Grades 5 & Up

Gr 7–10—The window box that falls and kills Colm's dog on the night that the teen's mother marries for the third time pretty much describes how his life is going. His father, who deserted the family 15 years earlier, wants to see him. His mother and her new husband are honeymooning in Las Vegas, where she's gotten a surprise job singing with a band, and they're seriously considering staying on. That would mean selling the family home, the one Colm's great-grandfather built and that Colm loves. He finally agrees to meet his dad, who offers him a proposition and a chance to earn enough money to buy the house from his mother. All he has to do is drive with his father from New England to California and he can have $70,000. The two embark on a cross-country road trip that becomes a journey of self-discovery as the 15-year-old learns that forgiveness is possible and that life can deal you emotionally satisfying surprises. With a little romance added in, this is a perfectly delightful coming-of-age novel of family, friendship, first love, and finances. Often funny, frequently poignant, and always compelling, Ackermann's first young adult novel is a great read.—Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman's University, Denton

Gr 7 Up—This final volume in the series tidies up loose ends after Oliza's abdication in Wolfcry (Delacorte, 2006) with Salem Cobriana set to take the serpiente throne. Treachery, however, forces Oliza to become ruler after all. Powerful cobra-falcon Hai, the narrator, is having waking dreams predicting disaster under Oliza. She fears her hidden plans to claim the throne will be perceived as betrayal, and that she will lose those closest to her only after fostering their deep affection and devotion. Knowledge of other books in the series is needed to understand the highly complex history of and power struggle between avian and serpiente shape-shifters. The family tree in the front helps to keep track of the large cast of characters. The invented language of the shape-shifters enriches their well-imagined world, in which some can communicate telepathically. Themes include illusion and reality, self-sacrifice, one's sense of duty, and love. Hai transforms from recluse to leader, gradually mastering her power and inner conflict. Secondary characters are kept distant, were explored in other volumes, or remain static. Frequent switching in and out of a dream-state is initially confusing; however, revelation, justice, and reconciliation (for some) ultimately flow together seamlessly. The pacing is even and holds tension throughout, maintaining a sense of impending disaster. The conclusion, filled with betrayal, tenderness, and peace for diverse peoples, will satisfy, despite ending a little too neatly. A must for libraries collecting this series.—Amy J. Chow, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—A prequel to The Frog Princess (Bloomsbury, 2003) and the fifth book in the series, this novel features a young Princess Grassina and her family. Her mother, Queen Olivene, the Green Witch, is grooming Grassina's older sister to inherit this title while ignoring Grassina's interest in magic and potential talent. The girls' rivalry and the entire kingdom are turned upside down when their father innocently brings their mother flowers, invoking a curse that changes her into an ugly hag. The queen's gleeful and perplexing antics provide some humor in this story but her disinterest in taking care of her realm threatens the safety of Greater Greensward, leads to the death of the king, and forces Grassina to undertake a quest. This tale satisfyingly explains much of the history behind the other books and gives insight into one of the more interesting characters in The Frog Princess. It continues the evolution of the series from a simple retelling of a well-known fairy tale into an entertaining saga featuring a fully developed magical world of its own.—Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 7 Up—Among her group of friends known as the "Goldens," Lilah considers herself "Platinum." She is the head of the clique's female inner circle and is the girlfriend of the best-looking guy in school. Lately, however, she has been experiencing some less-than-platinum moments. Without warning, she drops into a trance where she is among three young women and three distinct and blazing rings of color. Even worse, she has started seeing the ghostly figure of a handsome boy who begs her to help him stop a cycle of murders of which he is part. Lilah calls on Lissy, introduced in Golden (Delacorte, 2006), and definitely a "Non," and her sister, Lexie, because of their mystical powers. Together, the three try to figure out the mystery of Lilah's trances and spectral visitor. Lilah's narrative bears the distinct influence of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, particularly in her heavy use of too-snappy dialogue. While the supernatural premise is intriguing, it is only one of two competing plots in Barnes's novel. The second involves Lilah's concern for her place as leader of the Goldens. Sudden spirit visitations and trances do seem to wreak havoc with one's ability to maintain popularity, particularly when at least one other person wants to be on top. The tension between the two plots is tenuous. When, at the novel's conclusion, readers discover that Lilah's haunting is related to the perpetual existence of an evil Helen of Troy spirit, the sudden mythology connection is too random to be satisfying.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 7 Up—Matthieu, 11, and Madeleine, 13, children of the heir to the throne of Verdeau, are captured by Turga, the pirate lord, and taken to be sold at auction. When his ship reaches the Baskir harbor, he discovers that the town has been besieged by a mysterious and fatal illness called the "Gray Veil." Turga moves on to his stronghold to wait out the epidemic, but not before some of his men bring the disease back with them. In the meantime, the children's father has organized a rescue party that includes Gabrielle, the half-elf healer; her husband, the elf Féolan; and the mysterious Tarzine dancer, Yolenka. Posing as itinerant traders, they reach Turga's hideout to discover that Madeleine has contracted the disease. Yolenka provides a distraction to help her escape, and Gabrielle races against time to unlock the secret of the Gray Veil, only to be confronted with the discovery that Féolan, too, is sick. At first, readers unfamiliar with the previous books will have a difficult time making sense of who is who. Once past the opening section, however, they'll find the rescue thrilling, and the suspense is real and heartrending. There is some weakness in the writing, particularly in the dialogue of the "foreign" characters, who speak in a syntax that is perilously close to stereotypical Native Americans in old Westerns. That said, this is an adventure that will not disappoint fans of the series.—Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 8 Up—This novel, set in the late 1700s, features 18-year-old Jane Austen (Jenny), who lives with her family in the English countryside. She and Cassandra, her older sister and best friend, feel tremendous pressure to marry. Cassandra is engaged and waits eagerly for the day when Tom is financially ready to take a wife. Jenny, still unattached, continues to be introduced to available young men. At a ball, she meets Mr. Heathcote, a handsome suitor who seems to take a liking to her. Unfortunately, another young lady steals his heart and Jenny is left without a marriage proposal. Instead of brooding, she takes her experiences and Cassandra's and incorporates them into her stories. Elinor and Marianne tells of two sisters, the loss of love, and their "different ways of braving the world's disappointments." Astute readers will immediately connect this story to the title under which it was eventually published, Sense and Sensibility. Through the years (the story ends when Jane is 27), the writer also pens First Impressions, later known as Pride and Prejudice. The tone of Bennett's novel will connect readers to Jane Austen and her work. The characters are well developed and the 18th-century setting—with its prescribed social conventions and the limitations placed on women—clearly defined. This book will find an audience with those interested in historical fiction and with fans of Austen's work.—Karen Scott, Thompson Middle School, Alabaster, AL

Gr 4–7—The middle book in this trilogy finds Miles and the earthbound angel Little joining the Circus Bolsillo, an eccentric troupe born from the downfall of The Palace of Laughter and the power-mad Great Cortado. Little hopes to help undo the ill effects of Cortado's laughter-draining mesmerism, while Miles wants to unravel the mystery behind his father's disappearance. He consults Doctor Tau-Tau, a pompous fortune-teller of questionable accuracy, whose ulterior motives draw Miles into a search for the Tiger's Egg, a powerful stone said to contain a tiger's soul. Along the way, he uncovers surprising revelations about his parents. Meanwhile, Cortado lurks on the edges of the tale, seeking revenge. Berkeley's writing is full of color, music, and a large supporting cast of vivid, eccentric players. There are a lot of exciting scenes, and the pen-and-ink illustrations enliven the action. Fantasy aficionados looking for adventure will find plenty to love here.—Christi Voth Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 9 Up—This episodic, meandering novel about seven runaway teens struggling to survive on the Hollywood streets is filled with the rough language and gritty details of drug use and sex (including prostitution) that accompany such a lifestyle. Most of these kids have fled abusive homes, although one girl has simply gone in search of more excitement than her small town offers. Most disturbing is the depiction of a 12-year-old who adopts the name Eeyore when she takes to the streets to escape the sexual abuse of her older stepbrother and the bullying of schoolmates. Although Eeyore's comfortable home is in the nearby Hollywood Hills and her stepmother frequently shops at the Whole Foods market where the girl and her new friends go Dumpster-diving for food, there is no evidence that her parents or school authorities are making any effort to find her. Several times, she returns home to take food and money, but even when she surprises her stepmother during one of these forays, the woman doesn't ask where she has been. Instead, she berates Eeyore for leaving home to be with a dirty, homeless boy, threatens to call the police, and then does nothing as the girl and her friend leave. Readers will find this and many other aspects of the story deeply distressing.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 8 Up—Bloor has written another dark thriller, this one set in the year 2036, when kidnapping is an industry in the United States. When Charity Meyers wakes up in the back of an ambulance, all strapped in, she realizes that she's been taken and that she has only about 12 hours left to live if things don't go according to plan. As the hours go by and the kidnappers' Plan A turns into tragedy, the teen discovers that she can't always count on her instincts about whom to trust. Fast paced and suspenseful, and alternating back and forth between a particular day that Charity chooses to focus on instead of what's happening and the present, the story will keep readers totally involved. However, Charity is the only developed character; most of the others are explored only peripherally through her eyes, leaving readers wanting more and not quite understanding all of their connections. A satisfying conclusion and a good story arc make this a quick read. Although it has elements of dystopian science fiction, it is more of a suspense novel than anything else.—Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

Gr 4–7—Throughout Baltimore, children are falling victim to the Awful MTDs—Mysterious Temporary Disappearances. One minute there, then, poof! Gone. And with another poof, returned. Adults find it quite disconcerting, but Oyster R. Motel, a 10-year-old orphan who lives in a nunnery, longs for the adventure of an MTD. One day, he enters a dusty old shop full of scrolls and discovers the ancient Mapkeeper, charged with recording the Imagined Other Worlds of children. Oyster is pulled into one of them and learns that the disappearances of other children have been bungled attempts to get him into Boneland, the imaginary world that his parents created many years ago. It has taken on a life of its own, and as a result of the Foul Revolution, his parents are now prisoners of the evil Dark Mouth. Along with his companion Leatherbelly, a timid dachshund, he sets out to find the parents he has never met and to prevent Dark Mouth from using the Slippery Map to slide into the real world. Through his adventures, he comes to understand the power of unleashed imagination and discovers the true meaning of family. This story does not have the effortless humor and whimsy that made The Anybodies (HarperCollins, 2004) shine. The cast of characters is confusing, as are all the locations that Oyster must traverse to reach the final destination, and parts of the story drag. Dorman's pencil drawings of the various characters add a light touch; it's unfortunate that there's no detailed image of the Slippery Map, with the various locations laid out. Purchase where Bode has a loyal following.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 9 Up—Four friends face major changes in their lives. Jesse, a handsome love 'em-and-leave 'em guy, is tired of being neglected by his wealthy but always absent parents, and Abigail's mother's death has her rudderless and drifting. Randall, whose mother has left and whose father can't seem to get off the couch, struggles to put his music in order and keep his love for Abigail a secret. Beautiful, know-it-all Kate can't seem to keep an internship without steamrolling over her bosses. Into this mix comes a mysterious French woman, Caroline Deneuve, who reopens the teens' favorite coffee hangout after the previous owner goes bankrupt, and her mysterious brew alters their relationships. Is it something in the coffee—or perhaps the owner of the One Trick Pony helps identify their weaknesses and gives them the courage to face their fears and change. The plot is slow and builds much on the mystery of what Caroline puts in the coffee, but that is never answered. There's so little character development that they become shells. The plot wraps up too neatly for some characters. Jesse's parents agree to slow down and pay attention to him, Randall walks into a music studio and gets the exec to listen to his demo and gets signed, and Abigail's father agrees not to move from Brooklyn to Aspen with his new girlfriend. This book is too simplistic and leaves too many unanswered questions to be satisfying.—Lori E. Donovan, Thomas Dale High School, Chester, VA

Gr 9 Up—Charlotte, 16, lives off the coast of Maine on an island she calls Bleak. She can't wait to leave. In fact, she's secretly filling out boarding school applications for places far away (well, hundreds of miles, at least). In the meantime, her life jumps from drama to drama as her heavily medicated mother shares information about a long-ago abortion; her boyfriend seems to be spending a lot of time with her best friend; and her dad, obsessively addicted to online Scrabble, may be wanted by the FBI and is likely having an affair. Charlotte's rushed narrative is filled with unusual slang and a plethora of parenthetical comments. The choppy writing style is repeatedly disrupted by random observations, science facts, and other bits of arbitrary knowledge that only occasionally relate to the surrounding text. There are vague references to past people and events that won't be familiar to today's teens. And readers who do last until the end will be disappointed as the author tries to wrap everything up too neatly and easily—yet still leaves many questions unanswered.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 7 Up—At his school's end-of-the-world-themed science fair, 14-year-old Vincent Drear's presentation consists simply of literature from his parents' church. The teen's family is Triumvirate, followers of a branch of Christianity that believes that dire times are ahead and that only they know the path to salvation. Vincent, not an observant follower, wonders if there is more to life. Then he learns from pixies Clara and Nod that Earth's rejuvenation will begin in two days. In order to rid the world of the current dominant species, whose epoch is at an end, Portal Sites will appear to allow all life-forms to leave this world for another. When they close, demons will destroy any who remain from the formerly dominant species, and many others as well. Vincent, with the help of his brother and friends Chanteuse and Big Tom, as well as elves, pixies, and ogres, sets out to discover why the portals have been hidden and who seeks to destroy humanity. In this fast-paced novel, readers will identify with Vincent's ability to see goodness in the world, and will root for him and his companions as they triumph over evil. At times things seem too superficial and a bit silly, but the story will hold readers' attention. The countdown clock at the beginning of each chapter adds to the suspense. The issue of the apocalypse and its religious overtones might not be everyone's cup of tea but, overall, Epoch is entertaining.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—In this companion to The Warrior Heir (Hyperion, 2006), orphaned Seph, 16, is an untrained wizard who can fling fire from his fingertips. After one of his many accidental fires kills a friend, he's sent to a secluded boys' school in Maine. The headmaster, Dr. Leicester, a powerful wizard, offers to train him. Initially, Seph agrees but then changes his mind after he's nearly forced to participate in an initiation where he's made to swear an oath to Leicester and allow him to link Seph's power to his. For refusing, Leicester tortures Seph with hallucinatory dreams that nearly drive him insane. When he finally finds a way to communicate with the outside world, Linda Downey, an enchanter, rescues him and takes him to the town of Trinity, OH, a sanctuary for wizards and other members of magical guilds. There, he meets many of the characters who appeared in the first book, including Jack Swift, Ellen Stephenson, and Leander Hastings, as well as a new character, Madison, who can draw power from wizards. Seph and his new friends must find a way to stop an impending war between the two great wizard houses. This exciting page-turner is darker than The Warrior Heir and, because of its depiction of Leicester's love of inflicting pain and frequent violence, is more appropriate for older readers.—Sharon Rawlins, NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, Trenton

Gr 3–5—Brave Frederick and his timid brother are pet rats in Miss Dove's classroom. When Frederick bites a cruel student who is harming Ishbu, they are threatened with extermination and flee to the outside world. They are captured by the Big Cheese, a blind possum who hates humans and runs San Francisco's rodent underworld. He offers them rewards if they can steal a gem-encrusted bandicoot figurine, but the brothers refuse and manage to escape, boarding a ship that eventually sinks in a storm. They are washed ashore on an island dedicated to the Hindu rat goddess Karni Mata, where the rat high priestess shows them their talisman—the coveted figurine, which, as it turns out, contains poison that can wipe out the human race. After a few twists and turns, the brothers realize that they must somehow return to San Francisco to save humankind from danger. The story has too many coincidences to make the events believable, even for a fantasy. The author occasionally insinuates her voice a bit too much into the narrative, presenting facts that are intrusive to the plotline and do not further the story. Children might enjoy the nonstop action and Frederick's problem-solving ingenuity, but discerning readers will be disappointed by the many contrivances.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 6–9—Cross concludes this trilogy with a taut but labyrinthine story that blends elements of fantasy and mystery while tapping into the universal power of myth. Hope, known as Lorn in the undersize, underground parallel world introduced in The Dark Ground (Dutton, 2004), has been rescued from the dark hole beneath her family's conservatory by Robert, Tom, and Emma. She'd been sequestered there by her paranoid, domineering father since infancy—and her rescuers fear his reprisals—but it is Hope's pathologically timid mother and brother who actually take the initiative to terrorize the trio they consider her "kidnappers" in order to try and return her home. Summoning unprecedented courage and independence, they kidnap Emma, deposit her beneath the family conservatory, and threaten to keep her there until she discloses Hope's whereabouts. As this drama unfolds in alternating perspectives—both aboveground and in the tiny underworld—readers will find themselves artfully disoriented in terms of what is real and unreal and, more importantly, questioning exactly what is right and what is wrong. The key to understanding the trilogy ultimately lies in the revelations that Robert and Tom can extract from visits to Magee, the reticent and reclusive seer who first sent Robert underground. He has imparted in Tom the mixed blessing of telepathic empathy so strong that feeling others' fear causes him both psychological and physical pain. Cross has capped her trilogy with a heady and instructive tale in which self-induced fear trumps even the most horrendous forms of external human bondage.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 9 Up—Bliss Cavendar, 16, is a misfit. Her blue hair sticks out among all of the All-American look-alikes at her Bodeen, TX, high school. She doesn't fit in with her family, either. Her mother insists that she enter the Miss Bluebonnet beauty pageant but Bliss would rather be listening to punk rock. In desperation, she sneaks out at night to nearby Austin, joins a roller-derby league, and finds an exciting, older boyfriend. She lies to derby officials about her age, and to her parents about where she is for every practice and competition. In the end, her antics are exposed but her rebellion turns out to be just what was needed to make her mother accept her. This novel fails to explain what roller derby is, besides a bunch of girls on skates pushing into each other. Bliss is unlikable and at times obnoxious, especially during her encounters with her best friend. The choppy narration portrays teenagers as having a cavalier attitude about lying, stealing, drinking, and sex, and the author tries to win readers over with clever asides and the occasional curse word. It doesn't work.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 7–10—When Indira Konkipuddi learns that the editor of her favorite fashion magazine will be speaking at her school, she knows that this is her great opportunity to make connections. She's sure that a conversation with Aaralyn Taylor will guarantee her a coveted internship at Celebrity Style, so she is crushed to learn that one of her schoolmates is Aaralyn's niece and the more likely shoo-in for the internship. However, when she corners the woman after her presentation, she is offered a different opportunity. Glossing over Aaralyn's comment that "people from your part of the world are good with domestic duties," Indie accepts a job babysitting for Aaralyn's two-year-old son. The novel continues in what seems like a Devil Wears Prada direction (complete with a trip to Milan) until Indie learns some insider information that allows her to deliver more than one scoop to the fashion editor. The breezily written novel's conclusion is a mixture of wish fulfillment and compromise that brings the chick-lit fantasy aspect of Indie's story back down to earth in a satisfying and affirmative way.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 5–7—Tim Malt and his feisty pup return in this sequel to A Dog Called Grk (Delacorte, 2007). Tim's friends Max and Natascha Raffifi learn that the despicable Pelotti brothers are robbing one bank after another throughout Brazil. The Raffifis' late father had caught the three brothers but now they have escaped, and the siblings are determined to catch them to honor their father's memory. When they hop on a plane to Rio, Tim and Grk join them. Finding the note he left, Tim's parents appear soon afterward to forbid him and Grk to leave their hotel, while the Raffifis talk with the hapless authorities. But the boy and his dog sneak out anyway, only to find themselves first kidnapped and then hot on the Pelottis' trail in the Amazon, as the thieves try to leave the country with their stolen billions. The plot moves quickly but implausibly, resting on the fact that Tim can't contact his parents because they have refused to buy him a cell phone. As in the first book, the fights and pursuit are sometimes comic, and then surprisingly violent. Fans of that book should enjoy this one, too.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—Sixth-grader Deborah is having a difficult time acclimating to the changes that come with adolescence. Her algebra teacher is a bully, her friend Willy is suddenly crush-worthy, and her parents' strict rules are becoming increasingly hard to follow. Add the six tentacles that tend to pop out of her head when she gets excited and her life is bound to be complicated. As part of the first wave of an alien invasion, Deborah struggles to remain true to her otherworld heritage while fitting in with her earthling peers. She especially has difficulty appearing "normal" when dinnertime rolls around. Unlike other kids, she cannot simply reach for a slice of pizza and a soda. Instead, she and her family must consume humans. Deborah is content to eat the human prey her parents bring home each Halloween, but objects when they insist that she eat Willy. Deborah's story has promise—after all, what 11-year-old doesn't feel like an alien at times? Unfortunately, sudden plot twists and frenetic pacing overshadow character and plot development. While this tale of a flesh-eating preteen alien requires a certain suspension of disbelief, kids might buy into the premise, but a random coming-of-age quest and the very sudden appearance of Deborah's long-lost rebel aunt make the story a little more difficult to accept.—Danielle M. Margarida, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 6 Up—Lin is five years old when her grandmother arrives from Japan. She feels an immediate kinship with Obaachan, who teaches her to meditate and shares stories of her former life. They also share the gift of vision, or second sight. Lin is a musical prodigy; aware of her otherness, she struggles to find her voice. Unlike her mother and older sister, Sally, who embrace American culture, Lin is drawn to her Japanese heritage. Her story spans 11 years, as she discovers her strengths and overcomes her shyness. After she hears her grandmother's horrific story of surviving the atomic bomb, Lin is troubled by images of Hiroshima, and this is later linked to September 11 and its aftermath. Easton's prose throughout is heartfelt and insightful, but, ultimately, Lin's development follows a familiar path. Secondary characters are interesting if somewhat one-dimensional, and some incidents seem gratuitous, such as when Lin uses her second sight to help police locate a missing boy. These flaws notwithstanding, this pensive coming-of-age novel may hold appeal for readers who appreciate a sensitive, character-driven story.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 8–10—Chrissie is not happy about moving from Vermont to California at the start of her junior year, but since her dad's mysterious disappearance, her mom needs a change. Almost immediately, Chrissie meets Yvonne and Karen. They invite her to join their coven, where they practice magic spells. Yvonne, whose half-Gypsy father stole her away from her mom, fleeing from France to England, and then to the U.S., wants a spell to help her mother find her. Karen, in love with Jimmy, the local bad boy, wants a spell to make him fall for her. Chrissie just wants to go back to Vermont. Only in Yvonne's case does the spell seem to work, but by the end of the story, each girl has found happiness anyway. Despite the title, the book mostly deals with friendship and family problems, so those looking for a fantasy or a book about magic should look elsewhere. The narrative alternates among the three girls and Jimmy, leaving the characters little time to develop, and the conflicts are resolved too quickly. This slight story might interest reluctant readers or those looking for a quick read. Most others can pass.—Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 5–8—This sequel to I Am a Taxi (Groundwood, 2006) opens with Diego, about 12 years old, living in the hinterlands of Bolivia, where he has been taken in by the kindly Ricardo family. They, like his unjustly imprisoned parents, are cocaleros, poor farmers whose cash crop is coca. He makes himself as useful as possible, and only Bonita Ricardo, who is about his age, resents him and wishes him gone. Soon, soldiers arrive and destroy their crop. Their dreams for a better future dashed, the Ricardos find themselves taking part in a nationwide protest. Joining their neighbors to block the only road through the area, Diego and the Ricardos work together to maintain solidarity and deal with rising tensions as the army threatens increasing force to reopen the road. Three climactic events follow as Diego waves a white flag to get help for an injured friend, then he and Bonita rush to stop an ill-advised attack on the soldiers. In the final pages, Diego exacts a measure of revenge on the men who had, among other things, killed his friend Mando, as explained in a two-page "The story so far…" that brings readers up to speed on events from the first book. An easy read that touches on issues seldom addressed for young teens such as third-world subsistence farming, Spanish/Indian cultural conflict, and the U.S. culpability in driving the international drug trade, this novel might work particularly well where differentiated (lower-reading level) texts on such subjects are needed.—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 5–8—Benjamin tells the story of the summer he was 12, when free-spirited Roland moved into the neighborhood and changed the lives of Benjamin and his friends Jeff and Manny forever. Together, the four boys form the Order of the Red Dragon. Committed to fighting injustice, the Order fights back when the neighborhood bully hangs the cat of an elderly friend. And when Grandma Dell finds herself preparing to move into a nursing home after her house burns down, the boys rally support in the form of money, labor, and materials and have her house rebuilt. Jeff experiences conflict with the group early in the book, and he leaves to form his own Order, much more violent than the Red Dragon. The final pages of the story present a terrible, unforeseen tragedy that poignantly illustrates the potential results of even seemingly playful gang activity. This is a well-written, attention-grabbing tale of desire for acceptance, conflict between good and evil, and coming-of-age. Despite the sophisticated subject matter, the book is accessible, thanks to vivid descriptions and fine character development. An excellent starting point for discussions on matters faced by young teens everywhere.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

Gr 7 Up—Stevie and Susan Carol, both 14, are famous sports-TV reporters. Now covering the Super Bowl, they stumble into an even bigger story: five offensive linemen have failed their steroid tests and there has been a huge conspiracy to cover it up. Even allowing for the unlikely scenario of 14-year-olds having a national audience and impeccable journalistic skills, this story falls short. It requires a base of knowledge of sports figures that some readers may lack, leaving them to try to sort out an array of characters who are not effectively described. Still, the teens are well crafted and the villains are extraordinary. Cover-Up will appeal to well-versed sports aficionados, but for a guaranteed winner highlighting steroid abuse, stick with Robert Lipsyte's Raiders Night (HarperTempest, 2006).—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 6–8—In Kentucky, in 1839, Stephen and Charlotte, both slaves, work at Mammoth Cave and its hotel. Charlotte narrates this introspective piece that dwells on the theme of what it means to be free. The two young people become involved in the Underground Railroad, eventually helping a young woman and her infant escape through the cave, emerging near the Ohio River. Charlotte is torn between her desire for freedom, to be gained by running away, and her desire to remain with Stephen, who is dedicated to the study and exploration of the cave. Students interested in the Underground Railroad, or who enjoy novels that take place "inside the head" of the main character will appreciate this evocative read. An author's note explains that although the people in the novel were real, Ferris has imagined their personalities and their involvement in the Underground Railroad. There is no evidence that Mammoth Cave was a part of that network. An accessible bit of historical fiction.—Robin Henry, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX

Gr 5–7—Septina Nash's sister, Sexta, disappears and is presumed kidnapped. In a collection of letters written to school officials, the seventh grader recounts her efforts and determination to find her sibling and justify not doing her math assignments and trying to get out of P.E. classes. This outlandish adventure features three spying penguins, a contest to collect the most yogurt containers, and a motley group of rescuers who end up in the Triangle of Frozen Doom in Antarctica, where they hope to find the missing girl. There, Septina discovers that her sister has actually answered an ad to be the new Ice Queen. She also learns that, in Antarctica, pee freezes before it hits the ground. The story's pace seems frenetic, and the curiously named characters (such as Dr. Fizzwally Fignizzi) are one-dimensional. The letters and the black-and-white line drawings are sometimes entertaining, but the story is neither clever nor involving.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 4–8—This third book in Fogelin's "neighborhood" series can stand alone, and the ending makes it clear that this enjoyable saga will continue. Mica, 11, is living with her marine-biologist father on a boat in the Florida Keys when she begins to exchange letters with 12-year-old Anna, who lives in Tallahassee with her latest foster mom, science teacher Miss Johnette. The correspondence was suggested by a mutual friend, Ben, whose family visited the marina where Mica lives, and who felt that the girls shared much in common. The pen pals, who sign many of their letters "Your (sorta) sister," form a friendship that sustains them through unsettling times. Anna has been bounced around between friends and family since she was two. She hopes to be adopted by Miss Johnette, yet struggles with the budding romance between her "almost mom" and clumsy Mr. Webster. Mica is nervous about starting regular school for the first time (she has been homeschooled) and is troubled by her father's alcoholic binges. Because of the girls' love of nature, each letter contains a specimen native to the sender's environment, along with its background, Latin name, and an accurate pencil-and-ink illustration.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 7 Up—Already unhappy at being forced to go on a family vacation and missing the chance to play with her punk band at a music festival, 16-year-old Brit is horrified when her father drops her off at Red Rock Academy, a "boot camp" in Utah. Dragged away from him by muscular guards, a sobbing Brit passes an unhappy night before being strip-searched and presented to a therapist the next morning. She is diagnosed as having oppositional defiance disorder and is introduced to the Red Rock reward levels: Level 1—you remain indoors in isolation, emerging only for individual therapy or to use the bathroom; Level 2—you get your shoes back, can leave your room for meals and group therapy, and can receive mail from family members; and so on. In this prison-camp atmosphere, Brit eventually makes four supportive friends with whom she is able to expose the bogus treatment being administered by Red Rock's unqualified staff, one of whom has a record of abusive behavior. Along the way, she escapes for a night and begins a romance with an older bandmate. Although Forman does a good job of capturing teen friendship and angst, the book is not strong on character development. For example, though Brit believes that her stepmother wants her out of the way, readers never gain a true understanding of the father's motivation for committing his daughter, an omission that may be frightening for teens.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 8 Up—Artistic Jenny, 16, feels out of place because the rest of her family is graceful and athletic in ways she is not. She knows that she was conceived via Donor 142 before her mother married and had twins, and wonders how her biological father's DNA helped determine who she is. Through a Web site that her new boyfriend, Tate, brings to her attention, Jenny finds Alexa, also a Donor 142 child. The magic of first love and all those initial insecurities are in counterpoint to Jenny's need for Alexa to give her the feeling of belonging that she sees in her half sisters' relationship. The self-knowledge she gains to understand her life leaks into her painting. Art is vital to her and she hopes to be accepted in a show held annually by the gallery where she works in exchange for studio space. Franklin offers readers an engaging protagonist whose humor and unusual situation highlight the lonely and displaced feelings common to many teens. Resolution is not easy or smoothly achieved, and the painful encounters with parents and siblings, as well as with Tate and Alexa, gradually lead Jenny to use her art to express her new view of the world. The blend of romance, artistic expression, and angst about belonging in a family provides some depth, yet this is essentially a lighthearted tale.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library

Gr 5 Up—Gallico's classic story of the selflessness of a goodhearted recluse speaks volumes to readers accustomed to a world plagued by self-gratification. Philip Rhayader, a deformed misfit, inhabits an abandoned lighthouse near the English Channel, where he pours out his feelings in his paintings of wildlife and in his care for the birds to which he gives sanctuary. When 12-year-old Frith takes Philip a wounded snow goose, the two form a bond. The goose returns annually, and Philip and Frith grow in their fondness for each other. During World War II, when hundreds are stranded at Dunkirk, Philip, with only the goose as a companion and under heavy enemy fire, tirelessly sails soldiers to safety. Later, when the bird returns alone to the lighthouse, Frith's worst fears are confirmed, and she is left with nothing but Philip's paintings and her memories of a love she never expressed. The beautifully written but somewhat complex text uses unfamiliar vocabulary, and the occasional dialogue is rendered in a strong Essex dialect. However, the overall story is clear, poignant, and still relevant years after its original publication (1940). Barrett's inset and full-page pencil drawings, done in soft pastel tones, perfectly complement the tale's serious nature, capturing the spareness of the landscape and the intensity of the characters' feelings. Sure to provoke thoughtful discussions, this book is an excellent way to introduce a new generation to Gallico's timeless tale.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 8 Up—In this deliciously soapy novel, privileged teens in Manhattan conduct forbidden romances, betray their so-called friends, and generally indulge in bad behavior. The twist is that it's 1899, and they do so in corsets, silk gowns, and horse-drawn carriages rather than designer labels and sports cars. Eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Holland, daughter of a prominent but secretly impoverished family, is in love with Will, the family's young, handsome carriage driver. When wealthy Henry Schoonmaker proposes, however, her mother pushes her to accept, since Elizabeth's marriage is their only chance to maintain their luxurious lifestyle. Henry, an irresponsible playboy also forced into the loveless engagement, finds himself falling for Elizabeth's rebellious younger sister. To complicate matters further, Henry has been having an affair with Penelope Hayes, Elizabeth's supposed best friend, and Penelope will do absolutely anything to get him back. It's all scandalous, steamy—though never graphic—fun, with just enough period detail to make the Gilded Age come alive. The dialogue and attitudes sometimes seem suspiciously modern, but readers will enjoy the story too much to object.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 4–7—After losing her mother to cancer, Evie Adler, nearly 11, moves with her father from Michigan to a seemingly "cursed" apple orchard in bleak Beaumont, NY. Evie's belief in magic, the imaginative streak she once shared with her mom, has waned. Practical and rational Father throws himself into his work to bring the orchard back to life. Evie makes friends with ghostly pale "Alex," who loiters in the cemetery near her home and bears a strong resemblance to a recently deceased local boy. Elderly Maggie inserts herself into the Adlers' lives, offering warmth and a strange birthday present from her brother, the orchard's deceased former owner. It's a single seed with magic that only the children can sense. Planting the seed, Evie and Alex enter a lush, flip-side version of Beaumont where they can control life—but at what cost? This is a poignant tale with endearing characters (especially the resilient, likable Evie and stubborn but charming Alex), well-drawn settings, and surprising plot twists. While allusions to the Garden of Eden are present, the story is not overtly religious, presenting the powers of love and belief—whether in oneself, other people, or something that can't be rationalized. The theme of death is inescapable but the ending offers readers a sense of healing. In her fantastical setting, Going realistically portrays the different ways that people grieve and the emotions accompanying loss.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 5–8—A novel set in England in 1746. While staying with her grandmother, Alice attends the hanging of her favorite uncle for treason. When his head is placed on a pike above London's Temple Bar, she is determined to retrieve it in order to bury it with his body. Treacherous climbs, horse chases, a stay in a dank prison, and other misadventures follow Alice and the head as they try to make their way home to her parents 250 miles away. Dan Skinslicer, the hangman, is inadvertently caught up in the action along with Captain Hew Ffrench, and both fall in love with Alice. Accused of being traitors against King George, all three are pursued throughout the countryside by the malevolent Major Slavering, who greatly anticipates their punishment. The story is filled with action and interesting characters. Alice's bumbling grandmother and aunt provide comic relief, and everything is tidied up by the end. This is a rousing read, with historical overtones referencing the ongoing battle between Protestants and Catholics.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 6–9—This historical novel with some elements of fantasy meanders through a multithreaded plot, but it has strong character development. Rhiannon, her mother, and grandmother live atop a steep bluff in 12th-century Wales. They have become nurses to the hopeless cases of the village below. The invalids include, at various times, a girl who was injured by a blow to the head, a man who sleeps without waking, and a man who lost his leg in a cart accident. The story revolves around the murder of a young man near the river bank; it examines how the characters react and are affected by it. Joining them is a young oblate who takes an interest in the healing women and the accused murderer, who is one of their charges. Eventually the truth wins out, and justice is served within the context of the times. Pacing is a little slow, but the writing is lovely, and the story will appeal to students who enjoy medieval settings or historical fiction. Some elements of magic may broaden its audience, but this book is most likely to appeal to historical fiction readers.—Robin Henry, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX

Gr 8 Up—Though she can't remember it, Monalisa Kent is constantly reminded that she started the fire that destroyed Muessa Junction's futon factory and cost many people their jobs. She was only six, but still feels their blame 10 years later. Her father, who saved Mona and her best friend that night, makes things worse by reveling in the media attention each year on the fire's anniversary. She plays along, as it's the only time he pays attention to her. To prove she doesn't care, Mona dyes her hair and obsessively collects bumper stickers for their clever wisdom. When her memory of that night begins to return, she cracks under the pressure, jumping on a table in a fast-food restaurant and shouting bumper sticker sayings. Surprisingly, she feels empowered and people are intrigued. Mona unintentionally introduces "poetry raiding" to the town and is elevated to celebrity status for a new reason. This becomes an outlet as the mystery of the fire begins to unravel. Mona's character is well developed and the plot intriguing. However, in her attempt to create a quirky town and colorful residents, Halverson distracts readers from the central story with one-dimensional characters and ridiculous subplots, such as the town's inexplicable obsession with fast food (which only serves to give Mona a number of places to perform). These elements take the focus away from the main character and slow the story down. Also, the relationship between Mona and her father is never sufficiently developed.—Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

Gr 9 Up—Following her sister's death in an accident and an unfortunate incident involving alcohol and the police, Suzy, 17, is getting a fresh start in a new town, Adelaide. Her life as a uniform-wearing honor student at a private school is a far cry from her nearly Goth, troublemaking days in Sydney. All of her new, popular friends belong to a local Virginity Club and assume that she will want to join as well. There's just one catch: Suzy isn't a virgin. Her deception would go over without a hitch except that her ex-boyfriend has recently moved to Adelaide, too. The narrative depth with which Hantz attempts to imbue the story falls flat. Readers neither feel the mourning of Suzy and her family nor connect with her guilt and her own subsequent actions. Her relationship with her new friends has little foundation and is lightly explored, so it is difficult to worry when Suzy almost loses them. However, the author handles the sexuality well, without being preachy; readers are left with the impression that abstinence is fine, but that sex is acceptable and should be treated seriously and responsibly. As an amusing romp, this is a good addition, but for a similar book without the Australian slang, try Kate Brian's The V Club (S & S, 2004).—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—When George's new neighbor, Eric, turns out to be a brilliant scientist with a supercomputer, the boy takes an educational journey through the solar system and discovers how interesting outer space can be. A rival scientist, who also happens to be George's teacher, steals the computer and sends Eric into a black hole, leaving George to save the day. While the boy travels in space and solves a mystery, readers learn many facts about science. Shaded boxes provide background information about topics related to George's adventures, ranging from the planets to organic compounds. There's also plenty of information within the narrative, often in the form of earnest speeches presented as dialogue. Though Eric states that "science is a wonderful and fascinating subject," these lectures bog down the narrative. The plot includes asteroid rides, school bullies, and a black-hole rescue, but never really takes off. Most of the science is described clearly, but the explanations detract from readers' involvement in the story, which also suffers from stock characters, artificial dialogue, and pedestrian plot twists. Plentiful black-and-white illustrations help, as do dozens of eye-catching photographs of outer space in full color, but they are not enough to bring the wooden characters to life. This is a well-intentioned attempt to combine the drama of fiction with the excitement of scientific inquiry, but the fiction is simply too weak to hold most readers.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 9 Up—Shaun's body has been snatched by one of the devil's lesser minions, who is unbearably bored. Since the teen was about to be killed by a car, the demon does not see it as such a big deal, even though he is clearly violating the rules. His function in hell is to reflect the self-loathing and regret of the souls of the damned back at them, something he has done for eons. He has observed the thoughts and actions of Shaun and his familiars and knows their innermost desires and fears. What he has lacked is an understanding of physical sensation, something he intends to indulge to the fullest in Shaun's body. Despite his knowledge of the human mind, the demon is never able to fully get into character. While this is sometimes amusing, it is just as often annoying. The novel ventures into deep waters, discussing the human condition and human failings. Teens will be much more interested in his physical experiences, including a not-too-graphic masturbation scene and his ultimately unfulfilled desire to experience sex. For a better demonic-possession story, direct teens to Sam Enthoven's The Black Tattoo (Penguin, 2006). A secondary purchase.—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School Library, CA

Gr 8 Up—Laine, 16, has never fully understood why beautiful, popular Leah Green chose her as a best friend that day during fifth-grade recess. Quiet and plain, Laine feels awkward and unwanted in Leah's social circle, and the intense and often-manipulative way that Leah approaches their friendship makes her even more uncomfortable. But Leah is charming and persuasive, and when she pulls Laine into a closet one day to "practice" the sexual behavior that she says they'll one day use with boyfriends, Laine doesn't object. As the girls grow older, Leah uses the secret of their time in the closet as social and emotional blackmail, treating Laine alternately with sly kindness and calculated cruelty. By high school, Leah's behavior has turned self-destructive, culminating in a tragic accident. Her death sends Laine into a spiral of guilt, shame, and, eventually, clarity, as she explores their troubled relationship and finally confronts the painful events that led Leah to ensnare her in a cycle of abuse. The concise, clear style of this short novel belies the sophistication of its subject matter; Knowles sheds valuable light on the long-term emotional impact of child abuse and the roots of sexual abuse among peers. Her characterizations are sharp and nuanced, and she handles Leah, Laine, and the complex dynamic between them with respect and insight.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 7 Up—Emil, Dana, and Avra are best friends. Dana loves Emil, but he is dating Avra, the Queen Bee, and loyal Dana would never betray her. It's the end of senior year and the two girls have a lot to look forward to: for Dana, it's a college scholarship, for Avra it's just driving out of their small town with Emil riding shotgun. What he wants is anybody's guess. Then, in a rare moment alone, he reveals to Dana that he loves her. She is horrified and ecstatic and is finally forced to deal with a whirlwind of feelings that had been shoved under the surface. Koja takes the typical teen love triangle and spins it into a layered, intricate, emotional read. This story is thick like honey, humming with beautiful imagery and dialogue. The characters are multifaceted and interesting. Written from Dana's point of view, this book is her emotional journey. Her inner monologues are eloquent, honest, and admirable. She begins each chapter with excerpts from her Bio II independent study on bees, an addition that could border on trite symbolism, but in Koja's hands, they are utterly fascinating. It's through her studies on the group dynamics of bees that Dana realizes that she is the Queen Bee, not Avra. Kissing the Bee is a short but rich psychological exploration of the intense complexities of friendship and love in a teen world. A definite choice for reluctant readers looking for something with a more creative, "emo" slant.—Emily Anne Valente, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Readers interested in wicca will be attracted to this story of intrigue in Queen Elizabeth's court. The book focuses on 16-year-old Mary, a lady-in-waiting whose secret identity as a white witch makes her responsible for protecting the Virgin Queen. Though naive in the ways of courtship and politics, Mary, the orphaned daughter of Katharine Parr, can discern people's character by the color of their auras and the gemstones they wear. However, her ability to discern the dubious character of her cousin Edmund Seymour doesn't make her immune to his charm. Between battling his advances and trying to unravel a plot against the queen, Mary finds herself reliving parts of her parents' tragic past and analyzing the role of women in society. The uncomplicated characters and elaborate symbolism of this story make it seem more like a dream than a fantasy rooted in history. The courtly dialogue and ornate family trees may put some readers off as well. Nevertheless, the story finishes with a tragic flourish and a waft of mystery. Might a sequel unveil further revelations?—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 4–7—When 10-year-old Alex meets her quirky new teacher, Mr. Underwood, she knows she's in for an unusual year. Then his house is firebombed, and he moves in with Alex and her uncle. She learns that Mr. Underwood is descended from the Infamous Wigpowder, a notorious pirate, and that he is searching for his ancestor's treasure. When Pirate Captain Steele the Inevitable, also after the treasure, captures Mr. Underwood and kills Alex's uncle, the girl is quickly drawn into a bizarre world of eccentric and dangerous characters. From the Daughters of the Founding Fathers' Preservation Society, sadistic old women who give guided tours of the Steele estate when they are not guzzling stolen wine, to the Extremely Ginormous Octopus, a frustrated sea monster that drowns his sorrows in abundant whiskey, almost all of the adults Alex meets in her efforts to rescue her teacher are portrayed as silly or drunk or both. Kress's narrator is reminiscent of Lemony Snicket in her cozy and Victorian familiarity with the "dear reader," but where the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books (HarperCollins) skillfully blend the ominous and the witty, Ironic Gentleman falls short. While the overly clever prose seems to be reaching for charm and whimsy, it will leave readers unamused and befuddled when attempting to navigate the Twilight Zone-style twists and turns. Stick with works by Roald Dahl, Eva Ibbotson, John Bellairs, N. E. Bode, and Philip Pullman.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 6–9—Fourteen-year-old Jet Latter is not at all thrilled when her family and their Simulate Canine Deluxe, Otis, head to Ollywood, movie capital of their planet, where her oldest sister, Turquoise, will play Helenet's Third Damsel in Fall of Super Troy. Jet and Otis, who has recently missed his half-yearly service, are trying to escape the torture of the Ollywood scene when they meet Ben, who tells them about the strange world of the Subway. On their first trip down to the "Underworld," Jet and Otis are transported to Indigara, a world made up of bad actors, bad dialogue, and scenes from science-fiction pilots that were never made into series. While the premise is amusing, and seems to have potential for humor, the actors and dialogue from the B movies only make for a B book. The perspective jumps from Otis's "diskripts" to Jet's journal, to movielike scene descriptions, which results in a choppy read. Fans of Lee's earlier works will be disappointed, as will fans of futuristic science fiction or Hollywood stories.—Kelly Vikstrom, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD

Gr 7–10—Fans of the previous books will enjoy this final installment in the trilogy. Like its predecessors, KnitWise lingers over detailed descriptions of clothes, elaborate coffee drinks, and yarn while following the lives of four friends—Scottie, Tay, Amanda, and Bella—who are from different social spheres. Unfortunately, this book does not have the sweetness of the earlier works. The plot, such as it is, centers on Scottie's disappointment that high school is about to end now that everything is going so well for her. She stalls while her classmates make plans for college. A petulant Amanda goes through the debutante process while rolling her eyes at it. Conflict also plays in when "the chicks," all of whom are stereotypes, are threatened by an annoying group of high school quilters who call themselves the "babes with batting." More successful story lines include Scottie's recognizing her self-centeredness and volunteering for a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, and Tay's learning to get along with her divorced mother. The book assumes some knowledge of knitting. Four knitting projects that were part of the story are included.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 5–8—In this science-fiction variation on a well-worn fantasy theme, three half siblings from three different worlds are brought together to restore the universe's balance. They were conceived in order to go on this quest once fully grown, but the balance is tipping faster than predicted due to an energy leak. The children are sent to find an Object of Power from each of the worlds. One Questor is a girl from a world much like our own; another is a boy from a cold world where there are both humans and sentient dragons; and the third is an "emergent" from a technologically advanced place in which gender only becomes clear at puberty. During the adventures, someone close to the powerful Council, the maintainer of the balance, is determined to stop them. The three separate adventures limit the depth of character development. The realms are painted in broad but distinctive brushstrokes and each adventure is distinctive in feel and purpose. The story is held together conceptually and physically by "The London House," the children's mother's base, and its housekeeper, warm, matronly Mrs. Macmahonney, who does her best to protect and guide the three. Readers know as little as the Questors do at first, and understanding the plot is a slow process and takes considerable concentration. It is science-fiction enthusiasts who are most likely to enjoy this one.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 6–9—Duncan Veerick, an average teenager in small-town America, is put upon. When an elderly neighbor has a stroke, his parents ask him to care for her yappy pooch, Mo. Duncan and Mrs. Valentine strike up an unlikely friendship and she employs him to hide several of her late husband's treasures (a Peruvian mummy, Eskimo sculptures) to save them from thieves and her meddling nephew. A fire and the woman's second stroke conspire to put Duncan in a real fix. The police suspect him of stealing the goods, and since Mrs. Valentine can no longer say otherwise, it's up to Duncan to prove his innocence. The story also touches on jazz music, teenage romance, and post-traumatic stress caused by the Vietnam War. It's a lot of content for a 200 pager, and the trouble is that the book never evolves into a compelling read. Many of the topics remain underdeveloped, as do several of the characters. Still, Duncan is likable and readers will find themselves wanting him to be OK in the end. He has a strong work ethic, which is admirable but confusing in the context of the story (his parents barely lift a finger to help their neighbor, even while they goad him into making unreasonable sacrifices for her benefit). The novel lacks an overarching theme, and readers might find themselves wondering, "What is this book about, exactly?"—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School

Gr 5–9—Tess is having difficulties navigating the troubled waters of eighth grade. Her best friends are spilling her secrets, a cute classmate's cheated on a test and she can't decide whether or not to tell on him, and she believes that a family friend may have murdered his wife. All a girl can depend on is mathematics and, even then, Tess is learning that the answers aren't as simple as she wishes they were. This novel has an interesting premise: mathematical terms and equations can apply to real-life situations and comfort you when the world seems out of control. However, while the concept is intriguing, the execution is disappointing: there isn't enough action to really make the story a page-turner, and many of the characters are not fully fleshed out. The good news is that Lichtman skillfully captures the teenage voice and she clearly knows her middle school lunchroom politics. Also, the way the characters blow each mundane event out of proportion rings true for this age group. The title and cover are fun; put the book on display and it's likely to circulate.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—A powerful boy who doesn't understand his strength, Charlie Benjamin is whisked off to a school where he learns that he is not alone in his ability to summon evil creatures in his nightmares, leaving them vulnerable to attack, but is stronger than most with that gift. At the academy, an awkward, overconfident boy and a charming, bookish girl become his sidekicks in battles with powerful monsters from the Netherworld. Four full-page, intricate black-and-white pencil drawings illustrate the tensest action in the novel, adding some spooky charm. The endpapers are illustrated in a similar style and provide a visual of the five rings of the Netherworld. Nightmare is somewhat predictable, and its similarities to the early stories in a certain young wizard's tale are not subtle, although the type of magic and the setting are different. While the cover and summary may draw in reluctant readers, they might not be as easily sucked in by the lackluster writing, two-dimensional characters, or predictable action.—Sharon Senser McKellar, Oakland Public Library, CA

Gr 5–7—Like the other "Weenies" books, this third collection contains very brief stories for which the term "warped" is an understatement. Lubar clearly knows what sort of icky tale kids find gross and disgusting, yet somehow cool. And how is that possible when the majority of these selections end with death or eternal torment? The author sets up situations with a minimum of fuss and writes in a voice that speaks directly to his audience: kids get squished by bugs; a girl can only get halfway home—forever. Readers can almost hear an evil laugh reverberating at the end of each entry, especially in the final tale about a forgotten monster that plans to return with the help of a storyteller who is clearly Lubar himself. Back matter includes interesting "Where do you get your ideas?" notes. This book will talk itself right off the shelves, and reluctant readers will devour it.—Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 10 Up—Andrew Lang plays a mean game of Texas Hold 'Em, but a bad run of cards leaves the 16-year-old card shark wondering how he can replace the missing money in the cash register before his dad discovers the discrepancy. Cut off from the table, he resorts to stealing from his friend Scott, who catches him in the act. Scott offers his support, and together with Jasmine, Andrew's coworker and longtime crush, the trio plans a road trip to the local casino to win big. Poker's rise in the national consciousness will have generated some buzz among readers, and for those who are still unfamiliar with the game, Luper explains the slang throughout. Though Andrew has all the signs of a gambling addiction, from stealing money to lying, his behavior feels forced and half-hearted. Though unquestionably suspenseful (readers can sense the anticipation as the cards are flipped), the ease with which the teen enters both illegal tournaments and legitimate facilities requires significant suspension of disbelief. Further, the ending, which has him running a home-based poker tournament for teens, is highly questionable. The remote parent figures are trite and predictable, and the overly sentimental moral message hardly fits with Andrew's take-no-prisoner approach. Unless readers are clamoring for poker tales, libraries don't need to ante up for this one.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—Jessica's no-good father has gone missing, her mother is drinking too much, and Jessica is left to take care of her 10-year-old autistic brother. When she puts an ad in the newspaper asking if anyone's seen her father, a high school student nicknamed Sween answers. He thinks at first that he's seen the man, but even though that turns out not to be the case, it sets up a correspondence that lasts for over a year. Jessica and Sween are wounded souls, and their letters help them to get through rough times. Sween's highly educated, upper-middle-class parents have placed unrealistic expectations on him. After a bout of unremitting depression, followed by an episode of mania, he learns that he has bipolar disorder. The two meet near the end, but this is presented after the fact, through letters, and with a surprising twist. Apart suffers from the usual limitations of a novel written in letters—it lacks the power of face-to-face conflict. Even so, readers should find enough of interest to read through to the end.—Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Gr 7 Up—In this sequel to Traitor (2005) and Payback (2006, both Putnam), teenagers all over the world are strapping on explosives and blowing up important sites. Special Ops in England knows that someone named Black Star is behind the suicide bombings, and the only way to catch him is with a seemingly disaffected youth who wants to join his Angels of Death. Enter Elena and Danny, two initially reluctant teen Ops who are vital to the covert plan. When they travel from London to New York City, the stakes are even higher because suddenly the teens are on their own in a strange city. What a ride! The "spy ops" employed are fascinating, including the complex system of leaving "dead letter box" messages and the complex method of exchanging items, called brush exchanges. Most importantly, the excitement of the story will keep even the most reluctant readers going until the end. However, it helps to be familiar with the previous books as character motivations are not always clear without the backstory.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 9 Up—Lissa and Rose, both 17, have a special bond, as is fitting for a vampire princess and her guardian-in-training, but theirs is closer than most. Lissa is Moroi—a race of living vampires that is persecuted by the deadly Strigoi, undead vampires that feed from and kill Lissa's kind. Rose is a dhampir—a half-vampire-half-human whose role is to guard the Moroi, at a time when both races are dwindling. Vampire opens with the girls on the lam from Montana's St. Vladimir's Academy. Lissa's power to heal is extremely rare and can drive one to madness. At the warning of a teacher, the pair run before Academy elders can take Lissa away to prevent her self-destruction. Through flashbacks and discussions between the girls, readers learn that while living among humans for two years, the Moroi teen illicitly sated her need for blood by feeding from Rose instead of from human donors. When the girls are caught and returned, they are watched closely, while hiding what happened when they were away. They discover attractions to those they should not be involved with and fight against suspicion and sinister forces that want to abuse Lissa's gift. All the while, their priorities and loyalty to each other are tested in the face of danger. This truly engaging and believable novel is on a par with Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" books (Little, Brown), but is more risqué. Fans of Melissa de la Cruz's "Blue Bloods" books (Hyperion) will enjoy this work.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—It's the Great Depression, jobs are scarce, and Joey Singer's immigrant family is struggling. Joey, who lives in Worcester, MA, makes a little money helping with a milk route and his dad washes windows, but most people are living on the edge, and it is getting worse. The rapid disintegration of the country is clearly portrayed. Joey's girlfriend's father loses his job for reporting on the disastrous situation in the mill towns. The crisis in this story comes when the teen, his classmate Hank, and their fathers travel to Washington, DC, to join the Bonus March to demand promised money from the government to help World War I veterans. President Hoover unleashes federal troops on the marchers. Hank is killed and Joey joins a group of young people riding the rails. Meltzer provides a background rich in period details, and the fear and misery in the country are palpable. Hoovervilles, the immigrant situation, soup kitchens, and hints of the Red Scare to come are all here. Although Joey is a likable hero, the dialogue is sometimes stilted, and historical detail sometimes overwhelms the plot. Still, the book will be useful for social-studies classes studying the period. A historical note is included.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

Gr 8 Up—As Jacky and her schoolmates are returning to Boston in 1806 after escaping imprisonment aboard a slave ship, she is arrested by the British for piracy. She gets away with the help of some friends and flees to the American frontier, where she commandeers a riverboat and pilots it down the Mississippi to New Orleans. Along the way, she and her cohorts stop at towns to put on theatrical performances and church revivals and encounter Indians and outlaws. All the while Jacky tries to reunite with her true love, Jaimy Fletcher, who is wandering through the wilderness following her trail. The premise is promising and the action is swift at the beginning; however, the plot slows down significantly. Jacky is a larger-than-life character who stretches the bounds of plausibility. This 16-year-old can captain a boat and lead a crew, swim and dive expertly, sing and dance, outwit any man with her feminine wiles, deal cards, and hold enormous amounts of liquor. Most of the other characters are flat and one-dimensional. Purchase this title where the other books are popular, but point readers looking for a frontier adventure to Jennifer L. Holm's excellent "Boston Jane" series (HarperCollins).—Kristen Oravec, Stephen S. Wise Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA

Gr 5–8—The enigmatic Kiki Strike, introduced in Inside the Shadow City (Bloomsbury, 2006) is back, as is her diverse group of girlfriends known as the Irregulars. This time the focus is on Oona and the secrets of her past that place all of the Irregulars in danger. Ananka narrates and again must deal with her parents becoming suspicious about her extracurricular activities. Abandoned as a baby and raised by women from her father's sweatshop, Oona is contacted by her dad, an infamous smuggler and leader of the Fu-Tsang gang, who reaches out to her in an effort to placate the ghost of her dead mother. Under the guise of making up for lost time, Lester Liu presents Oona with expensive gifts and seeks her help in designing a museum installation for his newly acquired Chinese empress mummy. Despite his kind overtures, the Irregulars suspect Liu's motives and worry that Oona is being won over to the dark side. The girls learn that there is a plot to smuggle priceless art out of the museum, but they can't determine if Oona is in on the scheme or is playing double agent. As numerous secrets are uncovered, the girls are not sure who they can trust. The latest tale about these friends is just as thrilling and as much fun as the first. A well-paced plot keeps the momentum while unexpected surprises help round out many of the characters introduced in the first adventure. Ananka again provides would-be sleuths with important advice as she offers detailed instructions such as "How to Take Advantage of the Power of Scent" and "How to Know if Your House is Haunted." A must-have for libraries where the first book is popular and a recommended purchase for collections that could use a good ghost/spy/action/mystery/story.—Danielle M. Margarida, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 6–9—Newly arrived in California where her father will be teaching at a university, 14-year-old Thandi is embarrassed by her South African background and her black features. The Africa her classmates know and sometimes put down is not her modern Cape Town world. She resents her mother's insistence on natural hair and her teacher's assignment of a report on ancestral roots. She is torn between new "cool" friends and a geeky boy who'd like to be a boyfriend and who shares her interest in scientific invention. Uncomfortable with parts of black American culture, she doesn't know where she fits. Although the message is somewhat obvious, and the language too literary for a high school freshman, the author, herself a South African immigrant, has clearly delineated issues facing young African students in this country as well as those of any teen entering a new school in the middle of the year. Many girls will recognize Thandi's conflicts with her parents and her longing to fit in, and celebrate her progress.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 6–9—"And the highwayman came riding—/Riding—riding/The highwayman came riding…," the portentous refrain of Alfred Noyes's classic poem, is the springboard for this spin-off tale. In the original, the highwayman is shot "dead like a dog on the highway" after his love, the landlord's daughter, kills herself in an effort to save him from approaching soldiers. In this historical adventure set in 18th-century England, Morgan conjures up the character of Bess, love child of the thwarted pair, who continues her father's legacy after his death. Through a few twists of fate, she begrudgingly finds herself partnered with 14-year-old Will, the runaway son of a coldhearted politician. The tale follows the young couple as they struggle to stay out of sight of ever-present soldiers and culminates in a suspenseful Robin Hood-like plot designed to seek justice in their class-divided world. The result is a tender coming-of-age tale in which Will's eyes open to the world beyond his sheltered childhood for the first time as he perceives the effects of his privileged life. Though Will's narration often tips readers off to impending danger, taking some of the edge off the suspense, they will undoubtedly find themselves rooting for the well-matched pair. A fitting recommendation for historical-fiction fans, The Highwayman's Footsteps could easily double as a discussion starter on class and poverty.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 9 Up—In this historical novel, Moser chronicles the life of Jane Austen from her first attempts at First Impressions (later Pride and Prejudice) to the publication of Emma. Interspersed throughout the first-person narrative are Austen's thoughts (as fictionalized by Moser) on God, her family, and romance. Although this technique makes the scenes more immediate and intimate, the interweaving of Austen's actual letters and prose inevitably invites comparisons with Moser's serviceable writing. However, the enduring popularity of Austen, assignments that introduce her work, and a recent film loosely based on her life may draw an audience for the book. Discussion questions that invite reflection on readers' spirituality and morality are included, as are detailed notes on Austen's later life and Moser's research. An additional purchase for libraries in which Christian fiction and "gentle reads" are in demand.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Gr 7 Up—Maplewood is a quiet place until the legendary horror writer R. U. Tremblin comes to town. He is holding a short-story contest in which five finalists will read their entries during an overnight stay with him at Daemon Hall. The winning story will be nationally published, but only if its creator can survive a stint in the haunted house. So begins a night of tale-telling terror for teenagers Wade, Demarius, Chris, Chelsea, and Kara. Chapters include the events in the house and the finalists' bone-chilling tales of horror and suspense. People go missing or seem possessed. The contestants wonder whether the house might be truly alive, like the one in the story Tremblin tells to open the evening. They are also puzzled by their host, and don't know if he is trustworthy or not. The stories in this gripping page-turner, as well as the drama of the frightened teens dropping out one by one, will keep readers on the edge of their seats, but Nance's characters never become fully developed. Tremblin is a disappointment and is almost reckless in his responsibilities toward the finalists. There are some loose ends and Nance seems to be setting up a sequel.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY