Grades 5 & Up

Gr 7 Up—Australian 11th-grader Amal is smart, funny, outspoken, a good student, and a loyal friend. She is also a devout Muslim who decides to wear the hijab, or head covering, full-time. The story tells of her emotional and spiritual journey as she copes with a mad crush on a boy, befriends an elderly Greek neighbor, and tries to help a friend who aspires to be a lawyer but whose well-intentioned mother is trying to force her to leave school and get married. Amal is also battling the misconceptions of non-Muslims about her religion and culture. While the novel deals with a number of serious issues, it is extremely funny and entertaining, and never preachy or forced. The details of Amal's family and social life are spot-on, and the book is wonderful at showing the diversity within Muslim communities and in explaining why so many women choose to wear the hijab. Amal is an appealing and believable character. She trades verbal jibes with another girl, she is impetuous and even arrogant at times, and she makes some serious errors of judgment. And by the end of the story, she and readers come to realize that "Putting on the hijab isn't the end of the journey. It's just the beginning of it."—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 9 Up—Sofi is a California teen obsessed with clothes, boys, and trying to escape the strict controls of her immigrant parents. Fed up with their rules, she tells them that she is spending the weekend with a friend, cramming for finals. Instead, she sets off for Mexico with two girlfriends. Instead of the anticipated romantic encounter with her big crush, Sofi experiences drunken make-out sessions and American tourists behaving badly. Eager to return home, she is stopped at the border and told that her green card is a fake. Hysterical, Sofi calls home to discover that she and her parents are not legal citizens, and that she is trapped. Unable to speak Spanish, she goes to stay with her father's sister. Far away from iPods, Internet access, and a working phone, Sofi is forced to review her life and realize the sacrifices her parents made to give her better opportunities. The plot is paced well, with Sofi gradually evolving from a spoiled American teen into a bicultural, bilingual young adult. The Spanish language and foreign setting are well integrated into the book. While the Americans are more shallowly developed, the Mexicans whom Sofi encounters are vivid and well-rounded. Although there are occasional clichés, the writing is emotional and engaging. The author's Estrella's Quinceañera (S & S) and Laura Resau's What the Moon Saw (Delacorte, both 2006) also explore a young woman's struggle with a bicultural identity.—Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX

Gr 3–6—In 1920, 10-year-old Sammy Levin and his teenage sister, Malka, sail from Poland to America to be reunited with their father. Upon their arrival at Ellis Island, Malka is held back because of a persistent cough, but after a suspenseful few days, doctors rule out consumption and the siblings are allowed to enter the United States. This story of their adjustment is reminiscent of Amy Hest's When Jessie Came across the Sea (Candlewick, 1997) and Patricia Reilly Giff's Water Street (Random, 2006), although Arato focuses on a male protagonist and how he navigates the various gangs in his Lower East Side neighborhood. The author describes how each character comes to terms with being together again as a family, nicely weaving in Jewish traditions as well as the customs and cultural mix of their new country. Despite rather two-dimensional characters, this is a richly detailed, solid piece of historical fiction that gives insight into the early-20th-century immigrant experience. Purchase this novel where there is high interest in fiction covering this period and be prepared to booktalk it to get kids past the humdrum title (which refers to one of Sammy's favorite things about America: vanilla ice cream) and not-very-appealing cover art.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 5–8—After losing a bull-riding contest, Danny Ray, a young Oklahoma rodeo cowboy, returns through a magic door into the enchanted kingdom of Elidor. There he learns that Princess Amber, whom he had aided in Clabbernappers (Tor/Starscape, 2005), has been kidnapped by the horrible fantasms—powerful monsters able to transform into many shapes—and that unless she is rescued before the new moon, she will die. With the help of characters introduced in the first book and others he meets along the way, Danny Ray confronts the dreadful Ikkus-Sark, King of Fantasms. Unfortunately, there are too many sketchily rendered actors in this crowded, complex story, most introduced in clunky doggerel. The language shifts uneasily between flowery fantasy-speak and unadorned English. Those who have read the first book may enjoy this tale; otherwise, it deserves a pass.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 3–6—Eleven-year-old budding artist Eleanor McDougal shares the sketch diary she keeps throughout her camping trip to northern Michigan. She's making the trip with relatives she does not know very well. Her descriptions of Aunt Ug, Uncle Ewing, and her three cousins are scathing, while she portrays herself as an accomplished artist, naturalist, and born leader. Readers see other facets of Ellie's character as she teases and berates her cousins and ignores her three-year-old brother. When her behavior gets out of control, the adults step in with discipline that forces Ellie to get to know her cousins. Initially the kids forge friendships by playing pranks on the others, but ultimately they enjoy many adventures. Ellie shares instructions and diagrams for games such as "Spoons," "Fing Fang Fooey," and "Sardines" that are easy to follow and will inspire readers to gather friends and play. The engaging text reflects a contemporary preadolescent sensibility and is chock-full of clean, distinguished line drawings on each spread. As Ellie shares her frustrations, conflicts, fun and wildlife facts, readers observe the valuable lessons that she learns about getting along with others—even if they seem to be obnoxious relatives. Ellie hints at further summer surprises, and readers will look forward to her next adventure.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 7–10—Luaine is the daughter of the renowned warrior Cuchulainn, and honor and war have always been a part of her life. She interacts with kings, queens, and great druids thanks to her father's stature, and receives a thorough education. As a young girl she must flee her home with her mother while her father goes off to fight Queen Maeve's vast army. She loses her parents before she's fully become a woman and is married off to old King Conchobor. It's a loveless marriage, and she is forced into hiding after a spurned poet curses her. Like the Irish myths on which the story is loosely based, Bennett's tale is full of adventure and tragedy, but her heroine's indomitable spirit keeps her going. This is an interesting read, although the many Gaelic names and some awkward phrasing would probably put off reluctant readers. However, those who take the time to travel along with Luaine will find it richly rewarding. The author provides a list of pronunciations for the Gaelic names and a note on how her novel differs from the legends that inspired it.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 6–10—Jane, 15, is smart, good-looking, and the best artist in her school. After a shark attack at a local beach results in the amputation of her right arm, nothing is the same. Bingham's free-verse novel neatly accommodates the teen's loss; her dreams, anger, and frustration are explored as she rebelliously tries to adjust to her new circumstances. The main narrative is interspersed with news clippings, internal dialogue, and letters of support from other amputees, and even though Jane resists being part of that community, there are connections. Her voice is authentic and believable as both a teenager and victim. This engaging read will entice enthusiastic and reluctant readers; the drama of the shark attack will hook them, and Jane's inner journey will hold them till the end.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 5–8—Thirteen-year-old Eldora, who has recently moved to California with her adoptive aunt and uncle, has just discovered that, contrary to her belief, she is not an orphan; she has a mother residing nearby. As she awaits the woman's arrival, she writes a series of letters to her cousin Sallie in New Bedford, MA, that describe life in boomtown San Francisco, the helter-skelter development, the excitement in the mining camps, illness, and the ever-present danger of fire. When her mother finally appears, Eldora makes the decision to leave her aunt and uncle and go with her to San Pedro. Although the teen imagines that she will live like a princess with her well-to-do mother, such is not the case as more letters to her friend Luke and her aunt and uncle reveal. Eldora changes from a girl trying to live up to adult standards into a young woman who can stand up for her principles. The language is true to the times and the plot has significant twists and turns, but the pacing is sedate. By incorporating a wide range of historical facts through letters and through the articles that Luke's journalist father sends back to his newspaper in Michigan, the author has created a stately, sweeping epic novel. The book abounds in curriculum connections and is suitable for reading aloud.—Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Sara wants to be spectacular. Not just pretty, not just popular, but spectacularly famous. She is a borderline anorexic, purposely hurts herself, often adopts different personalities, emits her own special perfume smell, and sees ghosts, among other things. When pop idol Jonathon Heat takes her under his wing, she crosses into a world of lunacy and cosmetic surgery to reach her goals. An eerie Michael Jackson-esque figure, Heat lives on a wacky estate with a private plastic surgery theater and has undergone so many facial reconstructions that he's forced to cover his pieced-together face with a mask. After Sara moves into his compound, readers are led to believe that she will meet the same fate, or worse. Known for edgy, raw teen novels that pull no punches, Burgess certainly delivers his trademark sexual frankness, folding in the issues of body image, self-mutilation, and personality disorder. Unfortunately, he chooses to use a narrator, an investigative reporter of sorts, who attempts to piece together Sara's story through a series of interviews and video diaries. A unique concept in itself, the result is a clunky story, rife with clichés and indistinct character voices. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves wishing for a twist or a turn rather than a string of obvious allusions. This modern horror story touches on many contemporary issues and could spark discussion, but the unknowable protagonist and scattered storytelling ultimately serve to distance readers rather than engage them.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 7–10—This first book in the series starts out reading like a pastoral fantasy set on a fig farm where children and adults labor side by side to handle the trees and reap the harvest. The farm is on Tabletop, which is bordered by a rising cliff on one side and a drop-off on the other. Edgar vaguely remembers his deceased father telling him that he had placed something in the cliffs for his son. The boy teaches himself to climb up there even though it is forbidden. When he finds the book his father left him on the cliff face, he knows that he must travel all the way to the Highlands above to have someone read it to him. But the world is getting more treacherous as the ground itself begins to rumble, shift, and change. The book that Edgar has holds the secrets of their entire world and its changing future. Despite the setting, this novel is actually not a fantasy but rather pure science fiction where a manufactured world created by a madman is throwing the inhabitants' lives into turmoil. It is a fast-paced novel with a unique setting, fascinating plot, and cliff-hanger ending. It shines because of the author's imagination and skill. The characterizations of even the secondary figures are skillfully done, which makes the world all the more vivid and believable.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 6–8—This book tells the story of Ellie and the trauma her family faces when her brother, Danny, disappears on his 11th birthday, and that of Argent, who is desperate to save a stolen dragon hatchling. At first the separate sections are a little distracting as readers try to relate the two disparate tales, but the adventure becomes more engaging and intriguing as the book goes on. Coburn leaves the question hanging as to whether Ellie and Argent are analogues in parallel universes or simply the product of the imprisoned Danny's drug-induced hallucinations. The realistic views of Ellie and her family are definitely the strongest element of the story. While Glint is good, Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy (Knopf) and Beth Goobie's Flux (2004) and Fixed (2005, both Orca) make the transition between worlds a little more seamless and cohesive. Buy this one only where fantasy novels are in heavy demand.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 9 Up—For years, the all-male student body at Caramoor Academy has held an underground tradition of bestowing a secret master key to the campus onto one "worthy" (read: mischievous) student each year. Emil Simon would never have gotten the key in the usual way, but when his older brother took off after their mother's death, he left the key behind. With his emotionally distant father away on business, Emil uses his after-hours access to the school grounds to create a private place for himself. Eventually, he forges a connection with the art teacher's daughter, who is also making clandestine use of the Caramoor property. Corrigan's plotting is occasionally sluggish, but Emil proves to be a fascinating central character. His flippant, defiant manner and casual attitude toward drugs, sex, and school conceal a deeply introspective person, lost in a conventional academic setting and alternately missing and resenting his more popular brother. Those who can handle Emil's frank narrative and raw language will find his almost brutal self-awareness and growing confidence touching.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 4–7—Michael has a lot to be upset about-from the sudden death of his grandfather to his father's all-consuming preoccupation with a dissertation. Cotten takes readers through the paces with the 13-year-old as he begins to deal with his grief. Things get worse when school starts and Michael estranges himself from his best friends, and then gets on the bad side of an unforgiving algebra teacher. Slowly but surely, he pulls the pieces back together through his friendship with an older man, Charlie, who gives him art lessons, and a new girl, Melanie. Michael is reluctant to bring these individuals into his world, but finally lets down his defenses enough to begin bonding. Then he learns that Charlie has terminal cancer. Through the gentle urging of his father and Melanie, he comes to terms with his pending loss and the loss of his grandfather. He also reaches out to his dad and is able to ask for the support he needs. This story is touching and accurate in its portrayal of the grieving process.—Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL

Gr 4–7—Meg Summers is once again entering school as the new kid, and sixth grade in Lake Haven, IN, makes her feel just as lonely as she did on the previous moves. She wants a friend so badly that she begins fabricating stories to sound exciting and interesting. When she does make friends with Grace Bennett, one of the "peppy blond girls," her stories continue, this time to cover up her family's secret. Meg's father is an alcoholic and his binges are becoming more frequent and violent, especially since her older brother is fighting back. When Grace's stepmom drives Meg home after one of her many visits, they witness an altercation between Mr. Summers and Teddy in the driveway. Day uses the friendship between the girls and the strong adult support of Grace's family and a favorite aunt to pave the path Meg follows to trust others enough to finally tell the truth about her dad. "I've been telling the biggest tall tale of my life to myself." The author's portrayal of a family in crisis is convincingly tragic: "…it's not until mom hands him coffee that I see in his eyes how it will be today and how I should feel." Although there is no fairy-tale ending, the story is realistic and hopeful with discussable issues appropriate for a wide audience.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 5–8—In a prologue that sets the scene, Newboy's mother abandons him as an infant in a ritzy apartment building. After a brief rundown of his numerous foster placements, the story picks up with the boy, now 12, as he is dumped with the Knoxes, whose rigid schedule and uncaring routines provide his worst "home" yet. Some three years earlier, Newboy had simply stopped talking. Despite being tested and examined, he resists speaking and manages daily life in silence. Determined to escape the prisonlike foster home, he runs away and discovers "Stinko," a ventriloquist's dummy, in a garbage bin. Suddenly the words that Newboy would never let past his lips are coming out of Stinko's mouth. Life on the street is full of danger. Occasionally spotting the Knoxes' van as they search for him, Newboy finds allies and makes connections that help him survive. Stinko knows what needs to happen, even if he isn't very tactful or careful about expressing himself. In a world where redemption seems impossible, this parable of survival is riveting and yet manages a tender element while never lacking in bravado. Screenwriter de Guzman conveys a cinematic sense of events that keeps the pace moving and gives this short novel great reluctant-reader appeal.—Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 4–6—Samantha, 12, is unhappy about spending her summer with her grandparents rather than at home. Grandma is nice but works part-time, which means that Samantha will be stuck with her crabby grandfather, a retired military pilot. She quickly figures out that the Colonel is acting weirder and more antisocial than usual. They have an awkward relationship as he is obsessed with planes and aeronautical facts while she is more of a Guinness Book of World Records kind of a gal. Eventually, with the help of local cutie Billy, Sam discovers her grandfather's amazing secret. The aviation history and trivia facts are fun, but the story moves somewhat slowly until the end, and there is a detached quality to the narration. However, the excitement of the denouement compensates a bit. This is a supplemental choice that might be appealing to reluctant readers interested in the science and craft of airplanes.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 5–8—This novel set in Sydney, Australia in the Cold War era interweaves actual newspaper accounts of a Russian diplomat's 1954 defection with the day-to-day affairs of a local family with three sisters and a father away on military duty much of the time. Focusing mostly on the fascinations and fancies of six-year-old Matilda, the tale follows her observations of the strange men who have guns and fast, shiny black cars staying at the big house next door. When she sees one of those men in a newsreel about the Russian who defected amidst controversy about the fate of his wife, she lets slip to their other neighbor, a crazy old man with his own gun, that spies live on the other side of her, leading to some action, which is in rather short supply here. A family drama evolves piecemeal in flashbacks to a beach picnic at which the father, continuing to be distraught in the aftermath of World War II, attempts to hang himself while his brother looks on immobile. While key characters are young people, even their dramas of pet parades and teenage nervous breakdowns are unlikely to interest American readers. Even incidents involving Matilda's imaginary companion are strangely flat and unappealing. This plot and its characters won't motivate most children to follow the slow story to its happy conclusion.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 6–9—Connie Pickles, 14, is a nerdy London girl who loves French culture and dreams of one day reuniting with her grandparents, the exotic de Bellechasses. Inspired by Nancy Mitford's The Blessing, Connie decides to help fix her widowed mother's bad luck with men and find her a suitable husband. After creating a list of qualities such as being financially stable, hunky, and a French buff, she and her best friend devise plans to con the unsuspecting suitors into meeting her mom. As disaster and hilarity become inevitable, Connie must figure out how to undo what has been done. Readers are sure to relate to the protagonist. Lonely, confused, and an outcast, she has to deal with issues of love, sex, puberty, honesty, and being a good friend. The climactic party at a friend's house, which involves heavy drinking, seems wild for this audience but Connie is always an observer with a mature outlook. She and Julie discuss the pressure of partying and how it is not for everyone. The book hits contemporary issues with a subplot that deals with Connie's feelings about a vague, ongoing overseas war. The diary format makes the text heartfelt and realistic. An enjoyable, lighthearted read.—Jessica Lamarre, Medford Public Library, MA

Gr 3–6—It has been almost a year since Eleanor and Solly discovered their ability to fly and used their unusual powers to defeat evil genius Kaspar Snit in his plot to steal the fountains of Rome. Now, they discover that Snit has returned as the director of "The Zoomers," a TV superhero show that is suspiciously like their family's adventures. When Snit announces that the show will be on hiatus until its young fans send in one million dollars for earthquake relief, the two are suspicious. Accompanied by nanny extraordinaire Mrs. Leer, they infiltrate the villain's studio and discover that he is out for revenge. He plans to steal the donations to rebuild his stronghold and recommence his dastardly deeds. Furthermore, he wants Eleanor to join him as his sinister sidekick. The pacing is uneven and there is minimal explanation of important plot elements and character relationships from The Fortress of Kaspar Snit (Tundra, 2004). The adult characters are highly exaggerated. Nanny Leer is an über-Mary Poppins with her precise diction and her caregivers' handbook with instructions for every possible occasion, while Kaspar's melodramatic supervillain dialogue would make Snidely Whiplash cringe. Although there are some humorous moments, this mélange of action and superhero parody will confuse readers unfamiliar with the earlier adventure.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–7—Queen Marie Rousseau is intelligent and capable. She is also bossy and selfish. Spoiled from birth by her father and three older brothers (and somewhat less by her mother) and homeschooled until she was in third grade, Queen has no idea how to relate to her fifth-grade classmates. She doesn't seem able to keep her mouth shut and often treats them with scorn. When a new boy, Leroy, appears in class—smelly, ill-dressed, and claiming he is from Africa—Queen is sure he is lying and becomes determined to prove it. Following him, she discovers that he is running errands for a neighbor, an actor who has developed agoraphobia. Queen bullies Leroy into telling her about Cornelius and tries to talk her way into his apartment. Her high-and-mighty attitude doesn't work with the man—he insists that she solve a complicated riddle and act decently before he will speak with her. So begins Queen's slow and bumpy realization that being pleasant will smooth her relationships with others. She eventually gains entrance into Cornelius's apartment and discovers all the memorabilia he has collected over a lifetime of world travel. And she finds a real friend in Leroy. Flake has created a character who is difficult and unlikable but at the same time sympathetic. Everything is wrapped up a little too quickly, but that will not deter readers from rooting for the child to change her attitude and find her place in the world.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 5–8—Hekja and her mother barely manage to eke out a living in their small seaside village, so when the girl rescues a badly injured puppy and asks to keep him, Ma is hesitant. She relents when she sees the joy the awkward animal brings her daughter, recognizing that happiness can be just as scarce as food. The local witch dubs the puppy Riki Snarfari, literally "Mighty Sailor" or "Rover." The naming proves prophetic when Viking pillagers arrive on the shores of Hekja's home. She witnesses the rape and murder of her mother moments before she is captured by Eric the Red's daughter, Freydis, who takes the girl as her slave. Hekja and Snarf travel with the Vikings to Greenland, where she eventually becomes her mistress's trusted companion. When Freydis leads a group to Vinland to establish a settlement there, Hekja and Snarf are an important part of the expedition, and the book describes their adventures in this unfamiliar country. Every page is bursting with historical detail that lends an air of authority, but the explanatory footnotes are numerous and can be distracting. Still, readers will find this to be a captivating read about a feisty and resourceful heroine who triumphs even when she seems to be powerless. They will soon discover that even though the title appears to refer to the dog, the true "rover" of the story is Hekja.—Heather M. Campbell, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 5–9—This gothic, wildly adventurous romp through the dream country of fairy tales celebrates the power of sisterhood. The Eden girls—beautiful, domestic Aurora; bold, reckless Storm; and baby Any—live at Eden End, a dilapidated estate near a rat-infested village in a setting that vaguely resembles rural Victorian England. On her deathbed, their mother bequeaths Storm a pipe, whispering "Beware of its terrible power." A year later, their grief-stricken father departs on a mysterious expedition, leaving a note that warns Aurora to be careful on her 16th birthday. Enter the mysterious, evil Dr. DeWilde. He wants the pipe. He and his ravenous wolves chase the sisters from their home and pursue them across a landscape familiar to readers of European myths, fairy tales, and fantasy. Elements of "The Pied Piper of Hamlin," "Rapunzel," "Hansel and Gretel," "The Snow Queen," and many other tales figure in the story. The breathless plot, which pulls readers into an escalating series of dangerous situations, hairbreadth escapes, bitter defeats, and surprising triumphs, is grounded in the realistic personalities of the sisters. As their relationship develops, they appeal to readers as much for their flaws as their strengths. Grey's black-and-white illustrations, interspersed with the text, advance the action. A descendant of Joan Aiken's The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (Doubleday, 1963) and its sequels, this book is distinguished by a strong, descriptive style. It should have wide appeal as a family read-aloud or absorbing read-alone.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

Gr 9 Up—When Tyler walks into his bathroom in the middle of the night and sees strange, but gorgeous, Shay taking a bubble bath, he thinks he's dreaming. She thinks it's an elaborate joke. One minute she's in 2006 and the next minute, the dorky guy who won't stop staring at her is telling her it's 1978. All Shay wants to do is get back home. Tyler wouldn't mind if she stayed a while and maybe helped him improve his science-geek reputation. They strike a deal. She will help him out at school if he'll figure out how to send her back to her own time. Hiding her from his family proves impossible, so they concoct an elaborate story about her missing parents and why she must stay with them. Soon she's turning Tyler's life upside down. Told in alternating chapters by the two teens, this is a fun tale of love and finding one's true identity. It has lots of pop-culture references (then and now) and some sexual situations. Not an essential purchase, but a quick read and a good pick for reluctant readers.—Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 7–9—This sequel to AutumnQuest (Flux, 2006) continues the story of Donavah, a young mage-in-training. She and her colleagues must run away when someone informs the Royal Guard about their secret training grounds, because maejic has been outlawed in Alloway. Unfortunately, the traitor is determined to end Donavah's life. He attacks her, leaving her for dead, unable to speak and stripped of her powers, but with the help of a handsome rescuer she is reunited with her mentor and their dragon friend. WinterMaejic is a little hard to follow for those who haven't read the first book, and it's also difficult to identify with the main character, since without the backstory readers are faced with a rather whiny girl. However, after the first few chapters, the pace picks up considerably, with new situations and dangers that anyone can understand. The characters are not fully fleshed out, though, and there are some confusing elements that interrupt the narrative. For example, undated diary entries from someone—presumably Donavah's teacher—confuse more than enlighten as some seem to be current, while others reference future dangers or past difficulties or characters whom readers of this title have not met. Still, for fans of the first book, this is a fun tale with plenty of danger, action, and adventure.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 5–7—Einstein, a 13-year-old Twinkie addict/blogger, is dreading his upcoming stay at Camp Creepy Time, even though the brochure shows gourmet meals, horseback riding, and a sparkling lake. Of course, his clueless parents believe the claims of this glossy leaflet, so they send him off and look forward to a carefree summer alone. For Einstein, though, things get very creepy very quickly, from campers in monster costumes to a godforsaken location (the ramshackle buildings are surrounded by a vast desert full of nocturnal predators) to evil staff members who serve horrible food and dispense mysterious salt tablets, which have hideous consequences for the campers. The authors have a way with words and are on target for the type of sarcastic humor that will amuse some children. But the plot structure just seems to pile events on top of events, with no rhythm or dynamic sense and deteriorates into a hodgepodge of monsters and aliens. Einstein's main emotion seems to be resentment, making it hard for readers to relate to him. Without an emotional core and much focus, the book makes one appreciate those who do this type of story well, such as Bruce Coville and Daniel Pinkwater. Suggest Kate Klise's Letters from Camp (Avon, 1999), whose villains are both subtler and scarier.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 4–6—Sure that she's in for a boring vacation in her small seaside village in Canada, Ellen is grumpy and resists everyone's suggestions about possible activities. Then, despite her initial hesitation, she is roped into helping at a retirement home. Even though the elderly people are sometimes cranky, she begins to care about them. When she learns that Peacehaven is under threat of closure by the government, she tries to do something about it—to no avail. She also meets Dimsie Fairchild, a girl who is spending the summer with her stern grandmother in the woman's creepy, dark house. Dimsie's mother had disappeared years earlier after a car accident, throwing a mystery into the mix. Too many story lines run through the short novel while unsympathetic characters make it hard to feel much compassion. The lack of character development, choppy plot, and general sense of negativity make for a less-than-satisfying reading experience.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 9 Up—Like many 14-year-old boys, Simon is fascinated by weapons and wilderness survival, but his fascination transcends the norm and his obsession with hunting fills the early pages of the novel with a powerful sense of foreboding. Virtually friendless, alienated from his mother and younger sister, Simon wanders his Cornish seaside town in a stew of anger and loneliness. Enter Leah, another troubled teen who moves in next door. Older than Simon and much more confident, she takes him on as a summer project. Over vacation, Simon's emotions escalate: he gets an air gun against his mother's wishes, he loses his virginity to an aggressive and drunk Leah, and his mother begins dating his art teacher, the one adult who has tried to reach out to Simon. When his mother gets Leah a job with Matt (on whom Leah has a powerful crush), Simon's pent-up anger and potential for violence are tested. A rather flat and incongruously happy ending reduce some of the power of the book, but the compelling characters and story will keep readers interested.—Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 4–6—Thirteen-year-old Jimmy, his little sister Julia, and his two best friends embark on a cross-country flight to stay with family in California, where the boys hope to get sponsorship for their skateboarding club. Jimmy helps an elderly knitter with her bag, and learns she is part of a group who is traveling to a knitting convention. When terrorists charge the cockpit and take over the plane, the boys leap into action, killing the hijackers with the help of the women and their knitting needles. They then discover that the pilots are dead and that the plane is out of fuel, and when they crash, the real story begins—survival in the deep forest. It may be highly improbable that the only survivors are the kids, the elderly knitter, and the flight attendant, but the tale remains enjoyable as the silly banter is preserved and the can-do attitude of the youngsters is easy to appreciate. The boys learn from the two adults and Julia, whose girl-scout knowledge gains everyone's admiration, and they make it seem like almost dying in a fiery plane crash can be kind of fun. A true adventure book, with high-spirited and fundamentally good boys as the central characters, Getting Air should find a wide audience.—John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—For her 16th birthday, Lynnie expects a car, which is what every girl at her Los Angeles private school gets for that birthday. Instead, she receives something puzzling, though of much greater importance: a charm bracelet that belonged to her deceased mother. Later that day, she ditches school to learn how to surf, and her dad, feeling she is becoming arrogant, gives her a long letter from her mother to a boy called Noah. The teen begins to read about her family's past and learns why she never met her grandparents. Readers will want to find out what is in the letter, but Lynnie keeps putting it down to go about her life. But she soon gets swept up in her mother's secrets and begins to doubt her own future. To prove that she can be as brave as her mom, she goes surfing during a big swell and almost drowns, and the experience leads her to move on, closer to her father and with a new boyfriend. This novel will grab readers' attention with the promise of mysterious revelations by Lynnie's mother, who was a victim of crimes not her own. A solid story, told from three different points of view, that teaches about self-examination and the ability to move away from the past.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—A story set in Kentucky horse country during the Civil War. Gabriel, 12, is a slave but dreams of becoming a famous jockey. His father, a free man married to a slave, is a trainer for Master Giles's stable of Thoroughbreds. When the man enlists in the Union Army to earn the money to buy his wife's freedom, Gabriel must adjust to a cruel new trainer. Although the war's impact in Kentucky is less dire than in other Southern states, marauding bands of Confederate raiders terrorize residents, seeking horses, food, and anything else they can steal. One Arm Dan's bunch raids Master Giles's farm, not for food, but for the horses that Gabriel is determined to protect. Outnumbered, his only choice is to take eight of the animals and run. Master Giles, a kind man, rewards the boy's cunning and bravery by granting him his freedom and a paid job as his top jockey. Characters talk about the many faces of freedom, from actual emancipation, to being allowed to learn reading and writing, to realizing the dream of working at what you love. More subtle signs of liberation are seen in the black freemen who call Giles "Mister" and the slaves who address him as "Master." The author grounds this fast-paced tale in historical fact by providing a nonfiction epilogue. Readers will find this wonderful blend of history and horses appealing.—Ann Robinson, Moultonborough Academy Library.

Gr 6–9—Amateur sleuths Brian Bain and Roni Delicata are back in this second volume in the series. During a Regional Studies class field trip, the teens discover an injured and confused archaeologist, Andrew Dart, raving about how he was attacked by a ghost and how they must save the bluff from being developed. The last part proves to be the trickiest for Roni, since the developer is the father of Eric Bloodwater, the classmate on whom she has a giant crush. In the end, the duo succeeds in saving Bloodwater Bottoms and exposing unscrupulous developers. Readers will be drawn into this fast-paced novel with its combination of mystery, suspense, and humor. The eerie cover adds to the appeal. A good choice for light summer reading, particularly for reluctant readers.—Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—In this story set 20 years after The Cry of the Icemark (Scholastic, 2005), Queen Thirrin and Oskan Witchfather now have five grown children who make up the royal House of Lindenshield. The book mainly focuses on Charlemagne, their youngest child. His greatest desire is to be a warrior and to defend his kingdom like all of the other members in his family. Unfortunately, he suffers from a physical ailment as a result of polio, which prevents him from satisfying his dream. To make matters worse, war has been waged between Icemark and its chronic nemesis Scipio Bellorum. Charlemagne is exiled for protection but leaves with the mystical promise that he will save Icemark from ultimate destruction. At the same time, his 15-year-old sister, Medea, begins using her magical powers to side with the enemy. What results is a typical high-fantasy novel complete with epic battles and a fight between good and evil. The characters contain little depth, and their actions are predictable despite situations that lend themselves to vast, creative transformations. Although fans of the first book may find pleasure in learning more about Queen Thirrin, this novel does not stand alone, often succumbing to trite plotlines and slow pacing. Readers of fantasy are more apt to enjoy Cornelia Funke's Inkheart (Scholastic, 2003) or one of the other novels from the increasingly abundant genre.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—This story walks the line between being funny and serious, and not always successfully. Fourteen-year-old Ruthie lives in tiny Odessa, DE, with her neurotic single mother. When she was 11, they visited her wealthy aunt in New York City but left after one night and Ruthie was forbidden to contact her again. Three years later, a new girl, whom she calls the Perfect Girl, attracts her friend Perry's attention just as Ruthie realizes that she is interested in him. The teen calls her aunt for advice, and she decides to come and help. She learns that Aunt Marty's husband left her for another woman and that she needed to get away. After she admits this to her sister, their relationship begins to thaw, and readers learn the reason for the grudge. Both adults' actions seem over-the-top. Thankfully, other than buying silk underwear at Victoria's Secret and getting endless pedicures, Aunt Marty's advice is mostly solid. Ruthie takes Perry, an astrology buff, to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. But, even though they have a terrific time and he calls Ruthie "a perfect girl," there's no when they kiss. It's a letdown after she has spent most of the book pining for him. In the end, while giving her eulogy at their elderly tenant's funeral, Ruthie realizes that it's the little details that define a relationship and that perfection is irrelevant. Aunt Marty moves out, but she's become part of Ruthie's life—and her mom's—for good.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 6–9—A hearing aid that picks up the thoughts of a murderer. A boy who unwittingly gets into an elevator full of cannibals. A cell phone that receives calls from the dead. A haunted cottage with a deadly curse. These are just a few of the topics covered in the nine spooky stories written by the bestselling author. The selections are more creepy than hide-under-the-covers scary, but each one has a twist that readers will enjoy. This collection is sure to be in demand.—Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up—Gwen has tuberculosis and is sent to a sanatorium. Her father has shot her mother in a murder-suicide attempt. Her mother lives, at least for a while, though in a vegetative state. Gwen's only surviving relative is an aunt who turns out to be her grandmother, and who is suffering from swiftly advancing dementia. Despite an almost unbearable life situation, Gwen does not feel inordinately sorry for herself, but deflects her pain with sarcastic wit. During her ample spare time, she researches historical cures for TB. She also reads about the lives of famous literary giants who suffered from the disease. Set in the early 1970s, this is a story that could be unbearably depressing, but Hull moves readers along through beautifully written prose, humorous events, and a character who grows to appreciate the gift of being alive.—Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to Thora: A Half-Mermaid Tale (HarperCollins, 2005), readers rejoin the intrepid 10-year-old who is half-mermaid, half-human (which means she sports a pair of legs, a penchant for swimming, and a blowhole). She, her mermaid mother, and their companion, Mr. Walters, are visiting London in their houseboat. Unfortunately, the girl is completely unaware that her friend Shirley, a rare and beautiful sea-unicorn, has attracted the attention of a sinister mermaid, Pamela, who wishes to sell the unusual creature to a collector. Before they know it, the houseboat has been damaged, Shirley is nowhere to be seen, and they must wait out their boat's repairs at a friend's manor estate. Pamela shows up there, hoping to find the sea-unicorn, but with the aid of new allies, like exceedingly intelligent 11-year-old Louella Bidet, Thora proves ready for the challenge. Filled with myriad delectable Briticisms (everything from cricket whites and Gentleman's Relish to bubble and squeak), the book comes off as a lighthearted romp. Fans of mermaids will be gently amused by Johnson's sense of humor and evident love of her characters. Even better, readers needn't be familiar with the previous book to find themselves charmed by this airy little follow-up. The author's pen-and-ink illustrations are vaguely reminiscent of those by Quentin Blake. Not a necessary purchase, but a fun one all the same.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Clio Ford, 17, is an artist who has just landed a job at an art store that puts her right in the line of sight of her crush. Within minutes of landing this primo job, she learns that her mother has been awarded a fellowship that involves moving to Kansas for the summer; Clio will have to live with her father, whom she considers immature and selfish, on a yacht in Italy. Within pages, Clio is off on an excursion that involves her father (who is really working hard to make things right), his new girlfriend (an archaeology professor on a hunt), his girlfriend's daughter, a grad assistant, and her father's best friend. There is a secret shrouding this adventure. Through old letters that are found and snippets of conversation, readers figure out that the group is looking for something akin to the Rosetta Stone. Johnson does a great job of peppering enough interesting information and planting enough clues to keep the story moving along. Purchase for readers who enjoy lighthearted mystery and intrigue.—Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX

Gr 9 Up—An account of an accident unfolds slowly, in lyrical prose, from the voice of an unnamed narrator. As one of four boys in a car that runs down a pedestrian late one snowy night after a party, the 16-year-old makes observations that are erratic and clouded, not only by his own drunkenness, but also by the troubled teen's somewhat skewed view of the world. The driver, Duane, an arrogant rich kid, is a teammate and nemesis of the narrator's older brother. Kyle is dating Duane's sister Emily and the brothers also learn that Duane's father was once in love with their own dead mother and hated their absentee father. The hit-and-run incident fuels antagonism between the families, as Kyle wants to do the right thing by going to the authorities and Duane's father wants to use his wealth and influence to cover it up. The stream-of-consciousness writing style somehow diffuses the power of the accident and a gun-wielding showdown at Duane's house but draws empathy for the narrator's heartbreak over his mother's death, father's abandonment, and a secret crush on Emily. His thoughts are fluid and woven together, offering alternate scenarios that suit his own needs and imagination, such as one in which his father shows up at a basketball game. While Duane and his father get their just deserts, the more satisfying ending is the poetical narrator coming to terms with his past and looking to a brighter future.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 5–9—Gerry, 14, and his parents are returning to the African savannah after six months in London when their plane crashes, killing the pilot. When Gerry resumes consciousness, he discovers that he has come to live in the body of a baboon that is part of the group that his biologist parents are researching. He uses his human intellect and powers of reason to ensure his survival and growing acceptance by the troop; he also documents his gradual loss of his ability to count and read and track the passing days. After eight months as a baboon, a terrifying incident with a leopard triggers the teen's re-entry into his own body. The author soundly grounds his novel in accurate scientific detail about baboons. In spite of the less-than-satisfying ending in which doctors attempt to convince Gerry that he dreamed the entire experience while he was in a coma, readers craving adventure and nature-based drama will find this an engrossing follow-up to Gary Paulsen's Hatchet (S & S, 1987) and a logical introduction to Peter Dickinson's Eva (Delacorte, 1989).—Ellen Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 7 Up—When Kira Parker submits her fashion ideas to Cotton, a group that is offering a summer internship to one student designer, she is chosen and spends the time working in New York City for the magazine Skirt. At her first meeting, she learns that the magazine owner's daughter, Daphne, and her friends (who are called the Trumpettes with disdain by other staffers) are also interning. The most coveted spot, working directly under the editor-in-chief, is up for grabs. In spite of Kira's hard work, Daphne ends up getting the job, even though she never works and is haughty at every turn. Still, Kira has a fabulous experience that extends outward from the fashion world to encompass learning more about people, about relationships, and about running a business. By the end of the novel, readers will be impressed with her growth. The authors do a great job of describing the ins and outs of fashion couture. This addition to the chick-lit genre is funny and lighthearted, and worth purchasing if you have students who love stories about strong female characters who persevere in the face of adversity—and do so with style.—Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX

Gr 5–8—After the death of his identical twin brother, 10-year-old Danny runs away because he believes he reminds his distraught parents of the tragedy. The book is divided into three parts: "Thinking," "Doing," and "Being," with each one reflecting a different stage of grief. "Thinking" details Danny's tumultuous feelings as he leaves his house, makes his way to the train station, and travels to an island where the family once vacationed. In "Doing," he becomes consumed with the act of stacking discarded bricks on the beach and befriends a man who suffered a similar loss. Finally, in "Being," the boy stops blaming himself for his brother's death and returns home. The full story of Finn's death is not revealed until the end, but hints dropped along the way pique readers' curiosity. The protagonist's voice is authentically childlike, as seen in the amusing vignettes of his family history, but also descriptive, using frequent metaphors to convey his unique point of view. Despite his running away, Danny's love for his family is tangible, making his full-circle journey and ultimate reunion all the more poignant.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 3–6—Half-human/half-mermaid Emily should be happy. She's living with her recently reunited parents (a human mother and merman father), she has a best friend, and she loves her new school. Still, this third book in the series finds her preoccupied with her parents' escalating bickering. After awakening King Neptune's fearsome monster in book two, Emily has vowed to stay out of trouble, but that is exactly what she finds in a magic ring from the ocean floor. When the king finds out that she has hidden it from him, he is furious and puts a curse on her: at the next full moon, she will become all human or all mermaid, whichever he chooses. So begins an adventure that takes the girl to a secret castle where she learns that she may not be as unique as she previously thought. Kessler combines the whimsy of life as a mermaid with the problems of an average middle-schooler. She keeps the story moving, with each chapter posing a new problem. Plenty of dialogue and Ledwidge's soft, dreamlike line drawings add textual and visual interest, making for a zippy story in an attractive package. Fans of mermaids and things that sparkle are the likely audience for this light fantasy.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—It's summer and Steffie is working at a country club on wealthy Jones Island, MD, where her only friend is 60-something fellow-maid Alice. When the 17-year-old nearly drowns, she is saved by hunky lifeguard Keith, who offers her swimming lessons. At this point, it becomes evident how predictable this title will be: Keith slowly falls in love with Steffie and breaks up with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Steffie's mom, Barbie, suffers from what her daughter terms "love lunacy." She continually falls for married men, gets ditched, and then they have to move to avoid the man and his family. This has happened 14 times already. The teen fears that she is repeating her mother's mistakes and worries that, regardless of how things pan out with her relationship, she and her mom will be moving soon anyway. While Klam's debut chick-lit novel falls prey to some sloppy writing in the first half, and a somewhat silly premise—Barbie forbids Steffie from learning how to swim because her own parents drowned—the antics between the two maids are endearing. Nevertheless, some of the references—especially to clothing brands—seem off the mark from what contemporary teens are after, and may date the book. Authors like Sarah Dessen manage similar topics with tighter writing and more feeling, making this an additional purchase for most libraries.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—This title begins where Dreamhunter (Farrar, 2006) left off, and is written in the same detailed, eloquent prose. Dreamhunter Laura Hame has just inflicted the sleeping patrons at the Rainbow Opera dream palace with a nightmare that blows a government conspiracy wide open. Now everyone knows about the sickening, horrific dreams used by Cas Doran and his Regulatory Body to control prison convicts. But mysteries remain about the origins of The Place, the invisible geographic area a rare dreamhunter is able to enter for the purpose of acquiring dreams, and Doran's secret railroad being built there. As Laura and her family attempt to uncover secrets and bring Doran to justice, they deal with internal divisions about the right course of action to take. Passions run deep between these complicated characters, and Knox beautifully portrays a family dynamic infused with genuine affection. Laura's tender relationship with her Sandman, a creature she created, is further developed and becomes an integral piece in the puzzle of The Place. The reality that is ultimately revealed catches readers by surprise yet manages to tie all loose ends together in an emotionally satisfying way. Richly layered and thoroughly enthralling, Knox's literary duet is a unique blend of fantasy and history that stands out as a stunning achievement in recent young adult literature.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 5–8—When 12-year-old Stephanie's eccentric Uncle Gordon dies, a mysterious man bundled in an overcoat, scarf, sunglasses, and a hat shows up at both the funeral and the reading of the will. This man, as it turns out, is Skulduggery Pleasant, a walking, talking skeleton who rescues Stephanie when she is attacked while alone in the house that she has just inherited. It seems that a particularly evil person named Serpine is trying to obtain a scepter that will allow him to rule the world. Stephanie is swept into a world of magic, secrets, power, and intrigue as she and Skulduggery try to keep one step ahead of Serpine and various other nefarious folk. Deadly hand-to-hand combat, nasty villains, magical derring-do, and traitorous allies will keep readers turning the pages, but it is the dynamic duo of Stephanie and Skulduggery who provide the real magic. The girl eagerly jumps into this new, dangerous, action-packed life, but she isn't sure that she has the guts or the power to pull it off. Skulduggery Pleasant lives up to his name, performing amazing feats with such self-effacing drollness that readers will wish they had a similar skeletal friend. Give this one to fans of Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl" books (Hyperion) or to anyone who likes a dash of violence and danger served up with the magic.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—When Jeremy and Sam's school district decides to eliminate mathematics from the curriculum, most of the students and teachers are thrilled. However, Sam is devastated and takes on the Director of Education. The debate highlights Sam's knowledge of the use of mathematics in the design of buildings and bicycles, in tessellations and other art forms, in animation, in music, in patterns in nature (Fibonacci numbers), magic, etc. Interspersed with the story line are one-page biographies of Pythagoras, Archimedes, Hypatia of Alexandria, Sophie Germain, Charles Ludwig Dodgson, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and Andrew Wiles. Sidebars with Jeremy's thoughts on chaos theory, cash prizes for new prime numbers, laws of probability, and palindrome numbers add to the information. Full-color cartoons, diagrams, and photos appear throughout. Classroom teachers could use this book to introduce new concepts and relate them to everyday objects to help students understand their significance. It would supplement math sections in school and public libraries.—Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

Gr 6–9—Sixteen-year-old Anna and her widowed father, Gunther, lead the life of a trading family in 11th-century Germany at the outset of the First Crusade. When her father takes her with him on a journey to the Jewish quarter of Worms, the teen encounters Leah, daughter of the spice merchant. Anna is intrigued by the differece in their lifestyles despite the prejudicial viewpoint of many of her fellow villagers, including her aunt and naively ignorant cousin, Martin. In search of excitement and glory, the boy runs away to join a Crusader army unit, while a renegade group of soldiers storms through the Jewish area in a rampage of destruction and massacre. Anna discovers Leah as the sole survivor, hiding and clutching her father's silver cup, used to bless wine for the Sabbath meal and other holidays. Ignoring the jeopardy she will cause herself and Gunther, Anna takes the girl home and eventually helps her to seek a new life in a distant Jewish community. This well-crafted novel juxtaposes historical events and the cruelty of religiously based politics with the human qualities of courage, fortitude, and, most of all, hope. Leeds provides mystery and authenticity about the period's lack of tolerance for the misfit or imperfect child through the disappearance—and implied murder—of Martin's mentally slow, mute younger brother while on a walk in the woods with his mother, who had "often scared him into tears." An intriguing and suspenseful portrayal of Europe's early medieval days.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 6–9—Phoebe Trask's story begins with the hot Texas summer before her freshman year in high school. A self-proclaimed daddy's girl, still Phoebe struggles when her mother becomes a traveling spokeswoman for a cosmetics company, virtually abandoning the family. Phoebe's sister is away at college; her best friend recently moved; and her father, a judge, is always busy, so she and her brother often find themselves on their own. Then a new next-door neighbor shakes things up: Beverly Grace, a lonely writer recently returned from Italy, strikes up a friendship with the judge. As Phoebe worries about events like her first kiss and her first dance, she also worries that her family won't survive her parents' separation. When her mother finally comes home for good, it is because she has been diagnosed with cancer. Despite a plethora of issues cluttering the plot (including a controversial case that the judge must decide and Phoebe's boyfriend's alcoholic father), the family dynamics are realistic, and the protagonist's voice rings true. The uplifting ending will leave readers satisfied.—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 5–8—This novel continues the story of Danny Walker, the basketball-obsessed hero of Travel Team (Philomel, 2004). In the interval between the two books, the 13-year-old and his friends went on to win the travel-team championship. Now that they are heading off to summer basketball camp, Danny is feeling the pressure of being number one. He plays as well as ever, but he's still the smallest boy on the court and anxiously hoping for a growth spurt. As the story begins, things quickly go wrong for him. He fights with his girlfriend before he leaves; at camp, he's separated from his friends and assigned a berth in the younger boys' cabin. There are many familiar elements and few surprises here, yet Lupica breathes life into both characters and story. Danny is a classic sports-story underdog, but he's also sympathetic and engaging. He is surrounded by a cast of supporting characters who add humor and whose interactions ring true. When Danny befriends Zach, who is a younger version of himself, readers see the protagonist grow in empathy and self-awareness. Sports fans will relish the on-court action, expertly rendered in Lupica's taut prose. This worthy sequel to Travel Team should earn a wide audience.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 7–9—Jess's artistic mother can't understand why running holds such an attraction for her daughter. The girl is balancing her family, practice, school, first love interest, and friends pretty well until her mother gets sick. All she and her older sister are told is that she has cancer. Her dad becomes so wrapped up in his wife that his daughters are either shuffled off to friends' homes or left to fend for themselves. Jess is trying to keep up an appearance of normalcy so she doesn't tell anyone about her mother, and her friends can't understand why she is avoiding them. It isn't until the very end of the book that the family finally talks about what is really going on and what the future holds for all of them. McFarlane does a commendable job of incorporating Jess's emotions. Unfortunately, there are too many plot threads that vie for prominence, and each one is given equal attention. The writing style is uneven, and the characters, except for Jess, are never fully developed, leaving readers with little empathy for them. Finally, the ending is too abrupt; everything is wrapped up in the last two pages.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 3–6—Set in 1932, this picture book tells of a teenager who leaves his home in Akron, OH, and takes to the rails to find work and hopefully a better life in California. Despite his father's advice, "look out for you and yours, and nobody else," Rudy learns that people who are down and out have to lean on others sometimes. As he travels west, stopping to take odd jobs, he meets other travelers who help him endure life on the road. They show him the signs left behind by other hoboes, warning of danger and indicating those homes where food would be offered. With their assistance, Rudy, like many other displaced persons, survives, eventually returning home to carve the "kindness here" symbol on his own front porch. Realistic, painterly illustrations depict the teen's cross-country journey, showing the many different trains he rides through the changing North American landscape. Beginning with the despair on the faces of the men waiting in line for work, the paintings clearly convey the characters' emotions. The symbols appear throughout and are defined on an appended page, along with a "Hobo Glossary." The writing is clear and vivid, and an author's note provides context for the story. A wonderful addition to the study of the Great Depression.—Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS

Gr 5–8—McKissack dishes up a palatable blend of fact and fiction in her semiautobiographical story of Rosemary Patterson's pivotal sixth-grade year (1954–'55). The landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision closed the doors of Rosemary's colored school in Kirkland, MO, and dispersed students into two white elementary schools. Determined to prove she does not need remediation, Rosemary excels academically and refuses to be racially intimidated or stereotyped. An unlikely friendship with mean Grace Hamilton, labeled "white trash" by snobby classmates, opens Rosemary's eyes to shared experiences of prejudice, parental strife, peer pressure, and loneliness. Both girls develop a mutual respect for the hardships they face. Rosemary gets emotional support and comfort from storekeeper Mr. Bob, an ex-Tuskegee Airman; her independent, enterprising seamstress mother; her fair-minded and compassionate teacher; and Rags, a rescued, injured cat that finally emits a "meow." As her parents grapple with marital problems and her polio-stricken best friend, J.J., struggles to walk again, Rosemary learns the value of tolerance and perseverance. A wealth of historical references, from civil rights to polio vaccine to early TV, is embedded in the narrative. Readers will enjoy the protagonist's spunky, resilient response to adversity and her candid, often amusing observations of human nature.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 8 Up—Lana Morris, 16, is the only non-"Snick" in a Nebraska foster home. "Snicks" are her neglectful foster mother's term for special-needs kids (SNKs). Lana is enormously lonely; kids in town are downright cruel to her, her foster mother is jealous and inattentive, and her foster father is too attentive (he and Lana share an attraction and, at one point, a kiss). Her only support comes from the mildly kind boy next door. Lana is often left in charge of the other children and has to cope as best she can with rough, complicated situations. She buys a drawing kit in an antique store and finds that anything she sketches comes to be. This is powerful stuff, and Lana learns quickly that you have to be careful what you wish for. She tries to do right, and things point to a happy ending, but the road there is very twisty. The McNeals have interesting turns of phrase and their language can be very evocative, but sometimes their characters have wisdom well beyond their years. The novel has too many issues piled on top of one another—the lives of foster children, coming of age, forbidden love, magic, self-reliance, first love, trusting others. Still, the writing is lovely and the characters are real people who elicit genuine feelings from readers. Give this story to your more mature readers who want some heft to their magical realism stories.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 5–8—In this third book in the series, the children of Coldharbour are faced with the challenge of defeating the mysterious, monsterlike creature known only as "The Roar" from destroying Earth. Back again are Milo, a gigantic winged-boy whose body serves as a shield over Coldharbour; Helen, who can enter people's minds; Thomas, with his powerful beauty; Walter the giant; the insect twins, Freda and Emily; and Jenny, the young girl who can transform herself into a weapon specifically created to destroy her enemies. The story is told in the alternate voices of the characters, enabling readers to get into their minds and learn of their fears and triumphs. Often the most interesting of these interior monologues is The Roar herself, at once a fearful, horrifying monster, and also a protective mother. The plot is fast paced and gripping in this exciting blend of science fiction and fantasy. Fans of the first two books will not be disappointed by this installment and aficionados of A Wrinkle in Time will take pleasure in hearing about this series.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Mimi, 16, leaves her dad in New York City for a mandatory visit with her academic-psychologist mother in Berlin. When confronted with the woman's complete inability to understand her, she heads for London, where her friend Lily is staying. She takes on an internship with a tabloid magazine, which propels her into the glamorous—and ultimately seedy—world of late-night parties and gossiping about A-listers. Although similar to many recent teen series in their emphasis on fashion, British slang, and crushing on foreign boys, Mimi's world seems down-to-earth. Readers simply follow along, bad decisions and all, but life goes on. Several supporting characters are one-dimensional stereotypes added for the sake of humor; a horrid babysitter job foisted on Mimi in Berlin seems like an overused chick-lit cliché, and some of the story is a little hard to swallow, but teens looking for a lightweight read should enjoy this one, whether or not they've read the earlier books in the series.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 6–9—This title continues the story begun in Pirate Curse (S & S, 2006), set in a Caribbean fantasy world. Fourteen-year-old Jolly and Munk, the last two remaining pirate polliwogs, have the magical ability to walk on water. They may be the only ones able to save the floating coral city of Aelenium from the Maelstrom, but to do so, they will need to dive six miles down into the ocean to close the source of the ancient malevolent force and thereby prevent the opening of a gate to another world, the Mare Tenebrosum. This never happens in the course of the book (the ending implies a third volume), as many different and confusing subplots and a host of difficult-to-keep-straight characters are introduced. One involves Soledad, the daughter of the murdered pirate emperor, who wants her rightful inheritance and fights a grueling battle with grappling irons to get it. The book's title would lead readers to think that this is the primary plot, but that is not clear. What is clear is that this book does not stand alone; reading the first volume is imperative. Meyer does a nice job of creatively portraying the environment and the magical creatures that inhabit it. There is even some humor and the hint of a romance for Jolly. Pirate Emperor will appeal to those who have read the first volume or who like their action fast paced and swashbuckling.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 6–8—To escape the memory of her recent attack of stage fright during a piano recital, Chloe visits her father's great aunts, Bess and Kitty, in Little Venice, Ontario. The trip prompts her interest in magician Dante Magnus, their father. He disappeared when his daughters were young, and no one has seen or heard from him since. This mystery intrigues Chloe, as does the house he built, which is full of secret rooms and is rumored to be haunted. As she searches through the secrets of the past, the budding musician stumbles upon a danger that could affect her future—the same one Dante discovered just before he disappeared. The story begins abruptly, as if an introductory chapter is missing. There is little character development and it is difficult to care about Chloe. Nyssa, a girl she meets in Little Venice, is equally vague, and readers may be startled when she is referred to as a friend, since the two girls talk little and share even less. The only really developed character is that of the long-missing relative. As Dante's unfinished memoir unfolds, his ambition becomes understandable and his story, engaging. But just as the plot becomes interesting, it ends, with all loose ends neatly tied up. Muller's tale of family secrets and magical intrigue will leave readers confused and disappointed.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 10 Up—The "Winsome Threesome" are back for their senior year, and boy, do they have a lot to talk about! This third and final installment about Maddie, Zoe, and Angela takes the girls in new directions, and, with Jana (the series' antagonist) back with a vengeance, they are struggling to retain their "bff" status. Rife with the daily drama of modern-day high school, the book's appeal is widespread. As before, the story is told through a series of instant-message and chat-room conversations and is written entirely in that "language," which also adds to its appeal. Suddenly, 200-plus pages don't seem like a lot, and reluctant readers gain a sense of achievement having breezed through what appears to be quite a lengthy novel. Be aware that as these teens mature, so does the book's content. Reading the first two titles helps with understanding references to past events but is not necessary to enjoy this one. Well written, thoughtful, and well developed, this novel is the perfect conclusion for this series.—Erika Kwasnik, Norwich High School Library, NY

Gr 3–6—Eleven-year-old Kate is so good at spinning yarns that her little brother, Michael, often ends up believing the tales she tells. Yet when the two children stumble across an adorably fierce baby griffin, even Kate's most fantastic stories can't compete with the truth. Their family has only 10 days left in Italy before returning home to Minnesota, and the siblings want to spend as much time as possible with their fantastic new friend. They must figure out where Grifonino lives and find a way to send him back, while avoiding overzealous griffin-seekers and deciding whether or not to let their obnoxious teenaged brother in on their secret. The story uses the age-old conceit of children stumbling upon a magical creature, with little to distinguish it from similar books. There is some confusion surrounding a potential villain known as Prince Eduardo that never really pans out, though the action certainly moves along at a nice clip. With sweet pen-and-ink illustrations at each chapter heading, this is a good story, just not an exceptional one.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—Arthur Penhaligon is having a bad week. Of course he is now "Lord Arthur, Rightful Heir to the Architect, Commander of the Army of the Architect, and a whole lot of other stuff" since defeating Sir Thursday, but his job certainly isn't any easier. Lady Friday has supposedly abandoned her claim to the Middle House, and she has challenged Arthur, the Piper, and Superior Saturday to find the Fifth Key and gain control of the Middle. Meanwhile, Arthur's friend Leaf has been captured by Lady Friday and is being used to lure Arthur into her trap. She has become obsessed with "Experiencing" mortal memories and is bent on taking as many humans as she can. As with other books in the series, this story is replete with characters that are good, bad, and ambiguous. The plot is complex, and readers need to read the four previous books to have any sense of what is going on in this one. As always, Nix's writing is witty and the plays on words are entertaining. The author gives just enough new information to keep the series' fans coming back for more, but he doesn't answer many questions.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 7–9—While not as nasty as Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown), this is no sisterhood story either. Winter and Sloane have been best friends in Laguna Beach since third grade and they've conspired all summer to get into the A-list group as sophomores. Sloane is accepted and summarily dumps her former friend. Winter gets even with a blog, referring to Sloane as "Pink Princess." Readers know that Winter isn't really as mean-spirited as her blog; she's mostly devastated by the betrayal. Luckily, this novel takes a mostly funny approach to revenge and has a lot more going for it than shallow teens. Winter's mom is fixated on '60s culture, even though it was way before her time, and she runs a café that offers smoothies based on songs of that era. She has recently hired a 16-year-old, Rey, who befriends Winter. During an impulsive trip to New York to see her father (Why, oh why do so many chick-lit main characters have former rock stars as dads?), she has a fling with his art-gallery intern. Winter shows real growth throughout the novel and finds her way with new friends, a boyfriend, and even her mother. A good choice for reluctant readers, the story also has enough substance to appeal to any reader, whether or not they'd do in those who done them wrong.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 3–6—The one day Bulu forgets to recite her daily spell "to keep the wild away," the jungle seems to invade the peaceful world of the orphanage in Midnapore, India. Two girls, Amala and Kamala, who had been living with wolves, are brought in and placed with the other children. Rev. Singh, who runs the orphanage, aims to "tame [them], rinse the jungle out and fill [them] with God's mercy." Bulu grows from resenting the attention given the wolf girls to grieving at the death of Amala and, finally, to showing empathy for Kamala's loneliness. She willingly supplies the words the wolf girl is lacking. The acrylic art is rendered on large, stylized spreads. The story subtly explores the tension between those who would allow the jungle to exist on its own terms and those who would eliminate it, with men "ripping down trees for miles." There is also the notion of taming the wild, which permeates the story and infuses it with a sense of sadness. Scenes of the wolf girls crawling, lapping food from a dish on the floor, sniffing at bowl and pillow, or folded in on themselves in dark isolation demonstrate the futility of helping them live among people. In a perfect departure from the pattern of spreads, Bulu's unsuccessful attempts to befriend Kamala are shown in encircled vignettes. An author's note informs readers that the story is based on the real recovery of two girls in 1920.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

Gr 7 Up—The wealthy and beautiful 15-year-old Hamilton triplets—impetuous Lexington, pragmatic Park, and mini-mogul Madison—have it all and Manhattan is their playground. At a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the sisters have a troublesome encounter with a zealous paparazzo that leads them to discover the dead body of a famous fashion magazine editor. When Lexington is implicated in the murder, the teens set out to solve the case themselves. Full of snobbery, cattiness, sexual encounters, and underage drinking, this book tries very hard to be like Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown) and Bennett Madison's "Lulu Dark" mysteries (Sleuth/Razorbill), but it has none of the wit and knowing sarcasm that make those books so entertaining. The mystery starts off well for these wannabe Nancy Drews but it is so drawn out that, by the end, readers will lose interest in whodunit and why. Because the story is written in alternating chapters about different characters, readers don't get to know the stereotypical sisters, their boyfriends, and their employees, but since they are all so unlikable and smug, no one is likely to care.—Anne Rouyer, New York Public Library

Gr 6–8—Setting her story in rural Ireland, Parkinson develops the character of Margaret Rose Clarke through the use of first-person narrative. Mags, 12, speaks directly to readers, often explaining her use of dialogue and literary device, letting her audience in on the formation of the novel. ("I am plan-ning to be a writer when I grow up, and I am going to use this story to practice a few little phrases that might be a bit sophisticated." "I've thought a lot about intriguing openings….") Her father has recently died, causing her mother to sell their family home and move to the country. Wandering through the woods, she meets Gillian, a talented musician who has a chance to audition at the distinguished Yehudi Menuhin School of Music but who needs to find her father to ask for plane fare. Mags turns the search for Gillian's father into a mystery to be solved and attacks the problem with considerable energy. The contrast between these two characters, both missing their fathers in very different circumstances, as well as the relationships between Mags and Gillian and Mags and her mother, are artfully rendered, giving readers insight into the protagonist's heart and mind. She is smart, wise, outspoken, and not always as sure of herself as she appears on the outside. While the story has a definite ending, to which Mags adds a short chapter in an attempt to tie up all loose ends, it begs to continue.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 4–7—Learning the workings of the free-market economy has never been more fun than in this tall tale of entrepreneurship set in Eden Prairie, MN. When the narrator's grandmother gives him an old rider mower for his 12th birthday, his life changes; he senses "some kind of force behind it." Almost as soon as he figures out how to run it, the boy is in business—by the second day he has eight jobs. When he mows the lawn of Arnold Howell, an aging hippie e-trader, the cash-poor man offers a stock-market account in lieu of payment. Arnold not only invests the money; he also offers business advice. Soon lawn boy has a partner, 15 employees, a lot of money invested in the market, and a prizefighter. Chapter headings suggest business principles behind what is happening. Throughout the tale, the narrator is innocent of his success as he rises early each morning to begin each job, eats lunch on the mower, and longs for a less-hectic summer vacation. This rags-to-riches success story has colorful characters, a villain, and enough tongue-in-cheek humor to make it an enjoyable selection for the whole family.—Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 5–9—On a bright Texas night, the elderly and infirm Cat Master, the spiritual leader of all cats, tries to contact his successor, Buddy, through mind speak. Unfortunately, his message is telepathically intercepted by would-be usurper Jett. A chain of events is set in motion that causes Buddy to leave his pampered life Indoors to return to the Outs and a feral lifestyle, in order to claim his birthright. This story is as old as Cain and Abel, and Pemberton has borrowed heavily from a tradition of stock characters and predictable situations. There are the annoyingly naive kittens, Zekki and Pris, who can't see danger while it's holding the door open for them, and the evil Jett, who's every dastardly deed cues maniacal laughter. There is an overuse of capital letters to indicate everything from The Law that dictates all areas of feline behavior to The Boy, left behind by Buddy, Zekki, and Pris while they fulfill their destinies. Fortunately, a strong cast of supporting characters covers a multitude of melodramatic sins and keeps the action moving to an ultimately satisfying conclusion. The use of swearing in a few situations seems unnecessary. The Cat Master should find an audience with readers waiting for the latest entry in Erin Hunter's "Warriors" series (HarperCollins).—Kara Schaff Dean, Needham Public Library, MA

Gr 7–9—Sixteen-year-old Sameera Righton, nicknamed "Sparrow," is the adopted Pakistani daughter of the Republican candidate for president and his activist wife. When her father wins the nomination and his campaign begins in earnest, his staff decides to make her over. At first, she is delighted with her fabulous new hair, makeup, and clothes, but then the staffers try to get dark-skinned Sameera to appear more "American" and more appealing to voters. They change her name to "Sammy," coach her on how to behave in public and answer questions from the press, and, worst of all, manufacture a custom blog for her. Although she sincerely wants to help her father, Sameera does not accept everything unquestioningly. She becomes involved with a group of South Asian Republican students and begins her own blog, which takes on tough political issues and eventually displaces the vapid official blog produced by her father's staff. The book concludes with Sameera becoming the first South Asian American to live in the White House. Perkins does touch on some of the unpleasant racial issues associated with political campaigns, but the portrayal of the presidential campaign is highly idealized, with no negative ads or smear tactics. However, Sameera is a savvy and appealing character, and while teen girls will love reading about her makeover, they will also come away with a sense of the demands made on those who are constantly in the public eye.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 5–8—In Olivia Kidney's third adventure, she is reluctantly starting seventh grade at the Malcolm Flavius School for the Arts, where all the children are talented. Olivia suspects that she is not, but luckily there is plenty going on outside of school to distract her—a trip into New York City's ancient and haunted subway system; the impetuous, old Princepessa Christina Lilli, whose impending marriage to ex-cave-dweller Arthur Vondychomps is throwing everyone into turmoil; eccentric Ansel Plover, who runs the Exit Academy for newly departed souls in which Olivia and her father live; and so on. The characters are zany and over-the-top, but Olivia has enough realistic concerns—her inadequate, mostly absent mom and a confusing relationship with a boy named Ruben—to give a solid base to all the wacky events. With so much happening, there are a few loose ends and intriguing but abandoned characters, but Olivia's fans will dive right into the story and won't emerge until the last page.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7–10—The final installment in the series continues the clever premise and breakneck pace established by the first three volumes. This story begins six months after the action in Infernal Devices (HarperCollins, 2006). A tentative peace seems likely to end years of warfare between gigantic traction cities that grind across the landscape consuming everything in their paths and stationary communities that denounce their destruction of nature. Then dissenting members of both sides sabotage the truce, and Theo Ngoni, Wren Natsworthy, and Wren's parents are drawn into the resulting mayhem. To complicate matters further, the Stalker Fang, a terrifying amalgam of killer robot and human corpse, has survived her presumed destruction and is intent on eradicating all human life so that Earth can recover from human depredation. Separate, interweaving story lines follow the principal characters as they encounter dozens of others from the earlier books while traversing the former Europe and Asia at top speed by airship, sand ship, traction city, and predator suburb. While readers new to the series will enjoy the hairbreadth escapes, humor, and romance, they may get lost in the complicated politics of the Traktionstadtsgesellschaft, the Anti-Tractionist League, the Green Storm, townies, mossies, etc., making the book more satisfying for readers already familiar with the impressive future revealed in the previous books. With its popular appeal and increasingly relevant theme of global-environmental conflict, this is a worthy conclusion to a series that ranks among the best science fiction for young people in recent years.—Beth Wright, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, VT

Gr 9 Up—After winning on Generation Next: America's Top Young Actress, a reality TV program, Jacey Chandliss has her entire world turned upside down. She goes from being a nobody to living it up in Hollywood as America's sweetheart. Along with the perks of being a star—including unlimited money—Jacey also has to deal with the downside of life in the spotlight. An anonymous person has started a blog about her, and it's full of nasty rumors and information that only someone close to her would know. Luckily she has her posse—Ivy, Desiree, and Dash—to help her out. She doesn't go anywhere without them and she trusts them with her life—but is one of them the blogger? Fans will just have to wait for the sequel to find out. This book will appeal to readers of chick-lit series such as Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" (Little, Brown). There is drug use and underage drinking, but it's basically there to prove that the characters are not flawless. Although Jacey has a boyfriend and there is talk of sex, it never goes beyond talk. In typical Reisfeld fashion, this fun and silly novel is a perfect summertime read.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—In her introduction, Robson states that this collection of stories "stick[s] up for the young people who are singled out because they don't behave, look, worship, or love the way they 'should.'" All 14 of the selections focus on this central theme. Each story has well-developed characters and situations with which many teens will relate. Some selections are by well-known authors, such as Sandra Cisneros and Wally Lamb, and others are by less-recognized writers, including a teen. The biographical notes give students the opportunity to learn a bit about them. This top-notch collection will be of high interest to reluctant as well as advanced readers.—Lori E. Donovan, Thomas Dale High School, Chester, VA

Gr 6–9—For her 16th birthday, Penny Moore's parents give her the gift of six weeks at summer camp. It's not what she wanted, so she makes an agreement with them: when they come to visit her after a month, if she still wants to go home, she can. Her first days there are not promising. Penny discovers that her bunkmates are loud, crude, rude, and mean. They've all been together for years, and Penny is an outsider. Even if not for that, the teen still can't figure out why they like being there so much; she sees no fun in any of their silly antics. So she decides to try to get sent home. Her efforts backfire, but she does gain the respect of her bunkmates and, in time, their friendship. Penny even wins over Logan Worthe, her arch enemy. When her parents visit—big surprise—Penny no longer wants to go home. She's grown to like the cheers, the sports, the camp routines, and the other girls. In the end Penny realizes that the girls like camp because it allows them to act like kids again. That may've been true for the author, who spent many summers at camp, but her story isn't convincing. The theme is too light to carry an entire book, the characters aren't well developed, and the many episodes don't add up to much. Teens will not be compelled to keep turning the pages in this ho-hum story.—Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Gr 5–8—When the Black Death comes to Dowe Manor, killing Lady Beatrice, a self-serving monk named Brother Rohan blames the French house girl, Aurélie, and the simple-minded dog boy, Brind, as "agents of the Devil." Banished from the manor by the grief-stricken lord, the two young teens barely escape a witch-hunting mob and take to the woods with faithful brown mastiffs Gabion and Glaive. Brind's animal instincts help the pair survive until the menacing friar captures and parades them through town, allowing villagers to torture Aurélie and sentence Brind and his dogs to drown in the river. Suspense builds as readers are led to believe that the two are doomed, but the scrappy children elude the talons of death, whereupon a beautiful outlaw storms through town with her band of men and takes the "plague bringers" under her wing. The outlandish Chanterelle is the most interesting character, a vividly described redhead in emerald green silk, stealing top billing away from Brother Rohan with her cruel antics. Suspicious of her motives for keeping them in her custody, Aurélie and Brind wait for an opportune time to escape and make their way back to Dowe Manor, where they hope to be taken back in by their former benefactor. The story is action driven, enhanced by the well-characterized dog companions that exact the ultimate revenge on the tormentors. An entertaining romp through the Middle Ages.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 4–10—In the third volume in the series, the young Apprentice to the Extraordinary Wizard yearns to go beyond his training in Magyk to Physik, an ancient form of healing championed by the great Physician Marcellus Pye. He gets his chance when the decrepit, 500-year-old Marcellus kidnaps Septimus back in time to help him turn his ill-fated tincture for everlasting life into one for everlasting youth. Princess Jenna, joined by Nicko and his love interest, a new character named Snorri, goes searching for a way to reach Septimus and bring him back to his rightful time. She must also elude the ghost of Marcellus's mother, Queen Etheldredda, who is bent on murdering the princess so she can assume the throne. Explanations of time travel are wisely avoided: "at that point, Septimus' brain refused to think anymore," and many other plot elements are juggled successfully. There are too many characters to keep track of, however, including lesser figures who are not presented with enough background information. Readers will quickly warm up to the stars of the book, sketched with liberal doses of humor, and all back in top form. Chapters alternate points of view, keeping suspense high, while lots of vivid details portray a palace life humming with Magyk. Fans of the series will enjoy the secrets that are revealed as Physik delves deeper into the labyrinthine palace walls and will eagerly await the next installment.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 6–9—San Souci serves up 13 more spooky tales, and Ouimet's macabre black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement to each one. The selections are short enough for read-alouds or for independent readers to complete in one sitting. As in the previous two books, San Souci uses themes from folktales and urban legends to create tales in which the protagonist, more often than not, does not escape in the end. Stories include a corpse-child who wants a permanent playmate, shape-shifting evil cats that entrap the living, and an evil infestation of beings who punish those who disturb their homeland. They take place in a variety of settings during modern times. Although some stories are scarier than others, the author does a good job of foreshadowing the outcome while building suspense. Sure to please anyone who enjoys a good fright.—Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX

Gr 9 Up—Horoscope-obsessed Christy Marlowe, 16, meets 18-year-old college-bound Ben Penrose at a plastic surgeon's office, where she has gone to have a tattoo of her ex-boyfriend's name removed. The name of the ex, now serving time for a gang-related killing, just happens to be Benjamin; Ben, meanwhile, is there to have a "Christy" tattoo removed. Readers who move past this too-perfect meeting are bound to enjoy Schreiber's edgy spin on Romeo and Juliet. Christy and Ben begin dating, slowly revealing truths and secrets to each other as they grow closer. Roadblocks to their relationship bliss include the reappearance of Benjamin; Christy's concern with what she interprets as Ben's suicidal tendencies; and Ben's lies about his past. Schreiber handily blends the novel's serious elements (suicide, gang violence) with Christy's sarcasm and teenage dramatics. The pacing sags a little through the middle of the story, and some of the young lovers' quarrels feel contrived, but readers will want to find out if the two can overcome their star-crossed destinies to create a happy ending of their own design. Just in case readers miss the Shakespeare connection, a chapter in which Christy reads the play for a school assignment spells out the parallels in rather heavy-handed terms. Nonetheless, this is a pleasing addition to the growing genre of updates to the Bard's classic plots.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 9 Up—In a style reminiscent of the work of Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti, Scott tells the story of Lauren, a not-so-popular high school junior who is dating the secretly celibate most popular boy in school. Without warning, Evan, the loner son of her distant father's former live-in girlfriend, returns to town and stirs up confusing emotions for Lauren, who once believed that a popular boyfriend was all she needed to secure happiness. Soon, she invents extra band-practice time as an excuse to avoid her boyfriend, her super-stressed best friend, and her empty house, and spends more time with the decidedly not celibate Evan. While the setup is fairly standard fare for YA romances, Lauren's inner conflict over her affair with Evan, and the various lies surrounding it, rings true, and the novel has enough drama to keep readers interested.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 8–10—This sequel to I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader (2005) and Brunettes Strike Back (2006, both Putnam) finds Annisa Gobrowski and her cheerleading squad, the newly crowned national champion Sand Dune High Crabs, facing a new challenge—their team is going coed. At first, Annisa is pumped—especially after her boyfriend makes the cut—but, before long, she finds herself facing off against Daniel in an all-out battle of the sexes. In the end, school spirit wins out and the girls and guys learn to work together, but not before both sides pull pranks on each other that not only threaten the teens' relationship, but also that of their two coaches. Fans of the first two books will eat up this latest installment and readers not familiar with Annisa and the Crabs will find themselves scrambling to catch up.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—In this high-altitude adventure, 14-year-old Peak Marcello's passion for climbing is clearly in the genes, but when he is arrested for scaling tall buildings, his mom and stepdad make a deal with the judge to ship him out of the country to live with her ex-husband and squelch the media attention that might inspire "Spider Boy" copycats. The teen's father, Josh, and his Himalayan expedition company are preparing teams to climb Mount Everest and suddenly Peak is faced with the possibility of becoming the youngest climber to reach the summit. Excited about the adventure, he learns that Josh may have less-than-fatherly motives involving publicity and financial gain for his company, at the expense of his paying customers. Peak is handed off to his father's head Sherpa for training and altitude acclimation with a Nepalese boy his own age, named Sun-jo. At the same time, a media crew gathers at base camp to witness the climb, and an overzealous Chinese police captain doggedly searches for passport violations and underage climbers. Facts about Mount Everest, base camps, and the dangers of climbing are plentiful, depicting an international culture made up of individuals who are often self-absorbed and indifferent to the Tibetan Sherpas, who risk their lives for them. Peak's empathy for Sun-jo helps him make a critical decision as they near the summit, revealing his emotional growth and maturity. A well-crafted plot and exotic setting give the novel great appeal to survival adventure fans.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—This sequel to What My Mother Doesn't Know (S & S, 2001) stands completely on its own. Robin's life at Cambridge High School is miserable. The arty outsider's last name becomes the pejorative slang of the school—as in, "Don't be such a Murphy." His lot improves, however, when popular Sophie becomes his girlfriend despite the detriment to her reputation. Better still, the freshman is invited to audit an art class at Harvard. It is his homecoming; for once, he is the comedian rather than the butt of jokes. One of the college freshmen even shows some romantic interest in him. Written as a novel in verse, this title is a fast-paced, page-turning romp that gives authentic voice to male youth even when it is painfully truthful.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to Secret Agent(S & S, 2005), Kyle Parker, a teen who pulled together a small group of friends to solve mysteries, has a crush on one of them, Lucinda Wilson. Her mother, a molecular biology professor at New York University, has decided to move her family to Atlanta, under mysterious circumstances that involve something that happened to her when she was a graduate student 23 years ago. Kyle, Lucinda, and the rest of the Secret Agents find out that Ms. Wilson never finished her dissertation, despite her position at the university. They learn that she discovered a potential cure for cancer, information she had used in her dissertation, which was then stolen by her professor at that time to enhance his own career. Kyle, Lucinda, and the other Secret Agents embark on a series of adventures throughout New York City in an effort to trick the culprit into publicly admitting what he had done and rectify the situation before it is too late. This is a lighthearted adventure filled with quirky characters such as a teenage boy with a gift for singing opera and a famous romance novelist who writes under a female pseudonym. The book is fast paced, and each chapter ends with a hook that should keep reluctant readers eager to continue. It should appeal to children who enjoy mysteries with a bit of slapstick humor thrown in.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Teenage drag queen Billy Bloom explodes onto the conservative scene at Eisenhower Academy, where he finds love and a band of blond sadists. St. James tells the oldest story in the book, the one where an outcast seeks the homecoming crown, only this time a queen wants to be Queen. Billy's bold, bawdy narration makes Freak Show not only cohesive but also immensely entertaining. Readers will relish his conversational voice, naughty humor, celebrity put-downs, unabashed exuberance, and ALL CAPS expletives. Beneath the sequins, feathers, and foundation, Billy nurses an ardent desire for acceptance. Teens will quickly identify with his worries and needs, even as he dons lip gloss and a beehive wig. Billy shirks labels (he calls himself a "Gender Obscurist"), and this book also refuses to be defined by sexuality. Yes, Billy falls for another boy, and yes, they do kiss. Teens will find this romance fresh and fun, but they will also enjoy exploring complicated issues of empowerment, bigotry, self-esteem, and fear. Freak Show visits these difficult regions of adolescence with gracious candor and humor. More buoyant than weighty, this book flows as a fast-paced, snarky story of high school horrors. Mature readers will love St. James's playful rendition of a conventional American tale.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—Imagine the rich surroundings of South African wildlife, the mystical stories surrounding a rare white giraffe, and an orphaned girl. Such is the backdrop for this heartwarming story. When her parents are killed in a house fire, Martine, 11, is sent to live with a grandmother she didn't know she had at a wildlife sanctuary. The cold, hands-off woman offers little comfort to a displaced, grieving child, leaving Martine to fend for herself in a foreign land. When a local woman tells the child that she has "the gift," Martine doesn't know what it is or why she would have it. Then she learns of a white giraffe and poachers' intent on capturing it. The story unfolds into a legendary tale full of intrigue and what life demands of a young chosen one. African folklore adds a touch of magic to the story and will help readers understand the supernatural beliefs of an ancient culture. Enjoyable characters offer a glimpse of local culture through Tendai, a Zulu tribesman, and the local mystic, appropriately named Grace. The bush healing techniques are especially interesting. Although a few sections need more fleshing out, the story is captivating and well spun.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 10 Up—An entire summer spent living it up on the Jersey shore—what could be more perfect? That's what the seven random teenagers who come together to share a dilapidated beach house thought. But, as is usually the case in life, things don't go as planned. Curt wants to beat up any guy who so much as looks at Avery, yet he has been hooking up with April. Meanwhile, Avery has been crushing on Lucas, but she holds back and remains loyal to Curt—until she comes to her senses and realizes she deserves better. Meanwhile, two of the housemates have a one-night stand and another one is crushing on their landlord. Plus, Sabrina is caught stealing money from her roommates, who all seem to forgive far too easily. There's a lot going on in this book, but all the drama cannot disguise the fact that the characters are one-dimensional, the dialogue is stilted, and the situations are, for the most part, unrealistic.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—In Trueit's third book featuring Julep O'Toole, readers find the sixth grader trying out for the school play in an attempt to earn enough extra credit to pull her English average from a C- to a B-. She isn't sure she wants a part, but she isn't exactly happy when she winds up on the stage crew. An unexpected promotion to assistant director improves things, but just as Julep has warmed up to her new role, the production is canceled. Trueit's strength is in the way in which she shows readers all of the things that Julep doesn't see about herself. The child feels like she can't do anything right, but it's easy to see that something about her sets people at ease and new acquaintances—her sister's new boyfriend, the drama advisor, the evil lunch lady—like and trust her. This extends to Danica, the most popular girl in sixth grade, who struggles both with learning her lines and negotiating her secret friendship with Julep. The protagonist's quest to save the play and Trueit's depiction of the social intricacies of middle school result in a highly readable novel that is real and funny.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—In this follow-up to Weird Stuff (Walker, 2006), Brian Hobble's favorite book series, "Zombie Squad," has been adapted for TV. While he enjoys the show, he wonders why the producers have the Squad simply kickboxing their way out of any zombie-related trouble rather than using the humorous and creative methods of the author, Lancelot Cummins. Still in contact with Lance, who visited Brian's school in the earlier title, the boy describes the even more distressing effect the program is having on his brother, Matthew. The kindergartner is convinced that the show is real and begins trying to fight those he thinks are really zombies. Brian knows he must help his brother face reality, all the while dealing with the embarrassment of being cast as "The Kid Who Sucks" in a commercial for a new juice drink. His reaction to the changes made to his favorite books is refreshing and may cause some readers to wonder at the reason for changes when books are adapted for the television or movie screen. The accompanying sketches, with many of them on paper torn from a notebook and identified as the work of "B. Hobble," are humorous. This sequel isn't as imaginative as the first title, but it is likely to find an audience.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 5–9—Beautiful Kas attends a prestigious private academy of the arts. She boards with a local family, as does handsome student musician Jacob, and she quickly finds friendship with petite Marin, an aspiring model and actress. Despite her obvious talent, Kas is never satisfied with the drawings she creates, and she works at maintaining a veneer of perfection in all facets of her life. At first, she conceals her anorexia and bulimia, but soon her life implodes as she acts out in ways that nearly destroy her and her relationships, especially her romance with Jacob. Tullson deftly portrays the teen as an intense perfectionist, subtly weaving in hints of her problem through the first half of the book, then blowing her character wide open as her eating disorders rage out of control. While other characters are underdeveloped—Jacob is simply too sweet and good to be true, and her house parents are nearly nonexistent—Kas holds readers' attention as she spirals downward. Marin is believably self-absorbed, unwittingly giving Kas tips on weight loss and helping her dabble dangerously in the local club scene. The role of Kas's family is minimal, giving little insight into the impact of family life on eating disorders, but the vulnerability Kas feels is played up throughout the book. The moments when she deliberately sabotages her artwork due to its perceived imperfection are particularly telling. An extensive author's note has straightforward information about eating disorders. This is an accessible choice for large collections.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 7 Up—This powerful novel continues the 17th-century love story about young Quakers begun in No Shame, No Fear (Candlewick, 2004). Susanna spends three years in apprenticeship at Mary Faulkner's printing shop while Will travels to London with Nat, seeking gainful employment and enough stability to marry his sweetheart. But life is difficult: the plague is taking a fierce toll on Londoners, and the authorities are cracking down on Quaker meetings. Turnbull has created an even deeper work in Forged in the Fire, full of tension on a multiplicity of levels. The overwhelming losses of life and livelihood associated with the plague are realistically portrayed. The London Fire of 1666 is vivid and devastating, yet hope literally arises from its ashes. More than just a love story, this tale is historical fiction at its best, full of details and characters who make the past breathe. One can only hope that Turnbull has plans to pursue the carefully chosen ending into another tale of Quaker England.—Melissa Moore, Union University Library, Jackson, TN

Gr 5–8—Readers familiar with this series won't be disappointed in this latest installment. Sammy joins forces with some eco-nutty Girl Scouts and heads to the hills for an outing where they find more than they had bargained for, including scorpions, poison oak, and biting flies. Add to the mix an injured condor and Sammy sets her sight on solving a mystery laced with facts about the near-extinction of this very large, and very ugly, bird. Fans will recognize recurring plots as Sammy, who lives with her grandma in a seniors' complex, tries to keep her own family life a secret while learning how a local television newscaster is secretly connected to poachers, campers, and a crazy-eyed taxidermist. New friends add interest, and quick-witted banter makes this a fast-paced joyride of a read. Think a combination of Carl Hiaasen's Flush (Knopf, 2005) and Janet Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum" books (St. Martin's) and you'll be right on target. A perfect summer reading choice.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Gr 5–8—This sequel to The Dreamwalker's Child (Bloomsbury, 2006) is packed with action. Sam Palmer has returned to Aurobon, not remembering the four intervening years on Earth. Skipper, believed dead, also reappears. In the meantime, Vermia has taken over the city of Vahlzi, and Captain Firebrand and other Vahlzians have fled into the mountains to form a secret resistance force. Of course, Sam and Skipper are needed again to save the day, but will they thwart Emperor Odoursin's evil plan to kill all humans back on Earth? Web of Fire is every bit as wild a ride as its predecessor. Reluctant readers are likely to get hooked by the action and the fascinating descriptions (and occasional pen-and-ink illustrations) of the gigantic insects used as aircraft in Aurobon. The climactic scene in the White House is a little flat, but the finale makes up for it. Boys will relate to Sam and girls will find a heroine in Skipper. While reading the first book will add to the enjoyment and understanding of this title, it's not strictly necessary. A high-flying sci-fi/fantasy/adventure.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—H.I.V.E. is operated on a volcanic island in a distant ocean by G.L.O.V.E., a shadowy organization of worldwide wickedness. And, as 13-year-old master of mischief Otto Malpense soon discovers, here the slickest of young tricksters, thieves, and hackers have been brought against their will to be trained as the next generation of supervillains. Otto and his friends refuse to be held prisoner at the institution and develop a scheme to escape from the island, but they must defeat the all-seeing computer system, a seemingly undefeatable assassin in black, and a giant carnivorous plant to succeed. Warner's first novel is a real page-turner; those who love superhero stories will eat it up and not want to put it down. Sequels are virtually guaranteed.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 8–10—The Seal of Solomon has been stolen from the Office of Interdimensional Paradoxes and Extraordinary Phenomenon (OIPEP) by one of its own operatives, so once again the services of Alfred Kropp are needed. Alfred is an ordinary 15-year-old boy, slightly overweight, tall, with a big head, who gets bullied in the halls of his local high school. Of course, this same Alfred has blood that can heal, is the last son of Sir Lancelot, and is the sole heir to the Samson fortune. His is a name known by all and his mistakes are the kind that can end the world as we know it. As the Outcasts of heaven are released, readers follow Alfred through many fast-paced adventures, starting when he is kidnapped from his foster home in Tennessee and taken to many parts of the world. The teen hero parachutes out of airplanes, faces demons, and has a plan to save the world, if he can live long enough to carry it through. A great book for boys, as well as reluctant readers, The Seal of Solomon tells a rip-roaring story that teens will love and won't be able to put down.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 8–10—The summer before senior year, Lily is trying to boost her chances of getting into Brown. When her internship at the Museum of Modern Art falls through, she uses her dad's connections to become an assistant to Sabrina Snow, a Lindsay Lohan-ish celebrity. Predictably, Snow holds Lily to impossible expectations and rarely shows appreciation. Meanwhile, her noncelebrity boyfriend falls for Lily, who, despite genuine affection for him, rejects his advances because of her commitment to Sabrina. A side plot involving a letter from a desperate fan and Lily's efforts to help the tormented preteen takes center stage toward the end, helping Lily to realize what really counts. Like Lauren Weisberger's The Devil Wears Prada (Doubleday, 2003), this book attempts to give readers a glimpse into the secret lives of the rich and famous. More often, it falls prey to paragraphs overflowing with clichés, stilted dialogue, and poor characterization. Well into the book, readers lack key information about the narrator. Zindel fails to make her funny or interesting, so much so that she becomes a poor choice as a window into Sabrina's life. While the flashy cover will draw readers to this book, they will reluctantly trudge through the story, wishing they had a wittier guide at the helm.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 4–7—These titles are designed to help children critique the media and understand the motives behind the production of popular entertainment. Each one makes it clear that producers create movies, magazines, TV programs, and online sites with particular audiences in mind, and that they target them by showing these specific population groups what they want to see. The authors also show how the media influences their audience and promotes particular values. All of the titles are organized around five basic questions: Who made the message and why? Who is the message for? How might others view the message differently? What is left out of the media? How does the message get and keep my attention? The books are written in a breezy style and have plenty of popping colors and photos. Sidebars labeled "Try it out!" suggest interesting activities that children can do to get firsthand experience with creating media and commercials. Each book has a spread indicating various jobs within each field. All of them show children how media is created and manipulated to attract attention and not necessarily to reflect reality. They also emphasize that what is left out of productions can be just as important as what is included. Overall, these are useful and attractive books that encourage children to begin thinking about media with necessary skepticism.—Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, NJ

Gr 3–6—In line with their lurid titles, these concise, high-interest introductions to various branches of forensic science include three case studies each, along with descriptions of methods, necessary gear, interviews with practitioners of both sexes, and even career advice, along with plenty of photos that are more suggestive than icky. Describing how criminal profilers work, Beres shows how the Mad Bomber of the 1940s and 1950s, a later murderer, and a computer hacker were identified through keen observation and psychological analysis, in contrast, as Winchester explains, to serial killer Ted Bundy, who was identified in part by a bite mark he left on a victim. Denega shows how forensic entomologists use insect evidence to narrow down the times of criminal and other deaths. Written to a template but with only minor quantities of boilerplate, these quick scans will both rivet and inform true-crime fans—and may even spark some vocational interest in their diverse specialties.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—History and music are combined in this account of all-women bands during World War II. Information about jazz and swing underlies Bolden's focus on the significance of female musicians who filled the void created by the war. They had to prove themselves in general and overcome ideas about what kind of music was appropriate for women to perform. Racism also impacted the ability of a number of the bands to tour the country. Bolden provides a wealth of material in this brief selection, and does so in a lively prose style and with frequent use of jazz vernacular. Photo captions and boxed inserts add interesting details. Endnotes; source lists of books, periodicals, and videos; a recommended reading list, and a discography are appended. This book would be most helpful for assignments on music or women's history.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 4–7—While chondrichthyans, due to their cartilaginous nature, have been less likely to present as many fossilized remains as their cousins, the bony fishes, enough evidence has been recovered to open fascinating windows into their evolutions (and extinctions) over the last 375 million years. Bradley has sifted through this ancient record and allows readers a peek at some strange creatures. Consider Stethacanthus, displayer of a surfboard-shaped dorsal fin bristling with toothlike spikes, and Helicoprion, dangling a tight spiral of compacted teeth from its lower jaw like some preelectric buzz saw. Accompanied by realistic artwork, the terse text introduces readers to sharks in general and then goes on chronologically to present fragments of data on these long-lost species, about which not much is really known. Included are a handy time line and a size-comparison box for each species (using a human swimmer and a modern great white shark as yardsticks). Bradley also includes some odd cartilaginous "cousins" like Sclerorhynchus and closes with the 50-foot Cenozoic monster, Carcharodon megalodon. For those who have enjoyed Caroline Arnold's Giant Shark: Megalodon, Prehistoric Super Predator (Clarion, 2000) or Deborah Diffily's Jurassic Shark (HarperCollins, 2004), here is a strange new litany to dance trippingly on the tongue.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—This swashbuckling biography of a multitalented musician in Revolutionary France will leave readers wondering why they'd never heard of the man. Born into slavery in Haiti, Saint-George distinguished himself in France as a composer, violinist, swordsman, colonel, prisoner, diplomat—and even an accomplished ice skater. Brewster relies heavily on the only English-language biography of Saint-George to reconstruct his unusual life, but also recognizes more recent scholarship in his author's note and includes a detailed list of recommended resources in a variety of formats. Period reproductions and drawings appear throughout, but at the heart of the book is Velasquez's original artwork. His moody paintings capture Saint-George raising his baton to cue the orchestra or drawing back his sword to parry a blow. The book features mini-biographies of other musicians and detailed time lines of the French Revolution and the life of Marie Antoinette, making it the perfect complement to units on the French and American Revolutions. The engaging narrative supplies delicious detail about life in Europe in the late 1700s, and the elegant design makes it the kind of picture book that even high school students will pick up.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 7 Up—The purpose of this series is to trace the historical background of contemporary social issues, and to offer readers scholarly articles so that they have the information they need to form their own opinions. Censorship has four chapters: "Early American Censorship Struggles"; "Cold War-Era Censorship"; "Wartime Censorship"; and "Censorship Struggles in the Modern Cultural Arena." Signed articles present opposing viewpoints in each chapter, ranging from articles like "Anthony Comstock Crusades to Eradicate Obscenity" and "A Lawyer Argues Against Comstock Censorship" to articles such as "The Patriot Act Violates Freedom of Speech" and "The Patriot Act Protects National Security and Civil Liberties." Some of the selections have primary documents such as newspaper articles, speeches, and government reports, which clearly reveal how the debates have been similar throughout history. This is a valuable resource for students who are interested in this important issue.—Pat Scales, formerly at South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville

Gr 3–6—Short job descriptions, usually one or two per page, are written in an entertaining style and grouped according to headings. The entries range from the expected—"Frontier Jobs" such as storekeeper, farmer, farmer's wife, miller, peddler, and schoolteacher—to the more unusual. "Sweet-Tooth Jobs" include sugar-plantation owner, maple-syrup producer, candy maker, hokey-pokey seller, and dentist. The author considers a variety of economic and social classes, from robber barons to forced laborers and slaves, and acknowledges how locations affect available occupations. She also takes a global view, describing how explorers such as Lewis and Clark benefited from Native people who already lived in the area, as well as early French Canadian and Spanish explorers and tradesmen. Occasional mention is made of on-the-job dangers, but for the most part, a light tone is maintained. The book could be used in social-studies units about the 1800s, the Westward Movement, and comparisons of cities to rural areas. Bright watercolor, cartoon-style illustrations accompany each job description. The characters' expressions and occasional comments inject additional bits of humor into the text. Furthermore, the illustrations are helpful in depicting some jobs with which children may be unfamiliar, such as glassblower, milliner, and rag picker.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 6 Up—These books match careers to the things that individuals love to do. Each chapter gives an overview of a job, training required, salary expectation, and an example of the work. Games explores opportunities in writing, producing, and marketing video games. A sports enthusiast can find a job as a team manager or mascot, running a scoreboard, or dealing in sports memorabilia. Each brief section highlights a career and ends with resources for more information. Although the series title indicates that these careers do not require college, readers will find that some advanced training is necessary. With colorful photographs and a pleasing format, the books will be useful resources in many libraries.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 4–6—Once past the glitzy cover—silver foil, with an imbedded lenticular image—the quality of this pop-up account of the disaster takes a serious dive. Crosbie relates background information and the voyage's events with a trite combination of sound-bite captions surrounding a fictive young survivor's journal entries, all supported by several foldout sheets or booklets printed in a tiny, marginally legible typeface. The often-fragile movable effects range from ho-hum to, in the case of a circular view of the Atlantic Ocean and coastlines that pivots around its center, downright surreal. The design is so slipshod that the unfinished art beneath the pop-up collision scene is plainly visible. For no evident reason, a number of the painted illustrations are printed on separate pieces, then glued to the page. A final spread on the wreck's present and future isn't enough to keep this offering afloat, especially considering the plethora of better treatments; Ken Marschall's Inside the Titanic: A Giant Cut-away Book (Little, Brown, 1997), for instance, is both more informative and has a higher "wow" factor.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—These succinct biographies focus on ordinary individuals who have made a difference in their communities and the world at large through their modest, yet persistent efforts. Yeboah, a Ghanaian born with a deformed right leg, succeeded in getting fair treatment in a country in which the disabled are routinely shunned and ignored. Through the help of the organization RUGMARK, Tamang, destined to work in Nepal's child slave labor carpet-weaving industry, broke free and actively exposed the industry's conditions. Quadrino, a 13-year-old American nature lover, created a group of bird-nesting boxes to help revive a bird sanctuary destroyed by fire. Easy-to-read, large-print text broken up with bold chapter titles and subheadings is coupled with a colorful, clean design offering numerous full-color photographs, suggestions for further involvement in each cause, and a bibliography with relevant Web sites. These are good introductions to realistic worldwide issues through the eyes and experiences of heroic young people who were both aggressive and brave but also fortunate to encounter professionals and organizations willing to help further their causes.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 4–8—The extraordinary life of Will Rogers, born the same year Edison invented the light bulb, is chronicled in simply written, accessible language. Most children today will not know that this witty cowboy comedian of Cherokee heritage was a nationally known newspaper columnist and ranked as one of Hollywood's biggest stars. As interesting as his rise to fame was, the book's format is so report-driven that it lacks a spark that a truly excellent biography can generate. Boxy sidebars are scattered throughout with quotations, definitions, or explanations of related topics. For example, one sidebar explains how "the word lariat comes from the Spanish phrase la riata, meaning the rope,'" and continues to explain what lariats are made of and who used them. Informational? Yes. Exciting? Not really. Attractive black-and-white photographs, many of them full-page, are included. A spacious six-page "Life and Times" time line compares events in Rogers's life to other world events for perspective, perhaps to meet the 100-page assignment requirement for so many students. The six-word glossary is so minimal as to be almost unnecessary. Despite its lack of thrills, this book serves as a decent introduction and overview to Rogers's life and will fulfill report or assignment needs.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—As in The Spoken Word Revolution (Sourcebooks, 2003), Redux provides an overview of the many movements—among them slam and hip-hop—that comprise a modern renaissance of performance poetry, a shout-out to poetry's oral roots. Teens will recognize some of the writers and performers, from actor Ethan Hawke to Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan. The placement of traditional poets' work and readings next to those of today's performance artists forces readers/listeners to question the very definition of poetry. Critical essays punctuate the selections, further unraveling such questions as, "What is poetry's intent?" Or, simply, "What is poetry?" Clearly, in a collection dedicated to performance poetry, the accompanying CD is of vital importance. It includes only a selection of the book's poems, complete with sometimes-explicit but never gratuitous lyrics, and not all are performed in their entirety. While the CD gives the book its legs, today's students and educators will undoubtedly itch for a DVD or even downloadable video file to experience the full effect of the poem's delivery. Ultimately, much of Redux retreads the same ground as its predecessor, but it remains a well-crafted, dynamic tool that will not only enliven any poetry classroom, but also legitimizes art forms that are important to many of today's students.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 6 Up—John Leahr and Herb Heilbrun have lived parallel lives. They grew up in the same neighborhood in Cincinnatti, OH, attended the same elementary school, and both served as pilots during World War II. They were even in the same third-grade class, and there is a picture of them standing side by side to prove it. In spite of this, they never knew each other. Leahr is African American and Heilbrun is Caucasian. It never would have occurred to them that they could be friends back then, but, having met in 1997 at a reception honoring Tuskegee Airmen, they are now best friends and travel the country talking about their experiences. While the book is a record primarily of these two men's memories of the war, the similarities in their backgrounds force the differences caused by race into stark relief. Fleischman has compiled these memories, providing a good deal of historical context about segregation and events of the war. As he did with Phineas Gage (Houghton, 2002), the author has found the perfect hook to create a very readable nonfiction account. The book includes plenty of photos of the two friends as well as maps and diagrams of World War II planes. This title will be a welcome addition to any collection.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 9 Up—This is a well-constructed collection of essays on Satanism and its role in modern society. The introduction stays neutral, and the essays present a broad range of opinion, from Christian views to secular views and Satanist views. The 11 articles were all originally published within the past seven years and the end matter contains a diverse list of organizations. This book would be an excellent starting point for reports as it provides a well-balanced view of the topic.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—These books appear to have been written to impress readers with the death and damage a hungry wild creature can inflict on a human. While the nature of these animals is described, it is the details of actual attacks that are memorable—limbs bitten off by sharks, a 10-year-old swallowed by a snake, 2000 stitches to repair the face of a woman stalked by a mountain lion, and the persistence of missing persons who live near a lake inhabited by crocodiles. Headings in red emphasize the threat, and colored sidebars break up the texts. Frequent stock photographs and a schematic diagram depicting the animal give a sense of its size and habitat. With the primary focus on attacks, each book provides a short list of preventive measures and suggestions in case of such an event. Still, they are enough to keep readers away from woods, lakes, oceans, and gardens. Whether the tabloid approach is suitable should be weighed against the appeal of horrific stories.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 5–8—These visually appealing titles are packed with excellent photographs and reproductions, interesting sidebars, and have a time line running along the bottom of every page. The men's lives are chronicled in four main sections that include historical context and information on the daily lives of those living in their time and place. Occasional spreads present brief material on related topics (e.g., the Roman army and religion, Communism and the Cultural Revolution, and the Age of Enlightenment). The books' relative brevity means that these biographies are necessarily cursory in their treatment. Mao is the most troubling in this regard; in addition to making no mention of the man's prolific poetry, facts such as the death of 38 million peasants as a result of the "Great Leap Forward" are glossed over, and the book ends with a confusing attempt to highlight Mao's positive contributions to China. Nonetheless, these titles will serve as useful, well-written introductions to the lives and worlds of these influential figures.—Riva Pollard, The Winsor School Library, Boston

Gr 4–6—Each of these titles includes an introduction, information about science fairs, safety precautions, and 10 experiments. Some activities are followed with ideas for science fair projects; they are prefaced with a medal symbol. Each experiment is enhanced by a topical fact box and includes a supply list and step-by-step explanation. Some activities in Soil and Water are: "Does Water Ever Disappear?"; "Making Water Rise"; and "Moving Soil with Water." Weather includes "Temperature in Sun and Shade"; "Air and Air Pressure"; and "What Makes It Rain?" John Farndon's Life in the Soil (Gale, 2004) covers similar material for the same age group. Mark Eubank's The Weather Detectives (Gibbs Smith, 2004) is written for slightly older students and includes more background information on the weather. Gardner's books are appropriate for libraries that need more books on earth-science experiments.—Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

Gr 3–6—With a humorous tone, Gellman attempts to teach readers how to speak "Parent" by explaining 30 commonly used phrases, such as "You need a time-out," "I'm not gonna tell you again," and "Don't run with scissors." For example, "Clean up your room" really means "show that you respect your family, even if it means giving up having cold pizza and used underwear close by at all times." This slim guide has problems beyond its lack of kid appeal. Gellman's examples (IMing, Goths, drinking at parties) often seem targeted to older readers than those to whom the book's well-spaced type and cartoon illustrations are marketed. Some families may take issue with Gellman's lenient take on laughing at others ("It's okay to laugh at your friend if he or she gets hit by a cream pie."). What is most problematic with such a work is its assumption that all families have the same values. However, the book will satisfy some parents and youth leaders looking for a discussion starter.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 7 Up—This title does an excellent job of chronicling the movement by using primary-source documents. Excerpts from speeches by government officials, such as Lyndon Baines Johnson, George Wallace, and John F. Kennedy, appear as well as speeches or statements from Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Stokely Carmichael. In addition, the book includes "voices from the front lines," essays by John F. Lewis, Diane Nash, and Daisy Bates. It is an interesting concept that works well for those who need less of an overview of the history and more on the views of those who actually lived the experience. A solid supplemental purchase to add depth to existing collections that explore African-American history for young adults.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 3–6—Which state claims the first Thanksgiving? Massachusetts may come to mind, but Texas, Maine, Florida, and Virginia all have historical evidence of similar celebrations that predate the Pilgrims' gathering. This account describes the meeting of Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and Native people called the Timucua near what became St. Augustine, in 1565. According to the author, in gratitude to God "for a safe journey and a new land," the explorer "provided a Thanksgiving feast for the Spanish, with the Timucua as guests." In order to lend context, chapter topics include a summary of the world in 1565, a discussion of uncharted lands, Spain in the 1560s, Florida in the 1560s, a description of the Timucuan way of life, the founding of St. Augustine, events on the day of Thanksgiving, and St. Augustine today. Period maps, paintings, photographs of artifacts, and original watercolor illustrations help explain the historical concepts. While many of the period works are informative, the original paintings bear an unfortunate resemblance to coloring-book pages. One illustration caption identifies a Native couple as a king and queen, although it is questionable that the Timucua themselves would have used that terminology. This book is well intentioned and extremely earnest about bringing attention to this seldom-explored historical topic. It might be of interest to people studying Florida history or visiting St. Augustine.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 5–9—These books will be welcome additions to collections in need of science biographies. Hooke, the 17th-century inventor, devoted his life to discoveries in several different areas, including meteorology, mathematics, and geology, as well as art and architecture. He also helped to redesign London after the Great Fire of 1666. The better-known Pavlov and his conditioned-reflex experiments with dogs are also explored in detail. His groundbreaking work in the physiology of the central nervous system paved the way for scientists in other fields, such as psychology and behaviorism. The accessible texts have an inviting, open format and offer many anecdotes to bring these scientists to life. A list of activities related to their work is a nice touch for more curious students. Good-quality photos and illustrations complement the narratives.—Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 7 Up—From the foreword, readers learn that Hampton has an admiration for Elvis that reaches back to his childhood. His enthusiasm and passion for his subject are evident throughout this appealing biography, yet he remains objective about the performer's virtues as well as his tragic flaws. The striking cover photograph complements the lively and accessible text that delves not only into Elvis's life but also his impact on music and American culture. The writing is casual yet authoritative, and includes occasional black-and-white photographs. Readers who can't imagine a world without rock and roll will find this to be an excellent introduction to the man about whom John Lennon once said, "Before there was Elvis, there was nothing."—Marcia Kochel, Olson Middle School, Bloomington, MN

Gr 6–8—The concepts covered in these titles support the National Science Educational Standards. Both books open with an introduction, which is followed by six chapters of text. The small but outstanding color photographs add to the information and will attract students. Hantula includes material on how rocks are formed, their various types, and how the Earth continues to change through erosion, faults, landslides, earthquakes, fossils, extinction, and the movement of continents. Tables of popular gemstones, diagrams of the rock cycle, maps, and short biographies of scientists James Hutton, Nicolaus Steno, and Louis Agassiz are helpful additions to the general text. However, more detailed information for the same age group may be found in John Farndon's e.guides Rock and Mineral (DK, 2005). Smuskiewicz explains the importance of water in our lives, the properties that make it unique, its power to erode and destroy, pollution, climate, rivers, lakes, oceans, wetlands, global warming, and the search for water in outer space. Ray A. Gallant's Water: Our Precious Resource (Benchmark, 2003) is similar in scope for this age group. Good purchases for libraries that need to supplement their earth-science collections.—Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

Gr 5–8—The appeal of this title lies in its folksy recounting of Roosevelt's very full life. That folksiness, however, sometimes gets in the way of strict nonfiction by including the author's personal opinions (our current day is termed the "dark and stormy 21st century"), uncited quotes (Which rancher wrote down "hasten forward quickly there" when TR called it out?), and fictionalized thoughts and incidents. A time line trails the bottom of the book's pages, highlighting major world events that occurred during Roosevelt's lifetime, but it does so independently from the text above it. For example, where the sinking of the USS Maine in 1898 is mentioned, the time line is stuck in 1889, so readers attempting to make a connection between the two may be confused. Black-ink drawings are copious—and based on material Harness used to "visualize" the scenes, basically amounting to a fictionalizing of the illustrations as well, and the maps and family tree are crowded and difficult to interpret. The straight facts about the man are correct, though, and this is a balanced account, as the author points out some ironies in Roosevelt's life, such as the fact that although he was a great conservationist, he used an elephant foot as a wastebasket. So while not the soundest biography, this is more enjoyable than most series titles, and readers will come away knowing and understanding the man and his times.—Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL

Gr 5–8—Kiland and Stein, veterans of the Navy and Marines, respectively, have done an outstanding job of writing about their chosen military branches. Kiland begins with action in the Persian Gulf before devoting two chapters to the history and development of the U.S. Navy. Stein opens with 9/11, followed by a compact history of the Corps from 1775 to 1918. Chapter three is an overview of World War II to the present. The remaining five or six chapters in each book describe the roles of each branch in defending our nation. Considerable space is devoted to personnel requirements, expectations, duties, and qualifications. Dangers are honestly dealt with. Charts present the various pay scales. Maps are few, but well done. Both texts are generously illustrated with numerous high-quality, color photos. Actual names of Marines and sailors are used in many of the captions. The texts are supplemented with fact boxes when appropriate. The enticing covers are only the beginning of two informative titles that will attract students with military interests, as well as those from military families.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 4–7—These colorful, appealing biographies are attractively illustrated and pleasingly presented. The books are divided chronologically into four sections; each consists of three to four chapters and a historical segment, thus covering the lives and the times of their subjects. Dates, highlighted across the bottom of pages in a colorful band, note biographical points of reference and historical events. The writing is competent, though lacking spark or flair, and covers all the essentials. Anne Frank and Joan of Arc both contain incorrect dates and Anne Frank presumes knowledge of Judaism; Newton is the best of the three. Many other titles are available on these individuals, although an appallingly high percentage are riddled with errors. Kathleen Krull's Isaac Newton (Viking, 2006) lacks Steele's excellent visuals but is lively and entertaining. Diane Stanley's Joan of Arc (Morrow, 1998) provides a full, accurate narrative in a picture-book format. Johanna Hurwitz's Anne Frank: Life in Hiding (HarperCollins, 1993 ), Gene Brown's Anne Frank: Child of the Holocaust (Gale, 1993), and Ruud Van der Rol and Rian Verhoeven's Anne Frank: Beyond the Diary (Viking, 1993 ) are all helpful (the last is the best illustrated).—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—Lanning presents his list of battles, people, and events according to their influence on the outcome of the war and the future of the country, and not their contemporary prominence or importance. After a brief note to explain his approach, he begins with the battle of Antietam. Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant are second and third, followed by the battle of Gettysburg, and Robert E. Lee. The list continues with its roster of military men (no women); military campaigns; documents, such as the Emancipation Proclamation; places; and specific subjects such as weapons technology, war correspondents, and draft riots. Uncle Tom's Cabin is ranked at 49th in influence. Unique listings include music and "Presidents of the Future." At number 100 is Palmito Ranch, May 12–13, 1865, for no other reason than because it was the last battle of the war. The entries are three to four pages in length and often include a map or photograph of the subject. The cross-referencing is excellent. There are no citations in the text but a lengthy bibliography is included. This volume will entice casual readers and researchers alike.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 4–7—MacLeod chronicles Carver's life from childhood to the end of his career, and the recognition he received posthumously. Each spread has a page of text with a quote from Carver in the margin and a page filled with many graphics in black and white and color, including photographs, illustrations, and reproductions of artifacts, all with captions. Each spread also features a small drawing of the man and a comment in a dialogue balloon, such as, "I urged farmers to plant crops such as soybeans and peanuts...because they make the soil better" and "Here I am in the back row, second from the right." With the richness of detail presented, even reluctant readers will find something of interest about this exceptional individual, from the fact that he wore a fresh flower in his lapel each day to the fact that he was a scientist, painter, inventor, singer, and champion of equal rights. The text provides background on the era into which he was born, and a time line is included, but there are no source notes. This well-written book has plenty of material for reports and browsing.—Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS

Gr 4–8—Markle has been detailing the outsides and delving into the insides of a wide variety of creatures over the years, and here she looks at and into that Ice Age favorite, the woolly mammoth. With some sidelights about present-day elephants for comparison, she investigates skeletal remains—teeth, tusks, legs, feet, and other body parts. And, from the remarkable frozen finds on the icy tundra, she discusses hair composition, heart and trunk structure, blood chemistry, and the contents of mammoth digestive systems. She posits questions regarding their extinction—food-supply changes, climate change, disease, human hunting—and the possibility of cloning, using a female elephant as a surrogate mother. Excellent-quality photos include preserved remains, electron micrographs, and three-dimensional CT scans. Even libraries that own Windsor Chorlton's attractive Woolly Mammoth: Life, Death, and Rediscovery (Scholastic, 2001) or Caroline Arnold's equally handsome When Mammoths Walked the Earth (Clarion, 2002) should make room for this eye-catching and informative title.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 5–9—Packaging Blake for this audience is no small challenge. The book begins with a heroic attempt to explain some of his themes and philosophy in a four-page introduction. Maynard speaks of the poet with insight, eloquence, and obvious admiration, but his comments are more likely to be appreciated by adults than by children. He prefaces each poem with explanatory comments that are also thought-provoking and illuminating. They are mostly age-appropriate, but at times they go beyond the intellectual range of middle schoolers. Most of the selections are from Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience. Maynard does not shy away from the fact that many of them have strong Christian images or deal with harsh social themes. The artwork is well matched to the tone of the poems. Cimatoribus's illustrations are at the same time childlike and surreal. The simplified shapes of the figures contrast with the rich, textured colors and reflect the complex nature of the poetry. As a whole, this work does an admirable job of presenting Blake to young people.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 3–7—If you are looking for a book about canines that is entertaining as well as immensely informative, this is it. In a lively, conversational tone, Mehus-Roe offers a vast amount of material, from the history of dogs to vacationing with a pet, and provides practical and upbeat explanations, ideas, offbeat tidbits, and pertinent details. Some chapters should be required reading for both parents and children before an animal is brought into their lives. Without ever becoming preachy, the author emphasizes the importance of being a responsible pet owner. She highlights appropriate and imaginative fun activities to do with a dog. Many excellent black-and-white photos and clever illustrations capture the personalities and physical characteristics of a variety of canines and document the bond between them and the people who love and work with them. This humane and knowledgeable volume definitely deserves a spot on library shelves.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 8 Up—In this collection of previously published selections, 14 people from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa share their experiences of leaving their countries to make a home for themselves in the United States. Many of the writers are still learning English, so the quality of the writing varies from essay to essay. Both legal and illegal experiences are included; Africa is slightly underrepresented. A general introduction puts the pieces in context, and each one is introduced with some information about the author's life. While this book will provide qualitative material for homework assignments, it will also be of interest to immigrant populations.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 4–8—This profile of the pilot turned astronaut turned public servant is filled with personal reflections and details. A childhood encounter with a pilot who sold rides on a biplane and his father's own fascination with aviation set in motion a lifelong love of planes. Glenn's career in the military, piloting fighter planes in World War II and the Korean War, funneled him directly into test piloting and eventually the space program. It was there that he became the household name that he is today. The book's inviting format draws readers in and maintains the focus, making this a standout among biographies of Glenn, such as Michael D. Cole's John Glenn: Astronaut and Senator (Enslow, 2000). The writing is engaging and intimate, offering up the opportunity to really get to know the subject. The layout is varied without being busy. Small pictures, spreads, and large photos with captions all make this a visually attractive title. Report writers, browsers, and those with a specific interest in astronauts will all find something here to enjoy.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 4–6—While these simply written titles may be useful to students who are struggling with their world history textbooks, they are hardly inspiring. There is little variety from page to page and the photographs are only small insets. These offerings would have a difficult time competing with the popular, highly visual "Eyewitness" books (DK) on similar topics. The Real Vikings (National Geographic, 2003) is also much more appealing. The Stargazer titles do include a helpful chart that lists comparative dates and events in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. Serviceable titles for less-competent readers.—Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS

Gr 3–6—These books have remarkable color photos and intriguing observations. Engaging stories about the photographers' field experiences are punctuated with factual information about the animals yet focus on situations that will encourage young researchers to take up a camera, too. Murawski tells how to find caterpillars and discusses their developmental stages, body parts, diet problems, and self-defense mechanisms. Heavy on safety recommendations, the second title provides generalizations about diet, hibernation, and what bear biologists are learning from radio-collaring grizzlies and the animals' loss of habitat. Both books have a closing "Facts at a Glance" section and advice on how to go about self-directed research. Attractive, well written, and fascinating.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 4–8—O'Conner has produced a grammar guide for children using the witty, lighthearted style that made Woe Is I (Putnam, 1996) so popular. She covers pronouns, plurals, possessives, verb usage, subject-verb agreement, capitalization, and punctuation with jargon-free explanations and entertaining examples (Shrek, Count Olaf, Garfield, and Harry Potter all put in appearances). Additional chapters on commonly confused and misspelled words, clichés, and instant messaging and e-mails make this a well-rounded and useful guide to grammar in the 21st century. The scattered comic-strip-style illustrations neither add to nor detract from its value. Handbooks that are as instructive as they are entertaining are few and far between, making this a first purchase for most libraries.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—As a sexuality educator at middle schools, high schools, and colleges, Pardes has had her share of the experience in the trenches, and shares some of the most commonly requested information. She is up-front and honest with her audience, not shying away from topics such as anal sex, masturbation, and readiness for a sexual relationship. She strives to give teens the information they need, without judgment, to make their own decisions. She freely discusses sex without love, reproductive anatomy, transitioning as a transsexual, and sexually transmitted diseases. Because she tries to do so much in one volume, some topics, such as STDs other than HIV, are mentioned but not covered in depth. The openness of this book will be a boon to teens looking for frank discussions of sexuality and making choices.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 5–8—This book offers insights into the feelings a father might have had upon finding out he was to become a parent, seeing his child for the first time, and playing the part of a new dad. Step by step, the insights continue until chapter four. In this section, the author begins to talk about what it is like if parents divorce and dad is no longer such an important part of the picture. The remainder of chapter four and all of chapter five hash out the problems and tribulations of dealing with an absent or part-time father, and a possible stepfather. The sound advice is imparted in an informative yet light tone, and the cartoon drawings and page layout will draw readers in and hold their attention. However, there is no advice for a teen who is dealing with a dad who is always present. A child may live with two parents, but they fight constantly. Or the parents get along, but Dad is always on the child's case. A number of scenarios are possible, yet none are discussed because the last two sections of the book focus primarily on children of divorce. The illustrations, while appealing, portray only white families. For those who are trying to figure out how to handle a father after a divorce, this could be the perfect book, but others will find it of limited usefulness.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 9 Up—Schoell focuses less on the music and more on the man, providing details of Verdí's personal life and relationships, struggles with censors and publishers, and his patriotic fervor and influence. While each opera is given a brief synopsis, there is little attempt to describe the influences on the composer's work and his own effect on the musical landscape. Technical phrases such as "bel canto" and "libretto" are defined within the text, but no glossary is included for easy reference, and not all of the foreign-language titles are translated. The illustrative material is of good quality. The book has good information, but students (particularly of music) will require additional sources.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 7 Up—This simple and direct overview begins with the ban against educating slaves and the efforts of Prudence Crandall to provide black girls with schooling in Connecticut in 1832. Following a history of segregation, the major battles to desegregate public schools in the North and in the South, as well as those to desegregate universities and colleges, are highlighted. The violent white backlash that occurred in both Southern and Northern states in the 1960s and '70s is also covered. More value is added through the inclusion of statements by students who were on the frontlines in desegregating schools. Sidebars and archival photos are included. Libraries would do well to add this book to their collections.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 9 Up—The successor to The Generation Y Money Book (Adams-Hall, 2000), this practical guide is designed to teach teens about earning, saving, and investing money. It is divided into 12 sections and contains 101 smart ways to handle finances. Silver offers advice on current practices (needs versus wants), as well as money-smart tips for the future (buying a home, wills and trusts, etc.). Tracking and logging all expenses for a month and shopping with a budget may be a new concept for many teens. Saving for college and 529 plans may be a little late for the intended audience, but there is a section on repaying college debt that will be helpful. This is a good companion to Janet Bamford's Street Wise: A Guide for Teen Investors (Bloomberg, 2000) and Timothy Olsen's The Teenage Investor (McGraw-Hill, 2003).—Kathleen A. Nester, Downingtown High Ninth Grade Center, PA

Gr 4–6—Looking at all the water on Earth—in the atmosphere, the oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, and rain as "One Well" into which all life dips to survive—Strauss presents a timely discussion of the use and abuse of a not-so-limitless resource. Liberally sprinkled with interesting facts—"It took about 130 L (34 U.S. gal.) of water to make your bike"—the readable text informs children of growing demands on a finite supply; increasing pollution; and the intensifying urgency for the conservation, preservation, and protection of a unique chemical combination more essential to all life than the air we breathe. Woods's delicate paintings keep perfect step and provide a gentle framework for the plentiful statistical snippets. Included is a section for children on "Becoming Well Aware," and notes for adults about helping youngsters (and themselves) to consider the quality and quantity of the water passing through their lives. Oversized, slim, and with an interesting slant.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—A compilation of 34 interviews from the Science Teacher journal. From astronaut to video-game level designer, each entry poses questions that go beyond basic education requirements and job responsibilities. Some vary by field; an oceanographer is asked, "What has been your scariest experience?" a bomb investigator, "What is your biggest accomplishment?" In describing a typical day and giving advice to students, each individual puts a personal spin on the positive characteristics of the career choice. While not all fields included require advanced degrees, all require an interest in math and science. An excellent choice for career collections, Sullivan's book not only encourages students to take as much math and science as possible in high school, but also emphasizes the commitment to lifelong learning critical for most 21st-century jobs.—Kathy Lehman, Thomas Dale High School Library, Chester, VA

Gr 4–7—These engaging and informative titles provide readers with a history of measurement, interspersed with related facts. Both Area and Temperature include fun experiments that kids can do on their own. Time is current, with reference to the new standard for Daylight Saving Time. The excellent blend of photographs, charts, and diagrams complements the texts. Conversion charts for customary and metric measurement are clear and easy to understand. A thorough glossary, recommended additional reading, and answers to questions posed throughout the text (Area) round out the well-thought-out and organized presentations. Unfortunately, the Internet resources in Area are disappointing. Of the two sites given, one is already down, and the other is a lesson-plan page—great for teachers, but not for students. Despite that flaw, these titles are solid additions.—Colleen D. Bocka, Nathaniel Rochester Community School, Rochester, NY

Gr 4–7—Sullivan covers a lot of ground in these volumes—including velocity, reaction speed, and supersonic flight (Speed) and gravity, buoyancy, and weighing atoms (Weight)—yet no one topic is explored in much depth. Examples using familiar objects and excellent full-color graphics help to bring concepts to life. Historical discoveries and measurement systems through the ages and around the world are emphasized and linked to present-day American methods. Several at-home experiments are included. While potentially confusing as stand-alone reading, these titles may be useful as supplements to existing science curricula.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

Gr 8 Up—As she did with Revenge & Forgiveness (2004) and Truth & Lies (2001, both Holt), Vecchione explores weighty topics in a wide-ranging anthology. Here she touches on faith and doubt of all kinds. Will teens believe as their parents do and as their friends do? Will they believe what their teachers or ministers or president tells them? Will their beliefs change during their lifetime? Is doubt something that can hurt them or make them more thoughtful? The editor also looks at faith and doubt as they influence writers and poets specifically, the struggle for words, the joy when they come, and the hope that some readers will be inspired to put words to paper. Over 50 poems, some by well-known writers, some by classical philosophers, some contemporary, some in English, others translated from 11 different languages, are included. Many of these poems will prompt thought and conversation. While some do deal with religion, others touch on everything from self-esteem to parents to nature. It's a diverse and well-rounded collection, balanced by both the insightful introduction and the brief but interesting biographies of the poets, which touch on the topics at hand.—Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

Gr 5–9—This fact-filled compendium is both a history of the art of transfusions and a scientific discourse on the chemistry of blood. From early "bleeding treatments" to the discovery of the circulatory system; from the earliest attempts at transfusions to Charles Drew's heroic work with plasma in World War II, Winner's clear text takes readers on an epic trip. The author discusses the basic components of human blood, Rh factors, blood typing, and AIDS and other blood-transmitted viral diseases, ending with a brief look into such matters as the ongoing research in genetic engineering, the manufacture of artificial red blood cells, and the development of "bionic" blood. Small black-and-white and color photos abound, and information boxes sprout up here and there. While this title may not circulate as frequently as, say, Seymour Simon's much simpler and more visually attractive The Heart: Our Circulatory System (HarperCollins, 1996), it will surely transfuse new blood into most collections.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY