Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up–Kerri Langston has psychic visions, and since her father’s supposed suicide, she has been deemed the town freak because of them. She knows her father did not kill himself, but no one will listen to her. Late one night, she and her friend Seth Roberts, the son of her father’s former colleague on the police force, are attending a party at the local teen hangout when Kerri literally stumbles across Mark Travers, who died falling off a cliff near the pond. The visions start all over again, and Kerri realizes that, like her father, Mark Travers was murdered. As she learns more about him, she also discovers more about Deputy Roberts, Seth, and her father’s death. Then, she must try to save herself from the evil and corruption that is plaguing her small community. Kerri is a sympathetic character who is struggling with accepting the loss of her father, especially in light of her visions about his death. She also has to deal with her mother’s grief and guilt and the adults who do not want the truth to come out. While Kerri’s visions are a well-integrated part of the story, the plot device of trafficking in teen girls is a little over-the-top. Still, readers will appreciate the excitement and Kerri’s courage. Those who want books about the supernatural will flock to this one, and reluctant readers will enjoy the fast-moving plot and well-crafted mystery.–Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 4-6–When Nadia was five, her father had a heart attack and died, and she found out that she, too, had a bad heart. Consequently, her mother has always restricted her activities. Now in sixth grade, she has no friends, but has a well-developed fantasy life. When her teacher announces tryouts for a class play, Nadia thinks that she will finally be able to do something that will make the popular girls notice her. She amazes everyone with her audition, and is bitterly disappointed when she does not get a role. She tries to become friends with Carmalee, the class misfit, but Mama squashes the relationship. Fed up with her almost-existence, Nadia rebels. While at a doctor’s appointment, she peeks at her chart and discovers that she simply has a heart murmur and can lead a normal life. Eventually, it becomes clear that Mama is suffering from emotional problems. She is sent to a rest home while Nadia stays with her aunt. No longer stuck in her “'sick girl’ box,” she stands up to the popular girls when they make fun of Carmalee. This brief story wrestles with too many themes, including physical and mental illness, family relationships, peer pressure, and bullying. The writing is choppy, Nadia’s discovery of the truth about her health is unrealistic, and the ending is simplistic.–Wendy Smith-D’Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5-8–Erich Levi lives in a small German town at the early stages of the Nazi regime. A well-respected business family, the Levis have always had friends and good relations in their community. Soon after the government’s takeover, they begin to experience subtle and then obvious forms of harassment and prejudice both in school and in their everyday dealings with neighbors. Life becomes increasingly more dangerous for Erich, his brother Max, and their cousin Erwin. While life is indeed difficult, the day-by-day portrayal of each additional hardship during the years 1933-1938 becomes a bit tedious. Forced but fortunate to escape to America, the Levis’ wartime experience, while cruel and unjust, provides a view into the early days of a Jewish family’s struggle to maintain their patriotism and loyalty despite the obvious pressures of religious discrimination and unjustified brutality. This fictionalized window into what are becoming myriad choices in Holocaust literature for young people is an additional purchase.–Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 8 Up–Ashley’s frightening dreams of a singing and drum-playing bear-man shaman cause her to become obsessed with Nanurluk, the legendary spirit bear of the Inuit people. Then the mangled body of a classmate is found along the ice road outside of the Arctic town of Nanurtalik, and Ashley learns that it has the earmarks of a polar bear attack. Although villagers haven’t seen the animals in the area for decades, random sightings and reports by a visiting scientist point to the possibility that climate change is altering their distribution. Artistic Ashley begins drawing images from her dreams and listening closely to her elder Uncle Jonah’s songs. Her “adventure meter” ticking, she investigates the mysterious icehouse, explores an ancient spirit trail, and joins her father on a bear hunt. By the end of the book, when Jonah disappears and the scientist finds, near the old man’s glasses, a dead polar bear with two hearts, Ashley is convinced of the spiritual connection she and her family have to the shaman. While readers will be intrigued with the mystical elements of the story as they are woven into the realistic daily life of a modern Arctic teen, there are also many undisguised messages about global warming, chaos theory, and man’s effect on weather patterns. Human encroachment into animal habitat is illustrated by a few chapters told from the polar bear’s viewpoint, as hunter and hunted.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 5-8–In the same tradition as J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter or David Eddings’s “Belgariad” series (Ballantine), a 13-year-old boy is found to have strange talents to be used for good or evil. When his parents go to China on business, New Yorker Davey Boehm is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Great Oak, NC. He is nearsighted, a terrible athlete, and extremely smart–an easy target for the school bully. After missing the bus after school, he cuts across Harrison Park and comes face to face with the great oak that gives the town its name. It prompts him to climb it and a squirrel gives him a necklace that begins to unlock the secrets of his mysterious ancestry. With help from the Cherokee tribe that lives up the mountain, he learns more about his great-grandparents and discovers that he is a descendant of a long line of magicians. He then learns how to use his powers to free the town from a demonic spirit that has gained control over a prominent family. In a world in which wishes come true, enemies can be turned into allies, and animals can be communicated with, Davey grows to become a true hero and protector as was prophesized so many years before. Full of mystery and intrigue, this lengthy first book of the series will delight fantasy readers.–June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 7-10–Malva chafes in her role as Princetta of Galnicia. Her head is filled with fantasies of faraway adventure rather than focused on her upcoming wedding. When her teacher, the Archont, gives her a way to escape, Malva flees from her parents and their rules. Boarding a boat, she and her maid learn of a perfect island, but discover that they have been betrayed, and the girls must fight to stay alive. This is only the start of the trials of the Princetta, who walks for weeks, lands in a harem, is rescued by ship again, and eventually finds the island that she has been seeking. Throughout the book, readers will have difficulty relating to the characters. Malva’s insistence on looking for her island is tiresome and baffling, and her realization of the truth comes very late in the book. Because the writing holds readers at a distance, the adventures are not particularly compelling. By the end of the lengthy story, the series of encounters has become rather overwhelming. Tamora Pierce’s books have the strong female protagonists, humor, and good pacing that this story lacks.–Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 7-10–As the exiled heir to thrones in two kingdoms, Reiffen lives under constant threat of danger from his uncle, King Brannis, who wants to keep his lineage a secret. The 12-year-old prince is faced with an even greater threat, however, when he is kidnapped by a trio of wizards who plan to place him on the throne as their puppet. Subjected to both magical and psychological methods of persuasion, Reiffen must choose whether or not he will be a willing participant in the wizards’ scheme. His rescuers, consisting of a dwarf, a shape-shifting bear, and two childhood friends, must travel through the cavernous underground world of the dwarves to reach him. Planned as a trilogy, this first novel is ambitious in its scale, but falls short of J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” epic that obviously inspired it. The story is full of hard-to-pronounce names of people and places. The explanation of Reiffen’s exile comes too late, and background mythology that would have eased confusion is not fleshed out enough. Instead, too many details are included about the scenery and, as a result, the adventure is often bogged down by description. This book has enough action, imagination, and witty repartee between characters to hold the interest of readers who give it a chance, but they will undoubtedly be frustrated with its many incongruities.–Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 4-6–Herculeah is back in another exciting adventure. Here, she is reading to her mother’s friend, a lonely stroke victim who cannot speak, and becomes involved in a family feud and mystery involving money and murder. Against her friend Meat’s better judgment, she keeps going back to the house and puts her own life in danger. A fast-paced plot and well-developed, likable characters keep readers turning pages. Fans of the series as well as those new to it will enjoy the suspense that Byars is so famous for building.–Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 5-8–Twelve-year-old Chula is frightened by the arrival of an unusual houseguest, a scarred prizefighter from Mexico. Her father has brought El Jefe, his childhood friend, to their South Texas town and risks the family savings to back him in a black-market fight against Golden Gloves, a local white boxer. It’s a classic confrontation of Circles (people from the poor Mexican community) versus Squares (those from the wealthier side of town), and Chula’s family is hoping for victory and a rescue from the poverty that has been their fate since the car accident that left Pape in a wheelchair. Chula suffered a head injury from flying glass that has left her with “Flashes,” her name for the resulting epileptic seizures, and caused her to be ostracized by neighbors and classmates. Incorrect grammar and Spanish phrases pepper this startlingly vivid first-person narrative of a girl who understands that she needs to be brave and is not sure she’s up to it. The book includes a large cast of characters with an equally large set of problems. At a breakneck pace, the protagonist faces challenges from homework to hiding her brother from the police, and, through it all, shines as she listens to and learns from each person, especially the mythic and troubled El Jefe. Searching for strength and courage in others, Chula finds them in herself.–Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 6 Up–Two parallel stories unfold in this ghost story. Life for 12-year-old Asia in the small town of Cold Creek has been full of love and contentment. She was raised by Maddy and Ira, who are the only family she has ever known. All that suddenly changes the day Ira has a heart attack and their son comes to take care of things. Soon Harry is making arrangements for his parents to live with him for the winter and for Asia to be sent to Vancouver, where he has discovered her long-lost grandmother, Beth. The parallel story is told through passages from the diary of deceased Miranda Williams, in which readers learn of a mystery surrounding the death of her young daughter and the reason for the family’s hasty departure from Cold Creek in 1914. Asia has always been drawn to the Williams’s abandoned farmhouse and on her last visit before leaving for Vancouver, Miranda reveals herself to Asia and guides her to a little girl’s intact bedroom. Shortly after Asia goes to live with Beth, her world is turned upside down and she escapes dealing with her feelings of anger, fear, and distrust by agreeing to work for a very old woman, Mary Wintergreen. Eventually, she realizes that Mary and Miranda are the same ghost at different points in time. The book is a real page-turner, with strong, likable main characters.–Donna Rosenblum, Nassau Boces School Library System, NY

Gr 7-10–High school sophomore Luther, an ex-football player, finds himself at odds with his logger stepfather and his peers as forest fires blaze near Heartwood, MT. A hinted-at incident at last season’s play-off celebration soured Luther on sports and the party scene and turned former teammate Warren Juddson into an enemy. Now, Luther works for Kay, a vet who rehabilitates raptors, and his interest in the birds has caused his priorities to change. While many residents blame the fires on government policies restricting logging in national forests, Luther believes the issue is more complex. He and new friend–and crush–Alex, daughter of a Fish and Wildlife officer, create the Student Forest Society, and the teens are soon ostracized for their views. Tensions grow when Luther takes Kay’s prized falcon out to fly and the bird is shot and killed. Believing Warren is to blame, Luther starts a fight that ends in suspension for both boys. When fire comes to Heartwood, he heroically saves the birds and Kay’s house. While he recovers from his injuries, he comes to terms with his guilt over the party incident (vandalism). Luther is a sympathetic, believable character. Information about logging, forest fires, and birds of prey is skillfully integrated. Environmentally minded teens will appreciate this look at current issues within a coming-of-age story.–Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 9 Up–Patricia Kelley is the bold heroine of this 18th-century seafaring saga. Left with debts after her father’s death, the teen leaves her English boarding school to claim her Barbados plantation. She stows away on a merchant ship, but is soon discovered and threatened with expulsion at the nearest port. The ship’s surgeon intervenes and she becomes skilled as a nurse, but finds joy only in her nightly visits on deck when she wears sailor’s clothes and learns to climb the ropes. She longs to be with Brian Dalton, the bosun’s mate, but he is beneath her socially. In Barbados, Patricia finds that she has no home, and she agrees to the surgeon’s marriage proposal. Part two depicts their growing relationship and the work they do to combat yellow fever. Part three finds Patricia a penniless widow and shipwreck victim. Disguised as a man, she signs on as an assistant surgeon on a frigate bound for battle in Havana and is reunited with Brian. Though much of the novel is plot driven, Collison does an excellent job of allowing her protagonist to develop. At first she is fairly unlikable, which is true to her character, but ultimately she matures and becomes free of the shackles of convention. Historical details are smoothly woven into the story, and a historical note and bibliography are appended. Readers who enjoyed Avi’s The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (HarperCollins, 1992) will find a more substantial, mature story here to captivate them again.–Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 6-10–When 15-year-old Lucy’s father dies, her family learns that he was deeply in debt and that they can no longer afford their upper-middle-class lifestyle. Within just a few months, they find themselves living in a shelter. Lucy must leave her private school and attend a public school in a rough neighborhood, where she feels grateful to be lost in the crowd so that she can keep her circumstances a secret. She takes care of her younger brother, pushes her mother to go to school and be sociable, gets a job, makes friends with other residents at the shelter, and tracks down her estranged aunt. By the end of the book, Lucy’s family has regained some semblance of their former life. While this novel addresses a difficult social problem, it is somewhat unrealistic as, in the end, things work out well for almost everybody. Lucy’s mother gets a job and meets a new man, Lucy finds a boyfriend, and friends from the shelter find jobs and move to better apartments. While this is not great literature, its appealing characters and smoothly flowing plot make it a satisfying read.–Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman’s University, Denton

Gr 9 Up–Fifteen-year-old Madolen, who is half Navajo, has been raised by her prospector father in Glen Canyon at the end of the 19th century. When a Mormon family offers to take her in and teach her to read, she jumps at the chance. Later she strikes out on her own and becomes the guide for a handsome archaeologist. At first he resists her advances, but sorrow over a tragedy brings them together. Their relationship is short-lived, however, and when Wallis returns to the East, she decides to stay in her beloved canyon. The story is told by Madolen, and her voice is much too sophisticated for her character as developed. This is especially true when she meets her love interest and her descriptions of him wax especially eloquent. Creel has carefully researched the teen’s world, giving faithful descriptions of the history of the Mormons in the area, the mining attempts of Robert Stanton, and the condition of the Navajo nation during the period. However, the historical facts sometimes feel tacked on and interrupt the natural flow of the story. The book is recommended for those with special interest in Utah/Arizona history, but for others it is a secondary purchase.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 4-6–Plot’s not a strong point in this child’s journal of the Irish famine, but readers will still catch a whiff of the desperate circumstances that drove millions to flee their native soil. In an unusual approach to this pivotal period in Irish and American history, nine-year-old Michael’s chronicle of his family’s struggle to get by in the face of successive crop failures, and then to undertake the long sea journey to unwelcoming new shores, connects nearly two dozen flaps that conceal additional facts or painted illustrations, plus two simple but well-designed pop-up renderings of the Dunbrody, a full-scale reproduction of which is now a floating museum. Michael ends 40 years later, with references to the “Molly Maguires,” after which a closing spread identifies a handful of famous Irish Americans. Though fragmentary and purpose-driven, this book makes an effective exhibit centerpiece or introduction to a sad, hard time.–John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4-6–Verbena’s mother is disturbed that her daughter hasn’t shown any sign of manifesting her witch powers, so she is pleased when Grandma offers the 11-year-old weekly magic lessons. Grandma disapproves of Mom’s parenting techniques and is sure that she can help her granddaughter reach her potential. Verbena, for her part, just wants a normal, everyday life. Then Soufi, the cutest boy in school, winds up in the middle of one of Grandma’s spells, and Verbena is afraid that her social life is doomed. A different character narrates each section of the book. Mom focuses on the hassles of single witch-parenting; Grandma emphasizes family tradition; Verbena sees events through her desire for independence; and Soufi gives an outsider’s perspective. The changing viewpoint gives insight into the characters, but often makes the action difficult to follow. Young readers may also be troubled by Mom’s unflattering references to Verbena as “dumb” and “a batty birdbrain.” Diane Duane’s “Young Wizards” series (Harcourt) is a more cohesive, better-written chronicle of fledgling magic-users and their trials.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 4-7–A year after her magical adventures with wyverns and time-traveling wizards in Hatching Magic (S & S, 2003), life is more or less back to normal for 12-year-old Theodora. She’s taking drawing lessons, missing her friend Mikko, and trying to put the Events of Last Summer behind her. When her scientist father is invited to study an unusual scale found on a small island near Scotland, he takes her along, and uncanny things begin to happen. Theodora and her new friends, siblings Colin and Catriona, encounter an evil wizard who craves dominion over the Wizard Underworld known as Never-Was. A strange man who might be something more than human; a ghost dog; Theodora’s old friends Professor Iain Merlin O’Shea and Vyrna, the wyvern hatchling born addicted to chocolate; and the mysterious Book of the New Adept, which contains a prophecy about a young wizard who just might be Theodora, also appear. Readers find out more about the girl’s magical heritage and about the inner workings, educational system, and politics of the magical world. Once again, Downer displays her remarkable talent for creating realistic characters and a totally believable universe where magic exists just beyond plain sight. Familiarity with the first book isn’t imperative, but will definitely add to the experience.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5-9–Back with his mates at sea, and now on the enormous HMS Elephant, 13-year-old Sam Witchall, first introduced in Powder Monkey (Bloomsbury, 2005), is once again in the heat of battle. But this time he comes painfully close to death when he and his friend Richard are falsely accused of a crime and sent aboard a prison ship headed for Australia. The danger worsens when he escapes into the Australian Bush and is tied up by a cannibalistic murderer. Fate lends him a hand when two fugitives rescue the boys, and they fight their way back to civilization. The venturesome and dangerous life of a sailor in 1801 is vividly brought to life. This tale, however, takes on a much darker turn as Sam is exposed to torture, illness, and a gruesome murder. Adventure fans will not be disappointed with the daring rescues, shark attacks, espionage, and heated battles that fill the pages of this historically accurate and vastly entertaining sequel.–Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 8 Up–In a state of shock, 17-year-old Adam walks away from the scene of the car accident that has killed his parents. Stranded on a lonely road in rural Idaho, he heads east, on foot, as random snippets of memory wander in and out of his mind. Too traumatized to speak, his silence is misinterpreted by the succession of characters he meets on the odyssey home to Rhode Island. Stumbling upon a Wiccan meeting in a forest, he is taken in by one of the chatty young women and takes a job as a dishwasher in a local diner, where he is treated as deaf. Weeks later, he hitchhikes with a trucker and finds backbreaking work in Colorado fields with Mexican migrant farmers. He struggles to survive as he devours a frozen pizza found in a taxidermist’s cabin, sleeps in a Dumpster, crashes a picnic, and steals a car. The adventures intertwine with thoughts about his girlfriend, locker-room antics, his parents, their bookstore, and his autistic cousin–spontaneously, as if his mind has short-circuited from the crash. Adam, though still mute, arrives home emotionally ready to accept his parents’ death. While some situations seem far-fetched and there is some raw language, readers will be caught up in the teen’s predicament.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 8-10–Amy Nelson is a stereotypical spoiled teen who has stereotypical plans for her summer vacation: shopping, friends, boyfriend. Then, out of nowhere, her long-absent father calls to inform her that the grandmother whom she has never met is ill and that Amy needs to go to Israel to meet her. Before the teen can say, “But I’m not even Jewish!” she is on an Israeli moshav sharing a room with a cousin who hates her for being a spoiled American, lusting after a brooding older boy on the verge of his mandatory military service, and learning more than she ever thought possible about her faith, her family, their history, and their present. The characters are stock, and the lessons Amy learns are expected, but readers are still drawn into her story. The lightness of the narrative sometimes belies the depth of the topics on which it touches, but it is true to the manner in which many American teens would encounter these issues. Best for avid readers of realistic, high school dramedy.–Morgan Johnson-Doyle, Sierra High School, Colorado Springs, CO

Gr 5-8–Ellis’s novel attempts to expose the strains that cocaine production and trade and the U.S “War on Drugs” have placed on Bolivians. Diego’s parents have been wrongfully incarcerated for drug smuggling. While they serve their 16-year sentences, the 12-year-old, who would otherwise be homeless, lives in the women’s prison with his mother and younger sister. He earns money as a “taxi,” running errands in the city for the prisoners. One day his friend convinces him that they can make easier money working for men who turn out to be involved in cocaine manufacturing. The boys are enslaved in the jungle, Diego’s friend dies, and Diego barely escapes with his life. This harrowing part of the narrative is somewhat rushed and is less convincing than the rest. Nonetheless, because of its unusual setting and subject matter, and Ellis’s efforts to explicate complex social, political, and economic issues, this book should find a place in larger collections.–Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 5-8–Twelve-year-old Kip is spending the summer with his grandmother and his five cousins, all of whom are full of enthusiasm, action, and talk. His mother has just remarried and he is not sure what life will be like when the newlyweds get back from Hawaii. Gran’s seaside home is like nowhere else. The house has been sold and will be demolished soon so Kip and the girls are free to write on the walls, paint them, and bash them with sledgehammers if they wish, and the cousins do so with gusto. The onslaught of the girls takes a while to adjust to, but Kip has the attic bedroom as his retreat. There he finds his deceased father’s adolescent journal, a notebook filled with a story of espionage, secret plots, and a boy called the “Operative.” Kip feels an instant connection to this story and comes to see that Tristan was the same sort of kid that he is. But this image is shattered when Kip learns that his father suffered from paranoia and delusions and that the journal was the record of life as he saw it, not a story he was writing. This is a thoughtful and often funny book of a boy on the verge of adolescence challenged to think–of his father, mother, cousins, life–in a different way. Kip must find his place in his immediate and extended family, and this summer is the first step. Give this rich novel to readers who enjoyed Hillary McKay’s Casson family quartet and The Exiles series (both S & S).–Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 6-8–Hannah, 15, her younger brother, and her twin sisters are orphaned when their father dies in fighting for the Union and their mother has a fatal heart attack when bushwhackers assault their home. They leave East Tennessee for Nashville to be with their only relative. When they arrive, they discover that their aunt has died. Homeless but not hopeless, Hannah struggles to keep them alive, and they eventually end up at a refugee camp set up by the Union forces. An army doctor and his wife are quite taken with the twins and offer to adopt them. Hannah wants only to return to their farm but Jasper likes his job with the railroad and wants to make it his life’s work. Hannah is torn between her promise to her mother to keep the family together and to do what is best for her siblings. The idea for the book was based on a reenactment of civilian refugee camp life sponsored by the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Friends Society. However, the value of the story lies not in its historical content but in the description of the mixed emotions and suffering of friends and neighbors who suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict, the desperation of civilians in wartime, and the unending attempt of a teen to uphold a promise. The book would make for interesting discussions about authority, family bonds, and selflessness.–Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 7 Up–To the outside world, 13-year-old Samantha’s family seems perfectly happy. However, they are struggling to keep her architect father’s alcoholism a secret, and the balancing act of enabling his addiction and protecting their image is becoming more and more difficult. Sam longs to be able to share her burden with a friend and reaches out by leaving an anonymous autobiographical letter in a library book. Her anger and frustration are palpable as she struggles with her love for her dad despite the fact that his promises to clean up never materialize. When Sam is chastised by her mother and grandmother for not believing in his ability to change, readers will sympathize with the injustice of her difficult situation. Yet, the author avoids a maudlin tone by infusing the plot with details of typical teen life, such as Sam’s crush on an older boy and embarrassment at her developing body. Witty dialogue and smooth writing move the novel along at a clipped pace, and tension is successfully built and maintained as the teen’s father’s illness takes a dangerous turn, her budding relationship comes to a head, and her anonymous library pen pal is revealed. Despite the minor appearance of a stereotypical librarian, this is a perceptive novel featuring a likable protagonist to whom readers will easily relate. As in Perfect (Milkweed, 2004), Friend adroitly portrays a weighty topic with touches of humor and grace.–Rebecca M. Jones, Fort Myers-Lee County Library, FL

Gr 3-6–“They promise to pay me thirteen dollars a month. More money than that I never saw at once.” This poetic narrative evokes the emotion of emancipation and the courage and endurance of a newly freed man who joins the U.S. Army, protecting new settlements from Indians and bandits while earning a living, an education, and the respect of his country. He worries about family left at home and takes pride in a paycheck, finding a new life but facing loneliness in a life lived apart from loved ones. “…Sally says she hopes my fingers freeze off so I can’t sign up for five more years.” Paired with watercolor illustrations, each spread echoes the daily life of a buffalo soldier. This brief story both informs and pulls at the heartstrings of readers as the retired man compares his experiences to those of his son fighting in World War II, while readers view the shadow of his former comrades riding past his porch rocker.–Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 9 Up–Wanting to be “normal,” 16-year-old Dylan Kowolski tries to hide her homosexuality and to have sexual feelings for her boyfriend, Cam. All her fears and feelings reach the boiling point when she kisses a girl from another school at a dance. Interspersed throughout the story is a subplot involving the school librarian and the censorship of a book display that Dylan created. When the teen finally tells her family members that she is gay, they show unconditional love and acceptance. When trick-or-treating that year, her sister even wants to dress up as a lesbian. Her best friend from grade school has had a similar awakening and Dylan and Joc now become partners. Even Dylan’s ex-boyfriend is understanding and accepting. The story seems a little too fairy-talelike at this point, with all of the loose endings tied up neatly. A small reality check is Sheila, the girl Dylan kissed, whose family is not at all accepting of her sexuality. The raw language and sexually explicit scenes are appropriate for these characters as developed by the author. Teens who are experiencing emotional upheaval themselves and who don’t have supportive families will gain from the personal validation that the author provides. As in her previous novels, Goobie stresses the value of all individuals, and their right to their own space in this world.–Sheilah Kosco, Bastrop Public Library, TX

Gr 5-8–James and Morgan Parker, 10-year-old twins, set off to southern Utah to explore Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park with their parents, who had worked at Zion when they were in college. This adventure story is filled with interesting information about the parks, pictures, maps, and diagrams that help explain the landscape, climate, and topography of the area. The family members each keep a journal and the various entries help to personalize their experiences. They help to rescue an injured woman hiking, encounter a rattlesnake, and must split up to perform their own missions to help Mr. Parker, who slips and falls in the Narrows during a rainstorm. Graf is clear about the cautions that must be exercised when camping and hiking in wilderness areas. The events that the Parkers experience are realistic and quite common, and the full-color photos are spectacular. An appealing array of nature sketches and depictions of the Parkers in action also appears throughout. At the conclusion of the story, Morgan and James list their top 10 places to see for each park, which could serve as a helpful list for families planning a trip.–Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT

Gr 5-9–Dan Hogg is the class brain who wears glasses and has weird hair. But his biggest problem is his name: it just begs for insults. And the kids in his class are glad to oblige. When they go on a field trip to a heritage farm specializing in raising pigs, Dan knows that it will be the worst day of his life, but he never imagined just how bad it would get. An escaped criminal has made his way to the farm and locked up the owner. The convict is not sure what to do with the bus full of eighth graders, but soon figures out that he needs to get rid of them all. Surprising even himself, Dan, in a bumbling, self-effacing way, becomes a hero by saving his classmates and teacher. He is still the class nerd, but he has earned the respect of the biggest bully, and that helps. Grant has done a fantastic job of developing the voice of an adolescent who is the class bully’s whipping boy. Dan’s wry sense of humor catches readers’ attention and has them rooting for him practically from the first page. Pigboy is a great quick read for boys who may be reluctant readers, but others will enjoy it as well.–Wendy Smith-D’Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 6-8–It’s 1896, and feisty Megan Barnett, 14, leaves her family in Nebraska to be a mother’s helper for her sister, who lives with her husband and young son on a Mississippi steamboat. Her adventures begin as soon as she boards the train, where a charming college student occupies the seat next to her. Scoundrels, river rats, and an accident all provide grist for twists and turns in the plot as Megan learns to swim, navigate the river, take photographs, fish, and nurse her injured brother-in-law back to health. Newspaper articles give hints about the characters whom Megan meets and are an integral part of the plot. History and river life are skillfully woven into the fast-moving plot, and the characters are fully realized. The dialogue has enough 1890s vernacular to give a sense of the period, and historical information flows smoothly in the text. A first choice for independent reading or as a read-aloud.–Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 9 Up–Following his emigration from Warsaw to Paris in 1929, at age 14, Moshe adopts the French name Maurice. Within six years, he establishes a new life with a job, wife, and child in a city displaying less anti-Semitism than the city of his childhood. But his world is about to change again when the Nazis overtake Paris and he is deported, first to a work camp and then to Auschwitz. Moshe draws strength and emotional perseverance from his amateur-boxing hobby, using his skills and techniques to outsmart or even withstand the brutal beatings and long hours of hard labor with minimal nourishment. Told in first person, this novel is a day-by-day account, with graphically detailed descriptions of the cruelty and inhumanity created in a prison/slave environment with its own hierarchy pitting stronger Jews and other prisoners against weaker ones and overseen by merciless German commandos. Ultimately, the adage of “survival of the fittest” is clearly displayed here as Moshe’s story, based on a real survivor’s experience, is delineated, ironically negating Hitler’s Final Solution. In the end, however, Greif reminds readers that one not only needed emotional and physical strength but also a whole lot of luck and cleverness to be able to resist and emerge from the torturous nightmare of the camps. Tough, realistic reading with some raw language.–Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 5-7–For eight-year-old Paris Richmond, home “was such a funny word.” Because she and her older brother had moved from one foster home to another so often, it had come to mean not a place but a person. Malcolm was the one constant in her life. When they run away from an abusive home, they seek refuge with their grandmother, who returns them to the foster-care system. It is then that the siblings are placed in separate homes. Though Paris desperately misses Malcolm during her year with the Lincoln family, she gradually comes to trust them and even her own instincts. She gains coping skills through a newfound religious faith and the talent to share it through music. Her ability to keep “God in her pocket” allows her to overcome fears and difficulty. Her convictions allow her to endure inexcusable prejudice and malice as well as recognize the beauty and kindness around her. A poignant and plausible story, Paris is well crafted and simply but elegantly told. Even secondary characters are well drawn and recognizable as they grow, mature, and propel readers to a satisfying, hopeful, though not pat conclusion. Readers will pull for a successful life for Paris and Malcolm as they reunite with their mother and her new husband. They are also confident that Paris now knows what and where home really is.–Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 8 Up–Paris is a 14-year-old neglected rich girl whose uncle takes her on a hunting expedition in the Himalayas. Much admired by his cocky niece, Franklin is an influential, mysterious man. As his friends arrive at the base camp, the group’s sinister purpose begins to emerge. They intend to hunt and eat endangered species, and the height of their pleasure will be to kill the last animal of a kind, eating it into extinction. Meanwhile, 12-year-old monk-in-training Tahr, traveling with the elderly monk who raised him, glimpses a strange face in the forest just as the older man dies in an accident. Desperate, Tahr stumbles into the hunting camp. He and Paris begin to develop something of a friendship, but when he tells her about the creature he saw, she tells the adults. This leads to the horrific capture of an adolescent yeti, who turns out to be a Neanderthal human, possibly the last of her kind. When the yeti begins to communicate psychically with the youngsters, Paris begins to see the horror around her and changes loyalties. There are some scenes of graphic violence when the hunters come up against warring local factions. The story is intense, disturbing, and eventually riveting, in spite of some less-than-convincing characters and plot contrivances. Full of ethical and political overtones, the book will prompt discussion and controversy. While it doesn’t measure up to Eva (Delacorte, 1989), it’s a good choice for fans of the Peter Dickinson classic.–Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

Gr 5-9–Johnny Turnbull has spent all of his 12 years aboard the seed-ship Renaissance en route to the Rings of Orbis. Due to a mechanical problem, the adults on the spaceship perished long before Johnny and the other young passengers were born (they were stored as embryos and raised by the ship’s computer). When they arrive on Orbis 1, the orphans quickly learn that they will be forced to work for the Guarantors (alien businessmen) in order to pay off their dead parents’ debt for their passage. Johnny is immediately identified as the first human “softwire,” someone with the ability to enter and manipulate a computer with his mind. Because of his gift, he is a prime suspect when the central computer of Orbis 1 begins to malfunction. He must prove his innocence and solve the mystery of the mechanical failures before time runs out. The author deftly introduces the futuristic setting without getting bogged down in long and detailed descriptive passages, and the brisk plot will keep the interest of reluctant readers. Although a few of the secondary characters are not fully developed, Johnny and his sister are well drawn, and the scenes between the two are skillfully crafted. The first in a planned quartet, this book is a good selection for science-fiction fans.–Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX

Gr 7-10–Sixteen-year-old Angelina Rossini’s small world in Blodgett, VT, has fairly typical trappings: classes, friends, choral concerts, and a slightly embarrassing parent; but all that’s normal quakes when her 69-year-old father suffers a stroke. One moment, he is preparing for his morning shower; the next, strapped into an ambulance. Thus is Angelina’s life separated into a before of cheerful enthusiasms from her robust Italian father and an after of inarticulate, wheelchair-bound barks and mutterings. After weeks in the hospital, her father begins his new sort of existence in the family garage, refitted with a handicapped-accessible bed and bath. Time is short, though, for the teen and her mother to give and get what love they can from a man once so full of life. While written in a conversational tone that is well suited to the audience, the novel’s appeal will be strongest for those who identify with the protagonist’s situation. The author succeeds in creating a handful of strong homosexual characters–Angelina’s best friend; her mother’s good friend who lends a hand; and even school nemesis Celeste, who turns out to have a crush on Angelina. When Angelina’s dad, otherwise unable to talk, sings along at the Andrew Lloyd Weber school show, both the audience and readers are touched; but the novel is ultimately more therapeutic than engaging.–Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4-6–Although the books about Markus enjoy popularity in the author’s native Norway, they may be a tougher sell to an American audience. The timid sixth-grader is afraid of almost everything (especially girls). His hobby is writing letters to celebrities, while claiming to be someone else and requesting an autographed picture for Markus. Egged on by his confident friend Sigmund, the boy writes to beautiful actress Diana Mortensen, pretending to be a sensitive millionaire. His growing infatuation with her leads to madcap adventures when she decides to come to Norway after her soap-opera character is killed off. Many preteens will empathize with the boy’s shyness and root for him to gain confidence, but this title doesn’t stand out from the many other books with similar themes.–Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 4-6–Eleven-year-old Darius Frobisher’s life is about to change. His father, a seasoned world traveler and adventurer, recently took off in a hot-air balloon for a weekend trip and never returned. Because Darius’s mother died when he was young, Miss Hastings, their elderly housekeeper, has always cared for him during his father’s absences. Now, three attorneys tell them that Rudy Frobisher is presumed dead, send Miss Hastings away, and take the boy to live with his grouchy Aunt Inga, who makes it clear she doesn’t want him around. He is miserable until he encounters Daedalus, a neighborhood eccentric who rebuilds old bicycles, and who, Darius is certain, has constructed one that can fly. Harley often addresses readers directly, working hard to enchant them, offering them villains they can hiss at and teasing them with magic that lies just around the corner. But he tries, not subtly enough, to force his audience to understand his characters–telling them that Aunt Inga is mean, for example, because she’s unhappy–making the bad guys lose a lot of their bite, along with the story. Still, this pleasant blend of melodrama and fantasy will make youngsters frown over Darius’s misery and then smile in anticipation of the predictably happy ending.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up–Ian McDermott doesn’t have much going for him. He has basically raised himself and his young brother, who has fetal alcohol syndrome. Their mother is a deadbeat drug addict who makes rare appearances in their lives. At Morrison High School, things aren’t much better; the administration wants him out. The thing is, Ian isn’t going to take any guff from anyone. But one day, he loses his cool and ends up breaking Coach Florence’s jaw. The teen knows that he and Sammy have to get away fast before the cops catch up with him. They grab some meager supplies and skate out of Spokane toward Walla Walla to search for their estranged father. Surviving on the lam in the wilderness isn’t easy. They cross the state in cold rain, with barely enough provisions. At one point they end up in trouble with a sheriff but escape. The brothers have high hopes that their father will welcome them into his life, but things do not turn out as planned. The author has created a main character who is confident and tragic, but too many convenient coincidences detract from the story being completely believable. Ian’s most redeeming quality is the love he has for his brother. The ending is predictable, and the novel does not have the zip that makes it extraordinary, but it does allow readers to breathe a sigh of relief for these siblings.–Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 4-6–A lieutenant walks away from a battle in France during World War I. Tired of the fighting and unable to see, he wants to return home to England. Two French sisters living near the English Channel find him and provide him with food and other supplies. The girls quickly realize that caring for the soldier is more than they can handle and involve their brother and his friend. As the days pass and the boys work on a plan to help the man across the channel, the soldier shows the children a small good-luck charm in the shape of a donkey. During the course of the book, he tells them four tales about the creature, the first one being a version of the Christmas Story. Gradually, readers learn that the soldier is not blind, but that he has closed his eyes to the violence around him. This is a charming book in many ways. In spite of its setting, it’s a gentle story that introspective readers will find satisfying.–Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia

Gr 5-9–Ven Polypheme, a young Nain explorer, traveled much of the known and unknown world. “Recently discovered” fragments of his journal are the inspiration for this exciting and imaginative tale. Ven, a short, hobbitlike fellow, is celebrating his 50th birthday (he’s approximately 13 in human years). He’s the youngest of 13 children, has yet to sprout a single whisker, and can’t seem to find his place in the family boatbuilding business. On its inspection cruise, their newest vessel is ambushed by pirates. In trying to set the attackers’ ship on fire, Ven destroys both vessels. Saved by a mermaid, he ends up onboard the Serelinda, where he is befriended by Captain Oliver and Char, the galley assistant. Several adventures later, Ven and Char find themselves at the Crossroads Inn, which is filled with orphans, any number of fairies and ghosts, Murphy the talking cat, and Captain Oliver’s wife, Mrs. Snodgrass. Mysteries abound. Mr. Whiting, the snooty owner of a nearby inn, has the youngster thrown in prison for stealing, but then shows up to rescue him. The crossroads near the inn are haunted by evil spirits, and the Living Water and Floating Island have magical powers. Haydon’s fantastical universe, originally created for her adult novels, is filled with fun details, interesting characters, fast-paced adventure, snappy dialogue, and plenty of humor and heart.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5-8–Four years after World War II has ended, a group of 12-year-old Londoners come of age amid personal and political turmoil. The story is narrated by Andrew, who, as an adult, looks back at the summer he and his friends spent riding bikes around town and exploring the overgrown property at a bombed-out manor. Each boy is faced with personal concerns: Eddie’s angry stepfather beats him; Manny is the target of anti-Semitic remarks; Bob tries to overcome a stutter that his athletic dad sees as a weakness; and Andrew finds out that his father is cheating on his mother. Add to these issues an unwarranted punishment that they received from a loved and respected teacher as the school year was ending and the feelings of adult betrayal are overwhelming. When the boys stumble upon a buried bomb at the abandoned site, they see it as a source of power: a way to get even with those who treat them unfairly. Readers will empathize with the characters and the decisions they face. Although the backdrop of Communist and Fascist protests may cause some confusion, Hinton has created a compelling story about the impact of secrets and the complexities of friendship. A map helps set the stage for the action, and the glossary defines most of the slang terms with which American readers may be unfamiliar.–Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7 Up–The opposing forces of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal underscore this brief but rich tale set during the Spanish Inquisition. Told by 16-year-old Estrella deMadrigal, the novel shows how gruesome beliefs nourished by ignorance and prejudice destroyed the lives of countless people. Hoffman weaves a tale of a close friendship between two teens, Estrella and Catalina. Both envision that their lives will be intertwined forever. However, there is a secret about Estrella and her family that unfolds in spurts. The deMadrigals are Jews who follow their religion in secret, appearing to the world as good Catholics in order to escape persecution. Hoffman, a master storyteller, has captured this harsh time and the fragile lives of the hidden Jews. On one level this is the story of a friendship and the deadly interference of jealousy. It is also a story of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Estrella develops incredible strength as she tries to save herself and her grandmother. Ultimately, it is the love of a Christian, Catalina’s cousin Andres, that saves her. Hoffman’s lyrical prose and astute characterization blend to create a riveting, horrific tale that unites despair with elements of hope. Good companion selections include Waldtraut Lewin’s Freedom beyond the Sea (Delacorte, 2001) and Kathryn Lasky’s Blood Secret (HarperCollins, 2004).–Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 5-8–In this collection of stories about adolescent friendships, a few of the selections succeed in stirring up the tension, jealousy, and possessiveness of such relationships, but they’re the exception. The sparks and friction that are so indicative of this age group are smothered by quick resolutions or older-but-wiser recollections of situations and relationships. Tessa Duder’s story about a girl on an intercontinental flight gets it right, capturing the odd familiarity that develops when tucked in next to strangers. Sophie McKenzie’s “T4J” and Belinda Hollyer’s “The Middle Ground” explore friendships between males and females. While all of these stories offer sweet sentiments, many lack the courageous pluck and audacious attitude common among contemporary kids, and several assume a knowledge and a viewpoint that can only be gained through experience.–Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 5-7–After the death of their parents, Maddie, 15, and her older sister go to live with their grandparents in the country. Maddie would rather be in London and is not thrilled that her family expects horseback riding to replace her city life. Unexpectedly, her older brother returns from Namibia, where he has been living since fighting in the Great War. He has brought with him a beautiful horse, and Maddie becomes a devoted rider. Firebird proves to be a talented jumper, and the siblings decide that they will train her for the King George V Gold Cup. Their plans are upset, though, when the family discovers what Maddie has known for some time: Theo is an imposter who assumed her brother’s identity after he was presumed dead in an accident. Despite numerous obstacles, there is little doubt as to how this story will end. Horse lovers might find the training schedules interesting, but those who are looking for a really good animal story may find the details less involving. Though the story line has some enjoyable twists and turns, it is hard to believe that no one but Maddie notices that “Theo” is a fake. The characters are not memorable, and the story’s pacing will not have readers stampeding to the shelves.–Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 8 Up–Hooper takes readers to 17th-century London in this novel about Eliza Rose, who is thrown out of her house by her stepmother. The prologue, set in 1655, tells of a girl baby being swapped at birth for a boy to please the father. The novel then jumps ahead 15 years. When Eliza arrives in London to search for her father, she steals some food and finds herself in Clink Prison, with its rats, sewage, lice, and deadly fever. While begging at the gate, she encounters handsome Valentine Howard. Their paths cross often, but both realize that love cannot be between a noble and a girl from the lower class. Old Ma Gwyn, the madam of a bawdyhouse, spots her and gets her released. When she promises Eliza to a young nobleman for one night, Nell Gwyn, Ma’s infamous actress daughter, rescues her. Eliza is then swept into the world of the theater and the court of King Charles II. Nell, who unabashedly is mistress to many men, aspires to and succeeds at being the King’s whore. In the end, a long-hidden secret is revealed when Eliza meets her real mother. The down-and-dirty side of the city comes alive through the author’s descriptions of its sights, sounds, and smells. The novel is replete with historical people, events, and details, making it an exemplary work of historical fiction. This engrossing, fast-paced novel, with its determined, well-drawn protagonist, is a winning combination of history and fairy-tale tropes.–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5-8–The terror of the 1906 disaster is brought powerfully alive in this fast-paced tale. When 12-year-old Nick Dray’s grandmother dies, he is placed in an orphanage. He runs away, leaving Texas for the bright lights of San Francisco. Once there, he talks his way into a job at a stationery store, which he guards while the owner is away on business. One morning, the boy is startled awake by the earthquake and decides he will try to save the man’s most prized possessions, including his dog, Shake. Nick also helps his neighbors escape their badly damaged rooming house and leads them to the safety of Golden Gate Park. Readers will feel as if they’re in the middle of the nonstop action. Descriptions of the rubble, fire, and chaos are vivid and detailed. The geography and history of the city are woven smoothly into the story, placing all of the action into context. Nick is a thoroughly developed protagonist, as are the supporting characters. There are also some thoughtful insights into the nature of catastrophes, such as “Disaster like this, it’s the poor who suffer the most.”–Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 7 Up–Born with a caul over his face, possessing a distinctive unibrow, and having a tendency to sleepwalk, Sky bears all of the marks that the Norse associate with a person able to travel with his “fetch,” or spirit double. But it isn’t until the British 15-year-old discovers an old set of runestones belonging to his Norwegian grandfather that he discovers his bizarre destiny. Aided by Sigurd’s spirit and his cousin Kristin, Sky embarks on a wonderful and frightening spiritual journey–inhabiting the body of a Viking ancestor, taking the form of a hunting hawk–all the while hunted by a dark, hungry presence. Humphreys’s writing is tense and atmospheric, and both Sky and Kristin are well-developed, interesting characters. However, several plot elements (such as the two teens being able to make a trip from England to Norway without their parents knowing) test the bounds of credibility. The use of runestone divination and old Norse history and culture is effective, and may draw teens to seek further information on those subjects.–Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 5-8–Having escaped from the Flying Dutchman and its odious Captain Vanderdecken, Ben and his dog, Ned, are cursed to wander the Earth for eternity, never growing older. In this third account of their adventures, the castaways are again shipwrecked and separated. Ben is captured by the slave trader Al Misurata, while Ned is rescued by a company of itinerant entertainers. The two are reunited when the entertainers, the Rizzoli Troupe, are forced to perform for the trader, and all of them end up on Al Misurata’s ship to be sold as slaves. Ned speaks to Ben telepathically, and since no one would expect a dog to understand human language, he overhears the villain’s plans. This is just the beginning of the swashbuckling adventure as Ben and his black Labrador attempt to escape the ship and to rescue the Rizzoli Troupe, while, at the same time, avoiding recapture by the ghostly sailors of the Flying Dutchman. Numerous footnotes translate various snatches of dialogue in German or Italian. This can be either helpful or annoying, depending on your way of looking at it. However, it is easy to just enjoy the compelling and readable adventure. This book is a good choice for any library in which Jacques’s books in general and the “Castaways” stories in particular are popular.–Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 7-9–Written in the mythic style of simplicity and mystery slightly reminiscent of Ursula LeGuin, Dogboy follows the life of a nonverbal feral child, abandoned by his mother at birth and nurtured by a dog. As an infant he displays supernatural gifts, surviving not only winters outdoors but also attacks by an eagle, a bear, and a wolf pack. Set in an indeterminate country in a time of extended drought where water has become even more precious than gold, the slightly surreal atmosphere adds to the mystery of the boy’s past. His youthful naïveté and lack of socialization make him an easy mark for charlatans, whom he follows to the city. After great personal suffering, he becomes a water diviner, achieving astounding material success but losing sight of his real values. Themes of fate and destiny, social status, survival, and identity are woven into the story through the author’s spare narrative. Original in tone and mood, this story will be enjoyed by a wide audience.–Ann Robinson, Moultonborough Academy Library, NH

Gr 9 Up–Following in the footsteps of books like Sister Souljah’s The Coldest Winter Ever (S & S, 1999), this title is a much lighter account of “street” life. Mercedes, 16, is rich and black; she attends an exclusive private boarding school on the East Coast but returns home to her family’s mansion in the Chicago suburbs every summer. She knows that her father is an entrepreneur, but he dismisses questions about his business with a simple, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems” (some readers will recognize this quote as the title of a Notorious BIG song and, as a result, may guess at the source of his wealth). When Mercedes falls in love with sexy, confident, 17-year-old Dalvin, her father prohibits the relationship and reveals to his daughter that he and Dalvin’s father are big-time criminals who each own half of Chicago’s streets. The star-crossed lovers break up under duress, but a near tragedy brings them back together and later even strengthens their bond. References to brand-name commodities abound, as do bits of slangy dialogue. A fast read, the story might appeal to fans of Deja King’s adult books, and is a good addition to libraries looking for more urban popular fiction without the raw street language that goes with so much of it.–Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 6-9–In this sequel to Deliver Us from Normal (Scholastic, 2005), the Harrisongs continue their financial and domestic struggles. Charles, 14, writes an article about his family that gets published in a magazine through chance connections. He then gets sued by Bargain Bonanza, a discount conglomerate, for defamation. As a result of the legal battle, the Harrisongs find themselves as spokesfamily for the company. They are moved to a posh condo in Dallas and are made into a living, breathing corporate brand. As their exploitation reaches intolerable levels, Charles and his sister Clara hatch a plan to save the family. The whole thing backfires when they find out that the apartment is bugged, they are prisoners in their home, and Charles is questioned about an alleged murder plot. In a far-fetched ending, they escape. Unfortunately, Charles suffers from an unconvincing duality of perspective. He is both wise beyond his years and naive enough to believe that adults are not infallible. Several of the siblings are underdeveloped. Charles and Clara bear an overwhelming sense of responsibility for the whole family. The children even go so far as to pay back taxes for their clueless parents. The fast-paced setting of behind-the-scenes, consumer-driven celeb reality may hold interest for some, but for stories with a more engaging family dynamic, turn to Hilary McKay. Purchase only for fans of the first book.–Rebecca Stine, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT

Gr 9 Up–Ray Wisniewski loves basketball. However, at his New Jersey high school, the Polish boys are expected to excel at wrestling while basketball is left to the black kids. Initially, he struggles to make the team, attributing his failures to the fact that he is white. Once he makes it, he has trouble integrating with his mostly African-American teammates as well as some discomfort at home with the racist attitudes of his family and friends. The story ostensibly follows Ray from his sophomore through his senior year. Unfortunately, his sophomore and junior years are covered in one chapter each, creating a rather jerky pace. The central conflict is never entirely clear, though in the end one realizes that this is because Krech has attempted to show how prejudice motivates almost all of the characters in one way or another. The conclusion ties up all the racial conflict in a way that is satisfying while remaining realistic. The characters are compelling and their dialogue, complete with all the grammatical inconsistencies of typical male teen banter, rings true. The basketball action is fast paced enough to hold the interest of reluctant readers who are fans of the sport. If Paul Volponi’s Black and White (Viking) and Matt de la Peña’s Ball Don’t Lie (Delacorte, both 2005) are popular, it is likely that Rebound will also be well received. While not a first purchase, this novel will find an audience.–Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6-8–Abundant historical detail underlies this rich fictional account of the life of Pocahontas. Based on extensive in-depth research and told largely from the Native American viewpoint, the story highlights how difficult it was to develop lines of communication and understanding. The tale begins in 1607 when Pocahontas is about 11 years old. Her spunky and fearless nature comes across as she spies on the strange new people, along with her fictitious friend Neetah, to bring information back to her people. Neetah is a well-drawn character whose differences from and devotion to Pocahontas help move the story along. In addition to the well-known lore about her subject, Kudlinski fills this story with details about the hardships faced by the English and the Native Americans. The ineptitude of the English as they try to cope with the harsh, primitive conditions amazes Pocahontas and her people, but eventually they learn from each other. It is a difficult liaison with much killing on both sides. The English are characterized as intruders who try to take the land on which the Native Americans have been living for generations and to erase their rich culture. The book reads like an adventure, and it is amazing to learn of Pocahontas’s accomplishments when she is so young. Helpful appendixes include sources, Web sites, and a list identifying Algonquin names. This is a fine selection for interdisciplinary study of early America to be read along with Jean Fritz’s The Double Life of Pocahontas (Putnam, 1983).–Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 5-8–Luc Grayson, nearly 13, has been dreaming about turning into a wild animal. Then, when a bully at school threatens him yet again, the peace-loving middle schooler knocks him to the ground. Orphaned when he was three, Luc lives with his Uncle Stephen and Aunt Jane. His uncle–his mother’s brother–refuses to say anything about the boy’s father, and, when Luc’s father’s brother appears suddenly at their Seattle home, the boy learns why. His father was a werewolf, one of a close-knit pack that lives tribally in the Washington State wilderness. Luc, furious with Uncle Stephen for denying him his identity, leaves with Uncle Ranger to join the Lycanthians (as they prefer to be called), who can change from human to wolf at will, and learn their ways. Luc realizes that Uncle Stephen’s hatred runs deep when a vigilante group of hunters starts persecuting the pack. The symbolism of the protagonist’s becoming a werewolf as he enters puberty is about as subtle as a brick, and so are the pretty basic plot and characterizations. Still, the story will appeal to middle schoolers who love the concept of becoming a werewolf, and pages will turn quickly, especially for students who need an extra boost in reading motivation.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 6-10–Karim, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, works with two friends to transform an abandoned lot in Ramallah–the “little piece of ground”–into a soccer field and a getaway from the trials of both family and life under occupation. Hopper, a new friend who had until recently lived in a refugee camp and whose older brother is in the custody of the Israelis, and Joni, a Christian boy whose family has always been close to Karim’s, represent in some ways the opposite poles that Karim yo-yos between. Hopper is somewhat suspect, simply because he was a refugee. Furthermore, his actions are brash and defiant; he stands up to an Israeli tank, brandishing an eggplant like a grenade and swinging from its gun. The town is put under Israeli curfew, and first Hopper and later Karim are shot at by soldiers and wounded, Karim seriously enough to require hospitalization. Throughout this powerful narrative, the authors remain true to Karim’s character and reactions. He is a typical self-centered adolescent who longs to hang out with his friends, go to school, and play sports. His parents and relatives provide some of the necessary background information and commentary about the occupation. At the book’s end, Karim is allowed to spend time outside for the first time since his wound, and is reunited with Hopper. The boys attend a celebration and are chillingly greeted as heroes. As notable in its way as James D. Forman’s historical novels of the late ’60s and ’70s, A Little Piece of Ground deserves serious attention and discussion.–Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX

Gr 7 Up–At 16, Keturah is a poor peasant girl who constantly ponders her future. She has always been different from the other girls of the village and has unique but unrealized gifts. She has been raised by warm and loving grandparents, experiencing firsthand what a truly happy marriage is all about. The teen is committed to finding a suitable husband so she, too, can be happy but has not yet been successful. All this changes for her the day she follows the legendary hart deep into the forest and becomes lost. After three days of wandering aimlessly, she knows that she is about to die. Keturah is surprised to discover that Death is a strong, handsome lord to whom she immediately feels connected. Despite the fact that she is afraid, she challenges Lord Death, which is something he is not used to. She uses her storytelling skills to make him grant her a reprieve for one day. She spins a story of a love so pure that even Death cannot destroy it. He allows her to live another day on the condition that she come to him with an ending to the story and her true love. Keturah continues to delay the inevitable but in doing so learns much about herself and what she is truly capable of achieving. Along the way she also discovers that her true love was there beside her all along. This is a dark, but uplifting story combining elements of fantasy as well as romance. It has a gripping plot, strong characters, and a surprise ending that will intrigue readers.–Donna Rosenblum, Nassau Boces School Library System, NY

Gr 4-8–Infamous metal band Death Eric hasn’t played a gig since their lead singer, Eric Thrashmettle, convinced himself that he was cursed by a raven at the Chickenstock music festival. Oblivious to everything going on around him, he now lives a quiet life shut away in his estate with a team of servants and his two children, Lulubelle Flower Fairy, who goes by Lou, and Living Buddha, aka Buddy. Things take a bad turn when Eric’s manager mysteriously disappears along with the Thrashmettle fortune. Left without working credit cards, Lou and Buddy take it upon themselves to try to get the band back together to lay some tracks, play some shows, and make some money. Ridiculous scenarios, silly names, and bad puns ensue as the two children work behind the scenes to get the band back on track. Fans of the reality show The Osbournes will be amused by the clueless, Ozzyesque way that Eric Thrashmettle interacts with his children and his surroundings. The story drags a bit in the middle, with each new obstacle facing the children more preposterous than the last. However, reluctant readers may be entertained by the absurd plot that, like many aging rockers, doesn’t know when to quit.–Michelle Roberts, Merrick Library, NY

Gr 4-7–In this sequel to Urchin of the Riding Stars (Hyperion, 2005), Mistmantle’s animal inhabitants are preparing for the coronation of Crispin the squirrel. All does not go smoothly, and Urchin, a Companion to the King, is kidnapped and taken to the island of Whitewings, where he is imprisoned by a silver-obsessed dictator. As is always the case in books of this genre, good is victorious in the end. Readers leave the animals to their happy lives, though presumably there will be some new disaster presented in another installment. While predictable, this is an engaging read with appealing characters and lots of action. Rayyan’s whimsical illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are quite effective. Unfortunately, the artist repeatedly represents a character that was meant to be a hedgehog as a mole. This is a minor criticism, but it is an inconsistency that fans of this genre are likely to notice. The similarities to Brian Jacques’ “Redwall” series (Philomel) are obvious. It is interesting to note that McAllister avoids the implication that some animals are just “born bad” by having the evil characters come from the same species as the good ones. The author also uses a slightly smaller cast of characters and steers away from the use of any potentially confusing dialect, which makes this series approachable for readers who may not be quite ready for the “Redwall” books.–Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 5 Up–In this sequel to J. M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy (first published in 1911), the grown-up Lost Boys suffer from bad dreams leaking out of Neverland that result in cutlasses, pistols, pirate eye-patches, and other things appearing under their pillows. After a living crocodile shows up in the Gentleman’s Club of the former Lost Boys, Wendy realizes that something is very wrong and that they must return to Neverland. In order to become young again, they wear their own children’s clothes and obtain fairy dust for flying, and set off to heal it. However, when they reunite with Peter Pan, they forget their original mission and become caught up in the wild joys of his imaginative adventures. After they find Captain Hook’s abandoned boat with a map to hidden treasure, Peter Pan dons Hook’s second-best suit of scarlet and takes command of the ship. The League is accompanied by Fireflyer, an impudent, ravenous fairy with an astounding capacity for telling lies, and Ravello, a charming but ominous circus man who seems to be made entirely of snarled bits of yarn. As they travel closer to Neverpeak, where the treasure allegedly is buried, the menaces surrounding their quest escalate to the point where the League members become unsure of one another’s true nature and loyalty. McCaughrean captures the excitement of the original story without the overly precious Victorian glorification of childhood. Wendy and the former Lost Boys are developed characters (with a welcome surprise of a gender-change that’s believable within the scope of the story). Even Peter Pan, who struggles to remain as brash and carefree as he ever was, is not immune to change and consequences. Pen-and-ink illustrations add to the enjoyment of the story.–Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 4-6–Problems abound in this British import. A photographer’s plane crashes near an unidentified third-world society where the people speak English. Having managed to save only his Polaroid camera, the man gets off to a shaky start in his new surroundings by blinding the villagers with his flash, but soon impresses them with his “magic painting.” He then debates with them over how to use his remaining nine shots. In the process, he marvels over their cultural differences and discusses the value of photography. Only after the final shot is taken does he remember his own family and, conveniently, get rescued. The comical hand-drawn illustrations of each photograph are not enough to save this story. Conflict is lacking, and the photographer’s apathy toward finding medical attention or returning home after his crash will test the most generous readers’ suspension of disbelief. The characters are undeveloped, and the constant repetition of the word “primitive” is annoying. Finally, a tacked-on insinuation that the village and the people were merely a dream is a complete letdown.–Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 7-10–In this sequel to Traitor (Putnam, 2005), Danny and his ex-SAS grandfather, Fergus Watts, survive an attempt on their lives while hiding out in Spain. They stop running and return to the UK with the hope of clearing their names and resuming a normal life, and are recruited to help uncover a corrupt MI5 agent who, at the same time, is trying to have them killed. Danny enlists the help of his friend Elena so that he and Fergus can accomplish the impossible: breaking into the heavily secured British Ministry of Defense in order to get official proof of Fergus’s background and save their lives. The police are on high alert because of a series of suicide bombings carried out by teenagers, and MI5 tries to frame Danny as a terrorist. Adventure and suspense drive this plot. Despite some weak character development, the book will find a ready audience.–Michael Giller, South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville

Gr 5-7–An elaborately locked wooden box requiring four separate but missing keys holds the treasure in this modern-day quest. Jeremy’s father lived his life preparing for an early death, as foretold by a fortune-teller. He did, in fact, die when Jeremy was eight, but a package from him containing the locked box arrives one month before Jeremy’s 13th birthday, the day on which the box is to be opened. With his friend Lizzy, Jeremy searches for the keys while contemplating the words engraved on the box, “The Meaning of Life: For Jeremy Fink. 13th Birthday.” The search for the keys takes the friends around and about New York City, where they meet a large and increasingly convenient range of supporting characters, from members of a spiritualist congregation to a prominent astronomer, all of whom point them toward their own takes on the meaning of life. Mystery and adventure fans will be pulled in by the locked box, and, as a bonus, will get to know quirky, scientific Jeremy and impulsive Lizzy. Some readers might become impatient as the metaphysical quest lengthens, but those who stick with the story will find a warm picture of parental love and wisdom and of a boy growing into his own understanding and acceptance of life.–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL