Grades 5 & Up

Gr 5–8—When Darcy sees Danalda playing baseball with her friends, he notes that she has a great swing and decides she's his "newest Most Valuable Player." Darcy and his baseball buddies have entered middle school, and several factors seem to be pulling them apart. One of his friends wants to be part of the popular crowd, while another boy would rather stay home playing video games. Darcy feels angry and betrayed when his parents, stressed over Grandpa Stillman's erratic behavior, decide to move the man to a care facility. Competition for the baseball team is intense: Darcy tries out, though his chances don't look good. He decides to pursue Danalda's affections, aided by an interesting new student who offers to teach him about girls if he will teach her about baseball. Darcy is a believable character: sports-minded, immature yet likable, and a bit clueless. Readers will recognize who his real romantic interest is long before he does. The story is all just a bit too predictable. Guide readers looking for a light mix of sports and first romance to Janette Rallison's Playing the Field (Walker, 2002) for its humor and sympathetic slice of life.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 4–7—This well-known British illustrator's first novel is a charming twist on fairy tales. The Trueheart clan lives near the Land of Stories, once upon a time, long ago. Tom is the youngest of seven boys, and his brothers (all named Jack) have carried on the family tradition of being adventurers-that is, stepping into a story and carrying out the dashing exploits that eventually become legend. On Tom's 12th birthday, he discovers that his brothers are missing, feared to have been captured by a sinister individual who wants to put an end to Stories forever, and it is up to the young lad to discover their fates and prevent the demise of the Land. Readers meet many familiar characters, as the brothers' interrupted adventures involve Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, to name a few. The two-dimensionality of most of the characters complements the fairy-tale feel, and silhouette drawings interspersed throughout add a wonderfully nostalgic touch. Readers will relate to Tom as he overcomes fears that he will not live up to his brothers' reputations for bravery. The story gets off to a slow start, and the length may deter some children, but those who stick with it will be rewarded with a refreshing and humorous take on traditional fairy tales. Beck's ending suggests that a sequel is forthcoming.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7 Up—Picking up where The Bonemender (Orca, 2005) left off, Gabrielle (the half human-half elf healer of the title) heads home to face the consequences of war, along with Tristan, elf Féolan, and Derkh. Tristan has a new enemy in LeBarque, who vows to have Rosalie for himself, even if it means killing Tristan. Meanwhile, Derkh struggles with his enemy identity: he was happy to have Gabrielle treat his war injuries, but is frightened to return to hostile territory with her. These confused feelings lead him to an escape into the forest that puts not only his own life, but also Gabrielle's, at risk. Clear, descriptive, fast-paced writing brings the characters to life, even in a comparatively short story. Bennett weaves together elements of love, vengeance, pain, and healing. Although the book will be better enjoyed by and slightly less confusing for readers of the earlier work, newcomers will appreciate the quick pace and tidy, though somewhat predictable, ending.—Carly B. Wiskoff, Sayville Library, NY

Gr 5–8—Dustin Grubbs, 12, has show-business aspirations like his dad, who moved from Buttermilk Falls to Chicago to be a stand-up comic. Unfortunately, the seventh grader's school must use athletic-department funds to produce the musical Oliver!, dividing athletes from "drama geeks." With no musical talent, Dustin finds himself in the middle, estranged from his friends and bullied by the star basketball player. On a class trip to Chicago, he spends time with his dad, auditions for a commercial, and finds and administers CPR to the principal's lost dog, the team's mascot. The boy is able to see his quirky family and his belligerent classmates as they really are, giving up his reward money for saving the pup for the good of the team. This fast-paced sequel to Dustin Grubbs: One-Man Show (Little, Brown, 2005) has believable characters, witty conversations, and a satisfying conclusion. —Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN

Gr 8 Up—In their latest episode, Bridget goes to Turkey on an archaeological excavation and Lena takes a painting class in Providence. Tibby stays in New York to take classes, and Carmen attends a theater festival in Vermont to work as backstage crew. There are new love interests, loss of virginity, and breakups and makeups. The themes are familiar, but fans who already identify with the characters will want to read more about their latest exploits. The pants pay a more prominent role than they did in the third book and a significant event takes place as each teen receives them. The possibilities and impossibilities of love are explored as Bridget is attracted to the married leader of the excavation team and Tibby fears she is pregnant. When Carmen auditions and lands a major role in the theater production, she worries that she cannot handle the part. Although squeamish at first, Lena becomes attracted to a fellow art student when they agree to pose in the nude for each other on weekends. Although the ending is a bit unrealistic, fans will surely suspend judgment as they delight in the story. The quotes from famous people that open each chapter are the most profound words in the book, but young romance readers and those wanting light fare will not be disappointed.—Linda L. Plevak, Bulverde/Spring Branch Library, Spring Branch, TX

Gr 7–10—This third book in the series continues the story of Queen Blue; her brother, Pyrgus; the human Henry; evil Lord Hairstreak; and even more vile Beleth. Blue is now Queen of the Faerie Realm and unexpectedly finds herself receiving an offer of peace from the Faeries of the Night. While she is suspicious, she decides to travel to see if Lord Hairstreak's offer is genuine. Combine this with Henry's abduction by aliens while back on Earth, and readers set off on a wild ride filled with faeries, demons, and illusions culminating in an ending that has the entire Realm in jeopardy. Brennan's humor and clear language carry the action forward at a brisk pace, yet allow beloved characters to be revisited and enjoyed. The entire series strikes a unique balance between fantasy and science fiction, so these books are not bound by the conventions of either genre. The story is riveting, the action is fast, and the characters are convincing. Recommend it to fans of Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl" series (Hyperion).—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 9 Up—A lonely teen, Robert Smith finds himself involved in events totally out of his control. A foster kid with a stomachache, he arrives at the hospital alone for a routine endoscopy. Not fully anesthetized, he hears the doctors claim that his insides aren't human. Unidentified men with guns swarm in, Robert bolts, and finds himself on the front page of the newspaper accused of stabbing one of the doctors. His subsequent flight begins a grisly string of events where murder, alcohol, and fear abound. Conveniently the one person Robert runs to, Eddi, the ex-girl of an acquaintance's brother, not only takes him in but is an expert in creating fake IDs. With a duffle full of cash from her business, they escape England to her house in Spain. In Tejeda, the young people find love and begin a "normal" life together until the men in suits show up and destroy it all. Scattered throughout the novel are Robert's existential questions, "How do I know anything is real?" This is surreal science fiction with a dismal ending. Loose ends abound, so many that readers are left feeling cheated. Who or what Robert is are never made clear; nor is the identity of the men who are after him.—Kathy Lehman, Thomas Dale High School Library, Chester, VA

Gr 9 Up—This is the second volume of original short stories by Canadian authors. Selections range from standard tales of ghosts, werewolves, and vampires to the more creative. The most vivid and disturbing fairy-tale twist, Priscilla Galloway's "Prince Sandred," is about a necrophiliac prince searching for his perfect love. The selections are short, well written, and spooky in their own way. Purchase where short stories and horror are popular.—Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—This second book about the Flint Future Detectives is part mystery, part tall tale, part fantasy, and all fast-paced, zany comedy. When Russell's dog, Rodney Rodent, follows a winking gnome through a mural near the Halo Burger, Russell and his friends, Richelle and Steven, follow. They find themselves in Ourside on a porch with Mr. Chickee, who had given Steven a quadrillion-dollar bill in Mr. Chickee's Funny Money (Random, 2005). The kids have been summoned to this alternative universe to save Ourside by understanding the prophecies of the Chronicles of Zornea-Hu, the first Old Soul. They set out to find Rodney Rodent, hiring a surly guide who leads them to H.A.L.F. Land, where the unfinished, unused characters of fiction live. Curtis's spoofing with B. T. Bowling and the Hairy Plodder books, with The Great Morose Fire-Spewing Clabbernabber, is one of the novel's hilarious highlights. The surly guide steals Great-great grampa Carter's wildly funny insulting dictionary, setting the stage for the third book. Loaded with exclamation points and full of tongue-in-cheek asides, this book will be welcomed by those who enjoyed the young detectives' first adventure. Wacky characters, improbable happenings, weird challenges, and a chaotic plot will all conspire to have readers saying, as Russell does, "GULP!"—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 9 Up—Cass is that girl in high school who does whatever it takes to be popular-which means stomping all over everyone else. David is that awkward boy who painfully lurks on the outside of all of the social groups. When he commits suicide, his older brother is out for revenge against the girl whom he believes is responsible for David's death. Giles's characters are frighteningly believable. The story is part mystery, part psychological drama that involves dysfunctional families and abuse, and part crime investigation. It is told by Cass, her captor, and the police investigating her disappearance. Slowly, through these narrations, readers see what caused David's suicide and Kyle's anger and are given insight as to why Cass behaves as she does. This book will disturb readers, frighten them, and make them feel as though they are trapped like the characters. It is a thrilling, one-sitting read that they won't be able to put down.—Sherry Quinones, Frederick County Public Libraries, MD

Gr 3–6—This story about the trials of a fourth grader who is a dwarf will entertain and enlighten kids. About to become a big brother, Georgie worries that the baby will grow bigger than he and fulfill his musician parents' hope for a child who can play an instrument. At the same time, Georgie fears that Andy, who's been his friend since kindergarten, likes the new boy better. When Georgie's parents leave him at Andy's house on Christmas Eve, he finds himself being unexpectedly cruel and losing the friendship. Georgie is also assigned to do a project on Abraham Lincoln with Jeanie the Meanie, who puts his name in for the role of the lanky president in a class play. Stuck with the nomination, he's able to give a commanding performance-with Jeanie's help. Andy lets Georgie know he misses him, and his loving parents, who have been somewhat oblivious to his concerns, also come through. Commentary to readers throughout about what Georgie can and can't do is delivered by an anonymous voice, whose identity is revealed as a surprise at the end.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 6 Up—A group of friends dream of success on the professional auto-racing circuit. Eddie, the driver; Rick, the engineer; and Herb, the mechanic, are joined in their quest by Eddie's Aunt Sophie, team owner; and Rick's sister Caroline, team manager and possible romantic interest for Eddie. The young men start racing in the Trans Am series and then have the opportunity to lease a damaged Formula Atlantic car for one race, enlist professional help, land a sponsor, and make friends and enemies on the track and off as they emerge as contenders for the Formula Atlantic championship. Along the way, they cope with endless travel, the theft of their equipment, and even a hilarious TV interview. Racing scenes are limited in number and length, but are very well done and accurately use racing terminology to describe events. The series' focus is on the team's struggles, such as personality issues, long hours, crashes, and money, and while the characters aren't developed, the stories are engaging and fast paced, and carry a good sense of anticipation. Occasional black-and-white photos depict racing scenes. Eddie's team's early success is somewhat implausible, but Hampshire's stories will appeal to racing fans and anyone who roots for underdogs.—Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 5–8—An unusual format brings a fresh angle to this historical event. Elizabeth and George live in 1692 Salem. When teen girls suddenly start claiming that they have been possessed by townspeople who are witches, the two friends are not sure what to believe, and their opinions diverge as the community puts the women on trial. Elizabeth and her family believe that the women are innocent, whereas George's father is vehement in his condemnation of the accused, and his son begins to be persuaded as well. The ultimate test of their friendship comes when Elizabeth herself is targeted. The opportunity to read Elizabeth's side of the story first and then flip the book over to read George's fleshes out the characters and gives them distinct voices. This book demonstrates that there is often more than one version of history.—Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 5–8—"In the real world, you can only understand your life backwards," writes Cadence Brogan to #5667, the unknown post-office-box holder with whom she begins a one-sided correspondence. After finding the number on a mysterious torn piece of a letter written in her father's hand, she feels somehow that this is the key to unlocking the secrets surrounding her. Cadence sees her life as a modern-day fairy tale in which she is Rapunzel, alone, abandoned, and waiting for answers. Her father's clinical depression she terms the Evil Spell; the teacher at the after-school Homework Center is dubbed the Wicked Witch. Through a series of journal-like writings to the elusive #5667, she comes to terms with her life and begins to understand her father's illness. Although the plot loses momentum at times, Holmes carries the story to a satisfying ending through realistic, insightful dialogue and her ability to develop a bright, capable character in Cadence. Reluctant readers will be drawn to the short chapters. The novel could be therapeutic for those children who must deal with the far-reaching effects of a parent's illness while experiencing the universal angst of adolescence. Cadence leaves readers with the wisdom that one must rescue oneself before rescuing others.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 9 Up—Three teens tell their stories, in free verse, from a psychiatric hospital after failed suicide attempts. Their lives unfold in alternating chapters, revealing emotionally scarred family relationships. An absent father, a bipolar mother, and a secret abortion have caused Vanessa to slash her wrists. As a compulsive cutter, she hides a paper clip to dig into her skin. Tony's drug overdose was triggered by an addiction in which he exchanged sex for money. Abused as a child, he is confused about his sexuality. Connor is the son of rich, controlling parents, and he survives a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a doomed affair with a female teacher. Initially, the narrators are inwardly focused, having arrived at "level zero," the beginning of their treatment. As they become acquainted with one another, the story, told in spare verse and colorful imagery, becomes more plot-driven and filled with witty dialogue. Both boys value Vanessa's friendship and there is an inkling of competition for her affection, although she assumes that Tony is gay. During a wilderness camping trip with other patients and staff, which would graduate the trio to the final level of treatment, it becomes apparent that one of them is mentally backsliding at the thought of returning home and has stopped taking meds. The consequences are played out, leaving the others to grapple with an additional loss and a newfound appreciation for life. Mature fans of the verse format will devour this hefty problem novel.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 4–7—In this seventh adventure featuring the veggie-vampire and his cohorts, the Monroe family is playing host to M. T. Graves, creator of the gruesome, popular "FleshCrawlers" series. While Pete and Toby are excited to meet a real-live author, their pets aren't happy about the visitor. First, Graves has brought along Edgar Allan Crow, a strange, silent bird. Furthermore, the yard is suddenly infested with dozens of other crows-squawking, calling, and obviously waiting for something-or someone. Worst of all, M. T. seems to be taking an unhealthy interest in Bunnicula. Chester the cat tries desperately to convince the other pets that Graves intends to use their long-eared friend for some fiendish purpose. Sheepdog Howard isn't persuaded, but then the vampire bunny mysteriously disappears. Can the Monroe pets find their friend in time-and discover what the weird writer is really up to? As always, much of the book's humor comes from the interplay among the animals. Chester's melodramatic imagination sees sinister plots everywhere, while laid-back Howard tries to keep the neurotic cat in balance. Aspiring author Howie, meanwhile, puppy-worships their famous visitor and is continually trying to get writing tips. The writing style is a mixture of chills and chuckles, and the black-and-white pencil drawings are appropriately eerie. Underlying all the fun is a quiet celebration of writing and the power of friendship and inspiration.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–7—When Joe's four-year-old sister, Hannah, ruins his favorite magazine, he screams, "I wish you were dead!" That same night, an ambulance arrives at his house and Joe begins to dread that his hasty words are coming to pass. So when a girl named Katherine appears out of nowhere and offers him the chance to get Hannah back, Joe follows her into Asphodel, a realm between life and death that is locked in an ongoing war between two sister queens. The dreary, industrialized landscape is populated by deadly mechanical beasts and has a surreal aspect to it. Themes of war, propaganda, and profiteering are laced throughout this dark, intriguing Neil Gaiman-like fantasy that will have readers on the edge of their seats.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 7 Up—Calma Harrison, 16, is a bright, eccentric loner who loves English lit and brightly colored eyeglasses. Her only friend is Vanessa, a hippie so mellow she's nearly in a coma. Calma and her mother communicate via notes on the refrigerator. Then, her long-absent father appears in their tropical Australian town, desperate to speak to her, and her mother starts sneaking around at night, causing Calma to fear that her parents may be dating. When Vanessa becomes even more withdrawn and Calma notices cuts and scratches on her friend's body, she starts sleuthing. For the first quarter of the book, Jonsberg lays the teenage sarcasm on so thickly it backfires, and Calma, despite her raw language, sounds cutesy instead of edgy. Fortunately, she's more and more engaging as the plot progresses, and her depth and sincerity become obvious. Moreover, her jaunty narration creates a farcical mood that keeps the increasingly heavy subject matter from descending into melodrama. The supporting characters are drawn in broad strokes and seem present just to people the novel's abundant, and sometimes extraneous, subplots. Calma's sweet courtship with Jason, a gorgeous, disarming soccer freak, is an exception, but, with so many plot threads to weave together, the author leaves their relationship unexplored.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Jubert's second book in a dance-themed fantasy series is a confusing mix of magic, science, and future history. The city of Basle, located in the mountains of Switzerland, is apparently one of the few remaining areas of dry land in the world. A catastrophic flood has wiped out much of civilization and the survivors live in isolated city-states. This information is difficult to ascertain, requiring close attention to detail, a good knowledge of European geography, and several hundred pages. In Basle, crime is virtually unknown. Tiny wind-born particles, called tracers, monitor all areas of the city, making detective work unnecessary. The tracers were invented by the city's witches in return for tolerance of their existence. Improbably, that existence is known to the political bureaucracy but has never leaked to the public. The police detective bureau is at the point of being disbanded when a series of gruesome murders occurs, undetected by the tracers. It is up to Detective Roberta Morgenstern and her lover/dance instructor to find the killer. Though parts of the story are interesting, the phrasing is frequently awkward and many of the plot elements seem thrown together. Witchcraft, herbal medicine, computers, gypsies, golems, genetics, and nanotechnology don't fit together all that neatly. The identity of the killer can be deduced midway through the story, but the explanation of how the victims are chosen stretches logic to the breaking point, even given the existence of magic. Readers will find Elizabeth Knox's Dreamhunter (Farrar, 2006) better written and more entertaining.—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School Library, CA

Gr 5–8—Bred as a show dog, Magnificent Dawn of Venus von Braun was a German shepherd destined for greatness until a broken leg took her out of contention and into the arms of a boy named Willie. Reminded of the landlord's no-pet policy, the heartbroken boy answers a newspaper ad and Venus, now "Cracker," is accepted into a military canine unit to help soldiers sniff out booby traps in Vietnam. She and her handler, Rick Hanski, quickly bond and head to the front lines. Cracker and Rick's successful missions lead to more dangerous operations and they are ultimately separated during a siege. Critically wounded, Rick is sent home, not knowing what has become of Cracker, and it is a heart-wrenching wait for word on her whereabouts. Kadohata shifts point of view from Willie to Cracker and Rick. While the dog's thoughts and feelings supply the crucial visceral elements associated with her job and her relationship to Willie and Rick, she competes with Rick for top billing as main character. Willie is the story's casualty, as he realizes that Cracker now belongs to Rick. Divided reader empathy aside, the story is filled with action and accurately re-creates the experience of the military canine program, from aspects of training to the battlefield. It's likely to spark readers' interest in this little-known area of military history.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 6–10—This intriguing novel starts like science fiction, but ends as something entirely different. Jacob wakes up in an empty field with no memories other than his name. An unsmiling, uninformative man calling himself Virgil takes him across a river to the dreary, modern city of Locus, where most of the inhabitants are teens about Jacob's age. There he tries to find a way back to his barely remembered home while resisting Locus's standard-issue gray uniforms, tasteless food, and mind-numbing labor clearing fields of stones. He befriends Aysha, a girl who still retains some spark of life, and the two, along with Jacob's roommate, set out across the stone fields in search of the fabled Palace of Remembrance, where everything lost can be returned. While teachers may appreciate the author's allusions to Roman and Celtic mythology, the Bible, the Divine Comedy, and possibly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, teens will be pulled in by the appealing characters and the book's structure. The initial mystery of Locus, the ongoing mystery of the teenagers' pasts, and Jacob's harrowing escape when he is separated from his friends and almost entombed in a cave by a madman make for an engrossing story. An accessible, discussable read, and a good choice for struggling and proficient readers alike.—Beth Wright, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, VT

Gr 5–8—On the day she was born, Margaret Magpie Gabbard was given a legacy from her grandpa-a cussedness to carry on the fight against the no-good Sizemore clan forever-and a prophecy, by the Moon herself, to rise above the fighting, put her cussedness to good use, and "save us all." Thirteen years later, on October 2, 1872, Magpie calls upon her "magical birthday sparkles" to aid her travels "down-mountain," from eastern Kentucky into Tennessee to return her brother's foot. This puts the prophecy into outrageous motion. Big Mama had chained Milo's ankle to keep him from leaving, so he chopped off his foot when God came to get him. Now Maggie must return the foot so he can get out of Purgatory and be on his way to High Jerusalem (heaven). Each rollicking adventure gets more preposterous than the last as Magpie encounters the Cob Hollow Goblins who buried the Moon, a floating Head who holds a special key in his mouth, and a magical boar that can travel through time. Keehn captures Appalachian colloquialisms and language to perfection while maintaining an action-packed, rip-snorting, hilarious pace that never lets readers go. The feisty heroine brings together the two rival clans and saves the Moon, and brother Milo gets to "walk through the pearly gates" on two feet in this well-connected rambunctious celebration of the tall tale. An original that just might be even more entertaining when read aloud.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 7–10—Sam feels compelled to join the Confederate Navy because his grandfather has been very vocal about his abolitionist views, causing most of the people in their Mississippi town to shun the family. The 15-year-old forges the required permission letter and talks his friend Albert into accompanying him. The two become ship boys on the ironclad Arkansas, where they are given the lowliest jobs-peeling potatoes, cleaning, latrine duty-and are verbally abused by the crew. The Arkansas is stationed close enough to home for Sam to see his family, and he and his grandfather reconcile. Eventually, the ironclad is ordered into battle. The noise, the carnage, and the resulting effects on the sailors of close-range naval fighting are described in gruesome detail. Albert suffers emotionally and is killed in a later battle, the same one in which Sam loses his leg. After a hospital stay, he returns home and becomes a teacher at the school he dropped out of a few months earlier. The plot is an often-repeated one, and this version has little to recommend it. The characters lack depth, and readers never really come to care about them. Sam can never answer his grandfather's questions about the reasons behind the war or why he feels the need to fight. Consider purchasing this book only for its detailed description of life aboard a Confederate ironclad.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 8 Up—Using Hamlet as the basis for her tale, Klein relates the familiar events from the play, with Ophelia as the focal point. Thus, readers see the social-climbing Polonius as a negligent father, the queenly Gertrude as a concerned and observant mentor, the bewildered Hamlet as a fervent lover, and Horatio as a loyal friend who loves Ophelia from afar. But the novel goes beyond the life of the play for, instead of dying, Ophelia secretly weds Hamlet, escapes Elsinore (taking refuge in a convent in France), bears Hamlet's son, and reunites romantically with Horatio to bring the story full circle. Easy to follow and moving at a rapid pace, the story introduces new characters who add depth to the tale. Klein sets the story in the Elizabethan era rather than in the medieval time frame of the original play; her detail-rich text conveys considerable information about courtly life, intrigue, and the societal mores of the times. She includes adapted versions of some of Shakespeare's best-known lines to keep the flavor of the Bard's work; however, the changes in the language may strike a discordant note with purists and with those who prefer the poetic text. Nonetheless, this is a successful and engaging story that is more thought-provoking than Lisa Fiedler's Dating Hamlet (Holt, 2002), as it deals with issues of justice more than revenge, with wholeness of character more than romance. It is sure to be popular with young women struggling with issues of honor, betrayal, and finding one's path.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 5–8—Willa Laura Lowell is a 16-year-old miner's daughter ushering in the Depression in a West Virginia coal miner's camp. The days are long and hard, but worse when the mine shuts down. There is no money, forcing Willa's father and older brother to look for work elsewhere. Left alone with her mother and three younger siblings, Willa helps as she can and dreams of a better life. Life changes dramatically for her and her family when they are offered a place in a new town. The teen never loses sight of where she came from and is determined to help others as she was helped. Richly drawn characters and plot make this an excellent novel that explores the struggles endured by many in America in the 1930s. The integrity of the characters and their resourcefulness show readers how, with hard work and determination, adversity can be overcome.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 7–10—Scottie, Tay, Amanda, and Bella are reunited in this second installment in the series. Scottie, wearing her frumpy lilac sweatpants, runs into a gorgeous hunk in her apartment building. She and Beck begin dating, and the world of the chicks is never the same. As Scottie watches Tay and Amanda struggle with their relationships, she wonders how to balance her friends and Beck-and how much a part of his life she really is. (Bella has sworn off men, for the time being.) As they knit their way through their problems, the teens deal with loyalty to friends when a new boy enters the picture. While each of the four girls is a "type," the deftly explored issues mirror what adolescents have been experiencing for decades. This book deals more with the emotional side of relationships than with the physical, and, although the ending is convenient, the feelings are real. For "crafty" readers or those who enjoy serial teen drama, this is a good choice.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 6–10—Ruslan falls for Sarah when her family's sailboat docks in his Indonesian town for mechanical assistance, but Sarah, a self-absorbed American, fails to notice him. Both teens are then caught in the disastrous 2004 tsunami. Sarah makes it to safety, but her mother is killed and her father is missing, leaving her to care for her younger brother. Ruslan also survives and immediately begins to search for his father, who had left their coastal home before the storm. The two meet again, this time forging a relationship. The action never slows, though some dangerous encounters seem unnecessary. Other predicaments are resolved too easily. For example, when Sarah is stranded on an island without a knife, she conveniently finds a boat and machete. Too many conflicts-death, romance, Sarah's anger toward her mother, Ruslan's relationship with relatives who are rebel fighters-muddle the plot. To his credit, the author treats cultural differences with a gentle and honest touch. He also creates a vivid picture of the many horrors and challenges faced in the immediate aftermath of a large-scale natural disaster. Despite drawbacks, this book will appeal to fans of survival adventures like Gary Paulsen's Hatchet (Macmillan, 1986).—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 5–8—Karlene's parents work at the mill in Red Clover, SC, but spelling talent will afford their 13-year-old greater opportunity. Even with her sister's marriage to "El Creepo," the chaos brought on by twin younger brothers, and the stirrings of affection for a local boy, Karlene manages to become the Shirley County Spelldown champion. The eighth grader's natural acumen gets a real boost from an amazing Latin teacher whose love of language, zany approach to learning and life, and vast knowledge make her a mentor at school and beyond. When Karlene begins babysitting for her teacher, she soaks up the peace and intellect in the woman's home, which is so different from her own, where there's a hardworking mama and a daddy who can't seem to stay with the Twelve Step program. This novel takes readers to the state bee and the 1968 national competition in Washington, DC. Months of training and competing form the centerpiece of Karlene's pursuit of success, occasionally becoming the backdrop to painful family issues that demand her attention. Fans of Akeelah and the Bee will enjoy this literate and moving tale and its audacious and endearing protagonist. This book is a natural fit for those bright, verbal readers who frequent the library. With chapters introduced by story-related vocabulary words, it celebrates the music of the era, the flavor of the South, and the magic of words to empower young people.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–8—Joseph, son of Harriet Jacobs from Letters from a Slave Girl (S & S, 1992), writes to various relatives and acquaintances, sharing thoughts and events of his life as a slave from 1839 to 1860. The "letters" are written primarily as a journal. They begin when Joseph is nine years old, and a plantation owner's son is "teeching" him how to "rite." Although his life in his free great-grandmother's house is better than that of most slaves, he is always aware of his status. Escaping North Carolina, Joseph makes his way first to Boston and then to New Bedford, MA, where he boards a whaling ship. Later he travels to the gold fields of California. He is willing to do anything to earn freedom money for his family-even "pass" for white. However, Joseph's lack of financial acuity, his gambling, and, of course, his color make him easy prey, and he fails to save the needed funds. Despite this, he remains optimistic in his final letter as he sets sail for a better life in Australia. The "letters" are short and the pace is quick. The dialect and spelling give authenticity without making the text difficult to read and understand. Notes by the author explain that most events are fictionalized because little information is known about the real Joseph. Historical data supports the fiction. A reproduction of Joseph's protection paper issued in July 1846, photographs, and drawings from the time period are included. This title stands on its own, but children who appreciated the forthright perspective of the first book will want to read this one as well.—Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 7 Up—Since her family's move to the East Coast from California, Sadie has tried to fit in and have everyone think she's normal, which is something that outcast Fryin' Ryan of the weird T-shirts is definitely not buying. Ollie, Sadie's twin brother who died four years earlier, keeps appearing, and it's so hard not to talk to him. Sketching and drawing are her real love, but Sadie does well in academics too, using her competence to make friends with Lila, who sets the guidelines for cool at Pioneer High. Good-looking football star Travis seems to be paying attention, and Sadie is sure that if she can just keep her act together she'll have it all. Characters of every age come to life with vivid descriptions and dialogue that make this spare mood piece work. The pain of the parents who want to overprotect their last child, the friendly principal, Lila's mother's cryptic style that never masks her suffering, the sleazy coach who teaches driver's ed, and even deadpan Lila's uncharacteristic emotional outburst all fuel the fugue that is Sadie's gradual connection to what truly matters to her.—Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 8 Up—Mary Jane, 17, is a good student, adores her mentally challenged older sister, and has a loving family. She also has a huge crush on Jackson House, Star Simons's sexy boyfriend. When Mary Jane and Jackson take her car to get more soda during a party, almost immediately her friends start ignoring her and other boys call for dates. It turns out that Star is spreading rumors that Mary Jane is easy. Then Jackson breaks up with Star, and Mary Jane's life is transformed. The two are together constantly, and Jackson really seems to love her. That's why she is so tempted when he tells her that, with his parents away, they can be alone together in his house the night after Thanksgiving. Even after buying sexy undies, though, Mary Jane realizes that she wants to wait until she finds someone who will spend his whole life with her, in marriage. Reluctantly, Jackson accepts her decision, and the novel ends with Mary Jane wondering whether they'll remain a couple. Despite her fear of losing him, she knows that she'll be OK eventually either way. Mackall hits the nail on the head with her poignant description of first love and sexual yearning. The protagonist is an average middle-class girl who struggles hard with her decision. Teens will relate to her and will be disappointed when the story ends.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—This riveting story about 16-year-old Jenica; her pet frog, Gogu; and her four sisters takes place between the fairy world and the family's Romanian estate of Piscul Dracului. When the girls were young, they discovered a mysterious portal that appears every full moon and allows them access to the Dancing Glade in the Other Kingdom. They dress in the finest gowns and spend all night dancing with a host of bizarre and enchanting fairy creatures. Unfortunately, the girls' simple and carefree lives change drastically when their father becomes ill and must spend the winter in the milder climate of Constanta. Jenica takes charge of the estate and the family's merchant business but their overbearing, power-hungry cousin, Cezar, interferes with their affairs and questions the sisters' knowledge of the Other Kingdom. As he tightens the noose around them, everything Jenica has come to love-her sisters, her frog, her home, and the Dancing Glade-is in jeopardy. To make matters worse, her sister Tatiana has fallen in love with one of the mysterious and feared Night people. This relationship is doomed from the start and it is up to Jenica to make things right-but to do so she will be put to the ultimate test. Strong characters, two fully realized settings, and a fast-moving plot guarantee that readers will be spellbound by this page-turner.—Donna Rosenblum, Nassau Boces School Library System, NY

Gr 9 Up—In a prologue, 12-year-old Mark, who is horsing around with his older brother, Justin, accidentally shoots himself with their father's gun. The rest of the story, set a year later, shows the tragedy's effects on Justin, who has become an outsider-emotionally disconnected from his parents, avoided by classmates, and frequently in trouble at school. His anger reaches a head on the anniversary of Mark's death. Prodded forward by a mysterious internal voice, Justin describes the events and personal interactions leading up to a fight at school with his former best friend, Billy. During the scuffle, Billy falls down a set of stairs. Presuming him to be dead, a devastated Justin returns home and attempts suicide. When he awakens, he finds himself experiencing the same day over again and again, each time revealing new aspects of the events-and of himself. As the incidents are repeated, with subtle changes in Justin's attitudes and perceptions, the novel takes on a surreal tone-will the teen be forced to relive this day forever? While the final twist isn't as dramatic as one might expect, the book's exploration of how one's memories and perspectives can distort reality is compelling. The short narrative, broken down into brief, straightforward chapters, makes this novel a good choice for reluctant readers.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 8 Up—The setting, set-up, and characters in this entertaining suspense novel are pure Victorian Gothic. At the close of the 19th century, an earnest young artist named Samuel Godwin has been hired by a wealthy man to tutor his elder daughter at their magnificent country estate. Samuel arrives by foot on a moonlit night, hears wild shrieking in the woods, and encounters a seemingly mad young girl in a nightdress before he reaches the front door. Pushing his forebodings aside, Samuel enters the life of the household and becomes obsessed with the vibrant younger sister, Marianne, who is a talented artist. The secluded mansion is a hothouse of repressed emotions, and Samuel begins to suspect that this family is a lot more complicated than it appears. His sleuthing leads to a crescendo of climactic revelations. Readers learn that there is a secret baby, that the baby is the older daughter's son, and that the prime suspect for fatherhood is gay and so "couldn't" have fathered the child. This is just the beginning. There is incest, another unacknowledged child, an attempted suicide, and the accidental-on-purpose drowning of the predatory father during a raging storm. The potboiler action would seem to presage an equally dramatic ending. But the final pages are more autumnal in mood, a look back on the compromises and losses throughout the characters' lives. Only Marianne appears unscathed; still vibrant, she leads a bohemian life of art and lovers, in the very house her father built.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 5–8—Pausewang has created another World War II story, from the perspective of a German Christian teen whose life is at risk when caught in the brutality of war. Several days before Gisel's 16th birthday, the family must flee their small village as the Russian army advances and the American forces approach. Waiting in the overcrowded train station, the teen is suddenly left responsible for her three younger brothers, including 18-month-old Rolfi, while her grandmother is at the information desk. When the air raid sirens go off, everyone tries to reach the nearest shelter and Gisel becomes separated from six-year-old Harald. Several harrowing hours ensue before the children are reunited, and when the bombs fall, they become entrapped in the rubble for two very long and frightening days. Gisel is a strong heroine who is able to maintain calm and optimism while hiding her fears and doubts from her young charges until their long rescue. Told by an elderly Gisel to her granddaughter in the form of a letter, Pausewang's book seeks to make a statement that war is a crime and never good for either side. Yet some may bristle when she compares the difficulties of Gisel's family with the suffering of so many in the inhumane conditions of the concentration camps, calling the Holocaust an "injustice" rather than organized genocide. Well written with suspense and powerful sentiments, this story will spark discussion when used in conjunction with other Holocaust literature.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 7 Up—Orphaned Beka Cooper, 16, is a trainee-a "Puppy"-in the Provost's Guard. Having spent the first half of her life in Tortall's slums, she is driven by the need to do what is right and see justice done. Paired with two of the best Guards, or "Dogs," in the organization and aided by her own gifts of magic, Beka learns her job, makes friends with two mages and a thief, and uncovers two serial killers who prey on the poor and unnoticed. With Terrier, Pierce tries out a new style of storytelling and succeeds admirably. Beka, the ancestor of George Cooper from the "Song of the Lioness" series (S & S), tells her story through journal entries, making for a thoroughly engaging read. The characters are recognizable types, but all have their own personalities. Readers will enjoy meeting the Lady Knight Sabine of Macayhill, Alanna's precursor in profession and temperament; Rosto the Piper; and Beka's friends. The level of violence is comparable to that found in "The Circle Opens" series (Scholastic) but isn't as gratuitous. This seems mostly to be due to the journal format, which gives readers only Beka's thoughts and feelings as opposed to those of the killers as well. With its rollicking adventure, appealing characters, and inclusion of Tortall's history, Terrier will be in strong demand by Pierce's fans. It will keep readers on the edge of their seats.—Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA

Gr 8 Up—This third book in the series contains some great action and ideas, although readers unfamiliar with the first two books may be lost. Ali Warner, teenager and human incarnation of a fairy queen, has little time to recover from the events of The Shaktra (Tor, 2005), including the death of her friend Steve. The Shaktra is gearing up for an invasion that could destroy both the human and elemental worlds and is prepared to go to any lengths-including framing Ali for Steve's death-in order to achieve that end. In her efforts to stop the war, Ali learns more about her fairy life, the talisman known as the Yanti, and the mysterious force that transformed her fairy sister into the Shaktra. Pike's mix of magic, technology, and social message will appeal to those who enjoy Mercedes Lackey's "SERRAted Edge" series (Baen).—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 10 Up—This novel is told in alternating first-person voices by two very different teenagers who discover that they have a lot in common. Theodora Twist is a hot 16-year-old actress whose bad-girl reputation is threatening her career. Straight-laced Emily Fine has just been dumped by her dream guy because she's not ready to have sex. She and her family now own the house in Oak City, NJ, where Theodora grew up and lived until she hit it big and moved to California. The two girls had shared a brief friendship when their fathers died around the same time. When the paparazzi catch Theodora skinny-dipping with identical-twin pop stars, her agent decides to fight the negative press by staging a reality TV show about the actress returning to Oak City for one month before the junior prom. Theodora dreads the idea of living in her old home with the Fines and still struggles with her feelings about her father's death. The school goes wild over her, and many students try to win influence through Emily. This time, the girls strike up a deeper friendship. The plot is all tied up in a neat package along with Theodora's hilarious stunts. Senate provides a unique look at teen stardom and reality TV. The mature sexual content makes this fun read most appropriate for an older audience.—Karen Hoth, Marathon Middle/High School, FL

Gr 4–6—Daniel, 12, is obsessed with dinosaurs. His family is, too, now that he and an elderly neighbor have found an Edmontosaurus (a duckbill dinosaur) skeleton near their farm in southwestern Saskatchewan-and it looks as if there are plenty of other fossils waiting to be discovered. Daniel has also found a pinecone that allows him to travel back and forth to the Cretaceous Period. He knows he's taking a big risk, but he's compelled to go see how the Edmontosaurus lived, and, possibly, died. This title is the third in the series, following Dinosaur Hideout (2003) and Dinosaur Breakout (2004, both Coteau). While Daniel's adventure into the past is gripping, the majority of the book, set in the modern day, is stiff and talky. Most of the characters won't grab readers, and it's difficult to imagine them hanging on long enough to reach Daniel's trip into the Mesozoic Era. A glossary describes each of the extinct species mentioned in the story.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—Buffalo Bill is visiting London with his famous Wild West show, much to the delight of the Raven League, a group of kids who help Sherlock Holmes. Shortly after they sneak backstage to meet him, a police officer is shot and scalped, and all the clues point to the famous performer and his troupe. Since Holmes is not around, it's up to the League to solve the case. This page-turner has great details and draws a vivid picture of Victorian London, especially the poverty. Students who enjoy cowboy stories, mysteries, and adventure will enjoy it. This book does contain derogatory references to Native Americans by prejudiced Londoners, but they are offset by other people involved. The dialogue is good, as are the relationships among the characters. A solid choice for reluctant readers.—Elizabeth H. Willoughby, Red Bank Middle School, NJ

Gr 9 Up—Dominique and Amy-best friends and high school seniors in Florida-attend the big football game where Dom meets local track star Wesley. Wes is shy, and he and Dom e-mail and IM each other for some time before they start dating. Things get heavy pretty quickly and they lose their virginity on the clichéd prom night. Then they go to different colleges in the fall, and their relationship changes. Snadowsky describes Dom's first intimate relationship in frank and graphic terms. This novel discusses masturbation, oral sex, and intercourse both as part of Dom and Wes's romantic relationship and as casual pastime for Amy. For 17-year-old girls, the main characters have fairly mature voices and some of the novel reads like a Cosmopolitan article. The story is not highly original, but it does deal in modern terms with the real issues of discovering sex for the first time and dealing with it in a responsible way.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—A descendant of the famous Weatherbys, 12-year-old Harleigh J. Weatherby the Fourth claims the tower of the family's run-down castle as his bedroom. This is his first step toward asserting himself and making some of his own decisions. His father makes an infrequent appearance; he lives with overbearing Great-Aunt Adelaide, who has rules for all aspects of life in the mansion, and an assortment of odd relatives. Teasing from the local kids about his unusually small stature has driven him to be homeschooled by Uncle Edgar. While exploring the grounds, Harleigh meets a mysterious girl named Allegra. Dressed in rags, she is full of wonder and wants to know all the secrets associated with the house. They begin restoring an old maze that has grown into a tangled mess and stumble on a plan by one of the relatives to locate and steal the long-lost Weatherby treasure. Readers will identify with Harleigh's personal conflicts as he develops an inner awareness while coming to grips with the turn of events. The characters are nicely painted oddballs who help advance the mystery, but children may find the sudden change in Aunt Adelaide's character disappointing as it minimizes Harleigh's triumphs. Also, the revelation of Allegra's identity is a bit of a letdown as such an aura of mystery had been built around her. The story has a promising beginning, but the ending is a bit of a disappointment.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 5–8—When friends Ronnie Gonzalez and Joey Rios turn 13, their arms suddenly seem to hang to their knees and their ears stick out. Ronnie finds himself juggling his fruit instead of eating it, and Joey is thrown off the wrestling team for hooting at his vanquished opponent. The boys agree-they've turned into chimps, just like lots of other young teens they've known. They're embarrassed by how gross they smell, how often they need to shower, and their strong interest in girls. For their simian behavior in class, the boys receive detention, and the coach puts them to work setting up the auditorium for a special assembly. There, Joey falls hard for an award-winning gymnast, and, during the ceremony, he climbs the rafters to rescue her lost balloon. When the coach berates him as she watches, he feels humiliated, runs home, climbs into the tree in his backyard, and won't come down. Ronnie tries to save his friend's reputation and gets into some adventures of his own. Mercy is a short, light novel with plenty of funny insights into what happens when puberty leaves a big banana peel in every adolescent male's path. The story is set in a Northern California town, but the messages it shares are universal.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—Feltus Ovalton LeRoi, 11, has moved from his old home into a new apartment, far away from his best friend, and he hates his new school. His socialite parents are emotionally distant and seem not to care about anything but their work. Bullies pick on him, and Feltus picks on a boy who's less fortunate than he is. However, when his seemingly crazy Great-Aunt Eunida shows up with her gluttonous appetite and penchant for muttering strange expressions, Feltus is glad that something is ruffling the nerves of his parents. Soon after, a group of intelligent, furry but starving PoodleRats (often disguised as dust bunnies in this world) enters the LeRois' apartment through a portal, convinced that the protagonist can help them defeat the enemies of their world. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of places and sensations, but falters under the weight of confusing character names, irregular transitions, and a surfeit of overly familiar expressions.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 7–9—Flora Fyrdraaca is approaching 14, the age of majority, and preparing for its celebratory Catorcena. She lives in Crackpot Hall, a once-glorious but now decaying home with 11,000 rooms that randomly shift positions. Her mother is the Warlord's Commanding General and a workaholic. Her father, a broken man due to his past imprisonment for war crimes, is most often an enraged drunk who trashes the house. Oversleeping one morning, Flora uses the forbidden Elevator to get her overdue library book and finds herself in a strange part of the house where Valefor, the family butler, has been banished. He is losing his Anima and convinces Flora to let him suck some of hers, which causes her to develop Anima Enervation, and she begins to fade. Here the complicated plot in this overlong first novel becomes as shifting and rambling as Crackpot Hall itself. Flora and her friend Udo try to find a fetish or Semiote Verb to restore Valefor, but then get waylaid. Flora uncovers why Poppy is such a broken man, swims in the slimy pond in her garden to touch the refreshing Current and be restored, and much more-all in the week preceding her Catorcena. The plot has structural problems and clarification, when given, seems appended after the fact. Extraneous details make the story muddled, as does the inclusion of invented words. While some of the writing is witty, this is an additional purchase at best.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 9 Up—These intriguing, loosely linked short stories explore the lives of Chinese-Canadian teenagers as they navigate two worlds, struggling to meet their immigrant parents' expectations and to also live their own lives. They must resist the usual adolescent temptations, or embrace them, with the extra complication of never completely fitting in. One boy works to improve his English while deciding whether to stay in Canada with his father or return to China with his mother. A girl wants to study photography, but her father pressures her to secure a more lucrative career. A boy tries to find a church that will accept his brother, who is gay. A girl sneaks off to have sex with a classmate, though she knows that her strict aunt will be furious if she finds out. Though all of the stories are solidly written, none stand out as the most accomplished, and a few are slightly melodramatic in flavor. Characters sometimes reappear in other parts of the book as their classmates talk or think about their situations, but each of the nine selections also stands alone. While the adults are frequently inflexible and pushy, the young people often come to see that they are also proud, loving, and confused by the rules of their new society. Teens with an interest in the immigrant experience will likely find these stories satisfying.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 6–8—Daniel Rosen is paralyzed after a reaction to anesthesia for dental surgery, and he must learn to walk, run, and, most heart-wrenchingly for him, swim all over again. For added emotional tension, the doctor who completes the surgery is the father of his friend Bobby Kaufman. His former best friend, Krista Harris, is in love with Bobby, but Bobby is heavily in like with the sixth grade's own celebrity, Lainie Michaels. Zalben attempts to focus readers on the not-quite-over friendship between Daniel and Krista while also detailing the difficulties of Daniel's recovery, from using a walker to, potentially, competing at a swim meet. Each of the main characters also has internal family drama, including Daniel's mother, who leaves to find herself before her son is fully recovered. The author starts with a shaky, unclear premise and attempts far too much in this fairly short novel. What happened to Daniel and why and the prognosis for his recovery is not clearly explained to him, his friends, or readers. Also, these kids have more well-thought-out and expressed emotions than most seventh or eighth graders, much less sixth graders. The book has many strengths, particularly the characterizations of the parents, but as a whole it just doesn't come together.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 4–6—In three tabbed chapters, "The Nile Delta," "The Nile Valley," and "Upper Egypt and Beyond," Adams guides readers on a journey through this ancient civilization as seen through the eyes of Egyptologist Dr. Kent Weeks. Using clear language and a light, upbeat tone, the author explores the history of Egypt. Modern-day comparisons are used to explain the engineering importance of the pyramid, and the practice of embalming is described and its importance to scientists explained. The author makes clear the fact that some practices are unknown, such as raising an obelisk: "No one is exactly sure how this was done, but it is likely that it was pulled base first up an earth rampart, or slope." Captions, sidebars, and numerous color photographs and illustrations supplement the narrative. This hardcover, spiral-bound (with a covered spine) book incorporates visually appealing translucent overlays and foldout pages that highlight and help to explain some of the technical information. By no means as comprehensive as Lila Perl's Mummies, Tombs, and Treasure (Clarion, 1987), it is nonetheless a concise introduction to the subject. It is comparable to Daniel Cohen's colorful Ancient Egypt (Doubleday, 1990). Overall, this is an appealing, eye-catching book that will satisfy readers' curiosity.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

Gr 9 Up—These well-organized titles provide historical overviews, discussing changes in recipes brought about by changes in ways of life, e.g., agrarian to industrialized economy, the Depression, and limitation of ingredients due to wars. Both books include commentary and recipes. However, neither book states amounts of ingredients, the exception being the third chapter in America, but, even then, not all of the recipes include measurements. Many of the recipes make large batches of a particular dish without stating the number of servings. Text boxes range from "14th-Century Advice to a Young Bride" (Europe) to "To Dress a Chicken" (America), and glossaries explain terms not commonly in use today. The black-and-white illustrations of equipment and foods are excellent. Back matter includes extensive bibliographies of cookbooks and good indexes. The series foreword states that the recipes are meant to appeal to "novice" cooks. However, only very experienced or adventurous cooks would try to re-create these dishes.—Marilyn Fairbanks, Azure IRC, Brockton High School, MA

Gr 5–8—This small book contains a lot of fascinating information on the network of slaves and free blacks who advanced the Union cause during the Civil War. The narrative is framed by the story of Harriet Tubman, the ex-slave and conductor of the Underground Railroad, whose work to help others escape is well known; less is known about her role as a spy. Tubman assisted Northern troops by tapping into a group of ex-slaves working in the South and passing information on to the Union forces. According to Allen, she led a raid along the Combahee River and may have led other expeditions as well. Readers also meet other people who participated in the espionage, including Elizabeth Van Lew, who devised a numerical code to transmit information that she picked up at society gatherings. Using this code, which is described in an appendix, the author includes several messages in the book. The type font and black-and-white reproductions and maps greatly enhance the presentation; in addition to illustrations from traditional sources, such as the Library of Congress, there are quality originals. A great addition to any collection.—Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN

Gr 8 Up—The editors present a balanced view from credible sources to help readers draw conclusions to such questions as "What factors contribute to child abuse?" and "How can society reduce child abuse?" But in the initial section, the question asked is "Is child abuse a serious problem?" A series of short articles taken from a variety of sources affirm or negate the extent of the problem. Those articles that are listed as supporting the view that child abuse is not a serious problem either focus on allegations in specific cases (divorce), or are taken from unreliable sources, including Web sites with a clear bias. Given the irrefutable evidence that child abuse is a serious problem in the United States, it is disingenuous to present the question as debatable. More reliable information can be found in John Haley and Wendy Stein's The Truth about Abuse (Facts On File, 2005).—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 4–8—This humorous look at science combines colorful cartoons and writing that ranges from lighthearted to silly and conveys a lot of interesting information. Starting with the Big Bang, the book moves quickly from small (atoms, microbes, and bugs) to big (humans, dinosaurs, and the universe). Each page is filled with cartoon drawings in a variety of visual presentations. A wanted poster introduces a deadly bacterium; film panels describe possible Earth-destroying disasters; and "awful animals" are presented through "secret diary" entries (in which a naked mole rat complains about having to "feed my baby brothers and sisters with my own poo"). Several humorous, but also informational, features recur throughout the book: "Brainy Boffins" are mini-profiles of famous scientists; "stunning science fact files" and "Bet you never knew!" boxes offer impressive tidbits of information; and the "shrinking scientists" are three cartoon characters who investigate DNA molecules, toilet water, and other interesting phenomena. Some readers may find it hard to extract useful knowledge from the barrage of humor, but for others the presentation might be just right. Reinforcing the concept of the electromagnetic force with the fact that "your bum is floating" above your chair, for instance, may be an unconventional approach, but it's also attention-getting, memorable, and accurate. The heavy doses of visual and verbal comedy are built around basic science and a plentiful array of fascinating facts, making this a strong choice for booktalkers and reluctant readers.—Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR

Gr 5–8—Bolden looks past the public figure to bring the man, and his deeper vision of the "beloved community," into focus in this eloquent, handsomely designed profile. Familiarly calling him "M.L." (a nickname his father used) throughout, the author traces King's life from birth to death, pointing out how reluctantly he assumed the mantle of leadership, then came to espouse Gandhi's nonviolence as a guiding precept, and finally exhausted himself battling not only for civil rights, but also against the Civil Rights Movement's later tide of radicalism. Captions paired to the generous array of photos add further detail, and advanced readers will get fuller pictures of the man and his era from the appended multimedia resource list. Passing quickly over his public triumphs (the "I Have a Dream" speech, for instance, is largely relegated to a caption noting that he had used that refrain before), this portrait, rich in personal feeling and well endowed with direct, sometimes extended, quotes, will leave readers with a strong, and perhaps inspiring, sense of the passion and depth of Dr. King's commitment to peace with justice.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–8—Girls will appreciate these ideas for re-creating fashion trends and for achieving the artistic effects that they want. Each book has a metric conversion chart; a color wheel; a little history of the craft; and color photos of girls of various ethnicities, materials, and completed projects. Page layouts are lively and attractive. The projects use easily obtainable materials, and the directions are simple and well numbered. Some instructions call for a hot-glue gun, an Exacto knife, or wire cutters. Beading shows how to make safety-pin bracelets, bag charms, etc. The second title demonstrates how to decorate nails with paper dots, acrylic paints, emoticons, stickers, and so on. The third title describes how to make stamps from common household objects, create "embossed" cards, make a "stained glass" lampshade, and more. Although the projects are not particularly original, crafters will like the fact that each book deals with a specialized area. Pam Scheunemann's Cool Beaded Jewelry (ABDO, 2005) is similar in size and complexity to Beading, which is a little more attractive. The two books complement one another. Sandra Buckingham's Stencil It! (Firefly, 1993), with its methods of decorating items with strong graphics, is a good companion for Stamping Art.—Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, NJ

Gr 4–7—These colorful books are combination travel guides and language tutorials, with a smattering of history and trivia. They are illustrated with generic cartoon art, and the maps are woefully inadequate, failing to identify any geographical features and omitting numerous places referred to in the texts. There is little of the standard country-book coverage, such as the flag, climate, foods, government, education, regions, and holidays (except for China, which includes the Chinese New Year), and handy "Fast Facts" are randomly scattered throughout. The language material includes pronunciations, but lacks a master vocabulary list. The books' structure results in repetition, and readers are often urged to use the Internet to obtain more information. Children will likely pick these up for browsing, but they are useless for reports. Catherine Bruzzone's French for Children, Italian for Children, and Spanish for Children (all McGraw-Hill, 2003) are quite good books/CD sets for beginning language learners.—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—This cookbook goes far beyond what one might expect. Many children have probably made green eggs and ham using copious amounts of green food coloring, but here, the ham is green thanks to a coating made from cilantro and tomatillos, and the eggs' usually yellow yolks are covered by a mound of guacamole. Many other recipes are equally creative; the Pink Yink Ink Drink is yummy, healthy, and sure to be a hit. While some of the connections to the Dr. Seuss books are a bit of a stretch, all include quotes that clarify their ties to specific stories. As with many cookbooks that are written to fit a predetermined theme, there is a wide range in both the difficulty and complexity of the recipes. Adult assistance will be needed for many of them, and several will send parents to the store for ingredients (shallots, rock shrimp, clams). However, the dishes' playful names and inventive presentations will have children trying new foods and adults enjoying the flavorful combinations. A great addition to the world of book-themed cookbooks.—Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 6–9—These titles provide information useful to teachers of literature, students, and casual readers wishing to learn more about the writers and the times surrounding their classic novels. The books open with a brief biography of the author and reasons for writing about a particular theme or topic: politics in Animal Farm, the idea of freedom in Huckleberry Finn, and the effects of the Depression in Of Mice and Men. The photographs, illustrations, and sidebars make the books attractive to even the most reluctant readers. With glossaries defining terms highlighted in the texts, time lines, and resources for further reading, readers gain new insight into the events that influenced these classic authors. This series is similar in scope to the "Looking at Literature through Primary Sources" series (Rosen Central).—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 5–6—The first title describes what babysitting entails, examines pros and cons, discusses safety issues, offers tips for doing a good job, and suggests saving as much as half of any money earned. Biker gives the history of bicycles and describes the different types available and what they are used for. A section on safety covers helmets, bike maintenance, and basic rules of the road. Both books have clear color photos and refer readers to the publisher's home page for links about the topic. These realistic titles are well written and provide excellent information, but one must question why they're marketed just for girls.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 9 Up—Campbell places her subject in his rightful role as the father of young adult literature. Readers are provided with a rich sense of what renders a novel "Cormieresque," expressed poetically in the lines, "the music of some minds is naturally in a minor key. Cormier shows us the light by focusing on the shadow that is its consequence." The writer's cinematic style, attributed to both his reverence for film and a career in journalism, is aptly echoed in the book's approach; Campbell zooms out and in and back again to tie together his body of work. Early chapters devoted to biography and analysis of overarching themes and influences are continually referenced to make sense of each title discussed in subsequent chapters. This title is undeniably a successful, exhaustively researched examination of Cormier's work that will be well received by anyone invested in criticism of young adult literature. It may prove a harder sell to teens themselves, but Cormier's devotees will welcome this deeper look into his life, his work, and his writing process.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 6–10—Filled with historical and modern photos and reproductions and arranged loosely by topic, this quick read dives into the secret world of espionage. Providing a global perspective, Coleman explains that this is not a complete history of spying, but rather "a collection of spy stories." The true tales describe disguises, ways of gathering information, snooping devices, codes, clandestine operations, and weapons. Short bios of famous spies appear throughout the work. Fictional characters such as Alias, Maxwell Smart, and Austin Powers are mentioned as well. The engrossing, readable text will hold the interest of even reluctant readers. Some knowledge of American and world history is helpful in understanding the backgrounds of people and events covered. A variety of font styles, sidebars, and alternating paper colors adds visual appeal. Photographs are well captioned and nicely integrated within the text. Clive Gifford's Spies (Kingfisher, 2004) is similar in scope, but stronger in organization. Coleman's book gives greater coverage to specific spies. Libraries needing additional materials on the subject should consider adding this volume even if they already own Gifford's book.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 8 Up—In this practical and lively self-help title, the author argues that teens have six key decisions to make, and that their choices will make or break their futures. The decisions involve getting a good education, choosing true friends, getting along with parents, dating and sex, avoiding addictions, and establishing a healthy sense of self-worth. Covey provides tips for making and following through on each of these areas and delivers concise sound bites of advice peppered with colorful graphics, cartoons, and movie quotes. He supports his arguments with facts, statistics, and analysis. For example, in urging teens to stay in school and keep up their grades, he provides a chart of lifelong earnings based on the highest degree earned, as well as the money needed for a family. The author briefly addresses problems associated with the choices. For example, regarding school, he gives tips on dealing with stress, time management, learning disabilities, and preparing for college. He is frank in discussing sex and dating myths and the dangers of STDs and teenage pregnancy. This book covers typical self-help territory, but does so in a manner that teens will appreciate. Its downfall is its wide scope and the author's failure to cite most of his sources. However, the volume is not designed to be read straight through, and its quick and easy tips will appeal to most readers.—Jane Cronkhite, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 4–6—This basic title is stronger on inspiration than on information. Each spread presents a few paragraphs of text combined with exceptional illustrations. Topics are arranged into broad themes, such as space travel and rocketry, practical applications of space, the Moon, the planets and asteroids, and future possibilities. Outstanding color photos featuring astronauts, spacecraft, and celestial objects dominate the book, and captions describe them and the spot art that appears throughout. The text, though, is simplistic at times; for example, it fails to explain why a rocket engine works in space. Some wording is carelessly oversimplified, as when stating that weightlessness is due to the speed of the spacecraft drawing things up or claiming that "weightless objects move very fast." Space fans will love poring over the graphics, and the author does convey a sense of fascination with his subject, in spite of the writing's flaws. Simon Holland's Space (DK, 2001) has a lot of the same appeal.—Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 6 Up—Poe's writing is as effectively horrific today as it was in the mid-1800s, and this volume features five relentless favorites: "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Cask of Amontillado," and "The Oval Portrait." The book offers a succinct analysis at the beginning of each story, making students' literary comprehension and emotional apprehension complete. Definitions or synonyms are provided for Poe's challenging vocabulary at the bottom of the pages of the tales; instructional use for vocabulary building is a natural. DuBois' paintings reflect a teetering place between the real and the nightmare-his technique combines folk art and Postimpressionism. "The Masque of the Red Death" is the story to revisit with today's teens. The brazen audacity of a prince who thinks that he can escape the insidious claim of infectious disease and plague is a creepy precursor to the mysteries of today's fight against these invisible attacks. This book is ripe with opportunities to discuss literature, art, science, and psychology.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 8 Up—Each title consists of 190 maps, charts, graphs, and diagrams designed to explain a range of concepts arranged into broad areas. Environment looks at interrelated impacts of human activity and the environment, sources of pollution, and case studies of environmental disasters. Weather includes atmospheric structure, the components of weather and weather systems, the science of meteorology, world and U.S. climate data, and the human impact on climate. Except for a single paragraph introduction, the table of contents provides the only outline of the relationships among the topics within each section, and the indexes are minimal. The books contain an immense amount of data; the visuals are attractive, but occasionally more decorative than informative. The Web page-like layout provides brief bulleted marginal entries that do not indicate hierarchy of main ideas and subdivision, or provide sufficient background information to interpret the visuals. This, plus the lack of a systematic introduction to the main ideas in each section will challenge readers to construct their own understandings from the information provided. The lack of documentation beyond a reference to The Diagram Group and the absence of explanations regarding the methods of data gathering are also problems. Dan Smith's similarly summarized data in The Penguin State of the World Atlas (2003) are fully documented. These titles might be useful as supplementary sources or to teach information literacy skills in verifying data, but they don't stand on their own.—Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL

Gr 7 Up—This title looks at obesity and presents various views on the health risks, causes, and severity of the problem. Colorful photos of real people help to intensify the reality of the issue. While each essay is written from a different point of view, there are many useful facts included. The appendix offers helpful information and self-help tips to teenagers who may be struggling with obesity themselves. Overall, this is a well-written, high-quality resource.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 9 Up—Issues tackled include the motivation, and reasons, for ethical behavior, the ethics of biomedical engineering, and the ethics of large corporations, from Enron to Wal-Mart. For the first topic, the viewpoints of a Protestant minister and a geneticist are presented, and a professor peppers his opinion with quotes from philosophers, including Confucius, Immanuel Kant, John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Aristotle. Text boxes scattered throughout have passages from the writings of Ayn Rand, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and others. As is typical of this series, each selection has a short introduction about the author and the piece and questions to keep in mind while reading it. This book will be of interest both for personal reading and research.—Marilyn Fairbanks, Azure IRC, Brockton High School, MA

Gr 5–8—These biographies emphasize the intellect, integrity, and hard work of their subjects. Ditchfield updates her 2003 title, tracing Rice's meteoric climb from segregated Birmingham, AL, to academic success at Stanford and foreign-policy influence in the Bush cabinet. Although the author mentions her subject's family and her love of football and music, most of the book focuses on her unceasing efforts to excel and includes current material about her role as Secretary of State and the American involvement in the Iraq War. Lassieur describes how Roosevelt overcame her insecurities and societal restrictions to champion progressive causes and influence her husband's policies and those of the world community through the United Nations. The author places Roosevelt's public work in the context of her relationships with her family, teachers, husband, and women friends, and, in a source note, discusses some of the historical speculation about Roosevelt's sexual orientation. Both authors are clearly admiring of their subjects. The texts are supplemented with sidebars about related topics and numerous black-and-white and full-color photos. Although Roosevelt is not as comprehensive or well written as Russell Freedman's outstanding Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery (Clarion, 1993), both of these books are serviceable introductions to remarkable women.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 6 Up—The first book describes the science involved in baking, but not before new bakers develop confidence with bread from preceding recipes. Sandwiches opens with a thoughtful introduction that describes best practices and suggests that teens are ready for foods more refined than peanut butter and jelly, and are capable of preparing them. The results will clearly impress the lunchroom crowd. Dunnington's tone will appeal to new cooks for its pithy attitude and can-do, casual approach to food, despite the sophistication of the meals presented. The two titles complement each other, with breads featured in one being useful for sandwiches in the other. Some recipes include tips on how to make a variation of the dish, such as using different fruit in Spectacular Strawberry Shortcake. Exceptional full-page color photos entice and provide an accurate representation of the finished products. Everyone loves a cook, and Dunnington makes sure the popularity factor is emphasized along with many good eats. With spiral-bound pages encased within a sturdy cardboard cover, terrific photos, and enticing recipes, these books are must-haves.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Packed with information, these books succinctly cover major events during their respective periods. Sidebars and bracketed box quotes highlight important information and thoughts without breaking the flow of the narrative. Average-quality black-and-white and color photographs and illustrations are spread throughout. McCarthyism vividly portrays the fear of Communism in the U.S., beginning after the Russian Revolution. This book shows, in clear language, how McCarthy spread paranoia throughout the country and ruined many lives and careers. Quotes from the Army-McCarthy hearings illustrate how the senator's techniques eventually contributed to his official censure and loss of power. Soviet Union describes leaders, their plans, and their ultimate downfalls, from the removal of Tsar Nicholas II to the problems of present-day Russia. These books are great for research, providing brief but comprehensive views of their topics.—Marilyn Fairbanks, Azure IRC, Brockton High School, MA

Gr 4–6—Though the vocabulary in these books is appropriate for the intended audience and the font size is inviting, the content suffers, as it is next to impossible to cover adequately any of these topics in so few pages. The descriptions of the conditions are accurate, but limited. Each spread is framed with dark borders that incorporate the book's title. Vintage photos, reproductions of drawings and paintings, and maps liberally illustrate the texts. Some information and photos are duplicated from one title to another, permitting them to stand alone. Unless material of this level is in high demand, these books should be only a secondary purchase, with the ones about women being the priority since this type of information is not as readily available.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 4–6—In a worthy but unconvincing attempt to provide role models for girls thinking about careers in science, Friend introduces four women who worked as engineers during the Apollo Program, mentioning their employers and projects, but using gushy generalities ("Imagine how thrilled Bobbie was by all this!") rather than direct quotations or specific descriptions of their work. Systematic résumés are relegated to smaller type at the end. Each of these scientists does seem to have played a significant role in developing space-related technology, and, unsurprisingly, each had gender expectations and other obstacles to overcome before being able to practice her profession, so their stories make, at least potentially, inspiring reading. The production, however, is less than inspiring; small photos at the end hint at each subject's strong, distinctive personality, but the garishly colored portraits accompanying each chapter look as if they were done by a preschooler with fingerpaints. Furthermore, the book closes with a pair of superfluous science demonstrations, random "Fun Facts" filler, and advertisements for two of the book's corporate sponsors. Consider for collections where this publisher's related "You Can Be a Woman…" series is popular-but only after adding Catherine Thimmesh's Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon (Houghton, 2006).—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—In this spare and staid retelling of a Tamaya Pueblo creation myth, the storyteller explains how the sun, moon, and stars first appeared: "A long time ago, the Animal People decided to make a journey up into our world, the Fourth World. Back then, where we lived in the underworld was called Shipap, or the Third World." When they arrive at journey's end, a humorous illustration displays just eyes amidst blackness and the animals cry, "There is no light in the Fourth World! What should we do?" Subsequently, Squirrel and Rabbit return to the Third World three times to gather warm coals that enable them to bring light to the sky; familiar trickster Coyote arrives just in time to grab the third batch of coals and toss it carelessly into the night sky to create the stars and constellations. References to two different worlds may confuse some children and the text is stiff, contrasting sharply with the more lively dialogue and playful interaction found in another Pueblo tale, Valerie S. Carey's Quail Song (Putnam, 1990). The animal figures in the illustrations are static in the style of petrography and are unlikely to engage children who are accustomed to more animated art. Teachers may want to use this story in their multicultural curriculum, although many will find its documentation inadequate. Libraries with large folklore collections might want to purchase it; smaller libraries will want to wait for a picture-book version that is better suited for children.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 5 Up—Fasten your seatbelts for plenty of transportation thrills. The skilled team that completed this jam-packed compilation of facts and photos traveled 116,545 miles. On their visits to countries across the globe, they took 2000 bus, 10 ferry, and 3000 train rides to document this handsome volume. A fighter jet, a red sports car, and a speed boat race across the eye-catching red, yellow, green, and blue striped holographic cover. The volume is divided into three chunky sections with data and photos grouped into categories. Each section overflows with crisp, well-composed photos that range in size from foldout spreads to pictures the size of postage stamps. Photo captions swell with factual details. A time line of historical developments for each mode of transportation opens each section. Some articles are quite unusual. The section on air transportation, for instance, discusses collectible air-sickness bags. The text consists of short paragraphs surrounded by a plethora of photo captions. Font size varies throughout. Some pages are meant to be read horizontally and others vertically. Fascinating foldout spreads show components used in building a racing sailboat, a racing motorcycle, and light aircraft. Readers learn about the Delhi bus system, a Gibbs Aquada water-and-land vehicle, plane production, and more. Great as a browsing item, this publication is destined to fly off library shelves.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 6–8—Gourley's passion is sharper than her focus in this introduction to more than a dozen writers and journalists who "refused to be left behind." After opening with a glimpse of photographer Dickey Chapelle, who convinced a reluctant colonel that the lack of women's "facilities" in a war zone would be a solvable issue, the author launches into a lengthy but incidental account of how the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression opened the door a crack for female field investigators and "sob sisters," some of whom, though dismissively transformed into "paper dolls" or "newshens," courageously followed the GIs overseas in pursuit of the story. Darting from Europe to the Pacific and back (with a stop to record Dorothea Lange's long-suppressed coverage of the displacement of Japanese Americans on the West Coast), Gourley provides an overview of major events, but only fragmentary looks at what her subjects actually experienced or wrote. There are also frequent disconnects between the narrative and accompanying pictures; some pictures are tantalizingly described but not reproduced, others are irrelevant or details of shots shown later in full, and a quote inset into a view of German soldiers marching through Warsaw specifically refers to other-than-Polish refugees. Capped by massive resource lists, this is a worthy work, but more loosely organized and less likely to intrigue readers than Penny Colman's Where the Action Was: Women War Correspondents in World War II (Crown, 2002).—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 3–7—These titles offer the beautiful photography and illustrations characteristic of the National Geographic Society, well-written texts and sidebars, and information on recent archaeological finds. The authors combine overview material on these cultures, interviews with working archaeologists, and "process" data about how archaeologists and other scientists handle present-day finds, and even finds long-past, to learn everything possible. Inca, for example, notes the information that has come down to us from the conquering Spanish, as well as such startling new finds as frozen mummies of several children, some so well preserved that the archaeologists could still see the hair on the children's arms. Greece introduces underwater archaeology in its treatment of two expeditions conducted by George Bass: the 1980s exploration of a ship that sank more than 3000 years ago as well as the exploration in 2000 of a ship that sank about 400 B.C.E. In Egypt, readers learn not only about Howard Carter's discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb more than 80 years ago, but also about Zahi Hawass's 2005 CT scan of Tut's mummy, which determined that the boy-king was not killed by a blow to the head. The books also expose the problems of the deterioration of sites (including cities sinking into rising water tables), looters, and the challenges of understanding the remains of nonliterate societies. Beautifully produced, these books have the potential both to please readers already fascinated by the past and to attract new fans to archaeology.—Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX

Gr 8 Up—This workshop-in-a-book aims to prepare teens to complete a first short film. Each "concept" includes plot, pacing, character development, introductions to various genres, and more, and is presented in a few paragraphs followed by suggested examples in existing films and three writing exercises. The tone is chatty, avoiding formality and condescension in favor of encouragement to keep trying despite the rejection often found in the entertainment industry (Concept 100 is "You Hate Me, You Really Hate Me"). Aspiring writers hungry for more information will appreciate the recommended reading list.—Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, North Hollywood

Gr 9 Up—This refreshing book looks at the achievements of seldom-mentioned leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, filling a gap in the literature of the period. In addition to biographical sketches of 61 key individuals and organizations of the era, most of which are accompanied by a black-and-white photograph, the text provides an overview of the events leading up to the movement. The profiles begin with Asa Philip Randolph and end with Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon. The book also looks at the Greensboro Four, the Freedom Riders, and those who were killed in the often-forgotten Orangeburg massacre. In short, this title recounts countless acts of raw courage and heroism from ordinary people who did extraordinary things, risking their own lives. This is a time that must be remembered, and these are people who deserve to be celebrated. This book does just those things.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 4–7—These titles look at the disparate beginnings of three Colonial settlements. The design is utilitarian, but the full-color historical reproductions add visual appeal. The authors of Georgia and Pennsylvania humanize facts by focusing on individuals who were pivotal to the development of their colonies-James Oglethorpe, who hoped for a way to improve the fortunes of London's poor, and William Penn, who wanted to base a government on his religious ideals. The impact of other European powers is also explored as Pennsylvania faced French attempts to gain land while Georgia was fighting off Spanish incursions. "FYI" pages present more details on important topics. The impact on the Native people is addressed but primarily in terms of how they interacted with the Europeans. Plymouth separates fact from misconception with regard to the use of the word Pilgrim, Puritan/Pilgrim dress, the first Thanksgiving, and King Philip's War. Oddly, however, the whole first chapter is about "The Lost Colony," a failed earlier attempt by the British to establish a foothold in the New World. There is no direct relationship between the two colonies. If Tracy is establishing historical context, it is strange that Jamestown, closer geographically and chronologically, is described in only one line before she moves on to events in England that led up to the formation of the Plymouth colony. A map caption erroneously states that the Plymouth colony was established before the Virginia colony. For basic coverage of the topics, Pennsylvania and Georgia are worthwhile offerings. Plymouth does not make a significant new contribution.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 6–10—This book does a superb job of giving new life to the boring old projects students do year after year. Harris begins with an explanation of forensic science and how it's applied in the everyday world, followed by a discussion of how to plan for a successful project. The projects involve lie detection, lifting fingerprints, recovering data from burned documents, and so on; they use supplies that are easy to obtain and, for the most part, inexpensive. Experiments that require adult supervision are clearly marked, and dynamic color photos and drawings on every spread add to the volume's energetic feel. Add-ons, like the history of DNA fingerprinting or an excerpt from Sherlock Holmes, make for a bit of pleasure reading. The author's concise, lively style will even engage students who aren't fond of reading nonfiction. A great addition to libraries looking for more science-fair books.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY

Gr 9 Up—This update of the 2000 edition presents essays on issues affecting the developing nations. Organized much like its predecessor, the book addresses opposing viewpoints on problems of overpopulation, AIDS, and hunger; the effects of globalization; democracy in Third World countries; and U.S. aid. Each essay is prefaced by several questions for consideration, and each chapter has a periodical bibliography. This edition features discussions of the Bush administration's foreign-aid policies, including essays on the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and there is more emphasis on Southeast Asia in addition to African and Latin American countries than in the previous edition. The articles are detailed and informative, but much of the writing is very academic and would not be accessible to most teen readers. However, this volume would be an excellent resource for more advanced students researching the subject or looking for debate topics.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 6–8—First reported in 1976, Ebola is a deadly virus that has plagued mainly small populations of Africa. Currently, this infectious disease cannot be prevented nor its spread contained. This book presents scientists' understanding of the virus along with a history of research and surveillance. The text is complemented by numerous color photos, diagrams, sidebars, and contact information. Allison Stark Draper's Ebola (Rosen, 2002) is one of the many recent titles about this contagion; Hirschmann's work has a time line of Ebola outbreaks through 2005. For school libraries that already have a similar reference, this book is an additional purchase as little progress has been made toward the cure of this dreaded disease.—Caroline Geck, Kean University, Union, NJ

Gr 9 Up—Both volumes include selections from varying perspectives by a number of different writers on legal, social, and economic issues. For example, the first title highlights the effects of profiling on Muslims and at airports. The second book looks at such subjects as health care and college tuition for illegal immigrants, as well as the impact of the war on terrorism on their rights. Each title has an extensive list of organizations to contact. Two valuable additions.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 3 Up—The first book outlines the different skydiving disciplines and required gear, and covers both individual and team sports. The second title covers the invention and history of wakeboarding, equipment, basics for getting started, and information about qualifying and X-Game events. The third volume offers a brief history of freestyle skiing, necessary equipment, freestyle skiing styles, and basic competition structure. All three books have color photos, illustrations, and sidebars throughout. Solid additions for libraries looking to start or supplement an extreme-sports collection.—Michael Giller, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville

Gr 4–6—Kipling's powerful poem comes to life for a contemporary audience in atmospheric photographs that use the metaphor of sports. A lovely shot of a boy heading a soccer ball accompanies the opening couplet: "If you can keep your head/when all about you/are losing theirs/and blaming it on you…." The mood and actions in most of the illustrations clearly invoke the verse, although two are murky and enigmatic. Shadows and dispersed light are used artfully and, interestingly, all of the people have their backs to the camera or appear in profile; their anonymity confirms the sense of universality found in the poem. The attractive presentation includes an eye-catching cover, a blend of font sizes in alternating black or white print, and a judicious use of white space that gives the eye some rest between the many action-filled images. In a thoughtful afterword, Smith explains why he chose to interpret this particular poem. Teachers and parents will enjoy sharing this book with kids; it is a good vehicle to promote discussion.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 3 Up—These easy-to-read volumes introduce professional athletes and trace how they became involved and successful in their respective sports. A standard five-chapter format is used for each book, which includes vocabulary words with pronunciation keys. Skateboarding has a list of selected video games and movies about skateboarding. The texts are adequate, with run-of-the-mill color photographs throughout. Although the content is researched and "based on interviews," these straightforward titles are delivered without any interesting anecdotes or meaningful connections. They are good practice for struggling readers, but they are shallow attempts to capture the essence of extreme sports. The "Behind the Moves" series (Capstone) and the "Extreme Sports No Limits!" series (Crabtree) have better layouts and texts.—Michael Giller, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville

Gr 3–6—These slim books provide cursory introductions to the elements, chemical reactions, and mixtures and compounds, with some crossover of subject areas within the three titles. The audience for them is unclear. The open layout, with colorful photos and illustrations on each spread, would appeal to younger readers. However, the text is dense and difficult to read and the content is more appropriate for older readers. At times, the books are inaccurate or contradict each other. For example, in Mixtures and Compounds, the text states that atoms combine to create everything, including the "lead in our pencils." Actually, pencils now are created with graphite, not lead. In addition, Elements states that "nonmetal carbon is found in pencil lead." Chicken soup is offered as an example of a heterogeneous mixture, which is highly oversimplified. Children looking for a simple introduction to chemistry would be better served by Anita Brandolini's Fizz, Bubble & Flash! (Williamson, 2003). Students needing information for reports would likely require more comprehensive resources.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 6–9—These titles join an ever-increasing output from publishers seeking to mine controversial topics. They define and discuss their respective subjects from a variety of perspectives, giving the pros and cons of a number of positions. However, unlike the "Opposing Viewpoints" titles (Gale), the discussion points here are made by one author instead of a number of scholars and experts providing their views. Both Kops and Kowalski strive mightily to maintain balanced presentations. Both books are well organized and are clearly and plainly written. A careful reading by students should yield a wealth of information for research papers, term papers, essays, or debates. These are fine additions to social-issues collections, but should be used in conjunction with other titles that offer a variety of voices.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 4–7—Written in a chatty style that draws readers in, these titles attempt to explain the origins of and continuing fascination with the individual monsters. Drawings and movie stills make up the bulk of the illustrations. Frankenstein and Vampires also include brief excerpts from the novels Frankenstein and Dracula. However, since Frankenstein is not the name of the monster in Mary Shelley's book, the references to him as such are erroneous. Although Krensky clarifies this misconception in chapter two, he continues to refer to him in subsequent references as "Frankenstein," which is confusing. There is also a mistake in the description of the plot of Young Frankenstein. Gene Wilder's character is not the son of Victor Frankenstein but his grandson. Vampires is missing several sentences in its description of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In addition, a caption of George Hamilton as a vampire in Love at First Bite is incorrectly labeled as being from the movie Dracula: Dead and Loving It. Despite some errors, these titles are sure to entice horror fans.—S K Joiner, Brazoria County Library System, Angleton, TX

Gr 5–8—A compelling portrait of the United States's rivalry with the former Soviet Union over space technology from the 1950s to the early 1990s. The emphasis is on the historical aspects of the rivalry and not the astronautic science, and how this "competition" influenced government, the arts, and popular culture. The fast-paced, simple text conveys Americans' excitement at the time as well as their fears of the USSR becoming more advanced than the United States. Facts are interwoven with quotes and anecdotes from everyday people and well-known figures from horror writer Stephen King to Hillary Clinton. Included in the discussion are the racist and sexist attitudes of the time that excluded opportunities for women and people of color in the space program. Black-and-white photographs show both examples of space technology and snapshots of popular culture. There are extensive source notes. Additionally, there is a piece of the original communication between the astronauts of Apollo 11 and scientists at the Manned Space Center in Houston. This is a great read for young space enthusiasts as well as children who enjoy American history.—Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 4 Up—There's a celebrity chef in this cookbook, and, judging by the frequent use of heavy cream, whole milk, butter, sugar, and cream cheese, he is apparently unaware of the childhood-obesity crisis. Each spread combines simple color illustrations of food with photos of corresponding international locales and Food Network chef Emeril mugging for the camera. The first 27 pages of cooking how-to and safety tips are followed by 75 recipes that include "Moroccan Couscous" and "Orange-Scented Chocolate Gelato." Europe, North America, and Asia are well represented, with little space devoted to Africa or Central or South America. The recipes are complicated, involving techniques like using a pastry bag and handling delicate phyllo dough and much work with sharp knives and pouring hot liquids; adult supervision will be crucial. Small "safety icons" included with each recipe indicate concerns like "handling hot objects" and "use of sharp objects," but the key to identifying the icons is buried in the introductory material. The ingredients are clearly listed, and the numbered directions have sufficient detail; a bit of historical or geographical information is included with each recipe. Many of the dishes call for the use of Emeril's branded seasoning and other food items, and two appendixes list his corporate sponsors' Web sites and the locations of Emeril's Restaurants around the United States. Libraries serving the chef's devotees will find this a useful addition for its browsing appeal, but be sure its shelfmate is Matthew Locricchio's The International Cookbook for Kids (Marshall Cavendish, 2004), a more balanced, truly kid-friendly book.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 4–8—These titles effectively combine science or social studies with mathematics. Each book poses realistic mathematical problems and solutions that relate to it. Mesopotamia describes how civilization began between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and how the abundant resources and fertile soil enabled previously nomadic people to settle, become farmers, and establish a government. Mathematical problems include multiplication, division, percentages, and determining area and volume. Sumerian and Babylonian number systems, including cuneiforms and the base 10 number systems, are compared. Electoral College explains why the process was formed and how it works. Pie, bar, and scatter graphs are used to compare the popular and electoral votes in various elections, including that of 2000. Barrier Reef explains how these reefs are formed and their importance to the ecosystem. Charts show the numbers of species found in them, and the calculation of percentages is taught. Line, bar, and pie graphs compare coral production, the percentages of coral on inshore and barrier reefs, and the number of visitors to the area. Transcontinental Railroad describes the political, economic, and social conditions that affected the building of this transportation system. Mathematical problems using ratios, proportions, and algebraic equations are used to determine the cost for laying each mile of track, the profit made by selling stock in the railroad companies, and the number of rails laid in a certain time period. All of these titles would be appropriate additions. —Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

Gr 5 Up—The accomplished children's and young adult author speaks directly to young writers, providing advice on all aspects of fiction creation. Sections titled "Liftoff," "Heart and Guts," "Plowing Through," "Digging Deeper," and "Writing Forever" address such topics as coming up with story ideas, developing characters and plot, and finding opportunities for publication. The tone is friendly and direct, getting quickly to the point in each short chapter, which closes with writing prompts. Levine encourages readers to take their work seriously while remembering to have fun. An informative and encouraging must-read for young writers.—Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, North Hollywood

Gr 7 Up—This book looks at the social, political, and economic issues associated with this hot topic. It is broken down into five chapters, each dealing with issues such as weight and health in the United States, why Americans are overweight, eating habits in our youth, the role of the food industry, and changing attitudes about the issue. The information is unbiased and straightforward; it provides statistics and background material on a growing problem. Average-quality color photos and sidebars in each chapter make the dense text more appealing. The appendix provides an annotated list for further reading, a comprehensive index, as well as organizations to contact for more information. This book would appeal mostly to students doing research.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 3–6—This title traces the evolution of professional football from its humble beginnings as an Ivy League-college pastime in the 19th century to one of the most popular spectator sports in the United States. In a somewhat dry narrative, Madden focuses on the development of the game, presenting chronological chapters that introduce significant time periods and identify key players and teams. The text emphasizes rules, prominent athletes, and strategies with sidebars and full-color photographs offering additional information. The author's name recognition through video games and his visibility as a sports commentator will be a natural lure for young readers. This clear, well-organized account is appropriate for report writers and is a solid choice for libraries needing to update their sports-history collections.—Michael Giller, South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville

Gr 4–8—Mallory follows marine biologist Rich Lutz as he travels in a research submarine to study hydrothermal vents and describes his investigation into the regrowth of an underwater habitat after it is devastated by a volcanic eruption. In keeping with other volumes in the series, the author provides a balanced mixture of biography and science that gives children a well-rounded exposure to intellectual pursuit. Enthusiastic text expresses a sense of adventure and effectively depicts the thrill of new discoveries. At times, the numerous biological terms and concepts may be challenging for newcomers and struggling readers, but students with developed interests will find them attention-grabbing. Readers less interested in hard science will be intrigued by the look at the different vehicles and equipment used to carry out these explorations, and will be particularly drawn in by the last section on the making of an IMAX film. Large, colorful photographs and diagrams illustrate species and biological principles. A general purchase for libraries with a significant science readership.—Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 6–8—These titles are good choices for reports. They discuss past theories about individuals with the disorders and the history of research, and emphasize current scientific knowledge. The first title has a chapter about daily living that deals with sensitive issues such as sex, and may be better suited for older students. Both books have informational sidebars, time lines, organizations to contact, color photos, and diagrams. Cystic Fibrosis is an optional purchase for school libraries that own Melissa Abramovitz's book of the same title (Gale, 2003).—Caroline Geck, Kean University, Union, NJ

Gr 6–9—These titles focus on how a discovery or an invention by one individual can lead to a chain reaction on the part of others. Each book profiles a specific discovery and then follows it through time to its current applications. For example, Mendel's Peas informs students about genetics and its many applications, including the Human Genome Project and genetic fingerprinting. Microscopes provides information on stem cells and their uses, as well as some of the controversies surrounding them. Morgan begins with the discovery of cells by Robert Hooke in the early 1660s and concludes with an explanation of regenerative medicine and how stem-cell research has transformed the medical field. Sea Urchins addresses cloning, from its beginnings in the 1890s to Dolly the sheep in 2003. The books feature clear, straightforward writing and bright and open layouts with colorful photographs and illustrations on every spread. Boxed areas offer specific quotes from scientists, highlight amazing facts, or answer specific questions. Each volume concludes with brief biographies of key individuals in the field.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 6–10—These titles are neatly organized into well-defined chapters that include factual information, attractive pictures, and easy-to-read charts. Each book includes case studies and a section of suggested recipes. Do You Know focuses on the bacteria, fat, chemicals, and additives that are embedded within the foods we eat every day. It also gives advice on the decisions that can change the culture of eating habits for the future. Sports talks about the types of foods that help athletes maximize their energy level. The information on sensible eating choices and calorie intake can help even nonathletes manage their health and weight. While these books are well written, their main appeal is probably for reports, or for athletes who need to monitor their diets closely. There aren't many books out there that examine all aspects of food in such detail, which makes these volumes smart additions to most libraries.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 6–9—This book has great potential due to its subject matter, but is disappointing in many respects. For one, it's unbalanced; Nardo spends two chapters (out of eight) on the Battle of Kadesh, which is, without doubt, an important event but not worthy of a quarter of the book. The sole map is woefully inadequate and omits countless places referred to in the text. Nardo's footnoting is atrocious, with numerous quotes badly distorted from their sources. Finally, although a whole page is devoted to Ramesses's many names, there is no explanation for the unfamiliar spelling. Jim Whiting's The Life and Times of Rameses the Great (Mitchell Lane, 2005), for the same age, isn't nearly as detailed, but avoids missteps and covers the basics in a far more entertaining manner.—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—Appealing visuals and plenty of well-chosen facts highlight key historical developments in these series entries. In familiar "Eyewitness"-style layouts, each spread contains several drawings or photographs in color accompanied by paragraph-length captions. Both titles progress chronologically. Airplanes moves smoothly from military and commercial air developments and back again, showing how both areas impacted technological advances. Skyscrapers focuses on architectural styles, individual buildings, and geographical trends, such as East Asian construction in the late 20th century. Details of the science behind flight and construction are minimal, since the emphasis is on notable achievements over time. Both books briefly mention key individuals in the fields, and each closes with an intriguing look at future possibilities. Four overlay pages in Airplanes neatly reveal some of the inner workings of featured vehicles. The cross sections shown in three of Skyscraper's overlays are less exciting, but a fourth view contrasting the 1876 and present-day New York skylines is particularly effective. The writing is generally clear and concise, with easily accessible dates, facts, and dimensions. The 1870 date for New York's first skyscraper doesn't match an earlier statement that "the first skyscrapers were built in the 1880s and 1890s," however, and a paragraph on the Red Baron (Airplanes) doesn't clarify which country he flew for. Overall, though, the texts and pictures work well together for random browsing or when read from start to finish. These are solid informational resources in a format that should appeal to many readers.—Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR

Gr 3–6—Dry writing makes these books less interesting than their titles would suggest. Each chapter spread features a few paragraphs of text and an illustration facing a full-color photo. There are many references to books and films. Drawings, computer-enhanced photography, and production stills make up the bulk of the artwork. While none of the titles stand out, the subject matter and the often gory pictures guarantee circulation, but books in Stephen Krensky's "Monster Chronicles" series (Lerner) have more substance.—S K Joiner, Brazoria County Library System, Angleton, TX

Gr 6–9—Pullman's life and career have been a jumble of successes and controversies. Reichard analyzes his writings and discusses how they were influenced by events in his life. Her considerable research is obvious, with references to articles by and about Pullman throughout the book. The author spends a good deal of time discussing the debate surrounding the "His Dark Materials" series. She quotes fans and critics evenly but tends to be more complimentary than critical of Pullman. Unfortunately, Reichard's writing style lacks polish; she sometimes refers to the writer as "Philip" and at other times by his last name. She shifts back and forth between the present and the past tense and repeats certain details. The volume concludes with a transcript of a revealing e-mail interview the author conducted with Pullman in 2004, and source notes. The book's simple design features color borders and a few good-quality color photos and several black-and-white reproductions. Margaret Speaker Yuan's Philip Pullman (Chelsea House, 2005) is similar in format and length, but the writing in that title is cleaner. It contains more biographical information, but less critical analysis of Pullman's works.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 9 Up—This is a wonderful collection of 16 sensitive essays penned by young black women writers chronicling their personal encounters with love and with sexual awakening. Each true story depicts a special aspect of a young woman's growing awareness of her body, her sexuality, her capacity to love, and male/female relationships. All of the selections are tenderly told and meant to convey life lessons from the black, female perspective. In addition to the essays, the book includes a thumbnail sketch of each contributor and a listing of resources on sexuality, reproduction, and sexually transmitted diseases. These selections offer refreshing insights into adolescence and what it means to be a sexual being. And, although sex and sexuality are the focus of each story, there are no explicit descriptions. For those libraries seeking to enhance their health and human-development collections, this book should prove to be a valuable addition.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 7 Up—This title compiles articles and essays that take opposing viewpoints on the issues of teen drug testing. A range of opinions is introduced, from students and educators to journalists, government officials, and experts specializing in this topic. Each article begins with a summary, and paragraph headings assist in usage. The essays look at what drug testing is, statistics of substance abuse in schools, and the correlation between testing and reduced drug use. The arguments are made that testing creates a secretive and counterproductive atmosphere, fosters cheating, and is unconstitutional in some states. Color illustrations are attractive and effective in emphasizing points, and cartoons add humor and interest. Charts and graphs aid in understanding. An appendix includes facts teens should know about student drug testing and what they should do about it. A well-rounded presentation.—Debbie Stewart Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 6 Up—Scowen offers an in-depth look at what depression is and how it affects young people. She differentiates between normal mood shifts and signs of serious trouble. Bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and suicidal feelings are also discussed. An extensive chapter on treatment options includes information on medications. Parents will want to use this book as a starting point for more detailed discussion. There is a lot of material here, such as the use of medication and different forms of therapy as treatment options (especially the mention of electroconvulsive therapy) that young people might not understand or could interpret incorrectly without the input of a knowledgeable adult. Cartoon illustrations lighten up an extremely serious topic.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 4 Up—Shapiro offers parodies of 23 classic British and American poems. In her introductory note, she states that "…though parodies are often written to make fun of something, these poems spring from deep respect." It is clear in reading her selections that the author knows the sources through and through and that she is quite a good poet in her own right. She parallels John Masefield's "Sea-Fever" with the verse: "I must go down to the beach again, where there's water,/sand, and sky,/And all I ask is my red toy boat with a string to pull it by…," matching rhyme and rhythm, if not tone. Love's black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings underscore the humor in each selection. The book is a gold mine for teachers wanting to illustrate command of certain poetic elements, and Shapiro's endnotes on her choice of poets and poems are most thoughtful. The only thing that would have strengthened the book's usefulness, and underscored Shapiro's clever wordplay, would be the inclusion of the original poems. A book to read again and again, hopefully with copies of the classic versions close by.—Kathleen Whalin, York Public Library, ME

Gr 5–8—These titles discuss the military actions that began and ended American involvement in the Second World War. Each book is divided into two-page chapters that open with accounts of the bomb blast at Hiroshima and the attack on Pearl Harbor, respectively. Tames then traces what lead up to and the aftermaths of the two attacks and objectively analyzes their historical impacts. The books end with a single-page "Great Debate," listing bulleted arguments for and against the use of the atomic bomb and the merits of nuclear power (Hiroshima), and the wisdom of the attack on the U.S. Naval base in Hawaii and the role of this country as world policeman (Pearl Harbor). "Find Out More" bibliographies open with suggested keywords for Internet searches, followed by recommendations of mainly Heinemann titles. The illustrations are the volumes' strongest points. Each one includes several good maps, and there is at least one photo or illustration on each page. However, since the books are brief and the font is large, coverage and analysis are so severely limited as to be superficial. They may draw browsers, but will do little to help students understand these important events. Nathan Anthony and Robert Gardner's The Bombing of Pearl Harbor in American History (Enslow, 2001) and Victoria Sherrow's Hiroshima (New Discovery, 1994) offer more detailed information and better analysis.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 7 Up—Ten of the great bands in the forefront of the music scene from 1964 to 1974 are highlighted here. Tanner offers a description of how each group came together and how its distinctive style developed. The discussion includes the social and political history of the period and shows how the musicians were impacted by broader events. Many of the era's songs were written in protest against the Vietnam War and other real or perceived injustices. Tanner also candidly discusses the influence of drugs on the musicians and shows how it sometimes led to self-destruction. The narrative style will hold readers' attention. A great deal of related information appears in colorful boxes or on a page that interrupts the chapter. Listings of each group's influences and greatest hits are included, as are discussions of the women's liberation movement, folk music, and the tragedy at Kent State University. This information adds to the book's scope, but interrupts the narrative flow. In spite of the layout, however, this book would be a helpful resource to use along with Adam Woog's The History of Rock and Roll (Gale, 1999) and Frank Moriarty's Seventies Rock (Taylor Trade, 2003).—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 4–6—The fascinating text in this collection of 30 projects is supplemented by sepia-colored illustrations or photos on each page. The "Timeline of Ancient Egypt's History" lists nine periods from the early dynastic years to Greek and Roman Egypt, with each entry briefly described. A simple, clearly labeled map of Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt precedes the introduction. The projects are tied to many aspects of this civilization, including the Nile River, agriculture, craftsmanship, pyramids, mummies, family, farming, bartering, the Egyptian calendar, Royal Library of Alexandria, temples, hieroglyphs, and more. Areas of boxed text throughout give additional information on such topics as obelisks, the legend of Osiris, etc. The ideas will be useful for school projects or individual crafting fun. A few require adult assistance, such as when using spray paint, plaster of Paris, an oven, a saw, or a sharp knife. Children can immerse themselves in ancient Egypt by making a papyrus boat, berry ink, a tunic, sandals, perfume, a pyramid, a cartouche, and much more. Back matter includes a glossary of 122 words and resources (13 books and periodicals and l5 Web sites). This title will be a useful and popular addition to any collection, along with Avery Hart and Paul Mantell's Pyramids!: 50 Hands-On Activities to Experience Ancient Egypt (Williamson, 1997) and Nancy Fister and Charlene Olexiewicz's Make History: Ancient Egypt (McGraw-Hill, 1999).—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—These volumes present articles that were originally published in Scientific American. In Disasters, 17 selections dated from 1998 to 2005 explore earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, storms, and asteroids. The 20 entries in Protection range from 1995 to 2001 and focus on air, water, land, and life. Occasional sidebars, graphs, and black-and-white photos and illustrations break up the texts. The articles vary in length and in the use of scientific jargon. Some require a science background, but many, such as "Car Parts from Chickens" (Protection), will appeal to a wide readership. For novice science students, these volumes are excellent introductions to a significant periodical, and for advanced students, a handy reference for reports.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 9 Up—At age 14, Vincent lost both parents in a traffic accident. This is a gripping memoir of the aftermath of their deaths. Although her loss took place more than 20 years ago in Australia, her use of the present tense and a wholly authentic adolescent voice lend her retelling palpable immediacy. Gritty language, a swift pace, and glimpses of humor amid tragedy make this a page-turner. The author captivatingly portrays her journey through the stages of grief, which she aptly points out take place in no discernible order. Perhaps most poignant is the heartbreaking post-funeral abandonment of her and her siblings by adult friends and relatives. Teens will sympathize with her 18-year-old sister's anger at the crushing responsibility of parenting her younger siblings. At the same time, the author's own feelings of rejection, abandonment, and self-blame will resonate with many readers. Recommend this book to those who have experienced loss, or want to understand what a friend might be going through, as well as to teens looking for an absorbing read.—Rebecca M. Jones, Fort Myers-Lee County Library, FL

Gr 4–6—These collections of thrilling, real-life stories are billed as "leveled, high interest" books, and the minimal texts and abundance of photographs should make them accessible to reluctant readers. With only one or two paragraphs devoted to each entry, these are recreational reads rather than sources for reports. Unfortunately, selected words are in bold and defined on the bottom of the page, and this pedantic addition turns a light read into a tedious vocabulary lesson. The layouts are fussy and gimmicky, with irritatingly tilted texts and a typeface that frequently changes size. The recommendations in the "Want to Know More?" sections suggest more satisfying titles, such as Mary Packard's Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Amazing Escapes (Scholastic, 2002).—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 6–9—Considering the complexity of the topics, these titles do a remarkable job of presenting brief, understandable discussions. Five chapters each conclude with an FYI page featuring a person or topic, such as "The Battle of Jutland" (World War I) and "Drugstores as Social Centers" (Scopes Trial). Vintage photos add interest, but captions mostly repeat the texts. World War I has at least three typographical errors. These titles could be considered as general purchases, but more than likely should be for specific needs.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 7 Up—This volume examines the degree to which the environment is in jeopardy, whether global warming should be addressed, the role of the government vis-à-vis conservation, and how society can protect the environment. The first two chapters present affirmative and negative responsive essays. Chapters three and four invoke timely topics such as the Clear Skies Act, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, renewal of the Endangered Species Act, the cost of renewable energy, organic farming, and fuel-efficient vehicles vs. SUVs. An annotated list of organizations to contact for additional information and a lengthy bibliography are appended. The essays are accessible, divided into subtopics, and useful for reports and debates.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 7 Up—An evenhanded treatment of a controversial subject. The first chapter presents a brief summary of the issues involved, with subsequent sections providing more detail about historical events in the region from ancient times through the present day. Topics discussed include the Zionist movement, the Palestinians' right of return, Yasir Arafat and the PLO, and the history of the settlements. Worth is careful to present arguments from all sides of the conflict, supporting them with quotations from primary sources. The writing is clear and factual, and the information is up-to-date. Archival photographs and several historical maps are interspersed throughout, and sidebar essays address such subjects as "Jewish Leaders in Palestine" and "What Does It Mean to Be Israeli?" The book concludes with a chronology of events from 1000 B.C.E. to March 2006 and a brief list of Web sites. There is also a guide for further reading of recent books on the subject; most of the titles listed are more likely to be available in large public libraries than in schools. A useful resource for students doing research for debates or for argumentative essays.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ