Grades 5 & Up

Gr 5–8—In this final installment in the series, May Bird has successfully made it home from the land of the dead and into the arms of her loving mother in the world of the living. Made famous by media reports of her three-month disappearance and mysterious reappearance, she is content to remain with her mother and be treated as a pseudo-celebrity by her classmates. The prediction made in May Bird among the Stars (S & S, 2006), that she will save the realm of Ever After from Evil Bo Cleevil, is soon all but forgotten. After three years, however, the now 13-year-old and her companion, Somber Kitty, are plunged back into the Ever After through somewhat morbid means (falling to their deaths from a rooftop). Once there, she finds that Bo Cleevil has solidified his hold on this world in her absence and now it's up to May and her ragtag crew of friends to gather their forces and take the bad guy down. This book strikes a remarkably sober tone, dwelling on May's inability to "belong" anywhere and solidifying her role as a reluctant hero. Though the happy ending feels more than a little forced, the novel as a whole will not disappoint fans. A reading of the previous two titles is recommended.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—American culture, the Minnesota climate, and personal identity are examined in this moving first-person novel written in free verse. Kek comes to the U.S. from war-torn Sudan via a refugee camp. He arrives on a "flying boat" and is mystified by "not dead" trees in winter. Through his fresh eyes, readers see both the beauty and the ugliness of our way of life. The words themselves are simple, but Applegate introduces some hard ideas. How does someone know he has done well at the end of the day if all the familiar benchmarks are suddenly gone? Kek is both a representative of all immigrants and a character in his own right. A creative thinker, a problem-solver, and an optimist despite the horrors that have befallen him, he is a warm and winning protagonist. He bridges his herding culture and our own by finding a cow that needs his care, even in a metropolitan area, and uses ingenuity when threatened with yet more loss on that front. Kek will be instantly recognizable to immigrants, but he is also well worth meeting by readers living in homogeneous communities.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 4–6—This is an episodic novel about 10-year-old Becca's adventures while staying with her grandmother on a small island off British Columbia. Gran is used to living on her own and doing everything her way, from Scrabble rules to mulching her garden. She is seemingly one rough, gruff character, but as Becca (and readers) spend more time with her, she becomes a person who can learn and change. So does her granddaughter. In the first chapter, the two go oyster hunting at night and Becca finds 17 tiny pearls in one shell. Other adventures involve cousins, the island's only plumber, and the fire department. On several occasions, Becca is the cool head in a sea of panic. From a timid girl who can't understand why anyone would want to live there year-round, she develops into a preteen confident enough to swim with her cousins all the way around an island. Becca also gains a better understanding of, and love for, her extended family. This book has some of the same feel as Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks (Knopf, 2005). It's a fun, old-fashioned family story that might have Becca "all at sea" at first, but the ending shows that she's a good little sailor on life's oceans.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 10 Up—Courtney McSweeney is psyched to drive cross-country with her boyfriend to attend Boston University together, but her plans go awry when Jordan dumps her. Unbelievably, her parents force her to make the trip anyway, thinking it will teach her a lesson about sticking to plans. Jordan ended the relationship because he caught Courtney's dad making out with his mom, and he's afraid that Courtney will find out and be angry that he didn't tell her. Narration alternates between Courtney and Jordan, and between the trip and the time before it. Courtney is a likable, down-to-earth character, in part because she doesn't give up her virginity to her boyfriend, who was a womanizer and partier before they met. Added to the mix are an unusual couple, Courtney's and Jordan's best friends, who indulge in sex and drunken behavior. This book may appeal to fans of Cecily Von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown).—Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 4 Up—Hang on to your hats, because the conclusion to this trilogy is a fast-moving roller-coaster ride. Once again, Lord Ombra surfaces as leader of the Others, but this time readers are dragged into the hot desert land of Rundoon. Orphan boys work as slaves for villainous King Zarboff, and if they don't obey, his enormous pet snake makes a snack of them. The fate of the world is left not only to Peter; all of the characters from the series play major roles in the final outcome as well. Tinker Bell plays a pivotal role, and, through her actions, readers see what this little dynamo is really made of. The end of the book reads like an action-packed movie, switching scenes back and forth as the story crosses paths between Rundoon and the island where the Mollusks have been captured by a vicious, warring tribe known as the Scorpions. One of the most intellectually engaging scenes is Lord Ombra's explanation of how the world came into existence. Two questions remain unanswered. Why was Hook taken by the Others in the first place, and what happened to Peter's parents? The story line fizzles out regarding their existence or demise. Kids who haven't read the first two books might have trouble following this one, but for fans of the series, this is a fun, intense, and totally worthwhile adventure.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 4–6—At first, Jazzi is just Bee's widowed father's girlfriend. Then she slowly begins taking over their lives: moving in, cleaning, cooking, and redecorating. The girl knows she should like her father's partner and sometimes she almost does. Then she remembers what the woman represents and drags her feet. Feeling that she has no one to talk to, Bee pours her heart out in letters to her guinea pigs. Savvy readers will guess that her pets' responses come from Jazzi, who is trying to understand and reach out, and not from Bee's father as the youngster thinks. The book deals realistically with a parent dating and the possibility of a stepparent. Bee's emotions and perspectives are honest and clearly presented, and her relationship with Jazzi changes over time in a natural way. The story also deals with acceptance of the mentally challenged. Jazzi has a brother who lives in an assisted-living facility and she keeps it a secret, certain that no one else will understand or accept him. Just by being herself, Bee helps draw the man into the family. She is a likable, believable character dealing with issues that many readers will relate to.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Gr 4–6—Can magic happen in Camden, NJ? Unlikely, thinks 11-year-old Augie Boretski. So far, he feels like a prisoner in the small, second-floor apartment that he shares with his hardworking mother. On Saturdays, when she is at her waitress job, he is told not to leave the house because the neighborhood has drug dealers in the park, bullies on the streets, and drive-by shootings. School is another torment for him. He is picked on by Dwaine, Sergio, and Fox Tooth, who regularly punch him and take his lunch money. There is no use in telling anyone; there's no one to tell. The boy's life begins to turn around when he sneaks off to Philadelphia and finds himself in a bookstore. Soon he is sinking into deep cushions and reading a mysterious book of fairy tales, in which the frontispiece changes every time he takes another look. His mother also arranges for him to have a Big Brother. Though Walter and Augie hit it off, Augie learns that Walter is gay and fears that he will be in for even more beatings when the loathsome threesome find out. Bauer alternates chapters from Augie's gritty, urban life with the mysterious opulence of a fantasy world in which fairies remain eternally young. The two worlds intersect when Augie takes to heart the spirit of the tales and decides to save his decaying school from being shut down. He seeks assistance from his own fairy godmother-the bookstore owner and writer of the book. A successful mingling of genres and a testament to the powerful truths in timeless tales.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—This is a compilation of 26 stories originally published in Youth's Companion and St. Nicholas magazines. In the brief introduction, the editors review the history of these family publications, their importance in the educational development of children, and their worth as historical resources. Selected for themes about family and values of the time, the stories date from 1890 to 1917 and reflect myths, prejudices, and life in the American West. Authors include Hamlin Garland, L. Frank Baum, and Mary Austin. Each selection has a brief introduction that explains the historical background and gives information about the writer. These are stories about cowboys, Indians, animals, pioneer families, and boys and girls. They reflect the time in which they were written, but their underlying lessons of decency and morality are just as valued today. A few of the selections include black-and-white reproductions of the original artwork, but the text-heavy volume is visually dull and will be off-putting to the target audience. This is a fine addition to Western Americana fiction collections and will be useful to literature and history teachers, but it will be a bit of a hard sell to today's readers.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 7 Up—In eighth grade, Mena Reece wrote a letter that sparked a catastrophic lawsuit against her church. She has been kicked out, frozen out by her parents, and becomes a pariah among the Christian youth of her new high school. Casey Connor, her brilliant, unapologetically nerdy lab partner, is her only friend. When their science teacher introduces a unit on evolution, the Christian students revolt. The mystery surrounding the content and context of Mena's letter unfolds bit by bit and adds drive to an already affecting and well-paced narrative. The characters' conversations about God, science, and morality are incredibly natural, especially in light of abundant technical and biblical details. Casey and Mena's friendship is sweet and believable, and their dialogue sparkles with wit and ease. Readers will fall in love with Casey and his warm, offbeat family along with Mena, and the giddy, joyful mood of their interactions make her introduction to secular pleasures especially vivid. In contrast, her parents are one-dimensionally uptight, and the Christian youths' uniformly un-Christian behavior sometimes renders them indistinguishable. The most impressive thing about this novel is the fairness and empathy with which Brande presents Mena's heartfelt struggle to reconcile her belief in both God and in science. She addresses a difficult subject with grace, humor, and humility.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—In this sequel to I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You (Hyperion, 2006), Cameron Morgan is still a sophomore at Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women (otherwise known as a spy training ground). Still reeling from the end of her short-lived relationship with non-spy Josh, she is shocked to learn that her school will soon be infiltrated by male students from Blackthorne, a spy school for boys. The Gallagher girls are thrown for a loop and begin acting like normal teens, except that they know of more than one use for a curling iron. Despite the constant reminder that these girls don't know much about boys, the characters still succeed in keeping readers interested in the unexpected "missions" around every turn. Purchase this one for fans of the first book.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 4–7—Like Sandi Toksvig's Hitler's Canary (Roaring Brook, 2007), which was set in Denmark, Casanova's Norwegian-based novel highlights the plight of one family's struggles to survive under Nazi occupation. After the German invasion, Marit and her younger brother, Lars, are sent to live with their grandfather and aunt on a remote fishing island while their parents work for the Resistance. As time passes, Marit remains loyal to the ideals of her peace-loving and free-thinking society violated by the forceful takeover of the Nazi regime. Confused and even angry about her grandfather's passive compliance with newly imposed regulations, she defies him and sides with her aunt's political views. But when Aunt Ingeborg is deported with other teachers resisting the Nazi-ordered propaganda curriculum, Marit finds herself in a lonely position. Then she comes upon a wounded Norwegian Resistance soldier, and she must make adult choices that could put herself, her family, and even her neighbors in mortal danger. Casanova spins an adventure-filled and harrowing story of dangerous boat rides, secret missions, encounters with Nazi soldiers, and a riveting escape on the "Shetland Bus." Norwegian vocabulary embedded in the text and defined in a glossary adds authenticity to the narrative. Another novel of heroism and perseverance during Europe's darkest days of the 20th century.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Alice Tully is finally starting to feel comfortable. She has a boyfriend, a job, a place to live with a kindly woman, and plans to attend college. But things haven't always been so peaceful for her—in fact, Alice hasn't always been Alice. Six years before, her name was Jennifer Jones, and she lived an itinerant lifestyle with her beautiful, flighty mother, a sometimes model. Dumped for months at a time with her dour Gran, Jennifer idolized the woman who left her emotionally deserted. With men constantly coming and going from their home, the girl also suspected that the unpleasant rumors about Mum might be true. She struggled with a rage that she could neither control nor understand, until the day that rage exploded, leaving a young playmate dead. Now released from prison with a new identity, Alice is ready to start over, but painful reminders of the past, and constant media attention rehashing JJ's crime and raising concerns about her whereabouts, refuse to disappear. Cassidy's novel is a page-turning thriller with a fine ear for the emotional lives of its characters. Alice, in particular, is a complex and well-drawn figure, whose childhood pain and desire to remake herself in a new life invite sympathy even as she struggles to understand the motives behind her horrific crime. Crisply plotted and smoothly written, this gripping book is sure to hold teens' attention.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 8–10—Jayne Thompkins, 16, seems to have it all. Pressured by her driven newscaster mother, she juggles schoolwork and sports as both captain of the girls' varsity tennis team and the likely valedictorian of her class. Her high school record, she thinks, will make her a lock for admission to Harvard, the college of her dreams—or, at least, her mother's. Then everything changes in an instant when, talking on her cell phone as she speeds to tennis practice, Jayne runs a red light and collides with another vehicle, leaving a six-year-old girl brain-dead. When the child's family makes the decision to remove life support, Jayne finds herself with a death on her conscience and her life spinning out of control. The sister of the injured girl, a popular and malicious figure at school, torments Jayne mercilessly, and her grades begin to slide as she pulls away from friends and family. Only through court-mandated community service can she start to redefine who she really is. A topic this potentially profound and complex deserves better than this simplistic tale has to offer. Jayne is too perfect to be truly sympathetic and believable, while her mother is a transparent villain whose lack of feeling for her daughter strains credulity. Other characters are similarly flat, and the plot is largely uninspired. Devotees of the problem novel may be interested, but this one fails to distinguish itself among other, better offerings of its kind.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 4–6—Ivy and Ray and their con-artist parents, introduced in The Big House (Front St, 2004), are back. In this adventure, Dan announces that they will be making a road trip to Florida to visit their long-lost relative, Gladys. Ivy is suspicious of her father's motivations, while Ray goes along with anything his parents tell him, unless his sister instructs him to do otherwise. Dan has packed up a family heirloom, a shiny ruby (turns out to be fake), to give to Gladys and makes a few unscheduled stops along the way. But what is he after? The children are believable characters even while the events unfolding around them are somewhat extraordinary. They love and trust one another even though Ivy recognizes Ray's gullibility and naïveté. The relationship between the two children is developed by a true artist. The third-person narration with omniscience from Ivy's point of view gives readers insight into a child who is eminently capable of putting a positive spin on anything while dreaming of the day when she can take over the world, or at least become "Student of the Year." Coman has invented a family with as many grandiose dreams as character flaws; what holds them together is love as they work together to negotiate the minefield that is their life. Shepperson's black-and-white illustrations sprinkled liberally throughout masterfully capture the emotions of the Fitts family.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 3–6—Creech has created a story in the style of a classic fairy tale, but one without fairies or witches or magic. It does have two orphans, Pia and Enzio, whose master calls them "dirty beetles"; a king and queen with three children—each of whom is a caricature of a typical royal offspring; two hermits; and a storyteller. Stories are important royal entertainment, but they also fill (and fuel) the imagination of the orphans, the royal siblings, and even the king himself. When Pia and Enzio find a stolen pouch filled with an odd assortment of items that seem to belong to the king, they are drawn into an adventure that brings them to the castle, where instead of being thrown into the dungeon as they feared, they are made tasters to His Highness. The king's imagination has run wild since he heard that a thief is on the loose in his kingdom, and it was suggested that he might be in danger. Since Pia and Enzio have not been taught to behave as servants, they don't. It's all a good-natured, rollicking romp with all of the parties learning a great deal about themselves, and, in the end, the Castle Corona is a livelier and more interesting place. Creech plays with the fairy-tale form and makes it her own, exaggerating here and there, using creative language, and poking fun at stuffiness and pretension. Diaz's illustrations capture the feeling of medieval illuminations, and their formal stiffness is a perfect counterpoint to Creech's satisfying tale.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

Gr 5–8—At 13, Merilee Monroe is trying to sort out her life, while keeping her distance from her family, when a new boy comes to Jumbo, TX, disrupting her Very Ordered Existence. Biswick, a few years younger than Merilee, inexplicably attaches himself to her. He attends a special school, which he explains to Merilee is the result of his mother's drinking while she was pregnant. Merilee exhibits characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome and is not accustomed to being befriended. She has a schedule and she means to keep to it, in spite of the many interruptions that result from Biswick's persistent interest in her life. The cast of characters includes a grouchy grandmother who is especially nasty to Merilee, a saintly mother, a distant father, a creepy younger sister who is perhaps embarrassed to have a sister who is so different from the norm, and a cook who is dealing with her own issues, but recognizes the uniqueness that makes both Merilee and Biswick special in the most positive sense of the word. Without mentioning Asperger's, Crowley gives readers a window into this puzzling syndrome. School-wide bullying, absent parents, foster care, alcoholism, and senility all affect the people in Merilee's small community. Rich writing and multilayered plot and characters are the hightlights of this special book.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 4–8—Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman has two claims to fame: he was the first free black to have been born in Buxton, an actual settlement in Canada established in 1849 by the abolitionist Reverend William King; and, during his infancy, he threw up all over the visiting Frederick Douglass. Elijah is an engaging protagonist, and whether he is completing his chores or lamenting his Latin studies or experiencing his first traveling carnival, his descriptions are full of charm and wonder. Although his colloquial language may prove challenging for some readers, it brings an authenticity and richness to the story that is well worth the extra effort that it might require. While some of the neighbors believe Elijah to be rather simple, and even his mother tends to overprotect her "fra-gile" boy, his true character shines out when a disaster occurs in the close community. Elijah's neighbor, Mr. Leroy, has been saving money for years to buy freedom for his wife and children who are still in the U.S. When this money is stolen, Elijah blames himself for inadvertently helping the thief and, risking capture by slave catchers, crosses the border into Detroit to get it back. His guileless recounting of the people he meets and the horrors he sees will allow readers to understand the dangers of the Underground Railroad without being overwhelmed by them. Elijah's decisions along the way are not easy ones, but ultimately lead to a satisfying conclusion. Curtis's talent for dealing with painful periods of history with grace and sensitivity is as strong as ever.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 4–6—Twelve-year-old Allie's fourth adventure involves her town's pageant about its history during the Revolutionary War, written by the wife of a pushy, wealthy businessman, Darryl Kavanaugh. He demands that his daughter star as a Seneca girl, even though Allie had been chosen for the role, and everyone, including the town council, bows to his wishes. Allie starts experiencing dreams about a ghost who she eventually realizes is a Seneca girl murdered when Washington sent an army to destroy all Six Nations. Kavanaugh plans on building an enormous hotel on sacred ground where the massacre took place. Allie startles people by speaking as the ghost. Despite multiple threats from Kavanaugh, and with a little help from a teacher and a local junk-store owner, she and her friends are able to add a truthful ending to the pageant. Allie and Dub are likable, well-drawn characters, and kids will cheer when they are able to thwart the plans of an adult bully.—B. Allison Gray, formerly at John Jermain Library, Sag Harbor, NY

Gr 5–8—In this timely novel, Deriso introduces solid characters who come up with a plan to combat the upsets caused by being part of a blended family. One by one, readers meet the five protagonists, each of whom faces her own set of problems, which include adjusting to and accepting a new parental figure, frustrations about stepsiblings, missing a biological parent, and enduring a bitter divorce. The five girls decide to forge "The Right-Under Club," named for the feeling that they are right under their parents' noses, yet are not seen or heard. At each meeting, one of them holds the problem stick and describes an important dilemma. The others write down their solutions, which are read aloud anonymously, and the group decides which course of action to recommend. The story is told from five different perspectives and involves journal-style entries. The changing voices are easy to navigate and lend charm to the narrative. At times, the problems seem simplistic in their presentation and the way they are handled. However, though this novel is not a very deep exploration of feelings, it is a good representation of the importance of friendships. It is also an inspiring story for girls who are facing similar issues of finding their place in the midst of a major life change.—Emily Garrett, Armstrong Elementary School, Sachse, TX

Gr 7–10—Deuker tackles high school steroid use with his usual spot-on characterizations, exciting game-play descriptions, and an entirely credible depiction of one athlete's decision to use illegal substances to become bigger, faster, and stronger. Mick's earliest memories are of playing football with his dad, once a high school/college star running back and third-round draft pick of the San Diego Chargers, but now a radio sidekick in Seattle. Learning the truth about his father's career—that he was a football bad boy who squandered his talent—motivates Mick to work harder than ever. He earns his place on the varsity as an incoming freshman but comes up short on the big play of the final game that season. Initially rejecting the offer of steroids from his personal trainer at the gym, Mick is eventually convinced to give it a shot, injecting XTR during the next season and becoming a touchdown-scoring machine. Deuker realistically portrays the paranoia, acne, and emotional roller-coaster that are side effects of steroid use and the constant pressure to win that drives some athletes to succumb to illegal drugs. The climax involving gun violence and the importance of friends who can back you up eerily parallels Robert Lipsyte's Raiders Night (HarperCollins, 2006), although minus that book's sexualized swagger; this one is pitched for a younger audience. The disturbing and powerful denouement will leave readers uncertain whether, even after having undergone residential substance-abuse counseling, Mick will be able to stay off the "juice."—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 6–9—Draper neatly intertwines history, pop culture, and emotion as she explores the turbulent era of Civil Rights through the eyes of an African-American teen. The year is 1957 and Sylvia Faye is chosen to be one of the first black students to enter Central High School in the racially charged town of Little Rock, AR, where the owner of the barbershop has "trained his dogs to attack Negroes." She is excited and honored but also very scared. She worries about her older brother who challenges whites with his fists instead of following her noble example by excelling in school and walking away from trouble. Sylvia Faye's character is very real and appealing, and the frank dialogue is both educational and refreshing. The text alternates between third-person narrative and Sylvia Faye's journal entries, allowing readers to experience her thoughts and fears about the important decision she must make. The author's ability to explore numerous prejudices subtly without bogging down readers with too much backstory is impressive, and she effectively shows the enormity of the decision and the tenor of the times.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 6–9—Something terrible happened last year involving Logan, his friend Zyler, Zyler's physically abusive father, and a girl named Cami. Logan's parents moved the family to a new neighborhood to try and offer Logan a fresh start. But it is not working. The repercussions have followed the eighth grader. He tries to be invisible, but he is tormented by kids in his class, who know something happened, but not what; by his scout troop (including the adult leader); and by his jock younger brothers. Still, Logan does not completely withdraw from the world. He builds sets for the school play, lands a small role in it, and starts an odd, palindrome-filled friendship with a girl. Through his thoughts, memories, brief bits of dialogue, and visits with a psychiatrist, Logan's past is slowly unveiled. This novel is reminiscent of Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Doubleday, 2003) both in its layout and in the emotional flatness of the narrator. Readers are in the protagonist's head, which, since he has been severely traumatized, is not always a pleasant place to be. But Logan is doing the best he can and is very likable. The odd layout-no chapters, only small sections that cover a thought or moment in time-is a stylistic touch that could have come across as gimmicky, but instead tells the story in an inventive way. This is an intense, well-told story that will make readers think hard about how they would handle rough situations in their lives. Expect it to generate a lot of questions and discussion.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 4–7—Jakeman is strong and bold, his powers sharp, like the barbed wire that surrounds him. When pushed, he pushes back. He defends the innocent and rights the world's injustices. Fortunately for his nemeses, however, Jakeman only lives between the covers of 11-year-old Jacob Tyronne DeShawn's notebook. Jacob could use a little Jakeman in his life. His mother is in prison, and he and his 16-year-old sister have been shuffled between several foster-home placements. But at present they are on a 10-hour bus ride with other children, all visiting women behind bars. Each child is afraid, masking that fear with anger, silliness, song, or silence. But this journey doesn't end when visiting hours are over. On the return trip, with the social worker hospitalized with food poisoning and the bus driver deserting them, the children must make it back to the city on their own. Interspersed within the narrative are Jake's frequent letters to the governor pleading for a pardon for his mother; all have gone unanswered. As the children band together, they find a way to confront the man, and Jake finds the courage to speak his mind and embrace his inner hero. Ellis explores important, often uncomfortable questions. Is a child's future predetermined by his circumstance? What can, and should, society do? The author's approach to this difficult topic is sensitive and age-appropriate. These are children society calls "damaged," but each youngster is resilient, full of potential, and still hopeful. Readers won't soon forget them.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI

Gr 7–10—Summer is a time of change for 15-year-old Frannie, a talented artist. Her father, an artist and woodcarver, died suddenly in March, and she is still dealing with her grief and depression. Her mother forces her into a job as a camp counselor, she resents her mother's husband, and her best friend is obsessed with her new boyfriend. While cleaning out her father's studio, she finds a beautifully carved box with the words "Frances Anne 1000" engraved on it. Inside are 1000 jigsaw pieces and a photograph of a place clearly not in this country. While putting the pieces together, Frannie finds that she can enter the puzzle, where she meets her father in a small Italian village. The fantasy angle doesn't quite work as it's never explained how or why she is able to do this, particularly since the box was intended for her mother. Supposedly, the teen enters the puzzle to learn more about her father, but that thread isn't developed either. Still, this is a tender, moving story dealing with grief and growing up and the power of art to heal. Spaced throughout the book are Frannie's own drawings.—Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 4–6—Jack the dog, introduced in I, Jack (HarperCollins, 2004), crashes the family car, gets involved with an environmental demonstration, helps his friend Rebel catch some burglars (sort of), and rescues a police officer. To Jack, it's all good, as long as he gets ample food, plenty of Walkies, and lots of time with his Pack. He's not incredibly bright but is very sweet, so his understanding of the world is somewhat limited; thus, three house cats add supercilious and sarcastic footnotes when necessary. The plot drags during an overlong section between the car crash and the burglary, but the amiable line drawings and differing font sizes will appeal to kids. Jack speaks in a doggy patois (translated in a glossary) that involves terms like apedogs (people), removable furs (clothes), Wet Messages (pee), and Hard Messages (you can guess). This will drive some readers bonkers but amuse others to no end. Buy where the first book is popular.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7–10—During the summer of '73 on Long Island, Matt, 14, gets a job clamming with Dan, a Vietnam vet, to earn enough money to buy a Boston Whaler. His cousin, Jazzy, visits from Hawaii, and she makes his heart feel full, even though they are related. Parts of his routine remain the same, though: weekly phone calls with his dad, now living in Montana postdivorce; doing crossword puzzles with his hardworking and determinedly cheerful mom; and hanging out with his friend Trevor, always good for a laugh. The clamming builds his tan, muscles, and bank account while Jazzy builds his confidence with kisses, songs on her guitar, and night-time excursions and talks. When she takes up with another boy, Matt's world crashes. Ultimately, the kissing cousins recover their friendship, and Matt stands up for himself in some confrontations with both a peer and an adult. This quietly enjoyable coming-of-age novel depicts a teen as he grows more solid under the paternal influence of Dan and listens to the tunes of The Doors—on eight-track, of course. Jazzy gains Matt's admiration through her exotic and forbidden beauty as well as her unique perspective; she bonds with him as they share the mutual loss of their fathers and much more. Plenty of universal teen fascinations and concerns exist for those readers willing to enter Matt's world and give themselves over to this smoothly paced and competently written novel.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–6—Brendan Buckley is fascinated by rocks and minerals. While at the mall with his grandmother, he comes upon a mineral show and begins talking to an older man who's the president of the local society. Brendan wants to join, but when his grandmother, Gladys, sees them together, she drags him away. It turns out that Ed DeBose is the grandfather he's never met. Ed and Brendan's mom are white; his dad and Gladys are black, and Brendan has grown up as a black boy. No one in his family will talk about the man, especially his mom, who grows furious whenever her father's name is mentioned. So Brendan decides to find Ed and ask him what happened—and to do it without anyone in his family finding out. This is an absorbing look at a 10-year-old boy who has never had to deal with race and prejudice, who collides into years of anger and hurt in his family and must create a new identity for himself. Although the story occasionally veers into sentimentality, Frazier writes affectingly about what being biracial means in 21st-century America.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—When Jane catches Elliot kissing Valerie at Seymour's Bagels where they all work, it's the end of their four-month relationship and the beginning of her list of why not to kiss a boy. Each chapter is built around a humorous reason, but they end at 44. Elliot was Jane's first boyfriend. She mostly listened to him talk about fencing and worried about how far she should go with him sexually. After they break up, he goes to work for a chain store that wants to put Seymour's out of business. Although her divorced mother sometimes seems anti-male, Jane suspects she has her own relationship as well. When the teen suggests decorating the café's float for the annual football season Kick-Off Parade with a Wild West shoot-out, the manager loves the idea. This leads to a scene in which everyone but Jane couples up in the garage as they build the float. The parade itself is a sitcomlike disaster, but Jane manages to begin a new relationship, predictably with Ashok, the genius next door. Quirky but two-dimensional characters abound, from John of Very-Nice Construction who has been painting the dining room for months; to Arthur, Jane's straight male friend who wears skirts; and Mr. Black, who thinks that flavored bagels are an abomination. This novel is light fun but about as subtle as an onion bagel. Purchase if you need humor that junior-high girls will eat up.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 9 Up—Martha Kowalski, a pretty, intelligent 14-year-old, lives with her alcoholic, drug-dependent mother in an inner-city, roach-infested apartment, along with her mother's abusive, alcoholic boyfriend. Martha has her dad's love for classical music along with his passion for playing, in her case, a cello. Her mother has no interest in music or in her daughter, for that matter. She resents Martha's attempts at learning to play the cello and for seeking a better life. Garsee piles on the problems. The teen is in a high school from hell where kids routinely beat up one another, carry knives, and make every day a torment. The teachers and principal do nothing. Martha gets suspended when she is involved in a knife fight. Her next homes are in foster care. Even in a rich home, she finds the privileged family has its own dark secrets about drinking and drugs. She attempts to make herself over by using a new name and hiding her past. She loses her virginity to the first boy who is nice to her. Martha notices and comments on everything from the derelict apartment to the size of her companion's erection. Her mental activities are delivered in street lingo sprinkled with profanities. Readers who live in better conditions can experience the underside of life from her dead-on observations. Martha is just a hairsbreadth away from being sucked under like so many around her. Readers will be pulling for her to beat the odds. However, the overwhelming despair in this book touches on soap opera.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—Orphaned Creel is taken in by poor relatives, including her silly aunt who hatches a plan to get the girl captured by a dragon so that a knight will rescue her and marry her, thus lifting the rest of the family out of poverty. However, the dragon wants no part of this arrangement, and in order to avoid the trouble of fighting a knight, agrees to let Creel select one item from his hoard (he collects shoes) and encourages her in her ambitions to become a seamstress in the royal city. Unbeknownst to Creel, the simple blue slippers she selects have a history that dates back centuries and the power to control dragons. When the slippers fall into the wrong hands, Creel may be the only one able to turn the tide of the war that threatens her country. Fans of Gail Carson Levine will likely enjoy the adventure and humor as well as the strong female heroine, and readers of Patricia C. Wrede's "Enchanted Forest Chronicles" (Harcourt) will find another good book about a friendly relationship between girl and dragon. Some secondary characters are rather flat and stereotypical, and a lot of details are tied up too neatly and quickly at the conclusion, but the plot is sound and well written.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 7 Up—Frequent strong storms are wreaking havoc on Mythic, CT, and horror-film director and native son Scott "Spooky" Stone has been called upon to be its savior. Suddenly, his 14-year-old daughter, Sophie, who doesn't have a macabre bone in her body, finds herself saying good-bye to sunny L.A. and hello to a gloomy town with a "witchy" history. She is afraid that she will never make friends at her new school—but then discovers that she fits in all too well. Sophie is descended from the first coven of Mythic, and it is up to her and three new friends to save the town from an evil witch. The plot sounds far-fetched, but the authors make it seem believable—and fun; readers will find themselves wishing that they were part of a coven of witches with the power to make their enemies have a spontaneous fart attack in the middle of homeroom. Fans of Kelly McClymer's Salem Witch Tryouts (S & S, 2006) will enjoy this book, as the two stories are very similar. Keep it visibly displayed—the sassy cover and title will attract teenage girls, and they'll quickly find themselves absorbed in this witty tale of good versus evil.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 4–8—Crisp dialogue, fast-paced action, short chapters, and a wry narrative voice bring this tale to life. Sent to live with their aunt in Norway after their parents die in an accident, Samuel and Martha are warned about the forest, from which no one ever returns, but Martha strays in anyway. Samuel then faces several magical creatures in his perilous, yet amusing, efforts to rescue her. The creatures come from Scandanavian legend and include some fairly kind trolls; quite scary, dark-loving huldres; and an amusing Tomtegubb. All of them are under the power of an evil magician called the Changemaker, whom Samuel must ultimately defeat. The humor ranges from subtle tongue-in-cheek asides to quite funny "rude interruptions from the author." Yet, amid the comedy, the author skillfully maintains true suspense that builds to an exciting finale. An encounter with a "Truth Pixie," for instance, is mostly comical, except for the fact that the creature tries to make Samuel's head explode. All of the characters, human and otherwise, have strong voices and individual quirks that make them interesting and easy to keep track of through several simultaneous plot threads. The lessons that Samuel learns about courage and empathy over the course of his adventures come through clearly without seeming heavy-handed. This book should be popular with fantasy fans, and also makes a good choice for those new to the genre.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 5–9—Hale's novelization of the relatively obscure Grimm Brothers' fairy tale "Maid Maleen" is quite an improvement over the original. Rather than merely adding flesh to the Grimms' skeleton, the author has taken a few of the prominent bones (a love match thwarted by an autocratic king, the princess and her maid condemned to a tower for seven years, the country a wasteland when they finally escape) and constructed a new and far more appealing body. Lady Saren loves Khan Tegus, who rules a lesser realm, and she refuses to marry the evil man whom her father has chosen for her for political gains. The narrator, Dashti, is the princess's maid, immured in the tower almost as soon as she's found employment in the royal household. Bound to obey her mistress, Dashti is ordered to speak in her place when Tegus comes calling on their prison. Many readers will guess how that will eventually turn out, but they won't predict how Dashti and Tegus will overcome physical, political, and social obstacles to recognize their mutual love and defy convention in order to marry. Hale has created a richly imagined, mythical land something like medieval Mongolia, replete with magical song and touch therapy for spiritual or corporeal ailments, intuitive animals, and a sort of Faustian werewolf. It's a highly successful romance.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Anna is committed to a mental hospital by her parents because she is overweight, has a poor self-image, has stopped going to school, and is depressed. The high school junior frets and obsesses over virtually every embarrassing situation that might occur. She is prone to panic attacks, and her increasing and consuming fears have rendered her—and her mother—helpless. While her anger toward her parents is obvious, the trauma that finally gets her admitted is vague. Anna's story unfolds through diarylike letters to a friend. She gives a blow-by-blow account of life in the psych ward and describes her reactions to her psychologist, the counselors, and new developing friendships. Anna's reflective quips toward the hospital staff and her arch and deprecating remarks on the population at large are amusing, but the profanity reads like an affected teen voice. Despite the daily details, the writing fails to extract an empathetic reaction. The story feels vacuous and vacant—much like the effect of a sedative. The outcome is healing for Anna; she leaves the hospital, regains her self-worth, and resumes a "normal" teen life. But for readers, something is missing.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 9 Up—Mona's dysfunctional family consists of her racist, verbally abusive father; her unhappily pregnant mother; and her younger, mentally challenged sister, Angélique, who insists on being called Bird. Wanting to get closer to the sky, Bird has a thing about climbing trees. Unfortunately, she sometimes sees things from high up that she wishes she hadn't, like the police chief sexually abusing his daughter, Suson. She shows Mona what is happening, but they are frightened and don't report it. An African-American woman and her son, Jon, who live on the same road, are ostracized, and Jon is attacked by by the local racist hoodlums. When Suson disappears, and is found after a massive search, doctors discover that she has been abused. Her father succeeds at first in making her say that Jon was the perpetrator, but the local teacher, a past victim of the same crime, forces the truth to come out. Hébert's characters are finely drawn and realistic. Although only one episode of abuse is mentioned directly, readers can gather that it had been ongoing. This book will require mature readers as it can be read on many levels and contains a great deal of symbolism, along with some crude sexual references.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 9 Up—Sam has slammed many times while skateboarding, but he slams in a different way when he learns that he is going to be a father. He is nearly 16 when he meets Alicia, and the relationship moves quickly, ending just as fast. Then, on his birthday, he gets an "urgent" text message from her, and what she has to tell him when they meet doesn't surprise him. Alicia is pregnant. Sam turns to the poster of the person he can always trust to give him the answers, Tony Hawk. TH whizzes him into the future and shows him exactly what kind of father he will become to his child, Roof. These moments are the most touching and hilarious in the novel. Sam's adventures are artfully done and move the plot forward without revealing too much. The characters are given the opportunity to grow with charm and wit while facing the challenges of young adulthood. Without making light of it, Hornby broaches the subject of teen pregnancy with humor and warmth.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 9 Up—The shock of her brother's death sends Kathleen spinning and waking up in alternate realities where her life takes different, sometimes unsettling, directions. Each morning she wonders if she will step into Kate, Kay, or Kathy's world. Will her hair be spiky, short, and indigo blue? Or will it be long and brown? Will her mom stumble around in a drunken stupor? Or will she walk straight out the door to work? Kathleen quickly realizes that the choices she makes shape the alternate lives she switches between. When she meets Luke, another reality-hopper who's just a bit older and kind and adorable, Kathleen finds the continuity and support she needs to correct her worlds-gone-wrong. Their mutual attraction fuels the novel and compensates for the awkward vocabulary used to describe movement between realities: phase shifting. Readers will probably accept the inexact phrase just to live vicariously through Kathleen as she assumes various personalities and enjoys her first electric, romantic connection. When she realizes that she can move to a reality where her brother is still alive, but which is also a place without Luke, readers will wince as she makes her toughest choice yet. Jacobs handles her unwieldy plot with dexterity, leaving readers furrowing brows and rereading passages a few times. For fantasy fans, figuring out this puzzle will enrich their reading experience. Those looking for accurate representations of their struggles with identity, relationships, family, and high school will eagerly jump across space to enter Kathleen's world.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—Small-town Tennessee in the 1950s comes vividly to life in this story of a risky friendship. David, nine, and Malcolm, eight, are both firecrackers, full of mischief and way too curious and independent to accept the rigid social norms that the adults around them take for granted. David's physician father, Franklin Church, lays down the law: Malcolm is black and thus inferior, and may never enter the Church home. As adolescence approaches, David applies to Barlow Academy in the North at his father's insistence. Set at a time and place where crossing the racial line could quickly result in violence and even death, this is as much a story of a complex relationship between father and son as it is one of interracial friendship. David identifies with Franklin, who teaches him physiology "bone by bone by bone." But he knows that Malcolm is his equal and his "heart-friend," and increasingly the son sees his father's racism for what it is. David struggles to reconcile his conflicting loyalties until his father's unthinking violence brings about a near tragedy. The man is a complex character, a father figure whom readers can both admire and reject. The corrosive effects of racism, on both black and white, are thoughtfully explored in the finely drawn minor characters as well. This beautifully written and haunting novel will leave readers with a deeper understanding of the country's past and of the heavy price that sometimes must be paid in order to live with integrity.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 10 Up—Christy Mallory, 17, spends her time at the top of a bridge in Flint, MI, getting high and "chasing tail lights." As she watches cars going past, she imagines where they are going and wishes she could follow. With her father dead, her oldest brother in prison for life, and her mother blind to the fear and abuse that the remaining Mallory children face from brother Ryan, Christy believes she'll never escape the poverty and oppression in her life. Ryan's sadistic abuse of Christy has destroyed her self-esteem so that she cannot confide in the people who care about her, like her English teacher, her best friend, and a coworker. Christy's backstory is well drawn and acutely painful to read. As she learns to face her demons, though, she experiences moments of adultlike clarity that seem out of character. Additionally, Christy, her younger brother, and 10-year-old niece would need intense counseling to recover from Ryan's abuse, but it isn't indicated that they will receive it. The novel ends on a disquieting note, but it is not surprising, given the violence Christy has had to face. This book is recommended for older teens, but it doesn't carry the same power as Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak (Farrar, 1999) or Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson's Target (Millbrook, 2003).—Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

Gr 7 Up—Cat Zappe, 17, is on a mission: run off to New York City, win a Bloomingdale's fashion design contest, and live happily ever after. Her flight is prompted by the death of the grandmother who not only raised her, but who also served as her source of continual inspiration. Her therapist mother, nicknamed "Hogzilla," would rather medicate Cat than parent. This combination leads the teen to set forth and wow the fashion world. Channeling the naïveté of Breakfast at Tiffany's's Holly Golightly, Cat is instantly enmeshed in drama and has one dumb-luck encounter after another. A parade of one-dimensional characters is marched forth, seamlessly shepherding her toward her goal. Pitfalls that could endanger a teen alone in a big city seem to be casually disregarded. And readers, even those who are avid fans of Project Runway, will likely lose their way in the deluge of fashion and embroidery details. Cat's over-the-top histrionics, reminiscent of Dyan Sheldon's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (Candlewick, 1999), fail to reach the level of charm that Lola Cep effortlessly commands. Kemp's reinvention of Golightly as a teenage seamstress on the run from herself, fighting to keep the world she left behind from intruding upon her new glam life, falls short of the finish line.—Erin Schirota, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—This is a beautifully written, engrossing tale of a painfully introverted and self-effacing teen who slowly finds herself, along with love, a passion for skating, and new words and ways to use them. The central theme is based on Cyrano d'Bergerac; Elisa has been writing notes for boys' girlfriends, but upon studying the play in her English class and starting to have feelings for one of her clients, she begins to ponder her role. Elisa's voice—and her tale—is laden with poetic metaphor; she learns to skate alone at a solitary pond in the freezing winter's evenings as foxes and crows look on; the teacher who is "too blond for her pale skin" hides untold depths; and her father (and idol) is an advice-giving business consultant whose apparent inability to prioritize his own life is destroying his marriage. Kephart prevents this strange loner from being too painful or unsympathetic by giving her a contemplative voice, one that finds solace in nature and poetry. She also includes some rather sophisticated literary analysis without sounding preachy. The temporal setting is unclear, presumably the 1980s or early '90s. With its highly sympathetic character, a melancholic mood turning gradually to one of hope, and its generous and languorous use of language, this is a book that no serious-minded teen will want to miss, and high school English teachers may also take note as it has a well-crafted and highly teachable text.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 4–7—Theo has been obsessed with the cosmos for as long as he can remember. The year is now 1977, and although he is preoccupied with NASA's upcoming launch of the Voyager 2 space probe, there is something else weighing on his mind. A class assignment to choose the single most important thing about Earth that would help someone from another planet to understand us causes Theo to probe deeply into his innermost thoughts, including some profound questions about his father, who never returned from Vietnam. For the past five years, any attempts at discussion about him have been strongly discouraged. But following his 12th birthday, Theo can no longer quell his desire to know, and he embarks on a quest to learn about his heritage. This compelling and beautifully written story is built around an intriguing historical event and draws an elegant parallel between Voyager's journey and an adolescent's odyssey of self-discovery. Historically accurate and evidently well researched, this novel also offers readers a sensitive, yet honest portrayal of the country's climate during the post-Vietnam War era, and the emotional and psychological harm suffered by returning veterans.—Debbie Lewis O'Donnell, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 5–10—An elaborately packaged but disappointing attempt to tell the story of Dr. Cornelius Van Helsing, the brother of Dr. Abraham Van Helsing of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Cornelius and his assistant, Gustav, must leave Britain and travel to Transylvania in 1907 because his brother, who killed Count Dracula at the end of the famous novel, has fallen seriously ill and he believes that the vampire has returned to life. The book poses as a journal of Cornelius's journey but looks more like a messy scrapbook, with paper-engineered cards, messages, and newspaper clippings—conveniently always in English—stuck everywhere. Some of these items can be removed from the book. Fans of the Dracula mythos will be disappointed that while Cornelius refers to "my brother" several times, he never mentions him by name. Also, Stoker's classic novel is never cited in the front matter as the origin of this book's characters and situations. Knight's story is hard to follow, but in the end it's about as terrifying as a teapot. While all of the pull-outs and fold-outs are fun to look at and play with, they won't inspire readers to visit this oversize muddle of a book more than once.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Tom Mayo hopes his sophomore year as a middling geek will improve with the help of two buddies, coffee, a car, and, perhaps, a girlfriend. In brief vignettes and accompanying drawings, Tom, called Miracle Wimp because of his last name, shares bits and pieces of high school life, describing Donkeys (beefy bullies), Heads (smoking druggies), and Wood Shop with weird Mr. Boort. Kraft brings deadpan commentaries to life through Tom's funny, doodled artwork. While the drawings consistently deliver comical (and sometimes poignant) punch lines, connecting text and art creates a lag and readers experience laughter almost as an afterthought. Tom's first-person account also undermines potentially comedic episodes as he tediously describes how other people find him funny. Readers find flashes of humor primarily in his drawings, not in his words. Tom's narration does effectively capture what it's like to just miss the mark of cool, an experience shared by most high school students. Like a comic strip, the teen's riffs and sketches work best when read individually, with time to digest and chuckle over clever moments. Readers who have trouble concentrating, an artistic hand, or a wry sense of humor will enjoy jumping in and out of Tom Mayo's amusing anecdotes.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Continuing in the style of Black Juice (HarperCollins, 2005), Lanagan presents 10 more tales of life, death, love, and the supernatural. Familiar places and concepts are turned upside down and inside out, and spun into something new and intriguing. "Winkie" takes a child's nursery rhyme and uncovers a dark, nightmarish core. In "A Feather in the Breast of God," the spirit of a pet bird returns to aid a family member in distress. The Catholic concept of Limbo provides the background for an examination of souls doomed to wander "Under Hell, Over Heaven." In a few brief pages, Lanagan manages to delineate her characters clearly, placing them in situations that test the limits of their courage and the depths of their humanity. The writing is haunting, evocative, and thought-provoking, though as with most short-story collections, some selections give greater satisfaction than others. Libraries with a high demand for tales of the fantastic will be particularly interested in this book.—Christi Voth, Parker Library, CO

Gr 9 Up—This trilogy follows Naia and Alaric Underwood, teenagers identical in every aspect except gender, living in parallel realities clustered around a Victorian mansion built by their ancestors. In A Crack in the Line (HarperCollins, 2004), Alaric and Naia visited each other's realities, then accidentally and permanently switched places. Small Eternities (HarperCollins, 2005) sent them back to a Withern Rise of their grandfather's childhood. Each section of this final volume begins with 32-year-old Naia, forever marked by the switch in realities that only she remembers, returning home to give birth. The events between these short sections take place in at least eight parallel realities and concern the divergent fates of several Alarics and his sets of parents. One steps from Withern Rise garden into a wild wood, where the reality-wandering Aldous U, who appeared mysteriously in Small Eternities, now resides. Unable to return home, the boy joins a brutal band of youths who have also strayed there accidentally. Keeping track of the realms, each identified by numbers at the chapter heads, is an intriguing intellectual exercise, and the novel's premise could provoke a compelling philosophical discussion. While the writing is vivid and sure, the splintering of characters prevents the emotional engagement enjoyed in Alan Garner's equally difficult Red Shift (Macmillan, 1973). Lawrence's fans will be pleased to find some questions answered and a relatively happy ending, but this work cannot stand alone. Purchase where the earlier volumes have been enjoyed.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

Gr 4–6—In his second adventure, Benjamin returns as manager of Kids' Birthday Wishes Ages 3–12 at the Wishworks Factory. After a messy first mission, his spoiled-rotten cousin, Penelope, makes a wish of her own: she is now the president of the Wishworks Factory and will use the position to do nothing but evil. It is up to Ben to overcome his earlier mistake, free his captured mentor, and save the factory. This is a quick read with a lot of likable secondary characters who are, unfortunately, not on the scene enough to be fully developed. Also, the war and death that appear in the second half of the story seem misplaced, and unnecessary, in a book about birthday wishes and genies.—Carly B. Wiskoff, Sayville Library, NY

Gr 4–6—In these additions to the series, Lupica features kids who struggle with adversity to reach their full potential both on the athletic field and in life. In Hot Hand, 10-year-old Billy Raynor must deal with his parents' recent separation, a situation complicated by the fact that his hard-driving, sometimes neglectful father is also his basketball coach. The protagonist of Two-Minute Drill is Scott Parry, the perennial new kid who tries out for the local sixth-grade-level football team in attempt to fit in with his classmates. His frustrations as the worst player on the team take a turn when the star player, Chris Conlan, comes to him with a secret: if he can't pass a state reading test, he'll be moved to special-education classes and taken off the team. Both novels strike a good balance between sports action and more interior explorations of social issues facing today's children. The characters are sometimes a bit shallow but are always sympathetic, particularly talentless but tough Scott, and the adults have complexity and depth, which can be rare in genre novels. The strongest point in both books is the quality of the sports play-by-play; Lupica portrays the action clearly and vividly, with a real sense of the excitement and unpredictable nature of the games. These are worthy additions to collections seeking to draw in middle-grade boys with an enthusiasm for athletics.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 7–9—Set in Brooklyn, NY, in the late 1970s, this is the coming-of-age story of 14-year-old April Lundquist and her brush with the Mob. When she and her friend Brandi agree to escort the mentally challenged, 14-year-old son of Salvatore "Soft Sal" Luciano to and from school, they don't realize that they are now "in" with the Mafia—until money starts magically appearing in their books. April uses her connections with Mr. Luciano, however, to help save her older brother when he gets into big trouble because of his relationship with the daughter of another Mafia boss. Although the novel is slow-going at first, the pace picks up, and the colorful characters, including a bad-boy rocker type with whom April is enamored, make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. It may be the guys who cause all the problems in the neighborhood, but it's up to April to save the day while coming to terms with who she is and discovering a thing or two about guys and love. This is a fun, thoughtful story.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up—For the past five years, Joshua Mendel has struggled with the aftermath of being sexually abused by his seventh-grade history teacher. Now a high school senior, he still experiences "flickers," his name for vivid, mini-flashbacks of his times with Eve. He still refuses to associate with Rachel, his seventh-grade romantic interest whose insistence on a game of spin the bottle at a party led to the exposure of his abuse, a trial, and Eve's imprisonment. Rachel is eager to resume their long-abandoned tentative romance, Eve has been released from prison, and Josh wants nothing more than to win a baseball scholarship to a college far from his small town where he feels certain everyone knows about his past. Despite years of counseling, Josh is unable to move on until he reveals the complete details of his experiences with Eve to Rachel and to his friend, Zik, and finally learns to accept the truth about it. Short groups of chapters set in the present alternate with much lengthier segments entitled "Flashbacks, Not Flickers," in which Josh describes his relationship with Eve from the beginning to the emotionally wrenching trial. The well-paced plot begins slowly, describing Eve's initial approaches to Josh as she wins his confidence and loyalty, then speeds up as their more frequent contacts move into the realm of inappropriate teacher/student behavior. Lyga's skillful writing subtly reveals Eve's cleverly calculated abuse of Josh in a way that older teens will find fascinating, distressing, and worthy of their attention.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 6–9—In this third book in the series, teenage witch Pru Stewart has moved with her family to Salem, MA, from Beverly Hills, CA, where she was counting on being head cheerleader. Now she is second in command at St. Agatha's School for Witches and facing her old team in the cheerleading nationals. Will St. Agatha's win? Well, duh…they're witches! There is not a lot of suspense here, but this is nonetheless a frothy brew of teen speak and witchy behavior, and many readers will enjoy it. (It is unfortunate that McClymer overuses the word "kewl," which is decidedly uncool, even for teenagers.)—Nancy Brown, Fox Lane High School, Bedford, NY

Gr 4–6—When three-year-old Jake, the fourth child in an extraordinary family, is presented with his new brother, he is mesmerized by the baby's gaze and overwhelmed with awe and love. Their special bond grows, and it becomes clear that Edward is an unusual, insightful child who sometimes senses things before they happen. When Edward is eight, their parents announce there will be another baby, and he knows that it will be a girl. They will call her Sabine, and he will sing "O Canada" to her and read her Goodnight Moon in French. Edward loves to play baseball and organizes games on the family's seaside lawn where he practices knuckleball pitches with the guidance of a 68-year-old neighbor and his 90-year-old father, a veteran of the Negro League. Jake's spare narration describes an idyll of family life in which parents dance around the house, children are free to explore their surroundings, and books are central. Tragedy is gently foreshadowed, and Edward's death in a biking accident shatters them all, but perhaps no one more than Jake, who lashes out at his parents' decision to donate Edward's organs and corneas. When he meets the cornea recipient, a young ballplayer, Jake can finally begin to accept that Edward does indeed live on. MacLachlan's simple, moving prose includes light touches of humor and weaves a spell that draws readers into an intimate family circle in which hope prevails and deep love promises to mitigate loss. A gem.—Marie Orlando, Suffolk Cooperative Library System

Gr 5–9—This novel relates the rise and fall of Florence's Medici family through the eyes of the young Duchessina. Even as a toddler, the orphan recognizes the importance of her family name and strives to live a normal life, although she is considered by many relatives to be a political pawn. Despite being imprisoned and tormented as a child, she overcomes her adversaries to rise to a position of power, and eventually becomes queen of France. The fears, concerns, and day-to-day dalliances of the Duchessina draw readers into her world as she deals with the antics of her wicked cousin, the loss of her first love, the harsh tongues of gossips, as well as unexpected friendships. This captivating tale of the rise of this Italian merchant family is seldom portrayed, and it plays out delightfully in this well-written novel.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 8 Up—Picking up where New Moon (Little, Brown, 2006) left off, this book continues the tortured love story of a human teen and her vampire boyfriend. Having returned from a quick trip to Italy to retrieve an errant Edward, Bella finds herself severely grounded by her father and at odds with her friend Jacob, a werewolf and mortal enemy of Edward as well as being inconveniently in love with her himself. Adding to these complications are Bella's impending graduation and vampire transformation and a wild pack of vampire newborns on a killing spree. As in the two previous installments, it is Meyer's effective and intense portrayal of first love in all its urgency, passion, and confusion that drives the story along with the supernatural elements coming in a close second. For the three main characters, being in love, making a commitment, and choosing a future is literally a life-or-death situation and they constantly discuss, analyze, and describe their feelings for each other, giving readers a deep connection to them. Upping the emotional ante is an injection of heightened sexual tension and sensuality that hasn't been present in the series before. The story is slowed down in the middle by both the origin stories of the werewolves and vampires Rosalie and Jasper, and the vampire newborn subplot seems to be a convoluted add-in. However, all of these stories contribute in some way to Bella's epiphanies about her future. Meyer knows what her fans want: thrills, chills, and a lot of romance, and she delivers on all counts.—Anne Rouyer, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—This beautifully crafted book brings together 10 authors, all of whom are great storytellers, to create a shared novel. Park has the lead chapter, in which she introduces the "jump" character (i.e., a figure who is referenced throughout even as the settings change). George "Gee" Keane, a famous photojournalist who has traveled the world shooting pictures of sports, wars, and people at work and at play, has just died. He leaves his grandson Jason his camera and some photographs. To granddaughter Maggie he bequeaths seven seashells, one from each continent, with instructions to throw each one back into its respective sea. The authors weave a variety of styles into the overarching narrative. For example, David Almond's magical realism and rich symbolism are wonderful in the story of Annie L., whose picture Gee takes. The question of whether Annie is a mermaid or a special-needs child is irrelevant to the message of the healing power of love. Eoin Colfer humorously captures the truculence of teenager Jason, while Deborah Ellis visits, as she often does, a war zone and explores the impact of war on people. Gregory Maguire, playful and witty, nicely wraps things up with a chapter set in the future, when Maggie, now a retired ambassador, curates a retrospective of Gee's photographs, mentioned in previous chapters. As strong in execution as it is in concept, the novel can be appreciated on a number of levels. Budding photographers in particular will value the message of the need to see what is around us.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 9 Up—Caught hustling on the streets, 17-year-old Chloe Doe isn't quite sure that the Madeline Parker Institute for Girls is the ideal place for her to be. She is determined to resist the efforts of Dr. Dearborn to convert her into "a good girl-woman." The product of an abusive home, Chloe is an expert at hiding her emotions behind the facade of an ice-cold streetwalker, turning tricks to pay her rent and buy food. She must face her disturbing past before she can erase the hurt and pain that have driven her into the clutches of pimp Manny Marquez. Told through alternating chapters in the past and present, Chloe reevaluates her childhood and the mother who allowed "bad" things to happen to her and her sister. Throughout the novel, Phillips uses harsh, cold language to portray the frightening scenarios of this teen's life. As Chloe finds the courage to stay the course of therapy and discover the girl she used to be, readers are drawn to this young woman who must make a most painful journey—of self-discovery.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 7–9—As 15-year-old Meg Shanley settles into her dumpy new apartment in Hollywood with her sister (and guardian), Lucie, she starts writing another letter to her favorite long-term pen pal, Jennifer Aniston. Jen always has good advice, not like Lucie, who moves the two of them to a new home every time she hits some small problem or another. Meg is tired of their vagabond life and longs for stability and the chance to make real friends. Then one day she learns the truth: that Lucie isn't her sister. Lucie is her mother, and she has a grandmother and an uncle who live in Queens, NY. Defying Lucie and cutting all ties, Meg heads cross-country to find the rest of her family, including the father she is sure will welcome her with open arms. Although the framework of this novel is somewhat clichéd (letters to a movie star) and the plot is fairly predictable and goes on far too long, readers will empathize with the delightfully realistic Meg.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Timid and fearful, 16-year-old Sophie finds courage and first love when she and her Bosnian great-aunt Dika join a Guatemalan immigrant and his son to take six-year-old Pablo, sole survivor of his family's illegal trek into the U.S., back to his Mexican relatives. Arizona-born Sophie's allergies and fears are tellingly contrasted with the real experiences of Dika, Ángel, and Mr. Lorenzo, survivors of wartime violence in their own countries. The author's love for the culture and physical setting of rural Oaxaca and northern Guatemala is shown in beautiful, descriptive detail. Rich, poetic language, elements of the hero quest story pattern, and quotations from St. Exupéry's The Little Prince are braided through this coming-of-age romance as Sophie grows from amorphous onlooker into a strong, risk-taking young woman. Secondary characters, especially the 60-year-old Dika and her "boyfriend," Mr. Lorenzo, are well developed. Readers will sympathize with Pablo and agonize as he chooses whether to stay in Mexico or return to Sophie's family in Arizona. The satisfying love stories and moving glimpse of the immigrant experience make this a captivating read.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 7–10—Haley and her gang are back, and once again readers must navigate their way through the novel and select their own outcome. Like the earlier installments, this title has several lackluster possibilities involving family problems, boyfriend decisions, what to do for spring break, and a shoplifting scandal. It is also didactic. For instance, turning in your friends is invariably the wrong answer, and readers are "punished" for bad choices by being forced to reread the book. Many sections end, "Hang your head and go back to page 1." Furthermore, some of the options celebrate the vacuous: "Go to page 120 if you think Haley should try a bolder look with mascara and berry red lipstick." Worse, at times the book fails on the sensitivity meter: "That one must be special ed, poor thing." This title ultimately begs the question, What if…you picked something else for your chick lit needs?—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 9 Up—This story of estranged best friends Sam and Charlie, both 16, unfolds in alternating chapters that gradually expose each character's growing set of problems. Charlie has lost his mom to leukemia, and the grieving process seems to have stalled out in dysfunction as his dad leans on alcohol and the teen finds himself owing big bucks to an increasingly surly dealer for all the weed he's been smoking. Sam's father recently left his mom to live with a man, his mother is dating a homophobic boor, and Sam is struggling to come to terms with the realization that, apparently, he and his father are both gay. Readers won't know exactly what drove the young men apart until late in the story when their lives accidentally reconnect on a fateful evening-just as their respective crises peak and they need each other's support the most. Ryan scores big points for largely avoiding the oversimplifications, stereotypes, and preachiness that sink lesser novels. Instead he's pulled off an admirable balancing act, crafting a story about the importance of male friendships that is appropriately sen