is as contemptuous as ever, making sure to stay true to his smart-mouthed self even at the most inopportune moments. Thanks to a precise summary of the previous events, this book can stand alone, but readers new to the story would be missing out on much of the fun. One can only hope for another installment.–Michelle Roberts, Merrick Library, NY

Gr 4-7–In 1452, a young printer’s devil toils for his master, Herr Gutenberg, who is in the process of printing a Bible. On a suitably dark and cold night, sinister Johann Fust arrives at Gutenberg’s shop with a mysterious wooden chest decorated with dragons and serpents’ heads. In a parallel story set at Saint James College in Oxford in the present day, Blake, a professor’s son, discovers a wordless book with the title Endymion Spring, which was the printer’s devil’s name. The present-day narrative and the story of Endymion Spring cleverly intertwine as Blake discovers that the book is the key to all of the world’s knowledge. As Endymion lies hidden in Gutenberg’s shop one night, Fust opens the wooden chest and, because of what Endymion learns, he is forced to flee. In an incredibly effective action scene, he eludes capture. Back in the present, Blake and his sister, Duck, find themselves pursued by a mysterious “Person in Shadow” and discover, as it leads them into the depths of the Bodleian Library, that Endymion Spring’s book has a mind of its own. Even if the promise of the clearly intriguing premise is not quite fulfilled, this book is certain to reach an audience looking for a page-turner, and it just might motivate readers to explore the true facts behind the fiction.–Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 9 Up–For the first time in their history as best friends, Hal and Chuck will be spending the summer apart: Chuck to attend a summer theater camp and Hal to stay in their hometown of Wheaton, MD, and learn to drive. To ensure contact throughout their separation, Chuck sets up a private blog where the boys can post daily messages about their adventures (or lack thereof), the text of which constitutes this witty novel. Sloan succeeds at the dual voicing of the characters; from the first entries, the teens’ distinct voices are clear. Much of their virtual conversation revolves around their summer romantic prospects and their pursuit of emotionally as well as physically meaningful relationships. This somewhat typical premise is complicated by the fact that Hal is gay and has newly outed himself to Chuck. As they compare their experiences, the boys are also working together to define what Hal’s sexual identity means in the context of their friendship. Many of their entries involve discussions of the physiological dimensions of intimacy, such as when Chuck asks, “Not to be crude or anything, but exactly how does a gay guy lose his virginity–is that actually possible?” Hal’s answer is frank, explicit, and endearing. Compared to Melvin Burgess’s Doing It (Holt, 2004), this novel is less deliberately bawdy and more realistic, earthy, and even sweet. Like David Levithan and Julie Ann Peters, Sloan is breaking ground among the greats of gay-themed young adult fiction.–Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 10 Up–Stolarz has written a funny, yet poignant book of interconnecting short stories in which the lives of 10 teenagers are seamlessly woven together. The stories take place over the course of one day, and as the characters’ lives cross paths, it becomes evident that any decisions made can and will influence the others–sometimes unintentionally. The collection runs the gamut of teen problems: Nicole sleeps with her best friend’s boyfriend; Mearl longs for family roots; Joy, a waitress, is taunted by school bullies and wants to retaliate; Sadie is overweight and her sister is jealous of the popular Kelly. Derik thinks that he can have any girl he wants, and Sean, Kelly’s boyfriend, just wants to do the right thing. The author demonstrates the ability to identify with today’s teen experience, and she portrays the accompanying behavior and language realistically. While perhaps not a first purchase, the book does have broad young adult appeal.–Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 8 Up–Teachers don’t recognize his smarts, he struggles with his mother’s unsuccessful romantic relationships, and he is unsure of himself around girls, but when senior football star Hampton Green is on the field, everything clicks. His Oklahoma team, the Kennisaw Knights, has a five-year winning streak they are trying to take to the record books by securing the state championship one more time. Hampton’s best friend, Blaine, has a shallow relationship with the prettiest girl in school and tries to drag Hampton into a similar stereotypical dating scene. Hampton, however, finds himself attracted to self-assured, intelligent Sara, whom Blaine says is not good for his image. As the championship unfolds, things get tense, and Blaine drags Hampton into a confrontation with an enemy from the opposing team, during which Blaine pulls a gun and Hampton must finally assert himself. The teen’s voice comes in loud and clear, revealing a sensitive, likable character. Hampton’s budding romance with Sara is touching and adds an interesting dimension. The conquering of insecurities and gradual self-realization Hampton experiences are reminiscent of Bert Bowden in Terry Davis’s If Rock and Roll Were a Machine (Delacorte, 1992), and readers will root as much for his team as for Hampton to be true to himself. The dynamic football scenes will draw readers who enjoyed H. G. Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights (Da Capo, 2000). The cover’s hazy silhouette of a football player reflects the strong character inside who will eventually bring his own hazy life into focus.–Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ

Gr 6-8–Rosalind Archer, 14, has led a simple life in the Elizabethan countryside. However, when her merchant father is imprisoned for practicing the forbidden Catholic faith, she and her younger brother Robin make their way to London to find him, hoping to gain his release. They lose their money to clever thieves, and, discovering that the friends they’ve been told to turn to have also been arrested, they are desperate for food and shelter. Enter Christopher Marlowe, playwright extraordinaire, brusque of manner but generous of heart. He offers them apprenticeships at the Rose Theatre. Robin jumps at the chance, while Rosalind, who has disguised herself as a boy, agrees instead to become Marlowe’s servant. The plot is complicated by the death of their father, Marlowe’s discovery of Rosalind’s Catholicism, and the playwright’s own secret goings-on, which ultimately result in his murder. But through it all, Rosalind finds her place in the world and the promise of a life once-unimagined, yet fulfilling. Thomson stresses the “down-and-dirty” side of Elizabethan London, zeroing in on the constant political intrigue that marked the Virgin Queen’s reign. While she creates a clear, realistic picture of the times, the suspense of the story is not as well crafted and those looking for an action-packed thriller may be disappointed. Nevertheless, Rosalind is a well-developed heroine, and her story does introduce a part of Elizabethan history not found in other tales of the period. Definitely worth consideration, but as an additional purchase.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 5-8–Life has changed for injustice-fighting Lucy Moon. Not only is junior high less accepting than elementary school of her activism in support of animal rights, workers of the world, and other causes, but there are also those annoying boys who run a pencil up girls’ spines to check their “development.” But even more troubling is the fact that her mother has left for an extended photography trip around the country, leaving her with her detached father. To top it off, the town’s richest citizen, Miss Wiggins, has fenced off her beloved sledding hill. True to form, Lucy organizes a “Free Wiggins Hill” campaign that at first excites her fellow students, and then turns them against her and lands her in a heap of trouble at school. Timberlake develops her feisty character through believable dialogue, both externally with her father, friends, and teachers, and internally, as she struggles with the value of fighting wrong in the face of escalating difficulties, including detention and “Youth Action” with horrible Mrs. Mudd. The carefully crafted plot moves through most of the school year as Lucy endures her mother’s absence and Miss Wiggins’s powerful influence in the town of Turtle Rock, MN, first with depression and then with growing anger. Ultimately, all the plot threads pull together to create a satisfying conclusion.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 8 Up–It’s the summer of 1956 in a small town on the shores of Lake Erie in Ontario, a pivotal time for 16-year-old Gordon Westley. His ride is polished, his girl is gorgeous, and his buddies are on hand for support against the town bully, Lancer Caldwell, and his two sidekicks. Jaunts to the movies and the beach, delivering groceries, hot dates, and doing chores at home are vividly portrayed with a mixture of witty dialogue and surprising metaphors. The adults around are distracted and drinking martinis, but lay down the rules, too, as the events teeter between humor and gut-wrenching tragedy. Injun Joely, who lives and works at the pool hall, develops as Gordon’s mentor as the intensity of events increases. Some readers will appreciate the wit and enjoy the laughs, even as it is clearly telegraphed that pain and heartache are ahead. The expert pacing makes this standout historical fiction, especially for guys, as it starts by having Gordon trying to emulate Jimmy Dean in Rebel without a Cause and ends with the wisdom of the ages.–Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 6-8–Readers won’t look at homeless people in quite the same way after meeting Holly and seeing her through five long months on her own. An urban, female version of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet (Macmillan, 1986), this novel chronicles the daily struggle for food, shelter, safety, and cleanliness that becomes the focus of life once a home and income are stripped away. Twelve-year-old Holly knows a lot about living on the streets, since she lived that life with her drug-addicted mother before the woman’s death from an overdose. She determines that it is preferable to continuing in her abusive foster home. A journal provided by a compassionate teacher is where she records her lonely and difficult struggle for survival. While the plot has the occasional convenience, readers will be drawn to the gripping details of both physical and emotional landmines hidden in the ordinariness of everyday life. This is a great book to hand-sell or booktalk to young teens who enjoy a dose of emotional trauma in their fiction or for reluctant readers who need suspense to keep them turning the pages. Van Draanen has shown great versatility in adding another dimension to her already respected body of work.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 6-9–Sadie, 13, has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Bad grades and her friends’ accusations of cheating aren’t enough; now her mother, who has Guillain-Barre Syndrome, is really ill and is leaving Sadie’s aunt in charge of their bed-and-breakfast. Then her aunt runs off, and the teen is left completely in charge. Now she must run the inn and go to school without letting her mother or the school authorities in on the secret. With the help of a younger homeschooled neighbor who has decided to study management of B and Bs, she keeps the family business running and even makes a profit, but the secrecy exacts an emotional toll. Still, in a rather predictable ending, Sadie survives it all. Despite the seriousness of her situation, the book is a fast, light read. While the British vocabulary might deter some readers, it is not a major obstacle. Sadie is an endearing character who learns how strong she really is and how to stand up for herself. A good choice for those not quite ready for Louise Rennison’s “Georgia Nicholson” novels (HarperCollins).–Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman’s University, Denton

Gr 7 Up–On the day of her first kiss, June 15, 1904, Mallory Meer, 15, dies in the General Slocum steamship disaster. That historical blaze killed more than 1000 people from the part of New York City known as Kleindeutschland. Dustin Brauer, her Jewish boyfriend, had snuck aboard to be with her. Now, he is accused of setting the fire by the son of his father’s employer, a leader in the German neighborhood. As the official coroner’s inquest occurs, a secondary one takes place in the community with Dustin on trial. Mallory, now insubstantial, sees everything and helps the truth to emerge. While historically no conclusive proof was found of how the fire started, Welsh does a creditable job of imagining how it spread, including disturbing images of those trapped on the burning vessel. He uses Mallory’s ghostly presence to bring the coroner’s inquest, and those from the boat company and the safety inspector’s office, to life. Unresolved tells a remarkable story in a remarkable way. Give this engrossing novel to fans of Kathryn Reiss or Vivian Vande Velde’s Being Dead (Harcourt, 2001), and to those who like a supernatural flair with their historical fiction. Without explaining anti-Semitism or corruption, Welsh shows readers the neighborhood’s vibrancy and prejudices and helps them to understand how justice worked in early-20th-century New York.–Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA

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