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.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 5–9—This sequel to Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean (Little, Brown, 2006) continues after Grace joins her twin brother, Connor, onboard The Diablo, where they learn additional pirate skills. Visions of the Vampirate ship haunt Grace and she misses Lorcan, her rescuer there. She sees him in her dreams, blind and sick, and knows she must help to save him, but she doesn't know how to reach the ship. After the death of one of his best mates, Connor makes a trip to the Pirate Academy and begins to wonder if he wants to remain under Captain Wrathe or become captain of his own ship. Grace accompanies him to the academy. Connor is betrayed in a swordfight with a fellow classmate and leaves the academy rather than be pushed into the plans of Cheng Li and Commander Kuo. Grace finds her way back to Lorcan, who is wasting away by refusing to take the blood of his human donor. Piratical politics and the threat of a crew of wayward Vampirates headed by Sidorio, who was kicked off the ship in the first book, plague the seas. It is not necessary to read the first book to enjoy the second, but the story arc does move across the planned trilogy, leaving things unresolved in this volume. This easy-to-read novel moves along quickly with plenty of action, fantasy, and adventure.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–7—In book two in this trilogy, the author continues the story begun in Truesight (HarperCollins, 2004) about Jacob, 13, and his friend Delaney, who were raised in Harmony, a colony on another planet whose residents have been genetically engineered to be blind. Their philosophy rejects mere appearances in favor of the purity, unity, and freedom of darkness. But after a series of headaches that restored his sight, Jacob escapes from the danger this causes, only to wander in the desert before being rescued by Xander, an ex-mercenary who has rejected his past. After locating Delaney in a faraway city of the sighted, where her "Blinder" eyes have been replaced by gold-rimmed crystals to enhance her status as an entertainer, he rescues her from bondage, fleeing to Xander's desert home. The three, all outsiders in their own way, build a friendship to replace the sense of belonging that they have lost. Delaney decides she must return to Harmony despite potential rejection by her family, and the ensuing danger sets the scene for the next book. Images of sight and vision dominate the writing, with dreams providing a view into alternate ways of seeing. Themes of trust, fitting in, dependency, and making choices will appeal to young readers.—Ann Robinson, Moultonborough Academy Library, NH

Gr 5–8—Stead's debut novel is an exciting, engaging mix of science fiction, mystery, and adventure. Thea lives in Gracehope, a world hidden inside Greenland's ice cap. Her English ancestors, hunted and slaughtered as accused witches seven generations earlier, retreated beneath the ice, settling in the cold world. But now, the population has increased to 600; births are limited and food rationed. Thea believes that the intent of the Settlers was to one day return to the world above. She and her cousin, Mattias, find the passage to that world, but in the process Mattias is hurt. Alternating with Thea's story is that of Peter, a seventh grader from New York City who is in Greenland for six weeks while his father, a glaciologist, investigates the melting ice cap. Thea's and Peter's lives cross when he finds the passage and Thea asks him to help with Mattias. He learns that his mother has a connection to Gracehope, and that his parents are trying to locate it and warn the people that, due to global warming, the community is sinking. Readers may wish that the fascinating underworld setting was described in more detail, and that the reason for the Settlers' abandoning the world above was revealed more clearly and sooner. But, Peter and Thea are fully developed main characters. Thea especially, with her growing independence from her family and her determination to help her people, is a strong and memorable protagonist. A great discussion starter of issues ranging from global warming to shunning and building a new society.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5–8—Magpie Windwitch, accompanied by her trusty band of crows, has made it her business to hunt down any and all demons she can find, but when a nasty entity called the Blackbringer escapes its protective bottle, Magpie finds herself outpowered. Most of her fellow faeries are no help, so she must use her wits, her unique and talented friends, and her own magical gifts to vanquish the ancient and evil Blackbringer. Magpie is a feisty faerie with a spicy way with language and a disdain for all things sweet and delicate, and as long as she is center stage, readers will be entranced. The plot, sweeping and filled with a variety of creatures as it is, lags occasionally; this is a very long book. That said, true fans of Faerie, as well as fantasy buffs who like lots of action with their magic, will gobble this one up.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–7—The pseudonymous Jason Specter, the teen protagonist of this anthology, runs a blog called "Scary States of America," in which he invites readers to submit stories of aliens, monsters, spooks, and psychic experiences from everywhere in the U.S. Here, "Specter" says in the introduction, are his "50 favorites," one from each state, and all supposedly based on "true events." Some of the stories are based on folklore—the New Mexico story concerns the aliens supposedly found at Roswell, for example, and the Florida entry tells a tale of the Skunk Ape of the Everglades—but others could have happened in any state. The individual tales, ranging from 6 to 10 pages each, are uneven, but mostly entertaining, and many will raise some large goosebumps. Their impact is dampened, though, because most have similar themes—the two most common kinds of stories here are one in which a teen scoffs at an old story until encountering the related ghost or alien and another in which a family moves into a house with a grisly past. It's unlikely that readers will do much more than read the story about their states, along with a few others.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—The fourth in this series opens with the pending death of Queen Victoria and the royal family being in danger of attacks from anarchists. Once again Scotland Yard enlists the help of former thief and prisoner Montmorency and other gentlemen spies. Since Montmorency's old friend and fellow government agent, Lord George Fox-Selwyn, was murdered in the previous book, the younger generation is pressed into service. However, these spies are more interested in avenging the agent's death than saving the royal family. Frank, Lord Fox-Selwyn's nephew, assumes Montmorency's alterego, Scarper, and with the help of capable allies in Scotland, Italy, and America, the unique cadre of players becomes entangled in the plot to assassinate the president of the United States. Interesting secondary stories link each book in the series and introduce new people into the mix. While teens might be turned off by a turn-of-the-century Victorian mystery, the story and the subplots are fast paced and action-packed enough to generate interest. The characters are well developed and, with the ample backstory, readers will have little trouble establishing relationships. The cliff-hanger ending assures them of more adventures to come.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 6–9—Charlotte, 13, and her cousin Zee return in this fun and witty second book in the trilogy. They have recently been to the Underworld where they defeated Poseidon's evil grandson, Philonecron, from overthrowing Hades. Now Zee is acting odd and has fallen for her best friend, causing a rift in their friendship. Jason, a new guy at school, seems to know more about her than he should. Charlotte's parents have planned for them to go on an "educational" cruise that Charlotte is dreading. Then Jason disappears and Zee's behavior becomes even more bizarre. What begins as an ordinary, if boring, cruise becomes a struggle against Poseidon. He wants revenge on Charlotte for disgracing Phil and making the gods look weak. His plan involves stranding their ship and having sea monster Ketos attack and eat it. Can Charlotte figure out how to defeat Poseidon? The story is told from both Charlotte's and Zee's points of view but it's resourceful Charlotte who dominates. Despite her frequent and sarcastic asides that sometimes slow down the action, readers will root for her as she battles powerful Greek gods and monsters. The many references to events from The Shadow Thieves (S & S, 2005) makes it advantageous to read the books in order. This is the perfect series for fans of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" books (Hyperion/Miramax).—Sharon Rawlins, NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, Trenton

Gr 6–9—Thirteen-year-old Elissa, who has been raised from birth by the village wise woman and healer, knows nothing of her parents. She lives an unremarkable life as an apprentice, the one exception being that she is able to talk to animals. She finds herself thrust into a political game when her father comes to claim her, and it turns out that he is High Lord and King of Castlemar. Unbeknownst to Elissa, she is the collateral that her father needs in order to secure mercenaries from the Khan, and he intends to leave her behind at the Khan's Citadel. Upon arrival, Elissa finds out that the Khan plans to marry her once her father returns to his kingdom, and she and her servant girl work out a plan of escape. They are aided by the Blue People, a clan whom the Khan has forced into servitude, and when they face his wrath, it is Elissa's magical ability that saves them. Though the story has some elements of fantasy, it is really more about finding strength within one's self. Elissa changes from an innocent child to a young woman aware of her power. The story occasionally drags, and the ending seems somewhat abrupt, leaving open the way for the two planned sequels. Readers will enjoy Elissa as a character, and Maya, the servant-girl sidekick and friend, is intriguing as well.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 9 Up—Jocks, freaks, techies, choirboys, and drama queens—typical high school cliques face off against one another, leading to a shooting spree in which a girl is murdered. Flashbacks show that any one of these students has reason to be angry. Jealous girls spread their venom by humiliating their classmates. The football star thinks nothing of beating up anyone in his way. An underground newspaper publishes embarrassing school gossip, while subversive Theo videotapes the oppressors in action. Students wish they could get back at the unfairness of it all. As they hide from the gunshots, they argue about who the gunman could be. Since obnoxious Stone was kicked off the football team for using steroids and is videotaped attempting to rape a girl at a house party, everyone assumes he is the shooter, but they're in for a shock. The chapters are written from various characters' points of view and describe their thinking in a way with which readers can empathize. The book could be a good catalyst for a discussion about teen feelings and violence.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 6–9—Fifteen-year-old Raven, a bird mage, ran away four years earlier to escape bonded servitude. Her mother, Roxaine, was supposed to join her but failed to arrive at the rendezvous point. Raven is convinced that she has been abandoned, and the notion is reinforced when she returns to her old home and spies on her mother. She finds that she has a baby sister and that Roxaine is engaged to marry Baron Cutter, the master of the estate and owner of their bond. When he dies before the wedding, Roxaine's new status begins to crumble, especially when no paperwork is found releasing her bond or naming her guardian of the new heir, her infant daughter. The action begins almost immediately and dives back into events in Sky Carver (Clarion, 2005). Those who haven't read the first book will have trouble understanding some of the nuances of character and plot development as the necessary background information is not filled in. For those who have, Raven is a solid tale with magic and adventure. The protagonist is well developed and her struggles are realistic and engaging.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 7 Up—Alderman's book explores interracial relationships from the perspective of those who actually lived them. The first chapter includes three essays on friendships across the color and cultural lines. The second chapter focuses on romance and includes six essays from people who have dated or been in love with someone of another race. The last chapter explores families and the issues that mixed-raced children face as they make their way toward racial identity. The experiences shared here are decidedly upbeat and positive. There is an effort to introduce readers to the infinite possibilities of crossing a color or cultural barrier and in so doing be better for it. Haugen presents a mixed bag of situations, all speaking in one way or another about the state of mixed-race relationships in this country. His book deals with the topic through commentary from those who have not necessarily lived the experience, but have a professional or scholarly interest in it. In 12 chapters, a wide variety of subject areas is explored, including the greater acceptability of interracial relationships, the entertainment industry and interracial relationships, interracial marriage and racism, and black women's response to interracial dating and marriage. The tone in every essay is guardedly optimistic. Many of the contributors are journalists who write about such issues, and their selections are clearly and succinctly written.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 6–9—In seven short chapters, Altman examines biotechnical advances in gene therapy, reproductive technology, the care and concern for public health, and more. With topics of greater controversy, including assisted suicide, genetic engineering, and organ transplants for prison inmates, she also includes useful examples that provide context for the issues. The author addresses real-life bioethical concerns such as the Typhoid Mary incident of the early 20th century and the Terry Schiavo case that ended in 2005. Bioethics provides just enough information for middle school students researching the topic. Full-color photos give a suitable break from the text. A useful replacement for outdated resources.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 4–6—This highly pictorial, readable overview provides significant depth of coverage to the melding aspects of the European discovery of the Western Hemisphere. "Causes" discusses the European explorers and American civilizations. The roles of religion, competition, wealth, and glory are considered, and the Aztec and Inca empires and the civilization of Cahokia are described, not as primitive societies but as burgeoning, complex social networks. Next, the "What Happened" section discusses Columbus's voyages and the campaigns of Cortes, Pizarro, Cartier, De Soto, and Drake. Finally, "Consequences" looks at diseases, plants and animals, mingling and elimination of populations, migration, the force gold exerted, and the spread of ideas and lifestyles. The illustrations, most in full color, make ample and appropriate use of period prints as well as contemporary illustrations and photographs. The result is a visual feast that fleshes out the slightly dry, but remarkably evenhanded, narrative. Time lines are used frequently in both the second and third chapters to delineate life events or the spread of diseases or animal populations, for example. A place-finder map and a biographical dictionary (with illustrations) complete this attractive overview. A step up from the more lighthearted coverage in Nancy Winslow Parker's Land Ho! (HarperCollins, 2001), it's an excellent starting point for students.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 5–10—This compact book offers a well-rounded overview of Hatha yoga. Using an easy conversational tone, Birkemoe relates the general practice and specific poses to readers' lives. The simple line drawings and color illustrations partner effectively with the text to explain each move. A little history and philosophy are included, but this is a practical guide, with directions on how to make an eye pillow and a mat bag, and advice on when to practice and what tools are needed. Sanskrit terms are defined—important, since the English names for many poses can differ from teacher to teacher. The book is organized well, moving from the most basic poses to some that are slightly more advanced and then to a flowing practice, breathing, and meditation. Specific practices for those who are into running, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, or computers are a helpful addition, as are suggestions for dealing with specific physical or emotional problems and massage tips. There are plenty of precautions, making this a safe, easy, and fun book for anyone interested in starting yoga.—Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

Gr 9 Up—In this update to Thomas Jefferson: Man on a Mountain (S & S, 1988), Bober addresses the new scholarship that has emerged and revisits her assessment of controversy surrounding Jefferson's "shadow family" with slave Sally Hemings. As with the earlier biography, readers will be captivated by the honest portrayal of a man caught in the maelstrom of extraordinary times. This is a very human accounting of Jefferson, who partied as a youth, rallied for independence as a college and law student, mastered his studies, and chose stunning mentors. The author draws on his voluminous correspondences and writings and presents a full and complex portrait of the man and his legacy. She states that "the institution of slavery resonated through his life. Perhaps nowhere was this more powerfully illustrated than in his own home." Jefferson's story is one every YA needs to know, and this excellent, well-documented edition is a must-have.—Kathy Lehman, Thomas Dale High School Library, Chester, VA

Gr 6–8—This collection recounts 13 disasters, both natural and manmade, and offers up occasionally gruesome accounts of tragedies from around the world. The stories are arranged chronologically, from the sinking of the Asia on Lake Huron in 1882 to Hurricane Katrina's devastation on the Gulf Coast in 2005. Each brief chapter focuses on young people who were caught up in the events and who survived the tragedy by sheer luck or displayed heroism in the face of terrible odds. The writing is occasionally sensationalized and overly dramatic, and the tangle of children's names, ages, and family connections can be difficult to sort through in any given story. There are no source notes, and this omission makes it difficult to verify many of the suppositions around the actions and/or dialogue that appear in most of the vignettes. Where applicable, photographs of people involved or the aftermath of the disaster are included, and they provide a visual push to the text. Students are often drawn to disaster stories and this collection will be no different, but its brevity may leave them wanting more information.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 8 Up—This book clearly describes the issues surrounding endangered species, air pollution, and climate change. Each subject is treated in the same way, with Calhoun providing approximately one page on "What's in the News?" followed by related science, history, current and future considerations, and practical measures that can be taken by individuals to combat the problem. The author does not shy away from controversy, discussing, for example, this administration's refusal to endorse the Kyoto Protocol. Where scientists disagree on an issue, both sides are presented. Color photographs, graphs, and illustrations of scientific processes, such as the nutrient cycle, are provided. The book is extensively footnoted, with references to both classic reports (for example, the International Whaling Commission's 1946 recommendation to limit kills) and more recent materials, both in print and from quality online sources. However, the most recent references are from 2005, a long time ago in a field in which new science is constantly emerging. Also, though all of the relevant subtopics are touched upon, the treatment of them is overly succinct. Given these issues, this book will work best as an introduction to the relevant issues, supplemented by one of the many databases that will provide more recent articles, and by books, such as those from the "Opposing Viewpoints" series, that cover the relevant topics in more depth.—Henrietta Thornton-Verma, School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up—Myers cleverly translates Carroll's nonsense poem into a contemporary tale through sports imagery, including double Dutch and other sidewalk games, although basketball dominates. Visual metaphors anchor the nonsensical words and phrases: a boy's skill on the court represents the "vorpal sword"; flexible and angular, he outmaneuvers his opponent, the oversize jabberwock, whose elongated form stretches upward, larger than life. The boy soars over the outstretched arms of other players, displaying a dramatic one-handed hold on the ball; he sends it "through and through" past the jabberwock and "snicker-snack!" into the net. Victorious, he "chortle[s] in his joy" as he balances the orange ball on an index finger. The spectacular paintings have silhouetted figures on vibrant backgrounds, bringing to mind the summer sun setting on a playground in the city. The jaunty text is in capital letters in an extra-large black font, with some words highlighted in color. Libraries will want to own at least one copy of this dynamic presentation.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA

Gr 4 Up—As in Alex Martin's Knights & Castles and Ellen Galford's The Trail West (both Two-Can, 2005), a historical topic is explored through the arts and artifacts of the time. In this case, weapons and warfare are described from ancient times to the 1950s. High-quality reproductions of paintings, murals, sculptures, and artifacts show military customs and equipment over the centuries. As in the earlier books, images from the artwork are highlighted and enlarged to focus on significant details. The lively, informative text creates a "you are there" sense that will engage even reluctant readers. This unique, instructive, and attractive book is sure to appeal to both report writers and casual browsers. It may also increase some readers' art-appreciation levels. Michele Byam's Arms and Armor (DK, 2000) covers the topic in a more traditional manner.—Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI

Gr 8 Up—Two Nobel Peace Prize winners are profiled with varying degrees of success. Arias Sánchez is dense and confusing. For example, the first chapter focuses on the peace accord between Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala that the Costa Rican president organized. However, so many names, places, and political groups are introduced that it is difficult to keep them straight. Also, the book has maps of El Salvador and Nicaragua, but not of Costa Rica. The chapters that describe how Arias Sánchez won the peace prize are clearer, but it will be difficult for students to extract the information they would need for a report. The second book is well organized and well written, and reads like a story. It is balanced in that it points out the critics of Mother Teresa's selection for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing her anti-abortion and anti-contraception views, as well as her admirers. This book is accessible for students who are not familiar with the woman's life. Each volume contains sidebars, photos, and the Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.—Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 8 Up—Dando presents a geographical perspective on tsarist Russia, the USSR, and the current Russian Federation, including the diversity of the population, economic developments, and governments. An early chapter sketches historical events and eras, and a lengthy section describes the landscape, using categories developed by eminent 19th-century Russian geographers. While there is some good commentary on how the landscape has impacted the development of Russia, in other places descriptions seem too pedantic. Likewise, the chapter on people and culture has good information on population trends and gives fine coverage to the development of cities, but in other sections there are occasional sweeping statements such as, "Russia was, is, and will always be a nation of deeply religious people." The book concludes with short, largely optimistic chapters on reconstructing socioeconomic unity and Russia's great potential. There are about a dozen illustrations, but only two maps. One of them, which shows Turkey but not the Caucasian states, has a caption with a serious mistake; Russia does not share a boundary with Turkey, though readers looking at the map might think that it does. The lack of maps identifying physical, climatic, and economic regions is problematic because there are so many references to them in the text. Also, there are some odd omissions such as the fact that pipelines, which carry two of Russia's most valuable exports, are not mentioned along with other means of shipping systems. Nonetheless, skilled teachers could assign specific sections of this book for reports since it does contain some information not usually found in country studies.—Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign

Gr 6–9—A first-person account of being a prisoner of war is a tricky subject for a middle school read, but DeMallie successfully pulls it off. The story follows the 22-year-old American Air Force officer who was forced to bail out of his B-17 in 1944, highlighting his hiding out in the Netherlands, imprisonment in a German POW camp, and liberation by Russian soldiers. There are vivid recollections of suffering from hunger, loneliness, and uncertainty that serve as reminders that war is not a romantic enterprise but a brutal reality. The writer remembers the brave Dutch civilians who risked their lives to help Allied soldiers and discusses death and torture with spare details so as not to alienate readers or appear sensationalistic. The first few chapters are larded with military and aeronautic terminology that, while important, might discourage some readers. Fortunately, the succeeding chapters are descriptive and gripping enough to entice youngsters to do further research. This is a good choice for nonfiction enthusiasts, particularly those with interests in the military, World War II, and survival tales.—Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—Each title begins with an "A Quick Look at..." spread with facts such as the state's nickname, bird, population (2004 or 2005 estimates), etc. The texts are clearly written and neatly divided into chapters that discuss plants and animals, history, people, government, and making a living. Text boxes, a list of important dates, a calendar, a kid-friendly recipe, and a craft project are included. Time lines and maps are attractive and clear. Pictures, mainly in color, are relevant, attractive, and usually current. These books offer no surprises or passion for their subjects, but they are informative and accessible.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 4–6—Dingle introduces one element per spread. One page features a cartoon drawing of its anthropomorphic character and the other presents a simple introduction to its "personality." However, the premise of the book can be misleading. While the book is about the periodic table, fewer than half of the elements are actually discussed in the text. The information is presented in a chatty and conversational tone. For example, Hydrogen says, "I may be undersized, but don't underestimate me. I'm a petite package that packs a punch, and I have a fiery character to boot—always remember that I'm numero uno!" Basic information, such as the element's symbol, color, standard state, classification, density, and melting and boiling points, is included, but there's no explanation of what atomic number, atomic weight, etc., actually mean. While this book provides a brief introduction to some of the elements, students requiring more comprehensive information would be better served by Ron Miller's The Elements (21st Century Bks., 2005) or "The Elements" series (Benchmark).—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 5–10—These books examine the technical aspects of each career rather than focusing on how young people can pursue opportunities in the field. The texts are approachable, and the authors make the most of the subject matter in terms of writing style. A major drawback, though, is that each volume devotes a great deal of attention to the specifics of select movies to describe just how a scene is shot or a script is crafted. Not until the final chapter do readers get an idea of what might be involved in getting started on a career path. Animation has only a sidebar on anime, a subject of growing interest over the last several years. The books also skimp on film stills and illustrations, a curiosity given the topics. These titles should appeal to movie and animation enthusiasts, but only as background information and not career guidance. Marlys H. Johnson's Careers in the Movies (Rosen, 2001) is a better choice for the latter.—Carol Fazioli, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Gr 3–6—These titles offer just enough substance for the target audience. The projects are fairly simple to do, but not so basic that the desired results will be obvious. Organization is consistent, with a starting question or two to nudge readers toward a hypothesis; a clear list of supplies that suggests adult help when needed; and numbered instructions. An explanation of the science concept follows, along with an extra fact or two. Many projects also include starting ideas for expanding the simple experiment into a full-fledged science-fair entry. The language is intentionally simplified, stating that air "pushes on things" and light "bends" rather than introducing more daunting terms such as "air pressure" or "refraction." Double-spaced lines and neatly framed instructions give the pages an uncluttered and inviting look. The experiments feature one or two cartoon illustrations that show the main action, rather than multiple visual references for each individual step, which works fine given the beginning level. These projects may not be dazzling enough to excite science-fair veterans, but they may be just right for students with limited experience looking for projects that are fairly interesting and manageable.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 7 Up—The emergence of "superbugs"-antibiotic-resistant bacteria—and the threat they pose to public health are examined in this detailed introduction. The lucid text begins by describing the characteristics of bacteria, the human immune system's response to infection, the discovery and development of penicillin, how antibiotics work, etc. Goldsmith then explains the different ways in which bacteria can become drug-resistant, identifies specific strains of dangerous bacteria and the infections or food-borne illnesses they cause, and includes some scary statistics on recent outbreaks. (For instance, in 2006 a strain of E. coli contaminated raw spinach and sickened hundreds of people across the U.S.; three died.) The author also discusses societal trends that accelerate the development of drug-resistant bacteria and current efforts to halt their spread. Full-color tables, sidebars, diagrams, and good-quality photos and micrographs are interspersed throughout. The text is meticulous without being tedious, thanks to an engaging writing style, and the explanations of the biological processes are so clear that only a basic background in science is necessary to understand them. Nancy Day's Killer Superbugs: The Story of Drug-Resistant Diseases (Enslow, 2001) covers some of the same ground, but Goldsmith's title is more up-to-date and has superior illustrations.—Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library

Gr 5–9—This attractive cookbook features full-page color photos of scrumptious food items. Based on the author's belief that kids can master all manner of basic cooking skills with clear instructions and the freedom to "get messy with food," each recipe begins with an explanation of a particular technique ("whisking," "rubbing butter into flour," "pan-frying fish") that is then employed in preparing the dish ("Chocolate Mousse," "Blackberry and Apple Crumble," "Flounder with Herb Butter"). The recipes include substantial dishes, such as "Warm Poached Egg and Bacon Salad" and "Chicken, Corn, and Leek Pie with Sweet Potato Mash." Grant also believes that children need to know where food comes from, so the book is organized around six basic food sources—"From the Sea," "From the Farm," "From the Dairy," "From the Garden," "From the Mill," and "From Afar"—with a few pages of description and background included in each section. The recipes include lists of measured ingredients and equipment, clearly written step-by-step directions, and small color photos illustrating major steps. However, the type size is uncomfortably small. Two pages of kitchen safety tips are provided, but there is no glossary or illustrated equipment guide. While the author emphasizes fresh ingredients and does not rely on canned or preprocessed items, she does call for butter, cream, whole milk, and bacon, as well as frequent use of frying in oil. Judi Gillies and Jennifer Glossop's The Kids Can Press Jumbo Cookbook (Kids Can, 2000) is more generally accessible to young cooks and emphasizes healthy, fresh ingredients and super-simple prep.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 6–9—In this high/low book, Hall gives a geographical description of Africa, along with a study of the history of conflict, weather patterns, and even pests that have contributed so much to starvation. After a discussion of famine in the 20th century, the author continues to look at the situation well into the year 2006. The book contains an eye-opening account of the effects of wars and internal conflicts that perpetuate food insecurity. The book ends with a chapter on actions that can be taken to alleviate the crisis. Many of the strategies would take effort on the part of governments throughout the world, thus emphasizing how the problems in one country can affect regional stability and become global issues. Many students have seen pictures of starving children through other types of media. This book includes photographs of malnourished children and animals, but none seem overly graphic. The large print and open format will appeal to reluctant readers.—Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS

Gr 6 Up—Hampton chronicles his experiences as a UPI correspondent covering the 1970 Black September conflict in Jordan and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Organized chronologically, the book opens with a short prologue on the history of the region, followed by an account of the 1970 hijackings of jetliners by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the subsequent battles between the Palestinian guerrillas and the Jordanian army. Hampton reported on these events from a hotel in Amman, where he and other journalists were trapped during the fighting. After a short chapter, "Between the Wars," he then describes his experiences covering the Yom Kippur War, during which he gathered information by driving out to the war zones in the Golan Heights and the Sinai Desert. The final chapter, "War and Peace," relates what happened subsequent to the war, including the assassinations of Anwar Sadat and Yitzhak Rabin. Black-and-white news photos accompany the text. This is not a detailed historical analysis, although Hampton provides brief background information on the origins of conflicts in the Middle East. Rather, like Hampton's Kennedy Assassinated!: The World Mourns (1997) and Meltdown: A Race Against Nuclear Disaster at Three Mile Island (2001, both Candlewick), he presents a firsthand, "you are there" account focusing as much on how journalists cover stories and get them out to the rest of the world as on the events themselves. The writing is lively and engaging, and includes many dramatic anecdotes and eyewitness views. This is a good read, and one that students interested in journalism will find especially interesting.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 10 Up—This detailed look at climatology, climatologists, and the effects of weather (on, for example, warfare) could be used in units on earth science, the history of science, and even general history. Each chapter is devoted to one decade and includes a picture of where the field was then (with painstaking scientific explanations), a time line of notable events, and career biographies of contemporary pioneers, with enough personal details to maintain readers' interest. Sections conclude with a one-page essay, "Scientist of the Decade," which describes luminaries such as Vilhelm Bjerknes, who was the first to propose that weather could be forecasted using the laws of physics. Throughout, black-and-white photographs, graphs, and illustrations are valuable additions to the precisely written text. Insets such as "The Great Depression Aids Climatological Study" and "Scientists Take a Stand on Warming" describe specific events or concerns in greater detail. As the introduction points out, learning how early scientists made great discoveries with only primitive instruments and little background knowledge can be humbling to students. However, budding climatologists may also enjoy the fact that they know more than the brightest minds of earlier times.—Henrietta Thornton-Verma, School Library Journal

Gr 4–6—In 2001, a road crew in Missouri discovered a cave while trying to blast away a hill. It was a major setback to the construction team, but it was a dream come true for scientists because it contained the oldest ice age fossils ever found in North America. This slim book, designed to look like a scientist's journal with photographs, sketches, and scraps of paper taped inside, tells how the cave was found, how it was explored, and what went on in it hundreds of thousands of years ago. Harrison, a parasitologist and cave explorer himself, keeps the focus on how the scientists use their detective-like skills to solve the mysteries of Riverbluff Cave. Although the type is small, the narrative is smooth and easy to follow, and the inviting design will draw readers in. Some of the illustrations make the book seem a little more juvenile than it really is, but the well-chosen photographs of ancient bear-claw marks, peccary tracks, and fossilized bear droppings add to the book's appeal. Pair this with the "Scientists in the Field" series (Houghton) to introduce kids to the fascinating mysteries that modern-day scientists are busy solving.—Marcia Kochel, Olson Middle School, Bloomington, MN

Gr 4–6—Originally published in Australia, these books begin with an overview of the vocation. They then discuss risks and dangers, training, and the field in history, and provide examples of different types of positions within the specialty, for example, "police divers" (Divers). Individuals are profiled, such as a man who manages an offshore oil pumping station in Australia (Miners and Drillers). The spreads have clearly captioned color photos. Vividly colored "Extreme Info" and "Risk Factor" boxes provide bits of related material. Astronauts also includes discussions of "Living in space" and "The future in space." These books portray the featured jobs as appealing and rewarding. While they are not essential purchases, they are informative and likely to appeal to the target audience.—Lynne Mattern, Robert Seaman School, Jericho, NY

Gr 5 Up—Joyce explores the field of forensic firearms analysis, including the facts and figures behind the science of ballistics, real-life case studies of historical and contemporary crimes involving gun violence, and information for young people interested in pursuing ballistics as a career path. The engaging, accessible, and often interactive text promises to grab the attention of even reluctant readers; the sophisticated subject matter, including many technical details of firearms analysis, is explored in simple, straightforward language that neither condescends to nor intimidates students who struggle with basic literacy skills. The book's eye-catching design is a further draw. Photographs, sidebars, maps, and other graphic elements are used liberally to enliven and build upon the narrative, adding to the book's appeal to struggling and reluctant readers. A well-researched resource guide—including information on books, Web sites, colleges and universities, and professional organizations relating to forensic firearms identification—and a helpful glossary round out the volume. A fine example of the high/lo format, this book would make a valuable addition for both research and pleasure reading for any library serving teens with compromised literacy.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 3–6—Twelve artists are highlighted in this engaging art-appreciation book. On each spread, a full-page reproduction faces a short biography and a discussion of the artist's work. The paintings are reproduced in full color on high-quality paper. The writing is lively and interesting, yet the discussions of artistic ideas and theories are concise and easy to understand. Questions at the beginning of each section serve as useful prompts for discussion. Unfortunately, there is no bibliography or list for further information. This attractive, appealing book could easily find an audience in any library or classroom.—Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX

Gr 6–10—These well-researched biographies feature attractive layouts and black-and-white and color photographs. Each one discusses the subject's cultural background, childhood, family, and work history. Lashnits chronicles Lin's winning entry, as a Yale student, in a competition to design the Veteran's Memorial in Washington, DC, along with the history behind the competition and the controversy over her design. This book is more comprehensive than Bettina Ling's Maya Lin (Raintree, 1997). Inouye was the first Japanese American elected to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Slavicek details the family's journey from Japan to Hawaii and their difficulties working on sugarcane plantations. Historical facts about plantation labor contracts and conditions, as well as illegal school segregation in the state, are included. There is a detailed account of Inouye's participation in the all-Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II. Wang was exposed to haute couture at a young age. She worked for Vogue magazine and Ralph Lauren before starting her own bridal-wear business. World-famous cellist Ma was born in Paris to a family originally from China. He was taught the cello at the age of four by his father, and early on it became obvious that he was a musical genius. The book has information about Ma's teachers, influences, and favorite composers. It is similar in depth and scope to Myra Weatherly's Yo-Yo Ma (Compass Point, 2006). Solid choices.—DeAnn Okamura, San Mateo County Library, CA

Gr 5–8—Latta opens with a brief history of microbes and their initial discovery by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. She then explains the five types of microbes, discusses how they affect our daily lives and general health, and shows how disease has shaped society. The author also offers an introduction to the study of and search for microbes in space. Explanations are simple and clear, and the layout is appealing, open, and colorful. Almost every spread features stunning electron micrograph images. The engaging layout and informative text will appeal to curious browsers as well as students writing reports.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 4–8—This lively and attractive volume delves into the history of ballet from its beginnings in Italy through the 20th century. Lee provides information about the evolution of ballet technique and introduces the personalities and contributions of choreographers, composers, and dancers. Some intriguing anecdotal details, such as the invention of a machine called the "hip turner" and the fact that Swan Lake was a flop at its premiere, add to the enjoyment of discovering the complexities of this art form. Detailed and well-written descriptions of 25 of the most famous and influential ballets are provided along with colorful illustrations of scenes. A CD presents excerpts from them, and the author poses some questions and gives some insights to think about as one listens to the music.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 8 Up—These excerpts from the author's diary cover the years 1932 through January 1937, when Lugovskaya turned 18. Her writings were found in a newly opened NKVD file documenting her family's arrest and exile. Sentences in bold print are those underlined by an agent of Stalin's secret police because they express anti-Bolshevik sentiments or social alienation, including her desire to commit suicide. Her depression seems related to the fact that she was two years older than her classmates and cross-eyed. She considered herself unattractive compared to her socially gifted, older twin sisters. Many of the entries are filled with her self-preoccupation and angst often associated with her unfulfilled crushes on boys. Maybe they will be of interest to early teens, but they seem repetitive. Nina's family had a large apartment in which she had her own room and there is a reference to a maid, this in a period when so many Muscovites had to live in communal apartments. In 1935, Nina's father was in prison; the reason for his arrest is never made clear in the diary. However, an explanation is suggested by the editor, who also provides some useful commentaries on the political situation, the school system, daily life, and literary references. The Diary of Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic's Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Sarajevo (Viking, 1994) are more involving and informative.—Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign

Gr 7–9—These books are wordy and repetitious; they are unlikely to enthuse or inspire students, or encourage them to pursue further study. Neither one has a family tree (helpful in working out sometimes convoluted relationships). The maps are inadequate, omitting numerous places referred to in the texts, and the glossaries are incomplete. William also suffers from poor punctuation and an overuse of qualifiers ("generally," "apparently," "probably," etc.); in addition, McGowen has a penchant for citing others and then explaining what he's just quoted. Richard is choppy and contains several misspellings and other errors. David West and Jackie Gaff's Richard the Lion-heart (Rosen, 2005), a graphic biography, is highly condensed but features a family tree and better maps, by far.—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 6–10—This book opens with a definition of depression, describes its symptoms, identifies its subcategories, explains who gets depressed, and briefly reviews treatments. McIntosh then discusses the many societies—from biblical times to the present day—that have recognized and attempted to treat depression. He draws on historical sources ranging from the Bible to Freud and early-20th-century doctors who used electroconvulsive therapy. He also describes how comparatively recent advances in modern understanding of the brain have led to the breakthroughs in medicines to alleviate depression and devotes a chapter to the revolutionary effects of Prozac. The final chapter discusses the problems associated with antidepressant medications and the growth of alternative therapies. The author emphasizes that depression is a real and major illness and concludes that the best treatment involves both medication and psychotherapy. The text is supplemented with a good mixture of ancient and medieval art and contemporary photos and illustrations. Although this book does provide some valuable information and gives readers numerous resources to consult for more research, the documentation is hit or miss, a major weakness in a book that includes so many statistics. Libraries needing general historical information about mental illness will find Deborah Kent's Snake Pits, Talking Cures, & Magic Bullets: A History of Mental Illness (21st Century Bks., 2003) to be a better choice.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 6 Up—Miller kicks off with the history and terminology of racing and then follows up with descriptions of Formula 1, Champ, Indy Car, sprint car, midget, modified, stock car and drag racing, presenting the history of the series and details related to its current state. Sidebars deliver historical notes and "gee-whiz" facts, and other boxed text focuses on topics such as safety, money, and details about the cars. Two young racers are also profiled. There is an excellent glossary, a good list of additional sources, and some great features, such as diagrams explaining the meaning of different racing flags. The text is readable, informative, and enjoyable, conveying a real love of the sport; however, it falls down on the details. Some passages are poorly worded or inaccurate (e.g., in drag racing, the "fastest" car is not always the winner; the maximum length of a NASCAR race is 600 miles, not "up to 500" as claimed), while others are simply dated (the Taurus has been replaced by the Fusion in NASCAR; NASCAR pit stops are now consistently well below the 18-second speed Miller cites; and Rockingham is no longer used for NASCAR races). Color photos are generally small and sometimes not clearly reproduced. Clive Gifford's Racing (Kingfisher, 2006) covers the same ground more accurately and attractively. Minus the errors, this enthusiastic book would have been exceptional.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 4–6—These books feature excellent color photos and brief introductory texts. Formula One, the strongest of the trio, traces the history of Grand Prix racing, the development of the cars and their equipment, qualifying and racing, the tracks, safety measures, racing teams, and dominant drivers, with a sidebar on women in F1 racing. Vintage Cars focuses on the development of the automobile in the 1920s. Nielsen discusses the various styles from popular to expensive models, technical innovations, racing and its influence, significant luxury makes, and the current hobby of restoring. Street Cred (for "credibility") discusses modified cars such as tuners, lowriders, customs, and hot rods, and includes features on accessories, wheels, paint jobs, and famous customizers. In all, the illustrations and captions carry at least as much information as the texts. Morganelli's writing is the best organized and most readable, while Zronik tends to stretch his interpretations to make his point (e.g., claiming that the Ford Focus ZX5 was designed "specifically for tuner fans" and that the PT Cruiser has a "powerful" engine). However, each book is an attractive introduction to its topic.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 7 Up—The first book is written in an easy style, using short sentences and an unsophisticated vocabulary. Nonetheless, it is a good basic biography of the poet, including his checkered employment history, involvement with Socialism, and marriage. Murcia covers the Sandburgs' early life and how they connected through working on political causes, and follows them to their goat farm in North Carolina. Short passages of Sandburg's poems are included, as is a discussion of his epic Lincoln biography and other writings. Tracy covers the familiar territory of Williams's dysfunctional personal life and struggle to find success, presenting the material in an easily understood fashion. She is frank in her discussion of his homosexuality and his difficulties in "settling down." The author shows how much of Williams's life ended up on the stage, introducing readers to his mentally ill sister and overbearing mother, both of whom appeared repeatedly as characters in his plays. The book includes a short (usually one paragraph) summary of his works and some background on their debut on Broadway or beyond. The author twice refers to Williams's days in Provincetown, RI (it is, in fact, in Massachusetts). Both books have good-quality photos and short features interspersed between chapters on various important figures of the day (like FDR) or issues of the era (like the discovery of the diphtheria vaccine). Both books are appropriate for reluctant readers or those with high interest-low reading levels, and will be well used by report writers.—Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN

Gr 9 Up—Over the past several years, avian flu has been in the news more and more often. Fortunately, according to Orr's research, the odds that it could become a pandemic are much less than we once believed. (A four-page listing of her Internet sources appears at the end, as do footnotes arranged by chapter.) The author compares the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 with this recent virus, discussing the methods of transmission, the plan in place to prevent a crisis, and how we can stay safe and calm. The author presents an essentially clear look at an often-confusing disease; she opens with "ten facts about the avian flu" to prepare readers for what they will find. Researchers who look further into the book will find these facts expanded, as well as a brief historical look at pandemics through the ages, survivor stories from those who have had avian flu, and a chapter on the myths and the facts of this influenza. Well organized and accessible, this title is a useful addition for students who are doing research.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 3–6—These books focus on an important ruler in Egyptian history and are told from the point of view of an individual participant with fictional dialogue and imagined thoughts. Cartoon illustrations, several per page, are quite funny. Information is imparted through blocks of text in different sizes and fonts, dialogue balloons, and "Handy Hint" boxes. The plotting against Cleopatra and Tutankhamen and the customs, violence, and life and death during their times are explained in short paragraphs. These fictionalized books provide an overview of material found in more depth in biographies such as Diane Stanley's Cleopatra (HarperCollins, 1994) and Brian Williams's Tutankhamen (Heinemann Library, 2002), and should be considered for recreational reading rather than for serious research.—Ann Joslin, Fort LeBoef School District, Waterford, PA

Gr 5 Up—CSI comes immediately to mind when you see the skill behind reading the clues to determine the truth in a crime. These narrow books provide both a history and overview of the science and a few actual cases solved by systematic analysis. Presented in small bits with plenty of photos, maps, colored insets, and highlighted type, the visual collage makes it possible to read these books in any order. Older reluctant readers may find the brevity, format, and thrill of actual facts enough to take on more challenging books on this subject. Certainly, the authors seek to encourage further research and potential career choices with "Help Wanted" sections that describe a practitioner and personal requirements in order to succeed in the field. The pronunciation guide for words like CIA ("SEE-eye-aye") are heavy-handed and, for the most part, unnecessary, but most readers will overlook them. Wallpaper discusses the Washington State Excedrin case, Ukraine politician Viktor Yushchenko, and Napoleon's wallpaper. Cases in Do You Read Me? include the Lindbergh kidnapping, a forged will, and the Hitler diaries.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 3–8—On this armchair tour around the globe, Raczka introduces different artists and works of art. All evoke a strong sense of place. Beginning with one of Hokusai's prints of Mt. Fuji in Japan, readers travel east through Gauguin's sun-drenched Tahiti and on to Alaska's Mt. McKinley as photographed by Ansel Adams, before descending south into the Aztec Mexico envisioned by Diego Rivera. Each reproduction is accompanied by a lively text describing the locale and time period, biographical information about the artist, and other interesting tidbits. Quotes from the artists themselves are especially interesting, while the endpapers contain maps of the artistic journey. Encourage children to just sit back and enjoy.—Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

Gr 4–7—"Ox," "house," and "stick" stood for A, B, and C in the first alphabet. In this nicely illustrated overview, Robb traces the history of each letter from its origin to its modern appearance in the Roman alphabet. He explains the birth of writing in pictogram form and the eventual transition to written symbols that stand for sounds. With complementary explanation, each letter is displayed in its Sinaitic, Phoenician, early Greek, classical Greek, and Roman incarnations. The author details the relationships among different letters and summarizes such topics as alphabetical order, pronunciation differences around the world, the Greek boustrophedon style, Roman spacing conventions, the beginnings of punctuation, writing surfaces, font styles, and the invention of the printing press. A closing chart summarizes the presumed source of each letter with its date of first use and probable meaning. Robb is careful to note that linguistic research is still being conducted and that the information presented contains "both things that are fairly certain and things that are still under investigation." Smith's whimsical paintings are a fitting companion to Robb's lighthearted text. This quality work fills a significant gap in children's information literature. It should find a home in all collections.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 5–8—A beautiful retelling of the ancient poetic tale. Beowulf, the Danish hero from the Land of the Geats, shows fierce bravery and great strength to slay the ogre Grendel; Grendel's sea-hag mother; and, in his old age, a fire-breathing dragon bent on mayhem. In order to capture the feel of the original Old English text, this shortened version is composed almost entirely of words rooted in Old English (Anglo Saxon). An author's note introduces the history surrounding the poem. Rumford cites Seamus Heaney's recent translation of the classic as inspiration. Handsome spreads consist of an off-white box of text outlined in black and larger boxed artwork drawn and finely detailed in black ink, then painted with watercolor—both set on a batiklike background. Parts of a dragon—claws, wings, spiked tail, pointed head—protrude from under each illustration, until the whole beast finally crawls out and wreaks destruction upon the Land of the Geats. While Michael Morpurgo's fine retelling of the tale (Candlewick, 2006) is much longer and more detailed, Rumford's brief text and highly appealing format make his version accessible to a younger audience with little change to the original story.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 4–8—Schlitz helps students step directly into the shoes—and lives—of medieval children in this outstanding collection of interrelated monologues. Designed for performance and excellent for use in interdisciplinary history classrooms, the book offers students an incredibly approachable format for learning about the Middle Ages that makes the period both realistic and relevant. The text, varying from dramatic to poetic, depending on the point of view, is accompanied by historical notes that shed light on societal roles, religion, and town life. Byrd's illustrations evoke the era and give dramatists ideas for appropriate costuming and props. Browsers interested in medieval life will gravitate toward this title, while history buffs will be thrilled by the chance to make history come alive through their own voices.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 5–8—Shaskan introduces the topic of underwear with the caveat that historians have little in the way of primary-source material as people throughout history have felt that unmentionables were—well, unmentionable. She does not let this scarcity of documentation prevent her from writing a rollicking account, however. Her treatment of undergarments from ancient times to today is lively, although there is only passing reference to non-European cultures. Various chapters address the clothing in terms of its protection, warmth, cleanliness, support, shaping, and exaggeration. The author is not coy about references to breasts, cleavage, and penises. Dunnick's cartoonlike illustrations further engage readers, but again, the representations are almost all people of European descent. Shaskan's tendency to bounce chattily from one trivia tidbit to another within each chapter can leave readers feeling a little disoriented, and, without references, it is difficult to separate fact from opinion. Peggy J. Parks's Clothing (Gale, 2005) is more general in scope and more useful for reports, but children looking for a good chuckle will enjoy Shaskan's book.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 4 Up—Personal, political, passionate—these are among the qualities that readers have come to appreciate about Sís's autobiographical books such as The Three Golden Keys (Doubleday, 1994) and Tibet through the Red Box (Farrar, 1998). This layered foray into family and Czech history begins with succinct sentences at the bottom of each page. Captions accompanying the art—arranged in panels of varying size—fill in more details. The pacing and design of the compositions create their own rhythm, contributing much to the resulting polyphony. Sís immediately engages even his youngest audience with a naked, cherubic self-portrait, colored pencil in hand. The ensuing scenes of home and community life in Prague, rendered predominantly in black and white, are punctuated with Communist red and tiny fragments of color as the young artist experiments in the face of rigid conformity. The third-person narration achieves an understatement that helps to mitigate the more disturbing descriptions found in his double-spread journal entries. Bordered by Sís's youthful art, photographs, and propaganda posters, these selections depict his reality behind the Iron Curtain from 1954 to 1977. The recurring themes of music and art as important vehicles of self-expression, and the relationship between a government's inclination to embrace or suppress that creativity and the state's vitality, will resonate with teens. This celebration of the arts climaxes in a full-color spread à la Peter Max. Complex, multifaceted, rich in detail, this book shares the artist's specific heritage while connecting to universal longings. His concluding visions of freedom are both poignant and exhilarating.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library

Gr 4–8—Sommers provides a concise and informative overview of the historical exploration and current study of Antarctica. He notes the impact of global warming and documents the dramatic changes to the ice cap that have occurred since 1995. Brief accounts of early expeditions by explorers such as Scott and Amundsen precede a discussion of current research conducted year-round in stations on the continent. The author explains how glaciologists work to learn more about how the interaction of oceans, ice, and the atmosphere around this remote land might impact the entire planet. Black-and-white and color photos, maps, diagrams, and text boxes add visual interest. This volume will stimulate interest in the topic as well as supply information for reports. Readers wanting to learn more about early exploration might consult Walter Dean Myers's Antarctica: Journeys to the South Pole (Scholastic, 2004), while those seeking additional information on current conditions would enjoy Lucy Jane Bledsoe's How to Survive in Antarctica (Holiday House, 2006).—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 4–7—As Steele journeys around the world, he begins with the original seven wonders and then moves on to the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Canals of Venice, and "Modern Wonders," among them skyscrapers and bridges, offering enticing paragraphs and "Go further" suggestions of books and Web sites at the end of each section. His descriptions are clear, and important terms are well defined. Attractive full-color photos, drawings, and computer re-creations are included. A foreword from UNESCO adds gravitas and introduces the struggle to protect the world's cultural and natural wonders, a theme that is developed later in the book. An appealing introduction to the topic.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI

Gr 4–6— Heroes! is full of ideas for crime-fighter costumes, mask expressions, and stances. In Monsters!, the subjects include hideous heads and bizarre bodies, and children learn how to create texture and add color. Neither book takes the step-by-step approach; the emphasis is more on using one's imagination based on the ideas presented. Both titles are most appropriate for children who have mastered the basic steps and are ready to add color, details, expression, and action. The illustrations are simple and bright, and the artist has made good use of white backgrounds to help them pop out. Text is more caption than straight narrative. Good choices for young artists who have gone beyond Lee J. Ames's "Draw 50" series (Broadway) and Freddie Levin's "1-2-3-Draw" series (Peel).—Judy Chichinski, Skyline Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Gr 6 Up—A well-done review of the creation of the atomic bomb and the decision to use it. Sullivan begins with the necessary wartime background, the argument for the bomb's development and the need for it, and the beginnings of the Manhattan Project. He addresses security concerns and the role of spies as the project worked toward the Trinity test. The author describes Harry Truman's lack of knowledge about the bomb when he became president and concisely summarizes the debate over the bomb's use, from both the scientific and the military points of view. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan's surrender are followed up with its aftermath, the Cold War, and the current outlook and risk of nuclear war. The strength of the book, though, is its inclusion of a description of the daily lives of the residents and workers at the Los Alamos and Oak Ridge facilities during the development of the bomb. Good-quality, black-and-white photos help explain the text's contents. The writing is generally clear; however, the explanation of creating a critical mass in the first bomb, "Little Boy," awkwardly implies two critical masses in the same bomb. Otherwise, this is a valuable account of a critical event in the world's history.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 8 Up—A pioneer in the field of astronomy, Herschel (1750–1848) was born into a working-class family in Hanover, Germany (Prussia). Though her father thought she should receive an education, her mother was determined to keep her a virtual slave to the household. After her father's death, Herschel's brother, William, who would become one of astronomy's great scientists, sought to take her to England with him. At first, she was the housekeeper and manager of his estate. She also took music lessons and eventually rose to prominence on the stage as a soprano. But when offered a lucrative contract to sing at a prestigious festival, she turned it down in order to stay in her brother's household, and she became his assistant. Soon Caroline Herschel began to make discoveries of her own. Herschel is frequently mentioned in texts about female scientists, but this is one of the few stand-alone biographies. Black-and-white and color photos are included. Although the book is full of excellent information, the writing is somewhat dry and ponderous. It's a good resource for reports, but it's not a biography that will easily lend itself to pleasure reading.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 8 Up—This dual biography is part of a series that profiles recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. Beginning with a short summary of the 1973 October War and events following it, including the oil embargo and the meeting at Camp David, the book then alternates between Sadat and Begin, showing what both men were doing during particular times in history. This format works well in emphasizing the parallels between the two leaders' careers and helps provide a balanced treatment of the political issues. However, it could be confusing for students who are not strong readers. The information is detailed and accurate, although the discussion of Sadat's assassination and the reasons for it are brief, as are the explanations of fundamentalist Islam and its rise during the time Sadat was president. Black-and-white photographs and the texts of Begin's and Sadat's Nobel lectures are included. The suggested Web sites on the further reading list are stronger for Begin than Sadat. Purchase where research material on this subject is needed.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 3–6—These attractive books emphasize creativity. Each one begins with spreads that show necessary equipment, describe basic cooking terms, and illustrate ingredients. Substitutions are encouraged, and an "Allergy Alert" is included. The pages are as appetizing as the recipes themselves, with many clear photos and colors; the information is well organized and accessible. Meals has recipes for raspberry smoothies, fruit salad, scrambled eggs, baked ham and eggs, cranberry scones, and more. Pizza discusses both using a pan and a pizza stone and gives directions for making a crust and a variety of toppings. Sweets includes directions for dips, no-bake energy bars, frozen fruit pops, apple crisp, chocolate-dipped treats, etc. These titles deserve shelf space in any collection.—Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, NJ

Gr 4–8—Walker presents a concise account of the complex events leading up to the Battle of the Alamo starting with June 1835, when Texas was still part of Mexico. He focuses specifically on the various people involved and why they were fighting. The deceptively short five chapters are chock-full of quotes and firsthand accounts of various Tejanos (Mexican-born Texans) and Texians (U.S.- or European-born Texans) explaining why they did or did not want freedom from Mexico. Likewise, the Mexican perspective is included. Handsome and colorful glossy pages include abundant full-color and black-and-white period paintings, maps, and small portraits of important figures. An in-depth time line of Texas and the American Southwest (1528–1853) is included, as are postscripts on key figures involved in the battle. Like most books on the Alamo, this one is arranged chronologically, thus the perspectives of particular people are interwoven within the overall story rather than by group. Though carefully written and meticulously researched, this is not an easy introduction. It is best used by mature readers or as an additional resource for further in-depth perspective by readers already familiar with the event. Suggest it after students have read Shelley Tanaka's The Day That Changed America: The Alamo (Hyperion, 2003).—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—Warhol methodically tackles each biome to include examples from around the world. He identifies essential characteristics of the chaparral and scrub, desert, and tundra, including various subcategories, such as hot, temperate, and coastal deserts. Adaptations by plants and animals are discussed and several pages are devoted to specific places where the biome occurs. In Tundra, the author includes not only arctic and alpine regions but also Antarctica, often excluded from such discussions. The page layout has a traditional textbook look, with good-quality photos and an occasional map for visual variety. Devoted ecologists might read an entire volume, but the books probably will serve mainly as report resources. Warhol also provides a lengthy bibliography of print and electronic resources that he used. He includes Web sites produced by groups ranging from a sixth-grade class to science museums. Consider purchasing where demand exists for report materials at a more advanced and detailed level than the "Biomes and Habitats" series (Watts).—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 9 Up—Useful for discussions, debates, and term papers, this collection of articles, written by individuals with differing opinions and from varying backgrounds, analyzes issues relevant to mental health and public policy. The selections are organized into four core chapters. Each one opens with a preface that sets the framework for the content that follows. Four to six reprinted articles follow the introduction. The opposing viewpoints presented look at the severity of the problem. Next, they examine how society should address mental illness. Finally, they delve into mental health issues faced by youth and the effectiveness of various treatments. Access to medications, involuntary treatment, mental illness among veterans, autism, electroconvulsive therapy, schizophrenia, and cognitive behavioral therapy are among topics given more attention within selected articles. The articles were initially published in periodicals ranging from general interest to professional publications. Writing styles vary from conversational to scholarly. Background knowledge in mental health would be helpful in understanding some of the discussions. Each chapter includes a list of related readings. Libraries should consider this title for purchase, especially if they have found other volumes in the series to be helpful for assignments.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 7 Up—DK is well known for its use of bite-size narratives combined with a highly visual layout. This format works surprisingly well in bringing a human face to Holocaust history. Beginning with a brief look at early Jewish life in Europe and ending with modern responses to the Holocaust, the book focuses on the era of Nazi rule. Topics ranging from propaganda to cultural life in the ghettos to Kindertransport are explored through moving photographs, images of documents and artwork, and clearly written captions. An accompanying DVD offers first-person testimony from Holocaust survivors, collected by the Shoah Foundation; quotes from these testimonies are included throughout the book. While the "visual sound bite" format creates a somewhat disjointed narrative, it has the advantage of making an overwhelming subject easier to digest. The photographs and quotes bring a real immediacy to the history. The stories of many victims and heroes are touched upon, and although readers meet them only briefly, each entry turns a statistic into a person. Time lines, charts, maps, a glossary, an index, and the testimonial DVD round out the presentation and make the information accessible for assignments, but this title will be of interest on its own merits.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 7–9—This biography begins with Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem in 1187 and then backtracks to discuss his early life and career against the background of the medieval Muslim world. Subsequent chapters discuss the Crusader Kingdoms, the Third Crusade, Saladin versus Richard I, and the subject's final years. Worth uses many quotations from primary sources, including Muslim historians who were contemporaries of Saladin, and also refers to a number of the standard sources on this subject, among them Karen Armstrong and Amin Maalouf. Sidebars contain related information and quotations. The discussions of military history and strategy are detailed but accessible, and the book is more evenhanded in its treatment of the Crusaders and Richard I than Diane Stanley's Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam (HarperCollins, 2002). However, it is not as visually appealing, making Worth's book strictly for reports.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 6–10—This adaptation of Zinn's successful A People's History of the United States (New Pr., 2003) reflects the adult title's perspective, which is highly critical of "traditional" American history and the powerful "elites," viewed by Zinn as manipulators who grant ordinary Americans just enough rights and material success to avoid real revolution that would threaten their power and wealth. Thus, readers learn that the American Revolution was fought so that the top tier of colonists could seize the British power and wealth, that the Constitution "served the interests of a wealthy elite," and that the Civil War was not a struggle to end slavery but rather a way for the United States government "to keep control of the enormous territory, resources, and market of the South." These books suffer from two major flaws. First, the coverage is very broad, but Zinn's massive text has been greatly abridged, resulting in a shortage of background information to help students understand how specific events relate to the larger picture. Second, it abandons objectivity by scrutinizing America's injustices without giving credit to its many successes. Joy Hakim's Freedom: A History of US (Oxford Univ., 2002) covers many of the same oppressed groups and populist themes, but is more successful in giving young people both the necessary background and a more balanced presentation of how competing interests influenced our nation's development.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO