Reviews: Grades 5 & Up

Gr 6–10—Mason and Cowel live in Highsmith, a town that used to be filled with heroes who chased dragons and battled ogres. But then all but one of them, including Mason's father, packed up and left—gone on a mysterious errand, from which no one returned. The remaining hero is wealthy and smug Dirk Darlinger, who runs Highsmith and keeps laying new taxes on the empty wallets of its people. Sincere Mason labors to become a bard, but Darlinger has his own bard and there are no other heroes for him to chronicle. Wise-guy Cowel sells plumes that nobody needs for helmets that no one wears. They know they're no heroes. But when a mob of orcs and goblins sweeps into town, defeats Darlinger, and threatens to tear the place apart, the teens must sneak away on a quest to find all those vanished heroes. Anderson's first novel is witty, but far too talky; there's very little action, especially in the first few chapters. Its mock-medieval setting is fantasy-generic, and its language includes modern street slang that is jarring. The tale is ultimately satisfying, but it's unclear how many young readers will stick with it until the end.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—This collection of short stories challenges the myths and expectations surrounding the stronghold of physical beauty and leads readers to consider the genuine essences of loveliness and personal power. A balanced cast of new names in young adult literature and those readily recognized, such as Ron Koertge, Lauren Myracle, Chris Lynch, Ellen Wittlinger, Jacqueline Woodson, Norma Fox Mazer, and Tim Wynne-Jones, explore these themes in a diverse gathering of quirky, serious, humorous, enticing, and, most importantly, thought-provoking tales from many perspectives. A girl seeks both uniqueness and acceptance by dying her hair blue and piercing her nose; a boy bravely approaches the girl of his dreams despite being embarrassed by his excessively hairy adolescent body; a tiny young man fantasizes about rescuing a gorgeous girl from her suicide; a Homecoming queen sprouts an unstoppable chin hair and fears disgrace; and a paralyzed boy is taken aback by his stunning nurse. The stories are all carefully crafted with messages more inherent than blatant, encouraging some enjoyable second readings to appreciate a few of them fully. As with Donald R. Gallo's Destination Unexpected (Candlewick, 2003), this collection will encourage readers to consider and explore new dimensions in human experiences and relationships.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Harmony Library, Fort Collins, CO

Gr 5–8—When eighth-grader Casey Peabody and her Gran buy a rusted box at an estate sale, Princess Eglantine Eleanor Annalisa Ambroisa de Bercy of the Kingdom of Trewellyn appears in their living room, commanding the Peabodys to bow down in allegiance. It is difficult to make her understand that she's traveled through time and ended up in California, but eventually her royal wizard Alaric appears and admits that he needs time to work on the proper returning spell. The Peabodys have no choice but to enroll their unexpected guest in school with Casey, who is, understandably, less than pleased. She has enough trouble navigating the mores of school, without the added burden of helping someone else who is innocent in the ways of teenagers. But naturally, after a time they all begin fashioning themselves after Egg, and Casey learns the value of individualism. There is a hard-sell message, but the story has lots of humor and a likable narrator. A slight but entertaining fantasy.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—The pseudonymous author of this droll mystery insists that he cannot disclose the real names of its characters, or where they really live. The book is about a secret that cannot, under any circumstances, be revealed, so the author gives the story's fictional heroine and hero, two eccentric 11-year-olds, false names (think about that for a moment): Cassandra and Max-Ernest. Cass always expects disaster and carries a backpack filled with survival equipment; Max-Ernest tells jokes that nobody finds funny. They team up after discovering a secret message from a deceased magician in a box of his things delivered to Cass's substitute grandfathers' antiques shop. To learn more, they must break into the magician's house, where they find a hidden room, and, in it, his journal. They also run into a mysterious man and woman who are looking for the notebook, but Cass and Max-Ernest grab it and flee. They learn that their pursuers appear to have kidnapped several children in the past. Cass sees them kidnapping one of her classmates, but nobody believes her. Full-page illustrations incorporate chapter headings. Secret seems to want to be a blend of Lemony Snicket's books in their tendency to warn readers, Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game (Puffin, 1997) puzzles, and the oddly matched detectives of Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer (Scholastic, 2004). The author tries to make the mixture funny and mystifying, only partially succeeding.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This hefty tome is the final installment in this popular historical fantasy trilogy starring plucky Victorian schoolgirl Gemma Doyle. Having unloosed the magic of the realms beyond her world in A Great and Terrible Beauty (2003) and bound it to herself as priestess in Rebel Angels (2005, both Delacorte), Gemma is now faced with deciding whether to fight or ally with the many creatures of the realms who want access to the magic. She also must decide whether the mysterious members of the Order and of the Rakshana who dog her steps are to be trusted, or whether they simply seek to compound their power by taking the magic for themselves. The realms themselves seem to be changing, growing darker and more dangerous by the day—a change echoed by Gemma's friend Pippa, who seems to be turning into something not wholly human as she grows more entrenched in the realms. With the addition of a fairly chaste romance with lust object and erstwhile enemy Kartik and all the real-world drama that accompanies Gemma's troubled family life and upcoming social debut, the novel is somewhat overstuffed and overlong, crammed full of perhaps too many characters, plotlines, and breathless intrigue. As in previous installments, some of the protofeminist musings placed in the mouths of Gemma and her friends ring a bit false. However, the novel's fast-paced and exciting ending and Bray's lyrical descriptions of the decaying realms are sure to enchant readers who loved Gemma's previous exploits.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 6–10—This book completes a popular series. Henry has been back living with his family for two years when Pyrgus and Nymph emerge from the Faerie Realm and tell him that Mr. Fogarty is dying and needs his help. Henry rushes there to try to rescue his mentor, only to find that he is too late. But soon after, it is Henry who needs rescuing as a plague ravages the Realm and the teen is transported into a desert wasteland to fulfill a prophecy. The strength of this series continues to be its marvelous world building. In this final installment, readers get to travel to unknown areas of the Realm where mountains can disappear, pack animals can talk, and sand can become liquid and breathable. It will be an additional treat for readers to return to these beloved characters, including Queen Blue, the mysterious Madame Cardui, and, of course, the evil Brimstone and Hairstreak. Brennan has capped his series with an action-filled adventure through the wonders of Faerie that will satisfy his many fans.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 7–10—A light, predictable romp. Vivi, Lane, Isabelle, and Curtis have all been friends since middle school. Vivi is the alpha teen among them, and Lane goes along with her even when she knows better. Both girls are concerned when Isabelle's boyfriend is caught kissing someone else: senior prom is a month away, and Izzy has looked forward to it forever. The two devise a plan for Vivi's slightly geeky brother to contact Izzy on MySpace, playing the role of "Brandon"; at a theater audition, the friends meet and induce Jonathan to be the fake boyfriend in person. While Vivi coaches him to be Izzy's dream date, they fall in love. There's more to the plot, of course, but all's well that ends well in this frothy concoction in which characters are likable and supportive of one another, and not too many product names are dropped. The story is pure sugar, but in a world of fast reads where being nasty is considered cool, a little sweetness is welcome.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 4–6—In this fourth installment in the popular series, hypnotist and time-traveler Molly Moon, 11, pursues her twin brother, Micky, who, until recently—due to the paradoxes of time travel—she never knew she had. She also learns that she can read people's (and animals') thoughts. Molly, her beloved pug, and her friend Rocky travel back in time, to the moments just after the twins had been born. A mysterious time-traveling character, disguised as a doctor, sneaks out of the hospital with the baby boy, and 11-year-old Molly and Rocky and Petula pursue them hundreds of years into the future to a kingdom atop a now-desertlike Mont Blanc. This kingdom is ruled by Princess Fang, a bossy, bratty, but highly intelligent six-year-old who uses Micky's hypnotic powers to turn everyone into her slave, with the goal of hypnotizing international leaders and one day ruling the world. Micky doesn't believe that Molly is his sister and won't help her escape. Of course, Molly Moon refuses to be kept a prisoner long. The weight of details and characters from the previous books, added to lots of new details and characters here, slows the pace of this volume, and it drags. This big, puttering tale will interest only fans of the series.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—With her parents' divorce coming not long after her family's move to Miami, ninth-grader Fin finds stability only through the rhythm of counting and the voices in her head that establish order. Finding herself isolated from the high school world around her, and disliked by fellow students who find her behavior strange, Fin finds solace when she meets Thayer, a boy with learning disabilities, whose world seems to be a lot like hers. With the help of free-spirited Thayer and a sympathetic therapist, the girl is able to make sense of her life. Chappell's first novel is a brave attempt to explore the world of a teenager ravaged by both obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Fin's struggle with both the drug Paxil and her troubled mother is a telling revelation of the recurrence of these diseases through generations. Likable characters and an intense pace make this a good purchase for most collections.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—In this sequel to The Sight (Dutton, 2002), a lone wolf named Fell teams up with Alina, a human, to stop a vaguely prophesized threat to the young woman and "nature itself." Both companions possess the rare gift of the Sight, which, among other things, enables them to communicate with each other and all animals. Their quest takes them across the rugged terrain of Transylvania to the castle of Lord Vladeran, a brutal feudal ruler and Alina's stepfather. Here, various animal and human forces converge to defeat this villain who had recently kidnapped Alina and was planning to kill her. Several secrets are revealed that allow this to happen; some not surprising enough, while others spring too far out of left field. Heavy-handed doses of morality are sprinkled throughout this lengthy tale, mainly in the form of unrealistic dialogue, and nowhere is this annoying technique more present than in the drawn-out finale. In addition, the story is too ambitious in its scope, with an unwieldy number of characters, wolf terminology, mythology, and themes. While many of the same strengths of the previous novel are present, including a beautiful setting and character depictions, fans of The Sight will be disappointed in Fell's clunky and lackluster story line.—Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 7–10—From the popular author of the "Artemis Fowl" series (Hyperion/Miramax) comes a swashbuckling adventure and spectacular fantasy for somewhat older readers. Born in a hot-air balloon at the Paris World's Fair in 1878, Conor Broekhart is destined to fly. Until the 1890s, he lives an idyllic life on the Saltee Islands off the Irish Coast, with Princess Isabella as his best friend; Good King Nick like a father to him; and a science tutor, Victor Vigny, who shares his obsession with making a flying machine. Everything changes when Conor witnesses Marshall Bonvilain murder the king with Victor's pistol, and he is labeled a traitor and thrown into prison, which is a brutal hell of nightmarish torture where inmates must mine for diamonds under impossible conditions, and he must plan an escape if he is to survive. Grippingly written, this is a fast-paced, highly entertaining tale of flying machines, criminals, martial arts, swordplay, princesses, poisons, and evil villains. The themes are as sweeping as the Airman's wings in full flight: justice, revenge, romance, good triumphing over evil, realizing one's dreams, blackmail, regicide, conspiracy, corruption, betrayal. While the often dark and gruesome subject matter is not for the faint of heart, the moral underpinnings of the story are solid. Give this not only to fans of "Artemis Fowl" but also to those who delight in flying through Kenneth Oppel's "Matt Cruse" books (Eos).—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 4 Up—When the Pestilence strikes her father, a 10-year-old girl is told by her mother to, "Run far, run fast." Readers accompany her on a perilous journey of survival, and learn, just as she does, about the devastating effects of the plague. Decker combines elements of a picture book and graphic novel, alternating a more traditional text page with one of a central image surrounded by vignettes. Interestingly, the people are drawn with no mouths. Striking pen-and-ink illustrations tell more of the story than the spare text. For instance, on the opening page, a map of Western Europe with a fateful date in Roman numerals (1348) establishes the setting. Children are playing ring around the rosy on vignettes framing an image of the pope surrounding himself with fire in an attempt to ward off the plague. The grays and blacks convey the grim nature of the text, and nothing is spared in the illustrations. There are depictions of death and of the persecution of certain individuals thought to be responsible for the disease: stark images of people being put into barrels and floated downstream. Readers, along with the protagonist, may not understand all that is happening, but if they do go on to read about the Black Death, they will no doubt recognize events pictured here. The doctor is identifiable by his traditional medieval mask with a distinctive pointed nose. Though ineffective in combating or even understanding the plague, the man offers kindness and some small hope at the end of this book. An intriguing title.—Robin L. Gibson, Granville Parent Cooperative Preschool, OH

Gr 4–6—Decter's nonstop action begins on the first page, when Cam Walker and his friend try to raise money for an expedition to climb Eagle Tower, and doesn't slow down until the last page, after he and the rest of his crew have discovered a lost Native American city. Along the way, Cam takes a ride on an "ultra-huge" horse and a micro-light, and he helps the Coast Guard to rescue his fellow adventurers. This title will not disappoint fans of the series. It provides a new clue about the location of a lost pirate treasure, which is part of a continuing mystery. The writing style is choppy, and there is a distracting tendency toward ALL CAPS, but for reluctant readers who enjoy a fast-paced adventure without too much plot to get in the way, it will fit the bill.—Robin Henry, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX

Gr 9 Up—Sadie blogs about her Wicked Sister (WS), Dreadful Awful Dad (DAD), and Mean Old Mom (MOM). Unfortunately, she has plenty to discuss because DAD and MOM are divorcing, and MOM moves with the girls to another town, where the teen starts her sophomore year. She uses the blog to keep up with her old pals and to make friends at her new school. Unfortunately, all is not as it first appears with her new boyfriend, BB (Buff Boy, aka Brian), or her classmate Jules. When BB decides that the answer to his problems is to bring a gun to school (a weapon that he threatened Sadie with), she is forced to make some important decisions. Dellasega's experience counseling young people on bullying issues is evident in this book, which also deals effectively with abusive teen relationships. Comments others add to the blog bring depth to the storytelling, and occasional black-and-white cartoons of the main characters provide interest. The lessons can get a bit didactic, but ultimately, the format saves the book from becoming too preachy.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 6–9—A fast-paced, character-driven mystery from Australia. Jackson Ford, 13, is obsessed with numbers, especially even numbers, and most especially the number 8. When his mother, a casino lounge singer, unintentionally witnesses a drug deal involving the manager, they flee from the city to the suburbs. Jackson begins to like his new surroundings when he meets Esmerelda, the beautiful girl across the street, and Asim, a Kurdish immigrant. But strange phone calls and a mysterious Mustang with the ominous license plate "777" signal that he and Mum are still in danger. Badman, the class bully, is mistaken for Jackson and, along with Ez, kidnapped and taken to the casino. Jackson and Asim confront the gangsters, rescuing Ez and Badman (who turns out to be not so bad). The four friends form a garage band with Ez as lead singer. Fienberg uses humor and appealing figurative language to handle numerous themes, including immigration, bullies, and absent parents. Alternating between Jackson's and Esmerelda's voices, the narrative relates Ez's changing relationship with her parents, her difficulties with math, her struggle to get free of her bossy friend's influence, and her growth as a singer. Jackson's developing self-confidence and acceptance of his obsessive-compulsive behavior, with his need to do everything in sets of fours, are handled realistically. A great choice for music devotees and self-professed number freaks, this novel will also have wide appeal for readers who enjoy action or romance.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 9 Up—High school junior Jes is trying hard to be optimistic about the changes in her life: her mom's remarriage to well-meaning Cal; her suddenly confusing relationship with longtime friend Sam; her friend Dell's obsession with a new boyfriend; and sharing living space with Angela, her impossibly beautiful stepsister. She appreciates the insights she gains from Mr. Truelove, her psychology teacher, and gets to work on his assignment of a "life resumé" as she sorts through her feelings about her mother's pregnancy and her changing relationships. Friesen takes standard teen novel fare and freshens it up with an interesting, realistic cast of characters, especially Jes, who is both a protagonist readers will relate to and a witty narrator. Those who read Losing Forever (Kids Can, 2002) will be eager enough for this enjoyable sequel to look past the unattractive cover, but otherwise it may require hand selling, which it deserves.—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 4–7—In Guilty!, seventh-grader Claudia and her friend Monica are accused of stealing from popular clique leader Anna. Learning the principle "innocent until proven guilty," Claudia tracks down the real thief, exposing other wrongdoings and earning a few extra bucks in the process. Whatever! describes the never-ending drama faced by many 13-year-olds. When longtime friend Adam wants to join Claudia and her friends' "Whatever Club," the trio must decide if letting a boy in will alter the way their club is run and, ultimately, affect their friendships. With their TV-sitcom-like tone, these books are lively and engaging. Their short sentences, changing and playful fonts, and cartoons will entice reluctant readers. Each title includes background information about the different characters and their relationship to the protagonist. Fans of Marissa Moss's "Amelia's Notebook" series (S & S) and Carol Weston's The Diary of Melanie Martin (Knopf, 2000) will enjoy Claudia and her dilemmas. Discussion questions and writing prompts are included.—Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA

Gr 5–7—Sam is haunted by the symbolism of the number "11." Just two straight lines he reasons—could be a number of a street address, two straight trees against the sky or, maybe, two towering spires of a castle. His upcoming 11th birthday nudges him; there's something he's forgotten. Searching the attic for hidden birthday presents, he uncovers a secret that overshadows his irrational fear of "11." A newspaper clipping reveals his three-year-old face. Sam sounds out one word, "Missing," but he can't read the other clues. Suddenly his daily frustration turns consuming. Sam is smart and creative. He's learned to compensate for his dyslexia. "Caroline New Girl" is a "reader," and when it's time to pick partners for the class project on medieval times, he chooses her. "One thing….Don't think I'm going to be friends. I won't be here long enough," she warns. The two strike up a friendship of convenience that develops into a genuine bond of support, respect, and acceptance. But with his newfound friendship come suspicions about his loving Grandpa. Sadly, it's Grandpa's guilt over innocent mistakes that gives power to the secrets. The unraveling of Sam's mysterious past will intrigue readers. Children will appreciate the fast friendships, their caregivers' motives, and the struggles of the underdog. Sam, Caroline, and Grandpa ring true with realistically conflicting and unsettling emotions. Set in the western part of northern New York against a rich backdrop of geographic detail and cultural diversity, this novel will be thoroughly enjoyed.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 5–8—While her parents are living abroad, 11-year-old Connie is forced to stay with her eccentric Aunt Evelyn. Then she notices a strange set of red ear protectors in her aunt's possession, and learns that the woman is a member of a secret society set on the protection of mythical creatures. It's not long before Connie learns of her own rare gift of communication, and of her connection to a dark and growing evil set to destroy all that the society has sought to protect. Golding's first book in this quartet is a strong fantasy filled with fantastic mythical creatures and companions alike. Connie isn't as strong or spunky as Pullman's Lyra or as clever and quick as Rowling's Hermione, but she may remind many girls of themselves, with the same insecurities and self-doubts. The story's only flaw is that the antagonist, the shapeless evil known as Kullervo (though bearing little resemblance to the character of Finnish mythology), inspires little fear. Pair this title with Kate Thompson's Switchers (Hyperion, 1998) for readers tired of books about dragons.—Lisa Marie Williams, Oshawa Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 10 Up—This contemporary reworking of Hamlet is told through the voice of quick-witted Horatio Wilkes, who is visiting his boarding-school friend Hamilton Prince. Hamilton's father has been knocked off, and Horatio resolves to solve the crime. Denmark, TN, serves as the mill-town backdrop to the story, and the winking nods to Shakespeare's characters—including Olivia, Roscoe, and Gilbert—are mildly fun to observe. The author tries to remake the protagonist as a sexy Everyman who passes easily through town and into the good graces of its inhabitants, but it feels forced and unrealistic. Women can't resist the teen, apparently, and they all exist merely as a foil for his cadlike ways. When he tires of leering at Olivia and moves on, she has nothing else to do but wait until the end of the novel to kiss him. The fun quotient quickly dissolves for a conceit that had potential.—John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—In this fantasy set "five hundred years after the End of the World," after the battle of Ragnarok, as predicted by Norse mythology, anything imaginative or magical is taboo. Fourteen-year-old Maddy Smith has a strange birthmark on her hand. A wanderer called One-Eye tells her that what she has is a runemark, and he teaches her about magic and the legends of the Aesir and Vanir. When Maddy's powers awake sleeping magic, she discovers that the legends are true and that she has an important role to play in the next battle between good and evil. Aided and opposed by a variety of gods, goblins, and humans, she learns the truth about herself as she tries to find the truth about her world. Harris has created a realistic and detailed world, and the action scenes are both vivid and engrossing. Maddy's abilities develop in a logical manner while her youth and naïveté contrast strongly with the age and wisdom of One-Eye and Loki, her companions on her quest. This epic-strength novel may bring as much attention to Norse legends as Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series (Hyperion/Miramax) has to their Greek neighbors, and fantasy enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in this complex tale.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI

Gr 5–8—Gabriel, a former slave who has a talent for dealing with horses and winning races, lives in Kentucky in 1864 at Woodville Farm where he works for Mr. Giles, who gave the 13-year-old his freedom after he saved eight thoroughbreds from Rebel guerillas. When Mr. Giles decides to enter his best horse in a prestigious race at Saratoga, Gabriel is thrilled to be chosen as the jockey. The outcome of the big event is never in doubt, but there is enough excitement and suspense along the way to keep readers interested. The narrative is well written and the major characters have depth and realism. The book illustrates that the Civil War touched different people to different degrees and in various ways. In Kentucky, some of the slaves run away to join the Union Army, believing that fighting is better than being a slave. In contrast, large crowds of civilians in a holiday mood attend the Saratoga races. Gabriel discovers that there are good and bad people on both sides. This follow-up to Gabriel's Horses (Peachtree, 2007) is part of a planned trilogy but stands on its own.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 6–10—At 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, 2007, a secret military base self-destructs. After that explosive beginning, Henderson recounts the day leading up to that event. Bunker 10 is an exciting, fast-paced, science-fiction thriller that combines genetic engineering, virtual reality, and time travel in a story that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Seven genius kids live and study at Pinewood Military Installation, surrounded by soldiers and scientists. In their spare time they try to outsmart the guards and prove Einstein wrong. When a genetic experiment goes horribly wrong, the base is locked down and set to self-destruct. There's no way out so everyone will die. But is it all real or is it a simulation? Who is human and who is a computer program? Though the character development is weak and the actual science receives too little explanation, computer and gaming enthusiasts will tear through this one and ask for more books like it. Send them on to Vivian Vande Velde's Heir Apparent (Harcourt, 2002) and then to Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game (Tor, 1985).—Anthony C. Doyle, Livingston High School Library, CA

Gr 6–9—Twins Jamie and Scott, 14, can read one another's minds when they are near each other, and now they're in Reno billed as the "Telepathic Twins." A mysterious group called Nightrise is interested in purchasing the boys from their "handler." They are soon separated, and suddenly Jamie is on his own. As he searches for Scott, he learns more about Nightrise, and soon events spin out of control and Jamie learns why he and his brother are needed by the organization. Horowitz knows exactly what adventure readers want, and he doesn't disappoint in this volume. He masterfully blends modern-day suspense with fantastical elements that add to the excitement. The clash between the Old Ones and the Gatekeepers is a nonstop thrill, and Horowitz does an exceptional job of holding his readers until the very end.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 7 Up— Snakehead begins right where Ark Angel (Philomel, 2006) ended. After splashing down in Australian waters, Alex Rider is taken to Sydney and immediately recruited by ASIS, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. They need him to pose as an Afghan immigrant boy to provide cover for an agent who is working to uncover information about a human smuggling operation. Alex reluctantly accepts, only because the agent is his godfather and the last person to have seen his parents alive. From the moment the teen arrives in Bangkok, virtually everything about the operation goes wrong. Narrowly escaping death, he ends up in a wooden box being smuggled to Australia and in the middle of something even more horrifying than the smuggling. All of the things that readers have come to love about Alex Rider are here: the globe-trotting settings, the ripped-from-the-headlines plot, the uncertain alliances, and the nonstop action.—Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 9 Up—Having escaped his grandfather Sigurd's nefarious plans in The Fetch (Knopf, 2006), Sky March is now on a quest of his own. Utilizing the ancient Norse magic of runes, Sigurd has possessed Sky's cousin Kristen's body, and the boy is too unskilled to fight his more powerful ancestor. The only thing to do is to travel to Corsica, where the other side of his family is from, and learn something Sigurd doesn't know. Once there, Sky finds himself trapped in a centuries-old blood feud. His great-aunt has promised that she will teach him how to release his "Fetch," or soul, but only if he fulfills his destiny by participating in the family's vendetta. Torn between his need for information and disgust with killing, Sky finds the answers he seeks only when he's willing to travel yet again into the past. Though best read in tandem with its predecessor, this book is a consistently exciting combination of Corsican legend and contemporary fantasy.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—Fans of John Christopher's The White Mountains (S & S, 1967) and Lois Lowry's The Giver (Houghton, 1993) will enjoy this book, which continues the tradition of setting its characters in a seemingly peaceful society whose citizens are actually under government control. Thanks to Ichor, a mind-controlling substance forced on the population to rid it of basic human passions, the illusive Dr. Sigmundus has created a culture with strict class distinctions and an enforced reverence for doing one's duty. Dante, an orphaned kitchen boy, and Bea, the daughter of two doctors, meet by chance and form a dangerous friendship, in which they plan to free the patient Ezekiel Semiramis from the institution where outlaws are tortured for contradicting the teachings of Dr. Sigmundus. After a series of heart-stopping scenes, Ezekiel invites them to travel with him to "the ruined city"; there, a few hundred rebels are training to bring down the evil man's forces. The first half of the book is riveting; readers will hold their breath as the children take initial steps toward rejecting Ichor and reclaiming their freedom. Unfortunately, Keaney rushes the children through their getaway to the ruined city, where Bea is severely injured and Dante begins training to control his dreams, an ability he inherited from his mother, a brilliant scientist who died in the asylum. Despite the novel's hurried pace (and perhaps in some cases, because of it), Keaney is sure to gain a big readership with this first title in the series. It will captivate readers with a taste for suspense or psychological thrills.—Denise Ryan, Middlesex Middle School, Darien, CT

Gr 3–6—All three of these stories have a scattered, random feel and the same introduction: the Dark Man has the power to save the world from the evil Shadow Masters. Aimed at reluctant readers, the books have only a few lines per page and about 15 pages of text. Unfortunately, there is no depth or continuity to the tales, and they're unlikely to hold the attention of their intended audience. In the first title, a boy leads the Dark Man through tunnels to the Fire of Doom. In Hides, he dreams about his childhood and monsters. Finally, the Dark Man learns that his destiny is to find the Golden Cup and keep it from the Shadow Masters. The books all have back matter with information related to the tales (for example, about dreams), discussion questions, and writing prompts, all of which have more meat than the stories and are written at a higher reading level (as is the introduction). FactHound links to material on nightmares and dreams are also at a more sophisticated reading level. The internal illustrations use only a few colors per page and have a graphic-novel-like look. They are more compelling than the stories, but the covers are unlikely to attract readers.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Gr 9 Up—These 18 short stories are about love-from unrequited, to longing, to being smitten, to family love and friendship. Levithan leaves no form untouched, and tells each tale passionately. This collection contains stories with such poignancy, brilliance, and warmth that anyone who has ever been in love (or wished they were) will enjoy them. In one selection, a teen awkwardly waits in line to catch the eye of a handsome Starbucks barista behind the counter. In another, Lucy learns what it is like to feel a broken heart, but comes out an independent, self-sufficient young woman. A Chinese-American girl is fixed up by her parents with the son of a Chinese business partner; two stories later, a gay boy tries to figure out the difference between lust and love. The portrayal of these teenagers' feelings across different sexual orientations and races is at once believable and accurate. An excellent choice for fans of Levithan's Boy Meets Boy (2003), Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist (2006, both Knopf), and Francesca Lia Block's Necklace of Kisses (HarperCollins, 2005).—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This sequel to Vegan Virgin Valentine (Candlewick, 2004) focuses on Mara Valentine's niece, all-round wild-child Vivienne. After V is hit in the head by a flying hockey puck and lands in the lap of nice-guy Sam, the two become sexually involved. However, V, who has been disappointed repeatedly by her irresponsible mother and is afraid of commitment, resists calling Sam her "boyfriend" or acknowledging that he's more than just another hookup. When Aimee again disappoints V by missing her high school graduation, she reacts by picking a fight with Sam and then cheating on him with another guy. She's caught in the act by Sam's sister and they break up. When Aimee invites V to visit her in San Antonio, V seizes on this opportunity as a distraction from her heartbreak and drives by herself from New York to Texas. Like all good road trips in fiction, this one ends up being a journey of self-discovery as V's encounters along the way help her to realize certain truths about herself and her relationships. This is a fun, breezy read that fans of the first book will especially enjoy. There are no surprises here, but V's troubled relationship with her mother rings true, and teens will be rooting for the protagonist to pull herself together.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7 Up—This charmingly funny Australian comedy stars an offbeat teenage boy, his kooky hippie family, and other wacky small-town characters. Seth Parrot's family's feud with a straitlaced city environmental-health officer escalates while a romance burgeons between Seth and the man's muscular daughter, Miranda. Seth is an unassumingly innocent character whose lack of artifice brings a lighthearted humor to his voice and dialogue. The narration is well paced, keeping readers moving through the never-ending silliness of the boy-gets-girl plot and the many subplots. The Parrots' absurd behavior, such as the running gag of the dad peeing on the lemon tree in their yard or the little brother's overpowering vanity, never lets up. The rest of the town follows suit with their own stereotypes; only Miranda's character is fleshed out enough to stand on her own. Unfortunately, the hippie jokes and various plot contrivances will be funniest to those of a previous generation; the title, for example, refers to Seth's parents' enjoyment of Cat Stevens's 1971 classic song "Moonshadow." An enjoyable read, though, for general purchase.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 6–9—A solitary Norwegian elkhound appears in the village street as 11-year-old Joel Gustafson peers out his window on a frigid night. The boy imagines the dog searching for a distant star in the clear, spangled night sky. Living with his lumberjack father in Sweden in 1956, he dreams of having adventures as his father did when he was a sailor. Abandoned by his wife soon after Joel was born, Samuel is a lonely, unhappy man and a distant father. When the boy invents a Secret Society—The Search For The Dog That Headed For A Star, he begins getting up in the middle of the night to look for the animal, bringing him into contact with some of the outcasts in the town as well as an older, wealthy boy who leads him into pranks that he does not want to do. The plot climaxes when Joel, distraught and resentful at his father's sexual relationship with a local waitress, accepts a dare to climb the giant arches on the bridge over the frozen river. It is through this harrowing, near-death experience that he realizes the depth and strength of his father's love, as well as his own integrity. In spite of Mankell's skill at describing the protagonist's inner turmoil and imaginings, readers may be left wondering about less-developed characters such as the older boy or the outcasts whom Joel meets in his nightly adventures. Still, the book might spur discussion for mature readers who grasp the depth and seriousness of this coming-of-age novel.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 3–6—"Dog lived each life as it came until, finally, he learned the most important lesson of all." A parable of the Buddhist belief in reincarnation adapted from the eighth-century writings of Shantideva, this story describes eight lives of a brown dog. Readers see him first as a feral animal in an urban jungle, alone and trusting no one. His following lives, though, gradually come to contain more love and kindness, until in his final life he is the faithful companion to a blind boy. This is where he learns the highest type of compassion, after which he leaves Samsara (the cycle of birth and rebirth) and enters Nirvana. The writing is smooth, and the circumstances of the dog's various lives are interesting—he rides with a wild motorcycle gang, he's a sniffer at an airport, and he learns to juggle with a street performer. Vivas's distinctive watercolors are done with her usual skill. Soft colors and beautiful, flowing lines range in mood from dramatic (the craggy cliffs surround him as a rescue dog, where he feels loneliness for the first time), to sweet (when he's with four little girls who dress him up and feed him cream puffs), to unabashedly tender in Dog's final life. This title has grace and style.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 4–6—Megan Merrill, the engaging star of Deaf Child Crossing (2002) and Nobody's Perfect (2006, both S & S), has her heart set on playing the part of Dorothy in her class production of The Wizard of Oz. Megan's speech-reading skills help her to thrive in her hearing class, but when her friend Lizzie, who is deaf, transfers to her school, she is at once thrilled to have someone else to sign with and annoyed that Lizzie seems to want the same role in the play. Megan wins the role by bringing her dog, Solo, to the audition and showing off the tricks she has taught him using sign language. As in the first two books, everything hinges on the force of Megan's personality, which strains to hold up the thin plot. The main conflicts are resolved in a facile manner—as it turns out, Lizzie really didn't want to be Dorothy after all, and Solo, who escapes from Megan's yard, turns up just in time to bound onto the stage on opening night. Though the descriptions of Megan's school days will be of interest to readers unfamiliar with deafness, the behavior of her classroom interpreter, which repeatedly falls outside the boundaries of acceptable ethical behavior, is unfortunately presented as fun and friendly. Most jarring, however, is the fact that the story digresses several times into Megan's parents' points of view and consistently refers to them by their first names.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 7–9—While on a school field trip, five fringe students find themselves thrown into a world of shifting realities, where they can run simulations regarding the possible outcomes. However, the ever-advancing edge of reality means that they must choose the correct simulation, or else be propelled down a path that could be deadly. The teen adventurers face poisonous fungi, stinging jellyfish, and thunderous logic puzzles as they try to regain a missing skull and return home. At the end of their successful quest, they are given a glimpse of one of their possible futures. Matthews's attempts to explain the confusing universe with quasi-science and poorly realized metaphors will leave readers unsatisfied. The thin characters never become more than a name, or a pun in Miss Ermine's case—she has the ability to shape-shift into a small weasel. Helen's revelation that she is a cutter provokes no response from readers, nor does Johan's dangerous fight with a crocodile. The attempt to represent each of the teens' different family situations only dilutes the emotional connection of all of them. The sluggish action scene where characters are flying across the sky on boards will have readers drawing comparisons to Scott Westerfeld's more successful depiction in Uglies (S & S, 2005). Complicating the narrative line are the British colloquialisms, which seem oddly fussy. Responsibility is a key theme throughout, as the adult characters pontificate regularly in a heavy-handed manner. Lacking a well-formed plot, this book leaves readers feeling like outcasts themselves.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—Having just moved to Franklin Grove, finding new friends and fitting in on the cheerleading squad seem like daunting enough tasks for bubbly eighth-grader Olivia, but when she discovers that her Goth-dressed, dark-humored science partner, Ivy, is her long-lost twin, things take an interesting twist. The girls figure out their relationship themselves (they look alike, share a birthday, are both adopted, have the same emerald ring from their birth parents), and in true Parent Trap-style they plan many adventures switching places. There is one small difference between the sisters: Ivy is a vampire, as are many other members of this small community. While the story provides snapshots of the town, which includes both vampires (who satisfy their nutritional needs at BloodMart) and "bunnies" (non-vampires), readers never get the whole picture, leaving them with more questions than answers. Even the girls can't figure out why one of them is a vampire and the other is not. Many of the characters are stereotypes and never really brought to life. However, the sisters are likable and the writing is fast paced and upbeat, making for a quick read. This book will not interest diehard vampire enthusiasts, but may appeal to fans of frothy—and Gothy—school stories.—Jennifer Huddler, Margaret Hearne Elementary School, Wilson, NC

Gr 9 Up—Conservative, closeted, and a Christian, Paul has a girlfriend and sticks to the straight and narrow in his small Texas town. He's changed his name from Pablo to appear more American, and he keeps his mouth shut when it comes to hot topics, like who is gay and who isn't—until Manuel, who happens to be openly gay and Christian, wanders in on his turf. The new guy slips easily into the high school senior's mostly accepting circle of friends and his Bible-study group. Before he knows it, Paul finds himself spending more and more time around Manuel, who simultaneously bends his heartstrings and his belief system. The results are a boxing-ring-like philosophical and spiritual debate on the intersection of homosexuality and religion. Sanchez's cleverly diverse characterizations, conversational stylings, and sense of humor lighten this potentially daunting theme. Plus, the brewing romance between the pair—not to mention the dissolution of Paul's romance with his loyally lovable girlfriend—keeps the pages turning during even the most excruciatingly detailed Bible-passage battles between the two warring parties. These rightfully thought-provoking debates—most of which happen either in after-school Bible study or between Paul and Manuel—make Sanchez's latest an intense, necessary addition to the burgeoning LGBTQ teen lit canon.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—Thirteen-year-old aspiring writer Jules recounts his recent raft trip toward Lake Ontario in fast-as-I-can-keyboard first-person, complete with funny editorial musings. His two companions on the trip, athletic, reticent Chris and eccentric, artsy Cory, complement the witty, talkative Jules nicely. Each has his strengths and weaknesses but, together, they're a teenage power trio. Jules's quirky point of view is one of the devices that helps keep this coming-of-age story afloat as the suburban adventure morphs into a disorienting mystery when, halfway downstream, clueless Cory is kidnapped by a trio of snooty thugs, leading Jules and Chris on a madcap pursuit that involves a Colombian boa constrictor, a diminutive but talented hobo, a girl who looks really good in a bikini, and—ultimately—a jewel smuggling operation. Ravine celebrates the synergies of good friendships and its fast pace and goofy humor make it a natural choice for reluctant readers.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 4–7—When 13-year-old Michael eats the entire pan of his mom's triple chocolate fudge brownies, something strange happens. He is no longer the popular class clown, sitting in the back of the room. Instead, he has turned into a brainiac, excelling in all of his work and snagging the lead role in the school play. It turns out that his father's computer chip ended up in the cakes and, by eating them, Michael has gained all of its knowledge. What ensues are crazy, and often funny, attempts at destroying the chip while it is still inside him. This humorous story is a quick and easy read. Children will relate to Michael, as well as to his friends Hil and Sludge, and will take to them quickly as they try to destroy the chip, get through school, and fend off Harold, Michael's enemy. The fast pace of the book will also appeal to reluctant readers.—Carly B. Wiskoff, Sayville Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—A wealthy heiress, 18-year-old Averie Winston is betrothed to Colonel Morgan Stode, whom she has loved since she first laid eyes on him at the age of eight. When the opportunity arises for her to leave Aeberelle to join her father and Colonel Stode in Chiarrin, she jumps at the chance to see the world and leave her dull life behind. Her eyes begin to open on the voyage over with her friendship to Lieutenant Du'Kai. Many of their conversations revolve around other cultures, customs, and the imperialistic tendencies of the Aeberelle government; his own country of Xan'tai has been taken over by it. While visiting a Chiarrin marketplace, rebels attack and injure a native woman whom Averie has befriended. Averie offers Jalessa a job in her home and it is she who truly exposes her to a different way of life and point of view. The young woman comes to realize that her opinions on politics, her father, the military, and even her feelings for Morgan have changed. Even though the story takes place in a fictionalized setting, Shinn does an excellent job creating a parallel to the British Empire in its height of 19th-century imperialism. The characters are well developed and believable, and readers will certainly identify with Averie's determination and zest for life. Interestingly, the story opens with a journey in one direction and culminates with a different one entirely. Readers should enjoy this novel as it has something to offer to almost everyone—politics, romance, danger, friendship, and betrayal.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—An unsettling futuristic novel set after the Second Civil War. Connor Lassiter, age 16, runs away from his suburban Ohio home after discovering that his parents have scheduled his "unwinding." His body parts will go to other people who need them. He will be both terminated and "technically" kept alive, only in a separated state. The constitutional amendments known as "The Bill of Life" permit parents to choose "retroactive" abortion for children between the ages of 13 and 18. Connor meets another Unwind, Risa, and they kidnap Lev, who is a Tithe (the 10th child born to a single family with the express purpose of being unwound). Their escape and survival stories interweave as they struggle to avoid harvest camps. Luckily, an underground network is helping Unwinds escape to safety. There is evenhanded, thoughtful treatment of many issues, including when life starts and stops, consciousness, religion, free will, law, trust and betrayal, suicide bombers, and hope. Initially, the premise of parents dismantling their children is hard to accept; however, readers are quickly drawn into the story, which is told in a gripping, omniscient voice. Characters live and breathe; they are fully realized and complex, sometimes making wrenchingly difficult decisions. This is a thought-provoking, well-paced read that will appeal widely, especially to readers who enjoy Scott Westerfeld's Uglies (2005), Pretties (2005), and Specials (2006, all S & S).—Amy J. Chow, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—As German bombs fall on London, 14-year-old Nick is sent to Burma to live with his British father on their teak plantation. Unforeseen in this plan is the impending invasion that puts them, along with the locals, under Japanese rule. Nick is forced to work on the plantation for the brutal commanders and his father is placed in a labor camp. The boy's predicament escalates as his trust in the Burmese employees who once worked for his father is challenged by their newfound loyalty to the Japanese. Escape through the jungle, with the help of a well-respected monk and great-grandfather to the boy's new friend Mya, is the only way out. This novel is filled with intrigue, danger, surprising plot twists, and suspense. It's a well-developed historical adventure with villains and heroes that describes aspects of British colonization, forced occupation, and World War II.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 5–8—It is March, 1889, in London, and Enola is still lodging in the East End and evading her brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock, so as to avoid boarding school. For six months, she has been using the alias Ivy Meshle and pursuing her "life's calling" as a Perditorian ("finder of the lost") but, afraid that she has been discovered, she must choose a new identity: Viola Everseau. Her new disguise: a beautiful woman. Her new case: finding the missing Dr. Watson. Her first act is to visit Dr. Watson's wife, and her first clue is a bizarre bouquet the frantic woman has received. Using her knowledge of the "language of flowers," Enola deduces that the bouquet suggests revenge and knows that this is a detail that her sleuthing brother will overlook. Her investigation leads her from a theatrical shop to a hothouse, from one dangerous situation to another. Enola is a delightful character, with the sharp wit one would expect from Sherlock Holmes's sister, and a wry voice that is uniquely hers. Springer's descriptions of late-19th-century England are vivid, the mystery is intriguing, and Enola's cleverness and capability will appeal to readers who like their heroines both sprightly and savvy. Move over, Sherlock.—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 5–8—In 1922, when their widowed mother dies, Carl Matuski and his older brother, Adam, move to Portland, OR, to live with an uncle. Eager to prove that he is responsible, Carl is always annoyed when Adam calls him "kid." After all, at the age of 15, no longer in school and earning wages, he is practically an adult. Adam, however, is constantly distracted by carousing and meeting pretty girls, and eventually he falls in with the wrong crowd. When he is accused of a crime he didn't commit, Carl steps in and uses his maturity, intelligence, and fortitude to try to clear his brother's name. This fast-paced novel has an interesting blend of fiction and fact, illuminating many issues plaguing immigrant families during a volatile time in America. Polish and Catholic, the main characters not only face stereotypes that accompany poverty, but also combat harsh racism. At first, there seems to be an overabundance of characters, confrontations, and setbacks; however, readers are easily swept up in the adventure as the eye-opening mystery unfolds.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 4–6—Twelve-year-old Mella is a dragon keeper; she has the gift of soothing and communicating with the domestic dragons that her family keeps for their eggs, which are a popular menu item at their inn. Thinking that wild dragons are things of legend, she and the other residents of her small town are surprised when a knight arrives at the inn seeking signs of just such a beast. She discovers a mysterious object in a cave, which turns out to be the egg of a true dragon (the large, fearsome, and wise kind). When the dragon is mortally wounded by the knight, she promises the creature that she will return the egg to its hatching ground in the distant Dragontooth Mountains. She and Roger, the knight's page (who has a secret of his own), embark on a dangerous quest. A dragon-hating enemy, a difficult journey through the wilderness, and of course the majestic dragons add lots of excitement to this fast-paced adventure. Mella is a likable character who gains the self-confidence and strength needed to keep her word. This book is sure to be popular with fans of Emily Rodda's "Deltora Quest" series (Scholastic) and other dragon fantasies.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—High school senior Jamie Carcaterra doesn't apologize for being fat. In fact, she proclaims her fatness from the rooftops—or from the pages of her school newspaper, to be exact, in an attempt to win a college journalism scholarship. Jamie explores issues such as discrimination, health, stereotypes, and more in this engaging novel, which includes her columns as well as her first-person narrative. Despite her outspokenness, the teen nevertheless struggles to come to terms with her weight—refusing to eat in public and feeling a mixture of shame and anger when an insensitive doctor examines her. It's her boyfriend's decision to have weight-loss surgery, however, that drives the plot. His medical trials raise questions for Jamie, and for readers. Is obesity more dangerous than surgery? Is it worth risking your life to be thin? While Jamie and her friends sometimes come across as overly quirky and eccentric, readers will generally root for these appealing outsiders. Jamie is a strong, interesting character who grows over the course of the novel, recognizing her own contradictions. This is a powerful story for readers of any weight.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 9 Up—High school seniors Max and Eric and their Harvard-freshman friend Schwarz challenge one another to find a candidate Harvard would never consider and hack through the admissions process to get him in—all without accessing the university's computer system. The trio decides to transform their classmate Clay Porter from a non-achieving, pot-smoking bully to a brilliant, brooding artist, and to change his academic records. Max bets a gang of rival hackers a few hundred dollars on the scheme but gets his friends in over their heads when he involves them in blackmailing an admissions counselor, raising the ante to $25,000. While the action is largely dialogue-driven, there is enough substance here to keep readers engaged, especially when the high-tech gadgetry rigged to ace Clay through the admissions interview fails, and it is apparent that someone is sabotaging their efforts. In a dramatic climax, the hackers try to put the brakes on the plot when it looks as though they're about to be caught. Seemingly on the sidelines is gal pal Alexandra, who has college-admissions obsessions of her own. Narrator "Lex" tells the story in hindsight, slowly divulging her feelings toward Eric and speaking out about the pretentiousness of Ivy League schools, but holding back on her own key role in the story's outcome. Integrated details about Harvard's campus and admissions process are realistically underscored by chapter-heading quotes from college admissions guides.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 7 Up—Westerfeld delivers another page-turner in the fourth book of his series, neatly tying previous narrative threads together with characters from former novels but allowing readers to enjoy this one with no prior knowledge of earlier books. In a society based on "face" (a social ranking), a 15-year-old "ugly" longs to be famous. With atypical teenage angst, Aya Fuse hatches a plan to "kick" herself into the top thousand most famous people. As she researches the Sly Girls who she saw riding the mag-lev on hoverboards, she stumbles into a much larger story involving city-killing missiles and strange nonhuman beings. Teens will find themselves drawn to Aya, who soon discovers, through her own experiences, that fame isn't everything and popularity comes with negatives that she hadn't before considered.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—When Carl Hobbes, 17, hacks into the computers that keep the doors to Fort Knox closed, he is tracked down by U.S. authorities and sent to a maximum-security location in the middle of a frozen landscape with other, far scarier criminals (terrorists, murderers, mercenaries) than himself. After all, his crime was simply opening some doors—what happened after that was out of his control. He tells the truth about his hacking to the commander at the Icecore compound, but everything there turns out to be extreme, from the freezing temperatures to brutality, and even what happens when Carl thinks he's finally leaving his personal hell on earth. Readers are repeatedly led to believe that they know what will happen next, but Whyman has the subtle knack of taking them in a completely unexpected but convincing direction. Superbly written and perfectly paced, the book expertly reveals the teen's despair and anger as things start to spiral out of control. Readers are continually left wondering, "How will Carl get himself out of this one?" The subtitle implies that this teen will be back in further adventures.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 5–8—African-American twins Xavier and Xanthe Alexander and their friends Nina and Rowan Popplewell are back. In this third novel, they embark on their first solo mission: to find Balthazar Weber, the teenage son of the inventor of time travel. He disappeared during a trip with his father in 1856 to hear Abraham Lincoln speak. The children piece together the notion that Balthazar may have run away to the California Gold Rush, and they head back in time to find him. Their trip leads to plenty of Wild West adventures filled with historical details, including the way that African Americans were treated and a glimpse of Native American life. The juxtaposition of 21st-century teens and their humor with a realistic picture of the Old West gives this book a readability that can often be absent from historical fiction. This welcome addition to the series will leave readers waiting to see where the children's adventures will take them next.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 6–9—In her eighth-grade year at a private girls' school in Connecticut, African-American Lahni Schuler transitions from feeling like an outsider to achieving self-confidence and self-acceptance. Her adoptive, white parents are separating, and an intimidating white boy is harassing her. Selected to compete for a school music award, Lahni is reluctant to perform or to tell her distracted parents about the competition. When her mother takes her to an interdenominational church, Lahni is captivated by the soulful exuberance of the gospel singing of Carietta Chisholm. She joins the choir and responds to the vocal inspiration of the flamboyant, talented director and organist, Marcus Delacroix III. As Lahni finds her own musical voice, she also begins to accept her parents' divorce, and she confronts her stalker in an outburst of ethnic pride. Lahni is an appealing heroine. Her repartee with insensitive peers, her distress over parental discord, her candid self-assessments, and her attraction to African-American singing ring true. Her white friend, Katie, and a racially mixed cast of supportive adults help Lahni to express her true self. Readers will enjoy the distinctive characters, lively dialogue, and palette of adolescent and racial insecurities in this contemporary, upbeat story.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 6–9—Grieving over his recently deceased mother and unhappy about his father's quick marriage, 16-year-old Baoliu has been difficult at home. One night after a particularly unpleasant scene with his father, he is awakened by a noise. When he investigates, he is knocked down and injured by someone fleeing from the room of his stepmother, who has been murdered. Because he is found near her door covered with blood, his family assumes Baoliu is guilty and he is jailed. Though the teen is condemned to death, his father pays a ka-di to die in his place. Rejected by his family and forced to live on the streets, Baoliu is determined to clear his name, but even with the help of Zhou, another down-on-his-luck boy, this proves difficult. The fast-paced plot unfolds with fights, mysteries, and a flight from authorities; yet in the end, all turns out well for these believable characters. Unfortunately, inaccuracies compromise this otherwise exciting read. Set in China in 1199 AD, the Song Dynasty, when Neo-Confucianism was at its height, the tale doesn't reflect culturally accurate behavior for that period. At the beginning, Baoliu acts like a 20th-century adolescent, not a son held to an exacting standard of filial piety. Furthermore, in The Analects, Confucius clearly states that the misconduct of a son should be concealed by the father. To do otherwise would dishonor the family. Because of this, it is likely that Baoliu's father would have taken immediate steps to hide his son's presumed guilt, and his punishment would have been meted out strictly within the confines of the family. Other minor missteps occur as well.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

Gr 3–6—Set in a small mid-20th-century town, this novel follows the exploits of nine-year-old Harold Sylvester George Klein, known to everyone as "Little Klein" ("his body seemed to grow at the rate of a blade of grass in the shade"). Harold's father, a traveling salesman, is largely absent, leaving the child's mother overwhelmed with her four sons at home. Mrs. Klein has fretted over her youngest since he was a sickly, frail baby. Meanwhile, the "Bigs"—his brothers Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are strapping, boisterous, and known for their antics. The somewhat episodic chapters follow the boys as they adopt a stray dog, attempt to build a doghouse, fight, fish, and generally cause a ruckus. Readers will appreciate the protagonist's growth from the beginning of the novel when he finds his family's coddling both irritating and reassuring to the end, when he insists on being called "Harold." A gentle read for fans of Eleanor Estes's The Moffats (Harcourt, 2001), John D. Fitzgerald's The Great Brain (Dial, 2000), and Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks (Knopf, 2005).—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—Incorporating the 2006 official restructuring of the solar system, plus recent discoveries and theories about extra solar planets, galaxies, and the history of the universe, this broad survey would make an acceptable replacement for its many outdated cousins were it not riddled with errors. Assuring readers that anyone incautious enough to step out onto the surface of Venus would be "crushed like a paper cup—or toasted," Aguilar pairs his own lively tour of the planets and contributing writers' looks at the rest of the cosmos and speculations about the future of space travel with a riveting mix of "straight" space photos and dramatic digital blends of art and photography. This is all to the good, but Galileo is labeled a "medieval astronomer," Jupiter is inaccurately dubbed "egg shaped," and different figures are given on different pages for the Sun's rate of self-consumption. Furthermore, there are discrepancies between text and pictures; Ganymede is correctly billed as larger than Earth's Moon but looks smaller in the picture, and though Neptune is said to have four rings, only three are visible in the accompanying art. Several similar titles, such as Gordon Ritter's Planets, Stars, and Galaxies (Chelsea House, 2007) are out or in the pipeline; despite high marks for reader appeal, libraries would be well advised to hold off on adding this one in hopes of a corrected reprint.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 5–9—These titles explore the people, events, systems, conflicts, and compromises that forged the United States. They provide copious detail on everything from pirates to Puritans. Trade explores the complex financial underpinnings of both settlement and ultimately rebellion. Daily Living provides a window into everyday life by examining the food, families, and expectations of the time. In Government, the authors go beyond the familiar Compacts to Continental Congress progression and delve into Native American tribal structures and the pacts of individuals. Well organized, the books follow a chronological approach and discuss the competing views and interests of colonists, merchants, and statesmen. Interactions, alliances, and treaties with Native American tribes are also discussed. The volumes are attractive, with many color drawings, explanatory maps, and interesting sidebars. They go into considerable depth, and while clearly informative, they sometimes contain language that may tax some students' attention spans.—Tracy H. Chrenka, Forest Hills Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI

Gr 7 Up—The African-American experience, from 1619 to the present, is fraught with turbulence and terror, joy and heartache. Still, it is difficult for those born after the Civil Rights Movement to understand fully what that period was all about. These two books can help to inform that understanding. The first one looks at the event that is thought by many to have ignited the Civil Rights Movement itself. The murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955 by two or more racist white men was a horrendous act that shocked America. The second title presents a comprehensive look at the events in Selma, AL, that led to the passage of the groundbreaking Voting Rights Act of 1965. Both books give readers an insider look at the internal conflicts, contradictions, and controversies that surrounded each event. Both books are well organized and clearly written, and have extensive bibliographies, time lines, and black-and-white photos that help place each event within a cultural context. While there are several titles available about the Till murder, fewer books deal solely with the pivotal civil rights campaign in Selma. First purchases for most collections.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 5–7—Armstrong kicks off a planned series with profiles of 21 sky watchers throughout history, plus thumbnail introductions to dozens more. Opening with EnHeduanna, a Babylonian priestess of around 2350 BCE, and closing with a captioned photo gallery of "Rising Stars," the author draws on a mix of published sources and personal correspondence to describe how each of her subjects overcame pervasive prejudice and social pressure to pursue basic educations, earn degrees, land decent jobs, make important discoveries, and, in many cases, become role models for younger contemporaries. Though the "overcoming gender-based adversity" theme plays loudly throughout, aside from Maria Mitchell and Sally Ride none of these women has received anything close to her due in resources for young readers. Consequently, despite a few minor errors (e.g., references to the "surface" of Jupiter and the confusion of "parsec" with "megaparsec"), this volume will make a significant addition to any library or even classroom collection. Enhanced by side explanations of relevant science topics, a good-sized selection of photos and other illustrations, and a set of chapter-specific sources at the end, it shows equal promise for reference and as inspiration for career-minded students.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—Each volume opens with an attention-grabbing paragraph that captures the essence of the man and then follows his life chronologically. Primary-source materials and quotes, helpful insets, and carefully selected photographs and/or reproductions bring history to life and help make these clearly written biographies highly readable. Unfortunately, there are no sources for the quotes. Aronson shows Nixon as a man who could be a ruthless candidate for office, often destroying the reputations of his competitors, but also having great sympathy for America's poorer citizens. Madison is presented as a physically tiny, quiet, shy man whose great intellectual capacity helped craft the Constitution. His presidency was tumultuous, and his difficulties with leadership and stubborn adherence to his ideas are fairly presented. Roosevelt is characterized as a man of action, personal dynamism, and dedication to addressing corruption. His many accomplishments and failures are evenly handled, and Elish touches on both his personal tragedies and public triumphs. Fillmore is often presented as a lackluster president. However, Gottfried shows him to be an interesting man of his times. He was largely self-educated and during his apprenticeship to a cloth manufacturer he was ill-treated, which made him sensitive to injustices in later life. The tensions of the 1840s and '50s, which included anti-immigrant sentiments, slavery, and the war with Mexico, are discussed. These books merit more than a cursory reading for reports as they are particularly well balanced and attractively formatted. They are similar to but more accessible than the "Encyclopedia of Presidents" series (Children's Press).—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 5–8—These credible titles are attractively designed with colorful covers. The format is inviting with a variety of fonts at the beginning of each chapter, quotations, and a multitude of illustrations (one or two on almost every spread). The text is clear and to the point, and chapters are divided into short topics. Pacific and Doughboys are full of vintage black-and-white photos while Roman Legions features photos of statues, coins, historical sites, and reproductions of artistic works. Related information is found in numerous boxes. Each title has one map, which is of mediocre quality. Doughboys has a glitch in that Harry S. Truman did not grow up on a farm in Kansas. Otherwise, all three texts appear to be accurate, although there are some typos. Pacific and Roman Legions are definitely first choices; purchase Doughboys with the knowledge of the error.—Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 8 Up—Useful for reports, these volumes provide concise, concentrated information on contemporary topics. Each one gives an overview of the subject and presents pertinent questions with appropriate and well-documented quotations from a variety of viewpoints and basic facts and diagrams. Most pages also include a pull quote from the text. Key people and advisory groups are briefly discussed, and related contact information is provided. A thorough list of materials for further research includes books, periodicals, and Web sites. Charts and maps are in full color. Global Warming presents the dimensions of the crisis while giving voice to those who have different views. Friedman gives a short history of nuclear arms and describes the current proliferation of such weapons. A section on world survival after a nuclear war discusses the devastating consequences of such an event. Energy Alternatives provides a variety of possible alternatives to fossil fuels. Wind, solar, nuclear, hydro, ocean, and geothermal power are examined with the possible benefits and problems associated with each. These books will be helpful to students looking for a one-stop information source on current and controversial issues.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 8 Up—The articles here are organized to address the questions: "Is online pornography harmful to society?," "Is online pornography a form of free speech?, "Should children be protected from online pornography?," and "Should limits be placed on online pornography?" Some of the arguments include whether or not pornography is a growing moral problem, whether or not it is addictive, whether or not online laws should be the same as other pornography laws. A "For Further Discussion" section includes questions for readers to use in shaping their own opinions and debates. This is an excellent addition for middle and high school libraries. but libraries with limited shelf space might prefer the up-to-date online subscription version of this series.—Pat Scales, formerly at South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, Greenville

Gr 7 Up—The author's conviction of the worth of Shakespearean study is the predominant message in this title, and Brown provides ample evidence to validate his viewpoint. However, by trying to appeal to everyone, he speaks to no one. The chapters range from the universality of Shakespeare to looking at character development, spiritual values, and stage techniques of the Elizabethan's plays, and Brown gives much information about his hero's life and times; however, none of the material is new and some of it is based more on the author's opinion than on actual fact. For instance, when he talks about the busy lives of Elizabethan boys, he states that their having many responsibilities "demonstrates why very few Elizabethan schoolboys ever got involved in criminal activity." While many may indeed have lived basically blameless lives, he cites no evidence other than his own assumptions for the reasons behind it. Also, he uses his text to make statements that have no relevance to the subject but rather to represent unsubstantiated value judgments of his own. For example, he pronounces the following: "Today in America we are seeing a slow destruction of the family because Christian values are no longer considered necessary for happiness." How is this statement appropriate in a book that's supposedly trying to promote the worth of a great writer? With so many wonderful titles available to encourage young people to investigate the wonders of the Bard, there is no reason to choose this pedantic volume.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 3 Up—In the introduction, the authors invite girls to explore their world, which they warn is "bi