Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to Peaches (HarperCollins, 2005), Murphy, Birdie, and Leeda say good-bye to a summer on Birdie's family's peach orchard as the girls begin their senior year. Each teen faces a different set of growing pains. Birdie pines for her boyfriend, who's gone back to Mexico for school, and she worries that her family's housekeeper, who grew up in his town, will return home. Murphy, who dreams of moving to New York and has applied to NYU, is unable to tell her boyfriend that she loves him, although it's all he wants from her; what she wants is for him to agree to go to New York with her. Leeda's mother neglects her in favor of her sister; as their relationship grows more and more distant, the teen shuts out the rest of the world, including her friends. The novel is well paced and resolves the interwoven story lines tidily but authentically. This appealing book is as light as Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown), but without the glitz and snarky tone. Murphy and Birdie mature just enough to make the story optimistic but not fantastical, and Leeda's lack of growth makes her all the more believable. There are a few unclear references to the previous book, but in general the story stands on its own. A good choice for fans of Ann Brashares's "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" books (Delacorte) and similar series.—Daisy Porter, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 9 Up—Angel Hansen, 17, has been in love with Danny Stanton for what seems like a lifetime. When he rejects her at an end-of-summer blowout party, the drunk teen ends up having a one-night stand with someone else, which results in her becoming pregnant. Beginning with that fateful night, journal-style entries take readers on the 10-month journey that Angel must make as she defies all odds and decides to keep the baby. She finds an unexpected ally in Danny, who walks away from his jock image to step into the role of boyfriend/replacement father. While the story moves along at a fairly rapid pace, there are times when the characters are somewhat puzzling, such as Danny suddenly shifting his feelings for Angel. This first-person narrative offers a vivid portrait of the dark side of fleeting hookups and teen pregnancy. It will resonate with older teens.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—Teenaged Bailey Morgan and her three best friends impulsively buy swirly shaped temporary tattoos to complement their outfits for the upcoming school dance. Suddenly, Bailey hears voices that say, "She comes. To fight, to live, she comes." Soon the girls discover that the tattoos have given them supernatural gifts: Bailey can start fires with her thoughts, Annabelle can read minds, Delia has the power to transmogrify objects, and Zo has premonitions. Bailey's dreams reveal that the voices in her head are from two ancient fairy warriors who are variations of the mythological Fates who control the thread of life of mortals and immortals. Adea and her sister Alecca both fell in love with Valgius, and when he rejected her for Adea, Alecca vowed to destroy the couple. She then began to gain power from young humans by giving them a vision of their secret desires, wrapping a web around them, and then pulling the life from their bodies. Zo's premonitions show that Alecca is planning to kill many students at the dance. Bailey discovers that she's one of a long line of humans who have been chosen to maintain the balance between both worlds. This chick-lit fantasy, similar to though not as dark as Neal Shusterman's fairy-tale retellings, is a fast-paced, fun read for Buffy and Charmed fans.—Sharon Rawlins, NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, Trenton

Gr 5–8—In this fantasy adventure of good versus evil, Burlington Academy exists for the sole purpose of training and grooming humans who have superpowers. Regular guy Josh Blevins, 14, doesn't care about that. All he's ever wanted to do is attend the academy. With help from a retired action hero, he manages to manipulate his way in, changing his name to Chance Fortune and listing his superpower as "Unnaturally good luck." Actually, what he really has is good old-fashioned common sense, something his teammates, the Outlaws, seem to lack. As they practice and compete against one another in mock battles, it becomes apparent that something is amiss at school. Evil has come to the sacred grounds and Chance and the Outlaws are left to fend for themselves. Intimidating villains rev up the conflict while the underrated good guys bond together to defeat what comes. The story is fast paced, and the characters are nicely crafted. While some resolutions are too simple and the problems facing Chance should demand more from this likable protagonist, most readers will cheer for his triumphs. A fun, easy read with compelling action scenes.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 5–8—From the moment that Amanda and her family arrive at the Pinedale resort on Lake Superior, it is obvious that something is amiss. Soon, they are treated to a ghost story warning them away from nearby Shadow Island. When the 12-year-old finds herself drawn there, she, her younger sister, and her friend Roxanne row to the island in a haunted boat and become embroiled in a whopper of a ghost story. Bial piles every possible haunted-house convention into the island's Victorian Stardust Hotel, repeating some of the elements he successfully used in previous novels. There are drug dealers disguised as ghosts; ghosts of wronged lovers, of lost lovers, and of a grieving mother and vengeful father; and a conspiracy by the locals to find hidden treasure. The girls escape death threats time and again by discovering secret panels, hidden staircases, hand holds in a chimney, and a tunnel. Clues abound as writing appears on a mirror and notes and letters are found. Amanda's resourcefulness and Sally's new confidence enable them to escape, and the townspeople are forced to look at their violent and prejudiced past as one of them admits to murdering the Native American lover of one of the many ghosts. At times the quick plot turns create a sense of excitement and humor, and the near misses add fear, but the story is dragged down by a plethora of plot elements all stuffed into one overwhelming night.—Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 5–8—When her grandfather is injured in a tractor accident, eighth-grader Cassie accompanies her father and pesky younger brother from Oregon to Ruben's bedside in rural Kentucky. She has never met her grandfather and is determined to learn why he and Dad don't get along. Ruben lovingly welcomes the youngsters, gives them information about farm life, and keeps them entertained with a steady stream of corny jokes. Cassie thinks often about her mother, revealing that she died on a gray, stormy day, but sharing no additional details about the incident. She uses memories of her mother's spirit and no-nonsense brand of advice to fuel her determination to learn the true cause of the animosity between her father and grandfather, a revelation that is surprising and satisfying. Cassie's encounters with Ruben's neighbor Vicki and her son TJ provide additional drama to this tale. The novel's simplicity, humor, action, and warmth will appeal to a broad range of readers.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 4–6—This brief fantasy introduces 11-year-old Ruth and her older brother, David, both junior Magbeologists (those who study magical beasts). Along with Simone, their home's resident faerie, the siblings examine a sickly Phoenix Dragon that Ruth has found in the woods. After the creature combusts and disintegrates-at a younger age than normal for his species-Ruth discovers the Dragon Stone in the ashes. Simone informs the youngsters that their father, who disappeared five years earlier, was seeking this very object, which is one of the 12 Ancient Relics of Alchemy needed to reveal information that will save magic-kind from extinction. The kids agree to continue their father's work and track down the rest of the objects, suggesting possible sequels. Average-quality, mostly full-page illustrations in beige, brown, and orange shades appear throughout. Some of the pictures present glimpses of the action, while others represent drawings and "photos" from the siblings' scientific journals. Unfortunately, the setting and characters are only superficially sketched in the narrative. While the seeds of an intriguing story are planted, most of the tale is concerned with establishing the scenario, and the adventure never really gets started.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 6–9—Mia Fullerton has earned her nickname because of her timidity among her middle school classmates. Now, as high school begins, she is determined to change her image by following the instructions in a self-help book, and inadvertently agrees to run for freshman class president at St. Hilary's. She wins over her classmates by telling them to vote for "Mia the Meek, Queen of the Freaks." Meanwhile, she is surprised by the attention that Jake, a boy she's had her eye on for years, is paying to her since she got rid of her glasses and braces. However, she keeps finding herself daydreaming of Tim, her cocky new neighbor. Overall, there is too much going on in this novel. Mia is busy dating Jake, playing one-on-one basketball with Tim, maintaining her grades, arguing with her parents, preparing for the Academic Bowl, coordinating class-president responsibilities, and suffering through having her mother as her English teacher. The story is full of clichéd embarrassments, including dropping her retainer in the cafeteria trash, falling down in the school bathroom, and setting the science lab on fire. Additionally, some of the dialogue is unrealistic for ninth graders. Still, Mia is a strong character who is brainy and competitive and has the same worries as many girls. Fans of the good-girl-finding-her-way genre might enjoy this one.—Karen Hoth, Marathon Middle/High School, FL

Gr 9 Up—Reed Brennan is a blue-collar girl looking to upgrade to a new life, starting with her scholarship to Easton, an exclusive boarding school. She is invited to join the "Billings Girls," a clique with money, connections, and power-if she can pass her initiation. She is being blackmailed by a classmate for dirt on the Girls, even while her hazing involves waiting on them hand and foot. Meanwhile, the police are investigating the disappearance of her former boyfriend, Thomas. Finally there is The Legacy, a party that she feels she must attend because he might be there. Competition for an invitation is fierce, because the only way in is as the date of someone whose family has had children at the school for generations. Brian carefully treads the line between suspense and soap opera with characters and situations that are interesting yet familiar. Buy this book for fans of Cecily von Ziegesar's "It Girl" or Zoey Dean's "A-List" series (both Little, Brown), or other soapy reads.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 9 Up—As a journalist for the weird science magazine Missing Link, recent college graduate Ashley Reeves has dealt with his fair share of crackpots and phony tips, but the letter from Reginald Mather seems genuine. Mather claims to have in his possession the only known specimen of a particularly large and deadly variety of mosquito known as the Ganges Red, a legendary creature believed by some to have supernatural abilities. Ashley quickly departs for Mather's isolated cabin on Aries Island where, of course, he is promptly cut off from civilization and finds himself in the company of a very unpleasant insect and at least one madman. It turns out that the Ganges Red, aka Nhan Diep, was once a human who betrayed her husband, and she needs Ashley's blood to break the curse. Carter's novel contains a fair helping of gore, but never generates much tension or atmosphere. Although large portions of the novel are devoted to people explaining various back stories to one another, none of the characters (with the possible exception of Mather) really emerges as an individual. Suspense and horror fans will probably find Lois Duncan and Darren Shan more satisfying.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 7–10—In this first volume of a four-part series, Melanie leaves Berkeley for her summer internship at the fashion magazine Flirt. Once there, she meets the other interns and her killer boss, Josephine Bishop. Late and underdressed, the teen makes a bad impression. To win back Josephine's favor, she tries to hunt down a "real" story. The boss's niece, uber-catty Genevieve, pulls Mel's strings in an effort to get her fired. Everything and everyone in this lighter-than-air story is a stereotype. Even the cities can't escape. Berkeley is all granola or "crunch," and New York is all quick-talking fashionistas. The interns include the English socialite, the Japanese bad girl, and the Latina bombshell. Melanie herself is painfully naive. The only time her personality shows is in her diary entries that, compared to the rest of the story, are funny. This book lacks the cruelty of Lisi Harrison's "Clique" series (Little, Brown) and the heart of Ann Brashares's "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" books (Delacorte).—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 8–10—In a post-9/11 world, Pakistan is an uneasy place to live, let alone become involved in political intrigue and drug trafficking. However, that is exactly what Mumtaz and her friend Rashid do, putting both of their lives in danger. When Mumtaz becomes aware that her older brother is in trouble with a drug-running, political spy, she devises a plan to rescue him. Being a headstrong 15-year-old, she does not realize the danger and the sacrifices that have to be made because of her actions. The novel reflects a time in Pakistan when cultures and ideologies collide. Mumtaz is from a privileged background; her friendship with Rashid, the assistant to the tennis coach at her club, defies generations of cultural traditions. Since her father is a member of the outlawed opposition political party, she must learn to live under constant governmental surveillance. Her courage and character are admirable.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 8 Up—Giselle, a talented ballerina who attends a private school for the artistically gifted, still mourns her beloved father, who died several years earlier. Marina, her famous ballerina mother, has moved on and is involved with Blitz, whom Giselle despises. The teen refuses to allow herself a social life and spends what little free time she has immersed in idolized memories. Her friend Magda tries to bring her out of her self-imposed shell, but it is only when Giselle meets charming and handsome Will that she becomes interested in the outside world. Through her interactions with him, readers learn that Giselle's sadness stems from more than the loss of her father. She begins to remember incidents of abuse, caused by his pain-induced rage, and realizes that her resentment against her mother is unjustified. This coming-of-age story ends with the teen learning to hold onto the past while also keeping it far enough behind her to embrace the future. Her voice is sharp and smart as she makes cutting remarks about her "flaky" school and its inhabitants who are "so artistic it strains the mind," and her language is appropriately and occasionally crude. The world of culturally elite Manhattanites is aptly drawn. The plot may not be fast paced enough for some, but more discerning readers will enjoy its complexity.—Michelle Roberts, Merrick Library, NY

Gr 5–7—The excitement of the Wild West comes to life in this action-packed sequel to The Misadventures of Maude March (Random, 2005). Orphans Sallie, 12, and Maude, 16, continue their adventures, again traveling west in search of their Uncle Arlen and a place they can call home. Maude is unjustly accused of being a horse thief, bank robber, and murderer, and the two girls and their companion, Joe Harden, barely manage to stay one step ahead of the law as they dash across desert and prairie. Joe is a charmingly hapless con man, and the interaction among these three characters provides lots of humor, especially when Maude's fame produces a bunch of copycat outlaws. Sallie's voice as the "wise innocent" with plenty of colorful language is just right as she sees through the hypocrisy of a delicious array of eccentric characters and repeatedly saves the day for her companions. Descriptive details about medical practices, terrain, railroads, food, towns, forts, etc., are woven seamlessly into the lively story and provide a real feel for the flavor of the Old West and life on the trail. There are a few too many annoying references to unexplained characters and events from the earlier book, but they may encourage readers to go back and catch up with the girls' previous exploits. A satisfying sequel.—Quinby Frank, formerly at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA

Gr 9 Up—Maerad, who was rescued from slavery and became a Bard in Croggon's The Naming (Candlewick, 2005), has her hands full here. Along with her tutor Cadvan, she has been charged with finding the Treesong, a source of power so ancient that nothing but the barest of rumors remain. Their journey is hounded by agents of a treacherous Bard professing to act in the name of the Light and by an enigmatic entity known as the Winterking, an ally of Maerad's adversary, the Nameless One. At the same time, the protagonist struggles to understand the light and darkness within herself. Deep currents of sorrow, loneliness, and love run through this haunting epic fantasy; Maerad's feelings of alienation and self-doubt will resonate with many adolescents. Appendixes help to further flesh out the characters and cultures of Croggon's Edil-Amarandh, an engrossing world that fantasy aficionados will be eager to revisit.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 6 Up—Fourteen-year-old Casey had been looking forward to spending the summer with Matt, her almost boyfriend. Now she will be spending it with her newly married dad, her stepmother, and her two brothers on a small tropical island where the turtles outnumber the people. Casey is not excited, but no one else seems to think it is a hardship. Things take a turn for the better when 16-year-old Josh comes to visit his uncle. Casey begins a relationship with him, but while hiding from a hurricane, she discovers that his family is involved in poaching the island's endangered turtles. This exciting coming-of-age story has danger, mystery, and romance. It moves quickly and will keep readers engaged.—Sheilah Kosco, Bastrop Public Library, TX

Gr 4–7—Yorsh is the last of his kind, an elf child in a world that despises elves. He seeks warmth, food, and shelter but has found only cold, rain, and despair. When he meets two unlikely companionships-humans who help him in spite of their prejudices-Yorsh learns of a prophecy concerning the last dragon and the last elf: when these two break the circle there will be a new beginning. Yorsh is young and nearly helpless, and the two humans, Sajra and Monser, are first taken aback but soon charmed by his naïveté. The trio experience a host of comical misunderstandings that offset the dangerous situations they encounter in the Dark Mountains. Almost by chance, Yorsh stumbles across the dragon, but he finds that fulfilling the prophecy is steeped in complications. The second half of the book, set 13 years later, deals with these challenges. Readers will miss Sajra and Monser just as Yorsh does and will likely guess the identity of the human orphan girl before it is revealed and champion her role in the struggle. The solution to the prophecy is wrenching, but young fantasy fans will appreciate the many humorous touches and get caught up in this tale of strength and sacrifice.—Sarah Couri, New York Public Library

Gr 7–9—The selections in these titles are easily found elsewhere. The first book includes Charles Dickens's "The Trial for Murder" and Mary E. Wilkins's "The Lost Ghost." The second one has an extract from Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" and E. F. Benson's "The Room in the Tower." While the stories are not overly graphic or frightening, some contain difficult vocabulary. Each volume has full-color illustrations, and some pages have colored backgrounds, which make the books seem as if they were intended for a younger audience. Short biographies of the authors are included. Strictly additional.—Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—London teen Jack leads a not-very-interesting life. His friend Charlie is none too bright and is blinded by his anger over his parents' divorce. Jack stands by his best mate through thick and thin, even when Charlie, possessed by a demon, crosses into Hell itself. Khentimentu, also known as the Scourge, has been trapped in the roots of an ancient tree for thousands of years by a secret society called The Brotherhood of Sleep. Charlie, thinking he is being recruited into it, unwittingly becomes a host for the escaped Scourge, manifested in a writhing, black tattoo. With Charlie's help, the demon kills all the members of the Brotherhood except the young warrior-woman Esme. When the demon and Charlie escape into Hell, it is up to Jack and Esme to rescue Charlie and save the universe from Khentimentu's evil plan. Enthoven has created an interesting and original universe and a gripping story. Hell is a demon-populated Roman empire at its most decadent, complete with gladiators and an all-powerful emperor. There are a few plot inconsistencies in this hefty book, and scattered Briticisms will momentarily trip up some readers, but overall it is a readable story with an amusing denouement. A good choice for readers ready to move on from Darren Shan's popular "Cirque du Freak" and "Demonata" series (both Little, Brown).—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School Library, CA

Gr 8–10—When his best friend dies, Phil is upset, but not nearly as upset as when, just a few months later, the deceased boy's parents introduce him to their son's clone. The clone looks just like Mark, but is so clearly not him that at first Phil can only think of him as "it." Mark's sister Lauren and a classmate from high school, Kirsty, also have trouble accepting the new Mark-only his parents insist, awkwardly, that this is simply a different version of their beloved son. If readers buy into the premise that technology is able to produce a teen-sized clone from a few cells in just a few months, and that personality and memories can be added, they will then be able to ponder some of the questions that this book raises. What makes people unique-their cells, their memories, their personalities, their experiences? Mark, Phil, Kirsty, and Lauren take turns narrating, which is confusing and rather muddies the central themes, and none of them come up with any easy answers. Phil is a thoughtful teen who, while never accepting that the clone is his old friend in any way, does come to value the clone for himself. Unfortunately, his path to that realization meanders so much that many valuable insights are lost or hurried past along the way. The telling is breezy and British, with plenty of ripe profanity, but the complex issues are glossed over. For a very different treatment of cloning, direct readers to Nancy Farmer's The House of the Scorpion (S & S, 2002).—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—This sequel to Eager (Random, 2004) takes place 10 years after its predecessor, at the end of the 21st century, when mentally and emotionally independent robots are illegal and subject to destruction. Eager, his sister Allegra, and several other robots capable of independence from humans have gone into hiding. They have learned to "reproduce": Allegra has created Jonquil, her "son," who can morph into a variety of shapes and interface with almost any kind of electronic device. Once a year, Eager takes a risk: disguising himself as a domestic-servant robot, he travels to see the Bells, the family he became close to in the first book. Jonquil begs to go along, as he has never spent any time among humans. Eager refuses, but Jonquil conceals himself and joins him anyway. A certain amount of comedy and adventure ensues, but both are restrained and clever in a way that the threat of a grand-scale robot rebellion in the first novel was not. The stakes are much lower here, and the characters get out of any danger they're in pretty easily. Fans of the previous book will probably want to read this one; others are likely to be turned off by its slow pace.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 7–9—Fifteen-year old Donavah's peaceful life as a magic student at Roylinn Academy is shattered when her brother, Breyard, discovers a dragon's egg. Dragons belong to the king, and merely possessing the egg is treason. The hatchling turns out to be one of a powerful race that official history says was wiped out long ago. Breyard is arrested and sentenced to death and Donavah is sent away to a retreat center where she learns a secret prophecy about the red dragons' return. She realizes that the evil king and his Royal Guards will stop at nothing to capture and corrupt the new dragon to prevent a prophecy from being fulfilled. With the help of a kitchen boy, the teen is determined to save both Xyla and her brother-but whom can she trust? This quest fantasy is set in a medieval world somewhat reminiscent of post-Roman Britain. "Quotations" from legends and ancient chronicles hint at long-established history. There are instances of cruelty and violence and Donavah is nearly assaulted by a drunken guard. Although the story reaches a satisfying conclusion, there are a number of plot threads left to be resolved in a planned sequel. An acceptable choice where there is a strong demand for fantasy.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 6–9—In alternating voices, two feuding middle schoolers describe the hostility that has brought them to blows. Book lover and aspiring writer Mick Sullivan is a big kid who has no interest in sports, much to his alcoholic father's disappointment. Music lover Boot Quinn, whose mother has left the family, is ignored, neglected, and sometimes abused by his father and older brother. The boys' private pain boils over in one another's presence as adolescent bravado and peer pressure lead them into frequent fistfights. Neither one is ready for the solution that the new principal has devised: for two periods each day, they are sequestered in his inner office to play board games until they can learn to get along. At first this brings their enmity into sharper focus, particularly as Boot's feelings of inferiority are exacerbated by Mick's playing skills. Goaded by fellow students, the boys challenge each other to a serious dare involving betrayal of the things they hold most dear. Complicating matters further, both boys have a crush on classmate Tabitha, who is secretly taking bets on how their battles will turn out. The plot is taut and compelling, with deft, sympathetic characterization, memorable scenes, and right-on description of the middle-school culture. Despite Mr. Maddox's clever handling of the boys, there are no simple solutions and the story ends with only a glimmer of hope that Mick and Boot can be friends. A must-read for adolescents and those trying to understand them.—Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 5–8—In ancient Egypt, where the gods and magic rule peoples' lives, 13-year-old Meryt-Re rejects her uncle's assertion that she is under the power of Sekhmet, bringing pestilence and destruction to those around her. Still, her cousin's circumcision becomes infected and he comes close to death; and there is trouble in town where a worker is making increasingly serious accusations against his foreman, the father of her best friend. Thrown out of her uncle's home, Meryt-Re eventually finds refuge with the town Wise Woman, who helps her make sense of her psychic dreams and bring healing to her community as well as to her family. Full of details of daily life in an artisan town exclusively devoted to building royal tombs, the story plunges readers into a very different political and social world. Meryt-Re's world seems distant, but the author provides some connections: readers will sympathize with her unwillingness to marry someone she doesn't like and the difficulty she has coming to terms with her own powers. Solid historical fiction with special appeal for fans of Egyptian history.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 4–6—This fast-paced mystery, set in the heart of Chicago, has well-developed characters. Blue is a typical teen until she is accused of stealing a necklace from the house where she babysits. The priceless antique belonged to Nefertiti, and Blue is desperate to find the thief before her accuser calls the police. At the same time, she's trying to combine her love of cooking with a difficult school project for a mean-spirited teacher. In the end, this smart, creative girl is able to expose the real criminal and get the best of her teacher as well. Hechtman builds teenage frustration and helplessness into a story that readers will relate to from the start. Blue's favorite recipes are included.—Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 6 Up—In 1999, in Belfast, Liam Fogarty's parents are murdered by intruders. Because he gets a good look at one of the gunmen, the 12-year-old is also a target. He initially takes shelter at a friend's home. After narrowly escaping being shot through the window there, he is placed in a police safe house, only to have his location betrayed. Using his wits and his talents as a gymnast, Liam is able to outrun his pursuer and return to a semblance of normal life. Readers share the boy's loneliness through his flashbacks to his parents and thoughts of his recent involvement with an interdenominational Youth Circus (particularly his budding friendship with Nicole, a Protestant girl). There is plenty of action and a reasonable amount of tension, although experienced readers will quickly work out the identity of Liam's would-be assassin. Heneghan has tackled the highly charged and complex issue of the Troubles in Northern Ireland with a bias that smacks of naïveté. An appendix listing "dates that Liam memorized in school" immediately prompts the question, "and what dates did Nicole learn in school?" To do justice to the overwhelming issue of this conflict, a novel needs to be spot-on in tone and character. Safe House falls short of that goal.—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

Gr 5–8—Eighth-graders Destiny and Jil joke about the differences between their families. Dez's English-professor father, weather-obsessed scientist mother, and younger brother keep their household messy and chaotic. The teen finds it remarkable that Jil doesn't realize she is lucky to have been adopted by perfect people whose luxurious home is always in order. Although her friend complains that she feels stifled, Dez is still shocked when Jil confides that she's meeting her birth mother, Jane, and her 10-year-old half sister, Penny. Dez counsels caution, but the more impulsive Jil is rapturous about her newfound family and chooses to spend holidays and the summer with them. When Jane falsely accuses Jil of shoplifting in order to protect Penny, the teen leaves, tries to live on her own until she can think of what to say to her parents, and gets Dez to join her. Hicks does a good job of conveying how difficult, tedious, and potentially dangerous it is for 13-year-olds to survive this way, even for a night or two. Jil finally acknowledges that her adoptive parents offer her what she needs-love, stability, and mature nurturing. The protagonist's longing to meet her birth family and quest to discover her identity are believable, but the girls' discussion of which parents are "real" is handled with little subtlety. Although the book captures two young people trying to work out relationships and may appeal to fans of realistic fiction, it is likely to be of special interest to adoptees.—Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA

Gr 7 Up—College freshman Kim suffers from dark bouts of depression that are caused by a viri. Fortunately, her new roommate, Jaimie, belongs to a secret clan of magicians and is determined to help. Joined by a spirit guide in the shape of a lizard and Jaimie's three cousins, the young women set out to discover the identity of the elusive viri. Things get more interesting when another viri shows up claiming to want to rein in the rogue that is causing trouble for Kim. Close encounters with the culprit, the juggling of academic duties, and Kim's breakdowns keep the plot progressing at a well-measured pace. Unfortunately, the ending includes a bizarre twist that will turn readers off to the final pages of the book. Playful language and humor prevail throughout, with an appealing use of colors to describe Kim's moods. Background information about Kim's and Jaimie's lives before college is at times confusing, and the characters' strengths lie in their light, witty exchanges. With its quirky tone and colorful imagery, this novel has more spirit than shadow and is recommended for those interested in what Harry Potter's first year at a muggle college might be like.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 4–6—It is 1854, and in Westfield, MA, trouble is brewing. A wave of Irish immigrants has been coming to town, first to work on a canal and later to work in one of the local whip factories. Their growing presence is a threat to the "Yankees" who have settled there, and the novel opens with a sense of impending doom. In the midst of the turmoil, Charlotte Hodge befriends one of the Irish girls at school. Maggie Nolan's life is very different from hers-Charlotte's guardian operates a whip factory and Maggie's father works for him-yet the two fifth graders quickly become friends, resulting in Charlotte being harassed and bullied by the other Yankee girls and Maggie being pressured by her family to end the relationship. When trouble finally comes, the girls' steadfast friendship helps diffuse the mob threatening to burn down the new Catholic church. Mixing historical fact with dramatic tension, Hurst's fast-moving and interesting novel will spark discussions about prejudice and racism, and introduce readers to the anti-Irish sentiments of this era.—Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN

Gr 7 Up—Tamara, a not-quite-15-year-old foster kid, describes with cynicism her deposit with yet another family. She's anorexic, she's a liar and truant, and she defines herself as a future model. Jean Barclay is a crotchety 89-year-old rest-home resident with a bum hip and a bourbon dependency. Brought together for a school project, each one realizes that the other has something she needs: Tamara can drive Jean to Seattle to see a series of beloved operas, and Jean can pay for a modeling course for Tamara in Vancouver. In alternating first-person narratives, they relate their plan to drive cross country-one to bring closure to a life, and the other to open a door. References to Dickens's Great Expectations and Wagner's Ring Cycle frame the text with some success, but Huser's prose is clunky, and his pacing is labored. The narrative voices are neither distinct from one another nor convincing. Most disappointing is the characters' lack of depth and growth. Both have serious problems (alcoholism, eating disorders) that are oddly made light of. Martha Brooks's True Confessions of a Heartless Girl (Farrar, 2003) and Patricia Reilly Giff's Pictures of Hollis Woods (Random, 2002) are more compelling explorations of the intersection of young and old at differing stages of life's journey.—Riva Pollard, The Winsor School Library, Boston

Gr 6–9—Rosalind Kemp, 13, is happily ensconced in her comfortable surroundings within a large family of sisters in Ontario, Canada. The year is late 1941, bombs fall on Pearl Harbor, and the U.S. goes to war. Rosalind, too, has a "bomb" dropped into her life when a chance encounter with her notoriously peculiar elderly aunts and the strange, lunatic woman who lives with them brings her upsetting and confusing news. Her mother has withheld from her the fact that Rosalind has a mentally ill sister, and that she is not the sixth but the seventh daughter. According to her aunts, since her mother, too, was a seventh daughter, Rosalind bears the gift of prophecy and second sight. As Johnson deftly foreshadows the intriguing plot, evidence of the girl's sensory abilities begins to surface, which she tries every possible way to suppress, including pretending to be a boy. Through interesting characters, such as Rosalind's rigid and overly proud mother and an unconventional older sister, the plot weaves its way through a series of twists and turns sure to hold readers' interest. Rosalind's conflicting emotions during her intuitive episodes are superbly portrayed, as is her coming to terms with who she is, proving once again Johnston's masterful use of narrative to create poignant fiction.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 6–10—An unusually dark fantasy, skillfully told. In this third book in the series, Dina and her family have settled into a comfortable life of farming and trading. Her mother no longer uses her Shamer's gift of seeing the ugly truths hidden behind peoples' eyes, and Dina's own Shamer's talent has disappeared. Then her father, a Blackmaster who wields the Serpent's Gift of illusion and coercion, comes to claim his daughter. The family flees to a neighboring country where Dina's brother, Davin, and Nico, the usurped teenaged ruler of their homeland, break the repressive local laws and are sentenced to years in the royal prison. In this grim place designed to break the souls of its inmates, Davin learns to respect Nico, and Dina learns to see some good in her father. Dina and Davin's alternating first-person descriptions of the various threats to their family make for a fast-paced read. Prison scenes of physical and psychological abuse are absolutely chilling, all the more so because they sometimes involve children. The book can stand alone but will be more rewarding for readers of the first two books, who will recognize the characters' growing strength and maturity under often-brutal conditions.—Beth Wright, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, VT

Gr 6–10—In this final volume in the series, Prince Nicodemus must defeat his dragon-wielding cousin, Drakan, who is ruthlessly conquering the surrounding lands. He is joined by Dina, the Shamer's daughter possessed of multiple magical gifts, and Carmian, a new character and love interest. Again, the first-person narrative switches between Dina and her half brother, Davin, who is captured by Drakan and forced to drink transformative dragon's blood. It's hard not to root for these engaging characters as they face internal conflicts over independence, betrayal, and the meaning of honor. The drama is action-packed, as fans of the series will have come to expect by now, and unfolds in tantalizing chunks. Romantic relationships play an appropriately larger role in the plot, but excessive references to the young teens' frustrations and insecurities are trite. Still, with well-drawn forays into a new magical realm and a thought-provoking, surprise ending, this is a superb novel in its own right, and a fitting conclusion to the riveting "Shamer's Chronicles."—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 5–8—This third episode finds eighth-grader Lily and seven of her classmates in Paris. During the trip, she keeps a journal that she is sure will provide material for her Great Parisian Novel. She admits in the very first line that "Everything I know about Paris, I've learned from the Madeline books." The class geek, the Vault of Information, and the flower child provide comic relief, if not believable story lines as the detail-disoriented Lily careers through the city without ever reading the guidebook or listening to the chaperone. References to pop culture may stump readers and rob this book of a timeless feel, but it will satisfy those looking for light, fun fiction.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Gr 4–6—Sixth-grader Sage Smiley is thrilled to learn that he'll be spending his summer vacation with his adventurous Uncle Dunkirk. When the man reveals the secret of his success, a magic stone that will take the holder to any place or time of his choosing, and gives Sage the opportunity to pick where to go, the boy inadvertently transports them both to Treasure Island. Things quickly go awry when their plane is damaged and Uncle Dunkirk is captured by John Silver's men. Krill relies on hackneyed language ("his heart leapt into his throat," "a feeling of dread washed over him," "an uncomfortable silence filled the room") and sentences that lack variety in structure and diction. The author loses a real opportunity with the dialogue. One would expect 17th-century pirates and English sailors to have very particular accents and ways of speaking, but, aside from the occasional "aye," the dialogue has a contemporary and slightly pretentious tone. With so many time-travel fantasies to choose from, most libraries can skip this one.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—Psyche is a princess who is so lovely that people come to worship her instead of Venus, the goddess of love. When Venus hears that she has been usurped, she sends her son, Cupid, to shoot Psyche with one of his love-tipped arrows. However, once Cupid sees Psyche, he falls hopelessly in love. Not long after their clandestine marriage, Psyche's jealous sisters come to visit and plant a seed of doubt about her husband's identity, and the new bride's actions drive Cupid away. Her chance to redeem herself comes when Venus gives her a series of impossible tasks that she must complete to prove her love. As this tale begins, the style is humorous and promises a new and clever version of the myth, but the comedy peters out about halfway through. Although Lester explores the motivations and personalities of the players and introduces a few new gods and goddesses, the characters fall flat, and the final product is unimaginative. This retelling is interspersed with a self-conscious contemporary narrative that would work better as part of an orally told story. The novel does not hold up to Lester's masterful standard. It might be a good introduction for someone unfamiliar with the traditional myth and could be useful in a classroom, but those looking for an innovative retelling should look at Francesca Lia Block's Psyche in a Dress (HarperCollins, 2006) instead.—Heather M. Campbell, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 9 Up—In poker, a "tell" is a sign that someone is bluffing. It might be a twitch, a nervous cough, or a glance. David learned a lot about tells as he watched his stepfather play the game. Now the man has been murdered, and the teen lies when a policeman shows up on his doorstep asking questions. The police quickly focus in on him, and in convincing them of his innocence, David thinks back to his stepfather's tells and realizes some long-hidden truths about his family. Embedded in the mystery are two smaller puzzles involving the boy's brother and birth father. Unfortunately, David's questions about why this man disappeared from his life and where he is now are never explained, but they are not central to the plot. The main mystery is wrapped up so quickly and neatly that fans of the genre might be disappointed that it's over so soon. This short novel is aimed at teens with lower reading levels but it will also appeal to others. Overall, the quick pace and David's secret make this a good thriller.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 7 Up—When 16-year-old Conor O'Neill dies after being hit by an ice-cream truck, he finds himself in Hell, accompanied by his dog Scrote, who is now able to speak. They are watched over and tormented by a devil named Clarence, which, of course, will raise (and then dash) the hopes of It's a Wonderful Life fans. There's no doubt that the author has a way with words, and there's even some nifty philosophy thrown into the mix. But the scatology and sociopathology that pervade this book necessitate putting it in the you-must-be-kidding column. McGowan is an author to watch, but this effort is over-the-top.—Nancy Brown, Fox Lane High School, Bedford, NY

Gr 5–8—When three tightrope walkers fall to their deaths, Sherlock Holmes must investigate. He is aided by a group of street children who help him as well as one another. These ragamuffins, led by the very capable Wiggins, go to the circus to seek out clues while Holmes and Watson pursue other leads. The case involves the theft of a priceless 17th-century book commissioned by Charles I1 and only meant to be seen by the ruling king or queen. Frail Ozzie turns out to be a vital new member of the Irregulars with a razor-sharp memory, and a gypsy girl from the circus proves helpful to solving the murders. Ozzie and Wiggins are memorable characters, and Holmes and Watson are extremely well defined. Black-and-white illustrations seem quite slapdash and do little to enhance the Victorian flavor of the book. Alex Simmons and Bill McKay's The Raven League (Sleuth, 2006), another story about Holmes and a gang of waifs, gives readers a more immediate impression of the realities of Victorian London with its many abused and homeless children, child labor, filth, and class differences.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 6–9—Thirteen-year-old Jamie O'Neill and his mother leave New York City's Harlem for an island off the coast of Ireland, where Jamie discovers that he's a lord, a descendant of the Irish Kings. Despite his muteness after losing his left arm to bone cancer, he befriends talkative, clever Ramsay. While exploring a 1000-year-old lighthouse, the boys find an ancient gold object that lets them travel to an alien planet light-years away. On Altair, a pointed-eared, eight-fingered girl named Wishaway is awaiting the return of Lord Ui Neill, whom she believes will save her world from invaders from the Alkhavans, who travel in iceships and enslave the people they conquer. Jamie finds that on Altair he still has his arm and can speak. The planet is technologically stuck in 1607 due to a scarcity of natural resources, so Jamie and Ramsay use their knowledge of chemistry to show the citizens how to make "Greek Fire" (sulfur, quicklime, and petroleum) to burn their enemies' iceships. Before they can begin to fight, everyone on the planet starts getting ill. Will they find a cure and can they defeat the Alkhavans? This science-fiction adventure story has an interesting setting. However, the plot lacks a sense of real conflict, the ending is resolved too neatly, and all but the main characters lack depth.—Sharon Rawlins, NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, Trenton

Gr 9 Up—Grace Passedge, 18, was raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian family, with a righteous father and a mother hesitant to make waves. When he refuses to let her attend the senior party, bans her from reading romance novels, and makes her promise to remain a virgin until marriage, the teen rebels. While accompanying her friend Liv to a lecture at a local college, Grace meets a dashing, worldly professor who sweeps her off her feet and leads her into breaking her father's rules. She soon finds herself engaged to Michael, suspecting she might be pregnant as she plans her wedding, and wondering if she is doing the right thing by marrying someone with whom she has so little in common except good sex. When Liv betrays their friendship, and a new boy catches her eye, Grace is forced to make some important decisions about friends, family, and romantic relationships. Although it is difficult to envision the age difference between Grace and Michael, the characters are basically well drawn and believable. Readers will see early on that Grace is bound on a collision course, not because her father says her choices are wrong but because they go against her personal convictions. Unlike Jody in Valerie Hobbs's Letting Go of Bobby James, or How I Found My Self of Steam (Farrar, 2004), Grace acknowledges the truth in the nick of time. She grows through her experiences, leaving the impression that she will be a stronger and better person.—Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ

Gr 4–8—These stories deliver lots of action. In Free Throw, Derek is named center during his second year of basketball as he is now the tallest player, and he shares his struggles and success to meet the challenges of the position. The second title is narrated by Robby, whose determination propels him to overcome self-doubt and personal failure, along with taunts and injury from a teammate, to achieve success. When he is moved from his position as center to defensive tackle, he replaces disappointment with resolve and acquires knowledge that serves him well when he substitutes for an injured center. There is no information about the ages of these characters, and little description of life off the court or field. The clear descriptions, realistic dialogue, abundant action, and touches of humor will appeal to younger children, as well as to middle school or older readers who are working to bolster their skills. They will appreciate the large font and the comic-book-style drawings that illuminate the texts. Both books conclude with discussion questions and writing prompts.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 5–7—Fans of The Water Mirror (S & S, 2005) will enjoy this wild ride of a sequel as Merle, with the Flowing Queen within her, is taken to Hell by the winged stone lion Vermithrax. As the Egyptian Pharaoh unleashes his army of mummies (unearthed dead bodies) on the city of Venice, Merle tries to find Lucifer, Lord Light, with whom she hopes to forge an alliance against Egypt, and her friend Serafin joins the rebels in a plot to assassinate the Pharaoh. With the appearance of the powerful sphinx woman Lalapeya, the plot twists and turns, so that readers, along with Serafin, do not know whom to trust. While this novel lacks the powerful sense of place that the Venetian scenes of the earlier title offered, Meyer shows great inventiveness in his portrayal of the environment and creatures of Hell. However, characters such as Junipa from the first book appear only toward the very end of this volume, and the water mirror appears only cursorily. The book ends on a cliff-hanger, leaving both Merle and Serafin's stories unresolved. While there is a great deal of action, the emotional heart of the novel seems to be missing. There is an occasional awkwardness in the phrasing that leaves the narrative feeling jerky. The British edition, with a different translation, reads much more smoothly. Although readers new to the series may be left unmoved, enthusiasts of the first book will fly through this one and await the conclusion of the trilogy.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 8 Up—In this installment in the series, the teen is back in Boston as a student at the Lawson Peabody School for Young Girls. While there, she tries to comport herself as a proper young lady in polite society. When the girls go on a field trip to a nearby island, they are kidnapped and put on a slave ship called the Bloodhound, which is bound for Africa. Jacky quickly falls back on her seagoing experience to organize the captives into divisions and devise a daring escape plan, which could mean the difference between life and death. Readers unfamiliar with the previous books will have a difficult time following the action. It is not made clear what Jacky's previous adventures were and how she came to be in Boston and at the school. The narrative is somewhat slow and does not pick up speed until far into the journey on the slave ship. Jacky is a strong protagonist whose exploits are astounding and hair-raising, but the secondary characters are not as well developed.—Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 5–8—In the first book, the forest monster is legendary among the kids in Justin's New England town, and they play a game mocking the creature. Justin, however, feels sure that there is something truly evil in the woods. He's seen the moving shadows and the yellow eyes glaring out from the trees. He wonders about the odd path of iron rods-and he believes that he is destined to confront the fiend-and whatever is behind it. In Heir, Ryan, 14, just wants to fit in, but odd things keep happening. Ice cream completely melts in his hands, and unexpected fires ignite when he is near. When his parents reveal that he was found abandoned in the desert as a baby, he begins to understand that he is not from Earth. He dreams of his home world, long ago taken over by the evil Arachnovar. His best friend becomes possessed by a weird spiderlike creature, leading Ryan to discover that extraterrestrials are hunting him. To save the town from being taken over, Ryan must recover the ancient powers of the Fire Prince-or die trying. Although written in full-text style, both books show a graphic-novel influence-episodic, action-driven plots; highly visual descriptive imagery; and dramatic dialogue. The comic-book background is also evident in the heavily shadowed illustrations and dramatic cover art. These high-energy texts and engaging characters will attract reluctant readers as well as fantasy fans.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 7 Up—Through her diary, memos, letters, e-mails, etc., readers get to know this humorously unlikable, holier-than-thou perfectionist. The twist is that Bindy is being slowly murdered! It's easy to miss that detail, though, as the story focuses on her growth away from over-judging others, specifically her seven fellow Year 11 students in her "Friendship and Development" course at their Australian private school. Forgetting the murder thing-which Moriarty mostly does for 450 pages of this tome-this is an enjoyable, well-paced read with an emotional delicacy weaving through the light humor of Bindy's egocentricity. After Bindy's growth, however, the author postpones the denouement to tie the remaining loose threads up in an action-packed murder-mystery ending, utterly changing the book's tone. Moriarty's fans will miss the fully fleshed-out supporting characters of her earlier novels, but Bindy is a perversely engaging protagonist.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 5–8—A well-crafted mystery awaits anyone reading this fabled jigsaw puzzle. Multiple narratives, each from the point of view of the cast of characters, meticulously reveal pieces of the puzzle while the story slowly unfolds. It is not until the end that one realizes the broader scope of what has happened. Tiny for his age, Yann Doutreleau gathers his three sets of twin brothers together to flee their dismal home after he hears their father's plans to kill them the next day. Malnourished and poorly clothed, the seven boys head out in stormy weather toward the ocean. Only Yann stands out as an oddity and they must carry him in a sack to avoid attention. On their journey, they cross paths with a list of unsuspecting characters, each strangely compassionate toward the boys' plight, each unknowingly contributing to a doomed adventure. Poverty and hardship echo throughout this modern "Tom Thumb" story, but it is ultimately the spirit of brotherhood that is the highlight of this tale. It is a memorable novel that readers will find engaging and intellectually satisfying.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 7–10—American teen Calypso Kelly is back at her British boarding school in this hilarious installment in this series. Despite her observation that her boyfriend, Prince Freddie, is "boringly ordinary," she is appalled when her friends suggest that she break up with him in order to focus on preparing for her exams. After all, he has wonderful "sticky-outy" hair, and his kisses are sweetly addictive. However, she is dismayed when Freds beats her to the punch and sends her a humiliating text message. As it is unthinkable that a girl from Saint Augustine's should be dumped, all of the students, teachers, and resident nuns help Calypso to organize the perfect revenge-The Counter Dump. They enlist the aid of an adorable Scottish laird with a penchant for theatrical romance and, as a result, nothing goes according to plan. Calypso's engaging narrative reads like a conversation with a best girlfriend. Unfortunately, the background information is inserted a little clumsily, limiting the audience of this book to readers of the first three. Once past the awkward start, however, the novel gallops forward at a rollicking pace. With a liberal serving of engaging characters, slapstick comedy, and a fabulous boarding-school setting, Dumping Princes is the best in the series so far. It is sure to have fans of the previous novels rolling on the floor laughing their royal crowns off.—Heather M. Campbell, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 7–10—After the death of the grandmother she has never met, Emily, a Jewish teen from a New York City suburb, spends a life-changing summer in Puerto Rico. Her mother left her homeland to attend college in New York and stayed on to earn a doctorate, marry, and, seemingly, never look back. Now, the girl must sacrifice a precollege road trip and final weeks with her boyfriend to stay in Puerto Rico while her grieving parent reconnects with her past. At first, relations are strained between Emily and her relatives; though polite and tactful, she's shy and sometimes mistaken for "stuck-up," particularly by her cousin Lucy, who treats her like a spoiled, privileged brat. As her mother comes to grips with her estranged sisters and her loss, Emily learns the truth about their severed ties as well as about life in the real Puerto Rico-not the one in "getaway brochures." When Lucy suspects that she is pregnant, only her New York family can help; old-fashioned attitudes and limited options for women are part of her decision to leave the island, just as her aunt did so many years before. Emily's honest, thoughtful narrative tells this engaging story of family and culture drawn from the author's own experience.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 4–7—Callie is passionate about the wild mustangs that live near her Nevada home. Although her parents have limited financial means, the exuberant 13-year-old still hopes to own her own horse someday. She gets close to the animals any way she can-observing her favorite herd (and her "dream horse," Moonbeam) in their desert habitat and working with an equine veterinarian. The wild mustangs are under the legal auspices of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which occasionally rounds up horses for adoption, and Callie is devastated when Moonbeam is taken to the local adoption center. When the mare dies while giving birth, the girl is determined to adopt her foal and nurse it back to health. Her efforts seesaw between success and failure until the powers for good intervene. Combining a hardworking heroine, supportive and loving secondary characters, and a few coincidences, Platt creates a heartwarming, wish-come-true story. However, the narrative is marred by the author's fury against the BLM (which is personified by a cruel local representative who tries to squash Callie's plans), clichéd phraseology, and romanticized descriptions of horses whose manes and tails "glistened in the sun." Regardless, this good-versus-evil tearjerker will captivate equine enthusiasts.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 5–8—Two hi/lo readers with short chapters and action-packed stories. Big Brother is a science-fiction tale in which a camera watches every move in class, and a boy identifies the principal and a visiting doctor as aliens. He and a friend devise a plan to rescue the other students from alien abduction. In the second title, two brothers discover a German soldier hiding in an abandoned house in London during World War II. In the course of events, the children and their parents run to a shelter when an air-raid siren sounds; in the closing scene, one boy gets shot in the arm. The writing in both books is fast paced and flows naturally; black-and-white illustrations enhance the texts. Back matter includes discussion questions and writing prompts.—Bobbee Pennington, Bryan Public Library, TX

Gr 9 Up—Black humor, pitch-perfect detail, and compelling characters make this a terrific read, despite the pain that permeates every superbly written page. Ninth-grader Mia has just lost her mother to cancer, and now her father is hospitalized with heart trouble. The story follows her first through bleak days at the hospital, then as she copes with her grief for her mother, her father's new girlfriend, and her sometimes disastrous attempts to find love. Interwoven throughout the book are Mia's musings over her family's history and the continuing tragic impact of the Holocaust. The novel's vivid New York City setting is almost another character, with vibrant descriptions of subway rides, shopping trips, and local color. Mia's early experience with loss influences everything about her life, from her bond with her father and older sister to her troubles with school and relationships. As she struggles to make sense of her mother's death and her father's illness, she also sees humor in everyday situations, and her irreverent commentary brings the story to life. Mia's romance with Sasha, a young man whose leukemia is in remission, is especially moving. A touching afterword reveals just how closely the novel follows the author's actual experiences.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 6–9—Fictionalized first-person accounts portray the first 20 years of the contrasting lives of Lincoln and Keckley. Two brief factual chapters and an epilogue abruptly and briefly summarize the next 25 years and document the "unlikely friendship" that developed once their paths crossed. A wealth of 19th-century details and references enriches both narratives. Mary Todd has a privileged but controlled upbringing in Kentucky where an array of siblings, attentive Mammy Sally, an affectionate but aloof father, and a proud, devoted grandmother help her to cope with a critical, harsh stepmother. In contrast, Lizzy, a master's mulatto child, learns through hardship and heartbreak to live the slave adage, "Got one mind for the boss to see, got another for what I know is me." When the women finally meet, Lizzy has purchased her freedom and has established herself as a renowned dressmaker. Her patience and skill help the fashion-obsessed, volatile First Lady deal with life in the White House and public criticism of both her husband's antislavery views and her family's unrefined "backwoods" status. Although the two figures share a common time and place and an employer-employee codependence, the actual depth of their mutual understanding and friendship is unclear. Nonetheless, they have authentic voices and present meaningful perspectives on social conditions and slavery. Both personalities are well drawn, with real anxieties and emotions.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 7–10—Told in the style of the now-antiquated "Choose Your Own Adventure" series, the story allows readers to determine the course of the plot by offering choices at the end of each segment (To go to the cafeteria turn to page 10, to stay alone with Sebastian turn to page 59). Many of the plot choices result in the same outcomes and several end in failure, requesting that readers return to page one and try again. The novel hinges around Haley, her friends, and their romantic and social prospects and problems. The flat characters are archetypes of vapid teens. "At least if her hair proved to be a disaster, she had on a cute outfit." Boldface transitions at the end of each segment attempt to hype the interaction, adding drama where none was effectively conveyed otherwise. The book fails to portray a genuine teen voice, lacks theme, and fosters xenophobia-"Flirting with someone from another culture is one thing. But actually dating a foreigner?" Although the cover may draw in reluctant readers, the story itself has little plot and questionable values.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 9 Up—Russon returns to the characters she introduced in Undine (HarperCollins, 2006). Six months have passed since the incident at the Bay of Angels when Undine almost destroyed the world with her newfound magic. She and her friend Trout are in Year 12, and the stress from her almost uncontrollable power has caused a rift between them. Trout has taken to living a half life, wandering the streets at night, trying to discover if the magic belongs in this world. Undine is struggling to keep the promise she made to her mother not to use the magic that is always present, just below the surface of her thoughts. While she and her family are in Greece, where her father was raised, Trout house-sits for them in Australia. During his nightly wanderings, he runs into Max, whom he met in the Chaosphere online. She is searching for the magic as well and is willing to do anything to get it. Trout and Undine are strongly developed characters, giving readers a glimpse of two people who are trying to find themselves emotionally and physically. The colorful language, unique expressions, and exotic locations will capture teens' imaginations, but the story will have more power for those familiar with the first one. A fast-paced plot and a surprise ending will leave readers eager for the conclusion of this trilogy.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—Teenager Anahita, a nomad living in early-20th-century Persia, has been promised to the khan, or chief, of her tribe. This man, whose three previous wives have mysteriously died, is considerably older than she is, and she wants nothing to do with him. She convinces her father to let her choose her own husband by having potential mates solve a riddle that she has woven into her wedding carpet. Doing so goes against Muslim principles and causes controversy within the tribe, and trouble for them, as the khan exacts his revenge by taking away their migratory and water rights. Despite these circumstances, Anahita's father agrees to continue with the competition. The main contenders-the khan, a schoolteacher, a shepherd, and a prince-all play an important role in Anahita's life. She finds it difficult to go through with the contest, only knowing whom she does not want to marry, but an unexpected twist forces her to choose. This is an engrossing story that weaves in Persian culture, history, and surroundings, and portrays the life of a unique young woman and her quest for love. A Farsi glossary and a brief history of the time period are included.—Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 6–9—A collection of 20 previously published stories, some by well-known writers of horror such as Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft, others by authors not generally associated with the genre, like Winston Churchill. Each selection includes a chilling black-and-white engraving, often placed near the end of the story for maximum effect. These tales are easily found elsewhere, whether it be in collections or in single editions, and are more creepy than gory. An additional purchase in libraries where short stories and horror are popular.—Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family (Delacorte, 2005), Nicholas Borelli II, who spent the summer in Brooklyn with Grandma Tutti, is back home in New Jersey and bored, bored, bored despite his large, beautiful house and several friendly classmates. His father suggests that the extended family and his friend Tommy come and stay for the Christmas holidays, and Nicky is thrilled to reconnect with them and to eat Grandma's wonderful cooking. Dad is involved in a real-estate deal to gentrify a formerly dodgy neighborhood, but Nicky overhears his business partner's suspicious real plans and decides to investigate, with Tommy's help. A long search of the local library's newspaper files reveals that the man formerly had another name and has a criminal history. The boys decide to confide in a newspaper reporter, who promptly rats them out. Now Dad is in terrible danger. With the help of undercover cop Uncle Frankie, all ends well after a terrifying kidnapping and car chase. The exciting finale hints at sequels. Readers will be hooked on personable Nicky and his relatives, although some may feel that the Italian stereotyping is over-the-top and offensive. For libraries where the first book is popular.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 4 Up—This picture book is based on an incident from Scow's childhood. In 1935, a Native boy and his family are spirited away by boat to a secret location where he witnesses a Potlatch ceremony-outlawed with severe consequences at that time by the Canadian government. This story gives readers barely a taste of the culture and vast history around the topic. Bold and colorful acrylic illustrations do serve to add drama and interest; they are interlaced with ghostly Native imagery. Names (e.g., "Watl'kina" and "Tlakwetl") and vocabulary are difficult to read and pronounce without a guide. A historical note is included, although it's at the end of the book rather than at the beginning. Younger children who gravitate to picture books may find the abstract concepts of government and prejudice difficult to comprehend. The story is far more suited to older children who would empathize with and appreciate what Native Canadians endured at this challenging time in their history.—Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Gr 5–8-Franklin Delano Donuthead, the eponymous hero of Donuthead (Knopf, 2003), is back, as are all of the other characters from the first book. Now in middle school, Franklin is still obsessed with hygiene, cleanliness, and safety, and Sarah is still living a hard-knock life. The plot this time centers around whether Sarah will wear pants or the customary skirt for her figure-skating performance, and whether Franklin will find the courage and self-reliance to rescue her from her aunt. Readers who aren't familiar with the first book will be totally lost. Stick with Gordon Korman's No More Dead Dogs (Hyperion, 2000), a more amusing choice about a male protagonist.—Nancy Brown, Fox Lane High School, Bedford, NY

Gr 5—8—Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (2003) and The Dragonology Handbook: A Practical Course in Dragons (2005, both Candlewick) are purported to be guides written by Dr. Ernest Drake, one of Victorian-era Britain's foremost dragonologists. Steer, their real author, has now written the first of a series of novels about Dr. Drake as seen through the eyes of 12-year-old Daniel Cook, one of his apprentices. In 1882, Daniel and his older sister are unaware that their mother and father are dragonologists working in India for the colonial government. The children are at first disappointed when they are shipped directly from their boarding school to Dr. Drake's-they had been promised a summer holiday with their parents-but the eccentric man introduces them to their first dragons and they're soon hooked on the "science." A sinister rival, Ignatius Crook, hopes to claim a gem, the Dragon's Eye, that would give him powers over the dragons of the British Isles, and Drake and his crew are determined to stop him. Soon Drake, Daniel, and Beatrice are journeying all over the nation by train and boat and on dragonback to track down the precious stone. This book will be lots of fun for fans of the beautifully illustrated "Dragonology" titles, but as a work of fantasy, it is merely average. The art, critical in a work like this one, is unspectacular; several of the adult characters, in particular Crook, are stereotypes; and the young protagonists lack depth.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—In this adventure set in the 1950s, 11-year-old Lewis Barnavelt and his friend Rose Rita discover a peculiar-looking, empty house nestled in the woods near their hometown of New Zebedee, MI. Eerie sounds emanate from it, and Lewis is sure that he sees an army of ghosts marching nearby. His Uncle Jonathan explains that the Hawaii House was built long ago by a retired sea captain for his Hawaiian princess wife, and that all of its occupants mysteriously died in their sleep, and makes the children promise to stay away from it. The bulk of the story takes place a few years later, when David and his family move into the house, and Lewis must summon his inner boldness to help his new friend exorcise the evil spirits from his home. Filled with likable, kooky characters, this mystery is fast paced and funny. Lewis's Uncle Jonathan, a sorcerer, and their neighbor, eccentric Mrs. Zimmerman, a kindly witch, add a magical element that is sure to appeal to fantasy fans. Yet, the normalcy of the younger characters allows readers to relate to the protagonists and root for them the whole way through.—Carly B. Wiskoff, Sayville Library, NY

Gr 5 Up—At once eerie and compelling, sometimes gruesome and always satisfying, this highly readable collection effectively conveys the connection between the natural world and the world of the spirit common in Native American lore. Drawing on stories from the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles, an expert storyteller entrances readers with vivid language that conjures up all manner of supernatural creatures, from shape-shifters and tricksters to talking animals and witches. A brief introduction to each tribe prefaces their stories, providing both a historical and spiritual context for the tales, which are rich in imagery as well as emotion. The authenticity of the storyteller's voice makes this collection distinctive and a wonderful choice for reading aloud or savoring by a campfire.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 6–9—A powerful, beautifully written tale about the evils of early-19th-century slavery. In 1818, orphaned Philip leaves Liverpool to find his uncle in New Orleans. Two years later, after living with a kindly couple and helping out in their chemist shop, he finds the man, who is a ship captain. After joining his uncle's crew, he realizes that the Captain is a slave trader who firmly believes that buying and selling human beings is part of the natural order of things. Philip, however, sees only brutality, especially after he is forced to brand a captured African. Before the ship ends its mission, illness and death have ravaged both the enslaved and the sailors. Torrey does a fine job of showing history through the eyes of a teenager who has to deal with something he knows is evil. The characterization is strong and believable, and Philip is a compelling hero. This gripping story provides readers not only with a vivid picture of a shameful past, but also with an understanding of its cruelty.—Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia

Gr 3–7—Readers of "Dragonlance: The New Adventures" series (Mirrorstone) will recognize the "inscriber" of this book, an elf-eared "kender" named Sindri Suncatcher. Having gleaned much of his knowledge from a wizard mentor, he begins his book with a general look at the anatomy and life cycle of dragons. The bulk of the work is divided into six-page chapters, each introducing a specific species with a fierce-looking, full-page portrait and descriptions of physical attributes, offspring ("Eggs"), development ("Wyrmlings"), adult behavior, lair, and combat skills. Inset paintings, labeled anatomical sketches, and maps decorate the pages, which are shaded to look like parchment. Readers will learn that red dragons are "ferocious and cruel" and live in volcanoes, blue ones use their lightning breath to cook their food, brass dragons prefer talking to fighting, and gold ones spend most of their lives in human form. Filled with interesting and quirky details, this well-imagined manual is fun to browse. Although readers unfamiliar with Sindri's world may feel lost by references to the character's compatriots and experiences, this offering may appeal to die-hard fantasy fans.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal