Grades 5 & Up

Gr 6–10—This mix of one part plot, two parts designer name-dropping reads like a novelized Teen Vogue. Fashion-fanatic Imogene plans to spend her summer in Paris immersed in haute couture. But when her irresponsible spending leaves her in hot water with a credit agency, there is nothing for this chic Greenwich girl to do but get a job. Luckily, living in the land of luxury has afforded her some great connections, and she is able to secure a paid internship with a New York City fashion-forecasting agency. She even has time for a side flirtation with a charming Italian boy. Blessed with her artsy father's eye and a certain "je ne sais quoi," Imogene is poised for success. But when a devious senior intern threatens to ruin her newfound happiness, the teen must defend her honor and fight fashion with fashion. As a side bonus, she learns a lesson on the value of integrity and hard work. The cutesy illustrations and trendy references interspersed throughout the book are not enough to surmount the one-dimensional characters, rudimentary story line, and cookie-cutter ending.—Erin Schirota, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Gr 6–10—As if this genre weren't vapid enough already (think Tyne O'Connell's "Calypso Chonicles" [Bloomsbury] meets Lauren Mechling's "Social Climber" books [Houghton]), here is another superrich, overprivileged, flighty white American teen spending her summer without supervision, in Europe. Here, it's Paris, and the charmless "OMG here's what I'm going to wear" protagonist in question is Imogene, a 17-year-old fashion forecaster who stumbles upon a mysterious designer and turns Couture Week on end. It's a simplistic plot made convoluted with impulsive forays into the utterly ridiculous (e.g., being saved from jewel thieves by falling in with a Russian magician's entourage on a passenger train). Even as a madcap mystery of sorts, the whirlwind pace gets considerably gummed up with a glut of fashion references and bad "teen-speak." Occasional full-color illustrations, à la designers' sketches—giving the impression of the characters as nine-year-olds playing dress-up—do give the eye a rest from all the exclamation points. Gaping plot holes, the superficiality of the characters, and utterly banal dialogue render this title difficult to recommend.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Disney World's magic depends on both the invisible ranks and on "face" employees, including some young adults who step in to play the character roles when the regulars go on strike. Ella, given to silent sadness over the recent death of her brother and the subsequent decampment of her parents to Africa, lands the plum role of Cinderella as well as the romantic attentions of her Prince Charming. Yet it's Luke, stuck sweating inside the suit of Dale the chipmunk and likewise stuck with a too-perfect girlfriend in Chip, who intrigues Ella. The two reveal their experiences and backgrounds in alternating voices penned by two different authors. While the characters run from princess breakfasts to the daily royal wedding, they fret about their personal lives: Ella is not sure if she's ready for college in Vermont, and Luke wonders if he can walk lockstep into the comfortable future his parents have laid out for him. The authors realistically portray all of the anticipation and thrill of a romance—one in which Ella and Luke share who they are, what they fear, and what they yearn for. A setting filled with Disney flavor and trivia gives readers insider insight into the Magic Kingdom. Able writing moves the story along while strong characterization makes even secondary players come alive.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–8—In Icebreaker, Greg is looking forward to his final year on the junior high hockey team until his stepsister announces that she is going to try out, too. As the already frosty relationship between the two gets even chillier, the hockey team pays the price. Can Greg and Amy demonstrate the kind of teamwork needed on the ice and off the rink as well for the sake of the team and their family? In Too Many Men, Sam's family has recently moved from Calgary to Ottawa. A talented hockey player, Sam quickly becomes the starting goalie of his team. But when his mother breaks her leg and his father is called out of town on business, the Douglas brothers, particularly Sam, have to keep the household running. Between the move, hockey practice and games, his new puppy, and chores, Sam soon finds himself on very thin ice indeed. Can he pull it together before he skates over the edge completely? Both novels are liberally sprinkled with long descriptive passages about hockey and play-by-play accounts of games. A central conflict for the main characters and a tidy resolution in the closing pages finish out these formulaic stories. Fans of the slap shot and hat tricks will be delighted to see their sport featured in these quick, easy reads.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 4–6—Zibby Payne loves to play soccer with the boys every chance she gets. Everything is just fine, until she gets the lead in the class play about a girl soccer player. Then she finds out that she has to kiss her best guy friend, Matthew, and trouble really begins. The well-paced story builds on funny and engaging sixth-grade characters. With the short chapters and an easy-to-follow plotline, this humorous novel is a good choice for reluctant readers.—Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 8 Up—In this sequel to Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale (S & S, 2002), the coronation of Kaye's boyfriend, Roiben, as King of the Unseelie Court seems to signal an end to their relationship. Silarial, Queen of the rival Seelie Court, persists in warring against Roiben and his folk, Kaye's friend Cornelius is cursed by a faery, and Kaye tells her mom that she's really a pixie changeling and that the woman's human daughter has been living in Faerie since babyhood. All in all, things are not going well in either Faerie or Ironside—what faeries call the human realm, in this case New York City and New Jersey—although, on the positive side, Corny does find love with Luis, a human with the ability to cast off faerie curses. Essential for fans of Tithe, this tale of tough yet romantic punks and misfits, both human and faerie, is told in an authentic street voice. It will appeal to readers who like their magic served with a layer of urban grit.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—Rusty Nail, MN, in 1953 is the backdrop for the mischievous, sometimes hilarious, antics of Franny Hansen and her best friend, Sandy Hellickson. In addition to being rambunctious and fun loving, the 10-year-old is a piano prodigy whose talents risk being wasted by the limited ability of the town's only piano teacher. Enter Olga Malenkov, a mysterious Russian, seemingly the wife of a big-city lawyer who is a former native son of Rusty Nail. The psychology of the McCarthy period spurs the townspeople to gossip and to decide that the stranger is a Communist spy. Franny's mother offers the voice of reason to balance the hysteria and paranoia rampant at the time. When the girls decide to do some spying of their own, Franny discovers that the newcomer plays the piano beautifully. She bargains her way to lessons, and the extent of her talent is discovered. Add to the mix Franny's piano rival—a stereotypically conceited, spoiled, bratty youngster-and a high-stakes competition, and the tension escalates. Blume has skillfully combined humor, history, and music to create an enjoyable novel that builds to a surprising crescendo.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 5–7—Isabelle Bonnard is an 11-year-old lacemaker living near the palace of Versailles. One day, while delivering lace to the palace, she is discovered by Marie Antoinette and taken to be a companion to the queen's young daughter. Thérèse provides her with all the luxuries of court life, but Isabelle is torn between her loyalties to her new friend and to her barely surviving mother and grandmother at home. As threats against the royal family increase, Isabelle sees the unfolding drama through her fresh and increasingly less naive eyes. The author vividly evokes the appalling lack of sanitary facilities, the crowds of vagrants and hangers-on overrunning the palace, the differences within the French social classes, and Louis XVI's fatal dithering when confronted with the National Guard. Isabelle's brother, a groom in the Marquis de Lafayette's stables, supplies the revolutionary perspective. This richly detailed story provides a sympathetic, well-balanced view of this period. An author's note reinforces the credibility of Isabelle's "adoption" by the royal family. A fascinating and well-researched look at 18th-century France.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

Gr 7 Up—Each of these four stories of summer flings features an introverted teen who comes out of her shell in the throes of first romance. Readers travel the globe to experience a night of clubbing, a week at summer camp, a tour of France, and a college summer school program. Despite a vacuous-looking cover, the values portrayed in the stories have merit, and the characters ring true. The romance, language, and exploits will appeal to general as well as reluctant readers.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 9 Up—Three teens arrive at King's Crown Resort and Spa in Colorado to work for the summer. Claire is a local trying to overcome her party-girl image and turns to God for comfort through a difficult time, but she is rejected by the other girls. Seneca is the daughter of a formerly A-list actress who is struggling to stay on the inside of the Hollywood elite. Drew, an avid runner, has come to train in the thin mountain air, hoping to get an edge on the competition back home in Kansas. The girls, forced together as roommates, clash over everything from bathroom privileges to boyfriends. Tension builds among them and they fight to maintain peace in their small cabin as each one struggles with her own secrets and personal dramas. Not surprisingly, they overcome their differences, become friends, and ultimately share what's going on in their lives. The tired premise offers nothing new or original here. The author spends a great deal of time developing the characters and their separate story lines without focusing on the plot that holds the teens together. The scenes of their fighting and baring their souls are filled with trite dialogue, making for unbelievable teenage angst. For fun summer reads, stick with Ann Brashares's "Sisterhood" books (Delacorte) or Jodi Lynn Anderson's Peaches (HarperCollins, 2005).—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 7 Up—In Secrets of My Hollywood Life (Little, Brown, 2006), starlet Kaitlin was overwhelmed with instant success and temporarily traded it in for normality. Now she has been cast in a movie by a super-popular director—just the break that she needs from her TV show. The project costars her ex-boyfriend, Drew, and her arch nemesis, creating tension on the set. Worse still is a media campaign that forces the teen to be seen with Drew, which upsets her new boyfriend. Readers will almost feel sorry for Kaitlin, but she handles everything with the charm, poise, and temper of a teenage girl. It is refreshing to meet a chick-lit character who is living in Hollywood, is famous and amazingly rich, and yet maintains moral standards. She is a superstar dealing with things other teens face; as she prepares to host the biggest teen award show, she is nervous about a pimple. Calonita has a knack for nailing down most teens' perception of stardom, and for dotting the scene with famous names of both people and brands.—Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX

Gr 4–7—Nathan Wade, a fisherman's son, lives in Saybrook, CT, at the beginning of the American Revolution. When his father enlists in the Continental Army, the 14-year-old stays with relatives to help on their farm. His cousin, David, invents a submarine to be used against the British and asks Nathan to help him build it on a nearby secluded island. In spite of his intense fear of water, he agrees, and learns to overcome his phobia as he ferries back and forth while building the vessel. The submarine, named American Turtle, is towed to New York and employed in an attempt to sink Admiral Howe's flagship, anchored in the harbor. Nathan participates in the August 29, 1776, evacuation of 9000 American soldiers by helping to row men and equipment across the East River under cover of night and fog. The historical events surrounding the first submarine ever used in warfare, outlined in an author's note, are expertly woven throughout this fictional account. Johnson's pen-and-ink illustrations at the beginning of each chapter enrich Carlson's first novel.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA

Gr 6–9—David Dominguez loves to sing, in spite of his migrant-worker father's insistence that it is not a masculine activity. The teen manages to pursue his interest secretly by attending local African-American churches. In so doing, he faces distrust and racism in spite of his musical talent. Ultimately, he wins a competition in which he is the only non-African American. The message that anything is possible if you try is diminished by David's repeated comments that his fellow competitors (whose dreams are presumably as valid as his) aren't very good. Set in California in 1963 and several years prior, the book reads like a memoir, though it is billed as fiction. The period is not clarified until halfway through, making the author's use of the dated terms "whitey" and "colored" jarring. The use of dialect for the African Americans sometimes seems over-the-top. While it may be the product of the author's experience, it can be difficult to decode terms such as "tahmawra" for "tomorrow." David is reasonably well developed, but the secondary characters are flat. The lack of chapter breaks will make this book a challenge for reluctant and struggling readers in spite of its brevity. The singing contest may make the story intriguing to American Idol fans, and David's background in a migrant family, while incidental to the plot, may be of local interest in California. Ultimately, though, the book has limited appeal.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 8–10—When Mickey's dad dies unexpectedly, the last thing she expects is her older brother to reappear. Danny took off after the death of his best friend, the town's football hero, six years earlier, and Mickey hasn't forgiven him for abandoning her. She certainly doesn't want him trying to be part of her life now that she's about to graduate and escape South Texas forever. Danny isn't prepared for Mickey's rejection and still blames himself for Roland's death; he falls into the same behavior that he despised in his father. This makes Mickey angrier, but she still finds herself defending him when other townspeople attack him. In time, the siblings find some commonality through talking about the past. When Danny finds Mickey's beat-up copy of The Outsiders, he remembers how they used to read it together and felt as though they were Darry and Ponyboy. Feels Like Home parallels The Outsiders in many ways, but unlike those characters, Mickey knows that they can't remain kids forever. Letting go of childhood is the only way to move forward with their lives. Texas's obsession with high school football is well described, as are relationships between rich and poor, and Mexican and white. Danny and Mickey's story is a worthwhile purchase, despite numerous subplots and additional characters that are sometimes distracting.—Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

Gr 4–6—When Ronnie's mother injures her knee, Ronnie and her five-year-old brother are sent on a trip with the grandfather they barely know to give her time to heal. It's clearly necessary for the kids to leave their mother in peace, as Gee's ADHD makes him a wearying companion. Lured by Pop's spanking new RV, the siblings are initially willing to travel with him as he scouts out suitable wind-farm locations across Kansas. His involvement with his grandchildren is grudging at best. Ronnie frequently feels hung out to dry while Gee bounces them from one untenable situation into another: climbing to the top of a humongous steam shovel where he hangs paralyzed by fear, trying to hide a stray dog who's stowing away in the trailer, etc. It's only when Gee disappears that Ronnie discovers the depth of Pop's feelings for them. There are some funny moments among the antic-paced events of this novel, and readers will sympathize with Ronnie's situation as she tries to fashion a reasonable facsimile of a vacation out of her difficult babysitting assignment. It's hard to know whether the experience is more satisfying or exhausting.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Jude, 17, is trapped by her mother's promiscuous, abusive, and irresponsible patterns. Always on the move, Stella has left a string of loser men and unsatisfactory towns behind. Now she and Jude are in Ellenville, where Stella's mother lives. Jude has never met her grandmother and craves this family tie, but the woman has had a stroke and is unable to communicate. Jude visits her daily, carrying on a tender conversation in her mind. Life with Stella continues to be ugly, but Ellenville offers some bright spots for Jude. Her art class is a sanctuary. She begins to make friends; best of all, she hooks up with the high school football star, a hunky guy who is bright, likes art, and makes her skin tingle. Jude hopes he will rescue her from her tawdry life. But there's more to her unhappiness than the obvious, and as she reads about van Gogh's life, his emotional struggles resonate with her. Then her mother is ready to move again, Todd doesn't want to commit, and Grandma dies. Jude almost loses hope. Walking with this girl through her depression feels real. Unfortunately, the dialogue doesn't, and too many pat situations compromise the serious nature of this novel.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 5–8—Balance, like a good tennis racquet, is what Holloway "Hall" Braxton wants and doesn't have. She is 13, a highly successful and bold player on the junior tennis circuit. She has friends, and her parents and coach wholeheartedly believe in her abilities. Still, Hall worries about others' expectations and her own. Janie, her closest competitor, had a mental meltdown and is in the hospital. Hall and her best friend since kindergarten, Eve, aren't seeing eye-to-eye anymore. Polly is the new kid on the block, a wizard at math, who can relate to the pressures that Hall faces. Coach's voice—barking orders in her head, guiding her to victory-is suddenly silent, and Hall is afraid she is losing her nerve, the drive to win, the "zone" that makes tennis seem so effortless and powerful. Her parents are struggling to keep her in competition—equipment and trips to matches are very costly, but suddenly brochures for expensive tennis academies are appearing in their mailbox. Hall doesn't want more pressures in her life—especially since Luke, her idea of a "Greek God," is showing a decided interest. Despite the occasionally adult tone, the first-person narrative intersperses Hall's thoughts and activities with the ever-present and relentless demands of the game, creating a tension and rhythm that will capture readers' attention to the finish, just as a good tennis match should.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 5–7—This somewhat pedestrian ghost story/murder mystery takes place in Saratoga Springs, NY. Tim, a 14-year-old misfit, moves with his professor parents into Chatsworth Mansion. The house, named for a little-known and florid Victorian writer, is reputed to be haunted by the author's son, a supposed suicide. Tim eventually sees Edmund's ghost and, while investigating his death, the two embark upon an unlikely but strong friendship that allows the boy to become more comfortable around the kids at his new high school as well as to begin dating a classmate (a subplot with its own drama). The mystery itself is rote, and Tim regularly guesses at clues without Coleman giving much evidence to readers. Some aspects of the story seem extremely old-fashioned, such as the constant referencing of Casablanca, while others, such as the enormous trust fund with which Tim purchases the mansion, and the money he makes from the sale of an original Chatsworth manuscript, come across as far-fetched.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 5–9—In his fifth adventure, Gregor is faced with his most personal challenge in the Underland—a prophecy that seems to foretell his own death. As the final confrontation between the giant rats, led by the powerful Bane, and the humans, led by young queen Luxa and her advisors, approaches, Gregor confronts his own fears and finds his own role in the fighting. The conflict brings his family from New York to the Underland, and Gregor's sister Lizzie finds her own role as the code-breaker, working with a team of representatives of the different underground species to crack the rats' secret code and to anticipate their next movements. As attacks and ambushes bring chaos to the underground city of Regalia, Gregor's role as the warrior means that it's up to him to save the day. A realistic conclusion, including the loss of old friends and a message about the importance of peace and trust, leaves readers with a sense of optimism about the future of the Underland. Friends and foes from the previous volumes reappear here, and Gregor's self-doubts and changing relationship with Luxa add to his depth as a protagonist. Fans of the series will find much to appreciate, from an enigmatic prophecy to the complex rat Ripred, and they'll be drawn in by Collins's tight pacing and sense of urgency.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 9 Up—Eleven-year-old Billie is neglected and emotionally abused. Her parents, who were disappointed that she was not a boy, work all day in the fields, leaving her to keep house, cook, and attend school. When a flood threatens their 1968 Missouri community, most residents flee, leaving Billie's family, an elderly neighbor, and the woman's adult son. Billie and Miss Lydia become friends, but the girl is leery of Curtis. Her fear is well grounded, as he lures her to the deserted school and rapes her. Billie tells no one, but Miss Lydia figures it out. The woman, who was sexually abused by her father, protects Billie by staging a shooting in which she mistakes Curtis for a burglar and kills him. When the flood passes and school resumes, Billie becomes friends with a boy who becomes part of the afternoons at Miss Lydia's. Harlan and Billie grow closer as time passes. Miss Lydia ultimately suffers a stroke, and the two teens take care of her until her death. This story is beautiful, painful, and complex, and the descriptions of people, events, and emotions are graphic and tangible. The rape scene is described but not sensationalized. The pain it causes both Billie and Miss Lydia is made real for readers. The language is a bit crude at the beginning, but as Billie's rough edges are smoothed, her language becomes more polished. The ending is somewhat over-the-top, but doesn't detract from the story.—Nancy P. Reeder, Librarian, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 5–8—Using a banyan tree and its sheltering branches as a metaphor, De Palma tells the story of a 15-year-old who needs protection and the knowledge that she is loved. Irena runs away from home, leaving behind her abusive father and the memory of her mother, who had recently abandoned them. She survives on the streets of Key West for a while and then stumbles into a job at the Banyan Tree Motel, a run-down place owned by kindhearted Carlotta and her aging brother. The family is loving toward Irena; however, they are barely holding on financially and the fact that Carlotta's daughter is expecting a child makes the situation that much more dire. Enamored with her new "instant family," Irena wants to help, but has no solutions that will relieve the money pressures. Her first-person narrative allows readers to know her intimately, but many of her thoughts and actions are closer to those of a 12-year-old than a girl of 15. The story line, even with its episodes of life on the streets, evolves with a level of innocence that makes it more appropriate for younger readers. Irena's descriptions of people and scenery are filled with poetic phrases that evoke vivid images and enhance the reading experience.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5–8—Iris Greenwold is a dreamer; it's how she escapes her miserable existence. Her mother researches soybeans for an uncaring employer and her wacky father lives far away and pays almost no attention to her. Erebus Middle School is awful, with classmates who torment her and teachers who don't understand why she doesn't pay attention. And then, for her 12th birthday, Iris receives an incredible gift: Bulfinch's Mythology. Reading about the exploits of the Greek gods is right up her alley, but she is puzzled when mysterious messages start popping up in the book's pages and downright startled to discover that the gods are all living nearby at the New Jersey shore and in the Philadelphia area. Moreover, they desperately need her help. As she meets such figures as Poseidon (who runs a seaside oyster shack), Apollo (owner of a cool jazz club), and Aphrodite (stylist extraordinaire), she's also treated to firsthand accounts of Greek myths. This engaging story of an unhappy girl whose dreaming pays off in wonderful ways will be a hit with adolescents dealing with those difficult middle school years. Give it to readers who gobble up Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series (Hyperion/Miramax) and other novels where teens interact with the Greek pantheon.—Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI

Gr 6–8—After he's suspended from his middle school in suburban Philadelphia, Ethan is sent to live with his maternal grandparents in Washington, DC. He learns that he'll attend Parker Junior High—in a uniform from "ValuBuy." The boy feels suspended not only from his old school, but in time, as well. Every aspect of his life is changing radically. His parents have separated and his sister has started college in California. Life with his grandparents starkly contrasts with life in the suburbs. Not only is their city neighborhood a bit seedy, but Ethan is also the only white kid on the block and at school; there are no malls to hang out in and the only technology in his grandparents' home is a rotary phone. But during the fall, Ethan learns about the strength of his family and the turbulent times that helped shape them, begins to accept his parents' divorce, and figures out that assumptions about people can be way off base. In other words, he grows during his time away from Maple Heights. His first-person narration presents a different take on being an outsider. He's white and Jewish, middle class and suburban-raised in a challenged, gritty inner-city area. Details about the nation's capital appear (and more importantly, feel) accurate. Though message-driven with many convenient coincidences (saved by the suburbs—Ethan returns to his comfortable life and his grandparents' neighbors move to a DC suburb), this novel does provide a look at a not-often-seen side of life in Washington, DC. Unfortunately, because of its heavy-handedness, it is not likely to be embraced by the intended audience.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 7–10—Amy Nelson Barak, introduced in How to Ruin a Summer Vacation (Flux, 2006), is back. She's living in a Chicago high-rise with her Israeli-born father, a security consultant and workaholic, and a dog named Mutt, a gift from her summertime Israeli "non-boyfriend," Avi. Amy has been enjoying a new religious education and exploration of her heritage, which got a running start during her trip to Israel, but the list of annoyances potentially ruining her life is almost too much for her. Dad needs a date and a life, so she signs him up for a Jewish online dating service using his credit card without mentioning it. Her mom and stepdad are expecting a baby, which freaks Amy out. Avi is out of touch while doing basic training in the Israeli army. Perhaps the biggest insult is from Nathan, a geeky-looking but intriguing new guy who completely rubs her the wrong way, but she kisses him anyway. A retaliation kiss from him in the cafeteria is hard to explain when Avi shows up for a surprise visit. Readers picking up the book without prior knowledge can settle into Amy's brink-of-ruination life easily, and they will enjoy her take on the world. This is an undemanding read in which what's wrong can be made right by the last page—just the choice for teens who seek realistic YA fiction free from heavy issues but with appealingly ordinary drama and humor.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 9 Up—Caleb and Maggie exhibit enough pain and anger to wreak havoc on their families and community, named, ironically, Paradise. Both missed their junior year of high school; Maggie, recovering from a car accident, and Caleb, jailed for hitting her while driving drunk. Now it's September and the beginning of their senior year. Each teen tries to slip back into old patterns that no longer fit. Classmates mock Maggie's awkward gait while anger and violence swirl around Caleb when he confronts his fellow students. Maggie's fury toward him turns her into a loner. And although Caleb spent a year in prison, he knows he will never be forgiven. Circumstances force them to work together and, under the benevolent eye of an elderly widow, they fall in love. Elkeles writes convincingly about family tensions, retreating from painful reality, and teens outgrowing their old skins. The plot has some twists and reversals that keep the story interesting, but doses of pop psychology are unnecessarily interjected. In keeping the story realistic, Elkeles doesn't tie up loose ends, but permits the characters to work through complicated emotions. Mild cursing and some sexual scenes make this book most suitable for high school readers.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 8–10—Fourteen-year-old Matt, a survivor of family violence, has learned to withdraw, to make herself invisible to the Beasts of the world, and to run away from things she can't cope with. This notion is entirely counter to the philosophy of Sam and Jessica Fox, her latest foster parents, whose Quaker belief is to face the fire. Their caring and concern, both for Matt and for Rory, their other foster child, a severely disabled seven-year-old boy, begin to break down her resistance. As Matt is increasingly drawn into the family's life, she worries that Sam's peace activism puts him squarely in the path of a wave of violent vandalism in their community. Her own antiwar opinions about the Iraq conflict have led to trouble with a teacher, and she has drawn the attention of a school bully. The effect of this moving first-person story of a foster child slowly opening herself to family love is lessened by its heavy political message. The issues are interesting, the present-day Pennsylvania setting realistic, and the high school believable, but readers may find the picture of anti-pacifist violence (including a death at a demonstration in Washington) exaggerated.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 4–6—Through rhyming text, this picture book follows an African-American child's day as she celebrates with classmates at school, wins a chess match in the park, and attends her elementary-school graduation ceremony. The rambling verse advises the youngster to keep striving even when encountering dead ends or an unclear path and to embrace the journey no matter where it leads. The text is in the same vein as Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go (Random, 1990). Consisting of paintings combined with collage, Collier's art is reminiscent of his work in Hope Lynne Price's These Hands (Hyperion, 1999) and Nikki Grimes's Welcome, Precious (Scholastic, 2006), including the balloon motif from the latter. The faces have the artist's characteristic luminescence, but the backgrounds are more muted and don't have the intensity of the pictures in Nikki Giovanni's Rosa (Holt, 2005) or Doreen Rappaport's Martin's Big Words (Hyperion, 2001). With its motivational sentiments and colorful artwork, this book might make a great graduation gift. Consider it a limited purchase for libraries.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 6–9—Before she was Helen of Troy and her face launched a thousand ships, she was Helen of Sparta, tomboyish teen and future queen, at least according to this novel. Not much was written about her in classical literature before she became embroiled with Paris and Menelaus, so this is Friesner's backstory. Helen, not interested in the typical princess duties and responsibilities, would rather learn the ways of a warrior with her brothers. She trains secretly, growing stronger and more accomplished than anyone expects. When her sister, Clytemnestra, goes to Mykenae for her marriage, Helen, longing to see the world, begs to accompany her and her brothers. She makes her first official royal visit and nearly gets trapped there by the scheming king. However, a beast devastating the countryside causes all of the warriors gathered in Mykenae to create a hunting party headed for Calydon, and Helen manages to include herself. There, she meets Atalanta, a fascinating female warrior and a role model. After killing the giant boar, Helen and her brothers, Castor and Polydeuces, head for home. They stop to visit the Oracle at Delphi, where their journey takes a new direction as they join Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece. No prior knowledge of the Iliad and the Odyssey is required to appreciate this story. The plot flows well, and readers will find this Helen interesting, if somewhat predictable. Fans of mythology or historical fiction will enjoy this lively tale.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 8–10—An entertaining, low-key story for romance readers and dog lovers. The novel follows the trials and tribulations of Natalie, 16, who sticks to the straight and narrow, rejecting the raunchy antics of her classmates, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and working long hours in her mother's veterinary clinic. Despite the teen's good behavior, she struggles with her mom's lack of trust and overprotective ways. When handsome Carver, the son of a family friend, comes to stay for the summer, Natalie falls hard for him, and their romance spurs her to challenge her mother's rules. Each chapter begins with a quote from Natalie's dog-trainer father, who left her mother for another woman. Natalie's affinity for dogs, and her propensity for comparing people to an appropriate breed, is amusing, but sometimes a stretch. Some readers will identify with Natalie's idealism, while others will find her too much of a Goody Two-shoes. Overall, though, this is a light, enjoyable read for those who like quirky romances.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 6–8—In this third installment, Raisin is still dating monosyllabic CJ. The kissing is nice, but having a conversation—nearly impossible. The seventh grader goes home to see her dad for Christmas vacation. Berkeley has changed quite a bit since her parents divorced and her mom moved the family to Philadelphia. Raisin is upset to find that her two BFFs now have a third BFF, who Raisin thinks has replaced her in their affections. There are many things crammed into this light, funny, run-of-the-mill novel that's written in the style of text messaging and blogging. Raisin finds a new romance (as does her father), deals with being jealous, has tantrums, and pays altogether too much attention to what Paris Hilton has to say about makeup and self-esteem. While she presents herself as a hip, knowledgeable teen, she is really pretty clueless. And although she frequently looks foolish and is melodramatic, Raisin is like most teenagers today. That uneasy tipping point between preadolescence and adolescence is portrayed well.—B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 6–8—In the Bible, the infamous Salome asks for the head of John the Baptist after her provocative dance at the birthday of her stepfather, Herod. This absorbing novel re-creates the events surrounding her coldhearted request. Jewish by birth but raised in Rome, Salome wants nothing more than to become a priestess at the temple of Diana. Instead, her manipulative mother, who divorced Salome's father and married Herod Antipas, the ruler of the Jewish people in Tiberias, takes her to her new home far from Rome. At this point in her life, Salome is beginning to notice the intricacies of political life, the selfishness of the ruling classes, and the potential that each person has for good and evil. Eventually, she is caught between the machinations of her insecure, self-centered mother and the desires of her lecherous stepfather, and in a moment of panic, she does what her mother desires—she asks for John's head. Gormley effectively captures the confusion of an unhappy adolescent and the shallowness of her narcissistic mother in a well-plotted tale that keeps readers engaged. Though most of the book is about Salome, a few chapters are told from the point of view of John. These chapters, as well as some of the events in the story, convey clearly the message that John, and later Yeshua, are preaching, a message unsettling to those in power. Many of the questions that the book raises are still being grappled with today, and as a result, the novel will appeal to thoughtful readers as well as to those who simply want to lose themselves in a good story.—Barbara Scotto, Michael Driscoll School, Brookline, MA

Gr 5–8—This novel has much to recommend it. Troy White is a typical 12-year-old in many ways, dividing his time between school, organized sports, and friends. He has one special talent, though: when he watches football on television, he subconsciously computes team statistics, players, and other variables, and he can call the plays before they happen. What could be a nice parlor trick takes on new significance when his single mother gets a job with the Atlanta Falcons' public relations department. Suddenly, Troy is in a position to help the struggling team win, if he can only make the grownups around him listen. It's an uphill battle at first, but eventually running back Seth Halloway witnesses Troy's uncanny ability and puts his own job on the line to help convince the coach and the team's owner. Drawing heavily on his own eight years as a linebacker for the Falcons, Green gives armchair quarterbacks a rare and realistic glimpse at the pain, sweat, and politicking of professional football. He includes enough cameo appearances from real players (Mike Vick, John Abraham, and Demarrio Williams, among others) to make fact and fiction meld seamlessly. Fictional characters are fairly two-dimensional, especially the scheming assistant coach who wants nothing more than to see the team lose so that he can step in as head coach. Nonetheless, the fast action and plot twists will keep fans of the game glued to the story. A first purchase for libraries looking to bolster their sports fiction.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7 Up—Since his father's death two years earlier, Eddie has been a virtual orphan, throwing himself into school and housework and trying desperately to cover up his mother's drug addiction and alcoholism. When his mom is finally forced into rehab, Eddie is whisked off to Boston to live with his "hippy-dippy" Aunt Lily, her husband, and their son. He joins his cousin, Alex, at his experimental, inner-city high school, The Center for Urban Education, or CUE. The institution is designed like a business and students are expected to dress and act accordingly. In sharp contrast to Eddie's sprawling, mostly white, suburban high school, academic achievement is valued and expected of the mostly black students. Alex is gregarious and fun-loving—and a chronic underachiever. Eddie is introverted, hardworking, and has no experience being a teenager. Over the course of a few months, the boys begin to open up and, to their surprise, become close friends. Just as Eddie is beginning to feel comfortable in his new life, he learns that his mother is ready to leave rehab and start over with him. Halpin does an excellent job of baring Eddie's emotions and his inner conflict about his mom. The ebb and flow of the relationship between the two boys is also well done and believable. Many teens will identify with Eddie, crying and cheering for him by turns. This well-crafted story is on par with Margaret Peterson Haddix's Don't You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey (S & S, 1996).—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School Library, CA

Gr 5–7—It will require a patient reader to get to the action in this story set around the 1935 hurricane that devastated Islamorado and Matecumbe Key in Florida. Harlow spends more than half of the book introducing the characters and setting. Jake, 13, becomes friends with Mara, a new girl in town. His mom hires her as a babysitter for her daughter, Star, leaving him more time to work for Sharkey, a gruff old fishing guide. Life proceeds at a sleepy pace until word comes of a hurricane headed for the Keys. At the same time, Star comes down with encephalitis and the family is frantic. Without sophisticated weather tracking, residents don't know the size of the storm or its exact location. Many choose to leave their homes only when storm surge starts pouring in their doors, and by then it is too late. The characters are well drawn. The palpable sense of unease about the approaching storm, the terror of its strength, and the sense of loss and disorientation are described in detail, and are reminiscent of stories from the recent Gulf hurricanes. However, neither the action nor the foreboding happens quickly enough for readers who are looking for an exciting story.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 7 Up—Poker prodigy Denn Doyle of Stone Cold (S & S, 1998) is back. The novel opens as the now 17-year-old, who has moved to Las Vegas with money he won from poker kingpin Artie Kingston, loses his last chunk of cash in a fixed game. It turns out that Artie is behind this, and has used Denn's new girlfriend, Cattie, to deal the fatal card. Denn must raise $10,000 to enter a million-dollar winner-takes-all tournament to save his pride. Hautman tells the story through Denn, Cattie, and a jaded 22-year-old gambler. Jimbo, who talks like a 1940s gumshoe, is the voice of reason, and the most interesting of the three. Only he speaks in the first person, which dilutes the other two narratives. Denn's voice is distant at best, and he never truly earns readers' empathy. Cattie is so unilaterally bitter and unfeeling that her mutiny from the dark side seems premature. The noir mood is clever, but it also keeps readers at arm's length. The descriptions of poker play are impressive, but guaranteed to confuse the uninitiated, despite the glossary. The dialogue is snappy and the plot, especially the ending, unfolds expertly and without cliché. All in all, All-in may only be of interest to older poker enthusiasts.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 5–9—In this sequel to The Floating Island (Tor, 2006), Ven Polypheme undertakes his first assignment for King Vandemere of Serendair. Ven and his friends are sent into the Gated City to uncover the meaning of a strange glowing stone. The former penal colony is ruled by the cruel Queen of Thieves, and the children find both wonders and danger behind the gates. Haydon uses snippets of Ven's diary entries, fast-paced action, and plenty of humorous touches to keep readers engaged. While Ven is clearly the leader, all of the youngsters use their unique skills and abilities to move the story forward to a conclusion that, not surprisingly, promises more adventures to come. Chan's occasional illustrations add visual appeal. The cover makes the book look like a dragon fantasy. It is not, but dragons have been promised to feature prominently in future installments. Fans of the first book will be excited by this one (complete with a preview chapter from Book 3, The Dragon's Lair, and a "Reader's Guide"). While the story will make more sense to those who have read The Floating Island, Haydon does a wonderful job of weaving the critical details from that story into this one. This first-rate novel will have wide appeal.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 4–6—These adaptations are sure to be a hit with readers. Divided into four sections-"Death," "Disease and Madness," "The Power of the Mind," and "Evil"—the selections by master storytellers such as Poe, de Maupassant, Dickens, and Stevenson entertain with a simplicity that belies the horror within. Abridged in length to three or four pages, the stories are illustrated with Rodríguez's stylized cartoons that convey appropriate amounts of darkness and humor. A solid choice that will entice reluctant readers and make for entertaining read-alouds.—Kathleen A. Nester, Downingtown High Ninth Grade Center, PA

Gr 4–7—After moving to a new neighborhood, Bree Mulaney, 11, is lonely. Resorting to her old imaginary friend, Joey, causes disapproval from her parents and disdain from her older brother, Reid. When she meets 13-year-old Cassie, who smokes (she says), wears makeup, and has a tattoo, Bree is intrigued. Cassie is visiting her grandmother for the summer, although she tells Bree that she has gotten kicked out of her boarding school. The plot remains steady with enough happening to sustain interest as Bree eventually gives Joey up and Cassie's secrets become known. Hickey creates a true-to-life situation. However, while Bree clearly admits that having an imaginary friend is not normal for someone her age-that's she's just lonely and desperate for a friend—most readers will find her reliance on Joey improbable. Because of that, the book is likely to have limited appeal.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 4–6—Erin is finishing fifth grade and has the long days of summer to fill with no escape from her older sister, who knits, plays basketball, and doesn't shave her legs. Her ex-best friend, Kayla, teases her about her sister, and Erin worries about her popularity status once school starts because she is related to Monica. Although Erin's voice is authentic and the slow pacing may be intentional, her fears get tedious and the details of her revenge against Kayla seem contrived and uninteresting. Still, this first-time novelist writes beautifully, particularly when Erin fantasizes that she is Frodo from The Lord of the Rings and later when she realizes that she doesn't have to pretend anymore. Her growth is realistically depicted. At the happy conclusion, she has learned to accept Monica and has developed a self-reliance that will help her navigate through middle school. The title is provocative, the cover appealing, and the text may resonate with readers making the same transition from elementary school to middle school.—Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 6–9—Sawako, a friendless Japanese teenager, believes that her father mistreated her dead mother because Sawako's scores on practice high school entrance exams were never high enough. She receives a message from a student at another school, asking her to collaborate on writing a story by email, about a schoolgirl who is stalked. Sawako eagerly accepts and recruits two other girls to participate, after she gets their addresses from a cell phone she finds. Mai and Mayumi have their own problems. Mayumi is overshadowed by her best friend's athletic success, and Mai has too much money and time on her hands. When Sawako's entries take a different tone and suddenly stop, Mai and Mayumi wrestle with the decision to breach their anonymity and speak in the real world. Chain Mail explores parental and peer pressure, fascination with online personas, and other topics to which teens can relate. Told in a distinctively Japanese style, this novel should be popular with the manga-obsessed.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 9 Up—Penelope Yeager, 16, has arranged to graduate and head to college a year early to get away from her flirty, immature mother, Viv. When she was six, Lopi's two-year-old brother was run over by her parents' car, and she blames herself. After her parents' divorce, the minimal counseling she received barely helped. Lopi still struggles with her feelings about his death, but she is also preoccupied with finding true love and having sex for the first time. After three unsuccessful romantic encounters, including being put off by her mother's prospective fiancé, she realizes that her friend Toad is "the one." When Viv survives a serious auto accident, she finally talks with Lopi about what happened to her brother and agrees to provide more therapy. Lopi is a realistic character with usual teen worries and the additional burden of overwhelming guilt. As she works through the process of finishing high school, getting accepted into college, making friends, resolving issues with her mother, and finding a boyfriend in Toad, she becomes more self-assured. She begins to overcome her sorrow and appears to be heading toward a happier future. When she and Toad suddenly acknowledge their serious feelings for one another, they quickly hop into bed, but use a condom. Despite the predictable romance, this fast-paced, well-written story will appeal to those who enjoyed Kristen Tracy's Lost It (S & S, 2007) and Marlene Perez's Unexpected Development (Roaring Brook, 2004).—Diane P. Tuccillo, formerly at City of Mesa Library, AZ

Gr 7 Up—Cadel Piggott was hacking into computer systems by the time he was seven and causing all sorts of trouble by the time he fast-tracked through high school. At age 14, he is encouraged by his longtime "psychiatrist" to enroll in the Axis Institute. There, the classes include Misinformation, Disguise, Basic Lying, Embezzlement, and Explosives. Cadel settles into his first semester of studies, but soon begins to suspect that something is very wrong here. Through Partner Post, his online matching service experiment, he receives a cryptic warning from one of his subscribers, and he begins to make plans to investigate his teachers. A trail of hacked information takes him to places he doesn't want to go. A flowing and coherent style leads readers into the thriller that Evil Genius becomes. Although background information dominates the beginning of the book, the plot quickly picks up its dark and dangerous pace as Cadel moves through his fear and realization of what is happening around him. As an alternative thriller that shows the good side of evil, Jinks sets up a compelling world of lies, deceit, and betrayal that will have lovers of mystery or computer-based investigation on the edge as they devour this page-turner. A sequel is planned.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Mature for his 16 years, Thomas Ormsby talks his way out of working at the local apothecary and signs up as personal assistant to Henry Morton Stanley on his next African expedition. With dreams as big as the continent, Tom is soon thrust into the middle of war and slavery as Stanley's team works its way from Zanzibar to the deep jungles of the Congo's Ituri Forest. The two-year trek causes the boy to question his hero's motives and whether he has indeed signed up for a rescue mission or one of fame and exploitation. This novel is a bit of enigma. There is no doubt that Karr is a great writer, given the book's quality of craftsmanship—this is a truly informative and eye-opening read. Yet, one struggles to identify with the protagonist. An obvious challenge is his stodgy and somewhat antiquated voice; however, readers may move past this awkwardness and assume that Tom has adopted the bravado and speech of his favorite serial character from Jack Harkaway among the Sea Fiends of the Moluccas. Overall, the author's historical research is quite impressive, but Tom seems almost too good to be true, as if, dropped anywhere in the world, he could easily take on any challenge without fear or surprise at the unique cultures and terrains.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 6–8—Two 12-year-old best friends lie about their age and get online boyfriends. Leah goes to meet hers and disappears. Distraught, Maxine is encouraged by her therapist to keep a diary. She calls it Jo and writes about her family, her town, and her life after Leah. Although fictionalized, the story confronts the realities of the situation. Maxine deals with guilt; why didn't she tell anyone Leah had an online boyfriend? She works through her anger; why is everyone happy at the holidays? Don't they know Leah is gone? She finds solace in helping with the investigation. When her online boyfriend emails her wanting to meet, the police suspect that he is Leah's killer and Maxine agrees to a dangerous plan that puts her face-to-face with the predator. The novel has a strong message but it doesn't interfere with the storytelling. Maxine is well developed with the unsure voice of a preteen. Though the book stays mainly in her head, the secondary characters (especially Leah and her parents) are equally compelling. In the beginning, the writing is forced but quickly eases into the diary format. It could simply be Maxine herself warming to the idea of being able to express herself openly and honestly. The last pages offer online safety tips for children and their parents. Though the book goes on a little too long, Leah's and Maxine's experiences mirror those of many girls caught up in their own online "love."—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 7–9—A dark charm has held the village of Yole for generations, keeping the folks poor and oppressed by Mally Balloo, the master who owns the town and delights in home-pitchings that evict the villagers. When readers first meet Nacky, he is a thief, a cheat, and a swindler, headed yet again to the penitents' tower. His punishment takes him aboard a ship that wrecks, leaving him with a wooden leg and a pet pig. He returns to Yole and, along with the orphan and alleged fire setter Teedie Flinn, sees an amazing sight in the lake: the wreckage of a teakwood clipper ship. The coast is a half-day's journey away. Could this be one of the dry-land boats in the children's songs—songs that predict the breaking of the dark charm? Nacky is sure that reconstructing the exactly 40,000 pieces of wood into a ship and hauling it to the sea will break the curse. But, for this to happen, all the townspeople must work together and agree to follow the lead of two ne'er-do-wells, Nacky and Teedie, and that seems highly unlikely. The theme of redemption winds through the story. The setting has a medieval feel, with hints of Ireland. This is a very long, complicated novel with lots of characters, subplots, and details. There is much invented vocabulary as well as technical terms and information related to shipbuilding. This quirky tale will appeal mainly to readers who like a challenge.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 7–10—Ted O'Connor, 15, grew up working in his parents' pet store until they died in a car crash and he was sent into foster care. He shares an attic bedroom with Astin, who rides a Harley and is alternately paternal and threatening. The other foster kid, C.W., has his own room because Mr. Rafter "[doesn't] like to mix white and black." Ted isolates himself from social situations, preferring to communicate with animals. These creatures—from stray dogs to caged lions—talk back. The rub is, as Ted begins to trust human relationships, his gift with animals fades. Koertge writes brilliant dialogue; the conversations between Ted and the animals are as nuanced, natural, and believable as those between humans. The characterizations are subtle and swift, especially Wanda, a senior whose parents win the lottery and virtually abandon her. She's unique from her first words on the page. Ted's slow transformation from introverted destitution to tentative but authentic affirmation is well and economically handled. The novel's initially somber mood lifts, deftly and gradually, as Ted grows surer of his place in humanity. His romantic friendship with warm, intelligent Wanda is beautifully realized and revelatory; having chosen one another, they are no longer strays. This is a great choice for reluctant readers, and for animal lovers. Not a word is wasted, and this tight, smoothly plotted, perfectly pitched novel is among the author's best work.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—These novels chronicle the beginning of a new school year at Bluford High. In Safety, Ben, a new sophomore, is the victim of domestic abuse and must decide whom to trust before either he or his mother is badly hurt. The Fallen picks up the story of Martin (introduced in Brothers in Arms [Townsend, 2004]) as he transfers to the school to start his sophomore year. He risks everything to break the cycle of gang violence that killed his brother and create a new life for himself, despite a series of misunderstandings that increases the tension. Shattered is the fifth story featuring Darcy, now entering her junior year. Her ex-boyfriend has returned to town and she wants to get back together with him, but she is ashamed to tell him that she was assaulted by a date after he left, and he doesn't want to admit that he started a new relationship. Pressure mounts and in order to find peace, Darcy must confront the secrets of the summer and quit lying to everyone, including herself. Quick pacing, modern settings, and contemporary slang (but no objectionable language) are sure to captivate reluctant readers. Despite violent subplots, each novel has a hopeful ending that will ring true with readers.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 9 Up—The stage is calling to Demi and Sadye (aka Douglas and Sarah), so they're off to Wildewood Academy's summer theater program for eight weeks of showtimes, show tunes, and show-offs. The teens enjoy the whirlwind pace of the theater, but their close friendship begins to fray; Demi gains fame and gets a boyfriend, while Sadye clashes with her roommates and fights with the directors. When the pair are caught drinking on the campus rooftop, Sadye takes the fall so that Demi can remain at Wildewood. Strong secondary characters round out the plot; the gay relationships are mostly chaste, featuring kissing but avoiding more physical encounters. Teens will identify strongly with both the heartbreak and the humor in this authentic portrayal of friendships maturing and decaying. Those who don't follow musical theater might not recognize the show titles or tunes, but the campy spirit of the book shines through, regardless. An effervescent read, this is an excellent purchase.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Aislinn knows that fairies are real and that they aren't the small, cute, winged beings that most people imagine. She has inherited the gift of Sight from her mother's family, allowing her to see them. She lives by rules that have kept her safe from their notice. All of that changes when Keenan, the Summer King, chooses her as his queen, involving Aislinn in a 900-year power struggle between him and his mother, the Winter Queen. If Aislinn refuses him, summer will cease to exist, killing both mortals and fairies alike. If she accepts, she loses her humanity and ties to the mortal world—as if life as a teenager isn't hard enough when you're "normal." This story explores the themes of love, commitment, and what it really means to give of oneself for the greater good to save everyone else. It is the unusual combination of past legends and modern-day life that gives a unique twist to this "fairy" tale.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 6–8—In the midst of a short war in a country on the Arab peninsula, 12-year-old Adam, an Australian expatriate who does not want to return home, and Walid, a camel rider from Bangladesh, manage to elude Walid's former employers and survive in the harsh desert, although they lack a common language or culture. Adam's mother has gone home to Australia, and the boy is to follow the next day when his dad, a pilot, arrives from a trip. When the bombs begin to fall, he runs away from neighbors who attempt to take him across the border to safety. Walid, who had been sold by his mother, who hoped for something better for him, was left tied up in the mountains after accidentally causing the death of a camel. The alternating first-person voices, set off typographically, reveal the depth of the boys' cultural differences and their growing ability to communicate, understand, and respect one another. The harshness of the desert is clear, as is Adam's ignorance and unpreparedness. Readers who may first identify with the fun-loving Adam will come to appreciate Walid's skills and determination, and may learn something about Muslim ways in the process. The suspense is sustained and the wildly improbable happy ending is very satisfying. Some readers may not appreciate the number of times "acting like a girl" is a derogatory phrase, but this is solid survival adventure.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 9 Up—Jonathan Parish, 17, is "out-and-proud." He spends his time gossiping, shopping, partying, and watching Golden Girls reruns with his best girlfriends. Then he drunkenly deflowers a young woman at a party. His crisis of conscience worsens when rich, gorgeous Laura Schulberg makes him an offer he can't refuse: pretend to be her boyfriend in exchange for a trip to London to see Kylie Minogue perform. In the process, he alienates two of his best friends and loathes himself for returning to the closet. Jonathan is fabulously self-aware, and his running commentary about his emotional state, dance music, fashion, and Target shoppers is canny and hilarious. His voice is campy without descending into stereotype, and his honesty and insecurities deepen this portrait. His energetic narration carries the plot briskly along, and the mood is giddy but thoughtful. The characters' cultural references are so timely and their language so believably littered with f-bombs that the author might be in high school himself. Medina's ear for dialogue, colloquialisms, and accents is flawless, and the sharpest interchanges involve Jonathan; his mouthy, bisexual black/Asian girlfriend; and his gay Latino coworker. Unfortunately, his two straight female friends fall a little flat, as if they're only present to set up conflict. The inciting incident—Lauren wants Jonathan and only Jonathan as her beard—seems forced, too, even as her motive is ultimately revealed. On the whole, though, this is a well-written, thought-provoking, and welcome twist on the coming-out story.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Two brothers have a special relationship. Max was dying of cancer when Josh was born and it was the infant's stem cells that saved his life. It was no coincidence that Josh's cells were a perfect match since he was a "designer baby," conceived specifically to cure Max. Now, even with Max away at college, they remain close, sharing nightly adventures in an online role-playing game. Josh's world is rocked to its core when Max is arrested for the vicious murder of a local girl, and some people question whether Josh bears some responsibility for the crime since Max would have died without him. The media storm intensifies when Rachel, the dead girl's sister, disappears. In a credulity-straining twist, Josh discovers her hiding in their garden shed but doesn't tell anyone. Though the story is often exciting, it is also unbelievable in several places. How could Josh—and his two PhD-holding parents—have missed any indication of Max's evil side? Both boys were tested repeatedly over the years and yet there was never any indication of a psychological problem. The police confiscate all of the family's computers but their forensic specialists can't find the evidence that Josh locates in five minutes on a borrowed laptop. Readers looking for a novel about a sibling's criminality would be better served by Patricia McCormick's My Brother's Keeper (Hyperion, 2005), and those looking for stories about tissue donation and sibling illness could try Jody Picoult's My Sister's Keeper (Atria, 2004).—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School Library, CA

Gr 5–9—Filled with the tension, animosity, and determination that Annie Sullivan felt upon meeting Helen Keller, this novel portrays that most important month in their relationship, March 1887. The story is told through Annie's voice, and it begins as she travels by train from Boston to Tuscumbia, AL. The child she has been hired to teach is both deaf and blind, and there is only one previous case study that suggests that the six-year-old will ever be able to learn. As the story unfolds, readers see that strong-willed Annie is just the person to take on this formidable task. Her anger at Helen for her contrary ways is matched only by her disgust at the Kellers for allowing the girl to control everyone in the family and have her way. The incident during which Helen breaks a tooth in Annie's mouth with a well-placed punch is vividly recounted, and readers have great sympathy for the teacher's desire to get even. In spite of her own temper, the fierce love Annie feels, almost immediately, for Helen, is evident throughout. Although the flashbacks describing Annie's life before she arrived at the Kellers' interferes at times with the story's momentum, this excellent novel is compelling reading even for those familiar with the Keller/Sullivan experience. Children encountering them for the first time will feel an overwhelming sense of wonder and delight when Annie helps Helen make a communication breakthrough.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 9 Up—The glam world of Patch Flood, familiar to readers of "The Insiders" novels (Bloomsbury), lights his younger sister's life with the same privileged and wealthy glow. Flan wants to forge something of a separate identity and emerges from private school to try her luck at a New York City public school for her freshman year. She makes new friends there and is invited to a party. This typical teen-novel scenario is knocked askew by Flan's high-society house crashers: Sara Beth, a former child TV star made unbalanced by paranoia and paparazzi; Liesel, a socialite who makes or breaks new NYC clubs; and Philippa, the star-crossed lover of one of Patch's insider friends. Within a few days of the start of school, all three are staying with Flan, whose parents and older siblings are off doing their own things, leaving the 14-year-old to figure out how to keep her two worlds from colliding. She can't let her new gang find out that she's already part of the über-cool kings and queens of the city; her celebrity friends sigh wistfully for her new "normal" pursuits. While some of the seemingly requisite posing, drinking, and clubbing occur, Flan is actually a kind girl caught in a dilemma she manages to solve with sincerity. Tamer than most of its counterparts in the genre, and with some semblance of a moral compass, Inside Girl should be popular for a light summer read.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 6–9—Cass lives a glamorous Las Vegas life and seems to have everything going for her. Her best friend is the most popular girl in school, her boyfriend is a cute über-jock, and she gets along with her single dad. All of this changes when she catches her best friend and boyfriend kissing. Despite her anger and embarrassment, she makes a new circle of friends, learns to play poker, and spends time with the first boy to cross her path. Her new friends teach her to stand up for herself and they conspire to catch the ex-boyfriend cheating at cards. Characters aren't complex, but the book doesn't fall into the trap of Nice Girls vs. Mean Girls. Cass graciously accepts her apologetic friend back, and readers will respect her decision not to reunite with the boyfriend. Cass's narration sounds like a real teen without getting bogged down in trendy slang. Readers knowledgeable about poker will enjoy the detailed descriptions; others may skim them. Physical descriptions are also very detailed, complete with brand names. This light fluff is for young teens who would rather put on lip gloss than read.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 6–9—It's 1945, and Bobby and his suburban Boston friends spend their free time traveling to other schools to compete in basketball games. Their junior high does not have a gym or a coach, so when it is announced that independent teams will be included in the state JV tournament, this group of six friends who call themselves the Owls feels a new sense of purpose. Outside circumstances threaten their single-mindedness, however. As Bobby sees a romance blossoming between his childhood friend Joanie and fellow Owl Nick, he is torn between his own feelings for the girl and loyalty to his pal. And when some members of the Owls witness a man threatening their pretty young teacher, they are drawn into a mystery that could endanger all of them. This first young-adult novel from an Edgar Award-winning author brings the same mix of fully developed characters and suspenseful prose that readers have come to expect in his adult works. While Parker's nostalgic references to various radio and movie personalities of the post-World War II era may not be fully appreciated by the target audience, students will identify with the emotional turmoil that characterizes Bobby's adolescence. This thought-provoking mystery will be a solid addition to middle school collections.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7 Up—Six genetically altered bird-kids continue their mission to prevent the evil scientists who created them from making good on their diabolical plan to eradicate half of the world's population. Just as the flock lets down its guard, the wolflike Erasers resurface to capture the younger members, while Max takes Fang on a detour through Arizona to ask Dr. Martinez, a vet, to surgically remove the tracking chip in her arm. Former nemesis Ari returns, this time as a friend, but Fang's distrust splits the flock along gender lines as he, Iggy, and Gazzy hang out in Venice Beach, while Max, Ari, Nudge, and Angel fly to Europe to infiltrate Itex headquarters. Inside, Max learns vital information about her past, including who her parents are and who controls the "Voice" in her head. A caricatured evil scientist, Dr. Borcht, informs the recombinant-DNA experiments that their expiration date is up and Max is forced into a fight-to-the-death with Omega, the robot boy. Survival options run out as Fang attempts to mobilize armies of kids to attack all worldwide Itex labs by posting appeals on his fast-growing blog. Popular-culture references abound and readers will be drawn to Max's razor-sharp tongue, especially honed in this volume, making her an edgier heroine than in the last. The dialogue-driven story ends with minor casualties and hints at the possibility of further adventures.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 4–6—A picture book that is stronger in concept than in execution. In a format similar to her Crossing the Delaware (S & S, 1998), Peacock describes the immigration experience to children. The first fictional narrative presented (in red type) is that of a modern child visiting Ellis Island, intertwining facts she has gathered about her family at the museum. The second narrative thread is delivered through letters written in cursive handwriting. They are from a fictional Armenian girl, Sera, who in 1910 makes the long journey to join her father in New York. She describes to her mother back home the Statue of Liberty, being in the Baggage Hall among swarms of people speaking different languages, and the pervasive feelings of uncertainty and fear. The third element is the inclusion of numerous quotes from actual immigrants, an interpreter, a surgeon, and other officials. Overall, the story is a powerful one, but the whole is more likely to confuse than to inform young readers. The book's approach is sketchily explained in the author's note and not sufficiently introduced in the main text, which is divided into separate boxes, each of which appears in a different color and font. Krudop's gouache paintings are evocative and expressive, and archival photographs are sprinkled throughout. There may be some use for this offering in a classroom with some guided reading, but youngsters who come to it on their own will most likely feel lost.—Luann Toth, School Library Journal

Gr 4–7—Porter has successfully woven elements of David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, and Huckleberry Finn into the character of Billy Creekmore, a 10-year-old "orphan" living in the Guardian Angels Home for Boys at the beginning of the 20th century. His story takes readers on an unsentimental journey to look at defenseless children who were forced to work on hardscrabble farms with little hope of improving their condition. Unexpectedly, Billy is rescued by a hitherto unknown uncle who takes him to live in a small cottage in a West Virginia coal town. There, the boy finds others his age and younger hard at work in the mines. A recruiter from the United Mine Workers secretly gets some workers to sign up, only to have strike breakers terrorize the community and kill his uncle. Billy's journeys and troubles continue when he runs off to join a traveling circus. Memorable characters, completely villainous or kind, fill the pages of this picaresque novel. Readers will empathize with the children's bitter deprivations and feel hopeful when Billy realizes he can make his life better. This is a well-told historical tale about an engaging and resourceful protagonist who learns to appreciate his many gifts as he makes his way in the world.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 7–10—Giovanna and her twin brother, Dante, fit in at school, but are not part of the in crowd. Gi's criminal record for stealing dead frogs from her biology class doesn't help. So she knows she's lucky to have Jesse as a boyfriend, even if she thinks most of his friends are snobby and fake. When Dante decides to run against über-popular Wilson and represent the average student in the race for student body president, his sister expects Jesse to campaign for him. Instead, he decides to be Wilson's campaign manager. Giovanna decides to work for her brother herself and breaks up with her boyfriend. She soon regrets her decision, however, and she and her friends try a number of misguided ways to make her ex jealous while increasing Dante's chances of winning. Since Giovanna is both impulsive and unlucky, these attempts tend to end in slapstick comedy. This is a breezy look at high school life. Girls who read Meg Cabot and Cathy Hopkins will enjoy this amusing, if not memorable, chick-lit story.—Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

Gr 7 Up—This sequel to Clovermead (S & S, 2004) is a complex novel full of interesting characters and situations, but it does not stand completely on its own. Readers can follow the basic story, but they will feel like they've missed something important in the discussions of previous events. Thirteen-year-old Clovermead's life has changed greatly over the past few months. No longer simply the daughter of innkeeper Waxmelt Wickward, she has learned that she is really Demoiselle Cerelune Cindertallow, daughter of Chandlefort's sovereign. In adjusting to her new life, she must learn how to be a lady and how to interact with her mother, who seems cold and heartless in her quest to keep Chandlefort safe. When Lady Cindertallow is injured by Mallow Kite, a long-dead, reanimated enemy, Clovermead travels with her friend and fellow Yellowjacket trainee, Sorrel, and her cousin, Lady Saraband, to find a cure. Complicating matters is the human and bear army of Lord Ursus, amassing outside of Chandlefort waiting to attack. Jealousy over a developing romance between Sorrel and Saraband leads Clovermead to strike a deal with Mallow Kite, an exchange of part of her heart for safe passage through a battle. Clovermead's jealousy strikes the right adolescent note as does her pity for Mallow Kite's unrequited love for her mother and anger over the spiritual enslavement of the bears. The bears, especially Brookwade—who refers to Sorrel as a "little snack"—are personalities unto themselves. This one is a must-purchase for fans of the first book.—Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA

Gr 6–8—This thoughtful coming-of-age novel focuses on an overweight seventh grader who compensates for her lack of self-confidence with an abundance of ambition and heart. Maggie Bean has gained more than 30 pounds in the past year—a reaction to the stress caused by her father being laid off—and she is ready to drop those pounds. She attends the Pound Patrollers meetings at her parents' insistence, but her key motivation is her yearning to be a member of the Water Wings, an ultra-exclusive synchronized swim team at her school. Mastering th