Grades 5 & Up Cont.

-- School Library Journal, 11/1/2006

Fiction Cont.

MACCREADY, Robin Merrow. Buried 198p. Dutton 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-525-47724-1. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–Claudine Carbonneau, a high-school senior in Deep Cove, ME, wakes up to find her alcoholic mother gone, leaving the teen to clean up their trashed home and to explain her mother’s absence. As Claude attempts to carry on alone, it becomes apparent that readers aren’t getting all the details of the night of the woman’s disappearance, and that Claude is, in fact, an unreliable and unstable narrator. She tells her support group and her best friend, also the child of an alcoholic, that her mother has willingly checked into a rehab facility and convinces herself that this is true. She also displays increasingly advanced obsessive-compulsive tendencies as she attempts to order her life. Details of the mother-daughter relationship are revealed in awkwardly placed flashbacks, interior monologues, and letters; as a result, readers are effectively told, rather than shown, the key elements that would lead them to care about the protagonist. MacCready attempts to construct a layered, psychological mystery, building to a dramatic final scene in which truths are both literally and figuratively unearthed. Unfortunately, this first novel suffers from clumsy pacing, clichéd symbolism, and a preachy message about the need for children of alcoholics to accept their parents’ role in their own recovery. The “shocking” final scene is overly dramatic and unsatisfying, and Claude’s “realizations” about herself and her mother are not believable.–Riva Pollard, The Winsor School Library, Boston

Gr 4-8–Asthmatic Jack and his recently widowed mother move into an old farmhouse–but they aren’t alone. The spirits of four children also inhabit it, but only Jack can see and hear them. Those spirits aren’t alone, either. A Ghost Mother rules the roost and has enslaved the ghost children. And now she is after Jack. However, he has a second sight that might help him save the souls of those dead, abused children. Can he act fast enough to save himself and his mother? McNish keeps the pacing and action moving right along. While the story is plot driven, the author gives his characters substance, and his language usage and style are fairly sophisticated. This is a well-crafted story that is weightier than the standard chiller. Filled with suspense, it will keep readers riveted to the pages.–Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Gr 5-8–Toilets, tornadoes, buried treasure, and a curse play key roles in this enjoyable tale set in Patience, KS. Jake’s father hopes to open a toilet museum, despite the objections of the townspeople and the embarrassment of his son. When his dad obtains the infamous “plunger of doom,” the 12-year-old is convinced that it has triggered a curse that will destroy his town. As thunderstorms hit and heated conflicts between longtime neighbors arise, his worries increase. Ultimately these events lead to Jake and his friends solving an old mystery. This all sounds pretty melodramatic, but the story unfolds with a light touch throughout. Repeated references to Jake’s dad’s obsession with toilets and to the manure plant that stinks up the community offer some funny moments. Crisp dialogue and a playful narrative voice add more, with a nice balance between humor and suspense. Jake’s strong belief that the curse will bring true disaster doesn’t always seem totally credible, but the varied plot threads blend nicely and come together in a far-fetched, but satisfying, conclusion. Themes of friendship, responsibility, and family come through without overwhelming the plot. This could be a good title to recommend to fans of Louis Sachar’s Holes (Farrar, 1998) and Carl Hiassen’s novels for kids.–Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR

Gr 5 Up–Morris continues his tradition of effectively translating the tales of King Arthur for a new generation of readers. Beaufils spends the first 17 years of his life in a forest cottage with his loving mother, never meeting another human being. Then, upon her urging, he goes forth into the world of men, to seek out King Arthur’s court and his erstwhile father. This unique background makes the protagonist the perfect foil for the other characters’ antics. He bumbles along, innocently taming evil as he seeks his father and helps his friends complete their own quests. While less mature readers will be carried away by the compelling story line and interesting characters, more sophisticated teens will appreciate the dry wit with which Morris reveals his character’s flaws. A heartwarming and thought-provoking tale, this story is sure to entertain readers.–Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL

Gr 4-6–Archie’s parents have always confiscated the birthday parcels from his Uncle Rufus, but on his 10th birthday, Archie Stringweed declares that he is entitled to open his own package and to keep the strange gold coin he finds inside. He is sure that his uncle’s gifts have something to do with the eerie voices he has been hearing at night and the feeling that someone–or something–is watching him. When Rufus arrives unexpectedly, Archie’s folks are angry. Later, he tells the boy why his parents have always been nervous about change and risk-taking. Archie’s father is the victim of an ancient family curse that strikes the first-born son of each generation around his 10th birthday. The demonic Huigor appears in the form of a giant tornado, devouring their spirit and leaving them anxious and cowardly. Archie realizes that his uncle’s birthday gifts are powerful relics that will help him face the monster and end the curse–if he can locate them all in time and if he has the courage to use them. The fantasy atmosphere is well defined, with intriguing characters and imaginative magical elements. Comparison to J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series (Scholastic) is inevitable. Like Harry, Archie possesses hereditary magic and is threatened by a potent and malevolent enemy. Both stories have British settings, cultural details, and dialects. However, Morrison emphasizes the power of family bonds as well as individual bravery. An original and challenging fantasy.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5-8–Maggie Haggerty lives and works on a boat on the Erie Canal with her mother, father, uncle, and younger brother. Set in 1848, this novel follows what happens when her father and uncle are arrested for assault. Her mother has been ill, so it falls to the 12-year-old to get their shipment to Buffalo in time to make their much-needed bonus so they won’t lose their boat and to get back to New Boston in time for the trial. Murphy gives away his nonfiction roots in the way he provides information about the number of feet the canal rises or falls at each set of locks. Given this, it’s surprising that he doesn’t paint a clearer picture of how canal boats actually work. Even so, the book does an excellent job of providing a sense of geography and what daily life was like along the canal. The story is driven more by history than character, but it still manages to achieve suspense and hold readers’ interest. A must-have for New York state libraries, this will also be welcome wherever historical fiction is popular.–Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 5-8–This version of every kid’s fantasy can be fun although it’s sitcom thin and unbelievable, and its approach to bullying is unrealistic. After Robin and her group of eighth-grade friends, known as the Six Pack, are caught mistreating a classmate, Robin’s mother moves them from Denver to Prairie Dog Town, OK. Dressed in a tailored suit chosen to bother her free-spirited mother, Robin goes to enroll in her new middle school and is mistaken for the substitute principal who (surprise!) has the same name. During her two days in office, she encounters a girl who is constantly tormented by a clique, gains insight into the victim’s perspective, and works to empower her and address harassing behavior. She also watches soaps with the easygoing Coach Pickle, dials a psychic hotline for advice, and falls for a good-looking boy. By the time the real principal arrives, Robin has shared her story with the Opal television show and convinced them to come to town to do a special on bullying. Readers might enjoy this over-the-top book, but it’s strictly additional when compared to James Howe’s The Misfits (S & S, 2001), Doug Wilhelm’s The Revealers (Farrar, 2003), and Judy Blume’s Blubber (Random, 1976), all of which have fully developed characters, plausible plots, and lots more heart.–Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 8 Up–The swift flow of these short poems carries readers along in thoughts, conversations, and scenes as Damien and Junice’s romance begins. He is a high achiever who has been accepted to Brown University and is expected to go far. Junice has just lost her mother to prison and is trying to keep her younger sister and her grandmother together as a family. Damien and Junice question who they are and who they will become. Hip-hop-style phrases feel like Shakespeare telling of these African-American teens in Harlem, struggling to keep it together. Intellect meets Street as true love conquers all. This is a quick and satisfying read, simple and timeless.–Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7 Up–As if his parents’ impending divorce isn’t stressful enough, the 16-year-old unnamed protagonist and self-described “Prep” skater dude writes a confessional detailing his remorse over his role in the gruesome death of a railroad security officer while hopping a train to Safeway to get beer. Also, he has fallen into an uneasy relationship with cheerleader Jennifer, who seems more interested in losing her virginity than he does. Nelson’s natural-sounding teen speak authentically grounds this story in contemporary high school/skateboard culture. After deciding not to call the police immediately following the accidental homicide, it gradually becomes easier to justify continued silence, and simultaneously becomes harder to imagine coming forward to anyone about what happened. What finally moves him–and the plot–is the formerly pesky little girl down the street, Macy, now an attractive sophomore, who genuinely listens to him and cares enough about him to recognize his distress. She suggests that if he truly cannot tell anyone what’s bugging him, perhaps he should at least write about it. Thus, this novel, which probes the cultural divide separating the narrator from the rough-and-tumble “Streeters,” examines the chasm separating moral responsibility from the eternal damnation of keeping a horrible secret. The story is less resolved than Michael Cadnum’s Calling Home (Viking, 1991), but many teens will relate on one level or another to this teen’s terrible dilemma.–Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 5 Up–Posing as dragon-breeder John Topsell–a descendant of Edward Topsell, author of The Historie of Serpents (1608)–Nigg instructs readers in selecting and caring for a breed of dragon suited for them. Those without much room, for example, are advised to choose a Cockatrice, a rooster-sized creature famous for its bad breath. Only those with a big yard should consider the Dragon of India, which is three times the size of an elephant. A diagram of how to identify dragon eggs; a guide on choosing a healthy, well-adjusted pet from a breeder; and a list of equipment required for proper care (such as a fireproof suit) are included. While not intended as a serious book on mythology, Nigg does share many bits of real dragon lore while spinning out details of what it might be like to live in a world where people breed, register, and show these creatures. Malone’s full-color illustrations on every page offer fans many cool pictures to copy or sketch. With its tongue firmly in cheek, this book is a lot of lighthearted fun, and a wonderful choice for display and booktalking.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up–Three Oxford men, brought in for questioning in a London professor’s death in 1917, become companions on a voyage through the Archipelago of Dreams where they vanquish a usurper and restore the rightful king, proving themselves worthy to be Caretakers of the Imagination of the World. The three men are Jack (C. S. Lewis), John (J. R. R. Tolkien), and Charles (Williams–a lesser known writer of fantasy thrillers who belonged to the same Oxford literary discussion group, the Inklings). Their identities aren’t revealed until the end, along with the premise that their journey became the wellspring for their subsequent fiction. This twist accounts for the extensive use of material from their various imaginations. Readers who have not begun with the publisher’s blurb might find the bulk of the story tediously derivative, but those with extensive reading background in both fantasies and mythology may be keen to identify the allusions. The pen-and-ink illustrations, also allusive, include the playing-card royalty of Lewis Carroll and knights that might have been drawn by Howard Pyle. The story itself is unconvincing. The three strangers are quickly identified as “friends,” although they have shared nothing more than an after-interrogation drink and apparent abduction. Although John is Caretaker Principia and the apparent focus, only Jack’s character is developed enough to change, and youth seems to be the only reason for his flirtation with the forces of evil. It is a series of lucky encounters that sets them on their “quest” and solves the problems that arise. Only for fans of fan fiction.–Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 8 Up–Since Ellie’s father left, her mother has gotten more and more neglectful. For older sister Gwen, it’s a chance to run wild, but Ellie, 14, longs for the attention and support of a real parent. One of the times she returns home to an empty house, she notices a new neighbor, Leo, who is not only older, but also has an air of cool maturity to go with his handsome face. Full of pop-culture references to late-’80s music and fads, Ellie’s touching and tender narrative has a lightness of spirit that balances the seriousness of some events. Hints that smoking, drugs, arson, and risky sex are just some of the problems plaguing Gwen leave readers frightened for Ellie, who turns to Leo for answers and help as she finally gives up on her mother. While the seriousness of the situation is clear to readers, the protagonist convincingly manages to convey her determination to be happy and find support. A vulnerability pervades the narrative, never denying the fragility of the characters’ circumstances.–Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 7-10–Pausewang presents an exciting and thought-provoking novel from the perspective of a teen who secretly questions the validity of Nazi ideals. In the last year of World War II, 16-year-old Anna discovers an escaped Russian POW in her village barn and makes a conscious choice to provide shelter, food, and safety, risking certain death if discovered. With her older brother, Seff, at the front and her younger brother, Felix, completely indoctrinated into the Hitler Youth Movement, Anna represents a voice of reason and humanity as she struggles to make sense of her country’s political aspirations. Like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief (Knopf, 2006), this novel portrays good, caring German citizens caught in the cruel domination of a mad dictator. Readers are left with a brutal and hopelessly realistic conclusion that will provide much opportunity for discussion. This is a powerful view of resistance and fortitude when ordinary citizens have little control over their lives other than their own private thoughts and beliefs.–Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 9 Up–It’s the middle of the night in a small New Jersey beach town, and Kurt Carmody, 17, has questions about what happened minutes ago at the pier, when a shot was heard and his 15-year-old sister, Casey, plunged (or dove?) off and disappeared. Why did erratic Stacy Kearney bring a gun to the pier–and why are so many of Kurt’s friends eager to point the finger at her? What does any of it have to do with rumors that Stacy is pregnant and that Casey’s boyfriend may be the father, or that Stacy’s pig of a father is a blight on the town and her rich mother a cheating drug addict? Kurt’s hour-by-hour narration takes readers from the town’s police station to the pitch-black beach, where choppers search the waters. In classic crime-fiction style, Kurt pieces together the night, eavesdropping on statements, questioning key figures, and trying to make sense of Stacy’s increasingly disturbing backstory–all the while questioning human nature, his friendships, and his post-high-school plans. Plum-Ucci struggles with pace early on, and her supporting characters are one-dimensional. While the mystery is engrossing and the dramatic ending satisfying, if overdone, it is Kurt’s emotional growth that forms the heart of the story and has the most to offer readers. Fans of the author’s novels or crime fiction in general will welcome this addition to the genre.–Riva Pollard, The Winsor School Library, Boston

Gr 6 Up–Winter must die, and Summer must sink into the ground; it is all part of the Story, and Tiffany Aching has danced into the middle of it. On the last day of autumn, Tiffany travels to the woods to witness the Black Morris, the traditional dance of the gods heralding the arrival of winter. In a moment of heedless excitement, her rollicking feet draw her to the music, and she crashes headlong into the Wintersmith. He is fascinated by the girl and proceeds to “court” her in his own fashion–all the snowflakes are made in her image and giant Tiffany-shaped icebergs appear in the sea. Meanwhile, Tiffany begins to show characteristics of the goddess Summer–the touch of her bare feet makes things grow. All the attention from the Wintersmith would be quite flattering were it not for the deadly winter that threatens the shepherds of the Chalk. As the situation is very dangerous and death is certain, the Nac Mac Feegles (along with an especially lively cheese named Horace) are directly in the fray protecting their “big wee hag” along with Annagramma, Granny Weatherwax, Miss Tick, and other favorites from past adventures. All are skillfully characterized; even the Wintersmith elicits sympathy as he joyfully buries the world in snow in his attempt to win Tiffany. Replete with dry and intelligent humor, this latest in the series is sure to delight.–Heather M. Campbell, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 6-10–This wildly imaginative sci-fi pirate adventure has tongue-in-cheek humor and social commentary on accepting those who are different, among other things. Art Mumby and his sister, Myrtle, proud citizens of the British Empire, which in 1851 includes extraterrestrial territories, live with their father in Larklight, a rambling house that just happens to be traveling through outer space. The arrival of elephant-sized white spiders sets in motion an adventure that takes the quibbling siblings across the universe to battle the forces of evil. The spiders, the First Ones, want the key to Larklight in order to destroy the Empire and rule again. Art and Myrtle, thinking their father dead in the spiders’ webs, escape their home, only to be rescued by the notorious space pirate Jack Havock. His ship sails the lunar sea with its crew, including Ssilissa, a human-sized blue lizard, and a gigantic land crab named Nipper. Art is the narrator, but when he and his sister are separated, readers are treated to Myrtle’s prim and proper diary entries. With the help of Jack and his merry band, good triumphs, the family is reunited, and Myrtle and Jack begin a romance. Reeve’s cinematic prose describes his fantastic universe while also conveying a Victorian sensibility. Whimsical, detailed black-and-white illustrations enhance the text. Readers will eagerly suspend disbelief; they will be riveted by the exciting plot’s twists and turns as our heroes face death-defying adventures and narrow escapes, all at a frenetic pace. As Art would declare, “Huzzah!”–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 8 Up–After sophomore Cassie Howard is named Snow Queen runner-up at her winter formal, she sets her sights on becoming the top of the social order at her school. She has a new, good-looking boyfriend, another asset in reaching her goal. Her true motive is not so much popularity as it is to be loved by him and her friends. Unfortunately, there are many obstacles in her way, including snobby Sterling Carter and her faithful followers. Cassie’s home life has complications, too. The teen tells her story during a two-month period when she inadvertently becomes the director of the school’s first talent show, a fund-raiser for cancer research. The faculty adviser’s husband has cancer, which only Cassie knows. When Mrs. Conway takes a leave of absence to care for him, a panicked Cassie is left in charge. The relationships of friends, boyfriends, and rivals are explored in familiar scenarios. Cassie’s revelations about herself and those around her are spelled out in the final chapters. Fans of the companion book, The Queen of Second Place (Delacorte, 2005), may be enticed to read this, as well as teens seeking light fare.–Linda L. Plevak, formerly at Saint Mary’s Hall, San Antonio, TX

Gr 6-9–Entering their junior year, Grace di Giovanni and her best friend, Emily, are determined to break into the school’s A-list. Things start looking up when the star quarterback, Hunter Wells, takes Grace out on a date, and then she beats her rival to win the lead in the school’s production of Grease. Her success leads to an audition and a place in a real Broadway show, but it causes problems with her relationships. Hunter is jealous about the time she spends on her own activities, and Emily feels that Grace is ignoring her for Hunter. Grace’s brother dislikes him because he’s a jock, and when she sneaks out to a party, her parents also turn against him. The family interactions are portrayed with affectionate humor, and they are realistic, as are the audition scenes. This debut novel sometimes uses too much telling over showing, and problems may be resolved too quickly in the happy ending, but this is a wholesome and enjoyable selection.–Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 9 Up–Audrey wants to spend her senior year staying at fourth in her class and hanging with her friends, so she breaks it off with the flirty and mysterious Luke DeSalvio by giving him a goodbye gift he won’t forget. But at school next week, Audrey gets snickers, jeers, and dirty jokes, and Luke won’t even look at her. As it turns out, someone took a photo of her intimate moment with him, and now she must spend all her energy repairing her reputation. She reacts to her newfound infamy by pouring herself into her schoolwork and analyzing her relationship with Luke via flashback chapters. Her friend Ash is horrified when Audrey tells her she’s not a virgin, and Audrey resigns herself to hanging out with the school sluts. Slowly, she manages to pull herself up to second in her class, and a run-in with Luke reveals that his feelings about her were not what she assumed. Audrey reclaims her self-esteem with her new girlfriends as they all dress up as born-again virgins for the prom, and a late-night confession reveals the true culprit behind the photograph. The story ends predictably with Audrey and Luke reunited. Teens will enjoy Ruby’s frank message that having sex does not necessarily make one a slut. However, the tone occasionally gets preachy, as Audrey receives advice from her parents, preacher, and gynecologist. Still, the book will appeal to teens who’ve matured beyond Cecily von Ziegesar’s “Gossip Girl” series (Little, Brown).–Jane Cronkhite, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 9 Up–A novel about the loss of a sibling should be painful and poignant, and this one is both, but it’s also surprisingly funny. Brian, 16, is a smart but ordinary student coping with family tragedy–though readers don’t get the details until almost the end of the book–and also adjusting to a new high school. His first-person, present-tense narrative lets readers peer into his often-random thoughts as he moves through his classes, makes new friends, and dates all the wrong girls. Meanwhile, his grief is something he pushes to the background. Brian’s voice is clear and authentic; his thoughts come across as uncensored and raw, ranging from angrily self-destructive to sharply observant. His reflections on the opposite sex are both amusing and sad–for instance, he struggles to decide whether to break up with a girlfriend who annoys him, but who may offer him a chance to lose his virginity. Slowly, he reconnects with his parents, figures out a few things about himself, and comes to terms with his brother’s death. Readers looking for action and adventure won’t find it here, but this is a superb exploration of sudden loss, romantic disappointment, and general adolescent angst.–Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 8 Up–In the kingdom of Linevan, it was prophesized that the king and queen would bear twins–one male and one female–and that the female child, on her 16th birthday, would cause the world to end and therefore must be immediately executed. The queen, who could not bear to murder her daughter, sent her to live with a family friend and his two children outside of town. This “Scrapped Princess,” now named Pacifica, grows up with two siblings: a powerful sorcerer named Raquel and a robust warrior named Shannon. She knows nothing about her past, other than that she was adopted and that someone has killed their father. When the truth of her heritage is revealed, she, Shannon, and Raquel set out to avenge their father’s murder and see if the ominous prophecy is true. Tokyopop’s aspiring entry into the fiction market is a decent story, although it uses conventions more typical to manga than to fantasy. Some of the dialogue is laced with sexual innuendo–not unusual for Japanese manga, though not as prevalent in fantasy. The setting, an anachronistic blend of a medieval world with futuristic weaponry, would work well visually depicted, but obfuscates readers’ clear perception of where and when the story takes place. Inspired by the anime series, this first title in a 13-volume run will most likely appeal to teens because of its tie-in and manga-style illustrations, and fans of the original manga will be intrigued about the characters’ pasts.–Jennifer Feigelman, Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, NY

Gr 7 Up–Carlos Amoroso, 15, loves video games, junk food, and hanging out with his buddies. The only thing he can’t do is get a date with sexy, popular Roxy Rodriguez. After watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, he approaches a gay classmate, Sal, for a makeover. Sal agrees but insists that Carlos help him start a Gay-Straight Alliance at their predominantly Hispanic Texas high school. Carlos is conflicted–what if his friends think he’s gay, too? In the process, the teen learns how to clean, dress, clear zits, and talk to girls. He also learns how to be honest with himself, and how to tell people, including his macho father and homophobic buddies, how he really feels. Although Sanchez’s prose is creaky and expository at first–it seems slightly dumbed down compared to his “Rainbow” books (S & S)–the truth of the story and familiar, realistic characters quickly engage readers. The dialogue is pointed and natural, and the characterizations and plot emerge deftly from conversation, especially teenage trash talking. Sanchez’s usual good-natured humor flavors Sal and Carlos’s tumultuous friendship. The easy pace and farcical Cyrano de Bergerac meets Queer Eye construct of the novel is deceptive: the mood is wholly emotional as hate is exposed everywhere and even the minor characters discover new truths. This sweet, simple examination of homophobia and friendship is a welcome addition to the genre, especially for reluctant readers.–Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7-10–Livy Moore, 16, is best friends with Ruth, the pastor’s kid, but has been neglecting the friendship since her mother became terminally ill. Ruth decides to playfully kidnap Livy and take her for a ride along with Gil, football player extraordinaire; his sister Jackie; Charlie, inseparable from Gil and also the running back; and Ed, a benchwarmer who’s a bit goofy but has a great heart. They attend a party, get drunk, go home, and come together the next day to go to the Goodlove Forest preserve. “Guys crashed cars there, girls got pregnant, and nobody went there for the nature walks.” Tragedy strikes, and Livy must now deal with not shutting herself off from the rest of the world again. What makes this story so strong are the moments in which the teen remembers being with her mother before she was sick and the dream journal that opens each chapter and reflects on her feelings. The relationship with her father grows believably stronger at the end of the novel. Teens who have recently lost someone close to them, or know that it’s about to happen, will appreciate this sincere and thoughtful novel.–Kelly Czarnecki, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg, NC

Gr 7 Up–In this third book in the series, 16-year-old Goth girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, attempt to save Dullsville from an invasion of the undead. Jagger and Luna, evil teen vampire twins new in town, are trying to get their fangs into Trevor, soccer star and Raven’s nemesis since kindergarten. Making things even more difficult for Raven is the fact that she and her boyfriend run on different schedules; she can only see him at night, due to his aversion to daylight. The book culminates with a party at the cemetery, during which Jagger and Luna hope to trap Trevor and make him one of their kind. The action begins where the second installment ended and no effort is made to bring readers up to speed, leaving those unfamiliar with the first two titles in the dark. Although the series is a fun, fast read for vampire fans, it pales in comparison to other titles currently available in the genre.–Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 4-8–Ever since her mother died of smallpox, 10-year-old Molly Abraham has survived on the streets of 1730s London by picking pockets. She is caught, and her sentence is indentured servitude in America until the age of 21. She dreads the new land, which is occupied, she has heard, by “Salvages who had faces in their bellies and no heads.” When the Good Intention docks in New York, a Jewish merchant, Mr. Bell, buys her. With only a vague memory of being Jewish herself, the street-savvy girl has a lot to learn about personal hygiene (she fears a bath will drown her brain), household chores, keeping kosher, and reading. The kindly Bells and their children also teach her about trust, hard work, and mitzvahs, or good deeds. Though initially fearful and determined to get back to England, in the end she chooses to help an abused slave escape rather than look after herself. Molly’s choices can be judged against those of her foil, Hesper Crudge, a far less likable young exile in similar straits. Both girls “patter Flash”–speak the secret dialect of London thieves. Consequently, readers will need to consult the glossary quite often, which could prove inconvenient. Still, this is an engaging tale about some lesser-known aspects of 18th-century life, with memorable characters. An author’s note provides additional background about pickpockets and prisons in London, as well as about the lives of Jews, indentured servants, and slaves in colonial New York.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 4-6–When Gio, Destiny, Max, and Willie are sent to room 5E on their first day of fifth grade at PS 1, they believe that they have been sent to the room of doom, where all the stupid kids go as a last resort. But what they don’t know is that Ms. Hill, their new teacher, is about to change them. Slowly but surely, she enables all of her students to face their inner struggles and feelings and express themselves through words, both on paper and out loud. The story is told through the journal entries of each of four students. Through their work, Schwartz is able to show the characters’ subtle growth, both in their writing abilities and in their personal lives. She takes a group of diverse kids and lets them naturally grow into friends. Their writing is, at once, simple and deep, emotional and beautiful; perhaps a little too well done for fifth graders. While this could be a promising motivational book for reluctant readers and writers, it can be confusing as to who is speaking. This leads to minor backtracking, but a happy ending makes the effort worthwhile.–Carly B. Wiskoff, Sayville Library, NY

Gr 5-7–Complex and believably imperfect characters emerge from the first page to the last in this debut novel. Gabe, 12, had been shuffled around the foster-care system for years, until, as a 9-year-old, he was taken to Virginia to an uncle he had never met. Now, two years later, he comes home after the first day of sixth grade to find Uncle Vernon dead. Numb with fear and grief, he tells no one, but the body disappears and mysterious cards begin to appear in his mailbox. As he mourns for his uncle and struggles to honor his memory, readers get to know the strong and caring people surrounding him, and to see the enormous impact made by one scarred and cantankerous, but loving, old man. Uncle Vernon’s colloquial voice; the details of successive school days and vignettes of what it means to have a best friend; horrifying glimpses of the Vietnam War, in which Vernon had served, and its aftermath; and sketches of compassionate adults make up some of the bits and pieces of the story. The book is much more than the sum of these parts, however. Warm and moving, it is an evocative picture of the weblike nature of human existence and the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate experiences.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 9 Up–Rosewood, PA, is filled with mansions, Mercedes, and fortunate girls like Alison, Spencer, Emily, Aria, and Hanna. These five friends are bound together by a horrible secret–never fully revealed in the book–until the summer after seventh grade, when Alison goes missing. Now high school juniors, each of the remaining girls is going through a trying time and has a new secret. Spencer is falling for her sister’s boyfriend, Aria is involved in a relationship with her teacher, Emily has issues with her sexual identity, and Hanna has an eating disorder. They think that no one knows about these things, until all four of them begin to get mysterious notes, e-mails, and text messages from someone by the name of “A.” They are afraid that Alison is back, and the mocking tone of the messages makes them worry that she could be ready to divulge their hidden past. In the end, her body is found, but they still receive the messages, leaving readers to wonder what happens next. Shepard writes a suspenseful page-turner that will have teens thirsting for more. The plot is quick-moving and encapsulates the feelings of many teens.–Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 7-9–Wealthy Aunt Paulina doesn’t help to pay for Kat’s mother’s cancer treatment, and the now-orphaned 13-year-old promises that she will exact retribution some day. She goes to live with her alcoholic aunt, and dark secrets involving family relationships, murder, teen pregnancy, and abuse are slowly revealed. Kat befriends a girl seemingly from the wrong side of the tracks, but this first impression does not depict the full picture, as is the case for most of the people that the teen encounters. She helps care for a neighbor’s grandson, left by his mother because she was unable to cope with his special needs. It is somewhat difficult to accept Kat’s ability to bounce back from trauma after trauma as quickly and cleanly as she does, despite her newfound supports. There are many powerful issues here, and they aren’t all developed, thus showing that life brings situations so often left unresolved. Well written, with a compelling protagonist, Kat’s Promise allows readers to see that there is hope out of a life of pain.–Tracy Karbel, Chicago Public Library System, East Vodak Branch

Gr 8 Up–With only 50 hard-earned dollars in his pocket, Nick Gordon can’t afford to be choosy when it comes to purchasing a cell phone, so he takes what the dealer at the discount store offers him: a suspiciously newer-looking model with an odd ring and no caller ID. Almost instantly, the phone Nick purchased solely to keep in touch with his girlfriend is taking over his life, with mysterious callers asking for (or demanding) help and a selection of fiendish-looking games. Is it all a hoax, or does the phone’s coverage extend into Hell itself? Either way, Nick finds himself going with terrifying speed from poor boy trying to make good to criminal. While the ending wraps up rather too neatly, the rapid pace and vivid, unsettling conception of the Inferno will grab horror readers, particularly those who’ve enjoyed Sleator’s other works.–Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 10 Up–Robin, an outcast college student, has problems connecting with others because of her dark past. When she stays at school over the Thanksgiving holiday, she believes that she is alone in the gothic castle of a dormitory. However, four other students are also there. The first evening, they find themselves in a lounge together, and, after drinking and smoking pot, they discover a Ouija board. When Robin and another girl use it, they connect with a spirit who calls himself Zachary, a student who died in a fire in the dorm years before. But the five students have actually contacted something far more sinister and dangerous than a ghost. Soon the question becomes whether any of them will survive the encounter. The book reads like the script of a low-budget horror movie, and the characters never rise above stereotypes. Additionally, the story is undermined by the rushed ending. Skip this derivative work in favor of more original titles.–Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 6-9–Connor and Grace Tempest have grown up listening to their father’s sea shanty about the Vampirates and their “ancient ship...that haunts the oceans blue,” a song that predates the changes that left their future world largely flooded. After his death leaves them orphaned and penniless, the 14-year-old twins run away to sea and are separated by a storm. Connor is rescued by a pirate ship, where he soon finds a place among its crewmates. Grace, on the other hand, has been rescued by a mysterious ship, which readers won’t be surprised to find is the home of the Vampirates. The siblings become involved with the internal politics of each vessel, meeting new friends–and new enemies, like the vampire Sidorio. Grace’s sense of horror and wonder at the Vampirate lifestyle is clearly drawn, and her protector, Lorcan, and the living figurehead, Miss Flotsam, offer sympathy and clues to the ship’s many mysteries. Swashbuckling Captain Wrathe and his crew feature a few stereotypes, but their adventure-filled lifestyle has a clear appeal to Connor and readers. This book is a good choice for reluctant readers, who will be drawn into the turns and twists of the twins’ story, and the dramatic cover art will help catch their attention. This fantastic tale will find many fans, who will be left looking for answers to mysteries only begun to be answered here.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 10 Up–Bonnie Pinkwater is a math teacher with a mission. As advisor and coach for four students involved in the Knowledge Bowl competition, she becomes particularly concerned when one of her competitors goes missing. She does a little investigating and puts forward a number of suggestions to the police officer in charge, an old student of hers. But things start to get out of control when she finds herself the target, and one of her other students is murdered. Undeterred, Bonnie remains on the trail and, together with another teacher, is continually updating her theories as two more of her Knowledge Bowl students are found dead. While this novel has an adult as a main character, teens will be able to relate to it because of the supporting cast; from the school thug to the genius, and everyone in between, the secondary players are all strong characters. The nonstop action and intrigue will hold most readers; the suspense is ever present, and the mystery has a good balance of clues and misinformation to keep amateur sleuths turning the pages. The love interest between the two teachers is at times somewhat strained, but that does not detract from the main story.–Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 8 Up–When Cathy’s boyfriend breaks up with her, she is determined to find out what’s going on. Set in the San Francisco Bay area, the book tries to do too much. It is written as a mystery, and there are phone numbers to call, Web sites to visit, documents to look at, and doodles to view. But none of it adds up to an interesting story. The plot is almost a rote vampire tale with a family drama thrown in, and it takes forever to get into it. And the use of different fonts and doodles on almost every page makes it hard to read. The book seems intended to draw in gamers or fans of shows like Lost or the film Donnie Darko, but there are many media-generated worlds that do the job better. This book covers familiar ground, and spicing it up actually does more harm than good.–Amy Patrick, formerly at New York Public Library

Gr 4-7–When Jarvis Midion travels to London with his parents to attend the reading of the will of a distant relative, what he discovers is far stranger than he suspected and more dangerous than he dreamed. His mother and father disappear, he is sucked into an alternate London that exists only inside a mysterious book, and he is challenged by a magical birthright that he has only just discovered. With the help of a motley band of guttersnipes, he struggles to solve the mystery of his family curse, find his missing parents, and master the magic that has trapped him. This is the first book in a new fantasy adventure series, and while fans of the genre will pick it up, they won’t find much to keep them reading. The story is mainly dedicated to introducing the cruel, mysterious world of Lunnon. The occasional spurts of action are not enough to hold readers’ interest, and the parts of the mystery that are resolved appear suddenly and clumsily at the end. Most unfortunately, Jarvis’s character is largely undeveloped, and readers will feel as though they know more about the strange alternate universe than they do about the boy who is marooned there. Close the book on the Grimoire and send readers toward some of Strickland’s better works.–Heather Dieffenbach, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 7-10–This creepy, futuristic title opens on the lives of five teens from various parts of the world. Through alternating narratives, readers learn that they all have strange powers that affect those around them in various ways. Then they suddenly find themselves among the few humans alive–what has felt like a day to them has been 75 years to the rest of the world. Lured to New York City by mysterious voices inside their heads, they discover why they are the only teens left and what it will mean to the world. Dealing with robotic crystal monsters, genetically altered animals, and old people with no hope, these young people must come to terms with what being an avatar means and how their powers will play out. The end of the world takes on a very different twist from series such as Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’s “Left Behind” (Tyndale House) or K. A. Applegate’s “Animorphs” (Scholastic). Readers will be drawn to the well-written characters and intrigued by the unexpected, cliff-hanger ending.–June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 9 Up–High school senior Kyle quits the gymnastics team and enrolls in a school for prospective professional wrestlers, where he makes new friends and rivals and shows promise as a wrestler. After graduation, he lands a beginner’s role in an established wrestler’s routine. At the brink of fulfilling his dream, the teen has to give up his fledgling career to care for his grandmother, who raised him after his mother abandoned him. Although there are some descriptions of wrestling action, the focus and strong point of the book lies in Kyle’s relationships. He breaks away from his high school crowd; begins a sexual relationship with a new, older girlfriend; experiences competition and camaraderie with other wrestling students; and watches friends and enemies succeed and fail. Most difficult of all is when his grandmother’s health fails and he is forced to allow his mother back into his life to help with the elderly woman’s care. Readably entertaining, in spite of an overly sunny conclusion and some predictability in plotting and in the minor characters, Sweeney’s book is somewhat reminiscent of Robert Lipsyte’s The Contender (1967) and Nat Hentoff’s Jazz Country (1965; o.p., both HarperCollins) in chronicling a young man’s pursuit of his dream in an adult world.–Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 6 Up–A collection of 13 stories that will thrill and chill readers. Each tale takes place on Halloween, and some stories are variations on familiar tales. Many are set in upstate New York, which lends a nice Ichabod Crane feel to the book. Well crafted, these spine-tingling selections rely on “gotcha” moments and old-fashioned suspense rather than gross-out horror. While all of them are enjoyable and worth mulling over, several stand out: in the creepy “Morgan Roehmar’s Boys,” a girl acting the part of a knifing victim during a haunted hayride comes face to face with a long-dead child murderer. “Pretending” describes a first date gone horribly wrong. “MARIAN” features a teen driver who finds himself at the mercy of his car, and the horrifying “My Real Mother” describes an adopted teen who searches for her blood (and, as it turns out, blood-sucking) mother, while leaving behind a gruesome mess at her adoptive parents’ home. The writing is crisp and concise and truly packs a punch. Fans of horror fiction and suspense will not be disappointed.–Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Gr 8 Up–Having spent the better part of his last years of high school in a hospital and rehabilitation center, Jersey Hatch recovers from the brain damage inflicted by a gunshot to his head, by his own hand. Through a hazy series of flashbacks, memories, dreams, and scenes from the present–often coded in what will appear to many readers as haphazard gibberish–he reaches inward to uncover the lost pieces of his memory and to figure out why he might have shot himself. There’s no doubt as to the ring of truth in both Jersey’s character and situation, and Vaught, a neuropsychologist, understands these afflictions. The more lucid parts of her story should hook readers and help them to fully grasp and empathize with the protagonist’s truly dire situation. However, Jersey’s more abstract patterns of thought and mutterings are perhaps too realistic for less-determined readers, and seem to make better food for a psychological journal than a teen novel.–Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 4-8–Jake’s father has lost his job and savings in the economic panic of 1837. The family leaves its comfortable Boston surroundings and takes up residence in a dingy farmhouse in Wiscasset, ME, where the 12-year-old finds himself responsible for the household. With his father working as a lumberman and his mother caring for his younger brother, who has cerebral palsy, Jake carries the additional burden of keeping his sibling’s existence a secret. He soon learns to trust his instincts and finds help and support from social outcasts. Granny McPherson, deemed a witch because of her herbal remedies; Nabby McCord, left to care for her younger siblings due to her alcoholic mother and seafaring father; and Simon, the kind, dim-witted handyman, help showcase the superstitious attitude toward differences that prevailed during this period. Although Jake at times appears too altruistic and resilient, he is still a believable protagonist. The native colloquialisms, use of actual people and events, and well-researched historical information keep the evenly paced plot appealing and the ending uplifting. Ben Mikaelsen’s Petey (Hyperion, 1998), Katherine Paterson’s Jip, His Story (Lodestar, 1996), and Cynthia DeFelice’s The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker (Farrar, 1996) offer more in-depth pictures of some of the atrocities directed at those who are considered different. Wait’s forthright tone and clear writing make this novel accessible to a wide audience.–D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 8 Up–The names of rock bands are used for chapter titles in this intriguing, fast-paced sequel to Peeps (Penguin, 2005), and music permeates the novel. While mysterious, dark happenings have taken over New York City’s hot, humid summer (black water bubbling from faucets and hydrants, and rats congregating in packs on city streets), Moz, an aspiring guitarist, and his closest associate, Zahler, search for promising musicians to complete their sound. One night, as Moz tries to save a vintage 1975 Fender Stratocaster as it is inexplicably thrown out of an apartment window, he meets Pearl, an attractive and slightly off-center musical genius. With the help of Zahler, they recruit a street drummer named Alana Ray, and Pearl convinces her talented singer friend Minerva, who is recuperating from a serious illness that appears to have left her with a strange desire for human blood, to join them. Moz and Pearl work through power issues as they become closer. And as the danger to New York City begins to escalate, the band’s evolving music and especially the energized singing of Minerva–both described in great detail–play a central role in calling up the deadly forces and ultimately helping to defeat them. The dialogue is crisp and clear and alternately funny and biting. While it will help to read Peeps first, this novel stands on its own. It’s a real winner.–Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego

Gr 5-8–Emmaline Cayley grew up in India, but as she approaches the age of 14, her very proper mother (who is married to a very proper British colonial official) sends her home to England to attend the harsh St. Grimelda’s School for Young Ladies. Emmaline is not interested in becoming a young lady–she wants to follow in the footsteps of her great-great-uncle, Sir George Cayley, and design flying machines. In the weeks before school starts, she teams up with Rab, a 12-year-old village boy whom everyone calls “Rubberbones” because he can fall out of a tree or get hit by a brick and suffer no damage, and the two of them build several gliders. Once Emmaline goes off to St. Grimelda’s, her potty Aunt Lucy, Rubberbones, and their allies realize what a horror the place is and initiate an elaborate plot to help her escape on a giant, smuggled-in, homemade kite. This comic tale of a slightly alternative Victorian England is goofy and fun. It loses some of its impact, however, because the school–which uses the fearsome pterodactyls it has owned since the 16th century to catch any girls who try to escape–is built up as a horror. But its pompous, ruler-wielding headmistress and teachers don’t seem to frighten Emmaline and her friends much, so they won’t scare readers, either. Slavin’s intricate pen-and-ink drawings are properly atmospheric. A sequel is virtually guaranteed.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 5-8–In prehistoric Western Asia, horses are seen as a source of food and nothing else. However, Fern, who has always had an affinity for animals, is about to change that perception. When she discovers a young mare caught in a bog, she figures out how to rescue and befriend her, and eventually how to ride her. Slowly, she convinces her tribe how invaluable horses could be as their companions and helpers rather than as mere prey. Fern gains the support of her grandmother, her teasing-but-loving twin brother, and her strong, warrior father. She and the horse become objects of fascination but also somewhat of fear in the tribe. In the meantime, a suitor, Badger, is determined to have her as his wife. He looks like a great catch but is actually a bully, further complicating her life. She finds love with an outcast from another tribe who has great healing powers and a kind heart. The story line and characters are fairly predictable. Only Fern seems multifaceted; Badger is mean, and grandmother is wise, but otherwise their characters are undeveloped. Still, a tale about the first taming of a horse may interest lovers of these animals, and Fern’s human dilemmas along the way may keep them reading.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 9 Up–When Gena, Casey, and Maryann ditch their school trip to D.C. to stay at a lakeside cabin for a week, their biggest concern is getting caught by their parents. They plan to have a carefree time of eating junk food, meeting up with boys, and partying. Soon after their arrival, though, things begin to go horribly wrong. A number of terribly mutilated animals are found nearby, and two teenage boys go missing within one day. The girls and remaining boys decide to investigate and consequently draw the attention of the killer. Soon Gena is also missing, and Casey and Maryann are trying to fend off a vicious murderer. Though the story follows the formulaic plotting devices satirized in the “Scream” films, Windsor will keep teens hooked through the gruesomeness alone. The descriptions of what the killer does to his victims are enough to give readers a cold shiver of fear. Each chapter is narrated by a different character, including the killer and the sheriff’s teenage son, which allows for rounding out of the perspective in the book, but no deep character development. Larger public libraries will want to purchase the book for horror fans, but schools can probably pass.–Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

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