Grades 5 & Up

Gr 10 Up—When sexual uncertainty creeps into lovable Diego Montgomery's love life and goofs up his brewing romance with his lifetime crush, Roxy, he contrives a scheme with his friend J to win her back. Together, the two invent an online sex-pert personality for Diego, Dr. Truelove, whose cocky personality and worldly wise tips on the ins and outs of love soon raise him to celebrity status, both at school and in the community. Things slide out of control, however, when J decides to be the physical manifestation of Dr. Truelove, and his antics land both teens more notoriety and partners of the female persuasion. Barnes's slick, Omar Tyree-like twist on the guy-tries-to-get-the-girl story is in-your-face and chock-full of sexual innuendos and situations that start on page one, and will no doubt cause many younger readers to raise an eyebrow. Still, the youthful high school humor keeps it from veering too far into Zane territory, and romance and urban-fiction fans will no doubt love the saucy comebacks, sexy language, and sheer ridiculousness that befalls Diego and J on their Cyrano-like journey to love.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Seventeen-year-old Stan Smith, a chess champion and former child prodigy, shirks most of his scholarly and social responsibilities, instead choosing to spend his time working as an underpaid clerk in a video store. His hippie vegan parents, though well meaning, only embarrass him and make his self-defeating attempts to wrest control of his life all the more pathetic. Paths to recovery do surface only to be thwarted by one of the novel's offbeat characters or through Stan's own mistakes, which result in a seemingly directionless plot that eventually fizzles away. The narrative style follows suit, and the various lists and imaginary film treatments composed by Stan do little to infuse any personality into the story, let alone aid in moving it along. Moreover, these conceits feel stale and overused, especially when compared to the ingenious and hilarious characterizations contained in John Green's similarly themed An Abundance of Katherines (Dutton, 2006). What results is a half-baked and formulaic exploration of loserdom that lacks any of the dumpy, ironic, underdog charm that could raise it to Napoleon Dynamite heights.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 6–10—Abbey Garner, 15, has learned a lot from her hardworking great-grandmother, with whom she lives in rural Maryland. They run a beauty shop together, but Granny Po would like to retire and rent it out for profit. Abbey has mixed feelings when Gena arrives in town and arranges to turn Polly's Parlor into a successful day spa, but her ambivalence is quickly overcome when she reaps the benefits of learning about marketing, design, and finances from the newcomer while earning an increased salary. Abbey's goal has been to become a millionaire by age 35, and she's determined to avoid the romantic mistakes that seem to have affected every female in her family, even if it means possibly losing her longtime friendship with handsome Mitch. Although Abbey is happy, she misses her mother, who has a history of substance abuse, and blames her father for abandoning both of them. Then she makes the mistake of loaning her mother all of the money she's worked so hard to earn, so that they could buy a house and live together. Of course, her mother disappears again, and Abbey's search for her turns up a lot of unpleasant truths and family secrets, bringing the teen to a new level of maturity. This deceptively simple book reveals Abbey as a wonderful character who will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. Her quiet, almost folksy lifestyle demonstrates the powerful impact of a loving family and good mentors.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 6–9—The author of the acclaimed Starfall: Phaeton and the Chariot of the Sun (Scholastic, 2004) has created another excellent retelling of one of Ovid's mythical tales. Cadnum fleshes out many dramatic details from the classic story, providing readers with a tale of love and intrigue. As in the original, Orpheus, the musician-poet beloved by the gods, falls in love with Princess Eurydice, and he is determined to win her through his singing and playing of Apollo's lyre. In addition to his talents, Eurydice is touched by Orpheus's kindness, and thus, their marriage is arranged. However, before the bride and groom can retire for their wedding night, Eurydice is bitten by a viper, and she dies. Determined to win her back, Orpheus travels to the underworld, crosses the River Styx, and, with his song, impresses Pluto and Persephone enough to get his wish. The one condition, however, is that he must not look back at his bride until they reach the land of the living. Orpheus agrees, but when Eurydice falters on her journey, he cannot resist looking back to make sure that she is unharmed. In that moment, the princess returns forevermore to the Kingdom of the Dead. This well-written version is a much fuller retelling than that found either in Mary Pope Osborne's Favorite Greek Myths (Scholastic, 1989) or Jacqueline Morley's Greek Myths (Peter Bedrick, 1998). The story is a powerful one, delivered in comprehensible yet elevated language, and is sure to resonate with adolescents and give them fodder for discussion.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 6–10—Nonstop action may keep readers glued to this page-turner, but strong writing and character development are what will make it linger in their memories long after they've finished it. Princess Rosalind Pendragon is meant to fulfill a 600-year-old prophecy from Merlin that she will restore her family's good name and end a war. Rosalind was born with one dragon talon, which is a fearful secret known only to the teen and her mother. It is kept hidden by the golden gloves that Rosalind is never without, and over the years, the queen tries desperately to find a cure for the curse. When Rosalind reveals her claw to Lord Faul, a dragon that has been terrorizing the island, her destiny is set in motion. Taken by him to be nursemaid to his motherless children, she learns of her dragon blood and of her mother's treachery. Rosalind and the dragons are bound together in a complex relationship that, in the end, helps her fulfill the prophecy. Her heroic journey comes full circle, and she finds internal peace as well as peace for her people. While the story has roots in traditional fairy tales and legends, the author has crafted something new and magical, and unexpected plot twists will surprise readers throughout. Lord Faul and Rosalind, whose personality is a fantastic combination of Joan of Arc, Briar Rose, and Patricia Wrede's Princess Cimarron, develop so well as characters that readers will be touched by them. Devotees of fantasy adventure stories will certainly find treasure here.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 6–9—When she was six, Ruby Parker landed a part on a popular TV soap opera. Now the 13-year-old spends summers taping the show, and in the fall she returns to a performing-arts school where other students are jealous of her career. Otherwise, she is a typical teen. She has a crush on a boy who ignores her, she giggles and schemes with her best friend, and she worries about the increasing tension between her parents. When Mum and Dad announce that they are splitting up, Ruby is devastated. With the help of friends, familiar and unexpected, she comes to terms with the change and learns more about herself in the process. The book is front-loaded with exposition, but, once established, the story clips along at a good pace. The writing is realistic; the language is suitably naive and particularly poignant when Ruby struggles to explain her feelings about the divorce. Her growth is demonstrated best in responses to fan letters sprinkled throughout the book. Early on, she tells the girls who write to her about their problems that things will be OK, and that they should talk to a trusted adult. The last letter sensitively acknowledges her pain, and she admits that although she doesn't know when or how it will go away, she trusts that it will. The happy ending isn't that everything works out the way she hopes; it's that everything works out in other ways, and she comes to terms with it.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 4–7—Thirteen-year-old Jonas, a slave on a Missouri farm, is sent to accompany Percy, his master's son, on an expedition to look for gold. When he returns after a year, Jonas will be trained by Ebenezer to become the manservant to Master William. Jonas is at once excited about his future and apprehensive about going with arrogant Master Percy. Dahlberg has written an unusual tale about slavery and the desire for freedom. The characters are interesting, although some have predictable traits. Percy, for example, is mean to Jonas and seems tough, but he actually lacks courage. As the group journeys west through the Kansas Territory, the teen discovers his own worth. Jeremiah Quincy, the leader, and Dr. Henry Yoder oppose slavery, but Dr. Yoder believes that helping slaves run away would be stealing. Mr. Quincy has no such reservations. Dr. Yoder's 11-year-old daughter teaches Jonas to read. When Jonas learns that Ebenezer was responsible for a friend's terrible fate after he tried to escape, he decides to run for his own freedom. This gripping tale, with its exciting twists and turns, is easily accessible and a fine companion to Shelley Pearsall's Trouble Don't Last (Knopf, 2002).—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 8 Up—Set in Los Angeles, this novel is a commentary on followers versus leaders and the ease with which teens are influenced by peer pressure. TAP is a MySpace-type Web site; via a secret password, one gains entrée to back-room orgies at special TAP parties where new members are tattooed with tiny angel wings. A drink distributed at these events induces euphoria, and individuals cannot always remember what has happened there. The plot concerns rock star Johnny Silver, who disappears during a concert, and his skateboarder-punk girlfriend, Taj. Sutton, who runs the parties, is the son of a music mogul and Johnny's manager. Taj meets Nick at a TAP event and starts dating him. When she lets him into the back room during a party, it leads to retaliation. In addition to Johnny, others go missing, including Nick's younger stepsister. Taj seeks the truth and learns that she is in deeper than she thought. As in de la Cruz's other books, there is an abundance of pop-culture references. Angels does not hold up against her richer novel, Blue Bloods (Hyperion, 2006). It's a quick, entertaining read, but it will not stand the test of time.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–7—Cam, Shelby, and their friends, all 12, call themselves the Outriders because they like excitement. Cam explains that their "expeditions" around Surf Island often require "scavenging" things—borrowing without permission and hopefully returning them undamaged. In Blue Cave, the gang wants to observe a display of rare bioluminescent plankton. After a convoluted plot to spring Shelby from summer school, they scavenge a flotilla of boats and set off for the cave. They find a pair of crooks who are hiding an antique golden sextant stolen from rich, eccentric Mr. Thorpe. The kids recover the swag, but before they can return it to the rightful owner, the thieves kidnap Shelby's little sister and demand the return of the stolen merchandise in exchange. In Willow Key, Mr. Thorpe bankrolls a science-class field trip into the swamp, on the condition that the Outriders also explore L'Esperanza, a pirate ship sunk 300 years ago. While exploring the wreck, the friends learn that the key is being polluted by chemical dumping. Swept off-course by an underwater current, they run afoul of a gang of backwoods alligator poachers. Like characters in adventure series going back to the Stratemeyer syndicate days, the Outriders operate essentially without adult supervision, even in the most dangerous situations. They encounter—and defeat—grown-up villains through clever inventions and teamwork. The emphasis is on fast action rather than character development and the dialogue blends surfer lingo with middle school banter. While the "scavenging" aspect is, at best, ethically questionable, these titles are worth considering where there is a strong demand for series fiction.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 7 Up—College student David Rain; his Goth girlfriend, Zanna; and his dragon-creating landlord, Liz, and her daughter, Lucy, fulfill their destinies in this exciting conclusion to The Fire Within (2005) and Icefire (2006, both Scholastic). David is writing a book about polar bears, dragons, a mysterious fire star, and a transdimensional race from another universe. He's shocked to realize that his fictional tale is actually coming true. He discovers that a powerful dragon is lying dormant and petrified in a mountain. The Fain, an ancient race that revered dragons, intended to colonize Earth eons ago but something disrupted space and closed the line between the worlds, leaving some survivors behind. They have possessed Gwilanna, Liz's powerful and malevolent relative who is determined to call down dragons when the fire star aligns with Earth and the portal to Fain's world opens. If Gawain, the dormant dragon, awakens and dragons arrive and are allowed to breathe fire, they will cause widespread panic and catastrophic environmental damage. The multiple story lines and frequent but cryptic references to events from previous books make this novel a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with the earlier titles. Despite this, the story, with its involving and thought-provoking plot full of clever little dragons, mystical polar bears, and spiritual and ecological aspects, will appeal to many fantasy lovers.—Sharon Rawlins, NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, Trenton

Gr 6–10—Here are answers to the age-old questions that have plagued so many for so long: What was Cinderella's father thinking? And where was he while his new wife and the stepsisters had their way with her? Not only does Dokey deal with these issues, but she also turns the oft-told story on its head in many unexpected, intriguing, and satisfying ways. When Cendrillon's mother dies after giving birth to her, her father, Etienne de Brabant, blames his newborn daughter. Wishing never to see her again, he disappears from her life for the next 15 years. The fairy godmother in the original tale here is simply the wise housekeeper who delivers Cendrillon and raises her. The stepmother is not wicked, just understandably unhappy at being forced to marry Etienne, who uproots her from her life at court and sends her off to live at his remote estate without even telling her that he has a daughter. The stepsisters are differentiated, dimensional characters as well. In fact, the entire book is filled with strong women who exert their influence on a fairy-tale world and—delightfully—with sensitive and clever young men who recognize their worth. This expanded Cinderella story is a fine addition to the canon including Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 1997), Donna Jo Napoli's Bound (S & S, 2004), and Margaret Peterson Haddix's Just Ella (S & S, 1999).—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—A poignant tale, set in Ireland in 1984. When her mother dies, 15-year-old Shell Talent becomes trapped in a depressing life with her pious, but alcoholic father. Having given up his job to devote his life to the Lord, he leaves Shell and her younger siblings with no real means to support themselves. Longing to escape this cycle of poverty, Shell pins her hopes and dreams on visions of their new priest, Father Rose, as Jesus Christ come back to Earth. These dreams soon come to a crashing end as Shell turns to a schoolmate for solace. Trapped in a pregnancy that results from this relationship, she must make a decision that could mean life or death for the new life she carries. As Shell struggles to bring her child into her world unnoticed, Dowd drives home her message of the hopelessness of the situation through clear, concise, yet powerful language. Readers are introduced to an amazing young woman who, despite all odds, finds the strength to overcome a growing scandal that has the potential to disrupt the peaceful order of her small church and town.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—It's 1986 in St. Paul, MN, and Erin is about to turn 16 when her father announces that he's marrying his girlfriend. Her brothers are thrilled, but what the teen really wants is for her dad to talk about her mother, who died when she was a baby, and whose dog-eared copy of To Kill a Mockingbird has inspired the girl to become a writer. When her dad surprises her with her mother's diary, Erin learns that she, too, had wanted to be a writer. Angry that her father kept the diary from her until now and feeling out of place in her evolving family, she makes the sudden decision to take a one-way bus trip to Monroeville, AL, to talk to Harper Lee. This is a slender book, interesting in its journal-styled layout but short on character, background, and plot development. While there are some moments of identifiable teen emotion, Erin and her father are as one-dimensional as the helpful characters the teen meets on her trip. Readers who haven't read Mockingbird will wonder what the fuss is about, and those who have may feel that Ellsworth's book doesn't quite do it justice. Occasional '80s details add some nostalgic flair, but the choice of this period seems wholly unnecessary. Ultimately, this book fails to draw readers into real emotional connection to Erin or her rather superficial journey. The happy ending, in which she has a chance run-in with the author in a diner and makes up with her father, is pleasant enough, but predictable. A thin read that falls short of a promising premise.—Riva Pollard, The Winsor School Library, Boston

Gr 8–10—Fergus captures perfectly the voice of the unnamed 13-year-old narrator who is resolutely selfish and self-serving, prurient and rude, sarcastic and frequently indignant. With a penchant for girlie magazines and fried chicken, he is yearning for puberty and looking forward to Sex Ed class, since his father has not been much help in advising him. He expects the family business, House of Toilets, will someday bring him a fortune. His mother gives him a tape recorder in the hope that it will help him stop speaking his mind to adults. The novel is his recorded thoughts and observations. After a move to Winnipeg, his mother forces him to volunteer at a soup kitchen, where he becomes involved in a struggle between the local merchants who want the soup kitchen and the homeless removed, and the do-gooders who want to save it. He could care less, until he discovers that a classmate would go hungry without it. His transformation from ego-centered insensitivity to compassion for others is heartening, if a bit hasty. While there are many references to sex, it is merely wishful fantasy. With the boy's flippant attitude and glibly advanced possession of language skills, the book has many laugh-out-loud moments. Giving himself a hickey with the breast pump his mother, a lactation nurse, uses in her job, is a memorable moment. This story is sure to appeal to teens who like their narrators edgy, quirky, outrageous, and hilarious.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 9 Up—At the end of sophomore year, Nicolette Antonovich was invited to the junior prom, bought the absolutely perfect dress, and then had the offer rescinded when Rod "Rascal" Pasqual's girlfriend returned to town. Crushed, she half-jokingly comes up with the "Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress," giving readers the title of this witty view of teenage life. From this point on, she struggles with the waxing/waning interest of Rascal, and the pitfalls of loving the wrong boy. She eventually realizes that the right boy for her is her best friend's older brother, which creates all types of havoc. Nicolette is a likable, down-to-earth protagonist who is grappling with a lot of issues, and readers will quickly identify with and understand her. Ferraro does a fine job of setting up an interesting plot, funny dialogue and situations, and an engaging lead character.—Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX

Gr 10 Up—Saturday nights at Burger Heaven are always busy, but this night is different from the outset. A family emergency pulls the night manager away, leaving Jordan, an overstressed overachiever, in charge. The understaffed crew of teenage workers accommodates the customers, but toward the end of the night nerves and tempers are ready to flare. Just before closing time two armed men walk in, and a foiled robbery attempt and hostage situation follow. The author has constructed an interesting story line in which the principal players are introduced separately and then woven into an intricate balance. The multiple points of view allow each character's personality to develop, which enhances the individual's role in the story. As expected from a diverse group, the teens react differently to the situation. The final part of the book takes place one year later and readers are brought up-to-date on how the traumatic event affected the teens' lives. The story is compelling and the characters are well drawn, giving the book wide appeal for a general audience.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 4–6—In pre-Castro Cuba, wealthy Don Rigol exerts almost total control over his rural town. However, when he lays claim to a mountain that the villagers consider theirs and starts clearing the jungle for his coffee plantation, he encounters unexpected opposition. Ernestina, a classmate of Rigol's spoiled daughter, joins her friend Enriquito in efforts to save the wild horses on the mountain. They soon realize that Rigol's real goal is to locate the gold mentioned in Taino legend. Inspired by visions and fueled by ingenuity and daring, the friends uncover the truth about the boy's family history and Rigol's deceptions. Among the more dramatic moments of their adventures are Enriquito's escape from jail and Ernestina's encounter with a huge cayman guarding the treasure. The story intersperses episodes of magical realism with routine adventure sequences. However, there is never any doubt that the children will manage to foil Don Rigol's plans, a task they accomplish with the help of a number of adults from the village and from Havana. A book for libraries in which there is exceptional interest in stories set in Cuba or tales of eco-triumph.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 9 Up—Love of basketball and Honors English, and the surrogate parenting of neighbor Granny Dwyer, help high school senior Jackson O'Connell deal with the breakup of his family, being ostracized at school, and having second-string status on his varsity team. Haunted by his father's alcoholism, which led to a climactic night of violence and self-defense, Jackson is labeled "Mr. Killer" by wary classmates. Estranged from his parents and living with Granny Dwyer, he hangs out on weekends with Danny and other new friends on rival Shoreview's basketball team. As the boys wisecrack and compete on Danny's backyard "High Court," they banter about racial attitudes, their rich versus poor New Jersey towns, girls and sex, acne and body odor, and their basketball dreams. When Ivory Lewis, an alluring, manipulative classmate, betrays Jackson's new friend, Thaddeus, and falsely accuses a favorite teacher of sexual advances, Jackson learns the importance of loyalty and forgiveness. His narrative is candid, witty, and full of angst as he struggles to understand Danny's racist father; wonders if he can trust his own father's letter of apology; wavers in his attraction to smart, perceptive Kelly; and anxiously waits for the coach to give him more playing time. Although the alcoholism and domestic violence in Jackson's family are believably tragic, the circumstances of the night that finally broke up his family seem unnecessarily bizarre. Nonetheless, sports quotes that begin chapters, lively on-court descriptions, crisp dialogue, and an assertive but reflective narrator will attract teen readers.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 5–8—Anna, self-described as "boring"; Eve, the Goth wild child; and shy, animal-loving Syd live in Manhattan. Anna and Eve are in eighth grade at Eberly, where the "über-cools" rule and the "freaks" survive by keeping their heads down, and where Anna has a crush on recent freak-to-über-cool "crossover" hottie Declan Kelso. When Anna's elderly neighbor dies, leaving her a cat and a tarot set, the girls decide she should do a reading: Will she end up with Declan? The cards seem to say yes, and Operation Freak Victory begins—and works. Yet when Anna and Declan start dating, things aren't as great as she'd hoped they'd be; suddenly she's fighting with Eve and Syd, and with her mom, over her allegiances and her time, and when über-cools in the cafeteria harass Nelson Kobliner into getting suspended, she faces a tough choice: stand up for him or do as Declan wants and look the other way. The tarot theme pulls an interesting thread of fate versus control through the novel, and the familiar trope of the friends' story (think The Baby-sitters Club meets a young The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) makes for a comforting read. There is little character development in anyone but Anna, the plot is not terribly original, and the ending is predictable, but Fredericks displays a keen ear for dialogue and a knack for expressing some complex, real middle school emotions. Fans of the genre will welcome this book and look forward to its sequels.—Riva Pollard, The Winsor School Library, Boston

Gr 8–10—"Reed Walton, Ultimate Nice Guy and Ultimate Jersey Guy, needs your help. Answer these questions so he can become an expert on dating. Maybe he'll even pick you to be his girlfriend!" So begins www.thegirlfriendproject.com, a site designed by Reed's two best friends to help him navigate the world of women. Reed is a nerdy senior who's never had a date; over the summer, however, his appearance changed dramatically (no glasses, no braces), and now he's a chick magnet. Unfortunately, his lack of experience makes dating a minefield, and he needs all the online help he can get. Reed's character develops somewhat over the course of this coming-of-age story, but certain elements feel a little forced. His metamorphosis from a dork to a hottie, for example, is never fully explained. His crush on best friend Ronnie is supposed to be a secret not revealed until the middle of the book, but it's telegraphed to readers too early, too often, and too obviously. Finally, the ending, in which a girl whom Reed has admired in the park ends up being one of the mysterious commentators on his Web site and secretly lusts after him, is laughably far-fetched. Alex Bradley's 24 Girls in Seven Days (Dutton, 2005) has a similar plot (a 12th-grader's friends create an online dating site for him), but is more fun and more believable.—Daisy Porter, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 9 Up—In diary form, with minimal free verse, Fullerton tells the story of a young man's struggle to cope with his mother's suicide attempt, which has left her on life support. The framework is that he is writing a journal for the therapist he is seeing. From the beginning, teens will be drawn into the unnamed narrator's turmoil and experience the roller coaster of emotions—guilt, anger, love, anxiety—right along with him. Fullerton deals with the very challenging topic of euthanasia in a sensitive and respectful manner. She elicits empathy for the teen coming to grips with a father overwhelmed by the situation and slowly taking responsibility for his own actions. This is a quick yet powerful read with an authentic teen voice. Recommend books written by Sonya Sones, such as Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy (HarperCollins, 1999), to readers who ask for more.—Sheilah Kosco, Bastrop Public Library, TX

Gr 8–10—Connor's life changes in an instant when he and his friends, egged on by Will, play a game of "idiot's roulette" (a version of Russian roulette) with a stolen gun, and the 15-year-old's best friend, Daniel, is killed in the process. Will is charged with murder, and Connor and another boy are charged as accessories. Connor's narrative moves back and forth in time, with flashbacks to his and Daniel's childhoods. After the accident, the novel focuses on Connor's introspective journey of self-knowledge and self-forgiveness. This is where the narrative tension flags, because the outcome is really never in doubt. Artistic, articulate, and sensitive, Connor is surrounded by caring adults and a stable, supportive family who help him to come to terms with life after the tragedy. It is more difficult, however, to determine when this novel takes place. The boys play video games, and Connor's brother is a skateboarder, but what contemporary teenage boys use "trippy" to mean wild or "palling around" to refer to hanging out? Connor's inability to walk away from the game is not entirely believable because he is not portrayed as someone who would cave easily under peer pressure (he is a dedicated violinist who seems to have a strong sense of self). Secondary characters are fairly well developed, although Will is stereotypical. Ultimately not compelling, this book may be useful for collections needing additional titles that deal with peer pressure, understanding the consequences of one's actions, and the importance of saying "no" to bullies.—Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD

Gr 6 Up—In this sequel to Racing Fear (Lorimer, 2004), high school senior Zoë wants to be an automotive engineer, but her mother decides that she should be a physician instead. Unbelievably, the teen happily goes along with this plan until she pieces together the reason she'd been in such a fog about her future, and why she didn't consider rebelling against her mother. The reason? Because Zoë has always kept the family peace, no matter the cost to her personally. The reason for that? Because her older brother, who has ADHD and was in an accident that left him with a permanent limp and a badly scarred face, is always acting out. Fortunately, Zoë comes to realize all of this just in time to continue along her original path of becoming a race-car engineer. Unbelievably, both of her parents are also cheerfully supportive of her decision; they, too, have had epiphanies. Guest's characters come off as stereotypes rather than real people, and the ending is far too neatly and prettily tied up, straining credulity.—Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Gr 5–9—Pennsylvania coal country is the setting for this post-Civil War adventure in which an orphan witnesses a murder and runs for his life. For stable boy Phin Chase, being in the wrong place at the wrong time makes him a suspect, and his dilemma is compounded when he comes into possession of the killer's wallet. Now he knows Ned Plume is one of the "Sleepers," a secret society of Irishmen causing trouble over mining jobs, and townspeople are not certain who can be trusted. As Phin flees into the countryside, first by foot and then by train, someone is tracking him on a stallion, and the stranger seems to have a sixth sense about his whereabouts. The story moves at the same fast pace as the horse and unknown rider who chase Phin through farmland and forest. The boy's survival skills work to his advantage and he cleverly turns the tables on his pursuer, who is injured when he is felled. Dialogue and characterization are tops here, and the backstory about rural life following the war and about Irish miners, better known as Molly Maguires, is accurately woven into the novel with some explanation for their violent ways. The book may be tagged as a historical adventure but it has plenty of appeal for horse lovers as well.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—Set in 1960s Falls of Rough, KY, this story chronicles the heartbreak of 11-year-old Sassy Thompkins. Desperate for romance à la her trashy magazine Love Confessions, Sassy chases after local bad boy Boon Chisholm, ignoring signs that her older sister, Lula, may be Boon's target. Sassy and Lula uncover Boon's philandering ways as they discover that their mother, believed dead, actually fled to California after frequent extramarital affairs. Disturbing is the best word for this novel. All stereotypes about Kentucky weddings aside, having Sassy's father call her a "tart" and no better than her mother creates a jarring picture of developing femininity for readers of Sassy's age. Sassy and her sister are violent, selfish, and barely likable, and the family forgiveness scene at the end of the novel can't be believed, given the characters' former antagonisms. Sidebars at the beginning of each chapter, presumably from Sassy's magazines, give advice that shows women to be scheming and empty headed. "Keep him guessing and never tell him what you're really feeling. That's how to snag a man." The kicker comes when Boon faces Sassy and says, "You're one hell of a kisser….I'm just not attracted to you." The plot hinges on clichéd depictions of girls, deleterious to readers of any age. Better books for love-swept readers include Carol Lynch Williams's My Angelica and Mavis Jukes's Cinderella 2000 (both Delacorte, 1999).—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—Herrick's verse style perfectly suits this emotionally taut survival story. Sixteen-year-old Lucy has turned bitter and cynical from her farming family's strained relationships caused by her father's physical and emotional abuse. In direct contrast is the other family in this near-barren valley, whose farm's relative prosperity reflects the loving and respectful relationship shared between 15-year-old Jake and his parents. As a young man, Jake's father was sure that he'd seen a wolf, an animal not found in Australia, and now a predator has started picking off his sheep. Lucy thinks it is the descendant of a dog that became wild after her father abused it. The two teens set off on a hike into the mountains to find it after Lucy claims to know where the animal lives. Jake is intent on discovering whether his father is right or wrong, while Lucy just wants to escape from her family and hasn't told anyone where she's going. However, Jake injures his foot in a fall and the two take shelter in a cave and find emotional solace (and romance). Lucy knows that life will be better when she returns home to find that her mother finally confronted her husband and convinced him to leave. Readers will find this novel compelling, its fast-moving narrative rewarding, and the emotions pitched directly at high school readers.—Ellen Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 5–8—Determined Garth, always-hungry Danny, man-hating Kelsey, and spiritual Aboriginal Hinu are college students clearing forest trees in New Zealand on a school break, trying to raise money for a class trip to Hawaii. The morning's work is interrupted by two boys riding homemade all-terrain vehicles. The sparks fly as one driver loses control and flips his bike, but the resulting small fire seems controllable until the vehicle explodes. The teens, their supervisor, and the other rider don't have the resources to fight the blaze themselves. The flames lick at their backs as they hike paths recommended by Hinu in search of an emergency station. She leads them through rough passages that challenge the team physically and emotionally. This story constantly gives an adrenaline rush. Hill does an excellent job of giving his characters depth, keeping readers involved in the group's attempt to escape, and offering insight into the environmental and spiritual issues involved in forestry. Running Hot is a good fit for reluctant readers, and would also work well as a read-aloud.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 7–10—Fans of the author's "Stravaganza" series (Bloomsbury) will welcome this novel set in Renaissance Italy. Wealthy young nobleman Silvano, 16, is infatuated with beautiful Angelica, who is married to a coarse sheep farmer named Piero. When Piero is murdered with Silvano's dagger, the teen is forced to flee, seeking sanctuary with a group of Franciscans. At the friary, two more murders cast further suspicion on him. A parallel story involves Aureliana, who has been forced by her family to marry a rich man she does not love. Her true love, Eduardo, has become a friar named Anselmo in the very friary where Silvano seeks refuge. As the stories coalesce, multiple murders, romance, betrayals, and star-crossed lovers all make for a page-turning mystery, and, in truly satisfying Shakespearean fashion, everyone ends up with the proper lover at the end. The book provides a well-realized setting rich with details of the time period, which are deftly woven into the plot. Especially interesting are the descriptions of the art of color-making for the pigments used for religious paintings. Engrossing historical fiction.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

Gr 5–9—In this sequel to The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn (Philomel, 1999), Seikei, the adopted merchant-class son of a great samurai, Judge Ooka, is now 16. He finds himself in the midst of trouble when he and the judge visit the teen's hometown, where his brother appears to be involved in unethical activities. His sister is in love with a puppeteer who is arrested for the murder of the manager of the theater in which he works. Seikei tries to solve this crime and other murders in the puppet theater without bothering Judge Ooka. Much of the novel is based on historical figures, including those who worked as puppet masters in ancient Japan. The world of puppetry is vividly described, especially the use of the plays to convey messages about the politics and restrictive class system of the time. Seikei continues to be a dogged detective who often stumbles into situations that help him solve the case while struggling to live up to his adoptive father's ideals.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Gem feels as if she's beginning to drift away from her best friends, Lo and Mira, with whom she's formed an alliance against the "sucker peers" they call "barcodes." In the spirit of Andy Warhol and his Happenings, Gem comes up with the idea to make an edgy film to screen at an underground party, she thinks this project will bring the three girls back together again. As scriptwriting and production begins, however, she starts to feel that the project is getting out of control. When Lo and Mira plan a series of final-exam pranks without her, Lo rewrites Gem's admittedly heavy-handed but heartfelt script, and Mira hooks up with her crush, Gem knows it's time to break ties with her so-called best friends. Deceptively little happens in this Australian novel. Gem's predicament is realistic and somewhat sympathetically related; however, a secondary plot involving her estranged father threatens to take over the primary narrative of the friendships' dissolution. Though Gem narrates the story, it is surprisingly difficult to get to know her, perhaps because the antics and personalities of her friends are so overwhelming. At the end of the novel, when she is finding her way solo and when at last she seems to have found an ally, her character finally emerges.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 7–10—Cynnie's mother drowns her problems in alcohol and inappropriate men, leaving the 13-year-old to care for her 3-year-old brother, Bill. He has Down syndrome, and he is the one bright spot in her life. When her mother sends him to live with his grandparents, Cynnie is shattered. To cover up her pain, she tries her first drink and is soon drinking daily in the tree house she built with neighborhood boys. One of them, Snake, makes awkward attempts at friendship, but she rejects them. When he offers to help her run away with Bill, though, she jumps at the chance. Her drinking gets in the way, however, and she nearly kills all of them in a car accident. Horribly ashamed, and separated even further from her brother, she is required to go to court-ordered AA meetings. One woman, Pat, becomes her sponsor and, eventually, mother figure. She helps Cynnie to make amends with the people she's hurt and learn to forgive herself. Once she does this, she can reach out to those who had wanted to help her all along. Hyde illustrates well how quickly a person can fall into the same patterns that they abhor in others, or choose a different path. Cynnie's internal conflict between wanting to be seen by those around her and trying to disappear, either into her tree house or alcohol, is very well drawn. Troubled teens may be able to find some of themselves in her. This is a heavy novel, and will probably require some pushing, but it is a good discussion starter.—Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

Gr 5–9—During the 1920s, 15-year-old Annie travels from town to town in upstate New York with her mother, a self-proclaimed spiritual adviser. Annie is her mother's secret weapon: by posing as an idiot, she can eavesdrop on conversations around town and gather fodder for "Madame Caterina's " fortune-telling sessions. The downside, of course, is that Annie is never able to let anyone learn just how intelligent and lonely she really is. When they move to Peach Hill, the teen longs to settle down, and it seems she may get her wish when, in a rebellious moment, she feigns a miraculous cure that allows her to drop her mentally disabled pose. Finally, she is able to attend school and get to know some of the townspeople on her own terms. But the mother is as tenacious as the daughter, and has no intention of losing Annie's services. Add to the mix a local schemer who is determined to use the duo's skills to his own advantage and a persistent truant officer who has her doubts about Madame Caterina, and the result is a rollicking coming-of-age story that ends with dreams realized in unexpected ways. Jocelyn's research of the period is evident, and the old wives' tales that she has chosen as titles for each chapter hint at how the plot will unfold. Readers will not soon forget this unconventional mother-and-daughter team.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 8 Up—In this believable depiction of the growth of religious zealotry, 17-year-old Nadia describes the period after her cousin's arrest by the Syrian secret police. Already committed to Islam, she moves toward fanaticism, actually seeking out an attractive man whom she hopes will help her to learn more about the revolutionary cause. Moderates in her family attempt to counter her extremism; this is not the kind of flirtation her mother expected of a teenage daughter, and the mother's quiet example of a different Muslim way is the most appealing part of this unsettling picture. Nadia's internal and external arguments provide a stark vision of how others see the U.S. Jolin effectively works in every negative impression, real or perceived, about America and its foreign policy. Beyond the usual stereotypes of American commercialism, there are comments on 9/11 and the war in Iraq, quotations from George Bush, and allegations of worldwide Jewish conspiracies. American readers may find that Nadia's change from an ambitious student to a suicide bomber comes a bit too quickly. But the author's Islamic studies and long residence in the Middle East help make this a convincing picture of life in present-day Damascus, and the suspense will keep readers engaged.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 5–8—Greg Heffley has actually been on the scene for more than two years. Created by an online game developer, he has starred in a Web book of the same name on www.funbrain.com since May 2004. This print version is just as engaging. Kinney does a masterful job of making the mundane life of boys on the brink of adolescence hilarious. Greg is a conflicted soul: he wants to do the right thing, but the constant quest for status and girls seems to undermine his every effort. His attempts to prove his worthiness in the popularity race (he estimates he's currently ranked 52nd or 53rd) are constantly foiled by well-meaning parents, a younger and older brother, and nerdy friends. While Greg is not the most principled protagonist, it is his very obliviousness to his faults that makes him such an appealing hero. Kinney's background as a cartoonist is apparent in this hybrid book that falls somewhere between traditional prose and graphic novel. It offers some of the same adventures as the Web book, but there are enough new subplots to entertain Funbrain followers. This version is more pared down, and the pace moves quickly. The first of three installments, it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, but more experienced readers will also find much to enjoy and relate to in one seventh grader's view of the everyday trials and tribulations of middle school.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 4–8—A combination of Nancy Drew and Indiana Jones, Theo Throckmorton is in big trouble. The 11-year-old lives in London in 1906 and spends most of her time in an antiquities museum headed by her father and filled with objects from her mother's archaeological expeditions to Egypt. Bossy, clever, and learned in the lore of ancient Egypt, the girl constantly worries that the work-obsessed parents who ignore and neglect her will be destroyed by virulent ancient curses that only she can detect. When her mother returns from her latest trip with an amulet inscribed with curses so powerful they could unleash the Serpents of Chaos and destroy the British Empire, Theo finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue and danger. It pits her, along with some unexpected allies, against German operatives trying to use the scarab as a weapon in their political and economic rivalry with England. Theo must draw on all her resources when she confronts her enemies alone, deep in an Egyptian tomb. There, she makes some surprising discoveries, both personal and archaeological. Vivid descriptions of fog-shrouded London and hot, dusty Cairo enhance the palpable gothic atmosphere, while page-turning action and a plucky, determined heroine add to the book's appeal. Unfortunately, Theo's narrative voice lurches between the diction of an Edwardian child and that of a modern teen. The ambiguous ending, with its hints at the approaching World War, seems to promise a sequel. A fine bet for a booktalk to classes studying ancient Egypt.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

Gr 7 Up—Art Blastside is back, trying unsuccessfully to live a settled life of luxury and marital bliss. The former pirate eagerly agrees to go back to sea, even if it is in the service of her former foe, the English government. Reunited with some of her crew and at the helm of a newly improved Unwelcome Stranger, Art sets out to harass and rob enemy ships. She also plans to get her hands on a mysterious green book that holds valuable clues to almost all of the treasure ever carried across the sea. The captain and her crew are dogged by her arch nemesis, Little Goldie Girl, and haunted by the threat of the ethereal black Widow, a pirate-hunting vessel manned by Mary Hell. The many plot twists involve fierce battles, treachery, and loves lost and found, and Lee's colorful characters are appealing and unique. Art and crew manage to save the day in an epic and climactic naval battle and secure the treasure to boot. Because the story delves into some elements of adult romance including marital problems and a pregnancy, it is difficult to predict who will relate to this book. Less-sophisticated readers will miss the jabs at pirate wannabes and subtle humor imbedded throughout. Mature readers with a taste for pirate themes and strong female heroines will be heartily entertained.—Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL

Gr 4–6—Benjamin lives in a horrible orphanage where he is punished by having to use a toothbrush to clean out the moldy cooking pots. He can still remember his parents and the life he used to lead before they died. When a social worker stops by with a birthday cake for him, his life is changed with a single wish come true—that he will have unlimited wishes. While this is good news for Benjamin, it's bad for the world as it upsets a natural balance and opens the door for Curseworks to put an evil plan in place that will make curses so strong that they cannot be stopped. The premise of the book is imaginative, but the characters are one-dimensional, leaving the story feeling flat. The descriptions of the Wishworks Factory are vivid and filled with details. Unfortunately, the orphanage itself seems old-fashioned, and readers will be jolted to find that they are actually in the modern world of video games and televisions rather than a world of Victorian orphans in top hats.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 8 Up—This collection of stories primarily from British authors focuses on the ability of teens not only to deal with the problems that life brings, but also to triumph over them. Authors include Lois Lowry, Anne Fine, Celia Rees, Melvin Burgess, and Meg Rosoff. The characters are middle-class kids who struggle with myriad challenges and changes, some of which are foisted upon them and some that are of their own doing. Meg Cabot's story, in which Allie Finklestein finds that being dumped by a questionable boyfriend isn't the worst thing in the world, especially when you are already halfway in love with your nerdy tutor, is the only humorous selection. Other stories revolve around more serious topics such as telling your family you're gay, learning about a parent's affair, and discovering that your sister is terminally ill. The best stories are those in which the main character must cope with a physical disability. In Malorie Blackman's "Humming Through My Fingers," a well-adjusted girl who became blind because of diabetes teaches a boy a thing or two about sight and trust after he asks her out on a dare. In Rosie Rushton's "Skin Deep," a girl who is disfigured from a bomb explosion learns that some boys actually like you for who you are as a person, not just for your looks. The stories show courage, creativity, and a core of toughness that is not always attributed to young adults.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 6–8—A year has passed since the five boys from Hidden Talents (Tor, 1999) left Edgeview Alternative School. An evil former military operative, Major Bowdler, has kidnapped telekinetic 15-year-old Eddie "Trash" Thalmayer, and his supernaturally talented friends must rescue him. The plot—full of top-secret equipment and espionage—is a little confusing, but it moves well, thanks to Trash's snappy and heartfelt narration. Lubar's trademark, genius one-liners are few here, as the sober themes of mortality and the fuzzy area between good and evil prevail. Fortunately, the novel's swashbuckling action balances the mood. The author's writing is as fluid and teen-smart as ever, though discussion of the boys' true talent—their brotherly bond—is occasionally heavy-handed and sentimental. The characters have both depth and sparkle, and the author deftly juggles the ensemble of five funny, thoughtful, distinct boys. Bowdler is just plain, puppy-killing mean, but Lubar gives him dimension by getting into his head. Older elementary and middle school fans of the genre, even those who missed Hidden Talents, should enjoy this one.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—As with Not the End of the World (HarperTempest, 2005), McCaughrean weaves a tale of obsession and personal growth against the backdrop of nature's unrelenting power. Fourteen-year-old Sym Wates is fascinated with the Antarctic and the men who explored it, even to the point of creating an internal confidante in the form of Captain Lawrence "Titus" Oates, who was part of the doomed Scott expedition 90 years earlier. So when her "Uncle" Victor whisks the painfully shy, hearing-impaired teen away on a surprise trip to the South Pole, it seems like a dream come true. But Victor has his own agenda, seeking the legendary Symmes's Hole, portal to the interior of a hollow Earth. The lengths to which the madman pursues this quest provide the book with a dramatic drive and powerful revelations. Sym makes for an engaging (if occasionally melodramatic) narrator, although aspects of her character, such as her hearing loss, are not fully developed. An afterword on Scott's expedition in 1911 is included.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 6 Up—Harry Potter meets Gossip Girls in this not-so-magical sequel to The Salem Witch Tryouts (S & S, 2006). Now that Prudence has made the cheerleading squad at St. Agatha's Day School for Witches, her problems become worse. Not only does she have to prove herself to her team, but she also has to pass her remedial witch classes, all the while trying to ignore her mortal tendencies. Mix in some snooty cheerleaders; a handsome, hands-off neighbor; and the dorky boy-next-door and you have a typical story written strictly for high-maintenance teenage girls. They will probably enjoy it, despite the overabundance of clichéd references to Hollywood and plastic surgery, as well as the unsatisfying and predictable ending (which paves the way for a third installment).—Carly B. Wiskoff, Sayville Library, NY

Gr 5–9—Thirteen-year-old Azad, an Iranian Kurd, narrates Mead's affecting tale of life during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. The repressive regime of Ayatollah Khomeini has already torn Azad's family apart. An only child who has lived with his father during the six years following his parents' divorce, he learns in the course of the novel that his mother left the family because his father, driven by fear, became an informer for the secret police. Along with this familial tension, the Kurds' untenable situation also undergirds the story. This ethnic group lives in double jeopardy, distrusted by their own government and hated by the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein. Azad is fortunate in being able to spend time with each of his parents and in being able to leave his home in Sardasht for the rural village where his grandmother lives. The galvanizing event of the months covered by the novel is Hussein's gassing of Sardasht, which leads Azad, his mother, and other family members to flee Iran for Turkey. Like Elizabeth Laird and Sonia Nimr's A Little Piece of Ground (Haymarket, 2006), Dawn and Dusk is a tale of children caught in the horror of war, seen from the side of the conflict considered most hostile to American interests. Azad is an appealing protagonist, and it is his simple and direct story that will draw readers through the complexities of a multinational ethnic longing for self-determination that remains at the heart of an international tinderbox.—Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX

Gr 5–9—In this beautifully designed adaptation of the classic novel, Needle sticks largely to Melville's original wording, but leaves out lengthy passages on whaling and the day-to-day workings of a seafaring voyage. New passages are delineated with an italicized font, and the tale flows fairly seamlessly between the original text and Needle's interspersed summaries and commentary. Although this is technically an abridgement, the length and complexity of Melville's text plus Needle's commentary direct it to an intermediate audience. Handsome pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations on nearly every spread evoke the vastness and unfathomable mystery of the sea, varying from black and white to full color. A glossary and cross-section of a whaling ship assist in understanding the tale. This version of the story is for readers who want to read Moby-Dick, with its intriguing characters and thrilling adventure, but are perhaps not ready for the full-length tale.—Shelley B. Sutherland, Niles Public Library, IL

Gr 5–9—In present-day London, strange things start happening around Zanna: dogs stop to stare at her, birds circle her head. Then, she and her friend Deeba find themselves in an alternate reality where obsolete objects such as old typewriters eventually "seep" and strange people and creatures dwell, including sentient "unbrellas." The girls learn that Zanna is the chosen one, the "shwazzy," of UnLondon. However, her first fight with the nefarious Smog isn't what was predicted in the book of prophecies. The girls soon end up back in London with Zanna unable to recall their time away. Alone in the memory, Deeba pieces together the Smog's plot and finds a way back to UnLondon via library stacks. Readers soon realize that sometimes the chosen one doesn't get to save a city, and that sometimes steps in a preordained quest don't come out as planned. Miéville's fantastical city is vivid and splendidly crafted. Who would have thought a milk carton could make such an endearing pet? Or that words, or utterlings, could have a life and form of their own? Fans of Neil Gaiman's Coraline (HarperCollins, 2002) or Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth (Knopf, 1961) will love this novel. The story is exceptional and the action moves along at a quick pace. Given that the girls are 12, older readers might be put off, but it is well worth selling to them.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—When Marcel is delivered to an orphanage in the middle of the night, the wizard Lord Alwyn and his magical Book of Lies take away his memories of his previous life. Only the intervention of another orphan, Bea, allows Marcel to remember his true name. It soon becomes apparent that while he doesn't remember his past, it has followed him and links him to two other orphans, Nicola and Fergus. The three soon escape and become involved in the politics of their kingdom and the conflict between King Pelham and his rivals, Prince Damon and Princess Eleanor. Marcel and the other children discover that they play a key role in the conflicts that will shape their land's future, but first they must understand the treachery and lies that surround their own identities. Marcel is a sympathetic main character, though his reactions to the changes in his life seem shallow at times and the discovery of his own powers lacks drama. Supporting characters tend to dramatic gestures, but they lack depth and motivation. Moloney has created a number of unusual magical creatures that will catch readers' imaginations, including the sorcerer's unique flying horse and the Book of Lies itself, which becomes more mysterious and sinister as the story progresses. While this novel lacks the emotional depth to be truly outstanding, Marcel's search for identity will ring true to readers on the verge of adolescence.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 7–10—This sequel to Murdock's Dairy Queen (Houghton, 2006) catches readers up with narrator D.J. Schwenk as she hits her stride in her junior year of high school. She's playing linebacker for her high school football team, hanging out with Brian (the rival high school's quarterback), earning passing grades, and pulling her weight on her family's struggling dairy farm. But "a whole herd of trouble" is coming her way. First, D.J. and, by extension, Brian become the unwitting subjects of a People magazine article. Then D.J. suffers a shoulder injury that threatens her sports career, her gay best friend runs away with an older girlfriend, and D.J. notices that Brian isn't too keen on being seen with her in public. These problems are all put into perspective when D.J.'s older brother, Win, suffers a serious spinal-cord injury during a college football game. D.J. stays by his side in the hospital, a task made even tougher by Win's refusal to communicate, and accompanies him to rehab in Minnesota. There's no too-tidy ending here; readers gain a sense of the wait-and-see and grueling nature of physical rehabilitation. Though not as laugh-out-loud funny as the earlier title, The Off Season depicts a believably maturing D.J., a young woman whose character shines through even as she struggles to find her voice. Readers will root for her at every tragicomic turn, and will hope to hear from her again in future novels.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 5–8—Charlie Feehan, 16, stuffs the holes in his boots with newspaper and runs through the streets of Melbourne, in 1919, to escape the cold and sadness in his mother's tiny flat since his father died. When the city's most notorious gangster, Squizzy Taylor, offers the teen a paying job as a runner, he secretly quits school and takes to the streets, delivering illegal liquor and collecting money for his boss. Vowing to surprise his mother with money to ease her burden, Charlie ignores obvious dangers. Teamed up with "Nostrils," he cowardly runs away from a gang one night, leaving the boy behind to be brutally beaten. Shaken, Charlie quits the illegal running and listens to his neighbor Mr. Redmond, who offers to train him to run for a purse in the Bellarat footraces. Betting his ill-gotten gains on himself, Charlie wins and uses the money to help Nostrils, who is now on crutches. Rich dialogue in Australian dialect creates a colorful picture of the historical urban setting, suspenseful plot, and warm characterizations. Minor figures are as well developed as the protagonist, and readers will enjoy Nostrils and his football-obsessed father, Charlie's budding romance with the baker's daughter, and the flamboyant Squizzy and his motherly girlfriend. Add this one to adventure collections or bibliographies about Prohibition.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—It's almost summer in 1967 in Oregon, and Mary Margaret Hallinan, age 16, eagerly anticipates the end of the school year. The formerly good Catholic girl has changed since Jane Stephens arrived at Sacred Heart Academy after trying to run away with a boy. Mary Margaret strives to avoid her mother's unhappy life (five children, a miserable husband, and piles of laundry) and goes against her better instincts to follow Jane's overly confident lead. Their escapades move beyond escaping school at lunch and into smoking pot at the home of some college boys. Jane encourages Mary Margaret to find a "good ticket" among the guys at The Rainbow House. Anxious to find her own ticket, Jane is blind to the truth that the guy she wants doesn't want her, while Mary Margaret finally ignores Jane's opinion and makes her move on Mitchell, her longtime crush from school. With a style reminiscent of Deb Caletti and Sarah Dessen, O'Dell shows readers how Mary Margaret learns some truths about herself, her mother, her former best friend, Jane, and what it means to have a good ticket. Older teens will enjoy and relate to this humorous and engaging story with just a bit of spirituality.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 5–9—This sequel to The Wedding Planner's Daughter (S & S, 2005) begins as Willa is entering her freshman year of high school in Bramble, Cape Cod. With her mother now happily remarried and their nomadic life finally at an end, the girl turns her attentions to her date from middle school, Joseph Francis Kennelly, and the prospect of the town's library closing due to a severe lack of funds. As Community Service Leader for her class and a great book lover, she leads the campaign to save Bramble's library. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, and those just meeting Willafred Havisham will find a genuinely likable protagonist. Events from the previous novel are summarized sufficiently so that readers need not be familiar with it to enjoy this stand-alone sequel. Those who pick up the book because the title suggests good romantic fluff will get that, but they will also be treated to a lesson on "community rent"—the giving of oneself to help others. That added substance sets this title apart from those that focus solely on the more melodramatic side of middle and high school. And while there are some subplots that aren't fully developed—such as the implications that a councilman wants the library closed for personal reasons—this is a sweet and satisfying read from cover to cover.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to Drift House: The First Voyage (Bloomsbury, 2005), a mysterious book is delivered to the New York apartment of siblings Susan, Charles, and Murray. Susan and Charles take it with them to their uncle's seagoing home, leaving five-year-old Murray behind with chicken pox. Before long, Susan and Uncle Farley are adrift on the Sea of Time, about to be set upon by medieval Greenlanders, while Charles and the combative parrot, President Wilson, find themselves in 16th-century Canada. Drifting in and out of Susan's and Charles's adventures is an ever-changing, various-aged Murray, and pushing and pulling everyone along is the mysterious book and an equally mysterious amulet. The tone of the narrative can be pompous, particularly during the ponderous beginning section, but all is forgiven once the action starts in earnest. In fact, the pace becomes so thrilling that readers won't mind that the principles behind the magic are a bit fuzzy, or that the title of the book doesn't make sense until the very end (and even then, not much). Fans of Drift House will clamor for this second installment, and kids who read The Lost Cities first will demand the first volume.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–8—In Davy Bowman's Illinois neighborhood, life is friendly and happy, with time for boisterous hide-and-seek games and stories on the porch. As he explains, "Nobody was a stranger….Everybody played. Dogs too, yapping at our heels….They ran wild like the rest of us." But that is before World War II, which sends the narrator's older brother into the army, makes his dad somber, brings his troublesome grandparents into town, sends his mother to work, and changes everything. Peck's masterful, detail-rich prose describes wartime in the United States, where coffee and sugar are rationed; rubber, metal, and even milkweed fluff are collected for the war effort; and sacrifices are made by everyone. Peck's characters are memorable. A classmate's mom comes to school to terrorize her daughter's timid teacher: "A giant figure appeared at the classroom door. We hadn't seen a woman this big since Mrs. Meece came for her girdle." Each episodic chapter about Davy, his family, and his neighbors fits seamlessly into the emerging story. Readers will cheer for these folks, and be submerged into the homefront world of people who: "Use it up, wear it out,/Make it do or do without." This book is an absolute delight.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 8 Up—This lengthy Carnegie Medal-winning novel is masterfully crafted, written in cinematic prose, and peopled by well-drawn, multidimensional characters. Intense and riveting, it is a mystery, a tale of passion, and a drama about resistance fighters in the Netherlands during World War II. The story unfolds in parallel narratives, most told by an omniscient narrator describing the resistance struggle, and fewer chapters as a narrative told by 15-year-old Tamar, the granddaughter of one of the resistance fighters. The locale and time shift between Holland in 1944 and '45 and England in 1995. The constant dangers faced by the resistance fighters as well as their determination to succeed in liberating their country from German occupation come vividly to life. Dart, Tamar, and Marijke are the main characters in this part of the book. Their loyalty to one another and the movement is palpable though love and jealousy gradually enter the story and painfully change the dynamics. Other characters jeopardize the safety of the group and intensify the life-threatening hazards they face. Peet deftly handles the developing intrigue that totally focuses readers. After her beloved grandfather commits suicide, modern-day Tamar is determined to undercover the mystery contained in a box of seemingly unrelated objects that he has left for her. Peet keeps the story going back and forth in time, and readers must wait till the end of this intricate book to understand fully what happened to these courageous people. This is an extraordinary, gripping novel.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 5–9—A bright and breezy adventure with a smart and funny narrator, this story is part historical travelogue, part Saturday matinee, with bits of turtle lore and Catskills stand-up comedy. Los Angeles in the late 1940s is a magical place of swashbuckling movie stars, restaurants shaped like hats and doughnuts, tar pits, fancy private schools, and Neddie Wentworthstein. His eccentric, wealthy father has decided to relocate the family from Chicago to L.A. On the journey, a shaman named Melvin gives Neddie a turtle carved from a meteorite, possibly the rarest and most precious one in existence, and the only thing standing between humanity and the destruction of all civilization. Accidentally left behind in Flagstaff, AZ, Neddie is befriended by Seamus Finn, his movie-star dad, and Billy the Phantom Bellhop. The four visit the Grand Canyon and are held up at gunpoint by Sandor Eucalyptus, who is looking for the turtle. When they make it to Los Angeles, well, then things get even weirder. The ending is a little abrupt and kids may not get all the references, but they'll get the mystery, the excitement, the friendships, the aliens from outer space, the battle between good and extraordinarily awful evil, and the live woolly mammoth that performs circus tricks in a replica of the Roman Forum (told you things get pretty weird). Fans of Sid Fleischman will find much to like in this goofy and lovingly nostalgic historical fantasy.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Evie's first mistake was getting pregnant. She admits that. The second mistake, giving her baby up for adoption, wasn't her idea but her father's. So to fix it, the 15-year-old takes drastic action by kidnapping Brianna, now named Grace, from her adoptive parents and running away with her. She convinces Justin, the child's father, to drive them to Montreal so they can start over as a family. His change of heart puts Evie's plans for a new life in jeopardy, and Brianna's rising temperature turns up the heat on the decision that Evie knows in her heart she must make. The novel's fast pace will keep reluctant readers turning the pages to the end. Ryan has created a wholly believable protagonist in a novel that has a 2.4 reading level. Readers will sympathize with her plight even as they cringe at her series of bad choices. While the book is written with struggling teen readers in mind, more sophisticated readers will find themselves drawn to both the content and character.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 10 Up—Readers of Empress of the World (Viking, 2001) will relish another chance to spend time with Battle Hall Davies in this terrific sequel. Now 18 and about to start college, she decides to spend the summer with a houseful of quirky actors and bohemians in Portland, OR. What her parents don't know is that one of the Forest House residents is Battle's older brother, who ran away from home at 17. Her reunion with Nick is a prickly one, though, as she finds that he is not always dependable. Her crush on Meryl, a swimming instructor who lives in the house, is also full of ambiguities. Meryl is alternately seductive, manipulative, and confused, often leaving Battle baffled and hurt. Ryan does a wonderful job of portraying a group of creative young people with limited finances, fluid sexuality, and complicated relationships. This novel celebrates the process of becoming an adult without providing any easy answers. Battle's summer is a challenging one, full of possibilities and disappointments, and it's a joy to share her journey.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Rylant uses free verse to tell the story of a poor West Virginia country woman, born in 1910, who lives into her 90s. Despite the poverty, Ludie's life seems engaging and rewarding, with six children and a loving husband. Her childhood of stealing table scraps from her stepmother didn't predict a happy life. A variety of vignettes are presented, not necessarily in chronological order, but more like someone in her 90s looking back. Those years include Ludie's marriage at 15 to Rupe, who was tall and kind; her mixed feelings about sex, which meant too many mouths to feed; and the good times with friends and relatives. In some ways, nothing terribly dramatic happens here, except for the incredible changes in lifestyle wrought by the 20th century. Rylant includes luminous moments told in lovely language, such as Ludie's first experience of snow. However, there is a disconnect between this book and its intended audience. These are the kind of stories grandmothers tell, with family connections that bridge the lack of life experience in a young audience. Without that relationship, Ludie's Life seems to address readers old enough to be interested in and grasp the sorrow of having children but no money, or the reward of having Sunday school students return years later to thank you. There's an ageless dignity about the life portrayed here, but it's a story for adults.—Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE

Gr 10 Up—This story of four friends who are attending summer session before senior year at their New England boarding school is told by Skylar and Charley, in alternating chapters. Hilliard is known for sending its graduates to top colleges, and the pressure to excel is sometimes overwhelming. Charley struggles to be the student his parents expect him to be. Skylar, who has a "scandalous" reputation, is senior honoree. Marissa, her roommate, is on scholarship and a lover of fantasy and sci-fi who doesn't quite fit in. Blake, who has returned after a two-year absence, seems darker and on a path of self-destruction. Charley and Skylar flirt with romance; Blake disappears, and the others jeopardize their class rankings by heading to New York to find him. The beginning of the novel is overstuffed with raw language, drug use and smoking, and sexual references, which diminish as the book progresses. Skylar's voice is similarly uneven. At first, she talks in asides and lists, and then she becomes more readable and less shallow. Charley is endearing and the most well-developed character. His passion is music, and his rebellion against his parents' desire for him will have readers cheering. Blake's dark side and meltdown are never fully explained, and his story is wrapped up too neatly. Marissa is an underdeveloped figure. Literary references appear throughout. Readers who enjoy Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown) may like this title, but wait for the paperback.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 8 Up—In this vivid and realistic novel, Strasser describes the horrifying violence and injustices experienced by teens sent to a disciplinary boot camp at the behest of their parents. Abducted by transporters in the middle of the night, 15-year-old Garrett finds himself handcuffed in the back of a car trying to make sense of why he is being sent to a facility for troubled teens. Convinced that he does not belong in Lake Harmony, he has difficulty conforming to the camp's standards. As a result, he is subjected to continuous physical and mental abuse. Drawn in by two other students, Garrett takes part in an ambitious plot to escape this never-ending "behavior modification." Throughout the story, readers are given a strong sense of the hopelessness the teen feels, especially when he realizes that he is completely isolated from anyone who can help him. The ending is both realistic and disturbing as his fate at Lake Harmony is revealed. Writing in the teen's mature and perceptive voice, Strasser creates characters who will provoke strong reactions from readers. While most teens will undoubtedly identify with the protagonist's sense of being misunderstood by his parents, many will be outraged by the manipulation, torture, and hopelessness experienced by the residents at Lake Harmony. However, all of them will certainly find themselves engrossed in this fast-paced and revealing story about the hidden side of teenage incarceration.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 5–7—Intellectually gifted but socially aloof from her seventh-grade peers, Emma-Jean is nonetheless happy with her life. She has positive relationships with several adults, a number of interests to pursue, and the memory of her late father to inspire her. Her life inexorably changes after a chance encounter with a classmate leads her to become a problem-solver without realizing the ripple effect that her actions will have. Readers will be fascinated by Emma-Jean's emotionless observations and her adult-level vocabulary (e.g., palliative). Tarshis pulls off a balancing act, showing the child's detachment yet making her a sympathetic character. Exceptionally fleshed-out secondary characters add warmth to the story, including the school janitor who unobtrusively resolves all manner of middle school drama. The plot meshes well with the setting, a close-up of school social life. Future Jane Austen fans will appreciate the subtle humor, minute observations, and snapshot of the unwritten class structure that governs 12-year-old behavior. Get this into the right hands by recommending it as a read-aloud for kids lucky enough to be read to in later elementary or early middle school.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 4–7—In this second book in the series, Jennifer and her sister, their grandmother, and a neighbor are visiting ancient ruins in the Yucatan peninsula when Jennifer spots a CIA agent who appears to be following a mysterious man. Then a woman is found murdered in a theme park the 14-year-old and her group are visiting. Aided by the teen's ability to cast an invisibility spell on herself, the four help solve the crime. This fast-moving book will keep readers interested. While there are no pictures of the ruins except on the front cover, the story includes facts about them, which will help readers to understand these ancient artifacts and may inspire them to learn more. While it is not necessary to have read the first installment in order to enjoy this one, its events are mentioned and knowledge of them might make this story more interesting. Reluctant readers will love this book and others will be attracted to it as well.—Elizabeth H. Willoughby, Red Bank Middle School, NJ

Gr 5–7—When Nazi invasion brings a restrictive dictatorship to the fair and free-thinking Danes, Bamse's theatrical family chooses to ignore the increasingly dangerous circumstances in the hope that their gentile family and thespian lifestyle will not be affected. Older brother Orlando sees the writing on the wall and joins the Resistance while Uncle Johann sides with the Nazi sympathizers, hoping for survival through cooperation. Caught in a cage between the British and German fighting, Denmark is dubbed "Hitler's Canary." The increasing number of arrests and likely deportation of all Danish Jews force the Skovlunds to come to terms with reality. Bamse and his Jewish friend Anton begin to work secretly alongside Orlando until Anton's family is forced into hiding. Bamse's political-cartoonist father loses his job and his famous stage-actress mother makes good use of her acting talent to create an effective diversion for the Gestapo searching their home. Through the voice of 12-year-old Bamse, Toksvig mixes in a sardonic humor that adds spice and comic relief to a story about a very perilous and frightening time. Drawing on real events and the experiences of her family, she re-creates an episode in history when many citizens willingly put their lives at risk to participate in the 10-day rescue of the Danish Jews during the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur holidays of 1943. In total, close to 7200 Jews and 689 non-Jews escaped to Sweden. Readable, intriguing, and realistic, with a good epilogue and author's note appended.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 7 Up—Sixteen-year old Dana Landgrave has nightmares of a boy being sealed into a small space by a man he previously trusted. The dreams rob her of sleep and render her somewhat claustrophobic. Her therapist convinces Dana to undergo past-life regression therapy, on the supposition that her dreams are actually memories of a previous incarnation. As the story unfolds, readers learn of two previous lives, each of which features some people from her current existence in their earlier forms. Dana even travels to Great Britain with her family and boyfriend, where she confirms some past-life memories. This story has the feeling of the movie Dead Again, in which characters from a previous existence have unexpected roles in this life. In The Red Thread, though, the roles are fairly well telegraphed—the creepy shrink is actually a bad guy from the 16th century. Rather than drama, Townley uses melodrama. Instead of a clever resolution of plot strands, the over-the-top climax features water raging below in an open storm sewer and a crucifix filed to a deadly point. There are a few factual problems as well, including a shrink who has some difficulty with his own terminology, describing himself as a schizophrenic when he is portrayed as someone with multiple personality disorder. The titular red thread even turns out to be something of a loose end.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 6 Up—Scott, a baseball-obsessed high school senior, works through the shock he feels when he learns that his best friend is gay. The immature teen's initial reaction is self-centered and a bit hysterical; he fears that he may have contracted AIDS after having helped Travis recover from a bloody batting-cage accident a few months earlier. While he awaits the results of tests to show whether he has the virus, Scott starts to gain an awareness and understanding of his friend's situation. Travis has been thrown out by his parents (and taken in by Scott's father); and after his friend gives an anonymous interview to the school newspaper, Scott fears for his safety. A history teacher ties the issue to a lesson on how Nazi Germany persecuted anyone who failed to conform to its standards. The book's strength lies in the straightforward depiction of the protagonist's struggle to come to terms with Travis's revelations. The other characters fail to develop fully, but this novel will find its audience among teens who see themselves in Scott's character.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 9 Up—A small town in Sweden becomes embroiled in a mystery when one of its own becomes a missing person. One day Hilmer Eriksson walks into his high school classroom and finds that he has become invisible. He is a quiet young man who likes chess and has a steady girlfriend. The teen wonders why no one can see him and begins to realize that something terrible has happened. Hilmer learns that he is missing, but is confused because he can see what is going on around him. Soon he realizes that he is invisible to the outside world. Detective Harald Fors arrives to investigate his disappearance, and the teen remains by his side. After conducting several interviews, Fors suspects that a group of skinheads is involved: the teen had earned their wrath by trying to protect one of its victims—a fellow student who is an immigrant. Even after Hilmer is found hidden away in a compost heap, badly beaten and barely alive, his ghostly presence continues to follow the characters, until his body dies and his strength runs out. The story is intriguing at first, but once Fors gets on the trail of the skinheads, the book becomes predictable. Much of the story line centers around Hilmer's reaching out for help and no one responding because of his invisibility. However, as the plot picks up speed, the interludes describing his thoughts are dropped haphazardly into the chapters without cohesiveness. Give teens Carol Plum-Ucci's The Body of Christopher Creed (Harcourt, 2000) instead.—Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 6 Up—Penny and her friends have always taunted an eccentric old gypsy whom they call the Queen of Sheba. When a teacher assigns a history project, Penny interviews her grandmother, who tells her about her youth and about the Queen of Sheba, whom she once knew. When Penny's grandmother has a heart attack and dies, the woman comes to pay her respects. Soon after, she dies. Penny and a friend go to her apartment and discover that she had decorated eggs—hundreds of them. In the end, the teen comes to realize that this shy woman did not deserve their teasing. The novel's brevity leaves little room for much traditional character or plot development, but reluctant readers might find it just their cup of tea.—Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Gr 7 Up—Having moved with her mom to Puffin Cove, ME, to live and work at her Great-Aunt Katherine's B & B, 16-year-old Kate has, in her own mind, already left the Church of the Holy Divine. But she hasn't yet told her mother, whose belief in the church is resolute. Kate's faith weakened following her parents' divorce when she was 10, and has further diminished since her father's unexpected death and her mother's cold refusal to have a funeral. As Kate makes new friends and shares new experiences, she begins to express her "conversion" away from the church to her shocked and angry mom. She experiences something of a crash course in the wide world that exists outside her mother's church's cloistered confines through her loving Aunt Katherine; Will, the outgoing young lobsterman she likes; Jamie, her X-C teammate; Richard, an enigmatic rich kid; and other members of the local church youth group led by the young, liberal Pastor Browning. Occasional swearing by Will and Richard is realistic. Subplots about homophobia and the teen's changing feelings about Will propel the action, but the real story is Kate's heartfelt search for beliefs in which she has confidence—discoveries requiring effort, courage, and strength, especially in the face of causing pain to her mother.—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 5 Up—Setting this retelling of "The Frog Prince" in World War I Belgium is an interesting idea that didn't work out very well. Emma, a British citizen, is stranded on her family's estate after her mother is killed by a bomb. Their home is requisitioned as a garrison for the German army. To compound her trauma, her fiancé has broken off their engagement and, in a fit of pique, Emma throws the golden ball-shaped locket with his photo into the well—an action she immediately regrets. When she tries to retrieve it, she discovers an American who's been fighting with British forces hiding in the water in an attempt to counter the effects of a gas attack. He's a good swimmer, his skin is blistered, and his eyes are bulging and swollen from the gas. As soon as he is able to see Emma, he wants her to kiss him. Readers are meant to understand that he is the frog prince. All that might plausibly be worked into a satisfying historical novel cum fantasy, but when Weyn overburdens the narrative with the "frog's" complicated Louisiana mixed-race backstory involving Natchez magic, a history as a runaway, a stint in the merchant marines, and more, the narrative sinks under the weight. In this case, less would be more.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—In the summer of 1944, a red-headed, curly-haired toddler mysteriously appeared on the courthouse steps in Way Down Deep, WV. No trace of how she got there or to whom she belonged was ever found. For 10 years Ruby June has lived a happy, comfortable life, well loved and cared for by Miss Arbutus Ward, owner of the local boardinghouse. The arrival of a new family in town sets in motion the unraveling of Ruby's past and the mystery of her appearance. In the process, readers are introduced to a colorful cast of characters who not only add to the rich Appalachian tone of the novel, but also lace it together with sweet humor, timeless truths, and expert foreshadowing. At first thought to be the senile ramblings of Mr. Bird Reeder, a former resident of Yonder Mountain, VA, bits of information lead Ruby to discover that she might be the child thought to have been carried off by a panther years earlier. She learns of her parents' death when she was a baby, that she has family living on top of the mountain, and of her mystical connections to Miss Ward. Captivating and thoughtful on many levels, White's novel offers humor, mystery, and a feel-good ending that a multitude of readers will find satisfying "way down deep."—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 4–7—"Stepped through that door white and softly as the snow," notes sixth-grader Frannie, on the arrival of a pale, long-haired boy to her predominantly black middle school on a winter day in 1971. He is dubbed the Jesus Boy by the class rowdy, and the name seems to suit the newcomer's appearance and calm demeanor. Frannie is confused, not only by declarations that he's NOT white, but that her friend Samantha, daughter of a conservative Baptist minister, also seems to believe that he is Jesus. In light of this and other surprises in her life, Frannie questions her own faith and, most of all, the meaning of the Emily Dickinson poem that she is studying in class, "Hope is a thing with feathers/that perches in the soul/…." How does she maintain hope when her newly pregnant mother has lost three babies already? She also worries about her deaf older brother, Sean, who longs to be accepted in the hearing world. She sees the anger in the bully intensify as he targets Jesus Boy. With her usual talent for creating characters who confront, reflect, and grow into their own persons, Woodson creates in Frannie a strong protagonist who thinks for herself and recognizes the value and meaning of family. The story ends with hope and thoughtfulness while speaking to those adolescents who struggle with race, faith, and prejudice. They will appreciate its wisdom and positive connections.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 5–7—It's Emily Ebers's turn to tell about the summer she meets Millicent Min and Stanford Wong, each of whom has charmed readers in earlier books. Emily, who is effervescent and enthusiastic, has her own story to tell. She's just moved to Rancho Rosetta, CA, from New Jersey after her parents' divorce. She directs a lot of anger and unhappiness against her mom, who is also reeling from the change. She writes down her thoughts and feelings in a journal for her dad, who is on the road with a revival tour of his old rock band and has sent the 12-year-old a credit card for her birthday. Emily befriends Millicent at a girls' summer volleyball league where they're the worst players. The rapport between the girls is delightful, as Millie shares her idiosyncratic take on her hometown. Emily meets Stanford and assumes that he is tutoring Millie. When she finds out that her new friends have misled her about the situation, her disappointment is palpable. As in Millicent Min, Girl Genius (2003) and Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time (2005, both Scholastic), family is vitally important. In the end, Emily patches things up with her mom and realizes that some changes can be good, even though they may not work out as expected. It's a good message for preteens, as is Emily's insistence on treating others with kindness. Although this book stands on its own, kids will get more pleasure if they read the other two first. With a baby sister on the way for Millicent Min, dare we hope for another sequel?—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 10 Up—Adams's subject matter is fairly sophisticated. It focuses on how skeletal remains are often used in cases where the victim has been dead a long time or those in which the body is too ravaged to identify. He offers a fairly detailed look at how bone scientists study remains to determine everything from sex to height to facial characteristics. There is a great deal of discussion of various bones and growth patterns; how bodies decompose and are ravaged by the environment, insects, and time; and how the different types of trauma that can cause death are evidenced in skeletal remains. Advanced biology students will appreciate the details, but less-informed students might find the reading frustrating. Sapse focuses on the court system itself, detailing the steps in the legal system, discussing the various types of crimes and punishments, various pleas, and how forensics fits into the larger legal picture. The title might be misleading as readers are likely to expect more information on how various forensic techniques are used in the courtroom. While there is a chapter on that topic, the majority of the book deals in a very general way with our basic court system. Useful books, but not for your average readers.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 7 Up—Following the series format, this title provides 14 articles that discuss various aspects of obesity. Articles drawn from periodicals and government reports show different points of view on the following hard-hitting questions: Is obesity a disease? Does it pose a serious health problem? What are the causes? Who is responsible for reducing obesity? At the beginning of each piece, readers are prompted with questions to think about, and a section is appended to help them evaluate the author's argument. Embedded in the articles are fact boxes, charts, cartoon strips, and photographs to reinforce the text. Organizations to contact and resources for further reading round out the presentation.—Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Gr 3–6—Large print, well-spaced texts, color illustrations and photos, sidebars, and an overall pleasing design and organization make these titles easy to read and understand. Children will learn about the structure of the ancient societies, everyday life, arts and culture, games, and holidays and celebrations. Recipes and some crafts round out the presentations. Clear and striking photos and illustrations accompany the texts. Readers will learn how to make an abacus and paper (China), a tughra and a pachisi gameboard (Islamic Empire), and a mask, a mancala game, and a kente cloth (West African Kingdoms). These books will provide useful material for school assignments as well as interesting and fun crafts and activities.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Andronik captures the English Romantic poets in all of their scandalous glory. Their notoriously reckless lives, from opium addictions and affairs to quirky obsessions and incest, have long been the stuff of literary legend, but seldom have they been rendered so accessible to teens. In the opening pages, for instance, the poets are set against the backdrop of a push in Europe for equality for the lower classes. This social movement is, in turn, likened to teenage rebellion: "What teenager doesn't want to be free and equal to authority?" The author accomplishes a difficult feat; she pulls readers into the soap opera-esque lives of the writers while skillfully weaving in discussion of the literary tradition and the historical context in which they operated. Each extensively researched chapter begins with narrative focusing on one individual and concludes with several poems, an arrangement that lends itself to contextual analysis. By the book's end, the crisscrossed lives and influences of these figures have been tied tightly together to provide an introduction to their world. Wildly Romantic is a "must have" for high school collections in need of high-interest titles on this period in English literature.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 4–6—Wynne's handsome, realistic watercolors present a wide variety of sea mammals, from the expected to the less heralded. Arnold's gentle, conversational text is relatively brief, but the captions accompanying the illustrations encapsulate a good deal of additional data. They include such diverse topics as swimming methods, blowholes, ocean pressure, parenting, and echolocation. For those not ready for George S. Fichter's more demanding Whales and Other Marine Mammals (St. Martin's, 2001) but wanting the same broad spectrum of aquatic life, this is an attractive, informative introduction.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—This volume approaches the basics of traditional cartooning with what is funny—what creates humor. Pointing out the difference between "regular" illustrations and cartoons, the author divides the book into chapters that give readers instruction in six areas—exaggeration; simplification; animals and objects doing "people" things; people in different poses; unusual body types and gestures; and monsters, weird creatures, and aliens. Easy suggestions begin with exaggerations and simplifications: making things big or thick; drawing a figure with distance perspective to minimize a giant's head or enlarge his boots; drawing parts of animals; exaggerating well-known physical characteristics; and repeating figures and objects to add humor. Simple replacement experiments with facial features to show expressions are featured and encouraged, as are developing a story line with lists of possible funny situations and working with stick figures to understand body positioning and gestures. Black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings throughout are designed to encourage readers to add and create their own individual changes to cartoon figures. This volume is not a mere tracing book, but rather a step-by-step technique for thinking of cartooning as humor instead of mere illustration. Artell speaks to a wide audience and will engage both younger readers and their older siblings.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 6–9—These volumes provide brief overviews of a variety of related topics. Ballard incorporates the new food pyramid into a discussion of basic nutritional requirements. She considers obesity, malnutrition, and eating disorders and comments on various factors that influence eating choices, such as advertising and peer pressure. After helping readers decipher food labels, she provides a week's worth of menus. Morris concentrates on food production and includes charts that show which countries lead in producing different commodities. He discusses agricultural practices, transportation issues, and marketing strategies. Both books incorporate numerous text boxes and photos and provide suggestions for relevant books and Web sites. The writing style, format, and structure mark the volumes as sources for reports. Libraries that need to update resources on nutrition, particularly with information on the new food pyramid introduced in 2005, should consider adding one or both titles.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 5–8—These books provide readers with background information and various points of view regarding high-profile issues and seek to help them to evaluate related media reports. Each one begins with a dramatic news story, followed by six to seven subtopics, each presenting differing viewpoints, including some indication of the sources of and influences on these viewpoints. In Climate Change, this format scatters relevant evidence and perspectives on specific issues, making it difficult for readers to come to conclusions. More seriously, the author fails to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. To demonstrate support for the argument denying that human activity contributes to global warming, he cites a scientist whose research was funded by Exxon. Thus he gives equal weight to what may be corporate propaganda and to scientific consensus. The format works better for Internet Freedom and Human Rights, since relevant arguments are presented in the same sections. The mostly color photographs, especially in Human Rights, highlight the issues well. The books conclude with a "You Need to Decide" section and a set of activities, the best of which is found in Human Rights. Climate Change has serious problems, but the other two books will help students make sense of controversial issues and the way they are presented in the media.—Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL

Gr 4 Up—Baynes introduces readers to the creatures and myths found in medieval bestiaries and explains how the books were made and how they were viewed by the general public. The rest of the volume details the commonly held beliefs that both peasants and scholars embraced about specific animals, from well-known fantastical creatures like the manticore and the unicorn to little-known beasts such as the yale and the bonnacon. Even real creatures were given mythical qualities: it was believed that the lion's young were born dead and licked to life by the father three days after birth, while the panther was known for breath so sweet it would summon animals to its side with its belch. Baynes's detailed gouache and colored-pencil illustrations, one full-color page per creature, are done in the style of medieval illuminations and highlight the strangest qualities these animals were believed to have. The artist shows great respect for the early bestiary creators while also giving the stories relevance for modern readers, offering real-life possibilities for why people believed the animals had supernatural properties. Though the subject material has limited appeal, this book will be a coveted resource for mythology buffs who loved Ernest Drake's Dragonology (Candlewick, 2003) and students interested in medieval Christianity.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 4–6—This tongue-in-cheek overview features a folksy narrative of how and why country music developed in the barns and back roads of rural America. The text doesn't miss a beat—it covers instruments, early recordings, yodeling (with a humorous spread on how-to), the Great Depression, gospel, movie cowboys, a "paper-doll" spoof of singers' costumes, hillbilly jazz, World War II, acceptable country pets (hound dogs, varmints, hawgs), country "vee-hickles," Nashville, the age of TV, the 1990s explosion of country sound, and much more. While poking fun at itself with a "country words" dictionary and a segment on "country hair," the book offers a vast amount of historical fact amid a multitude of caricatures of country stars. Some of the pages are quite dark, but the ever-changing backgrounds and fonts with colored-pencil and crayon illustrations carry an amazing variation of detail. The book gets a bit over-the-top with "The Big List of Country Nicknames," stars depicted as winged cupids on the cover, and Hank Williams's problems with pistols, but country-music fans probably will only mind that there are faces not present. A long who's who at the back identifies the performers pictured throughout. Holly George-Warren's Honky-Tonk Heroes & Hillbilly Angels (Houghton, 2006) offers a simple biographical look at a few artists, while Bertholf's broad view goes further to explain the genre to young readers and does so in an entertaining manner.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 4–6—Each of these books begins with an introduction, followed by four chapters organized according to historical period. Sections open with a very limited look at the time. Fictionalized passages place readers in historical scenarios that describe the context in which each hands-on project might have been used or seen, followed by lists of supplies and instructions on how to make the item. Many of the supplies can typically be found in the home; others, such as potter's clay and bamboo cooking skewers, will need to be purchased. Purposeful illustrations range from maps to color paintings, drawings, and photographs. Each title concludes with a metric conversion chart, notes about the authors, and lists of additional resources with suggested Web sites. The nine projects in China include a bellows, a farmer's home, and a bird of joy kite. There are a few confusing directions. In the farmhouse project, the home's thatched roof calls for bundled leaves, but the artwork shows what appear to be pine needles. The instructions for making a tassel for the bottom of a paper lantern are also unclear. Directions for creating Minoan bull-dancer paintings, Mycenaean writing, and black-figure pottery are among the 10 projects in Greece. The directions and illustrations are much clearer here. Projects in both volumes would be useful as supplementary learning experiences for units on ancient cultures. Craft-loving children will find many ideas here.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 4–6—Attractive covers are just the beginning of these nicely presented titles. Fighter Planes and Helicopters describe the uses and differences in the types of aircraft featured. Humvees explains how the basic vehicle is modified and used for different purposes. Several of the chapters begin with real-action scenarios that lead into a description of how the vehicle or aircraft is used. Almost every page contains a color photo, many of which are credited to the Department of Defense. Most captions supplement the text and often state when and where the photo was taken. Fact File boxes, which vary in size from one-third page to two pages, add interesting information and statistics. Vocabulary is relatively simple, but largely accurate. However, Fighter Planes states that the U.S. declared war on Afghanistan. Invaded, yes, but there has been no declaration of war. In discussing motor design, Humvees refers to the vehicle's spark plugs. Humvees have diesel engines and, therefore, do not have spark plugs. Having noted these items, these titles are still additional purchases for most libraries.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 5–8—While these books offer brief, fairly conventional overviews of the wars, their strength lies in their use of primary-source materials. Journal entries from soldiers, letters from wives left at home, and personal recollections from major players such as Paul Revere are smoothly incorporated into the texts. The writing is engaging enough to hold readers' focus, and it is interspersed with maps, paintings, and screenshots from various Web sites that were used as source material. The sites, available through a portal on the publisher's Web site using a password given in the book, are from authentic, reliable organizations such as the National Archives and various state historical societies. Students who are accustomed to chronological synopses of events or unfamiliar with interpreting primary sources may find these books challenging for straightforward note-taking. However, they are highly useful for setting the tone of the time period and offering context for specific events. As primary sources are continually given more importance in classrooms across the country, informational books will need to keep pace, and these titles are solid additions. They complement other historical series such as Rebecca Stefoff's "North American Historical Atlases" or Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier's "The Drama of American History" books (both Benchmark).—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 7 Up—These four books are a mixed bag. They follow a similar pattern, e.g., Mockingbird opens by interweaving a biography of Harper Lee with the plot of the novel. The middle sections introduce a specific theme. I Am David discusses the idea of governmental control of thought and concentration camps. The Bluest Eye discusses racial identity and physical beauty. Mockingbird covers the history of the Civil Rights Movement and its effect on small-town Southern life, as well as the changing role of childhood. My Ántonia addresses life on the prairie. At first glance, these volumes would seem geared toward middle schoolers because of their short length, highlighted vocabulary words, and graphics-heavy format. Their explanations of historical events sometimes border on simplistic; for example, the discussion of the Nazis in David is fairly simple. The books are generously illustrated, and include photos and maps. A time line juxtaposes historical events with the life of the author. While user-friendly, the books don't fit the age of those reading the novels. For example, most students would read The Bluest Eye in late high school, yet the format of Colson's book would appeal to eighth or ninth graders—much too young for the source material. On the other hand, older middle school students who read To Kill a Mockingbird will find this volume quite useful and appropriate for them. Students in the high interest/low reading level category might find the Cather and Morrison volumes helpful, but average students will not. None of the volumes stand alone as historical references; the authors consistently use portions of the source texts to illustrate various historical incidents. Librarians should assess which volumes might match their curriculum and purchase accordingly.—Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN

Gr 7 Up—These titles depict the culture, customs, and challenges of adolescents in various countries. Each book covers schooling, family structure, holidays, work, and leisure activities. Information on traditions, food, and famous citizens is also included. Sensitive issues such as crime in Brazil's tenement slums and the abandonment of baby girls in China are touched on but not examined in depth. The books conclude with "At a Glance," a report-ready snapshot of the country's statistics, government, geography, and economy; a historical time line; and a brief but useful glossary. Full-color photos, maps, and charts enliven every page, though photographs are not always cued to the text. Likewise, captions are occasionally so vague as to be extraneous ("Some of the most popular books among Australian teens are fantasies, action/adventures, and mysteries"). Organizational issues plague these volumes. For example, a sidebar on Australian currency does not explain why the Queen of England appears on the five-dollar bill, though an explanation appears many pages later in a chapter on holidays. A passage about a 14-year-old girl in Rio de Janeiro mentions that she lives in a "favela" but the term is not defined until the following chapter. Despite much worthwhile content and surefire connections to social-studies and foreign-language curricula, these "age-specific" books take a style-over-substance approach. Look instead to the "…in Pictures" series (Lerner) or "Modern World Nations" (Chelsea House), which do not focus on teens, but cover much of the same information.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 4–7—Cooper describes the settlement of Jamestown in a readable, uncluttered text. Although he provides some background with an introductory section outlining European colonialism in the 1400s and 1500s, the majority of the book presents the British perspective. Native Americans are described primarily in the context of their interactions with the settlers. Quotations from primary sources such as George Percy and John Smith are incorporated into the text in an effective manner. The illustrations are outstanding. Reproductions of period drawings and etchings, they are exceptionally clear and large, and often full page. Several illustrations of the Algonquin Indians, produced by "Lost Colonist" John White in the late 1500s, are included. As a result, many details of Native life are apparent even when they are not explicitly described in the text. Cooper does not break new ground; he presents a traditional interpretation of events, including John Smith's version of Pocahontas saving his (Smith's) life. Other theories are acknowledged only in the notes section. The author does not incorporate recent archaeological findings from the Jamestown site. However, he is a careful historian, and he includes an informative source list and chapter notes. Most of the books on this topic are for either a younger or older audience. This one fills a gap, and is useful for distilling several primary sources into a form that students will understand.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 4–6—Cosson begins with a description of an early-day whale hunt and then describes the development of Yankee whaling, its struggles during the Revolutionary War, its golden age, life on a whaleship, and the industry's demise. Laager introduces George Washington as a young soldier, briefly explains the main causes of the war, and discusses the major campaigns and battles. Owens discusses the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Following chapters discuss who the Pilgrims were, life on the Mayflower, the first winter in the colony, and the establishment of Plymouth as a permanent settlement. The Mayflower Compact is mentioned and briefly explained. Each title is liberally illustrated with vintage color, sepia, and black-and-white drawings and paintings of the era. Most captions are a repetition of the texts. Boxed quotations from the period appear throughout. Each title concludes with a two-page section of biographical sketches. Libraries needing basic or additional materials at this level should consider these books.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 9 Up—These titles are unlike other play books in that they provide students with thinking points for those who are acting or playwriting. The 12 plays in each book include two scenes and four monologues. The author provides self-directing techniques and defines terminology for novice thespians and also gives ideas for playwrights in shaping similar scenes. For theater or English teachers using the scenes, the "Talk Back!" section has discussion questions to aid in dialogue and/or scene study. "Character Questions for Actors," "Playwright's Checklist," and "Exploration Games" are appended. Each play deals with topics typical to teen life: wishing for the perfect family, getting the boy/girl, breaking up, life lessons, etc. The "Talk Back!" section allows for discussion of feelings of the characters and students. The drama volume would also work in guidance situations. Both books would be a good addition to libraries and schools, not just those with active drama programs.—Lori E. Donovan, Thomas Dale High School, Chester, VA

Gr 7 Up—This title adequately pieces together the events and people in the star's eccentric life. Drawing on the fact that Lennon was born during World War II and describing his unsettled early childhood with his flighty mother and later with his overprotective Aunt Mimi, the author touches on the major moments in Lennon's life without going into too much detail. Readers will learn about his early fascination with Elvis Presley; his pre-Beatles days with the Quarry Men; and how George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr joined forces. Middle school students and those just developing an interest in the Beatles would find this book a solid introduction to the rock-and-roll legend, but the relationship entanglements, particularly those involving John, Yoko Ono, and the other members of the band, would be most appreciated by older teens and adults. Duggleby doesn't reveal anything about Lennon that fans haven't known for years, but he does a fine job of compressing a full and fascinating life into this compact volume. A smattering of black-and-white and full-color photos appear throughout.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 5–7—Though Halley (1656–1742) is best known for tracking the comet that bears his name, astronomy was only one of the fields in which he excelled. During his long career, he also studied tides, physics, mathematics, demographics, and more; designed and tested a diving bell; and even sailed over much of our planet to measure variations in its magnetic field. He was also a brilliant experimenter, and Fox describes many of his tools and techniques in enlightening detail. Even more admirable than all of these achievements, though, were Halley's uncommon selflessness when it came to encouraging other scientists and his gift for getting along with even his most difficult colleagues (with the notable exception being Royal Astronomer John Flamsteed). To judge from the endnotes, the author has drawn most of her information from a single modern study of Halley for adult readers. Yet with sturdy support from an array of mostly period maps, portraits, and title pages, plus a brief but wide-ranging bibliography, her lucid, thought-provoking profile makes a valuable alternative to Louis Baldwin's Edmond Halley and His Comet (Maverick, 1988; o.p.) or Linda Walvoord Girard's Earth, Sea and Sky: The Work of Edmond Halley (Albert Whitman, 1985).—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—Fridell delivers a compelling history of forensic science, from its beginnings in 1910 through the present. Examples of investigations abound and are brought to life by photos. Most riveting are the descriptions of professionals involved in a murder case, including a medical examiner who dissects corpses and a forensic entomologist who examines dead flesh. Details from these chapters in particular will make effective booktalks, and the catalog and photo of a CSI crime kit will have children assembling their own from household items. This title has more visual appeal and is for a slightly younger audience than Charlotte Foltz Jones's Fingerprints and Talking Bones (Delacorte, 1997). Give David Owen's Police Lab (Firefly, 2002) to those who ask for more. Readers of Technology will be delighted to learn that such ingenious gadgets as pistols in lipstick cases are not just the stuff of James Bond, but have been used by organizations like the CIA and the KGB. (Differences between these and other intelligence agencies are outlined.) This attractive book is an excellent introduction to the motivations of governments to look into the military and political secrets of enemy groups, as well as those within their own countries. Fridell spends a lot of time on the Cold War, "the golden age of spying," but also discusses today's spy satellites that pick up billions of telephone calls and e-mail messages each day for analysis by the NSA, and the Patriot Act. The concentration on tools sets the book apart from Philip Abraham's The CIA (Children's Press, 2003) or Claudia B. Manley's Secret Agents (Rosen Central, 2001).—Denise Ryan, Middlesex Middle School, Darien, CT

Gr 4–7—This book blends poetry, factual paragraphs, and silly "Cheechako [outsider] tips" ("Stay upwind from whales: they exhale what Alaskans call 'fish farts'") to cover Alaska's history, economy, and nature. The writing is clear and informative, and the author's love of Alaska is infectious. She writes in an inviting, informal way that is never dry even when listing facts and numbers. She talks about bears on one page and an oil spill on the next without losing that tone. Topics are covered over single spreads, and there is no index or table of contents. On each spread, one photo fills both sides, with smaller insets and text placed over it. The subjects of the photographs are stunning, but the material overlaid on them can be distracting, and though they are generally of high quality, some are grainy. Overall, while the content is worthy, the book suffers from a poor layout.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 4–8—More than a look at archaeology, this title is also a refreshing introduction to scientific controversy. The story begins on Flores Island, part of Indonesia, when a team of archaeologists and anthropologists discovers a skeleton in a cave. At first, it was thought to be the body of a child, due to its small size, but, after analysis, the scientists learned that it was the skeleton of a woman who lived on the island more than 12,000 years ago. The intellectual controversy that followed concerns differing expert opinions on whether the skeleton belonged to a very small adult human or to a never-before-seen ancestor of modern humans. Goldenberg's narrative is lucid and straightforward, which helps to make the otherwise confusing sequence of events and scientific theories easier to understand. The writing flows well and creates an adventurous and engaging atmosphere. This is the right fit for readers who are interested in prehistoric subjects, like fossils or dinosaurs, but may be looking for something else. Additionally, the story will attract readers who may not typically be interested in this subject or in nonfiction in general. Throughout the text, sidebars give relevant information on archaeological theories as well as explanations of the techniques and technology employed by researchers at archaeological sites. Color photographs and diagrams help to explain some of the theories discussed.—Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Imagine spending your whole life reading, writing, teaching, editing, publishing, and sharing your love of literature with people of all ages. Such is the life of this British author. Winner of the Carnegie Medal in Britain and the Printz Award in the U.S., Chambers masterfully incorporates his knowledge of literature and young adults to captivate readers with sophisticated themes and multidimensional characters. Greenway recounts the literary allusions and themes from Chambers's favorite authors including Shakespeare, Conrad, and Joyce, which he masterfully weaves into his stories. Interviews provide insight into his work, such as his rules for writing: "No concessions in language, no concessions in subject matter and no restrictions on form." Scenes are grounded solidly from his personal experience or observation. Chambers's six-novel series, the "Dance Sequence," is described in detail as Greene clarifies his focus on different aspects of love in each. This volume is an excellent choice for British literature students looking for contemporary novels to critique as well as high-quality reading for mature YAs.—Kathy Lehman, Thomas Dale High School Library, Chester, VA

Gr 6 Up—Any biography of King Arthur is going to have the inherent problem of distinguishing fact from fiction, which this book tries valiantly to do. The authors first explore the idea that the Arthurian legends may have been stories told about an Arthur who was the warrior son of a Roman soldier who adopted Britain as his home sometime during the fifth century. They then make the argument that Arthur's success in defending the Britons against invaders led to the "Golden Age of Britain," and that over time, the stories evolved from a way to intimidate warring factions into the more modern, romantic retellings that we know today. The authors do not just comment on the retellings, but they do try to place their evolution into historical context. While Don Nardo's King Arthur (Gale, 2003) is better written, it focuses only on "modern" versions of the legend. This book is more comprehensive in scope, but because the authors are trying to be succinct with a large amount of information, the writing is sometimes confusing. Their explanations are occasionally repetitive, and they are not always objective in their evaluations. Full-color reproductions and illustrations are scattered throughout. Report writers who need an overview of the man versus the legend will find this an accessible introduction but will want to flesh out their research with other sources.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 5–8—Each of these series titles provides an informative overview of a particular scientific concept. A colorful and open layout features photographs on almost every spread. In addition, a time line of corresponding events runs across the top of each page. Supplemental information is highlighted in "Science Booster" boxes and in profiles of important individuals. The texts offer key concepts in a pleasing and readable format that would appeal to reluctant readers. Atomic Universe presents the history of radioactivity from Dmitry Mendeleyev's creation of the Periodic Table of the Elements to the use of nuclear reactors today. Digital Revolution looks at the history of transistor technology over time. Double Helix traces the history of the structure of DNA from Mendel's pea experiments to the current field of genetic engineering. Useful additions to science collections.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 9 Up—The 1925 Scopes trial that tested a Tennessee state law forbidding the teaching of evolution is presented in eight chapters which describe events leading up to the trial, the trial itself, the verdict, and its legacy of the "Monkey Trial." The second section is composed of nine biographies, each of which is followed by a brief bibliography. They include chief prosecutor William Jennings Bryan; chief defense attorney Clarence Darrow; their assistants; John R. Raulston, the presiding judge; the defendant John T. Scopes; journalist H. L. Mencken, who wrote scathing dispatches from the trial; and Charles Darwin, whose book was at the root of the debate and trial. The final section of this volume is 18 primary sources, such as Darwin's thesis, court-room transcripts, newspaper articles, Scopes's reminiscences of the trial, and sources concerning "Intelligent Design" (five articles). These final articles offer arguments by proponents and opponents of the controversial, emotional, and current issue and its place in the debate over evolution. An outstanding feature of the volume is its utilization of black-and-white historical photographs. This book is filled with useful information.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 4–8—Jovinelly and Netelkos have established a successful formula for presenting history to young people. Opening with a discussion of the culture, they go on to describe subjects such as life in a monastery, working in a scriptorium, and a monk's diet, and include a craft for each one; e.g., "Education in Medieval Europe" features a full spread on making a hornbook. The texts are specific, with facts clearly articulated. Color images support the projects so readers can relate pretzels, prayer beads, or a plague mask to the culture that produced them. The directions for these rather sophisticated crafts are broad and lack specifics such as quantities or colors and, in the case of the illuminated manuscript, the authors suggest that readers use a goose quill and look at other books for ideas on the topic. Also, the projects are not listed in the indexes. Still, these books will satisfy homework assignments. If students are seeking only crafts, they might have an easier time following the directions in Laurie M. Carlson's Days of Knights and Damsels: An Activity Guide (Chicago Review, 2003). The strength of these books is in the history that accompanies the projects.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 5–7—This fictional narrative is filled with projects, activities, and tasks intended to hone one's sleuthing skills. Ellen "Pink" Pinkerton and her friends Sherman Homes and Mike Hu are middle school detectives who, along with her dog, Sam Spayed, are quick to take on the mystery of a missing high school student. Each character, in turn, speaks directly to the audience. As they attempt to solve the case, readers are given helpful clues. Tips and trivia appear in faint writing in sidebars and amid cartoon illustrations. Along the way, evidence is collected and forensic activities are suggested. Kids can learn how to dust for fingerprints, collect trace evidence, read invisible messages, etc. While this crime solving is serious business, the language is filled with humor. "The doorbell rang. It couldn't be the mail—the postman always rings twice." In the end, the young detectives solve the mystery, with all loose ends tied up. Pair this with Milton Meltzer's true-to-life Case Closed: The Real Scoop on Detective Work (Scholastic, 2001). The Master Detective Handbook is a perfect tool for getting the whole classroom involved in the science of crime investigation.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 5–7—More likely to leave novice paper folders frustrated than pleased, this collection provides instructions for 27 simple animal models (plus a lone craft project, inserted toward the end) that are characterized by skimpy sequences of color-photographed steps and vague written directions. Specifically addressing parents and teachers rather than children, Krier opens with a history of origami. She then proceeds to disregard most of the common terms and visual conventions for diagramming, using no visual cues to indicate which way a fold goes and flattening out the unmarked creases in the photos until many are hard to make out. There are several errors, too—including a caterpillar's head that suddenly changes color partway along and a grasshopper model that switches to a mirror image between steps. In addition, a picture of a finished mother penguin is an unnoted variation on the given instructions. Children and adults will find their time better spent with the likes of John Montroll's Favorite Animals in Origami (Dover, 1996) or Nick Robinson's Origami Adventures: Animals (Barron's, 2006).—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—Levine describes how Carson's childhood, strong relationship with a supportive mother, and lifelong love of nature influenced her decision to become a biologist and later made her an environmental pioneer. The author draws on numerous primary sources to document the scientist's life and provides considerable information about her education and early career as well as the work that made her famous. She details how Carson's determination helped her overcome many obstacles, including financial struggles, gender discrimination, and family crises, and describes her long and courageous battle with the cancer that ended her life. Levine also analyzes how the woman's work contributed to a greater public understanding of the dangers of pollutants and became the impetus for the environmental movement and related federal laws. Levine is admiring of her subject; she includes a quote comparing the impact of Carson's work with that of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, which President Lincoln credited with starting the Civil War. Average-quality black-and-white photos supplement the text and there are extensive notes and an annotated bibliography with a wide variety of sources. This book provides more detail about Carson's personal life than George Shea's Rachel Carson: Founder of the Environmental Movement (Gale, 2005), which is shorter and more focused on her career and impact on environmentalism. This is an excellent choice for those who want to learn more about the woman behind the legend.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 8 Up—The remarkable 2006 NCAA tournament run of the little-known George Mason University men's basketball team sparked a national wake-up call on the quality and status of less-celebrated, "mid-major" Division I collegiate basketball programs. This sportswriter's account of the 2005–2006 season in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) focuses primarily on the roller-coaster wins, losses, rivalries, and aspirations of the top six teams in the league: Old Dominion, George Mason, UNC-Wilmington, Hofstra, VCU, and Northeastern. As they vie for more than one league bid to the NCAA tournament, dedicated coaches like Jim Larranaga, Tom Pecora, Jeff Capel, and Blaine Taylor; key players like T.J. Carter, Isaiah Hunter, Tony Skinn, and Lamar Butler; and League Commissioner, Tom Yeager, recognize the impact of RPI ratings, non-conference scheduling, TV exposure, and limited finances. Ultimately and fortuitously, two CAA teams got bids for the first time in 20 years. Both the league tournament winner, UNC-Wilmington, and conference champ, George Mason, entered the NCAA's storied and lucrative "March Madness" tournament. This title provides a valuable perspective on the economic and competitive struggles of mid-major teams to build their programs and to demonstrate their parity with perennial powers. Litos's insights on mid-major issues and dilemmas are embedded in a lively chronicle of CAA games, personalities, and traditions. Although basketball fans in general will gain a better understanding of the breadth of Division 1 basketball, this title will appeal primarily to fans who are already acquainted with the CAA teams.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 4–7—This history of things sweet and sugary is a yummy feast. The prose is chatty and inviting. Color cartoon illustrations show multiethnic people in the process of making or enjoying everything from honey to ice cream to cotton candy (called candy floss here) to jelly beans and chocolate. A time line from around 6000 B.C.E. through 2006 runs along the bottom of the pages. Throughout the time line, tooth decay and other sugar-related problems are mentioned. For example, in England in 1674, a physician connected sugar consumption to diabetes. And in 1978, in the U.S., an accused murderer used the "Twinkie defense" at his murder trial—he did it because of too much sugar. There are great explanations of such matters as the history of honey production and the chemistry of sugar. The absence of an index is a drawback for reports. Another sweet history of candy is Ruth Freeman Swain's How Sweet It Is (and Was) (Holiday House, 2003). Sweet! is one tasty treat.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 5–8—DK has been publishing books about dinosaurs for a peck of years, including such gems as David Lambert's The Ultimate Dinosaur Book (1993) and Dinosaurs (2006), David Norman and Angela C. Milner's Dinosaur (2004), The Visual Dictionary of Dinosaurs (1993), and Malam's own Dinosaur Atlas (2006). Here, spiffy digital imagery is combined with a terse text to create a visual pathway for readers on the trail of prehistory's star carnivore, Tyrannosaurus rex. This toothy favorite is shown from hatchling to adult, with details on its lifestyle and hunting techniques extrapolated from current theories and recent fossil finds. Words emphasized in the "stepping stone" captions are defined at the bottom of each page. Information boxes on the facing pages cover such related topics as "Blood Vessels," "Revealing Footprints," and "Cretaceous Plants." Certain subjects, such as the Chicxulub meteor strike, the discovery of T. rex Sue, and dinosaur classification, rate spreads of their own. A nifty six-foot-long poster panorama of the Cretaceous sea, sky, and land (which will probably last the lifespan of a mayfly) is included. This series title is a visual recombinant DNA treat that provides digestible information.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Despite the recent medical and scientific advances of the modern world, infectious diseases are still the number one cause of death among humans, and only limited progress has been achieved at predicting outbreaks. The worldwide health outlook is further complicated by the reemergence of ancient diseases and the evolution of new strains. This comprehensive and well-organized book covers potential threats; the control and prevention of pandemics; and factors that may facilitate the outbreak and transmission of diseases, such as pollution, poverty, overpopulation, and globalization. Teens will appreciate the interesting sidebars, quotations, diagrams, and full-color photos that are integrated throughout the text and will find the annotated lists of organizations and further-reading suggestions useful. An informative and up-to-date choice.—Caroline Geck, Kean University, Union, NJ

Gr 7–10—Nardo does a good job of defining the social hierarchy that represented the European medieval world. At the uppermost, kings and popes battled it out for top position. At the bottom, serfs toiled hopelessly, and no women had real rights. Indeed, one husband bragged to his buddies after having kicked his wife in the face, breaking her nose. Knights and the clergy made up much of the rest of society. While information on knights is abundant elsewhere, material on the church and its minions is not quite as ubiquitous. Clerical divisions are fully clarified here. As explained, at the end of the Middle Ages, merchants and scholars began to rise in importance. The writing is compelling and full-color, contemporary pictures complement the text. This comprehensive, well-organized, and worthy effort is especially useful for reports.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 8 Up—This biography reads like an adventure story, and the action moves swiftly and captures readers' interest. It opens with Cash's birth in 1932 and goes on to discuss his music career. This is a fair treatment, detailing Cash's incredible triumphs, such as winning Grammy awards and being inducted into three different halls of fame, and incredible lows, such as stints in prison, his drug and alcohol abuse, and his uncontrollable temper. What the author eloquently conveys, though, is her subject's ability to remain true to his faith and spirit and to harness his pain into songwriting and music. A few black-and-white photos are included.—Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 9 Up—With an introduction reminding readers that Americans represent five percent of the world's population but consume 26 percent of its oil, this volume examines the possibilities of alternative energy sources. Each of the four chapters focuses on a question: "Are Alternative Energy Sources Necessary?"; "Is Nuclear Power a Viable Energy Alternative?"; "What Renewable Energy Sources Should Be Developed?"; and "Should Alternatives to Fossil Fuels Be Pursued?" The chapters begin with a preface, followed by five or six brief articles, the majority of which were published between 2004 and 2006, that argue for or against the question. Each article commences with a brief summary and information about the author. Highlights of the volume are the questions preceding the articles, which guide readers' analysis, and the periodical bibliography located at the end of each chapter. The "For Further Discussion" section includes questions that can be used for debates or as a springboard for further research. An annotated list of organizations and a bibliography of books conclude the volume. Sidebars, graphs, and illustrations are scattered throughout. A timely addition.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 5–7—The blue/green/white satellite view of a Katrina-sized hurricane barreling into the U.S. Gulf coast on the cover of this book is an eye-grabber. The two-page chapters each cover one type of weather phenomenon, including torrential rains, freezing storms, hurricanes, and high winds. Formal text is limited to an expository paragraph, with the majority of information appearing in the captions popping up all over the plethora of diagrams, maps, and small illustrations. Extra information boxes appear on almost every other page as well, covering such ground as top weathermen, types of clouds, and lightning. The vaunted "see-through" pages are mylar inserts that add information or provide before-and-after views; for example, an illustration of a hurricane on one page can be overlaid with an image of the same map with the hurricane in a different spot. This seems to have been an afterthought of marketing, with only the one comparing El Niño with La Niña providing a real comparison of weather phenomena. Somewhat similar to Caroline Harris and Warren Faidley's attractive Wild Weather (Kingfisher, 2005), which also has see-through pages, a panoramic foldout, and input from storm-chaser Faidley, this book's highly visual, attractive content may entice readers to absorb the data in its busy pictorial pages.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 5–9—Sandwiched between opening inanities—"One of the unstated aims of this book is to encourage creators"—and an index that is both incomplete and imperfectly alphabetized are notably poor instructions for folding around 66 arbitrarily arranged models. Despite including directions for mountain, valley, squash, and other folds, plus a variety of bases (including two labeled "bird base"), Petty seldom uses those or other specific terms in his step models. Instead, he pairs vague captions like "Fold points to top point" or "Cut approximately two thirds way on both bottom edges" to photos or photorealistic images of generally unfinished steps on which little or no notation is used, and creases are often indistinct. The models include a range of animals, containers, and modular and geometric constructions, some with the author's variations on traditional forms. One of these is unfortunately dubbed a "Chinaman Page Marker," and "Goldfish," supposedly the first and simplest, will challenge even experienced folders. Steer paper folders, whether novices or veterans, to the far more rewarding likes of Isao Honda's World of Origami (Japan Publications, 1976) or John Montroll's many collections.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This series entry gives a brief history of marriage from its beginnings as "an early and vitally important human invention" through the arguments for and against legalized same-sex unions. Stefoff also explores issues related to marriage such as the role of religion and divorce. Designed to spark discussion in the classroom and across the cafeteria table, this title provides solid facts and figures, and the author makes the point that groups on both sides of the issues can successfully use statistics to support their cases. Her balanced presentation will allow readers to draw their own conclusions as the definition of the institution continues to evolve. This well-researched volume is supported by chapter notes and a solid selection of books and Web sites for further reading. Average-quality captioned color photos and reproductions are scattered throughout.—Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Gr 8 Up—Streissguth discusses media bias throughout American history, from the first newspaper in 1690 to use of the Internet and other new forums, pointing out how they shape public opinion of political issues, and vice versa. He shows how political affiliations of the news providers mold what we hear and read. The information will be useful to those who are beginning to pay attention to politics and popular opinions in television news, radio broadcasting, print, and blogs. Each section contains definitions of commonly used terms in politically driven news stories, such as "right" and "left," and single-page boxes focusing on various individuals and news items, such as Edward R. Murrow's broadcasts that helped to end Senator McCarthy's Communist hunt. The book describes efforts of major newspapers and networks to move toward presenting investigation-based news rather than propagation of biases, and warns readers to consult various sources in order to best discern the truth. Media coverage of war and political scandals, and the future of media bias, are also discussed. This is an appropriate support for classroom debates.—Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH

Gr 6 Up—During World War II, as the Nazis closed in, several Jewish families disappeared into the underground labyrinths of Western Ukraine. They stayed hidden for nearly a year, facing danger of discovery, malnutrition, and the disorientation of sensory deprivation. At the end of the war, they emerged triumphant due to ingenuity and family loyalty. Now Taylor, an American writer, filmmaker, and caving enthusiast, follows Nicola's lead to document this saga of survival. The men's own explorations of the Ukrainian caves provide a firsthand account and Taylor's striking photographs bring the story to life. The addition of survivor interviews, historical and contemporary photos, and quotes from survivor Esther Stermer's published memoir, We Fight to Survive, results in an extremely thorough account of events. This overwhelming thoroughness is the book's strength and weakness. On the one hand, it is a researcher's dream of excellent documentation; on the other hand, the detailed descriptions, lists of names, and exacting chronologies weigh down the story and make it somewhat difficult for its remarkable nature to shine through. Sophisticated vocabulary may also prove a challenge for young readers. Despite these drawbacks, the uniqueness of the setting and the power of the historical and modern stories being told will attract both browsers and report writers.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 8 Up—Uschan deals honestly with this important historical topic that is not routinely taught in school, but that occurred from the end of Reconstruction through the 1920s, '30s, and into the '40s and '50s. Writing in clear and telling prose, the author chronicles the horrific history of this practice in the South, why it was so pervasive, and how it was eventually brought to an end. This is a book that fills a gap, for adult texts have been written on the subject, notably Ida B. Wells-Barnett's On Lynchings (Prometheus, 2004) and Christopher Waldrep's Lynching in America: A History in Documents (New York Univ., 2006). Yet, such books for a teen audience have not been much in evidence. Black-and-white photos and reproductions appear throughout.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 6–9—This highly pictorial volume provides information about major epidemics and plagues of past eras and furnishes some information about current and potential infectious threats. Walker also looks at recent medical and scientific advances, including the surveillance, control, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases. Full-color photos (including electron micrographs), diagrams, and illustrations appear on every spread, making it sometimes challenging to read the text positioned between many pictures and captions. Moreover, many of the images depict death, disease, and devastation. Overall, this is an adequate overview of the subject.—Caroline Geck, Kean University, Union, NJ

Gr 4–8—Mohapatra grew up in a rural village in India and became a leader in the fight for the rights of girls and women. At the age of 19, while a university student, she dreamed of a better life and wanted to initiate change in her village. She organized a group of women to meet informally in a safe forum to discuss problems and issues. The "Meena Girls Club" was formed and they worked to bring about social change. The power of one individual to inspire others to action is clearly expressed in this well-written profile. Full-color photos and a map enhance the presentation, but many of the pictures are generic images of Indian women and girls. Suggestions are offered for ways for young people to get involved in social causes of their choice. A solid purchase for libraries.—Kathleen A. Nester, Downingtown High Ninth Grade Center, PA

Gr 3–6—This revised edition of a 10-volume series first issued in the spring of 2006 incorporates last summer's changes to the official status of Pluto and other members of our solar system. Aside from altered collective views of the family of planets in each title, major changes have been made in just two titles: Neptune now includes a "Distant Dwarf Planets" section, which discusses Pluto, Eris, and the Kuiper Belt; and the asteroid Ceres, which also qualifies as a "dwarf planet" under the new definitions, is highlighted in Jupiter. The overall format remains the same. Artists' renditions or space photos (the latter helpfully designated false or true color) are paired with matching pages of simply worded information in question-and-answer format ("What space missions have studied Jupiter?"; "Why does the Moon appear to change shape?"). Each volume ends with a page of random facts, a glossary, and a brief list of further resources. Along with the titles on specific planets, the set includes volumes on human space exploration, galaxies and the history and techniques of astronomy, and a look at deep space. These books set a high standard against which to measure the inevitable rush of similarly updated works.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 3–8—This posthumously published collection of 23 poems is masterfully illustrated with colorful cut-paper collages. Worth's artistry lies in painting nuanced word pictures in a few spare lines of free verse. Her poems are often exquisite, always thoughtful, and apt to leave readers with an entirely new perspective. In "Bear," she focuses on the creature's cagy fierceness: "The bear's fur/Is gentle but/His eye is not:/It burns our/Way, while/He walks right/And left, back/And forth, before/Us…." "Jellyfish" crafts an aura of elegant mystery: "Rising under water/Like transparent/Ghost-bells/Of lost lands…." Presented on beautifully designed spreads, the offerings are animated by Jenkins's exquisite artwork. Whether eye-catching or subtly understated, his designs respectfully bear out each poem's image. The author's indelible description of a porcupine "Held fast/In the thicket/Of its own/Thorns" is marvelously brought to life in the brilliant, multidimensional-looking illustration of a small creature peering shyly from its spiky tangle. In "Star-Nosed Moles," readers are first drawn to the visual depiction of another unassuming animal, paws splayed at an awkward angle, but this image only underscores the delicious irony of the poem's artful metaphor, which likens moles to miners with "velvet-coated/Appetites, their taste/For treasure fed/On all the buried/Wealth of earth." Worth's work deserves a wide audience: this superlative collaboration will resonate with poetry lovers, but should also open doors for those who feel daunted by poetry.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 5–8—Young draws on Chávez's autobiography and other primary sources to document the famous labor organizer's life, describing how his childhood and young-adult experiences with poverty and discrimination influenced his beliefs about social and economic justice. The author includes some information about Chávez's personal life, but the main focus is on how the man overcame a lack of education, the entrenched power of landowners, the indifference of national labor unions, and hostile governments to organize farm workers and become a national spokesman for workers and Hispanics. Young is very admiring of Chávez, but does include the arguments made by those who opposed his work. Analysis is limited and is integrated into the narrative. Average-quality, captioned black-and-white and color maps and photos of Chávez, labor and political leaders, and reproductions of union posters supplement the text. Burnham Holmes's Cesar Chavez (Steck-Vaughn, 1992; o.p.) covers the subject's life in more detail, but in a less-attractive format, and does not include information about his posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 9 Up—While there is a growing number of books on specific forensic tests and cases that have been solved with blood-spatter evidence or ballistics, this book takes a more unusual approach to the basic CSI concept of crime solving. Yount introduces the men and women who pioneered ideas that led to many of our modern-day crime-fighting tools and explains how these tools have made an impact on law-enforcement techniques. Readers see how fingerprints came to be the identification of choice, beating out anthropometry or studying arm length and head circumference to identify criminals. A chronology and list of sources for further information are included for each of the individuals highlighted, and easy-to-read diagrams and drawings of key concepts appear throughout. This book will be a valuable addition to the study of various sciences not only for its technical information but also for the profiles.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 5–8—At first glance, this appears to be a nicely designed title, but it suffers badly from overuse of parentheses; a wordy, almost rambling text; and undefined vocabulary. Youngsters will be attracted to the subject and the cover, but the author's flowery, folksy, and sometimes archaic word choices will likely leave them bewildered. Some terms are defined in a glossary, but items such as "boom," "hold," and "mooring lines" are left unexplained. Too many topics are often discussed in the same paragraph. The narrative describes steamers across North America and Europe. Unless readers are familiar with the geography of these two continents, Lake Luzern, Lake Superior, and Martha's Vineyard will have little or no meaning, and no maps are included. The color photography is excellent, showing all kinds of steam-powered vessels. Full-page boxed sections cover topics such as Robert Fulton, Mark Twain, and the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The photos might make this an additional purchase, at best, but the text is disappointing.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS