Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up—Ciara Simmons thinks that a summer spent in Santa Barbara will be the perfect time to change her image from random hook-up to serious girlfriend material. Things look bright: within two days she's employed, reunited with old friends, and has found AJ, the perfect boy. Ciara's friend Heidi already has AJ in her sights, but luckily, their mutual friend Kevin wants Heidi. So begins Operation Woo-ha, in which Kevin and Ciara work together to get Heidi and AJ for themselves. While this is an easy and enjoyable beach read, the plot is sadly predictable. It doesn't take long for it to become obvious that Ciara and Kevin should be together, and the sappy sweet ending is disappointing. In case readers miss Ciara's desire to change her image, or her guilt about Operation Woo-ha, or how perfect she thinks AJ is, Abbott says it again and again. That being said, the characters are authentic, even if they lack depth. While they are amazingly chaste and drug-free for the music/beach scene they inhabit, they are believably so. Abbott already has a following, and this will be a good addition to collections where her books circulate.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Galathea is a Double Seventh—the seventh child born of two seventh children—which should mean that she has extraordinary magical powers. Her whole life has been spent under a microscope with everyone watching her for signs of magical ability, and they've come to the conclusion that she just doesn't have any. As a last resort, Thea's father sends her through a Portal to the ancient mage Cheveyo. He leads her on a vision quest in the Native American tradition, and Thea discovers that she does indeed have great powers but there are reasons why she has not displayed them. She returns home realizing that her life may be in danger, but she does not know from what or whom. Because her family is still unaware of her magical abilities, they send her to a special school for those like her. There she makes a new group of friends, and life seems pretty normal. Soon, however, teachers start disappearing, and people on Earth are being killed by an entity called The Nothing. After Thea has an epiphany about her powers, she and her friends figure out a way to save Earth. There is a lot going on in this novel, but most of it works. The author weaves in many elements of ancient Native American mythology, which provide a unique contrast to the futuristic elements. Fans of science fiction, folklore, and fantasy will be intrigued by the directions in which this story goes. The ending is a little swift and leaves readers wanting more details and waiting for the next installment.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 5–9—After Carlo Chuchio gets a book of fantastic tales from a mysterious bookseller, he discovers a treasure map hidden in its binding that seems to lead to "the fabled realm of Cathai," and he decides to set out to find the treasure. Alexander's fans will find much that is familiar in Carlo's travels to pseudo-Middle Eastern lands, including a helpful fool who joins his quest, a romantic interest with a troubled background, and the array of enemies and friends whom Carlo meets along the way. The author's flair for characterization brings even the stock villain to life, and his descriptions of the exotic places the protagonist visits are detailed and easily visualized. Carlo's narrative gives humor to his journeys, and the conclusion brings his adventures to a close with a flourish. Fans of The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen (Dell, 1993) and Alexander's many other fantasies based on the world's cultures and myths will appreciate this tale from a master storyteller.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 5–8—Gilda manages to talk her way into accompanying a group of young musical prodigies traveling to England to compete in the Young International Virtuosos Piano Competition. With more spunk than musical ability, she volunteers to serve as her friend Wendy Choy's page turner with potentially disastrous results. Gilda hopes that Oxford's hallowed halls will offer her plenty of opportunities to commune with ghosts and hone her psychic abilities, but she soon discovers that it is Wendy who is being haunted. Gilda's irrepressible spirit continues in this third volume, as does her eccentric fashion flair. While occasionally distracted by her interest in an attractive competitor, she manages to protect and support her friend and uncover a long-buried mystery in the process. Wendy figures more prominently in this book: several chapters are told in her voice and she provides a window into the challenging life of a high-achieving young pianist. The novel is wonderfully paced and clues are dropped subtly as the story progresses. Gilda's fascination with Brit-speak also provides a healthy dose of humor. This is an excellent addition to an already strong series.—Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 4–6—In The Vanishing Gate, 12-year-old Max Hope is the 13th applicant for a gardening job that requires its candidate to be fearless and discreet. Although concerned about the posting's odd requisites, he is determined to get hired so he can earn some pocket money. When he's given a strange endurance test, he realizes that there's far more to 29 Juniper Way than he first imagined. The estate, replete with a castle, has a subterranean level known as Ghost Park, which serves as a preserve for magical creatures and is controlled by the Secret Council of 12. When a dangerous water specter is accidentally set free, Max and his friend Sophie set out to defeat the tricky temptress. In the end, their ingenuity and courage win them jobs as caretakers. However, their new status is threatened in The Imposter, when a long-lost relative arrives to claim his inheritance. Comical black-and-white illustrations are liberally sprinkled throughout. These two books in one volume are quick and quirky enough to draw in reluctant readers, especially those not yet ready for Harry Potter or Percy Jackson.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 5–7—Devon is a mousy middle school girl with one best friend and a wacky family. Then, while spending last summer with her grandmother, she made a new friend, Lexi, and presented herself as a completely different person. She wore lip gloss, boasted of her popularity and cute boyfriend, and adopted the nickname "Devi." The book opens on the first day of school. Lexi has now transferred to Devon's school, and Devon must come clean or risk embarrassing herself further. Of course, things become much more complicated before resolving into happiness for all. The story has a familiar pattern of a girl owning up to mistakes and learning An Important Lesson, but the plot takes some unexpected twists getting there. Clothes and hairstyles are described in painstaking detail, with brand names and stores listed. Friendship is expressed through buying matching cashmere sweaters and belts. Devon's first-person narration is filled with contemporary adolescent chatter. Its fast pace, simple dialogue, and vivid visual descriptions make it an appealing choice for reluctant readers.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 6–10—This second volume in the series continues the story of Alyss Heart, who defeated her Aunt Redd and is now Queen of Wonderland. She struggles to restore the devastated queendom to its former glory with the help of characters from the first book, including Bibwit, Hatter Madigan, and Homburg Molly. As she works to balance her duty with her private times alone with Dodge, Alyss finds that she has more enemies than just her Aunt Redd. Or perhaps Redd is behind everything. Alyss must rely on her amazingly strong imagination to defend herself, her friends, and her world. While The Looking Glass Wars (Dial, 2006) was a triumph of imagination, this one lacks a bit of its sparkle. Still, it is similarly filled with battles and gore, and fans of that book will be clamoring for it.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 9 Up—Coldwater Creek High School students get in trouble in these four loosely connected short stories with recurring characters. While on a senior ski trip, Casey and some of his classmates plan to drink tequila, smoke some pot, and get laid, but things go awry in a way no one predicted. A gambling game with complicated rules is stopped just as it begins to make class exciting. When a horrendous bully picks on several freshmen, a fat girl, an older teacher, the janitor, and even a cheerleader, the aftermath reveals more about the inner workings of the school authorities than legal justice ever could. The final section, a transcript of a pot-fueled discussion among seniors in their last week of "therapeutics," hits all the low notes of sex, masturbation, and school politics. Though it's hard to care about these characters, who are caught in a place where fairness is randomly achieved, if at all, this group of flawed people of all ages misbehaving is entertaining in the way a train wreck grabs your attention and won't let go. Teens who are tired of goody-goodies and morally uplifting endings will enjoy this exception to the rule. Undoubtedly there are schools in which this is a realistic portrayal of events. Teens caught in such a dysfunctional system will relish having their cynicism reinforced.—Carol A. Edwards, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 5–7—In this melodramatic tale, Allie begins eighth grade mourning the loss of her only friendship. Marissa has dumped her for the popular duo Suzanne and Crystal, who want nothing to do with Allie. Readers may find it implausible that the daughter of a loving school-psychologist mom and soccer-coach dad could be so socially isolated and emotionally vulnerable. As Allie is consumed with loneliness and grief, wondering how she can overcome her shyness to make a new friend, she is visited by the ghost of Dorothy May Bradford, the subject of her school assignment on family history. Dorothy May, a passenger on the Mayflower who possibly committed suicide, encourages Allie to distance herself from Marissa, Suzanne, and Crystal, who engage in shoplifting, cigarette smoking, and cyber bullying. At a dance, Crystal tosses matches at Allie's hair, setting it on fire, and later warns her to stay away from a handsome and talented classmate. With prompting from the ghost, Allie fights Crystal and Suzanne when she's pulled into a restroom brawl. While Dorothy May supports Allie's development, her brief historical references are superficial and the characters are thinly drawn.—Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 4–6—This second book in the series will appeal to superhero and comic-book readers. Ordinary Boy, a fifth grader at Watson Elementary, is the only one in the city of Superopolis who has no superpowers. His friends are Stench, whose power is his odious smell; Halogen Boy, who glows according to how much apple juice he has consumed; and Plasma Girl, who can melt into a puddle of goo. O Boy is beginning to realize that his idol, the Amazing Indestructo, is a huckster with his own TV show, trading cards, and other commercial tie-ins. Twenty-five years earlier, Meteor Boy disappeared in a mysterious explosion while fighting the evil Professor Brain-Drain, and now Indestructo is holding auditions for a Meteor Boy character for his TV show and to promote his line of Meteor Boy products. Along the way, a science-fair project becomes a working time machine, and the Meteor Boy's disappearance is explained. The conversational style and fun black-and-white cartoon illustrations, some of which are collector cards for the superheroes, add to the silly mood.—Ann Robinson, Moultonborough Academy Library, NH

Gr 9 Up—For Molly and Cassie, lunch is more troublesome than for most of the students at Sunshine Day High School, a school run by hippies and "peopled with an astonishing collection of freaks." Molly is a blue-haired loner and describes Cassie as, "too tall and too blond and too athletic." After being forced to work together on a class assignment, the two butt heads and their differences explode in a mountain of potatoes in the lunch room. A food fight between them results in the resignation of the lunch lady and a most unusual punishment. They must prepare lunch every day until the students decide their meals are satisfactory. Unfortunately, they have two very significant problems. They can't cook and they can't get along. Through many hilarious tries, the girls eventually find a recipe for success in the kitchen and in their friendship. Molly's sarcastic commentary brings out her endearing personality and sparks the other characters to life. The entertaining plot moves along at a rapid pace that allows the author to address the state of school lunches today without being overbearing. The narrative is peppered with delicious recipes for any budding lunch ladies out there. This novel is for all students who have ever questioned the quality of their midday meal.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 6–8—Only days into sixth grade, quiet, studious Abby is expelled from school for pulling a pocketknife on a classmate who has been sexually harassing her for a year. Her friends, teachers, and parents will not believe that popular Brett McAvery would do such a thing, and the fact that his father is the principal does not help Abby's case. Her parents, workaholics who cannot fathom the idea of homeschooling Abby, enroll her in a private Catholic school, although they are devout nonbelievers. Abby is filled with anger at their lack of involvement and support and resolves to convert to Catholicism in an effort to irritate them. While her initial decision is impulsive and provocative, she finds that she is drawn to Christianity's comfort almost in spite of herself, and she ends up taking her studies much more seriously than she had anticipated. As she delves into the traditions and beliefs of the Church, Abby finds that forgiveness of the people who have wronged her is the most difficult barrier to overcome. Bradley does not pull back from the questions and confusion that adolescents face when it comes to religion, and packs a lot of power into this slim novel. There are no pat answers, and the tension between Abby's doubts and her desire to believe in a higher power will resonate with many readers.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 9 Up—Two worlds are about to collide when Laine Hunt and Nikki Olivetti are assigned to be roommates at Wellington, a prestigious Connecticut prep school. Laine is someone you would find in a Wellington brochure—blonde, beautiful, star athlete, and a Greenwich native. Nikki, on the other hand, is a loud brassy girl from Long Island, NY. Her family is what Laine would sneeringly call "new money." Sparks fly, of course, but by the end of the semester, the teens are the best of friends and it is Nikki who is the stronger of the two. The best way to describe what is wrong with this book is to use the old adage "too many cooks spoil the broth." The story line is so choppy and lacking in cohesion that it appears as though the three authors wrote without consulting one another. It also seems that they never researched how teenagers actually speak or think. Parts of the narrative are positively laugh-worthy. For example, after losing her virginity, Nikki has these thoughts: "Sometimes the body is the way out of the self. There's a big sky inside yourself where you can take flight. It's moments like these when she belongs to no one, not even herself. She is lost in some blue within or beyond or nearby, but not here." Pass on this title.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—The book begins at a brisk pace with Baron, a 12-year-old Mohawk, preparing to board the bus for the eighth-grade fall bonding experience at Camp Chuckamuck (a fake Native American name if there ever was one). Small for his age, he is worried because he has been the target of the class bullies since his arrival at Pioneer Junior High (another name he hates) six months earlier. The story moves from a school-yard roughing up to the camp, where Baron senses the evil presence of a legendary creature that is a man, yet behaves as a predator. The plot immediately thickens as the former owners arrive, ostensibly summoned by his teacher, Mr. Wilbur, who didn't call them. The cabin is 10 miles into and beyond the park in the Adirondacks on a narrow dirt road. An explosion seals off the entire area, phone lines have been cut, and a despicable plan by land-grabbing promoters is revealed. The scheme spins out of control as the "Bearwalker" attempts murder, multiple lives are threatened, and Baron must make a desperate effort to save them all. This fast-paced survival story is a great read for mystery fans, and it also addresses the delicate balance between humans and nature.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 5–8—Another installment in a series in which readers decide what happens next and then follow this decision to its conclusion. "You" are a junior counselor at Camp Butterfield after years of being a camper. It's "your" first job and has the bonus of interacting with a lot of cute guys. In the beginning, it is fun to choose among them and then see what happens. Readers will enjoy going back and discovering what would have happened if they made a different choice. However, too many choices are offered. There are more than 20 scenarios, and the story becomes confusing as readers lose sight of the original story line. An additional selection for girls looking for a quick summer read.—Sheilah Kosco, Bastrop Public Library, TX

Gr 7–10—Sixteen-year-old Katie has a problem telling the truth. Furthermore, she doesn't understand it but she can't stick to one guy. Kissing Eric Fluteley is as luscious as dating Seth, the popular football star. Then, one day, Tommy Sullivan, her best friend from middle school, reappears in Eastport, CT, and Katie is smitten all over. But why is he back when he was ostracized in eighth grade after reporting that some high school football players, including Seth's brother, had cheated on the SATs? When they lost their scholarships and college placements, he'd fled to military school to escape harassment. Katie tries to keep him a secret while she and her best friend rehearse to win the town's Quahog Princess crown, even though she hates clams. As a narrator who's unsure how and why she does the things she does, Katie holds readers' interest. But the rest of the characters and plot are lightweight. Buy where Cabot is popular.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 9 Up—While her mother is studying Incan artifacts in Peru, Katy is conducting an anthropological study of aging punks. In other words, she's been exiled to her dad's grimy bachelor pad in L.A. for the summer. The teen has no interest in her father's legendary band or his contributions to her genetic code, but through his acquaintances she does get a crash course in punk music, DIY, and burlesque dancing. Most of her education comes from Lake, a teen who aspires to punk-rock stardom. It is she who dubs Katy "Beige" (because she's boring) and drags her to concerts, guitar stores, and keggers. But Katy fears the power that punk music (and drugs) had over her parents, and she refuses to give in to it. These characters, including Katy's new romantic interest, talk like real teenagers, hip and harsh, and the plot twists subvert the usual girl-meets-guy story line. However, this book lacks the details—from teenage sign language to sci-fi trivia—that gave Castellucci's other books credibility. Besides a dog named Sid Vicious and the song titles at the beginning of each chapter, the story makes few references to real punk hallmarks. Gordon Korman's Born to Rock (Hyperion, 2006) and K. L. Going's Fat Kid Rules the World (Putnam, 2003) feature more gut-wrenching punk heroes. And even theses tales pale before the true story of the L.A. punk scene as told in Marc Spitz and Brendan Mullen's We Got the Neutron Bomb (Three Rivers, 2001).—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 5–8—A lack of friends and being overweight dominate Kirsten's thoughts as she enters seventh grade at Mountain, a prestigious private school in California. Rory, her good friend since kindergarten, suddenly deserts her in order to join a group of popular girls. More troublesome are Kirsten's parents, who are not speaking to each other. Her mother knows that her daughter is suffering but offers little understanding. She urges her to diet and to hang out with the girls who are rich, thin, and mean. On the first day of school Kirsten and a new boy, Walk, an African American, are both late. He already feels out of place, since he is distinctly in the minority. Both of them have to attend Saturday detention. There, Brianna, the snooty leader of the pack, gets Kirsten into serious trouble by putting the teacher's wallet into her backpack. Only Walk defends her. Alternating chapters between Kirsten's and Walk's point of view, Choldenko convincingly covers the middle school scene but does not hit her stride until the middle of the book when she drops a bombshell. The sparkling characterization and touches of humor are real pluses. Family dynamics and socioeconomics are delineated by contrasting Walk's single mom's difficult life to Kirsten's ultra comfortable life in the suburbs. Money, however, doesn't insulate Kirsten from the pain of relationships gone sour. Nor does lack of money make Walk any less brilliant in observing life around him. Racism, snobbery, prejudice, and honesty are part of the tumultuous twists that ultimately convince Kirsten that, indeed, she does matter.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Lily is sure that her family is freakish, "not freaks exactly, but getting there." And not one of them is particularly stable. Her mother keeps bringing home "lame ducks," old people from the senior day-care center where she works. Her brother, Lonnie, keeps changing his major at university because he's trying to find himself. Nan, Lily's grandmother, talks to an imaginary friend. And her husband threatens Lonnie with an axe if he drops another major. Lily feels like the only responsible, sensible one in the household—she does the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, and all of the other chores. She smells of boiled cabbage and window cleaner and wonders if she's getting to be an old woman before her time. To counteract this notion, she decides to do something foolish and young—fall in love. This novel is told by all of the characters, whose lives start out disparate and distanced. As the story progresses, their voices begin to draw in, overlap, and come together. Clarke's characters are fully realized both physically and emotionally. The pace of the plot is gentle and there are no real unexpected twists. Though readers will foresee the events to come, this does not detract from the enjoyment of the book. Some of the Australian idioms may be unfamiliar, but they won't deter most readers.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 4–7—In kindergarten, the playground monitor dubbed Zoë Monday Costello "Zoë Lama" when she disarmed a bully with psychology. Now she's in seventh grade, and teachers and peers alike still seek her advice. Others are puzzled by these dictates, maintaining that unwritten means invisible, and, therefore, unimportant. She's also juggling a lot. At school, she is chairgirl of the Winter Dance Committee, and when not preoccupied with crush Riley, she is working to help a new student overcome her reputation as a mean girl. At home, she is trying to keep her Alzheimer's-stricken grandmother out of a nursing home and find her widowed mother a husband. Eventually, all of her advice backfires. Though the characters are middle schoolers, the book may appeal more to elementary-level readers, as Zoë and her classmates seem young for their age, and the text is decorated throughout with a funky font, doodles, and photographs of chocolate-chip cookies. Cohen handles the heavier elements of the plot with a light touch and gives her narrator an amusingly wry voice that will have readers rooting for her in spite of her naïveté. A fitting companion to Marissa Moss's "Amelia" books (S & S).—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 4–6—This story takes place in Wuhan from 1972 to '76, during the waning years of the Cultural Revolution. Nine-year-old Ling's doctor parents see their friends fall victim to the Red Guard and eventually they, too, suffer betrayal, job loss, hunger, and incarceration. Ling fears the cutting of her long (bourgeois) hair; she vows to keep it as an act of defiance, but loses it to lice instead. The simple sentences, episodic structure, and child's perspective convey just enough context of this complicated period to inform readers without bogging down the narrative. Ling's experiences (based on the author's own) seem authentic as she worries about her father's disappearance and tangles with school bullies, before the satisfying conclusion. This novel will introduce children to a time and place likely to have an exotic allure, while Ling's affection for her father and slightly tense relations with her mother humanize her and help readers empathize with her plight.—Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI

Gr 10 Up—Stephen is a directionless 18-year-old with a void where school used to be. Glad to be done with his A-level exams, he visits his brother in London. It's 1969 and sex, drugs, politics, and music are what the city is all about. He glides slowly into the scene and lives a squatter's life. Drug highs and anti-Vietnam War activism encompass his life until he is persuaded to move out to The Hollies, an abandoned house in the country. Spencer, a captivating alternative spiritual leader, welcomes him and the teen embraces the new focus of his life. Then, when one of his friends has a tragic accident, Stephen is cast into a sea of doubt, questions, and distrust. This personal journey through the social issues of the late '60s is a wonderful review of the life of an unfocused and naive teen of the period, with insight into the Vietnam War from the English point of view. Readers are given a glimpse of what life may have been like at the time, with descriptions of the drug culture, free love, and grassroots politics. With its underlying themes of decisions, direction, and difficult relationships, this novel will appeal to many of today's teens.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 7–10—Cornelia van Rijn, daughter of the aging Rembrandt by his late common-law wife, finds herself at the artist's beck and call when her half-brother Titus marries a wealthy young woman and moves out. The scandals of her father's life and his increasing scorn for the conventions of 17th-century Amsterdam society, where his work has fallen out of favor, isolate Cornelia, save for the attention of two young men—Neel, Rembrandt's only remaining student, dogged in his devotion to the master, and Carel, the dashing son of a shipping magnate. Cullen drenches her depiction of Cornelia's coming-of-age in deft details of the plague-ridden city, with death bells sounding from the church steeple. Vivid prose pictures bring to life the light and smells of the artist's studio and work. Cornelia is by turns sullen, frustrated, and infatuated, a fully drawn adolescent in a difficult time and place, dealing with a gruff, troubled father caught between the demands of his artistic gift and the elite aristocracy whose whims put bread on his table. Interspersed flashback chapters feature particular paintings related to moments from Cornelia's childhood and poignant portrayals of her relationship with her mother. This absorbing, well-told story will send readers in search of reproductions of Rembrandt's paintings.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 9 Up—Fantasy, suspense, romance, fashion, and an interesting twist on vampire lore add up to a read that's difficult to put down. In this second book in the series, readers continue to follow Schuyler Van Alen on her quest for the truth about the deaths of other innocent young vampires and her own family heritage as she struggles to find her place among her peers. The mood flits back and forth between dark and light, weaving together the narcissistic, blithe life of a socialite with the angst of the outcast teen just beginning to make a space for herself. Readers are given the chance to explore the characters a little more deeply in this book. While some mysteries are solved, the suspenseful ending leaves more questions unanswered, and readers will be anxiously awaiting the next installment. This is a great recommendation for fans of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight (2005) and New Moon (2006, both Little Brown). Although simpler in style and slightly less gothic than those novels, De la Cruz's work fulfills a similar desire for girlie vampire adventure and romance.—Sharon Senser, Oakland Public Library, CA

Gr 8–10—Sudi is a high school sophomore in Washington, DC. When she receives an invitation to a dinner, she assumes that it is from a potential crush. But when she arrives, she meets Abdel, who tells her that she and two other girls, Meri and Dalila, are descended from the Pharaohs and are the only people who can save the world from the evil Cult of Anubis. While Sudi is skeptical at first, when she transforms into a Bennu-bird, she begins to think she might be in over her head. The three girls learn to work together and become fast friends. They save the day, but the Cult of Anubis will be back for the second installment. Ewing forgoes strong character development for fast-paced action, and there's never a dull moment. Purchase where Ewing's "Daughters of the Moon" series (Hyperion) and Diana G. Gallagher's "Charmed" series (Pocket Pulse) are popular.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 5–9—Jack, apprentice bard and hero of The Sea of Trolls (S & S, 2004), returns in the middle volume in the trilogy. After a flawed midwinter ritual leads to strange behavior from Jack's sister, Lucy, the siblings travel with a group of old and new friends to the monastery at St. Filian's Well to find treatment. However, the monks prove treacherous and Lucy is kidnapped again, this time by the Lady of the Lake. Jack travels to the Land of the Silver Apples, the home of elves and other magical creatures, in search of her, joined by the freed slave girl Pega; his old friend the shield maiden Thorgil; and Brutus, a slave to the monks at St. Filian's. Jack comes to accept the truth about Lucy and learns more about himself through his adventures in the timeless magical land, and then returns to the human world, where he confronts an evil king with help from his new magical allies. Jack's character continues to deepen and develop, both in his magical skills and as a person. Farmer draws on mythology, including legends and runes of the Picts, to add depth to her story, and her author's note and sources add authenticity to the narrative. She builds on Jack's adventures in The Sea of Trolls and at the same time creates a stand-alone novel, drawing readers into this complex world and leaving them looking forward to more.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 5–9—This third installment in the series picks up where The Burning Bridge (Philomel, 2006) left off. Apprentice Ranger Will and Evanlyn (Princess Cassandra incognito) are being taken by ship to the snowy northern country of the Skandians, a Viking-like group of raiders who plan to sell them as slaves. Will's mentor Halt, frustrated at not being allowed to follow them, stages an incident to get himself thrown out of the Ranger corps so that he can mount a rescue mission. He is joined by Will's friend Horace, and the chapters alternate neatly between Will and Evanlyn's plight in Skandia and Halt and Horace's obstacle-ridden journey to find them. As in the previous titles, the action is well paced and the writing style is engaging. The main characters continue to be believable and to inspire readers' interest and sympathy. A particular strength of this series is that Will has never been the effortless hero. Though talented and intelligent, he makes mistakes and he often needs help from those around him—making him a very realistic and appealing protagonist. Fans of the series will not be disappointed in this latest installment and will be left eagerly anticipating the next one.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 6–9—In 1948 Europe, former American bomber pilot Freddie Birch is making a precarious living as a ventriloquist when he encounters young Avrom Amos. The boy is a dybbuk, the spirit of a Jewish youth murdered by the Nazis. He was one of the resistance fighters who helped Freddie escape from a POW camp. The ghost has "unfinished business" with the SS colonel who killed him, and he needs a living body—Freddie's—to accomplish it. With Avrom's spirit sharing his space, The Great Freddie finds that his act improves. The dybbuk's snappy commentary is wildly popular with audiences, and the two begin to get bookings in fancier clubs. However, the spirit refuses to work on shabbes, and he insists that Freddie stand in for him at his bar mitzvah ceremony. Then Avrom begins to change the script, inserting information about his murder and the man who killed him. Since he is incorporeal, his character is revealed almost exclusively through dialogue—a remarkable juxtaposition of sharp, sometimes bitter humor with graphic descriptions of appalling wartime atrocities. Fleischman explores the sensitive topic of anti-Semitism—not just the overt evil of the Nazi system, but also the casual, pervasive bigotry of the period. Even Freddie has to deal with his own deep-seated prejudice. There is a strong emphasis on friendship and justice, and an ultimate affirmation of life and hope. This exciting and thought-provoking book belongs in every collection.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–9—When 12-year-old George breaks a carved dragon's head at the Natural History Museum, he enters a dangerous parallel world where statues come alive. He soon discovers that gargoyles and other malicious "taints" are pursuing him in revenge. Fortunately, the boy also meets human statues, or "spits," who help him search for the mysterious stoneheart that can free him from the wrath of the taints. The result is an action-packed fantasy filled with battles, chases, and an intriguing variety of characters. The steadfast Gunner becomes George's friend, but other spits are less trustworthy, making his search for the elusive stoneheart trickier. The boy reluctantly joins forces with Edie, a feisty girl with hidden powers of her own. The villains are particularly compelling, from the bizarre Grid Man to a fierce and powerful Minotaur. Then there's the ominous Walker, whose destiny is tied up with those of both George and Edie. As the action proceeds, readers learn more about the two heroes. George evolves from a frightened whiner into a capable and eventually heroic figure, while Edie's mysterious past is revealed in bits and pieces. Characterizations often take a backseat to the many clashes and narrow escapes, but the humans' relationships become more interesting as events proceed. The buildings and statues of London are depicted vividly enough to engage readers unfamiliar with the city. A satisfying conclusion resolves some plot threads and leaves others to be explored in the next stage of the planned trilogy.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 4–6—Emma is teased about wearing hand-me-downs by the mean Fab Four, but the fact that she has a cool older brother evens things out a bit. At the end of the first day of sixth grade, her librarian mom announces that Emma will be joining her after dinner for the newly formed Mother-Daughter Book Club and that the first book will be Little Women. Megan is one of the Fab Four; her health-obsessed mother is also dragging her off to the book club. The other two members are Emma's friend Jess and Cassidy, a jock. Each chapter is narrated by one of the girls; unfortunately, they all sound alike and there is nothing to distinguish one voice from another. While the setting, Concord, MA, provides an appealing scenic backdrop, the story tries too hard to find parallels to Little Women. Problems and how they are overcome seem forced and unrealistically resolved. The supposed insights learned from studying Little Women don't seem to apply to those outside the club as mean girls are one-upped and boorish adults are told off. A running joke about an overweight, unpleasant adult is disturbing especially as the remarks are condoned and even instigated by the adults, something Marmee March would not have approved of. Discussion questions for this book and an author's note are appended.—Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—This chilling collection contains 10 short stories and a poem. In one, a teenaged boy is at a party with a group of beautiful girls and, as usual, he has such a hard time talking to them that it seems like they're from another planet—except this time they really are. In another, a man discovers that his newly adopted stray cat is taking a beating every night to protect his family from the devil. "The Witch's Headstone" introduces a boy who lives in a graveyard and has ghosts for foster parents. While the book's packaging will appeal to middle graders who embraced Gaiman's Coraline (HarperCollins, 2002), M Is for Magic features mostly adult protagonists and situations that make it best suited to older teens. These readers will also better appreciate the author's use of disparate sources and styles to enhance the humor and depth of the pieces. Little Jack Horner is a private detective in a tale that reads like a collaboration between Mickey Spillane and Mother Goose; Sir Galahad of King Arthur's court is no match for a modern-day English widow who bought the Holy Grail at a thrift shop and doesn't plan to relinquish it. Although the stories are creepy, funny, and clever on the page, they are even better when read aloud, and Gaiman's expert storytelling and rhythmic use of language will make the book popular with teachers and librarians looking for new and engrossing read-alouds to share with their classes.—Beth Wright, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, VT

Gr 6–8—Thirteen-year-old Firebird Tucker lives with her twin brother, her father, and her grandmother in a dilapidated old house in a swamp on the outskirts of a large city. Shielded from the eyes of passing motorists by a huge billboard, the family lives in almost total isolation. Firebird and Ford have never attended school and have never questioned the stories that Gran and their father have told them: that their mother died in childbirth, that Firebird is named for a car advertised on the billboard at the time of her birth, that Dad makes a good living catching eels, and, most importantly, that all strangers are dangerous and should be avoided. Dreamy, solitary Firebird begins to suspect that Gran is shaping the truth to suit her own wishes. Venturing into the city late one night, she makes some startling discoveries that confirm her doubts. The action comes to a climax in a dramatic storm scene in which Ford rescues his sister from floodwaters and is forced to accept the truth of her recent discoveries. Returning to the swamp, the twins come upon the ruins of the billboard, the destruction of which clearly signifies the end of the life they have known. Although using the billboard as a symbol is effective, other intriguing and potentially symbolic aspects of the story are not fully developed. The book's atmosphere is slightly reminiscent of the setting of David Almond's Heaven Eyes (Delacorte, 2001), although not as deeply mysterious. This book's primary appeal is as a coming-of-age story concerned with family secrets.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 3–6—The Livingstones are vegetarian vampire hybrids, forsaking fresh blood and the immortality it provides for a diet more in keeping with their fruit-bat heritage. They have relocated from the Old World to New York City, and adjusting to a "normal" life is not easy for the children. With her supernatural strength and penchant for quoting tragic poets, 13-year-old Lexie sticks out at an age when abnormality is seldom tolerated among peers, and pines hopelessly for her crush, Dylan. Maddy, 11, is convinced that their new neighbors are pureblood vampires who've not given up the old ways, though, ironically, she herself is having trouble sticking to an all-fruit diet. Nine-year-old Hudson, the only sibling who is still able to transform into a bat, believes his destiny is to save the environment, but his arrogance and tendency to slip into archaic speech make winning classmates to his cause difficult. Alternating chapters told from each youngster's point of view keep the action moving quickly. Though the book is almost too slim to support three separate story lines, the siblings are likable characters, the writing is clever and descriptive, and a couple of interesting tidbits are dropped for potential sequels. A fun, light twist on the horror genre in the vein of James Howe's "Bunnicula" tales (S & S).—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 6–10—When she was younger, Taylor Dresden loved to play baseball. On her first day of fifth grade, though, she overheard her single father saying that he was embarrassed that his daughter was a better player than his sons, and she decided that she would never play again. During her freshman year, a very angry Taylor gets drunk and throws bricks through the windows of the school. The guidance counselor witnesses her vandalism (and good aim) and lets her choose between being turned over to the police or joining the boys' baseball team. She chooses the team and gradually remembers how much she loves the sport. Taylor is a likable main character and the story flows reasonably well. Unfortunately, her reconciliation with her dad comes too easily to be believable, and his contention that "your mother did not leave you. She left me" is belied by the fact that Taylor has not seen or heard from the woman since she left. On the concluding page, Taylor lists what she learned during her freshman year and from whom; in these instances showing is usually more effective than telling. For a better-crafted look at a high-school girl struggling to make her way in boys' sports, try Catherine Gilbert Murdock's Dairy Queen (Houghton, 2006).—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6–9—Capricorn, 13, lives with his hippie grandmother on a farm commune. He's never been to school, never watched TV, and doesn't even own a phone. When Rain falls out of a tree while picking plums and is sent to rehab for several weeks, Cap stays with a social worker and is sent to the local junior high school. There he is introduced to iPods, cell phones, spit balls, and harassment. Cap, with his long frizzy hair, hemp shoes, and serene ignorance of everything most of the kids care about, is the dweebiest of the dweebs, and it's the custom at this school to elect such a kid to be eighth-grade class president (which offers extra humiliation opportunities). The story is told from multiple points of view, adding depth to even the most unsympathetic characters. Korman's humor is a mix of edgy and silly, the plot moves along at a steady pace, and the accessible and smooth writing style brings all the elements together to make a satisfying whole. The plot is not long on plausibility, but maybe that's not important in this case. Will Cap's ingrained peacefulness and sense of self win out in the end? Will it matter that he's entrusted with writing checks to help pay for the eighth-grade dance, even though he's not clear on the concept of what a check is? Readers will stay tuned to the last page, and Korman's many fans won't be disappointed.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 9 Up—A dramatization of teen life in a spectacularly designed format. Although similar to The Notebook Girls (Warner, 2006), an actual shared diary of four friends at New York City's Stuyvesant High School, Lane's title is fiction. In 13 chapters, this highly stylized book introduces several characters—each with a unique voice—who use profanity and slang; who discuss engaging in risky behaviors; and who candidly reveal thoughts, feelings, and secrets. The vignettes are presented in various writing styles, ranging from instant-messaging-type narrative to letter writing to free-verse poetry. The text is printed on full-bleed graphic layouts that include photo collages, handwritten messages, and notebook doodles. The opening section talks about the fallout from the posting of a "random porn moment" photo on a mydamnspace.com Web page. One chapter relates a teen mother's feelings for her baby. Some entries are humorous, like "How to Fail Spanish," which outlines how two friends do everything they can to avoid studying. Others are melancholy and disturbing. All are provocative and will intrigue readers. The book deals with sexuality, family relations, and drugs and alcohol. While much of the content will shock and awe some readers, others will see this as de rigueur for their communities. Controversial and sure to generate discussion, Lane's thought-provoking offering shows teenage life in a realistic light—angst and all.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 6–8—In this compelling novel set in A.D. 79, 12-year-old Julia, born with a deformed arm, is the youngest sister in the Petreius family. Cornelia, her self-centered older sister, is to be married, and Julia and her slave, Sura, are caught up in the wedding preparations. Because of her arm, Julia knows she will never marry and, in fact, she discovers to her horror that she is to be placed in the slightly suspect Temple of Damia as a priestess and Sura is to be sold as a concubine to a lecherous man. As the girls plot to escape their fates, Vesuvius rumbles and eventually erupts, annihilating the city and irrevocably changing the lives of the few survivors. Lasky seamlessly weaves a great deal of history into this novel, though she does change a few minor details, which she mentions in an end note. She vividly portrays a wide swath of society—rich and poor, slaves and gladiators, priests and priestesses as well as the working people of Pompeii. Her well-rounded main characters exist in a world on the brink of disaster, a fact well known to most readers. Even so, Lasky effectively uses subtle indications of the impending eruption to increase the suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats.—Barbara Scotto, Michael Driscoll School, Brookline, MA

Gr 9 Up—Henry Fuller, 17, has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder for two years, since surviving a hurricane that ravaged his parents' house while they were away, as usual. He manages his flashbacks with medication, but just barely. The book is evocative of A. M. Jenkins's Damage (HarperCollins, 2001) and may similarly leave some readers wanting to know more about the condition and less about the characters' day-to-day interactions. A particularly vivid figure is the rebel Charlie, whose personality forces Henry to choose between worshipping and hating him. Set in Miami, the story beautifully portrays male friendships through well-crafted descriptions and real-world dialogue that includes strong language.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 9 Up—With her father in jail for a "bogus" embezzlement charge, West Deschanel is sent from L.A. to her long-lost aunt's home in Possum Grape, AR. Once there, she is accosted by the family dogs, a rooster, and chiggers. She discovers that she's not the only orphan taken in by her aunt and uncle—there's the HNG (Hot Naked Guy) named Steven—and sees that life might not be so bad. At school, she makes new friends who share her passion for fashion design, and realizes that she can get back at the nasty popular girl by designing a hideous dress for her. However, she has planned the party of the century and must get to L.A. for it. Once there, however, things don't go as planned; the hot designer she wants to intern for (and planned the party around) blows her off. The plot wraps up too neatly as another designer picks her up, and she goes back to Possum Grape with no repercussions for running away. Still, reluctant readers will like the short chapters with IM language, lots of humorous situations, and pop-culture references.—Lori E. Donovan, Thomas Dale High School, Chester, VA

Gr 6–8—In this sequel to Gentle's Holler (Viking, 2005), Livy Two Weems pursues her dream of a songwriting career and a united family in the mountains of North Carolina in 1963. While she and her nine brothers and sisters are thrilled to welcome their father home after a devastating car accident eight months earlier, the severity of his brain damage leaves the family far from whole. His inability to provide for the offspring he can barely recognize taxes the family financially and emotionally. Add to that Grandma Horace's plans to move them to her home, the public school's hopes to send Gentle to a school for the blind and artistically gifted Louisiana to art school, and Livy Two's wounded pride when her sister makes a new friend, and mention of the turbulent sociopolitical climate of 1963 hardly seems necessary. But mention it Madden does, practically at the end of the book: a church bombing in Alabama and the assassination of President Kennedy. Every so often, Livy Two writes a new song, the lyrics of which appear in the text. They provide visible evidence of her commitment to her goal. One of the more intriguing story lines is that of her brother Emmett's leaving home to work at a theme park and his struggle with the unreliable, gambling-addicted uncle who fleeces him, but it isn't well developed. Purchase for readers who enjoyed the first book.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

Gr 8 Up—Babylon Edison just knows that she's in for the summer of her life when she's chosen to travel to New York City as one of the teen editors for Orange magazine's first ever "Readers Run Amok" issue. Working in journalism has always been her dream, and Orange is the hippest, coolest magazine around for empowered young women. But from the moment Babyl meets the zany girls from around the country who will be sharing an apartment—and a masthead—with her, she realizes that things just might get a little more complicated. Suddenly, she finds herself falling for a dreamy music-magazine intern who's definitely not her boyfriend back home and defending her journalistic integrity from her former idol, Orange's backstabbing editor-in-chief. The blend of candy-coated big-city glamour and dramatic teen romance will likely appeal to the same audience that devours glossy beach reads like Hailey Abbot's Summer Boys (Scholastic, 2004), but strained pop-culture references, a predictable cast of cardboard-thin characters, and a somewhat clumsy concluding moral often trip up the action. More discriminating fans of teen magazines might enjoy getting a glimpse of a real-life publication in Kara Jesella and Marisa Meltzer's How Sassy Changed My Life (Faber & Faber, 2007).—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 4–6—The first book in this series hints at a great variety of events yet to come. When Flora and Ruby Northrup's parents die in an automobile accident, their grandmother moves them to her family home, a stately old row house in Camden Falls, MA. Soon the girls are caught up in helping Grandma at her shop, Needle and Thread; making friends; and finding their way in a new community. Although they have moments of sorrow as they think about their parents, they also have fun planning the annual barbeque and discovering letters and family photos in Min's attic. Each sister stands as an individual, and there is enough action to keep the plot moving along. The solid sense of place and the ability of the characters to overcome adversity continue in the second book. Summer is over and sixth-grader Flora and fourth-grader Ruby enter Camden Falls Elementary School. Ruby is all set to join the children's chorus and try out for a play, two ambitions that distract her from serious schoolwork. Flora finds herself missing her old school, but when her teacher tells her that she taught her mother, she begins to feel more comfortable. It is a special year for the town, which is celebrating its 350th birthday, and many of the activities at school focus on this event. Both books have an old-fashioned feel and some stock characters. They'll appeal to readers more interested in characters and values than true action and adventure.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 9 Up—Within the first 50 pages, three high school (almost) seniors, all nannies for high-powered Southern California families, have each engaged in one of the following: cheated on a boyfriend, talked about having sex on a pool table with a 20-year-old, and had drunken sex with a country club golf pro. Kiley, the most likable, worries that her blackouts during a scuba lesson will prevent her from getting into her dream school, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and harm her chances of becoming a marine biologist. Lydia, most certainly the most self-centered of the three, spends most of the novel dealing with the aftermath of her drunken sexcapade and the man who now stalks her and tries to ruin her relationship with the guy she loves. Esme worries that her movie-star boyfriend (and son of her employers) is cheating on her with his ex and that a young Jamaican nanny will take her job. With some redeeming qualities—Lydia is certainly not proud of her one-night stand and Esme tries to give the extra money she earns as a tattoo artist to her working-class parents—Tainted Love is appropriate for libraries already invested in the series but otherwise offers no enticement for purchase.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 6–9—Chick Lit and Harry Potter meet in this tale of spells gone awry, family secrets, and teenage angst at an Adirondacks summer camp. It's the third book in the series, and Rachel's voice continues to be fresh, witty, and sarcastic as she navigates through friendships and summer love. She and her sister, Miri, both of whom are witches like their mother, deal with real problems mixed with magical mishaps that are sure to delight readers. Rachel's powers have recently manifested themselves and she struggles to control her spell-making while keeping her ability a secret from the rest of the campers. The plot thickens with a mysterious girl named Liana, who may also be a witch; a developing relationship with love interest Raf; and embarrassing care packages containing feminine-hygiene products sent by Rachel's stepmother. Rachel and Liana become instant enemies and Rachel just can't believe it when she discovers that her nemesis is actually her long-lost cousin. Entertaining characters, a light tone, and a fast-moving plot keep the pages turning quickly.—Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams Middle School, Hilton, NY

Gr 5–8—Having defeated the intolerant merlons that attacked the mystical island of Elantya in Crystal Doors (Little, Brown, 2006), 14-year-old cousins Gwen and Vic now face their greatest series of dangers yet. When Vic's father finds a way to travel between Earth and Elantya, a hub of numerous magical worlds, his son couldn't be happier to see him. This joy is short-lived, however, when the nefarious dark sages Azric and Orpheon find a way to get their hands on the kids. Captured by the merlon people, along with three of their friends, Vic and Gwen discover that they are key to releasing Azric's evil immortal army. An almost ridiculous number of prophecies abound in this fun, if standard, fantasy tale. The action is fast paced and consistently interesting once you get past the exposition at the start of the story. While not exemplary, the book is sure to appeal to kids looking for a fantasy in an original setting. An entertaining read even for those who haven't seen its predecessor.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 11 Up—Because he was so high, Travis doesn't know if he killed the girl he abandoned in a motel room during a trip to Hawaii, or if she died of an overdose. Before he ultimately turns himself in, he returns home to Minnesota, where excessive drugs and alcohol, lots of partying, and plenty of sex are the norm. Cliff, with whom he shared his memorable first times using cocaine, becomes a junkie and ends up killing a friend of Travis's sister in a repulsive concluding scene. Kyle, while high, kills his girlfriend in a car crash. Travis works hard to reconnect with his own old girlfriend, but after a steamy reunion, he backs off when he discovers that she had aborted Cliff's baby. There are many more interconnections that involve other friends, sordid and varied substance abuse in overwhelming quantities, random sexual situations, incompetent and enabling parents, guns, and drug dealing. From jail, Travis claims that he intends to wipe the slate clean after gaining "the truth." However, neither he nor the other characters are likable, despite fleeting attempts to provide some vision into their motives. It is impossible to disregard the vile things that Travis had gotten away with, such as a revelation that he and Cliff once took turns raping a girl at a party. The language is graphic and gritty, and the writing is adequate but static, anticipating no real future for Travis beyond jail. Hard-hitting, truthful stories about the pitfalls of drug use with well-drawn characters include Melvin Burgess's Smack (Holt, 1998) and Ellen Hopkins's Crank (S & S, 2004).—Diane P. Tuccillo, formerly at City of Mesa Library, AZ

Gr 9 Up—On 145th Street, the Curl-E-Que Beauty Shop serves as a loose nexus for both the community members and their stories. Cheryl tries to seduce her best friend's boyfriend to help her determine if he is a good catch; Calvin reconsiders his attempts to buy a gun after visiting a prison; Abeni learns that she achieved short film fame by breaking up with her boyfriend on camera. In a series of vignettes, Myers spins tales of promising athletes, desperate mothers, and misguided adolescents. Readers will find the authentic dialogue appealing, and the sometimes-humorous chapter titles offset the occasionally bleak content. The final story takes Corporal Curtis Mason from the neighborhood to Afghanistan. Though sporadic references to Myers's 145th Street: Short Stories (Delacorte, 2000) appear in this new work, these selections stand alone. Rich in both character and setting, these urban tales combine heartbreak and hope into a vivid tableau of a community. A priority purchase for all libraries, especially those in urban settings.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—Continuing where Eleven (Dutton, 2004) left off, this book chronicles the year in the life of Winnie Perry following her 12th birthday. The narrator has her fair share of coming-of-age experiences, including shopping for a bra, dealing with changing relationships, discovering boys, and using feminine hygiene products for the first time. During the summer before seventh grade, she temporarily rekindles her friendship with Amanda, her former best friend. They attend sleep-away camp together where Winnie discovers her penchant for telling jokes and how much she likes being the center of attention. Although she enjoys the time with Amanda, she realizes that Dinah—her current best friend—is the one who will truly stick by her. As junior high begins, Winnie deals with feelings of excitement and trepidation, worries about fitting in with the other students, and tries to find the courage to do the right thing when a classmate mistreats a substitute teacher. Winnie's awkward experiences will have readers laughing out loud and cringing at the same time, like at a swimming party, when she loses her tampon in the pool. On occasion, her dialogue and thoughts seem a little too adult for her age, but fans of Eleven and initiates alike will enjoy her sometimes goofy, sometimes touching preteen moments.—Alison Grant, Ruby S. Thomas Elementary School, Las Vegas, NV

Gr 7–10—The latest installment in Naylor's popular series finds Alice, now a junior in high school, disgruntled with her reputation as "Miss Goody Two-Shoes." Determined to shake things up, she fights with her stepmother over use of the family car; dates a senior, Tony, who would like to make her his next conquest; and takes off on a motorcycle during lunch period. Narrowly missing real tragedy and giving her parents a terrible sleepless night when she goes to a beer party without phoning home, Alice predictably concludes that being responsible and decent doesn't make her "dry as dust" after all. Her flirtation with rebellion is prosaic and heavy-handed, laced with dialogue that tells rather than shows. The refreshingly candid relationship she shares with her brother, Lester, and the unrequited obsession she harbors for the editor of the school newspaper ring far truer, as do her visits with a friend who has leukemia. Episodic in presentation, Dangerously Alice will be snatched up by those who are familiar with the events and relationships of the previous books, but it relies more on titillation than solid character development or plot to keep readers involved. Alice and one-dimensional Tony engage in explicitly detailed sexual foreplay. When Tony pulls out a condom, Alice asks herself: "Condoms at the ready…? Was I just one of his 'babes' in a long succession of girls?" A sledgehammer would've been as subtle.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 7 Up—Teens Emily and Reese spend each summer on Cape Cod, walking up and down the beach to check out the boys. Their dreams are realized when two cute guys appear, walking strangely and speaking many foreign languages. Steve and Dave have an odd influence on people around them, and after Emily's father, a marine biology professor, is whisked away for questioning by the FBI, the girls realize that the boys are actually human manifestations of deep-sea creatures, upset that humans are polluting the ocean. In the end Emily comes to the realization that all life is interconnected, and that how we conduct our lives and treat the Earth does matter. The story moves along briskly, examining adolescent social dynamics and behavior. Emily's language, which starts out as rather superficial teen-speak, becomes more lyrical and profound as she responds to the aliens' humanizing influence. The environmental message is front and center in this story that tries to reach a generation that must live with the consequences of what we, and they, do to the planet.—Ann Robinson, Moultonborough Academy Library, NH

Gr 9 Up—In this second entry in the series, the three teenage protagonists introduced in Seeker (Harcourt, 2006) have begun their training to join the Nomana warrior community. The Wildman becomes obsessed with entering the forbidden lair of the god they are sworn to protect and is cast out for his ill-conceived attempt. Having developed all-consuming feelings for him, Morning Star follows him to his hometown, where she helps him lead his people into battle using her unique ability to sense people's auras. Seeker sets off on his own secret quest to kill the savanters, creatures he has been led to believe are the ultimate threat to their god. All three return to the community just in time to defeat an army sent to destroy the Nomana, but see their precious fortress obliterated by a suicide bomb. All hope seems lost until Seeker is led through a door into another world where their god is still safe. This portal is pointed to by Jango, a mysterious, omnipotent old man who appears at opportune moments throughout the book. The three main characters experience compelling inner conflict and transformation, and the Nomana's enemies are depicted with depth and humor. Propelled by unique battle scenes and touching dialogue, Jango will draw satisfied readers deeper into the mystery surrounding the Nomana's god.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 4–7—Sixth-grader Mack has recently moved to a posh neighborhood where he's having trouble fitting in, and he craves his father's attention, which is focused on Mack's brother's trophy shrine and on rubbing elbows with the rich crowd. The youngster wants to keep friends from the old neighborhood, but when his new neighbor bullies his old pal, he does nothing to protect him. He's also determined to beat his brother at something. In the end, Mack makes a choice to give up an important race in order to help someone in need, proving that his priorities are in the right order, and earning a place of honor in the trophy room. Paratore's portrayal of social classes is stereotyped. Rich people are self-centered and poor people are generous. There is an overabundance of issues to solve, but the action moves along, and the protagonist is likable.—Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL

Gr 4–6—In this third book in the series, a changeling, Inky Mess, wants to own the Forgetting Book, whose information will allow him to take over the Make-Believe. At the same time, Clemency Pogue wants to save her parents' foundering marriage. Clem's friends from the Make-Believe want her help in stopping Inky, so he tries to distract her by putting her parents in danger from a deadly swarm, the Scrivener Bees, unwitting guardians of the book. It is up to Clemency to stop Inky, save the marriage, and protect the Forgetting Book. The bees as transcribers of truth is never justified, and their dancing is video-gamelike. Danger isn't really threatening as no powerful source of evil is explained or displayed. Clem's encounters are never such that her existence—or that of her parents—seems threatened. Inky, the protagonist, is more of a bothersome snot than a powerful force, and the keeper of the book is a cardboard character without moral authority, and easily disposed of. The ending is a transparent lead into the next installment, but one would have to buy into a pretty flimsy set of characters and equally flimsy plot to keep an eye out for it.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 5–8—Eighth-grader Bart Rangely and his mother have been hiding the fact that his father left her for a younger woman. Then, on the morning of September 11th, Bart's fever prevents his mother from going to her office in the North Tower, where his dad also works. When he dies, Bart is nearly consumed by the grief that now accompanies his anger. Hailed as a "Miracle Boy" for keeping his mom home that morning, he is offered a scholarship to Bailywell Preparatory Academy, aka Bullyville. The snobby students live up to their reputation, terrorizing Bart with actions that include forcing him into a locker. Not wanting to worry his mother, he pretends that all is well until an incident with his main tormentor, Tyro Bergen, results in his taking a key to the finish of Tyro's Cadillac SUV. His punishment is to volunteer at a hospital. Bart gets close to Nola, a very sick patient, and is devastated when she dies. Here the story, which has been suspenseful and engaging, begins to fall apart. It is difficult to believe that Bart doesn't learn that Nola is Tyro's sister until after her death and to accept this coincidence. While the boys' relationship shifts, that shift is handled summarily; the story wraps up quickly. The simple dialogue that conveys Bart's emotions and experiences will appeal to reluctant readers, and the book will generate some great discussions. While the ending is weak and most of the characters are one-dimensional caricatures, Prose's skewering of elite prep-school society while probing the serious issues of the aftermath of 9/11 and of bullying is riveting.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5–9—Little attempt has been made to bring readers up to speed in this sequel to Princess Nevermore (Scholastic, 1995). Seventeen-year-old Cam finds himself ousted from his position as the wizard Melikar's apprentice when a new lad shows up with superior magical skills. He is sent to Outer Earth (our world) in order to discover the truth of his origins. Meanwhile, his childmate, Princess Quinn, is under pressure to choose a suitor before her 16th birthday, but is repelled by the countless nobles and princes seeking her hand. The obvious choice is, of course, Cam, but the author keeps their affection unacknowledged for most of the story. Regan's writing is serviceable but not memorable; her characters never evolve beyond broad fantasy archetypes—the youth searching for his destiny, the princess who feels constrained by her lofty position, the sage wizard, etc. Purchase only where the first book is popular.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 6–8—Pia is an artistic 12-year-old living with her mother in Queens, NY. She is at the awkward age when friendships begin to shift and change, and she finds herself on the outs with her best friend, Anita, who is currently impressed with popular girls Callie and Grace. Pia is also dealing with her older brother's worsening schizophrenia, her mother's new boyfriend, and contact she has initiated with her father, who left when she was a baby and now lives in Italy. This new relationship sets the girl on a journey of discovery that takes her to Florence, resulting in a new understanding of her past and a deeper connection with her mother. Pia's growing confidence in her artistic skills and her worth as an individual are the strengths of this quiet novel. Characters are well-developed enough to hold interest as the plot is not action-driven.—Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD

Gr 5–9—While camping out on the south flank of Kilauea, Dylan endures taunts and threats from older, glowering Louie, newest member of his Boy Scout troop from Hilo and with whom he has had a previous encounter. A campfire ghost story sets a suspenseful mood, which is heightened by the suggestion of some paniolos—Hawaiian cowboys who have camped out nearby—that the Goddess Pele, in the form of a dog Dylan has repeatedly seen, foretells trouble to come. That night there's an earthquake, then a bigger one. As the boys struggle to regain their senses, they are struck by a tsunami. Louie and Dylan, relatively uninjured, work together to find and help the others. Dylan swims out to rescue their dazed and injured scoutmaster and Sam, who desperately clings to a small rubber air mattress. Louie and Dylan undertake an arduous hike along the shore to obtain help. Spotted by a Coast Guard helicopter, the troop is rescued. Dylan and Louie may not have become best friends, but they've reached an appreciation of each others' strengths. An author's note explains the details of the story that are based on true events. Like Ivy Ruckman's No Way Out (HarperCollins, 1989), Salisbury's tale of courage, strength, and survival is appealing, exciting, and insightful.—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 8 Up—After her mother's murder, Elaine lives with her father and brothers in a British military camp during the time of the Saxon invasions and makes herself useful by mixing potions to cure all manner of ills. As in Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott," she falls in love with Lancelot, but when Gwynivere, King Arthur's betrothed and the daughter of a much-needed ally, arrives, she, too, is enchanted by the beloved knight. Disgusted by Elaine's unmaidenly ways, Gwynivere spurns the girl, overcoming her haughty selfishness only when Elaine's life and Arthur's legions are threatened. The two then work together to help save the army—and the country—from destruction. In this verse novel of flowing, readable prose, Sandell successfully interweaves familiar medieval tales, keeping well-known characters and plot details but reenvisioning the denouement. Descriptive language abounds, and while the vocabulary is sophisticated, most meanings can be gleaned fairly easily from context. The protagonist is fully developed; other characters, however, are less well defined. Both Gwynivere and Lancelot, for instance, have too-rapid changes of heart, and the nicely sewed-up romance between Elaine and Tristan seems a bit pat after the many twists and turns of their earlier emotional travails. Although this reimagining follows the current trend of interjecting strong female characters into classic tales, some might argue that it stretches believability a bit too far to suggest that the Round Table couldn't have survived without Elaine's selflessness. Nevertheless, the adventure and romance will keep many female readers thoroughly captivated.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 7 Up—Book Four in this series introduces fans to Bec, an apprentice priestess who may have magical powers. She struggles with the mysteries of her origins while at the same time trying to protect her adoptive clan from the ravages of the Demons attacking the island. When a mysterious boy arrives in her village with an urgent request for help, Bec convinces the clan leaders to give her an entourage of some of the best remaining warriors to accompany her. Journeying into a horrifyingly bleak landscape, Bec and her companions meet Drust, a Druid who claims he knows a way to shut the entrance that the Demons use to enter our world. This book is classic Shan, with lightning-fast plotting, over-the-top gore, and an overarching sense of gloom and despair. The author promised three narrators in the series, of which Bec is the third and final character to be introduced. Given the horrifying and literally gut-wrenching ending, it will be interesting to see how he brings Bec back in later installments. In the meantime, this book can easily stand alone.—Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 7–10—Life has spun out of control for Gemma Stone, a 14-year-old Aussie. Her older sister is engaged to be married and has turned into a bridezilla; the new in-laws, particularly Brian's Lieutenant Colonel's father, are scarily obsessed with the Queen and military discipline; and Gemma attempts to overcome her urge to vomit while speaking in public by auditioning for the school production of The Tempest and getting the role of Miranda. If that's not enough to drive her berko, she's torn between two boys—Nick, who's perfect and popular, and Raven, a social outcast with more depth and soul than anyone gives him credit for. Amid the chaos, Gemma is learning who she really is, what matters most, and that "Love is doves and dog poo." Shanahan's quirky characters are a riot, but the depth of Gemma's growth and heartbreak is genuinely profound.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 9 Up—After Tina is sprayed with bullets in a gang shoot-out, her older brother and computer hacker, Teddy, 17, plots revenge. In the midst of carrying out his plan, he is arrested and charged with attempted homicide. Barely escaping a prison sentence, he is placed in a community-service program where he's required to mentor Micah, a 12-year-old gangsta wannabe on the path to destruction. After a rocky start, their partnership flourishes: Micah befriends Teddy's quickly disintegrating family and offers information that might lead to Tina's killer. In this third installment of the trilogy that began with The Hoopster (Hyperion, 2005), Sitomer uses lean, mean street-speak and dark urban landscapes to emphasize the cycle of violence that Teddy is on the verge of getting caught up in. For the most part, true-grit reality takes precedence over an occasionally preachy subtext, and readers will find themselves riveted with every turn of the page. A frighteningly real story of survival, brotherhood, and friendship.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 6–8—In this third book in the series, Galia discovers that she has a natural talent for influencing the weather. She is sent off to Freya to learn from and teach magic to the Freyan wizards. Next, readers meet Cat, whose friend Garth has stopped writing, and she fears that he might be mixed up with some intrigue. She goes to Garth's family in Freya to see if he's safe. Finally, readers meet Talisa, who is looking for people in Freya who might help her free Cory Updale, her friend accused of setting a fire that killed two soldiers. Cory is languishing in prison, and his future is looking dim. Very gradually, their three stories come together. The novel can be difficult to follow as events in chapters overlap and the time frame moves forward and back unexpectedly. The three main characters are a great deal alike and it can be difficult to remember who is whom. Unless you have fans of the first two books, this one is an additional purchase.—<