Grades 5 & Up

Gr 4–6—When three New England sixth graders discover ghosts hidden inside books in their local public library, they enlist the help of the librarian and unravel the means by which the spirits were trapped. An evil scientist imprisoned them in the early 1900s on a fictional island in the Indian Ocean, and then brought the books to New England, where they were donated to the library upon his death. Several halftone illustrations appear in the section in which the ghosts are first introduced, giving the look of a face peering out from the text, which adds a creepy touch. The subplot involves the children's censorship-happy teacher who wants all unpleasant books removed from the library. While based on an interesting concept, the story is riddled with confusing touches. The ghosts speak English backwards, but are from an island where it is not spoken. One of the books involved contains a reference to nuclear weapons, but it would have been published in the 1930s at the latest. A laugh-out-loud-funny joke requires an understanding of Voltaire's Candide. Flashbacks to the deaths of the spirits are included in the text and are occasionally brutal, though not graphic. The use of present tense to tell their backstories yields fairly confusing results. While there is an inclination to advocate for a book that has a strong anticensorship librarian as a main character, this book misses the mark.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6–9—This sequel to The Printer's Devil (Little, Brown, 2005) continues the adventures of Mog (Imogen) and Nick, twin orphans in early-19th-century England. Having spent most of their childhood apart under difficult conditions, the now 13-year-old siblings have been reunited and are living with Sir Septimus, a distant relative of their mother, at his rural estate. The youngsters investigate the death of their governess, the whisperings of superstitious villagers, and the return of Damyata, a mysterious man from India who is somehow connected to their past. They soon discover that Sir Septimus has been involved in numerous misdeeds, stumble upon a murderous conspiracy, and end up unraveling many family secrets. Bajoria creates a readable mix of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure. A slow start eventually builds to an exciting climax in which the local ritual of making straw "guys" and burning them becomes a stage for murder. Although the pace lags in some places and races in others, the eerie setting and macabre characters provide enough chills to overcome some uneven plotting. While this novel does not stand alone, readers of the first book will want to know the protagonists' fate. These titles, though not essential purchases, would be good picks for those too young for Philip Pullman's "Sally Lockhart" mysteries (Knopf).—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 10 Up—Two years after the events in Harley, Like a Person (Winslow, 2000), a worldlier but not necessarily more prudent Harley, now 16, is living a fairy-tale existence in New York City with her biological father, Sean, when another crisis erupts. Her period is five days late. Told in the space of one eventful day, the story follows Harley as she is forced to reexamine the very relationships upon which she has come to depend. Sean wavers between careless neglect and sage advice, her boyfriend is a rising rock star not ready to deal with the consequences of his actions, and her mother has basically disowned her. Also crammed into this one turbulent day are a pregnancy test, a newfound grandmother, several altercations, a breakup, and a gallery exhibition. Details are introduced and dismissed at breakneck pace. Only occasional glimpses of the old Harley reconnect readers to the emotional rawness of the first book. This segment in the teen's life includes many scenes that she refers to as a "time, long ago," creating disjointed flashbacks, and making it feel as though there is an installment missing. The primary connector is Harley's passion for her art and her ability to transform her circumstances in the face of adversity. In the end, she is neither pregnant, nor any wiser. True resolution is again elusive as seemingly significant details are glossed over in favor of a neat ending. This continuation of Harley's story should only find an audience with loyal fans.—Erin Schirota, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Gr 6–10—Jiaan, Kavi, and Soraya—the three young Farsalans attempting to wrest their fallen nation from the conquering Hrum—are back in this final installment of Bell's trilogy. Invoking the name of the legendary Sorahb, they lead the tiny, ill-trained army, organize the peasants, and practice magic as taught by the mysterious, desert-living Suud. The sword that they forge represents both their discovery of the secrets of Hrum steel as well as their ability to create a new, unified Farsala. The young people work according to their particular talents, learning to cooperate and to forgive past transgressions. Primarily, they learn that the world is not a place of black and white, but gray—enemies can be noble and supposed friends can deceive. How one proceeds in the face of that knowledge is the main thrust of this novel. Readers who enjoyed the earlier adventures will be happy to see this epic to its conclusion, but the book does not stand on its own. No attempt is made to recap any previous information. The seamless interweaving of the ancient heroic poem of Sorahb into the downfall of Farsala gave the first novel depth, and its loss is heavy in books two and three. Purchase where the earlier titles have a following.—Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI

Gr 5–8—In The Revenge of the Shadow King (Scholastic, 2005), the Grey Griffins had to work together to save their hometown, Avalon, and the rest of the world from certain annihilation at the hands of Morgan Le Fey. This time, the four friends travel to Scotland where they…have to save the world from certain annihilation at the hands of Morgan Le Fey. Narratives that would be fun with groups of friends in role-playing games come across here as trite and contrived. The surfeit of strung-together clichés and hyperbole stifles the story so much that it becomes practically unreadable.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA

Gr 6 Up—Fifteen-year-old Mia Day's life changes drastically when her parents separate. Suddenly Mom is working more and isn't home to cook dinner. Mia's dad has taken up with a sexy Peruvian woman. Her brother, Allen, is acting out. All is not bad in her life, however. Her brother's friend Julian, whom Mia has had a crush on since forever, begins to notice her. She's finally old enough to learn how to drive. Her dad takes her on father-daughter "dates." Finally, Mia's shrink enables her to break through the logjam of repressed emotions she's had about the divorce and to begin to grieve her loss. Divorce and first love are old themes, but the author's spare style, her likable characters, and the witty voice she's given her protagonist set this novel apart. Its short chapters should make it popular with reluctant readers.—Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Gr 7–10—After their parents' death, studious 15-year-old Mado becomes the legal ward of her irresponsible 20-year-old sister. Before a year has passed, Patty reveals she is several months pregnant, a development that the sisters hide lest Mado be sent to foster care. Once Mado's exams are finished, they leave Paris to spend August in their family summer home in southern France, where they fall in love with brothers vacationing from Amsterdam. When Patty's baby is born, Mado steps up to provide primary care for mother and infant, but Patty fails to bond with her child, and a week later she abandons him and her sister. When the baby's father shows up and learns of his fatherhood for the first time, he drives Mado and the baby back to Paris, where they find a despondent Patty. After raging arguments, she decides to keep the infant and shared custody is arranged. Mado is a believable if overburdened teen, juggling the anxieties of schoolwork with domestic responsibilities and an unpredictable guardian. Her experience of falling in love for the first time is especially tender and innocent, yet she is also the responsible one who buys a book about pregnancy and childbirth while Patty first denies, then ignores, her pregnancy. Bondoux writes in an engaging style that captures the flavor of life in current-day France. The plot development, however, is jumpy and overly episodic. The ending falls into place too simply and neatly, with little explanation of Patty's transformation from party girl to responsible mother.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 6–8—For reluctant readers and those who are struggling with language, this book provides the perfect melding of text and content. The plot is fast moving and the content is delivered on a 3.0 reading level. Some middle-grade friends have taken it upon themselves to be investigators. Their school has been undergoing some thefts of late, with lunch swiping and valuable books missing from the library, and these students mean to get to the bottom of it. While solving the missing lunch mystery, the friends land in detention, which takes place in the library, and they are able to begin their second investigation. This part of the story does not really demonstrate being a responsible investigator. While one teacher cautions against vigilantism, the kids accuse a teacher, the librarian, and, finally, agree to pay $6K on an online auction in order to catch the perpetrator. Still, this is an entertaining and easy-to-read choice.—Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX

Gr 9 Up—Like its predecessor, Bloodline (Penguin/Razorbill, 2005), this story is written in journal format, with entries by several characters. It opens with the coming-of-age in the 1900s of Quincey Harker, heir to Vlad Tepes, and his initiation into his vampire heritage. It expands into the love story of two people never meant to be together but who are passionately drawn to one another. Mary Seward returns to England to take up her nursing profession and to care for her ailing father. Still recovering from her nightmarish trip to Transylvania, she is afraid of the dark and sees vampires everywhere. When people around her begin to die from a mysterious virus, she fears a vampire may be involved. Readers familiar with the legend of Dracula will enjoy the tie-ins with Vlad Tepes and Van Helsing, and they will be consumed by the struggles of the well-delineated characters, as well as the many plot twists and turns. This novel about good, evil, and the gray areas in between will be a favorite with fans of the vampire genre.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Under normal circumstances, Maggie Quinn would want nothing to do with the vicious, elite clique at her high school. But when the jocks and their girlfriends start falling prey to a series of situations ranging from embarrassing to potentially fatal, not to mention reeking of sulfur, the school newspaper reporter can't ignore the story. In addition to being a Nancy Drew wannabe, Maggie has inherited her grandmother's sixth sense, as evidenced by the demon appearing in her dreams. Although she is initially reluctant to believe that anything supernatural is going on, her partnership with a paranormal-studies college student who is in one of her father's classes eventually leads her to a salt-throwing showdown with the demon and his minions at her senior prom. Maggie's transformation into a butt-kicking demon hunter is well drawn as is the budding romance with her partner. The pair launch into a routine set of investigations to reveal a weak backstory accounting for the origins of the demon that will not compel readers to suspend disbelief. The main draw of this book, however, is Maggie's sarcastic tone, which is dripping with wit on nearly every page. Sharp writing and a satirical portrayal of the high school social scene make this an enjoyable read in the vein of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 9 Up—In this final installment in the series, Cyd Charisse, high school graduate, rejects a marriage proposal from her surfer boyfriend, Shrimp, who relocates to New Zealand with his parents, and follows her own dream of a new life in Manhattan. Tossed back into the life she first sampled in Gingerbread (S & S, 2002) when she visited her father, she is determined to find her niche in the city that promises to deliver the "perfect espresso shot" she craves. Readers will once again be captivated by Cyd's hip language and sophisticated take on life. She and her New York family, including her gay, cupcake-baking half brother and ambitious, man-hunting half sister, are perfect foils for one another. She dominates the novel with her strong, effervescent personality, and readers are drawn inside the mind of this unforgettable young woman. Fans of the Cyd/Shrimp love story will not be disappointed with this thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the saga.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Vivien Leigh Reid's first forays into acting, detailed in Introducing Vivien Leigh Reid: Daughter of the Diva (2005) and Now Starring Vivien Leigh Reid: Diva in Training (2006, both Griffin), ended in disaster as her starring role on a TV show led to a big head and her eventual dismissal. Now that her actress-mother is engaged to a producer, Leigh has been offered a role in his new TV show, Freak Force. Eager to prove that she can avoid the diva syndrome, she jumps at the chance to reform her reputation. The role turns out to be more challenging than she expected: she is a humanoid, part female college freshman and part warthog, and doing her own stunts is complicated by an unwieldy costume. Her relationships are complicated, too: her male costars don't want to work with her, her evil future stepsisters are determined to make her life miserable, and her mother is planning a wedding. To complicate things further, she falls for one of her costars. Leigh's first-person narrative (including fantasy sequences written in script format) is engaging. Fans of Meg Cabot's "The Princess Diaries" series (HarperCollins) will enjoy the inside look at life among the famous and identify with Leigh's romantic travails. Though it's not necessary for readers to be familiar with the previous volumes, they may be in demand once this one hits the shelves.—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 4–6—Larry appears to be an average dog: loyal, faithful, and eager to please. The fluffy Maltese goes everywhere with his family, and loves nothing more than cuddling up with 10-year-old Cathy. Therefore, Cathy and her father, Tom, are understandably shocked when one day Larry gets hot under the collar and chews them out—in words. The premise is that Larry, and all dogs for that matter, can talk. They are simply more highly evolved beings who recognize the importance of their reticent role in society. Larry's role, however, changes quickly as he embarks on a successful musical career with Tom, who is a songwriter. Hounded by success and pawed by fame, Larry loses sight of his family, friends, and, ultimately, himself. Fortunately, Cathy and Tom eventually intervene and shepherd him home to forgiveness and reconciliation. Underneath its sweet, silly surface, this story touches on several issues that are important to today's children. Divorce, shared custody, new relationships, and difficult choices are all central themes. While the story flows fairly smoothly, the characters feel somewhat flat, and some key cultural references are a bit out of date, something most readers of this age will notice. Still, children begging for stories about pets will find this an entertaining read.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Ada, MI

Gr 4–6—This sequel to The Fire Thief (Kingfisher, 2005) continues the sarcasm-laced tale of the ancient Greek Titan Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. The furious Zeus will forgive him only if the Titan can show him a true human hero. In the first book, Prometheus time-travels to the fictional Eden City in 1858, only to discover that the hero he seeks may have lived in the city's past. Now Zeus grows impatient, and has sent his eaglelike Avenger to capture Prometheus. The Avenger is accompanied by the spirits of the Trojan War's Achilles and Paris, plus the monstrous 50-headed Hecatonchires, all fresh from Hades. In the Eden City of 1795, which is under siege by "Wild People" (thinly disguised Native Americans), Prometheus meets Nell Dee, a 12-year-old carnival performer. The two orchestrate a plan to help him escape the Avenger and her to end the town's siege peacefully. Prometheus discovers that the human hero he's been searching for is Nell. The tale will remind readers of both Rick Riordan's "Olympians" series and Terry Pratchett's books, but isn't as successful because of Deary's cynical tone. The story, which toggles between ancient Greece and Eden City, starts out grippingly. But, especially in the Greek chapters, most of the characters spend so much time making anachronistic wisecracks at each other that the book begins to drag.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Suburban Vancouver teen Jay lives for his band's rehearsals. The Lunar Ticks are practicing for an upcoming Battle of the Bands that will match them against a neighboring high school's standout, Indigo Daze. Jay's growing crush on its lead singer adds a layer of romance to the story. The members of the band get into and out of trouble and into and out of fights with one another, and the group is ultimately successful at the competition (even though they don't win). The characters are edgy but likable. The short chapters and fast-paced, rock-themed action will appeal to reluctant and struggling readers, particularly those who are serious about their music.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 9 Up—After a car accident in which Jori is permanently disfigured, the once-popular high school student is now an outcast. She is tormented by her former best friend, Marisa, and a geeky guy named Newt is the only person who talks to her. Her younger sister, Lisa, has been missing for months. The plot veers into fantasy/horror territory when Jori and Newt stumble upon a mysterious house inhabited by the eerie Mr. DePris. Among his amazing objects is a tapestry of stolen dreams, woven by a telepathic spider, Arachnea. Jori discovers that Lisa is captured in it, along with Newt, Marisa, and Marisa's boyfriend, Derek. When Jori enters the tapestry, determined to rescue her sister, the story finally gets moving. She finds Newt and Derek, and the three of them try to outrun the Black River that is killing some of the fantasies, along with the people who are locked in them. Their adventure leads them through several horrific and a few too-good-to-be-true dreamscapes. Jori's rescue mission is only partly successful, leaving an opening for a sequel. The tapestry world is vividly imagined, and the beautiful-fantasies-turned-ugly theme is gripping. However, the writing is uneven, and the story has gaps in logic. Also, Arachnea's change from foe to ally and Derek's transformation from a complete jerk into a hero figure are too sudden to be convincing. This book is a decent effort by a new author for teens who like fantasy-world-gone-wrong stories, but Neil Shusterman's Full Tilt (S & S, 2003) is a better choice.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 5–7—Grk, a small white dog with black eyes, finds Tim Malt near Tim's London home, setting into motion a series of fantastic, heroic, often fast-paced and sometimes humorous adventures. Grk belonged to Natascha Raffifi, the daughter of Stanislavia's ambassador to England. When a cruel dictator takes control of this small, mountainous country in Eastern Europe, the Raffifis are arrested and returned to their homeland. Tim's parents will not let him keep the dog, and so he sets out to find its owner. His ingenuity gets him from England to Stanislavia, where he is propelled into action that ultimately reunites Grk with Natascha and her brother, Max, and results in their escape from prison. Some characters are caricatures; many are likable and move the events quickly if implausibly to a satisfying resolution. Max, in particular, is used to insert occasional political commentary that seems to foreshadow his future. By novel's end, the children and Grk settle in with the Malts in London, with the promise of another adventure in which the murder of Max and Natascha's parents will be avenged.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 6–10—This sequel to Corydon & the Island of Monsters (Knopf, 2006) extends the premise of the first book: several monsters have moved to an island and live in uneasy peace with the local humans. As the book opens, goat-footed Corydon, a son of the god Pan, learns that his friend the Minotaur has been kidnapped. He sets out, along with Medusa's son Gorgos, a hydra, two gorgons, and a half-snake-half-girl, to rescue the Minotaur. The party encounters many other characters from Greek mythology during the quest, which ends in Atlantis. While the monster-as-hero theme is creative, plot twists overshadow character development. In addition, the writing is choppy, the time period of the story is unclear, and readers unfamiliar with the events of the first book won't know where this one fits into traditional Greek mythology. Unless your readers are clamoring to know more about Corydon and his companions, save your money for second copies of Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief (2005) and The Sea of Monsters (2006, both Hyperion/Miramax), which provide an engaging, well-written look at Greek gods and monsters in a contemporary world.—Beth Wright, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, VT

Gr 9 Up—A companion to Murkmere (Little, Brown, 2006), this gothic fantasy follows the story of Scuff, otherwise known as 102, an orphan who doesn't know if she ever had a real name. When soldiers come looking for her at the remote manor house where she works as a servant, the girl is certain it's for a crime she committed as a small child in the Capital. After escaping, she is aided by some and led astray by others until she finds herself mixed up in a plot to assassinate the son of the Lord Protector. The story is convoluted, with many characters floating in and out, and tends to bog down. Although the writing (particularly the dialect-spiced dialogue) is vivid, it is often difficult to understand the motivation driving many of the characters, including Scuff herself, who is blown by the winds of fate from one bad situation to another. Buy where Murkmere has been popular, but otherwise you can skip this rather turgid fantasy.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—The Stone-Run Country is in peril. The blue jays' Bluewingle tribe and their former friends, the cardinals of the Sunrise tribe, have gone to war. Each side believes the other to have stolen its food and eggs, little suspecting the malicious hawk, Turnatt, along with his hoard of crows and ravens. Now he is intent on forcing all of the local woodbirds to work on his magnificent fortress, and it's up to a variety of brave avians to upset the villain's plans. Their only hope lies in summoning the great warrior, Swordbird, to assist them in their time of need. Fan wrote the book when she was 11 as a response to a world at war; it goes without saying that she is very talented. However, the book essentially reuses old tropes in a new setting, making the plot, pacing, and characters more than a little predictable and, for all of its charms, the story is overly familiar. Dialogue runs to the clunky with lines like, "I'll get you, me and my crew will" and "You'll pay for that, scalawag!" The greatest credit should be given to the illustrator, who took the author's imagery and made it believable as well as attractive.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Chill is a talented artist. He also has a disability, a crippled leg. It has been a significant issue in his life, but it has made him a better artist by channeling his frustration. When a campaign ensues to have a mural painted at the front of the school, he is awarded the job. In the meantime, he has an immediate adverse reaction to his new English teacher. Chill's friend Sean, who narrates the story, wants to be a novelist and finds Mr. Sfinkter's attitude below par, yet wants to like him. Sfinkter promises to have one of his "publishers" look at the boy's work, which endears him to Sean but causes a rift between the teens. As the year progresses, the man repeatedly insults students, claiming that he is getting them ready for the real world. Chill's distaste for the man increases. When the mural is finally unveiled, he has painted a mad clown (Sfinkter) squishing the dreams of the kids in the school. The novel offers an interesting portrayal of how a teacher can affect a student's life. It is also a commentary on responsibility and the right and wrong way to approach issues that may come your way. Though it is written for teens in terms of plot and character, the content itself is based on a 3.5 reading level, making it perfect for struggling and reluctant readers.—Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX

Gr 6-9—Jenevieve, 13, is dealing with issues that are causing her life to spin out of control. Her mom has just passed away, her little brother is needy, and a woman, Fanny, is moving in on her dad before her mother is even buried. Just when the teen's life is hitting an all-time low, an aunt she never knew she had appears at the funeral. Regardless, her father allows J to spend the summer with Aunt Guin, a philosophizing free spirit who fixes up old houses with her friend Art and then sells them at a profit. J spends the summer camping in the backyard of a fixer-upper, learning life lessons through her aunt's random quotes. The teen's engaging voice is full of sarcasm, dry wit, and angst while her aunt's voice is ethereal and soothing. Unfortunately, the plot has many gaping holes. Aunt Guin's explanation of why she was estranged from the family doesn't ring true, nor does J's father's willingness to send her off for the summer with a virtual stranger. Readers never know who Fanny is or her involvement in the family, and they're likely to wonder about the relationship between Aunt Guin and Art. The adult relationships are sure to leave readers with many unanswered questions. Those looking for stories dealing with loss would be better served by Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons (HarperCollins, 2004) and Sonya Sones's One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies (S & S, 2004).—Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams Middle School, Hilton, NY

Gr 4–6—The journal that Jillian writes during fifth grade in a rural Australian town has a lot to recommend it and some problems as well. The girl progresses from being an unpopular loner who's envious of the Princesses in class to the center of a group that is mostly outcast boys. They range from socially awkward Nigel to Sam, who needs Jillian's help to complete schoolwork. Except for encouraging comments from her teacher, Mrs. Bright, the entries are all in Jillian's voice and any dialogue is indirect. As a result, it can be hard to distinguish other characters and they end up more as types than real people. Jillian is a wry and entertaining writer. Her description of a disastrous party she throws is very funny. She develops from a somewhat unlikable character into a kind soul. When one of her classmates is caught shoplifting, she gets her friends to write letters to the authorities to support him. A speech she makes up about procrastination is delightful but almost too grown-up. A glossary at the end of the book clarifies Australian slang; it would have been more help at the beginning. Even with it, the difference in tone, customs, and wording may be too much to keep American children interested, which is unfortunate. Although Jillian is a character who takes getting used to, she's definitely worth knowing.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 5–8—The feisty Guatemalan 12-year-old introduced in Bella Balistica and the Temple of Tikal (Milet, 2004) is back for another raucous adventure. This time, her magical pendant transports her to Ethiopia, where she finds her long-lost father, who is calling a summit meeting of creatures sympathetic to their cause from around the world. Together, they are fighting "The Corporation," a front for a secret society of Templar Knights bent on global domination. Along the way, Bella befriends local villagers, is attacked by the leader of the Corporation, and grows more confident with her mystical abilities. She has typical preteen woes about boys, friends, and bullying, but the international travels that she has undertaken in fulfilling her prophesized role are reflected in her concerns about global warming and fair trade. Other social-justice issues are highlighted, but at times transparently. The story has elements of medieval lore, superhuman powers, and creature battles. Unique in its portrayal of a strong heroine who is concerned with some of the more relevant issues of our time, this adventure is sure to find appreciative readers.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 4–7—Through the first-person narrative of 11-year-old Jesse James MacLean, Harrar creates an honest, if stereotypical look at the 1950s. In a small town outside Philadelphia, fear runs rampant as the second wave of "President Roosevelt's disease" threatens to strike its young victims. Jesse's overprotective mother insists that he stay indoors during the summer of 1954. He spends his days drawing, reading comic books, and making up games. Never quite living up to his "tough-guy" father's expectations, the boy has a special relationship with his grandfather. Jesse's world is turned upside down when Gramps dies, and, despite his mother's diligent efforts, he contracts polio. The grueling muscle exercises that follow are tempered by the frequent visits of a classmate who offers not only friendship, but also encouragement as Jesse invents a comic-strip hero, the Wonder Kid, whose polio has given him special powers of good. Although Jesse's father softens late in the story, he never quite redeems himself. Harrar adeptly maintains a boy's perspective while inserting humor, trivia, and historical information into an otherwise harrowing situation. Winiarski's pen-and-ink sketches are small and scantily placed, yet contribute to the story's lighthearted tone. For a more serious look at the devastating effect of polio, look to Julie Johnston's Hero of Lesser Causes (Tundra, 2003).—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to Geography Club (2003) and Order of the Poison Oak (2005, both HarperCollins), told in flip-book format, Russel and Min answer a casting call for extras for an upcoming horror film. Russel's parents have just discovered that he is gay, and he is devastated by their reaction. Also, an old boyfriend who dumped him turns up at rehearsals and wants to get back together; while the attraction is still there, Russel loves his current boyfriend. On the flip side, Min is lonely and wants a new relationship, but she can't decide if she's willing to have one with Leah, who has chosen not to come out for fear of losing her friends. All of this is played out against the backdrop of movie rehearsals. What is intriguing about the book is how very differently these two characters interpret the same events, and how oblivious each one can be to what is happening to the other. Hartinger handles a number of fairly serious issues here with a lighter touch than in The Order of the Poison Oak, and there is a lot of humor in this book. The characters' narrative voices sound authentically teen, and the section in which Russel tells about his coming out to his parents, their reaction, and his subsequent talk with the family priest particularly rings true. Min Wei's story is equally well told. Libraries owning the first two books will definitely want this one.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7 Up—When he was eight, Alastair leapt from a ski-lift chair. Now 15, he's relatively OK about the ensuing amputation of one leg below the knee, but is livid about being forced to spend the summer in California with his father, "the jerk who ruined our lives," and his new wife. No matter that Skyla is a good-looking fitness fiend, a double amputee, or that she is rich, with a beautiful beach house and employees to meet his every whim: he's not going to be a nice guy, and Dad is going to suffer. Enamored of Jesse, a 15-year-old soap-opera star who happens to be Skyla's niece, Alastair agrees to participate in a celebrity fund-raiser swim/bike/obstacle-course event with her and her on-screen love, Sergio. The crotchety former high school swim coach whom Alastair enlists to put him through a boot-camp-style training regimen will remind some readers of the character in Chris Crutcher's Stotan! (HarperCollins, 1986). And the plot of a recalcitrant teen condemned to the horrors of a glitzy, all-expenses-paid L.A. summer brings to mind Sonya Sones's One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies (S & S, 2004). The plot whirls to the climactic competition, an emotional maelstrom in which the various subplots are resolved, mostly. Some readers will relate to the "hated former parent" syndrome, others to the nouveau riche trappings, while still others might identify with the unique and interesting range of characters. Profanity is sprinkled throughout, but this is basically a decent book in which "boy makes good."—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 6–9—High-schooler Deet is a good kid but feels alienated at his school in Fairbanks, AK, because his family has less money than his classmates. When his father is arrested for drug possession and sent to prison, his first thought is about what the kids at school will think of him. Reality sets in as life in Deet's family changes dramatically. His mother goes back to work and Deet spends every day after school with his dad. His view of prisons and prisoners begins to change when he learns people's stories. Deet's notebook entries for his English class give readers insight into the internal changes he is experiencing. The teen sees the bleakness of prison life but learns to see the positive effects of his father's incarceration. While the message that prisons aren't necessarily set up to rehabilitate criminals is not subtle, this a good story with a believable main character. The book wraps up a bit quickly with Deet's father's release to a halfway house, but is still satisfying as it doesn't tie things up too neatly.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6 Up—While serving in Egypt in the rear line alongside Napoleon's artists, 17-year-old French private Jean discovers his passion and talent for drawing. But hungry to prove himself an able soldier like his father, he is severely injured in a battle with the Austrians at Marengo. After this close call, his friend and father-figure, Alain, convinces him to pursue his art and, by a stroke of luck, Jean is commissioned to study under the great painter Jacques-Louis David. He tries desperately to impress the master but continues to grapple with his own insecurities, including his humble upbringing and guilt about leaving the army. The historical emphasis is intentional yet subtle in this dramatic tale of a young man coming of age during the height of Napoleon's empire. Jean's experiences on the battlefield and what he witnesses in the hospital amputee ward are not for the faint of heart, but they are honest. Readers can't help but receive an education on this turbulent period and the brilliance behind David's creations as they are wrapped up in Jean's struggle to find his place in a rapidly changing France.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—Winifred and Bernie, both quirky and unpopular, meet in eighth grade in New Jersey, become best friends, and later begin to date. Poised to graduate at the top of their class and head to college together, the couple's plans are derailed by the death of Bernie's mother. Grief-stricken, Bernie lets his grades slip and decides to forego college. Winifred chooses UC Santa Barbara, where she quickly abandons her unique identity; becomes Wini; switches majors from nanoscience to communications; and passes her days chasing boys, shopping, and drinking lattes. Convinced that she needs him, Bernie drives across the country only to be essentially ditched upon arrival. Nevertheless he stays and carves out a humble existence, sleeping in the library, sitting in on lectures, and almost being seduced by a graduate student. Told in alternating viewpoints, the novel explores the different paths that can be taken, both by college students and the so-called slackers who do not begin their education the traditional way. Though Wini is quick to pass judgment on Bernie's choice of the La-Z-Boy life, he exceeds the expectations placed on him and chooses a more interesting path. The teens' actions and world are contemporary and very real. Readers curious about the adventures awaiting them in college will enjoy this well-written, believable story of the first year in college. By the end, they'll be anxious to learn the outcome of Bernie and Winifred's reunion and they won't be disappointed.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—Part problem novel, part historical fantasy, Echoes jumps back and forth between 19th-century New York City and the present. In 1882, Lucy, 16, has been forced by her father to act as a medium in sham séances for the wealthy. Much to her surprise, at her first session she hears the voice of Lindsay, whom she assumes is a spirit. In the present day, Lindsay feels trapped by her alcoholic mother and abusive stepfather. She hides in her closet to avoid their fighting and is surprised when Lucy answers her cries for help. Lindsay gradually discovers that they hear one another only when they are in the same place in their respective times. Eventually the girls unravel the reasons they are able to converse across time, and each one helps the other out of a no-win situation. Lucy can understand Lindsay's use of slang a little too easily, and occasionally it's difficult to accept the plot gyrations by which the two main characters manage to find themselves in the same setting; but it's all good fun, and if readers leave more knowledgeable about the early women's movement in the United States, all the better. Prostitution and the fight to get women ready access to birth control are both discussed. This novel will appeal to fans of Libba Bray's A Great and Terrible Beauty (Delacorte, 2003).—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 5–8—What if just outside of Earth's known atmosphere there sat another layer that was actually a different dimension? Such is the premise for this novel. For as long as she can remember, orphan Hayley has lived sequestered away with her strict grandmother and mysteriously busy grandfather. A chance meeting on an outing lands her in big trouble and she finds herself shipped off to stay with relatives in the country. Here Hayley meets dozens of cousins who invite her to play a strange game. Its object is to go to different places in the mythosphere and retrieve various items while dodging mythological creatures. The plot thickens when she meets her father and learns that he and her mother are both trapped in the mythosphere as punishment for their illicit marriage. Hayley frees them and discovers that she, like all of the other characters in the story, is really a mythological figure who can live in either realm. Meanwhile, the frightening family patriarch, Uncle Jolyon, finds out about the game and comes after the girl, her parents, and her cousins. As he prepares to punish them all, Hayley pierces his chest with a star, causing him to transform into the planet Jupiter. While the beginning parallels The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the story takes off on its own midway through. There is a whole lot of plot for such a little novel, and readers unfamiliar with mythology won't fully appreciate it.—Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL

Gr 6 Up—On the day before her 16th birthday, Anita's life starts to change. She has a vision of flying, receives a mysterious and magical book as a present, and travels from modern-day London to the world of Faerie. She discovers that her boyfriend, Evan, is really Edric, servant of the scheming faerie lord Gabriel Drake, and that he has been sent to bring her home. Anita is really Princess Tania, the seventh and youngest daughter of King Oberon, and she has been lost for centuries after experimenting with her power to travel between worlds. Anita/Tania comes to accept her true identity and the joy she has brought to her father and his realm. However, all is not well in Faerie. Queen Titania has disappeared, and Gabriel Drake is somehow involved with her loss. He claims to love Tania and wants to marry her, but is actually interested only in her magical power. While the conclusion resolves Tania's immediate problems, there is ample room for a sequel. This fairy tale meets "Princess Diaries" clearly shows Anita/Tania's confusion about her identity. She is a strong character, and her sisters and their varied powers and personalities are also well drawn. The teens' romance, foreshadowed by their starring roles in their school's production of Romeo and Juliet in this world, develops as the story progresses, and frequent quotes from and allusions to the play add depth to the story.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 8 Up—Stealing cars for joyrides became Matt's life after his revered older brother taught him how. Now, after a major accident, the teen, haunted by vivid, farcical images of his dead brother, attempts to ignore the realities of life and baits his parole officer/psychologist. Joyce takes Matthew skillfully—if not particularly uniquely—along this genre's familiar path of healing through friendships in a rehab/therapy setting, with a surprise at the psychological-breakthrough ending. With strong supporting characters, a sympathetic and occasionally funny protagonist, fantastical nightmare sequences, and car theft, this could be given to fans of Chris Crutcher, David Klass, Pete Hautman and the like, but is only recommended for libraries already well stocked with these authors, as Joyce's writing comes up somewhat short on both believability and panache in comparison.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 4–8—This third installment in the series finds 12-year-old djinn twins Philippa and John embarking on a harrowing journey to Northern India and Nepal in search of the long-lost and powerful talisman, the Cobra King of Kathmandu. The twins believe that it holds the answers to certain mysterious deaths and hope to find it before it falls into the hands of the malevolent cult of the Nine Cobras, led by the egomaniacal Guru Masamjhasara, who seeks to profit from controlling and selling djinn power. However, the siblings soon find themselves imprisoned by the deadly cult and must rely upon their wits and a generous helping of good fortune to survive. This fast-paced, plot-driven fantasy adventure plunges readers into the curious world of djinn society and explores the many intriguing facets of its lore. The suspenseful plot twists, coupled with a liberal dosing of humor, make this a fun page-turner. Harry Potter fans will enjoy this foray into a different type of magical subculture.—Debbie Lewis O'Donnell, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 7–9—Violence perpetrated by the Church of Rome in the name of God in the early 13th century forms the background for this story. Etienne, a poor boy from Cloyes, France, reacts to a vision in which St. Nicholas instructs him to lead a crusade of children to Jerusalem. He is joined by Abel, a Jewish boy who has been studying in Paris, and Blanche, a member of the Good Christians, those who do not do the bidding of the Church of Rome, as well as thousands of other children. The plot has convenient twists and some gaps. It is hard to understand, for example, how Abel is able to keep his Judaism hidden from the others, as he continues to observe Shabbat. Though the three main characters experience realistic periods of self-doubt, they are awkwardly drawn and the dialogue often sounds like a religious tract. Also, the author's attempt to show an underlying commonality of belief among the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and the Muslim faith is heavy-handed and almost forced on the story, and Etienne's leadership and ability to inspire the others who join the crusade is not convincing. This offering is disappointing.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 5–8—This fantasy by Irish author McNamee introduces Owen, whose father has died mysteriously, and whose mother has sunk into a depression. Out in his wilderness hideaway, he catapults into a time vortex where he meets a girl named Cati and her fellow Wakeful. Their eternal task is to fight the Harsh, a powerful ice people who upend time, running it backward so that humans no longer exist. Owen, Cati, and other Wakeful set out to find the Puissance, the place where it is foretold that the Navigator, a legendary figure, can defeat the Harsh and restore proper time. Readers who head for D. J. MacHale's "Pendragon" (S & S) and Garth Nix's "The Keys to the Kingdom" (Scholastic) series may like this one as well, but it sometimes strains credibility. The idea that time is moving backward (from modern to medieval times by novel's end), but that all humanity immediately disappears (even though there were humans back then) is hard to accept. And while Owen and Cati are plucky adventurers, the descriptions sometimes fall flat, and the transitions are occasionally abrupt. Consider this title an additional purchase; acquire where Kenneth Oppel's Airborn (HarperCollins, 2004) and similar titles are popular.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 7–10—Who is she—Hope Shay or Bernadette Romano? Kidnapping victim or manipulative schemer? Mitchard pulls out all the stops in this psychological thriller about a 15-year-old Michigan actress (stage name, Hope) who attends the elite Starwood Academy for the Performing Arts. Despite the jealousy of her fellow students, Hope seems to be thriving and has landed the starring role in the student production of Romeo and Juliet. She has also fallen deeply in love with her own Romeo, actor Logan Rose. In fact, they plan to get some money together and live in L.A. or New York City as soon as she's 16. But something goes terribly wrong, and suddenly everyone suspects Hope of faking her own abduction and fabricating her romance. Peeling the layers of her story away reveals the truth in bits and pieces, and the ambiguous conclusion feels absolutely realistic. This riveting page-turner is sure to be in hot demand.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—Returning to Northampton County, NC, the setting for her Buddy Bush novels (S & S), Moses introduces 12-year-old African-American twins Leon and Luke. The time period is left undefined, but has a recent historical feel. Leon, the narrator, is free with his opinions on just about everything, including his brothers, his mother, his stepfather, and his upcoming baptism. He saves his worst scorn for "White Cousin," a bully and one of the many white people in the area who have unacknowledged blood ties to Leon's family and other black residents. Leon's mother believes that the twins need to show that they are ready to be saved before the baptism, but Leon can't seem to give up sinning even for a week. The baptism is the focal point of the story, but differs quite a lot from how most churched kids will have experienced it, giving the subject a somewhat limited appeal. Despite this, Leon is spirited and engaging. The minor characters are less fully developed, but the setting is evocative, with definite regional appeal. The ending includes a positive step toward reconciliation between races. Those who haven't read the previous novels won't have any trouble following this one. With its large font and trim length, it could also work for last-minute book reports.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 5–8—In this second adventure, Becca and her brother, Doug, have escaped Wenzi Island, but find themselves right back in the action. Their ship is struck by a powerful typhoon and is driven ashore on a group of islands. There the two teens; their uncle, Captain MacKenzie; and his brave crew find themselves once again facing their nemesis, Pembleton-Crozier, and his army of Kalaxx warriors. It takes all of their ingenuity, bravery, and wit to figure out his intent and why the islands are so very important to these enemies of the Guild of Specialists. This book rolls along with plenty of action and fun. Readers will be captivated by the story line, but also will be intrigued by all of the sketches, photographs, newspaper clippings, and foldout information on technology. Encourage fans of Alex Rider and Eoin Colfer to try this series.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 6–9—Sixteen-year-old musician Mark Purvis longs to break into the jazz scene of 1925 Harlem, but when he becomes embroiled in a bootlegging scheme with real-life jazzman Fats Waller, he has to find a way to pay off an angry mob boss for losing the liquor. Mark has a job at The Crisis, a magazine headed up by W. E. B. DuBois and published by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. As expected, his lovably carefree and occasionally clueless personality gets him into an insurmountable pile of trouble, yet it energizes both the plot and era with a contemporary vitality that today's hip-hop and pop-culture fans will appreciate. In this quickly paced and laugh-out-loud narrative, Myers brings Mark face-to-face with a dazzling host of Harlem Renaissance A-listers, including Marian Anderson, Langston Hughes, and Countee Cullen. Their swift, red-carpetlike entrances and exits ignite the hot New York City summer setting with the electricity of creativity and reform. As the story progresses, Mark's awareness of his surroundings and contributions to the cause grow stronger and stronger, and no doubt that's exactly what Myers hopes his readers will realize for themselves as Mark's story unfolds.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—First published in England, this quiet, gentle story of friendship and love spans years and defies time. Small, timid Henry moves with his parents at the end of Year Six to a village in Suffolk near Risingheath, a former World War II airfield. The first friend he makes is an unlikely one: his neighbor's great-aunt. He is drawn to Dottie, for whom Henry is a reminder of another Henry-her fiancé, a Royal Air Force navigator who never returned from his 13th bombing mission. The author employs a nice touch of magical realism with the shadowy figure that appears in the evening and seems to be waiting, amid the fireflies, at the gate in Henry's garden. At night the boy hears the old planes that flew over more than 60 years earlier. He is drawn into Dottie's reminiscences, and sometimes has the strange sense of being in someone else's body. While playing with a flight-simulator program on a computer, young Henry "sees" what happened on that final mission. He realizes that, although the RAF navigator was afraid, he acted heroically. This realization helps the boy find courage and a way through his own fears. He has made some friends and is looking forward to the summer holidays. This is a well-written book, with an old-fashioned tone, that emphasizes character and feelings over plot. It's for thoughtful readers who appreciate a book that lingers in their minds.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 6 Up—This retelling of the second part of Cervantes's masterpiece is limited to those stories and events that deal directly with Don Quixote. The prologue gives a short history of Miguel de Cervantes and his book and brings readers up-to-date with a summary of the first volume. The text is a mixture of conversation among the characters, narrative, and parenthetical explanatory asides. The author has kept Cervantes's tone while making the writing accessible to a wider audience by including less detail, thereby shortening the text, and by using an easier vocabulary. This version would be useful for students who would enjoy the story but aren't ready for the original, or for those who have been assigned the full version but are having trouble with it. A solid addition, if accompanied by the first volume.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 4–6—Penina Levine's new teacher has given an assignment to send cards as the Easter Bunny to kindergartners at a neighboring school, and the sixth grader is uncomfortable with it because she is Jewish. When she tries to fulfill the spirit of the task without compromising her beliefs, Ms. Anderson shows a remarkable lack of sensitivity and gives her a zero. Feeling that her parents won't understand, Penina keeps the issue to herself, but she finally confides in Grandma, who is both appalled at the teacher and proud of her "hard-boiled egg": her granddaughter who gets tougher when the heat is turned on. As soon as Penina's parents are made aware of the problem, calls are made to the principal, and the teacher quickly gets a lesson in appreciating diversity. Penina is afraid that Ms. Anderson will be angry with her, but the two come to respect one another. While the idea of a young teacher being so culturally obtuse in the 21st century stretches credibility, the story moves along at an entertaining pace. Like an older Amber Brown, Penina is a feisty and thoroughly enjoyable heroine with whom readers will easily connect. O'Connell's artful weaving of Jewish traditions and history throughout the novel makes it all the richer, and the occasional illustrations complement the dynamic humor.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 9–11—Yoko is an ordinary high school girl with nightmares when a golden-haired young man tells her she's in dream-foreshadowed danger. Soon the teen is flying on the back of a huge bird to a kingdom in another world, where she'll eventually learn that she is destined for a throne. The prominence of a jewel and a sword (as well as purification by water) connects this tale to Japanese tradition. Chinese tradition contributes cosmography and the Mandate of Heaven. Anime tradition guarantees lots of bloody monster-killing by the reluctant (and imperfect) Yoko. This otherworld seems thinly realized, with confusing politics; however, violent action and odd creatures abound. The real-world frame plays a small role, though the fantasy of not really belonging to one's parents is key. Yoko leaves behind her conservative, sexist upbringing, putting on men's clothes and developing muscles, acknowledging the demonic within, and learning to assert herself. Yet, she fears trusting anyone and judges the absence of religion as the reason for people's selfishness. A cynical blue monkey, the heroine's amoral self, regularly suggests suicide. The reading level is not difficult, but names (Keiki, Kaiko, Kyokai, Kou, etc.) are tricky without a guide. Pacing is uneven: stretches of inaction drag on and anticlimax replaces a final confrontation with the forces of evil—but six more volumes are planned. Anime fans will be encouraged by the occasional manga-style black-and-white illustration, and the strong female protagonist will attract others to a fantasy with identity and self-acceptance at its core.—Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI

Gr 7 Up—For most of his 13 years, Noah has lived with the guilt of being the sole survivor of the surgery separating him and his conjoined-at-the-heart twin brother. Helping to fuel his shameful secret is Mademoiselle, his self-absorbed, eccentric grandmother, a retired vaudevillian actress. Noah's guardian since the death of his parents when he was four, she expects absolute perfection in dress and manners. When large, loving Nurse Grace enters his life as caregiver during and after Mademoiselle's face-lift, she finds a pale, anorexic, solitary young boy, starving both physically and emotionally. In alternating chapters, Grace and Noah discuss one another and reveal, to readers though not to each other, the secret losses they have in common. Mademoiselle's dominance is a hovering presence, her death only revealed in the last few pages when Noah finally admits the truth to himself. Adding to the haunting bizarreness of the boy's inner thoughts is the reality of a sniper who is terrorizing the neighborhood and leaving tarot cards at each murder scene. Noah believes this may be his twin, whom he fears is secretly alive and seeking revenge for being sacrificed so that his stronger brother could survive. The psychological layers of the characters as well as the entwining "twins-of-the-heart" theme create endless discussion possibilities, although the story's complexity may prove too much for average or reluctant readers.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 3–7—Charley is a master cook, a comic-book maniac, and a basically friendless nine-year-old. When his father sends him an early birthday gift and inquires how he is going to celebrate his big day, Charley is inspired to throw a party. The ensuing story chronicles his attempt to determine a theme, bake a cake, and make enough friends to have a gathering worthy of turning 10. The fast-paced plot will keep readers involved to the end. The novel is peopled with a host of unique characters including a mysterious neighbor, Charley's mother's seedy boyfriend, and an older sister obsessed with working at a fried chicken fast-food restaurant. Readers will enjoy the gross-out details and embarrassing situations in which Charley finds himself during his quest for a successful celebration. The author does a wonderful job of crafting the boy's character within the strange and bizarre events leading up to the satisfying conclusion. It's often very funny, but it's also poignant as Charley's loneliness and cluelessness about how to make a friend are clearly evident. This novel would be especially effective for a class read-aloud or as a choice for reluctant readers.—Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX

Gr 5–8—This trilogy ends with a bang. Having stumbled upon a way to travel through time, Johnny knows exactly when a German bomb will be dropped on his English village. Time travel turns out to be tricky, however, as it takes Johnny and his friends several trips to alter history just enough to save their town, but also to ensure that everything stays the same when they return home. Adding to the suspense is the imaginative vehicle of a crazy bag lady's squeaky cart to time travel, often with unpredictable results. The climax is reached at rocket speed as Johnny becomes increasingly aware of the many dimensions of time and ultimately relies on this ability to save the townsfolk. Pratchett deftly weaves alternate realities together to form a satisfying conclusion, keeping confusion at bay by treating the weightier issues of time travel with his trademark humor. Alternating between 1990s Britain and World War II, he offers plenty for thoughtful readers to mull over even as he pokes fun at the genre. While there is little connection to the other books in the series, Johnny's quirky sidekicks are back, each sidesplittingly portrayed and effectively advancing the plot. It is Johnny who cares most about the effect the war will have on his sleepy town, and up until the very last page, readers will, too.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 5–8—When Jeremy Vrabec is almost 10, his mother leaves the family. This novel follows him for the next three years, during which he has no contact with her (by her choice), even though she lives nearby. Jeremy's hurt, anger, and desperation are described in short, matter-of-fact sentences with little embellishment. His father is devastated and depressed, and his 16-year-old sister, Julie, is often gone so Jeremy has to fend for himself. He finds some contentment staying at his best friend's house or with his father's brother, who treats him like a son. Jeremy uses his artistic talent to draw the birds he sees in his neighborhood (black-and-white sketches appear throughout), which also takes him away from his everyday life and allows him to experience some pleasure. Eventually, his father meets and marries another woman and Jeremy's life changes once again. Still, he hears no word from his mother, even though she is in contact with his sister. His resentment builds and when she does finally call he can hardly bring himself to speak to her, and their relationship is never really resolved. The restrained writing distances readers from Jeremy's story rather than drawing them into it, and there is never an adequate explanation for Jeremy's mother's actions that youngsters would understand.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 7–10—Freshmen Anna and Emma have been best friends since third grade. When Emma meets Mariah during rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet and becomes friendly with her, Anna grows jealous. Mariah, who is dating a senior from another school, invites them to a sleepover at her boyfriend's house while his parents are away and things change for the three of them after that night. When the girls make up a story about their whereabouts and are caught in the aftermath, the lies grow into something bigger than any of them could have imagined. The unfolding of the truth is believable and told from the girls' alternating points of view. Anna enjoys the newfound attention and rationalizes that maybe the lie wasn't so bad, even as things spiral out of control. Emma, who drank at the party and had sex for the first time, opens up slowly to a counselor. At the end of the book, Mariah is still coming to terms with her actions and regrets, noting how something can appear one way one day and be different the next. Unpredictability and suspense will keep readers turning the pages and questioning their own sensibilities. They will appreciate how well the characters are developed, and how seemingly simple lies can have far-reaching and devastating consequences.—Kelly Czarnecki, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg, NC

Gr 8 Up—Sixteen-year-old forensic investigator Luke Harding is back in this fifth book in the series, set in the future. This time, someone is trying to sabotage the Youth International Games. The stadium, near London, is in the process of being built, and The Authorities ask Luke to investigate a series of strange accidents at the construction site. First the games' organizer disappears. Then two construction workers plummet to their deaths. Shortly after that, a swimmer is severely injured while testing out the facility's pool. Luke and his trusty sidekick robot, Malc, zero in on several suspects, but as the search for "Spoilsport" intensifies, his own life becomes endangered. This action-packed, quick read will keep readers guessing who Spoilsport is and what his or her motives are. A good read for reluctant readers or for teens interested in forensic science.—Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 6–8—Thirteen-year-old Leon Noside (Edison spelled backwards) Harris has spent a lifetime hating the middle name his father gave him as an insult to Thomas Edison. Smart-mouthed and gifted, he uses his creative resources—a talent he inherited from parents who spend hours concocting their own inventions whether in the garage or the kitchen—to make an avant-garde sex-education video that tells kids that masturbation is normal. Leon is suspended, and the students stage a near riot, complete with "Free Leon Harris" signs. This isn't the first time that Mrs. Smollet, the program director for the gifted pool, has had negative encounters with her students, but it is the first time that Leon is a hero at school. The administration is challenged to sort out the real problem: Is it Leon, or Mrs. Smollet? This funny, fast-paced novel is filled with characters who epitomize the middle school experience, and it presents a lesson or two about free speech as well.—Pat Scales, formerly at South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville

Gr 4–9—With characteristic intelligence, exquisite images, and a breathtaking design, Selznick shatters conventions related to the art of bookmaking in this magical mystery set in 1930s Paris. He employs wordless sequential pictures and distinct pages of text to let the cinematic story unfold, and the artwork, rendered in pencil and bordered in black, contains elements of a flip book, a graphic novel, and film. It opens with a small square depicting a full moon centered on a black spread. As readers flip the pages, the image grows and the moon recedes. A boy on the run slips through a grate to take refuge inside the walls of a train station—home for this orphaned, apprentice clock keeper. As Hugo seeks to accomplish his mission, his life intersects with a cantankerous toyshop owner and a feisty girl who won't be ignored. Each character possesses secrets and something of great value to the other. With deft foreshadowing, sensitively wrought characters, and heart-pounding suspense, the author engineers the elements of his complex plot: speeding trains, clocks, footsteps, dreams, and movies—especially those by Georges Méliès, the French pioneer of science-fiction cinema. Movie stills are cleverly interspersed. Selznick's art ranges from evocative, shadowy spreads of Parisian streets to penetrating character close-ups. Leaving much to ponder about loss, time, family, and the creative impulse, the book closes with a waning moon, a diminishing square, and informative credits. This is a masterful narrative that readers can literally manipulate.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 5–8—Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps and his not-so-merry band of Foo denizens return. Things start going badly right from the start. Homes are destroyed, people are buried in dirt or encased in ice, planes almost crash, and poor Geth, once a powerful and respected person, is turned into a toothpick and swallowed. The characters aren't compelling, and the most interesting parts of the story take place in Reality and not in Foo at all. The "Whispered Secret" is somewhat of a letdown. The ending sets the stage for yet another outing. Fans of Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo (Shadow Mountain, 2005) might be able to make heads or tails of the story, but everyone else will be totally lost.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–9—Fourteen-year-old Enola Holmes is intelligent, sassy, and a woman before her time, living incognito in Victorian London and working as a Perditorian. She is on the run from her famous older brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes, who feel she belongs in a boarding school learning to be a lady. Using various aliases, disguises, and ciphers, Enola is on the case to find the missing teenage daughter of Sir Eustance Austair while trying to elude "capture" by her siblings. She finds herself in the back alleys of London, using her wits to locate the missing Lady Cecily while also trying to keep herself out of mortal peril. Though readers' interest will be piqued by the references to Enola's first adventure, The Case of the Missing Marquess (Philomel, 2006), this title stands alone. Fans of Blue Balliet's Chasing Vermeer (2004) and The Wright 3 (2006, both Scholastic) and Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game (Dutton, 1978) will surely enjoy the suspense and the fresh voice of this young sleuth.—Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams Middle School, Hilton, NY

Gr 5–9—After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society. After being trained by Mr. Benedict and his assistants, the four travel to an isolated school where children are being trained by a criminal mastermind to participate in his schemes to take over the world. The young investigators need to use their special talents and abilities in order to discover Mr. Curtain's secrets, and their only chance to defeat him is through working together. Readers will challenge their own abilities as they work with the Society members to solve clues and put together the pieces of Mr. Curtain's plan. In spite of a variety of coincidences, Stewart's unusual characters, threatening villains, and dramatic plot twists will grab and hold readers' attention. Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of kid power, clues, and adventure in Society, though its length may daunt reluctant or less-secure readers. Underlying themes about the power of media messages and the value of education add to this book's appeal, and a happy ending with hints of more adventures to come make this first-time author one to remember.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 3–6—In the first of these humorous stories, David describes his family, friends, teachers, etc., and shares his best excuses for getting out of work at home and at school. The book is full of subheadings and handy tips. Secrets! is the stronger title. A famous wrestler shares an important secret with Davey and asks him not to tell. When the athlete accepts the Hall of Fame award (the secret) on national television, he acknowledges the trust he has in his friend. After the boy's 15 minutes of fame, life gets crazy. A student inadvertently downloads an image on the class computer and upsets the teacher, the whole class gets punished, and the guilty student confesses to David. Others also confide in him, and he is miserable. Numerous spot illustrations appear on the endpapers and throughout the pages; ink blots serve as chapter breaks. The texts are full of font changes and extra spacing. The glossaries and Web sites aren't especially useful; discussion questions and writing prompts are included. Billed as high-interest realistic fiction, these books will appeal to their target audiences.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 7–10—J.J. Liddy, 15, is descended from a proud old family of Irish musicians. In his small village of Kinvara, playing traditional music is a way of life. Lately, though, it seems that the townspeople have less and less time to fulfill daily responsibilities and very few moments left over to make music and enjoy life. In exasperation, J.J.'s mother asks for more time as her birthday gift. Unaware of any magical implications, the teen innocently sets out to find out where the time has gone. This search leads him into the heart of Tír na n'Óg, the land of eternal youth, where he discovers the truth about some family secrets and the identity of the rather hopeless new town policeman, whose mysterious investigation parallels J.J.'s quest. This novel delivers richly tantalizing morsels of Irish mythology as traditional characters dance across the pages. In a story interspersed with snippets of Irish jigs that reflect the progress of the tale, Thompson has masterfully woven together melody and harmony into a tune that will lead readers to a splendid, rollicking crescendo. Some unfamiliar Irish terminology might make comprehension difficult for those who struggle with reading, but the glossary will help mature readers. Those who follow this story through to the end will not be disappointed.—Heather M. Campbell, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 7 Up—Josey Muller, 15, is the only daughter and the best student in her family, which give her a special identity that she cherishes. Then her parents reveal that she has an older sister, now 25. The Mullers have always regretted that they succumbed to parental pressure to surrender Audrey as a newborn, and are thrilled when she contacts them. Josey's brothers and two closest friends assume that she will be delighted to have an older sister. Josey herself is stunned that she views Audrey as an interloper who eclipses her status in the family. Even worse, the young woman is working toward a PhD in psychology, which has been the teen's dream for years. The Mullers are drawn sympathetically, but are understandably so elated by their reunion with Audrey that it takes them a while to recognize Josey's complex feelings. Underdahl has a deft touch in presenting the protagonist's relationships with her friends, crushes on boys, and the pressure of doing well in school. Ultimately, with the support of her parents, friends, and especially Audrey, Josey comes to appreciate her own uniqueness in her evolving family. A subplot involves her older brother's physical relationship with his girlfriend, which worries the Mullers, as they well understand the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy. This vivid, realistic portrait of a family in transition will hold readers' interest to the very last page.—Deborah Vose, Highlands Elementary School, Braintree, MA

Gr 9 Up—Jeremy Applewhite, world-famous dancer, returns to Romney, WV, for his grandmother's funeral. Seventeen years have passed since he has been back, and he and his brother, Chance, have barely kept in touch. Beset by painful injuries, Jeremy realizes that his Broadway dancing days are over, but he has no idea what to do next. Fortunately, his return home leads to love, a new direction for his talents, and confirmation that Chance's 16-year-old "daughter," an able young dancer, is actually Jeremy's child. Although the teen plays a role throughout the story, the real focus seems to be on the relationship between the brothers, which may limit the book's appeal for YAs. The men are trying to come to terms with the disappointments in their lives, the sacrifices they have made, and how they can reestablish their relationship. The characters are all decent people whose problems are neatly solved by novel's end. What it takes to become a dancer is emphasized throughout so that readers may appreciate the relative brevity of dancers' careers as well as the drive necessary to "make it."—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 7 Up—One word describes 13-year-old India Moody—perseverance. She has heard of a college in Ohio that accepts women and is determined to go there, an unthinkable dream for a girl in 1862. She is tutored by her neighbor, Emory Trimble, an eccentric scientist who teaches her about biology and chemistry, and with whom she later forms a romantic relationship. When her father, an ambulance wagon driver for the Confederate Army, is missing in action, she sets off to find him, ending up in the middle of the Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest of the war. She faces danger as the Union Army advances toward her home in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and sees soldiers leave her town and not return. She witnesses Micah and Ester, slaves and friends of the Trimbles, harbor an injured Yankee soldier, putting their own lives in danger. Wells has created a sense of what the North and the South endured during the Civil War by interweaving stories from both sides, and gives a horrifying picture of medical practices and superstitions of the times. This powerful novel is unflinching in its depiction of war and the devastation it causes, yet shows the resilience and hope that can follow such a tragedy. India is a memorable, thoroughly believable character who faces many losses, yet readers are confident that she will follow her dream and attend Oberlin College.—Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 5–8—In this fourth story in the series, Eli, 13, called a "chronological asset" by the secret government agency that has hijacked him, must time travel from his present, the year 2020, back to Jerusalem in 583 B.C.E. to try to find a cure for the present-day plague called the slow pox, or Chronological Displacement Syndrome, that may or may not have been bioengineered as a weapon. His first-person narrative alternates with those of his companions, Clyne, an intelligent dinosaur from another planet, and Thea, 14, the daughter of Hypatia of ancient Alexandria. They communicate with each other and with the natives they meet with the help of a lingo-spot, an instantaneous translator. Major plot elements from the first three books are introduced for background, including time travel to Alexandria and San Francisco during World War II to meet people like King Arthur and Merlin, Lewis and Clark, Thomas Jefferson, and Nazis. Revisiting the themes of the previous volumes and setting up the major and minor characters with their own stories and time shifts create an environment of chronological multitasking. Readers accustomed to IMing while talking on the phone and doing ho