Grades 5 & Up

Gr 4–7—In 1584 Plymouth, 11-year-old Andrew has heard his teacher tell tales of the riches and adventure to be found in the New World. When his father, a childhood friend of Walter Raleigh, calls in a favor, Raleigh agrees to take Andrew on as a page. Filled with excitement, the boy travels to London to reside at Durham House, where he will learn about court life. His training is not limited to the gentlemanly arts, however: as Raleigh grows to trust him more, he involves Andrew in various intrigues to obtain the most recent and thorough maps of the New World and to convince Queen Elizabeth I that England cannot afford to leave the territory to the Spanish. Almost a year later, Andrew is sailing toward America as secretary to Thomas Harriot, the mathematician and astronomer who manages Raleigh's accounts. The months that he spends in Virginia are full of adventure and discovery. Armstrong realistically portrays the bigotry of the times, not only in the way that many of the explorers demean the Native Americans, but also in the intolerance toward Catholicism in England and toward Protestantism in Spain. Armstrong's meticulous research, combined with Jessell's lively black-and-white illustrations, bring to life the people who shaped our nation's earliest history. Pair this with Elise Carbone's Blood on the River: James Town 1607 (Viking, 2006): both books will have adventure lovers on the edge of their seats, and they'll realize that America's history is anything but boring.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 9 Up—Frank Marder is a small-town high school senior who killed two people and injured his own spinal cord while driving drunk. Paralyzed from the neck down, he considers himself simply a head. Someone has set up a Web site where people in town discuss the accident and what they think of Frank. Most people hate him, feeling that he should be in jail for murder. (A judge said that his paralysis was punishment enough.) Only one person, posting anonymously, seems to be on his side. Over the course of the novel, the teen begins to learn how to deal with his new life and how people now perceive him. Like Frank, the book is dark and often angry. Written in a true-to-life bitter young man's voice, it tackles hard truths about taking chances, being irresponsible, and the possible consequences of driving after drinking. The author writes frankly about the physical issues surrounding paralysis. Frank thinks about sex and his body in coarse, blunt language. He is not a likable character—he did not love his girlfriend and he thinks little of his parents and friends—but his situation will evoke empathy in readers. The plot moves quickly, and in the eight weeks following his release from the hospital, the young man gains some perspective and speaks publicly about his life. There is a twist that readers may spot from a mile away, but the conclusion is satisfying and thought-provoking.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 7 Up—High school senior Clay Jensen receives seven audiotapes in the mail. They contain the story of why Hannah Baker, a girl he adored, committed suicide. Each side is devoted to a person in her life and a reason for her death. Clay also has a map of places featured on the recordings. He spends a torturous night listening and wandering, unearthing the depth and causes of Hannah's unhappiness. His torment is private—how did he hurt a girl he treasured from afar—and empathic—her hurts and betrayals tear him apart. Clay's pain is palpable and exquisitely drawn in gripping, casually poetic prose. The complex and soulful characters expose astoundingly rich and singularly teenage inner lives, with emotions as raw as cut wrists. The mood is more serious than somber, and Clay's thoughtful synthesis of Hannah's increasingly explosive narrative saves the novel from melodrama. In fact, Hannah's and Clay's narratives are woven together so seamlessly that the characters appear to converse naturally from opposite sides of mortality. Compounded, the tapes build the plot in increasingly tense increments—Hannah's story is a freight train of despair and suspense that picks up speed as it moves to her final undoing. Like the protagonist in John Green's Looking for Alaska (Dutton, 2005), Hannah is an animate ghost; Clay's bereaved voice bears witness to her tragedy. The episodic structure is nicely suited to reluctant readers, but the breakneck pace and dizzying emotion are the true source of this novel's irresistible readability at all levels.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 3–6—Academically brilliant but emotionally stunted nine-year-old Lenny tends to drive people crazy. No one knows how to deal with him. That begins to change when he starts seeing Muriel, the school therapist. An after-school assignment he receives from the principal for inappropriate behavior leads to a serendipitous encounter with a boy named Vander James. Van is chronically ill, but it doesn't stop him and Lenny from enjoying shared interests and becoming best friends. As Lenny continues to work with Muriel and learns more about Van's leukemia, he begins to mature, identifying his emotions and coming to terms with them. Lenny's progress is not only poignant, but it also has carefully crafted underpinnings that add depth and richness. The boys build towers, an effective metaphor for the stretching and growth going on in Lenny's life. Subtle foreshadowing is sprinkled throughout: “ ' Not all acorns grow into big trees,’ said Muriel. 'That's just the way of life.’ ” Pitch-perfect dialogue and descriptions of every-kid pleasures such as negotiating a slippery slide make this book enjoyable on multiple levels. The cover is odd and off-putting, but don't let that keep readers away. This novel is just right for booktalking and for giving children the opportunity to develop empathy right along with Lenny. A small gem not to be missed.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 4–7—A delightfully clever mystery. Winston Breen loves puzzles and finds them everywhere, including in the antique box he gives his younger sister, Katie, on her birthday. The siblings discover that it has a false bottom containing wooden strips with words and single letters on them. When two somewhat sinister strangers with their own wooden strips arrive looking for Winston, the boy realizes that the only way to crack the mystery is to pool their clues. A group that includes the town librarian, a giant ex-policeman, a young reporter, the two strangers, Winston, and Katie faces dangerous threats, mistrust, decades-old clues, and in-fighting as they set out on what turns out to be a treasure hunt. There is plenty of suspense to engage readers, who are sure to enjoy tackling the brainteasers and word games along the way. (A note sends readers to a Web site to download printable versions of the puzzles. Answers are included at the end of the book.) Recommend this to fans of Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game (Puffin, 1992) and Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer (2004) and The Wright 3 (2006, both Scholastic).—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 9 Up—An unnamed, gay Goth enthusiast and his friend Trace spend their time frequenting thrift shops, attending random funerals, and playing with ouija boards. On the way home from one of their jaunts, the protagonist finds himself haunted by a jock-ish ghost dressed in 1950s regalia. At first, he is charmed, intrigued, and turned on, but when the ghost, Josh, turns out to be a jealous maniac bent on keeping him forever, the teen discovers that he needs to ditch the demon—and fast—before it's too late. The action kicks off with a blast in this slim, densely packed volume and keeps chugging forward until the bitter end. Berman has created a creepy, kitschy, lusty atmosphere—particularly when the narrator's abilities to tap into a ghost's past are harnessed—that should appeal to mature horror fans. That said, the narrative is weakened by more telling than showing, especially when the more gripping sequences are stalled by explanation rather than rapid-fire action. All the same, gay teen readers who've been hankering for a horror story all their own will be thrilled with all of the creeps, crawls, chills, and eyeliner that Berman has to offer.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Cody LeBeau would like to see himself as a powerful ninja rather than a wimpy Abenaki teenager. He fantasizes about overpowering the bullies at his new high school, something he is unable to do outside his daydreams. The teen is hopeful that his dreams will be realized when his mysterious Uncle John appears to compete in a martial-arts event. Instead, he teaches his nephew…The Way. Though not what he expected, Cody begins to feel differently about himself, learning to deflect rather than engage the bullies. When some of his fellow "losers" decide to seek revenge in a Columbine-like massacre, Cody steps in to thwart their plans, not as a ninja hero, but as a whistle-blower. This story may appeal to fans of tae kwon do or karate. However, Bruchac's prose is heavy-handed, giving Cody unrealistic thoughts like "Fists of impotent fury clenched at my sides…" in the heat of the moment. Likewise, the boy's "loser" attitude is overplayed; there's more told than shown. The author seems more comfortable developing Uncle John's character but, unfortunately, the man comes across as didactic rather than wise. The Native American details that flavor most of Bruchac's other works appear stereotypical in this setting. The climactic Columbine subplot seems contrived; students will chafe under this artificial presentation of themselves.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 10 Up—Cameron's first young adult novel is a bildungsroman, a brief and situational portrait of 18-year-old James Sveck, a New York loner who dreams of bypassing college and settling down, solo, in the Midwest. James knows he's different: he doesn't really like people, especially those his age, and, following what he calls a "disastrous" experience at a national student seminar, concludes that he is better off alone. His sole attempt at connection reflects his reluctance and fear to relate to others and, ironically, it is this effort to explain and maintain his distance from others that is at the heart of his appeal. When he discovers a coworker's profile on a gay dating site, James, out of boredom, crafts one of his own to match what he believes the man wants. The ruse works too well and he succeeds in attracting the man's attention as well as his anger at being manipulated. The first-person narrative alternates between the present—the fleeting days of summer—and the near past as, encouraged by his therapist, the teen recalls his experience at the student seminar. Like Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower (MTV, 1999), Cameron's understated novel takes the intellectual antihero as its subject. Where readers are drawn to Chbosky's incongruously innocent and wise narrator, it may be more difficult to identify with James, whose linguistic sophistication may hold them at a distance and whose outlook is not as optimistic as Charlie's and is distinctly more cerebral.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 4–6—When 12-year-old Rosie Goldglitt's father leaves the family, he gives her a diary so she can document her feelings about the divorce. But she's more interested in writing about kissing. However, since she doesn't have much personal experience, she ends up writing about lip-gloss shopping, school projects, her mom's love life, and, of course, her crush on Robbie Romano. Caseley's characters are offbeat but familiar, and the dialogue between the kids and their parents is spot-on. Over the course of the novel, Rosie faces gossip, B.O., parental arguments, and a trip to the principal's office with surprising (and possibly unrealistic) resilience. She also widens her circle of friends to include the only girl on the school wrestling team—without losing any of her old chums. The final matchmaking scheme is a little predictable, but the book is notable for what it leaves unresolved. Caseley wisely chooses not to tie up the loose ends of the divorce and the tough decisions the family has to make about Rosie's aging grandfather. This book covers territory that's already been mined by the likes of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and Judy Blume, but the titillating title is sure to grab the attention of lip-gloss-popping tweens.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 6–9—Fantasy fiction with African-American protagonists is hard enough to come by, so it's a joy to discover a book that fills the need with flair. Louis Proof is racing RC cars in an underground amusement park when he glimpses a pair of ethereal beings. Soon after, he falls into a coma and awakens three months later to a world turned upside down. Surreal events have become commonplace, several parents and teachers are now unusually permissive, and the teen has been granted phenomenal powers. Eventually a stranger named Timothy explains that Louis is about to become a CLE—"a Celestial-like Entity." He has been recruited for an Earthbound extension of the eternal conflict between two races at the center of the universe: the virtuous iLone and the evil eNoli. Louis needs to prevent an escaped eNoli named Galonious from "liberating" humanity from the effects of empathy and conscience. While Galonious inspires a great deal of unsettling behavior (Louis's best friend steals pornography; physical abuse, murder, and suicide are also mentioned), things never get too dark, and the author forgoes a traditional "black-and-white" approach to the conflict by examining the complex interplay of the positive and negative forces in the characters' lives. The narration has the free-flowing, engrossing rhythm of oral storytelling, punctuated by poetic interludes that comment (sometimes ironically) on the action. A worthy addition to modern-age magic tales such as Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series (Hyperion/Miramax).—Christi Voth Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 7 Up—When she is blackmailed into backpacking across Southeast Asia with a grandmother she barely knows, 16-year-old Vassar Spore is reluctant to disrupt a summer devoted to furthering her life plan-to become class valedictorian and win a Pulitzer Prize. The overachieving teen, named for the college she hopes to attend, overhears her parents arguing with Grandma Gerd about a "Big Secret" and is shocked that they've agreed to send her off to the jungles of Malaysia. Vassar arrives at the Golden Lotus guesthouse with a mountain of luggage and a plan to write a novel about the trip for her AAP (Advanced Advanced) English class. As the setting shifts, so does the story's tone, from Vassar's stilted home life and stuffy parents to a vividly described environment and array of colorful characters focusing on her bohemian artist grandmother and a comical Malaysian bodyguard, Hanks, whose Elvis haircut and cowboy drawl both irritate and captivate his charge. Vassar begins chronicling the travel adventures of Sarah, her fictional alter ego, as the trio trek through cities and the lush and humid jungles of Cambodia and Laos while Grandma Gerd offers cryptic hints about the mysterious family secret. Committing a lion's share of cultural faux pas, Vassar accidentally angers one tribal family and is imprisoned by opium-smoking animists. In a climactic episode, she escapes the bamboo dungeon and blindly heads down a dangerously steep jungle mountain. Suspenseful and wonderfully detailed, the well-crafted story maintains its page-turning pace while adding small doses of cultural insight and humor.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 6–9—A funny, sometimes poignant novel set in the late 1970s. Eleven-year-old Don, a loner, gains local fame when he wins a contest judging chickens based on their wing shape, comb texture, and other exhibition standards. His poultry skills bring him new friends and the first bit of self-confidence he's ever had, but also set him up for surprises and disappointments and accelerate his parents' marital troubles. At the same time, he uncovers hidden truths about his older sister, who supposedly died when he was a baby. Don's matter-of-fact narrative often jumps from one topic to another, while the tone remains consistent whether he's relating humorous conversations with his imaginary brother or sad revelations about his mother's neglect. His town of Horse Island, LA, is a delightfully quirky place in which a grocery store also sells furniture, nearly everyone has alliterative names, and chicken knowledge turns a kid into a celebrity. There aren't many jokes in this novel, but it's funny throughout, and Don is interesting and likable. At the same time, it's a perceptive family story. The mother's antics are wild and the father's passivity is frustrating, but they still ring true, especially in the ways they affect Don. His transformation into a kid who can make a tough decision about his future develops subtly but convincingly. With strong characters, interesting concepts, and a deft comedic touch, this novel should appeal to fans of Louis Sachar and Jack Gantos.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 6–9—Fourteen-year-old T.J., upset at her family's move from farm to city, finds an unlikely friend in 6-inch-high, 16-year-old Elizabeth, who emerges from T.J.'s wall late one night with an attitude too large for her frame. The two become friends, despite Elizabeth's self-confident punked-out style and T.J.'s timid conformism, and set off to meet an author who might be able to tell them more about Elizabeth's kind, the "Littles." When the two are separated, they embark on roughly parallel adventures. The narrative suddenly switches from a third-person telling to Elizabeth's first-person account, which is a bit jarring, but as the characters have very distinct personalities, the change in voice is a successful device for handling the suspense and pacing of their separate but interlinked adventures (T.J.'s part of the tale continues in third person). Because the book lacks a genuine sense of mystery and/or danger in the uncovering of a magical world hidden in the midst of our own, the emphasis falls more upon the differences in the girls and their personal growth. Side characters conveniently come into play to further the action. Although Steve Augarde's The Various (Random, 2004) is far more adept at handling a similar story, De Lint's book is ultimately a satisfying read. An additional purchase for fantasy fans.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 6–8—Sam Connor, 14, can barely remember his grandfather. When his father died 10 years earlier, the once-loving and involved man simply walked away from the grave site, severing contact with Sam and his mother. Now, however, the teen has received a letter from him, seeking reconciliation and sending him on a somewhat mystical scavenger hunt for symbolic items—a cradle, an antique watch—that will rebuild their connection. Sam deals with this strange new development and his ambivalent feelings about forgiving his grandfather in the rather idiosyncratic way he's come to cope with stress: sitting on the roofs of neighborhood buildings with his friend Indira and leaving behind his "tag," a small spray-painted symbol of the planet Uranus. Add Sumerian proverbs to the totemic heirlooms and the astrological import of the tag and Denman's symbolism tends toward the esoteric and heavy-handed. Much of the action seems as if it would strain both the credulity and patience of struggling and reluctant middle school readers toward whom the book is aimed. Character development is also a weak point; Sam's grandfather remains a dim and distant figure throughout, and even the teen himself is never fully fleshed out.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 7–10—In this sequel to The Ropemaker (Delacorte, 2001), Dickinson's well-constructed fantasy world is rejoined 20 generations into the future. The magical Ropemaker is now trapped in a parallel universe, unable to prevent the evil Watchers from retaking control of the Empire. Angel's prologue is identical to the epilogue of the earlier book: Maja, Saranja, and Ribek set off to find the Ropemaker so that he can protect their Valley. Along the way they learn more about the history of the mysterious man. Ultimately, what makes Angel compelling are the relationships among the main characters, particularly Maja's love for the much-older Ribek. As with Ropemaker, the lack of a map makes the saga somewhat difficult to follow, and, as sometimes happens with fantasies of this type, the story's unfurling over a period of long months spent traveling on horseback makes the pace drag a bit. Still, patient readers, especially those who enjoyed the earlier book, and fans of Hilari Bell's "Farsala" trilogy (S & S) will find much to like in this character-driven epic fantasy.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 9 Up—While other 16-year-olds are thinking about getting their driver's license or who will ask them to the school dance, terminally ill Tessa is busy making a list of 10 things she wants to do before she dies. As Tessa begins to tackle her list, she learns a great deal about those around her and even more about who she is and what she wants from the life she has left. The issue of dealing with a serious illness and how it affects everyone involved, from family and friends to visiting nurses, is deftly handled and rings true. Unfortunately, much of the rest of the story does not feel as authentic, including the romance between Tessa and her neighbor, Adam, which does not begin evolving until more than halfway through the book and seems like an unnecessary afterthought. On top of that, the author piles on a teen pregnancy (Tessa's best friend) and Adam's mother's depression. The manipulation of readers' emotions is obvious as the author goes from one sobbing moment to the next, but fans of Lurlene McDaniel's books are sure to overlook these flaws.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 6–9—Doyle's new novel is told in chapters that alternate between a young woman's reunion with the mother who left years ago and a family's adventure holiday in Finland. After Rosemary leaves Frank and their daughter, Gráinne, Frank marries Sandra and they have two sons, Johnny and Tom. All goes well until Gráinne becomes a moody, surly, noncompliant teenager who feels that she does not belong anywhere. Her mother decides to return to Dublin to see her. Gráinne has been waiting most of her life for this to happen—but will it heal or hurt? Sandra uses this opportunity to take the boys, who are 12 and 10, on a husky safari in Lapland. The short chapters about the mother and daughter reunion perfectly capture Gráinne's angst and her slow willingness to include her mother in her life. The Christmas vacation becomes a story of survival when Sandra's dogsled, with a rogue dog in charge, gets lost in the vast frozen north. The brothers take off after her, using some skills they have learned in their short time in the wilderness and finding themselves forced to cooperate with one another. Doyle is spot-on in his depiction of a blended family, with sibling rivalry, a rebellious teenager, and parents trying their best. The drama and adventure are leavened by generous helpings of Doyle's characteristic charm, laugh-out-loud humor, and wonderful way with words. Sure to appeal to kids who like adventure tales and to those who enjoy family stories.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 8 Up—In The Battle of Jericho (S & S, 2003), Josh died as a result of a hazing ritual. Now, his girlfriend and his cousin Jericho are dealing with his sudden death. For November, it also means facing the consequences of having had sex with Josh the night before he died and learning that she is pregnant. Draper gives an accurate and sympathetic portrayal of urban teens at a crossroad. There are no false notes in these strong male and female characters. Readers will care about them and appreciate the straightforward way that the author presents the issues they face, from the everyday struggles of cafeteria confrontations to the dire situation of teenage pregnancy. Draper clearly shows, through November, the pros and cons of having a baby while still in school; the loss of freedom and a changing future; and, finally, acceptance and a deep love for a child. Another strong element of the story is the supportive adults who surround the teens. While still in the background, the parents and teachers can be counted on when they are needed. There are no easy answers and there's no pat ending; what comes through is that life plans can change in an instant and it is how we react to these changes that makes us who we are and who we become. Urban teens often ask, "Where are the books about us, Miss?" and with this novel Draper has once again given them something meaty and meaningful to read.—Anne Rouyer, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Sadima grows up on a farm with only her brooding father and brother, Micah, for guidance. She can hear the thoughts and feelings of animals and meets Franklin, who believes in and encourages her. Several years later her father dies, and Sadima travels to the far city of Limòri to find Franklin. He is the friend and property of Somiss, a noble in self-imposed exile, who seeks to find the old magic that has been outlawed and disappeared from the land. Both men believe that conditions will be better for the people with the return of magic and the downfall of the king. Many years later, Hahp's father, a rich merchant, leaves him at the magic academy run by mysterious and cruel Somiss. The boys are kept filthy and starving until a few master the technique of creating food from a magical stone and learn other lessons. Hahp vows to live through the training in order to seek revenge on his father and to destroy the academy. This fantasy novel is the first of a planned trilogy and follows two separate time lines using alternating chapters. Both histories are cut short at crucial points until a sequel can finish them. The characters are well developed, but the sequels will have to provide more action to fill out the story.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—A summer training camp for teen sailors goes awry at the start, when the three counselors quit in protest of the ship's vindictive, drunken captain. It isn't long afterward that the campers find him in his quarters, a victim of suicide. Alone on the Dreadnought, the eight novices are reluctant to end their trip prematurely and decide to bury the man at sea and stay on the ship for the remaining 68 days of summer in New England's coastal waters. Arthur, a 17-year-old rich kid, proclaims himself captain, delegating jobs and putting his mates through safety drills, but is frequently challenged by tough, foul-mouthed Crystal and goof-off Logan, who abuses the ship's alcohol cache. When supplies run out, the "booty pirates" travel from harbor to harbor, stealing lobsters from traps and raiding unoccupied luxury yachts. Shipmates also include Joy, the bible-toting cook; mild-mannered BillFi; brawny Jesse; free-spirited Dawn; and pampered Marietta, who ultimately leaves the ship in a jealous rage, adding to the group's worry about being turned in to the authorities. The Dreadnought encounters a ghost ship, chases after a pirate's treasure, rescues a netted whale, and saves some shipwrecked sailors before the teens "face the music." Readers may overlook the stereotyped characters and far-fetched plot for the realistic setting, technical sailing elements, and teen dynamics, but it's all pretty unbelievable.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—Flinn is known for her gritty novels that openly address serious issues such as peer pressure and domestic abuse. This spin-off of "Beauty and the Beast" is no exception. Kyle Kingsbury is good looking, rich, a ladies man, and one of the most popular students at Tuttle High School. He's the type who everyone wants to be or be around. However, while he might be beautiful on the outside, he is selfish, arrogant, and cruel on the inside. Kendra, an unattractive and unpopular girl who Kyle never noticed before, refers to his behavior as "beastly." To get even with her for that remark, he publicly humiliates her at the school dance, sealing his fate. Later that night, Kendra reveals to Kyle that she is a witch, and that she is going to teach him the most important lesson of his life. The author explores important values through the depiction of Kyle and the people who are there for him (and those who are not) after his transformation. The story is well written and grips readers right from the beginning with an online chat session with Kyle/Beast and other fairy-tale characters. And, since it's told from the Beast's point of view, it will appeal to boys who otherwise might not pick it up. Beastly has romance, true love, tragic circumstances, magic, action adventure, and hope. It's a must-read for all fairy-tale fans, and has a knockout cover to boot.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to Hoops of Steel (Flux, 2007), Jackson O'Connell has been drifting since his parents' divorce. He is about to graduate from high school and has no definite plans for the future. He has been living with his friend Gerry's grandmother, and she has just died; his Princeton-bound girlfriend is putting the pressure on him to set some goals. When the offer to spend the summer working at the local boatyard and learning to sail comes his way, he decides that this is as good an opportunity as any. The lessons learned from crusty old Conrad move Jackson from chasing unattainable dreams of playing for the NBA to looking at his life realistically. Through the rigors of sailing, he begins to mature and to learn where his real interests are, and he begins to formulate a plan. Running with the Wind provides a powerful and honest approach to coping with life's difficulties. Many teens will relate to Jackson's struggles with self-doubt and the choices he needs to make. The book teaches a powerful lesson on the importance of self-reliance and finding one's dreams. An added bonus is the literary quote at the beginning of each chapter, each one relating to sailing or to the sea, reflecting Granny's and Gerry's love of literature.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 9 Up—Because of the scar on her face, BJ has always been a victim of ridicule and harassment. Shunned until the third grade, she is befriended by Alex, who becomes her best friend for the next eight years. Alternating between BJ's narration and Alex's journal, written in verse, Fullerton establishes the emotional connection between the two high schoolers while also creating a fast-paced plot that will lure teens, particularly reluctant readers. BJ's status as the social outcast starts to change when two of the most popular girls in school suddenly take an interest in her. By taking advantage of her insecurities about her relationship with Alex, they convince her to steal his journal. Going against her better instincts, BJ reads it. Shocked to learn that he is gay, she loses track of the book, and its contents quickly become public knowledge throughout the entire student body. At the same time, the questionable reason behind BJ's adoption into the popular girls' clique is revealed and she slips into an immediate depression. The novel climaxes as she attempts to vindicate herself only moments before Alex is attacked and killed by a mob of angry homophobes. While the plot and characters are somewhat exaggerated, the lessons about friendship and betrayal will resonate with many teens. Readers looking for a more realistic portrayal of struggles associated with coming out and sexual orientation should take a look at Kathe Koja's Talk (Farrar, 2005).—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 3–6—Igraine, the heroine of this medieval tale, wants something different from life. Her parents and her brother are magicians, and she considers their work "dreadfully boring." Instead, she longs to be a brave knight who has adventures and wins tournaments. When Osmund the Greedy and his army arrive at the gates of her ancestral castle, she gets a chance to prove herself. Her parents have given her a suit of magical armor for her 12th birthday but then a few complications arise that interfere with her grand plans. These challenges start when her parents make a magical error that turns them into unmagical pigs. Now Igraine must find a giant willing to give up his hair to save them. Along the way she must also help a sorrowful knight and rescue a gentle giant from hunters. Although her courage is challenged, Igraine is a resourceful heroine whose feisty demeanor will have readers rooting for her success. Funke's whimsical pen-and-ink illustrations are a good match for this spirited tale. The story has many twists and turns and an engaging heroine who rises to the challenge. Readers will eagerly join her on her quest, and younger children will enjoy an exciting read-aloud as this valiant knight saves the day.—Carole Phillips, Greenacres Elementary School, Scarsdale, NY

Gr 8 Up—At 16, Joey Harker has just realized that he can literally walk into alternate realities. He quickly discovers that versions of himself from other worlds can also live on a secret base known as InterWorld. From here, an army of Joeys, of all different ages and characteristics, battle two evil groups bent on ruling all the earths in the Altiverse. The HEX uses magic, the Binary relies on science, while the Joeys fight to maintain the naturally occurring balance of these forces. These dueling factions make for a unique representation of good and evil, and the book's setting is equally imaginative. The "In-Between," a colorful, chaotic realm where Picassoesque objects morph in and out of existence, is described with vivid graphic imagery. The explanations of the In-Between and other dimensions gradually make sense to readers, as they do to Joey, who is at first realistically skeptical. Packed with harrowing chase scenes through these fascinating realms, the plot moves quickly from the initial explanations to Joey's training on InterWorld, to his climactic confrontation with Lord Dogknife, the grotesque leader of the HEX. With his sarcastic sense of humor and superhuman abilities, Joey is a hero whom teens, even reluctant readers, will cheer for.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 5–8—Strangers at first, 14-year-old Kip and 12-year-old Annie relate in alternating voices how they are drawn together in a bizarre drama involving Annie's 13-year-old sister, Grace. Playing a family tracking game of hide-and-seek on Point Nepean beach, Australia, Grace stops to rescue an injured penguin as a severe storm approaches. Annie protests and reaches for Grace as she slips off a rock cliff and vanishes into the roiling water. Meanwhile Kip, on another part of the beach, witnesses a boy jump out of a moving car, run past him, and vanish in the darkening turbulence. The car does not stop or turn around. The plot becomes more convoluted as Kip finds a backpack (Grace's) in the water and seeks shelter from the storm in the beach house of an aging alcoholic rock star. As events coalesce, Kip becomes a suspect in Grace's disappearance, yet redeems himself somewhat when he rescues the mysterious boy from near drowning. Readers of all abilities will appreciate the short, descriptive chapters; teachers and librarians will value the possibilities for discussion in this unusual mystery that's sure to prompt readers to examine the consequences of their choices.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 10 Up—Clay, a 17-year-old medical technician, loves working at the hospital, mopping blood off the floors and helping patients. Then he finds his normally straight-laced friend Joey intoxicated and violent, and Joey is injured when Clay fights him off. This mysterious episode leaves Joey clinging to life in the intensive-care unit. Clay's mechanical, deliberate actions on the job used to help his messed-up life make sense and actually save lives. Now nothing makes sense: his sensible, valedictorian friend needs a respirator to breathe. He must put the pieces of Joey's night together to try to both save his friend and clear himself of blame. Although Clay seems uncertain about who gave Joey PCP, most teens will identify the culprit early on. Fans of hospital TV dramas will immediately jump into this frantic story that is spattered with bodily fluids and drugs. Harazin's painfully precise writing dissects the hospital's stingingly sterile, evenhanded distribution of life and death, as well as Clay's disjointed life, which is stunted by small rations of parental care and money. It is Joey's tenuous grip on life, and Clay's deep bond with him, that will keep readers' hearts racing.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Sparrow Delaney, 15, lives in Lily Dale, NY, a town populated with mediums who generate income by "serving Spirit," or hosting séances. Her mother, grandmother, and six sisters are all professional channelers of the other realm. Sparrow has had the ability to see, smell, hear, and communicate with ghosts since she was five, but, much to her family's chagrin, she denies these talents. Embarrassed by her town, dubbed "Spookyville" by outsiders, the girl attends school a few miles away. When her history-project partner, moody and handsome Jack, wants to research Lily Dale, Sparrow hides her knowledge of the place. Then she begins to be haunted by a teenage ghost named Luke, who happens to be Jack's missing brother. Luke refuses to be ignored and insists on using Sparrow to send messages to the living. On the first anniversary of his disappearance, his family decides to hold a televised séance in Lily Dale. Despite her refusal to embrace her "gift," Sparrow reveals Luke's messages, resulting in varied emotions from his parents and the townspeople. Readers will enjoy this combination of mystery, adventure, and romance, with enticing twists and turns. Harper seems to have studied Spiritualism and the real town of Lily Dale rather well, creating an accurate atmosphere. The ending, although somewhat sappy, is touching and effective.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—These 15 consistently well-written tales are divided among those set in the past, mainly in the form of Irish folkways; the present, mostly set in the U.S.; and the hereafter. In "Fall," a 13-year-old girl, long abandoned by her mother, still mourns her twin sister's death 13 years earlier. She knows that the stuffed crow in the attic is really alive and longs to fling it, and herself, out a window so they'll be free and she'll be reunited with her sibling. The affecting "Secret Trees" features Ches, 13, who's recovering from a car crash involving him and his unstable mother. He focuses on his schoolwork and a science project on the nearby trees, rather than dealing with his mother's breakdown. The stories are wide-ranging, from a ballad about a pair of highway robbers to a 21st-century boy worrying about his family's safety after a terrorist bombing, to the Devil, who's being tormented by a dog whose teeth have clamped onto his pants leg and won't let go. Teens who pick up this book anticipating horror may be disappointed, but those looking for thoughtful, finely crafted explorations of the things that haunt us will be richly rewarded. Endnotes explain the basis for each compelling tale.—Sharon Rawlins, The New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 8 Up—Max Whooten, 16, feels that his life is a series of unending frustrations. A friend is lost in the haze of a mental breakdown; Leila, the girl he has a crush on, has been his friend since childhood; and his parents and sister are nothing more than a bunch of annoying neurotics. He's angry, feeling down in the dumps, and expecting that things will get worse. When the aged family cat, Crappy, dies, Max journeys upstate from his Manhattan home to give the frozen animal its final resting place. Hite deftly uses the cat's death to move the protagonist away from his stress-filled environment and deliver him to his New Age aunt Ginny, who lives near Woodstock. Caught between his attraction for Leila and the artistic girl whom he meets upstate, Max is trying hard to find the meaning of life through the exploration of relationships with friends and members of the opposite sex. The novel is made up of notebook entries that take readers through the teen's intensely stimulating emotional journey. This fast-paced coming-of-age story has wide appeal.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 4–8—Becker Drane, a New Jersey middle schooler, was nine and hanging out in his favorite bookstore when he spotted a small box with a sign inviting him to "Apply Here for the Best Job in The World." On a lark, he filled out the odd application and forgot about it until eight months later, when a strange man told him that he had been accepted as a Candidate at the Institute for Fixing & Repair. At the IFR, Becker learned about The Seems, a place outside The World where things like Nature, Weather, Time, and Sleep are all manufactured. He proved to be an able student and now, at age 12, he's been promoted to Fixer, an operative called on to repair Malfunctions that arise. On his first Mission, Becker has to employ a variety of Tools and all the lessons he's learned in his attempt to fix the Glitch in the Department of Sleep, which is giving his brother, neighbors, and people everywhere insomnia. This is a rollicking tale, with great world-building and likable characters and a strong setup for further adventures. Unlike Garth Nix's conceptually similar "The Keys to the Kingdom" series (Scholastic), this story is upbeat and full of humor, seeming to draw a novel from David Wiesner's Sector 7 (Clarion, 1999) template. Dynamic full-page illustrations appear throughout.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 6–8—When 14-year-old Nate's family farm is burned by British troops, he seeks revenge by joining the Continental Army, accompanied by his dog, Rex. Traveling to join the troops, he meets James, a slave in his early 30s who has been temporarily released in order to join the revolutionaries. The two are welcomed and assigned by Lafayette to work as spies. James Armistead Lafayette, the slave in the novel, was a real person who gathered information while acting as British General Cornwallis's servant, and passed it to Lafayette. Most other details about his life are unknown. The novel includes a great deal of military action and expected violence. Nate pursues the British dragoon who did the most damage to his family throughout the book, intent on killing him. Many occurrences strain credibility. Rex has extraordinary tracking abilities, as well as strength, loyalty, and intelligence. Both Nate and James become extremely close to Lafayette in a short amount of time. James speaks in awkwardly written dialect, while Lafayette speaks English with French words frequently interspersed. The book effectively delivers military action, intrigue, and adventure, but does not provide a believable story or compelling characters.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 5–8—Allie has never been a big believer in hauntings, but now she seems to run into spooks everywhere. She and her family have just moved into a run-down old house, and the 11-year-old figures that the writing covering the bedroom walls was left by squatters. However, even after the walls are painted, the writing returns—over and over again. When the "psychic investigators" whom her mother calls in aren't able to stop the repeated scrawls, Allie decides to take matters into her own hands. Researching the history of the property, she learns about Eglantine, an 18-year-old Victorian author who died of anorexia. Allie suspects that her ghost keeps rewriting her story, wanting it to be completed. In the second book, while on a school camping trip to the Australian gold fields, Allie encounters more ghosts—three-year old Eustace, a spectral hospital nurse, and a mysterious old prospector. Then two classmates disappear while exploring the mining ghost town. Allie wonders if the danger comes from the ghosts—or from something—or someone—else. These mildly suspenseful tales feature well-drawn settings, especially the historic Hill End gold fields. The dialogue is authentic, with considerable Australian slang and some minor crude language. The text includes middle-school body humor, as well as references to (offstage) underage alcohol use. (Adult characters drink to the hangover point.) Additional purchases where there is strong demand for supernatural fiction.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 8–10—The 14 stories in this collection are by established young adult authors, most of them well-known Canadians (Sarah Ellis, Marthe Jocelyn, Tim Wynne-Jones). They share a common theme—that life-changing event known as the "first time." First love, first crime, first dead body, first foray into adulthood—this anthology covers those and more. The inclusion of various genres, including science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and romance, will make the book appeal to a diverse audience. If readers are able to look past the rather youthful cover art, they will find inspiring, entertaining, and well-written stories. First Times could inspire students to write about happenings in their lives that were particularly memorable or life-altering.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—Ben Arnold, his father, and his older sister Ellie must bid farewell to their mother and baby sister, Alice, who are making their way back to Eidolon, the magical land described in The Secret Country (S & S, 2006). Saddened by their departure, Ben and his father are horrified to discover that Ellie has mistakenly crossed into Eidolon, too. The boy sets out to bring her back, only to learn that all manner of chaos has been let loose there. Ellie is captured by the evil Dodman, who threatens to torture the girl if her mother, Queen of Eidolon, does not submit to his will. Naturally, Ben must rescue his irritating sibling, and a host of magical folk—a centaur, a mermaid, dragons, and selkies, among others—join him in the battle against the malevolent creatures enlisted by the Dodman. A whimsical black-and-white drawing opens each chapter. While a continuing connection with the characters will enhance the experience for those who have read the earlier book, this sequel stands on its own.—Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI

Gr 6 Up—In this sequel to The Faerie Path (HarperCollins, 2007), readers are reunited with Tania (aka Anita Palmer). The British teen has journeyed back from the Immortal Realm of Faerie with her true love, Edric, in her company. They have been asked by her father, King Oberon, to find Titania, his queen, who has been missing in the Mortal World for more than 500 years. Tania is still struggling with her dual identity as the child of mortal parents, whom she adores, and in Faerie, where she is a princess with six sisters. When the faerie world is threatened, the trouble spills into the Mortal World and Tania finds herself, Edric, and her faerie family in danger. She is beginning to remember her past lives and deaths. Can one 16-year-old girl find Titania, keep her sanity, and save both of her worlds? A story filled with love, magic, and hair-raising battles awaits readers in this second book in the trilogy.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—Annabel and Esteban fall in love at first sight. She's a coddled, Anglo teen living on Long Island, NY, and he's an illegal alien who sometimes does construction work for her father. Their mutual attraction is powerful, sweet, and impossible. The bar's been set pretty high for retellings of Romeo and Juliet, and Kerr's book—weighed down with the freight of contemporary politics—is not entirely successful. An indication that the author has tried to cram too much material into too little space is the five-page letter from Esteban revealing multitudes about his background and his decision to join the U.S. Army, which Kerr saves for the final tenth of the book. And, if imagining Esteban's future military exploits doesn't fill readers with enough foreboding, on the final page, Annabel hears a radio newscaster reporting about a hurricane named Katrina that's expected to strike New Orleans the next day. Kerr's social commentary takes over her plot and characterization.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—In his second adventure, Nate Fuller boards the ocean liner Lusitania and discovers that Harry Houdini and former president Teddy Roosevelt are also onboard. The voyage takes a dangerous twist when an assassination attempt is made on Roosevelt, and Houdini and Nate race against the clock to find the gunman before the ship docks in England. Lalicki successfully fleshes out each character while, at the same time, offering a plot-driven story. Roosevelt is particularly amusing with his larger-than-life antics, and the climactic ending is exciting. The author's passion for historical detail is clear—as evidenced by the extensive author's note—but the information occasionally bogs down the story. Nate's repeated flouting of authority becomes tiresome and unrealistic—the adults are useless at enforcing any rules. Readers may also feel dissatisfied that the details of the attempted assassination are left unclear—the motivation behind it isn't fully explained nor is the relationship between the assassin and his employer. That said, Houdini's wink-wink humor and guidance are amusing, and kids who love historical mysteries will probably enjoy this. Buy where Danger in the Dark (Farrar, 2006) is popular.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Sangeet, 15, is the daughter of an Indian father and American mother. Her suburban Philadelphia life is getting complicated. An aunt is living at her house, stealing her stuff and turning her family against her; her best friend isn't talking to her; a lost schedule book leads to plummeting grades; her parents think she is bulimic; and she has boy troubles galore. The teen's family life and struggles will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, and fans of Narinder Dhami's "Bindi Babes" books (Delacorte) will enjoy this more mature, American take on similar issues. Lamba puts the present, first-person narrative to good use throughout most of the book, but glosses over some of the actions and reactions readers might expect from this intimate view into the girl's life. Sang's efforts to prevent the complete alienation of her best friend seem inadequate, the parental fallout from her escapades is mentioned only in passing, and a visiting uncle provides a deus ex machina of an ending. Still, teens will enjoy the interesting cast of characters and the book will have broad appeal, leaving readers wanting more.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 5–9—Tom Tin's life has taken a turn for the worse ever since he took possession of the Jolly Stone, a sought-after diamond as big as a doorknob. A wealthy merchant, Mr. Goodfellow, has sentenced Tom's father to debtors' prison and Tom to an island in the South Seas on a convict ship. When Tom and four fellow castaways escape from the cannibal-infested islands on a broken-down boat, their provisions and fuel run out, forcing them to draw threads to see who will die so that the rest can live. Just before the axe is wielded, they run across two stranded sailors who use force to take over Tom's ship and lead the castaways into the hands of slave traders. Thanks to Tom's seafaring upbringing and loads of luck, the boys survive one frightening episode after another, eventually bringing Tom back to London where he can retrieve the Jolly Stone and seek revenge on Mr. Goodfellow. A treasure chest packed with seaworthy adventures, including dangerous encounters with slave traders, cannibals, pirates and the notorious Flying Dutchman, The Castaways leaves readers breathless with its twists and turns. Just when readers might think Tom is out of trouble, he comes face to face with another challenge, developing his character from a fearful boy set on revenge to a mature young man who discovers that you cannot put a price on happiness.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 6–10—Tenth-grader Raymond J. Dunne (aka the human rug, Freak Show, and Drop Dead Dunne) is well known at Percy Hargrave High because of his penchant for sneezing, nosebleeds, and fainting flat on his back. Passing out is a condition he can't control, but it's not belonging, and being noticed for the wrong things, that bothers him most. Then one day, Raymond gains the attention of new kid Jack Alexander, who befriends him. The cigarette-smoking senior is cool and removed, effortlessly attractive, and sad. He approaches Raymond with a business proposal: that they establish a for-profit social club in a secret, underground room accessible from the Lost and Found booth, which Raymond manages. Lekich has created a classic odd couple through whom he explores friendship, healing, risk-taking, and the price of popularity. Both hilarious and heartwarming, this book may inspire readers to face their fears and to act as if they were "born to run."—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 7 Up—One night, too many drinks and a tragic car accident in Ashville, NC, forever change the lives of four people. Quinn is BMOC, a promising athlete with a driven father pushing him to succeed at all costs. On this particular evening, he hits a bicyclist on the side of the road and covers up the crime. Laurie is on the fringe of the A-list crowd, and considers using her knowledge of what Quinn did to blackmail him into dating her to boost her popularity. However, compromising her morals could be an even bigger atrocity. Analise is the innocent victim, trapped in her own mind. She doesn't know whether to hang on or let go. And Jeremy is the boy who loves her and hopes she can find her way back, because he can't imagine life without her. Hit and Run demonstrates the power of love and making choices. McDaniel, known for her inspiring novels, has a simplistic style, but a weighty message—it's the way you respond to a given situation that defines who you are and who you will be.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 4–8—Set in rural Mississippi during the hard years of Reconstruction, this novel follows the life of 12-year-old Addy O'Donnell. Abandoned by her parents, she is taken in by a pair of newlyweds, in spite of Mr. Frank's concern that the O'Donnells are "trouble." Addy knew hunger and mistreatment in No-Bob, the hollow claimed by her notorious extended family, but she feels a loyalty to them even as she begins to thrive in her new surroundings. Life takes another unexpected turn, though, when a new friend is killed in a church burning perpetrated by the newly formed Ku Klux Klan and then Addy's father shows up a few days later to take her home. Addy loves her pappy, but back in No-Bob, she begins to see the truth of his actions and nature and she realizes that she is going to have to make a decision that will determine the course of the rest of her life. While there are countless novels set during the Civil War, few focus on Reconstruction. This era in which the South was forced to reevaluate itself serves as a handy metaphor for Addy as she reevaluates her own life. McMullan fills her engrossing, character-driven story with well-chosen details that paint a clear, believable picture of a time long past. This will make a fine addition to libraries seeking to expand their historical fiction offerings.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—Extreme sports stories in easy-to-read chapter books. Paintball features best friends and skilled players Max and Tyler. They've competed for years and are among the best in their area. A beginner, Ryan, joins their league and never loses. Max suspects foul play but cannot prove it. After watching Ryan's team play, Max discovers how he is cheating, and he wins the Challenge Cup for his team. In Speedway, twins Michael and Mark expect to clean up in the quarter-midget car racing championships. But a new racer, Buzz Shaw, shows up and threatens their plans. Buzz is an erratic and unsafe driver who does whatever it takes to win. During a race, he crashes into Michael, leaving Michael's car trashed and his leg broken, and the brothers are forced to take on their opponent in a new way. Maddox presents simple stories with tidy conflict resolutions and likable characters. Black-and-white cartoons are scattered throughout, and the books end with discussion questions, writing prompts, information about the sports, and instructions on how to find related Web sites. These books are a good choice for reluctant readers or those who enjoy extreme sports without preteen drama.—Alison Grant, Ruby S. Thomas Elementary School, Las Vegas, NV

Gr 5–8—In the midst of a Katrina-like disaster, 10-year-old Dinah and her siblings, teenager Zeke and toddler Rebecca Ruth, find themselves cut off from society, with only their distant cousin for company. To distract the siblings from their predicament, Gage begins to tell them the story of the skibbereen, the creatures generally known as tooth fairies. His story focuses on What-the-Dickens, an orphaned skibberee whose adventures bring him into contact with a house cat, a bird, a tiger, and a variety of humans, including Gage himself. What-the-Dickens meets Pepper, who takes him back to her colony, where he learns about his people's history and comes to understand their role in bringing wishes to humans. Maguire intersperses What-the-Dickens's story with that of Dinah and her family, interweaving the child's worries and experiences with those of the skibberee. The author's flair for language shows up in his detailed descriptions of characters and setting, such as What-the-Dickens's hair that "flew everywhere, as if eager to get off his scalp." The siblings' problems meeting their basic needs ring true, and their relationships with one another add depth to the story. There's much here to appeal to both Maguire's younger and older fans, and the immediacy of the story and combination of fantasy and reality will grip even reluctant readers.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 5–8—Twelve-year-old Garland Maddigan's family runs Maddigan's Fantasia, a traveling circus in a postapocalyptic world. Maps are still unreliable and towns are cut off from one another by wilderness and various hazards. After the death of Garland's father at the outset of the tale, her mother, Maddie, must rely on the Fantasia's second-in-command, Yves, to help with the circus. She reveals that the city of Solis has commissioned them to bring back a solar converter from Newton, the town of scientists. If they fail, the power in Solis will fail and the one true city left will be in grave peril. Throughout their journey, Garland struggles with the thought of Yves somehow usurping her father's place both as leader of the circus and as her mother's partner, if not lover. There is still more to the story, though, as two boys and a baby girl appear mysteriously just after Garland's father is killed. Timon and Eden have traveled from the future because bringing the converter to Solis will somehow thwart the evil Nennog of their time. With all of these plotlines and another handful of significant characters, the book sometimes feels overstuffed. The first half is somewhat episodic, but once the Fantasia has the solar converter, the return to Solis is more straightforward, albeit with startling revelations all the way to the final act. Balancing these reservations are the unusual world and characters that Mahy has created. This odd science-fiction tale belongs in most libraries.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 9 Up—Jordan is a wreck. Toying with the need for rehab, she is coming to terms with the fact that she is becoming known as the school slut when under the influence. To make matters worse, she spends her nights awake in her bedroom, terrified because her dead ex-boyfriend—now a vampire—is outside begging to be invited in. Her self-esteem drops low enough that she actually weighs the merits of joining the ranks of the undead. Vampire novels have timeless appeal for teens, and, without being heavy-handed or didactic, Marrone raises the bar by creating a protagonist who has an effective self-realization of moral issues. Uninvited is a fast-paced vampire novel with soul.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 5–9—A literate and luminous retelling of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice set in the underworld of New York City. Ninth-grader Jack Perdu is a precociously gifted classics scholar who lives in New Haven with his father. When Jack is hit by a car, he suddenly finds that he can see and hear ghosts, one of whom leaves behind an odd map of New York City with his deceased mother's name written on it. His father, realizing that Jack has somehow changed, sends him to see a doctor in Manhattan. After obtaining a strange gold subway token from the doctor's office, Jack meets Euri, a mysterious girl seemingly his own age, at the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Station. When she offers to show him around and he uses the subway token to gain entry to a hidden New York, he quickly realizes that she is dead and that what she is showing him is the ghost world. Jack is determined to bring his mother back to the living world, but as he and Euri journey through the underworld, Jack comes to realize that perhaps he is fated to do something very different. The novel combines classical references to Ovid's Metamorphoses with fascinating details about New York City history and landmarks in a way that is engaging and often humorous. The conclusion of the novel is poignant but inevitable to those familiar with the story on which it is based. Give this book to fans of Delia Sherman's Changeling (Viking, 2006) and Anne Ursu's The Shadow Thieves (S & S, 2005).—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 4–6—Sprig's world would be great if only she could make her older sister go away. Tired of Dakota's teasing and telling her how to behave, the 10-year-old copes by imagining creative ways to rid herself of her sibling, envisioning everything from baking her like a cookie to shipping her off to the Antarctic. Further distressing to her is the fact that her best friend is starting to notice boys, and this is leading to quarrels between them. Toss on top of that a father in Afghanistan and a neighbor who falls ill before her eyes—it's no wonder Sprig frequently breaks down in tears. Captured in these trying relationships are deeper understandings of the dynamics of friendship and sisterhood. Important lessons about decision-making and age-appropriate responsibility are effortlessly delivered. Sprig learns that jealousy and anger are poor companions and that seemingly insurmountable differences can sometimes lead to surprising unions. This entertaining and true-to-life book is an excellent introduction to the world of boys, sibling rivalry, and loyalty. Mazer's telling of age-old struggles will easily find a home with reluctant readers and sisters alike.—Erin Schirota, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—Elements of Norse and Greek mythology mingle in this animal fantasy. Fleeing Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods that is engulfing her world, a brave little dog is magically transported to our world and rescued by Sam and his three odd aunts. At first, Jenny feels happy and safe in her new home, but gradually she realizes that Fenrir, the hound of Ragnarok, threatens to overwhelm this world as well, so she recruits a ragtag band of misfit dogs to fight back. Stouthearted Chihuahua Pico and old tracker Gentleman Jim must journey beyond the edge of the world to gain the help of Orion the hunter, while excitable Checkers and slow, plodding Boris enter the underworld to enlist the aid of Cerberus, the hound of hell. Meanwhile, flighty poodle Flo must outwit Fenrir's world-devouring wolves. Various mythological characters—Charon, Baldur, the Furies, Harpies, etc.—make appearances, and even Sam's aunts aren't quite what they seem at first. The rather complicated plot jumps back and forth among the canine questers, and the abrupt changes of setting—from the rainbow bridge Bifrost to Hades to the Elysian Fields—can be a challenge to follow. The tone and dialogue also vary widely, ranging from portentous and mythic to modern vernacular—sometimes by the same character within the same page. (Would the ferryman of the dead be likely to complain petulantly, "This isn't a taxi, you know?") An additional choice where the demand for animal fantasy is high.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 7–10—This wonderful coming-of-age novel has at its heart the healing power of nature. Baby, 15, has been abandoned by her alcoholic mother and lives by her wits. She winds up in northern New Hampshire in yet another foster home, this time with an understanding couple who race sled dogs and an opportunity to change the downward spiral of her life. In this well-written tale, the author skillfully utilizes his love and understanding of sledding to weave a story of the redemptive and restorative power of animals. Baby learns to care for the dogs and to run them; she begins to gain a sense of responsibility and to trust again, and she is forced to make some difficult decisions about herself and her place in the world. The vividly described racing scenes will make readers want to trek north to experience a competition or two.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 9 Up—This novel from the popular Aussie author is absurdly preposterous, delightfully whimsical and funny, and replete with wacky characters. The problem, however, is one of audience. Ostensibly, readers might assume that the book is for girls, like Listen Taylor, who are entering seventh grade. She and her dad have just moved in with Marbie Zing, whom Nathaniel is dating. Marbie meets with other members of the family every Friday night to discuss the Zing Family Secret. Readers aren't sure what that secret is for most of the book, but they do learn that it involves state-of-the-art surveillance and breaking and entering. While the portrayal of Listen's shunning by the clique of girls at school is right on, and Listen does find an old yet misguided spell book, this is not really her story. It is more the story of the Zing family: Marbie, who cheats on Nathaniel with an unnamed aeronautical engineer; Fancy, who suspects her husband of having an affair; and Maude, the matriarch, whose affair early in her marriage has spawned the Zing Family Secret. It is also Cath Murphy's story: second-grader Cassie Zing's brokenhearted teacher has an affair with a married teacher and is central to the Zing Secret. She is the baby of Maude and a famous actor. It is difficult to imagine that readers would be interested in Fancy's long "List of Irritating Things about My Husband," ("#2. During sex he talks in this low, husky voice….") or in all the extramarital, although not sexually explicit, bed swapping. A clever, fun romp, better suited for older teens.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5–9—Told by Joan, a recent transplant from Connecticut to Northern California in 1972, this tale embodies the transformative power of both the written word and friendship. While trekking through the woods near her house, the 11-year-old stumbles upon Sarah, who calls herself Fox. The two girls become inseparable companions in exploring the outdoors and their imaginations. They overcome disparities in background: Joan has a more traditional suburban life with a mother who tries to compensate for a sour, unhappy father; Fox lives with her father, a science-fiction author, in a run-down house, and prefers to believe that the mother who abandoned her years ago did so because she was transformed into a fox. Joan can't penetrate Fox's outsider persona at school, but away from class, they compose a contest-winning story of two girls questing in a magical forest. Their read-aloud performance at a San Francisco ceremony, wearing full lipstick war paint to make them feel suitably wild, gains them admittance to a summer writing program at Berkeley. Their avant-garde instructor urges them to pay attention and ask questions, helping them become stronger writers and more confident people, able to deal with difficult family challenges. Supporting characters are fully formed and intriguing. Murphy evokes her setting with skill and plays out themes of creativity and self-expression with grace and intensity. Readers will applaud the metamorphoses of Fox and Joan, who come to understand themselves and others through their art.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 5–8—When the substitute art teacher, Wanda Gibbs, intercepts a rude note written by eighth-grader Stewart, she responds by landing him with the nickname Wart. His father meets her at Open House and asks her out on a date, and, oddly enough, Martha, Dad's former girlfriend and a friend of Wanda's, doesn't seem to mind. Suddenly, Wanda seems to be taking over Stewart's life: his dad is totally besotted with her, his little sister is undergoing a personality change as a result of her influence, and Wanda's oddball son claims that she turns him into a frog when he misbehaves. Could she really be a witch? Stewart and his best friends, Ham and Rachel, are convinced that she is evil and needs to be stopped. But Stewart's attempt to puzzle out the mystery is complicated when her spells boost his popularity and basketball skills, and he enjoys the attention of a cute cheerleader. Deciding what matters more—making it on his own and being loyal to his friends or having his dreams come true—is tough. Since his mother's death years earlier, Stewart has resisted any change at home, but suddenly Martha seems like a desirable and comfortable alternative to the twisted Wanda. The plot moves quickly and the characters are appealing and unique. Humorous implausibility vies with more serious issues as Myers provides a lighthearted look at common family and middle school concerns.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library

Gr 5–8—"In my 'hood, battles is fought every day," quips Marcus, an angry middle schooler on the brink of big trouble. His words, rife with frustration, tumble across page after page in free-flowing verse as he paints a picture of his quickly fading innocence. In the short time since his sister's death, memories of eating ice cream and giggling have been replaced by the bleak reality of a persistent bully, fist fights, and an absent dad. After begrudgingly meeting CM, Chess Master, the school's "bad dude" chess club adviser, an extended "battle" metaphor unfolds, concluding as Marcus takes responsibility for his own actions and moves his fighting off the street and onto the chessboard. While the plot undeniably follows a certain predictability, Chess Rumble works, and works well. Neri expertly captures Marcus's voice and delicately teases out his alternating vulnerability and rage. The cadence and emotion of the verse are masterfully echoed through Watson's expressive acrylic illustrations. Blacks, whites, and grays echo the concrete world of Marcus's urban home and, even more so, his despairing mood. Scattered chess pieces evoke the crescendo of the boy's temper. The closing scene tenderly catches tough-guy Marcus in a smile as he pounds fists with CM before sitting down to do battle, a stark contrast to his opening image, one dominated entirely by his fist. This book will become a standby pick for reluctant readers, who will be pulled in before they know it by the story's quick pace and the authenticity of Marcus's voice and experience.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Jonatan lies in a hospital bed, unconscious from drinking too much alcohol and covered with his girlfriend's blood, but the story of how this happened is never explained. The literary novel consists mainly of the young man's parents, who are estranged from one another, each telling the unconscious Jonatan their side of the family's story as they try, perhaps too late, to impart some wisdom to him. The parents met as teenage rebels in the 1970s, fell in love, had a baby, and tried to live a quiet domestic life before separating. Jonatan's girlfriend appears in the middle of the narrative and listens, occasionally commenting, but shedding no light on what brought him here. The plot is filled with dark secrets, sexual confessions, and psychological games. The parents may talk about youthful revolutionary acts, but there is no excitement in the book. After a long, stilted passage, a character will say something like, "…I'm sounding awfully preachy…" which does not improve the action. Seventeen is very much of the place—Sweden—neighborhoods, political parties, and soccer teams are name-dropped, but it is hard for a non-Swede to connect to them since their importance is never explained. The narration varies from being in the characters' minds to spoken dialogue, and there is not always a clear delineation between the two. About as enjoyable as a parental lecture.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 5–7—Manuel, 11, and his family are conversos—Jews who have nominally converted to Christianity—in 17th-century Spain. They have fled harsh discrimination in Portugal, but their lives are still shrouded in fear and suspicion. When Manuel's teacher intercedes, the boy is allowed to join a group who polices the neighborhood looking for Jews, and who previously bullied him. This helps to cement the family's Christian facade, but endangers them by exposing their home to hostile outsiders. Manuel has a crush on his neighbor Violanti, and he is relieved to learn that she is a converso, too, so now he can share his secret with her. When interfaith love leads to the imprisonment of Violanti's older sister and the execution of her husband, Manuel's family flees again, this time to religiously liberal Amsterdam. The Inquisition can be a dramatic setting for historical fiction, and Katz's pen-and-ink illustrations heighten the drama, but this story is dragged down by extensive historical detail that interferes with the narrative flow, and the horrors of the period are presented in stilted dialogue. Character development and a dramatic plotline do not take shape until well into the book, and conflicts are too neatly and quickly resolved. Alice Hoffman's Incantation (Little, Brown, 2006) and Kathryn Lasky's Blood Secret (HarperCollins, 2004) are far more absorbing.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 5–9—Solitary and brooding, 13-year-old Sherlock Holmes prefers observing street life in 1860s London to attending school, and is skilled at appraising people. He's frustrated by his family's strained financial circumstances and the social prejudice that limits his future. His mother, once a wealthy socialite, married a poor Jewish scholar and was disowned by her parents. His brilliant father has been forced to take a job training birds at The Crystal Palace, and his urging Sherlock to become whatever he wishes seems hollow. The boy becomes obsessed with a gruesome murder, an interest that eventually lands him in jail as an accomplice to the primary suspect. There, he's visited by Irene Doyle, a young philanthropist who becomes his crime-solving partner. To prove his innocence, Sherlock makes a daring escape and sets about solving the crime. The details of the plot are plausible, the pacing well timed, and the historical setting vividly depicted. Past advice from Sherlock's father steers his thinking as he gathers clues and employs deductive processes. The titular crow comes fascinatingly into play, as Sherlock imagines himself as one of the birds that were the only witnesses to the crime. Inspector Lestrade and his son are introduced, as is Malefactor, a gang leader with a mysterious past who is Sherlock's intellectual equal and worthy opponent. On balance, the characters enrich the book and help give Holmes's storied abilities credence. The tragic death of his mother paves the way for his future pursuit of justice.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 10 Up—Eighteen-year-old Ricardo Gomes de Barros's extraordinary soccer skills have garnered him fame, but his disappearance after a critical game leads sportswriter Paul Faustino to investigate. When Faustino asks too many questions, he is kidnapped and taken into the rural countryside where Barros grew up; there he learns of the ancestor worship and "Veneration" that the displaced slaves brought with them to the New World. The narrative is divided between Paracleto, a Loma slave of the 1700s who has come to be thought of as a god, and Faustino. Peet uses Paracleto's voice to expound some vital information, but the divided narrative detracts from the modern-day mystery and reduces the cohesiveness of the work as a whole. The lack of background information leaves questions about ancestor worship and other religious traditions among displaced Africans. Similar to Tamora Pierce's "Immortals" quartet (S & S), Peet's god characters appear, provide cryptic insight, and fade back out; however, they are the most interesting characters in the book. The way in which Faustino eventually discovers Barros reduces the mysterious element of the story to a mere side note in the plot, which had previously suffered from a lack of suspense. Between the disjointed narrative and unappealing characters, this novel will have difficulty attracting readers, and should be a strictly supplemental purchase.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library