Grades 5 & Up

Gr 4–6—It's 1872, and 14-year-old Horace Carpetine is not pleased. Apprenticed to a photographer in New York City, he finds out that his boss has decided to cash in on the idea of being a "spirit photographer" who can capture the images of ghosts. Unfortunately, Horace soon learns that the ghost that they are trying to fake into their photos is all too real and that somehow his own foray into the world of photography has released her. Now the boy who was always taught to regard otherworldly events with skepticism must deal with a spirit intent not just on coming back, but on murder and revenge as well. The otherworldliness of photography is superbly rendered in this first-rate piece of historical fantasy. Without ever moving too fast or pushing the understated horror of this tale, Avi successfully draws out the suspense without sacrificing character, plot, or tone. This is a perfect companion to Mary Downing Hahn's Wait Till Helen Comes (Clarion, 1986) and an ideal recommendation for any child hoping for a ghost story that is both frightening and hauntingly mysterious.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Ren D'Arc's father, a famous writer, moves her to Danbury, CT, and away from her posh Manhattan life after her mother, also a successful author, is crushed to death by thousands of J. K. Rowling's latest tomes. Ren attends a swanky private school where the students are the children of soap stars, NBA heroes, and Wall Street traders. Her attempts at social success are thwarted by Farrin, the "impossibly gorgeous" blond captain of the cheerleading squad, which, thanks to the school's sport requirement, Ren must join after failing miserably at basketball. Just as she seems to be adapting to life without a personal driver, the demands of mandatory sports, and life without her mother, she learns that Farrin is having an online affair with an older man, and Ren suspects (erroneously) her own father of being the predator. The letters Ren writes to her mother help her confront her fears about her dad and attempt to save her enemy and her social life. Baratz-Logsted uses an overdone bored rich-girl premise, but Secrets doesn't suffer as a result, and Ren comes across as a genuine teen with real problems. The simultaneous mild messages about grief and the dangers of online predators make this a good fit for middle school, while older teens are more likely to relate to Ren than to the "Gossip Girl"-style heroines currently on the market.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 8 Up—It's the start of Year Nine at St. Daniel's Boys School for 14-year-old narrator Ishmael Leseur. Suddenly made aware of his "wussy-crap" name (which he blames on his parents and, in turn, Herman Melville), wry, witty Ishmael expects to keep his head down, as he did the year before, around bully Barry Bagsley, who has become more aggressive. But the new year brings surprises—Miss Tarango, an inspiring young English teacher willing to stand up to Barry; an odd new student, James Scobie, who claims that an operation erased his ability to feel fear; a debate team, started by James, which makes friends out of an unlikely group of students; and a potential romance with a debater from a rival girls' school. Ishmael's voice is strong, funny, and compelling, and Australian writer Bauer brings some fantastic characters to life through snappy dialogue and vivid descriptions. The plot meanders, though, striking out in too many undeveloped directions; first Miss Tarango drops out of focus, then James Scobie and the protagonist's family, and the result is a read that, while unified by Ishmael's strong narrative voice and moments of laugh-out-loud humor, feels oddly pieced together and unsatisfying. Although readers may enjoy identifying with a bullied underdog who "gets the girl" at the end, the book doesn't quite live up to its early potential.—Riva Pollard, formerly at The Winsor School Library, Boston

Gr 6–9—Left by her family to garden and help her Nonna in the kitchen, Flora Pazzi feels like a throwaway child. While the household flutters around her older, classically beautiful sister, Domenica, Flora is destined for, if not resigned to, a future in the convent. As Botticelli paints Domenica, Flora surreptitiously stows away flawed diamonds stolen from her father in a plot to escape her destiny. Yet as the political struggle between 15th-century Florence's power families, the Pazzis and the Medicis, climbs to a crescendo, Flora is forced to rethink her plans. Told from her perspective, the novel zooms in most closely on her personal adolescent turmoil as she is forced to look at herself and her family as outsiders might. Political, historical, and art historical details provide a canvas on which this tale of murder, intrigue, and young romance is played out, but are painted with a broad stroke. Beaufrand delicately weaves in the myth of Chloris, or Flora, the goddess of spring; Flora's troubles follow her just as Zephyr, the God of Wind, pursued her mythological namesake. Primavera will prove to be a welcome stepping stone for fans of Karen Cushman's middle-grade medieval fiction or art mysteries like Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer (Scholastic, 2004), and who are on the road to popular "painting novels" for adults, including Sarah Dunant's The Birth of Venus (Random, 2004) and Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring (Dutton, 2000).—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 5–8—This follow-up to Gideon the Cutpurse (S & S, 2006) begins by focusing on the villainous Tar Man, who managed to return to 21st-century London in the place of 12-year-old Peter Schock. Much of the book is taken up with his life in the present, and he spends as much time wondering about modern customs and gadgetry as he does actually being villainous. Peter's friend Kate Dyer and his father travel backward in time to rescue him but, due to an error, the pair end up in 1792, rather than in 1763, where they left Peter. In 1792, the 41-year old Peter Schock decides to conceal his identity and not return home, having concluded that it is better if young Kate and his father use the time machine to seek out his 12-year-old self. Kate begins to involuntarily experience "fast-forwarding," in which she moves through time much more swiftly than those around her. This process leaves her shaken, so that she is out of sorts for much of the novel. The 12-year-old Peter and Gideon himself only appear briefly toward the end of the story, which leaves this book strangely lacking in a strong child hero. The action scenes are fewer than in the first installment and some feel contrived. Fans of the first book will definitely want to read this one, but it doesn't stand well on its own.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 5–9—As this absorbing fantasy begins, 16-year-old Southlander Ellin is trapped in the Northlands with her healer father, who was summoned to help the dying ruler. She begins to discover her own powers and cures King Allard herself, but they are forced to remain until he is completely recovered. Although Southlanders are scorned in this inhospitable climate, Ellin befriends Allard's sons. After the king awakens and imprisons her and her father for practicing "Southling witchcraft," the princes help them escape. Back home, Guardians (government agents) try to capture Ellin because she is "tainted"—possessed of forbidden telepathic powers. They kill her father and she flees into the forest. She is rescued by a small band of resistance fighters who plan to use their mind-controlling powers to compel the Northlanders to wage war against the Guardians and allow the rebel group to take control of the country. Ellin must use her skills to mentally defeat these self-proclaimed "True Southlanders" and save her Northlander friends from mental annihilation. The author's careful attention to everyday details builds a richly believable fantasy world with a medieval flair. A strong heroine, Ellin matures as the narrative progresses. There is plenty of action, danger, and page-turning suspense, and issues of prejudice and persecution are well handled. Science-fiction fans will appreciate the threat of mind control as a weapon. A satisfying ending with a hint of future romance will have readers eagerly awaiting the sequel.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

Gr 9 Up—Reluctant psychic Maggie Quinn, introduced in Prom Dates from Hell (Delacorte, 2007), begins her first year of college at Bedivere University. She desperately wants to work on the school paper, but since freshmen aren't allowed on staff, she finds the one story that only a freshman can get. Maggie decides to rush campus sororities to expose the secrets of the Greek system. As she makes the rounds of parties and rituals, she publishes her observations each week. She's surprised, though, to find herself being drawn to Sigma Alpha Xi, one of the most exclusive sororities on campus. SAXis and their alumni are always the most accomplished and powerful women. Maggie soon learns that they all have one other thing in common—they have magical power, and being in the sorority somehow guarantees success in life. That success comes at a price, though, and some of the young women are using their power in very evil ways. A story of evil forces and succubi in a sorority could come off as ludicrous and unbelievable, but Clement-Moore makes it work by tempering the ridiculous with Maggie's dry humor and biting observations of Greek life in general. Teens who like social commentary and witty comebacks with their horror will devour Hell Week.—Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

Gr 6–8—A story centered around loss, heartbreak, abandonment, and new beginnings. Although Dwight is no longer Addie's stepfather due to his divorce from her mother, the two still share an unbreakable bond. Dwight secures a trailer for Addie and her mother in an unremarkable part of Schenectady, NY. Mommers sleeps during the day and leaves Addie at night to pursue "business" interests with her new boyfriend. Meanwhile, Dwight has moved to Lake George with Addie's half sisters, for whom he was awarded custody. Despite the many upheavals in her young life, Addie adjusts as well as she can. She participates in the school orchestra, despite the fact that her dyslexia makes learning the music challenging. Her mother's antipathy toward Dwight doesn't prevent her from allowing Addie to visit him and her sisters during school breaks, during which she gets a taste of normalcy. However, the woman's irresponsibility, inability to tell the truth, and frequent absences, often for days at a time, put Addie in danger. Connor has created a winning and positive father-figure/daughter relationship between Dwight and Addie. She introduces serious topics such as cancer, neglect, and learning disabilities without sensationalizing or trivializing the subjects. Although Mommers is clearly an unfit parent, Connor does show believable instances of her love for her children, juxtaposed with scenes of embarrassingly childish behavior and cutting remarks.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Gr 3–6—This handsome picture book remains true to the tone of Mary Mapes Dodge's original, 19th-century novel. Coville highlights the action of the original story, in which Hans Brinker bravely acquires medical help for his ailing father, finds his family's missing money, reunites a lost son and father, and unselfishly gives of himself during the famed ice-skating race. A note at the end provides additional information about Dodge and her book. In it, Coville addresses the melodramatic tone of the novel and encourages readers to view Hans Brinker as a positive role model. The oil illustrations are perfect for this story and setting. Paying homage to Brueghel, Long's winter landscapes and depictions of village life are subtly lit by a chilly sun, and many pictures are reminiscent of the paintings of great Dutch masters. The artist used white, gray, and blue tones to capture the sense of ice, winter, and cold. Composition suggests still-life paintings and portraits executed by Vermeer and Rembrandt. The text, which is best suited for older readers, is set on light beige pages that resemble the crackled pottery glaze of antique Delftware. This striking work is an ideal way to introduce a classic story to a new generation of readers.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

Gr 8 Up—"I was fourteen years old when they arrested me for the murder of Louis Moss, a man I knew briefly as the man who wrecked my family." So begins this "did she?" or "didn't she?" novel that doubles as a coming-of-age story about Ronalda Page in 1969. Ronnie's simple existence is destroyed when her father dies and she's uprooted from her home by Louis, a family friend who steps in to help. Her mother becomes an alcoholic and her sister quickly distances herself from their small, desperate family. Neglected and lonely, Ronnie falls in love with a troubled older boy. At the same time her hatred toward her benefactor, caused in part by her suspicion that he is having an affair with her sister, continues a slow burn. When Louis is found dead in an apparent case of arson, all fingers point to Ronnie. Cowan's story line is intriguing, but the laborious pace and hollow, spiritless protagonist make this a tough read. Gail Giles's Right Behind You (Little, Brown, 2007) does a better job of getting into a teen's battered and self-destructive psyche.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 8 Up—Following The Naming (2005) and The Riddle (2006, both Candlewick), this volume in the quartet focuses on Hem, Maerad's brother. An orphan under the care of Bard Saliman, he discovers that he can communicate with birds, and a friendship with a white crow proves very useful. War against the forces of the evil Nameless One is imminent. Orphan Zelika, angry and vengeful, joins them but is caught and imprisoned, and Hem resolves to rescue her. Through all this, he discovers that both he and his sister are prophesied to destroy the Nameless One. The Books of Pellinor are introduced as translations of ancient texts. The heavy reliance on Tolkien techniques, conventions, and characters, including maps and appendixes, is obvious. Occasionally, there are long, awkward segments of detailed description. However, epic fantasy enthusiasts will savor the richness of this world, especially if they have read the previous volumes. Naive orphan Hem gradually transforms into a skilled, educated, disciplined warrior. Readers who persevere to the end will feel satisfied with this intricate volume and eagerly await the next.—Amy J. Chow, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—"I've seen some scary things, but living in a house with witch graves, bound boggarts, and live witches in the cellar didn't make me rest easy." With a move across the county to the damp, dark winter house in Anglezarke, 13-year-old Tom Ward returns for his third adventure, completing his first year as the Spook's apprentice. In this installment, Mr. Gregory (the Spook) and Tom, with the help of Alice, an untrustworthy young witch, try to gain power by raising the ancient god of winter, Golgoth. Along the way, they face a stone-chucker boggart, two lamia witches, and a failed former apprentice dabbling in necromancy. Readers new to the series will get filled in on some of the past adventures, making this volume stand alone, but the growth of the characters of the Spook and Tom's mam will be more appreciated by fans. The straightforward, simple language, reflecting the way that the Spook is teaching Tom to deal with fear and the Dark, along with wide margins and illustrations at the head of each chapter, makes this an excellent choice for reluctant readers. It's head and shoulders above formulaic horror series, and fans of Darren Shan's "Cirque du Freak" (Little, Brown) or kids looking for "scary stories" will not be disappointed.—Kelly Vikstrom, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5–8—Ted and Kat lose their cousin Salim at the London Eye sightseeing attraction, "the largest observation wheel ever built." Given a free ticket by a stranger, Salim enters the ride, but he never emerges. Guilty about their part in the bungled outing, the siblings trace scraps of information that illuminate the boy's disappearance. Ted, who is something of an enigma himself, narrates the story. He has a neurological cross wiring that results in an encyclopedic brain and a literal view of the world. He finds it hard to read motivations and emotions, but excels at clue tracing and deduction. Kat, his older sister, deplores his odd behaviors but relies on his analytic brain while she does the legwork. The result is a dense mystery tied together with fully fleshed out characters and a unique narrator. Good mysteries for kids are rare, and this offering does the genre proud. London Eye is the best sort, throwing out scads of clues for discerning readers to solve the mystery themselves. Add to that Ted's literal translation of our world, his distanced view of an alien landscape of human interactions, and the ways he gains a better understanding of that world through the course of the novel, and the story is even more noteworthy. Suggest this as a read-alike to fans of Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer (Scholastic, 2004) or Lauren Tarshis's Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree (Dial, 2007).—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 5–8—Sapphire and Conor recently discovered a magnificent underwater world in Ingo (HarperCollins, 2006), and now their part-mermaid or "Mer" blood is calling them back again. Having recently lost their father to the irresistible call of the sea, Sapphire is desperate to establish contact with him, wherever he is. When her transformed Mer father does at last appear to her, he warns of an impending danger to the humans on the land. Now the siblings must find a way to turn back the tide on the Cornish coast of England before the uncontrollable oceans destroy everything they know and love. Dunmore offers a more mature and thoughtful view of mermaids and their culture than most of the other fantasy series for kids. Strong characters and a consistently enticing plot make this a cut above the rest. The book also presents a neat parable of adolescence: not feeling comfortable in your own skin coupled with the desire to test boundaries. Sapphire's inner struggle over where she belongs, on the land or in the sea, remains unresolved and will undoubtedly leave readers anxious for the final book in the trilogy.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 3–6—Three fantasy titles meant for struggling readers. Each book introduces a main character who is grappling with unknown circumstances. There is little or no character development, but the easy style and appealing subjects may interest the target audience. In the first volume, JP is sucked into his video game and must use his superior gaming knowledge and skills to make his way to the final stage. In Trapped, David finds a drainpipe that looks like a perfect spot for skateboarding, even though he has been warned about a tragic accident that took place there just the year before. In Haunted Playground, Gavin encounters some very strange children at a playground while using his metal detector to find lost treasures. This narrative has a few awkward phrases and transitions that can lead to confusion even for advanced readers. The spooky atmosphere in each book is established rather quickly with suspense that lasts until the very end. While there is little literary merit to these books, they are suitable additions for libraries searching for hi/lo materials.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV

Gr 5–7—Claudia Cristina Cortez is a single-minded seventh grader. In Camp Can't, she is determined to become a junior counselor. She is great at managing bratty kids, peers, icky bugs, and her friend's fear of horses, but she really struggles on the long swim. Through ingenuity and perseverance, she achieves her goal. "Claudia's Camp Survival Tips" are interspersed throughout the narrative. In Dance Trap, she is on the committee to plan the first seventh-grade dance and immediately runs into trouble as popular Anna wants a fancy formal that boys wouldn't attend. She creates a theme around her brother's hot new video game, works really hard, and helps produce a fantastic event that everyone loves. Fans of TV shows like Hanna Montana or That's So Raven will relate to these short novels. The texts have many formatting and font variations, as well as some graphic doodles. There are decorated chapter headings and black-and-white head shots of the various characters to break up the writing. Readers can refer to the four pages of "Cast of Characters" at the beginning of each book to see who is friend or foe. Discussion questions and writing prompts appear at the end. With their open format and short chapters, these titles are perfect hi/lo books for middle school girls.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 5–7—Vanessa Rothrock is much like any girl her age. She studies hard for spelling bees, loves her best friend, hates P.E., frets about her flat chest, and has a crush on the most popular boy in school. In other ways, she is very unusual. Vanessa has a bodyguard and fan mail. And her mom has little time for her because she is the governor of Florida, running for president. Likewise, this book is much like others for this audience. It is written in friendly first person and teaches nice lessons about growing up. When Vanessa and the candidate receive death threats, the girl's concern for her mother's safety is tender and adds an exciting mystery and climax to an already compelling story. Readers learn about the political process and motivations of people who work in this milieu despite the considerable risks and sacrifices. Information is woven seamlessly into the narrative. Vanessa's mother runs on a Democratic ticket, and the book is clear about the issues that motivate her, particularly gun control. Issues and relationships are somewhat simplified, but appropriately so.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 9 Up—Griffin O'Conner can jump (self-teleport) anywhere he has visited. At first, his gift seems like a blessing but it soon proves to be a curse. A secret agency whose mission is to kill "jumpers" is tracking him. His parents are murdered when he is nine years old, and he is forced to leave his San Diego home and live on the run. He becomes a danger to everyone he has contact with: as he jumps around the world, the killers show up, often striking those closest to him. As Griffin moves into his teens, he finds some comfort in a family who takes him in, and in his relationship with a girlfriend with whom he shares his secret (as well as his bed). He plans to avenge his parents and those who died befriending him. A fast-paced adventure sure to capture readers' interest, this book was written as a companion to the new film Jumper. The movie is based on two of the author's novels, Jumper (1992) and Reflex (2004, both Tor), but, as the introduction explains, this book differs significantly from those titles.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 4–7—Twelve-year-old Bernetta Wallflower trusted the wrong person. While feigning "best friendship," Ashley stole test answers and other assignments from Bernetta's valedictorian sister; gave them to other students anonymously; blackmailed the recipients into paying her; and then framed Bernetta for running the cheating ring. As a result, Bernetta loses her scholarship to Mount Olive. Desperate to raise the tuition before summer's end, she again puts her trust in the untrustworthy—Gabe, a boy she meets during her father's magic show. Following his lead, Bernetta employs lying, trickery, and sleight of hand (learned as her father's assistant) to con money from unsuspecting victims. When Gabe turns out to be an apparent partner of the wicked Ashley and loses all of Bernetta's ill-gotten profits, she is devastated. Graff manages to redeem both Gabe and Bernetta as they plot to scam the scammer. Bernetta ultimately comes clean and confesses to her parents, and signs indicate that she and Gabe will remain in touch. The author cleverly begins each chapter with a word and definition associated with magic to hint at the tactics ahead. The characters are well drawn, and Bernetta's growing qualms of conscience are believable. Readers will appreciate the well-constructed plot and intriguing snippets of magic slipped in here and there.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 6–9—This intense narrative dramatically offers insight into the effects of World War I on the English home front. Ellen Wilkins, a determined, courageous, and loving girl, is nearly 16 years of age as the story begins. When recruiters come to her small town, Jack, her 19-year-old brother, enlists, bringing pride to his father and worry to his mother. Anti-German sentiment engulfs the community, and those who question war policies are immediately considered disloyal. Ellen faces her doubts and frustrations as she struggles with her quandary over following her own dreams or her mother's wish that she remain at home. She copes with her grief after her boyfriend is killed in battle and her brother returns home minus a leg and suffering from a severe depression. With compassion and patience, Ellen succeeds in refocusing his outlook. Each of the challenges she meets makes her stronger and more independent. When she finally becomes a nurse at the front, she fulfills a dream to help with the war effort. This is a highly readable selection with many well-drawn characters. Sometimes Ellen's successes are too amazing, but this novel remains a worthwhile choice that will help readers understand the horrors, sacrifices, and ramifications of the supposed "war to end all wars."—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 4–8—Eleven-year-old Julie Fray has constant nightmares, and the fighting between her parents isn't helping her mental state. During the day, she is caught between a competitive mother and father, and at night she is at the mercy of her imagination, or so she thinks, until she awakens inside the dream world of Slumberia, where her nightmares are produced like TV shows. To complicate matters, Vivian, the actress who plays Julie in Slumberia, takes her place in the real world, and Julie is in danger of being stuck in this parallel realm while the ruthless imposter threatens her family. Readers will notice a clear distinction between the two worlds. Slumberia appears hauntingly liquid as dreams sometimes do, but beneath the surface is a sinister undercurrent. The story unfolds like a television show, fast paced and visual. There is not a lot of emotional depth or introspection but the characters are well defined and the story line clever. Readers looking for a fun but edgy book will enjoy stepping into this unusual world with its grim circumstances and adventure.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 9 Up—Syrah Cheng's struggle to fit into the stylish dress her mother bought for her to wear to her father's 70th birthday bash is synonymous with her struggle to fit in with her family in general. The teenage daughter of business tycoon Ethan Cheng and his second wife, Syrah is scorned by her older half siblings, and she would rather spend her spare time snowboarding or drawing manga than shopping for fancy clothes and attending benefits with her family. However, since an accident damaged her chances for a pro snowboarding career, she is not sure that she fits in with her snowboarding friends, either. At loose ends when she discovers that a friend's young sister is seriously ill with leukemia, she rallies to put together a benefit to raise money for the family. For once, the Cheng name is an asset, and Syrah finds herself connecting with her half sister and reconnecting with her mother. Although Headley's novel is slow to start, once it picks up steam, the narrative becomes rich. An overheard conversation leads Syrah to investigate her mother's history and leads her to a new understanding of the woman who was given away by her mother during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and raised by an abusive aunt. Like Amy Tan, Headley incorporates intergenerational and intercultural conflict into a novel of personal growth and self-discovery.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 3–6—Set in 1945 Chicago, this story about growing up in a Jewish family seems more like a fictionalized reminiscence than a novel. Dorrie Meyers is excited to start fifth grade and anticipates the annual "Sweet Semester" recipe/essay contest. Recipes tied to holidays and other events are scattered throughout, from "Hot Fudge Sundae" to "Chocolate Rapture Cake." While the idea of re-creating the era with recipes as a device is a good one, the disjointed sentences and choppy dialogue keep this simplistic story from ever getting off the ground. There are numerous references to movie stars and other figures of the era, including Ruth Wakefield, who invented the chocolate chip cookie (no recipe included), but neither they nor Hazel Bishop lipstick and Betsy Belle magazine are likely to resonate with readers. Sunny Shapiro, Dorrie's friend, is introduced on the first page, but doesn't show up again until the fifth chapter. In the meantime, a story line develops around the family's sole Holocaust survivor, who is living in a DP camp, and who eventually joins them. Pham's illustrations capture the period well. The author's The Memory Cupboard: A Thanksgiving Story (Albert Whitman, 2003) is a much more enjoyable book for those looking for intergenerational stories.—Cheryl Ashton, Amherst Public Library, OH

Gr 8 Up—Rich and Jade Chance, 15, find their world turned upside down when their mother dies in an accident. They believe that they are orphans until they meet a man at the funeral who claims to be their father. Suddenly, and unhappily for them, they move to London with him. Then he disappears, and they soon discover that he leads the exciting life of a British secret agent. He has been assigned to infiltrate a Russian oil company that suspects that he has the only remaining sample of a valuable fuel that they developed. The twins are thrust into a world of oil barons, secret meetings in fancy hotels, violence, and tension-filled rescues. Fans of Alex Rider and Tom Clancy books will revel in the oil-refinery explosions and secret writing on ice cubes. The spy lingo and the equipment detail will hold teens' interest, and the nonstop excitement will give reluctant readers something to cheer about.—Lynn Evarts, Sauk Prairie High School, Prairie du Sac, WI

Gr 5 Up—Grimly's interpretation of Irving's classic features quirky, creepy artwork that is strange in all the right ways. Calling to mind R. Crumb's crosshatched, wild-eyed, weirdly proportioned characters, Grimly's Ichabod Crane and the other townspeople are (predictably) grim caricatures. To cast the town in a perpetual twilight, the artist relies on a muted palette of grays, browns, tans, and oranges, which provides ample range and visual variety. The art and the text are not exactly symbiotic; Irving's prose, even with a few modifications, is simply too dense for modern readers. Youngsters may find themselves reading the text and examining the art separately, rather than absorbing both at the same time. More heavily graphic than an illustrated story, but still not quite a graphic novel, and equally at home in juvenile or young adult sections, this inventive but faithful adaptation deserves shelf space in most libraries.—Catherine Threadgill, Charleston County Public Library, SC

Gr 9 Up—"I've been asked to inform you that Viv doesn't want to go with you anymore. At all." These words begin an insanely humorous phone friendship between Barb (the surrogate dumper) and Jeff (the serial dumpee). Over the course of two years, 1975–1976, the teens trade phone calls to talk about Jeff's love life. Barb gives him advice, he ignores it, and more girls ask her to tell him it's over. The entire novel is made up of the phone conversations, with no narrator or backstory, yet the characters are developed through their calls. Barb is a straightforward, sarcastic feminist with a zany sense of humor. Jeff is totally clueless about girls and sees them less as individuals and more as a succession of lips. (Barb tells him, "You make out with every girl with lips, and pretty soon they get wise. Girls like to believe that when they're being kissed, the kisser actually knows who they're kissing.") The dialogue is funny and realistic. There are a lot of references to period television shows, music, and politics that some teens won't get, but they will understand the general context. This laugh-out-loud novel is ideal for reluctant readers and those looking for a "short book."—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 4–8—With the help of his friends, Paperboy challenges and defeats bullies at his school. In this entry in the series, the evil ScizzorMan is back, and he has been joined by an ever-expanding host of evildoers. However, right and justice do win out in the end, and Paperboy is victorious once again. The story is wildly imaginative. Both fun and funny, it should delight children. Still, it has flaws that detract from its overall quality. The author has a tendency to describe every action, move, and thought in full detail, and the narrative pace is slowed as a result. Full-page, full-color cartoons of the various villains and the young African-American hero and his friends are scattered throughout. In spite of its shortcomings, this book will find an audience.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 7 Up—In this concluding novel in the trilogy, the Realm of Faerie is being devastated by the Sorcerer King of Lyonesse and his Gray Knights. The power of the Sun King and Moon Queen seems broken. Hope is rekindled as Princess Tania returns again to the Realm accompanied by her mother, Queen Titania; her sisters; and Master Edric Chanticleer. They soon realize that the only way to save the kingdom is to rescue King Oberon and unite the faeries to do battle. A quest ensues involving all the creatures of faerie in a life-or-death struggle that may mean the end of the world as they know it. This epic tale of battle and death contains many twists and surprises that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 6–9—Charlemagne Mack, a 12-year-old African American, is an honors student in a poor part of The City. She lives with her uncle and aunt until the day a giant spider named Miss Lettie comes through her bedroom window to warn her that she is in grave danger. Charlemagne escapes to Louisiana and is surprised to discover that she is not simply an above-average student to whom odd things sometimes happen, but is instead Queen of the Sky Conjuring People. She learns to deal with her new identity, ruins the plans of some very bad, bad guys, and learns about her family. The story doesn't end in a cliff-hanger, but it is the first of a planned trilogy. It is somewhat puzzling that the author chose to present the story in a journal format given that there's virtually no break in the action for Charlemagne to write and the narrative is dialogue heavy. Still, Charlemagne is a nicely fleshed out character. She uses plenty of street slang when she speaks, but writes her journal without it. This book definitely helps to fill a gap in fantasy/science fiction featuring strong African-American characters. However, the cover art is not at all appealing and hand selling will be necessary. Purchase where Troy Cle's The Marvelous Effect (S & S, 2007) has been a hit.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 8–10—Alex Ford has always wanted a horse but never expected that his father would win one in a poker game. Turnip is definitely not a dream horse, but he does reciprocate the kindness that Alex shows him by performing to the best of his ability. They become a winning team in Western riding, but Alex has always dreamed of studying dressage. Several fortuitous circumstances help to make this a reality. A woman who is smitten with his father happens to have a dressage horse that she doesn't ride. A stable opens near him with two dressage trainers. He meets a girl, Cleo, who also becomes a dressage student and eventually a friend. The story alternates between Alex and Cleo. Cleo is privileged and rebellious; Alex is talented and self-effacing. He is also gay and has spent his teen years quietly struggling to understand and accept who he is but is concerned that his orientation will be unacceptable to his family and friends. He gradually becomes more confident, and, with the support of those who really care about him, his aspirations and his personal relationships seem full of promise. This is a well-written contemporary story with touches of humor and well-drawn, empathetic characters.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 5–8—Dorie, 12, was a loner in California. Now she has moved to New Jersey, and she yearns to be popular in her new school. She is an intelligent, science-loving student who makes use of the scientific method to achieve her goal. She analyzes the popular group and studies its members to determine the common variable they share. Along the way she meets Dixie, who is not popular but doesn't care. He and Dorie become fast friends, but she is still determined to be part of the group she has nicknamed the Holly Trinity. She eventually figures out that the commonality among the girls is that they have all been dumped by Grant and sets out to follow suit, but discovers that being part of the in group is not all she thought it would be. The author cleverly uses scientific principles in a humorous fashion to make this book appeal even to students for whom science is their least favorite subject. A lighthearted romance that even reluctant readers will enjoy.—Sheilah Kosco, Bastrop Public Library, TX

Gr 3–7—When Griffin Bing and his pal Ben discover an old Babe Ruth baseball card in a home about to be demolished, Griffin—aware that his dad's lack of success as an inventor is causing increasing stress at home—dreams of selling it for thousands and using his share to keep the family financially afloat. The boys are somewhat deflated when they present the card to collectibles dealer S. Wendell Palomino and he suggests that it is a reproduction and buys it for just $120. They soon discover that the sleazy dealer plans to auction off the card, which is actually an extremely rare misprint, and that it is expected to sell for well over a million dollars. Outraged at having been taken advantage of, Griffin plans to steal the valuable card back from Palomino—or "Swindle," as he now calls him—but doing so is no mean feat. Among the obstacles the boys face are a large fence, a high-tech security system, and a ferocious guard dog. Clearly, special skills are needed, so they recruit a ragtag crew of oddball accomplices including an expert climber, an electronics whiz, an aspiring actor, and an animal lover who claims to be able to put even the most hardened, snarling canines in touch with their cuddly inner puppies. This kids-versus-adults-themed story is pure plot-driven fun from top to bottom. If you read it aloud, don't be surprised when your listeners beg you for "just one more chapter."—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 5–8—Lupica offers another heartwarming, action-packed, sports-savvy novel. Keith Hutchinson, 14, plays in the American Legion 17-and-under league with the Boynton Beach Cardinals. His dream includes taking his team to the Florida state finals and sharing his passion with his father, a local shortstop legend whose failed major league career has left him aloof, despondent, and incommunicative. After losing his beloved shortstop position to cocky, talented newcomer Darryl Williams, Hutch becomes a standout at second base and is elected team captain. However, when he finds his father working out with Darryl, jealousy and anger threaten to derail Hutch's dream, team, and family. On and off the field, the teen gains insights from his best friend and teammate, Cody; from his sympathetic and supportive Puerto Rican mother; and from fatherless, fierce competitor, Darryl. Vivid descriptions of pivotal innings and plays, snappy dialogue, and realistic conflicts propel the characters and the story toward the state finals and a father-son breakthrough. Baseball fans will revel in Lupica's exciting sports commentary and Hutch's competitive spirit and emotional highs and lows.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 4–6—When the ship that 11-year-old Sarah and her father are sailing on is attacked by pirates, the girl falls overboard. Clinging to a crate, she washes ashore on an island run by Mr. Grim, a man who kidnaps children and forces them to weave intricate wool rugs. Sarah is quickly captured and put to work with the other "Woolies," youngsters who have known no other life. Before long, she is stirring things up with her tales of "the Beyond." When she meets the "Worms," children who have been chucked out to fend for themselves because they can't do the required work, she becomes even more determined to set everyone free. Details such as Sarah's crinoline petticoat, oil lamps, and the fact that she and her father are headed to "one of the king's new colonies," hint at the historical setting, but the story's true focus is adventure. MacNeil maintains a fast pace with short scenes and plenty of dialogue and action. Mr. Grim is a bit over-the-top with his threats to feed Woolies to sharks and cut off their fingers, but the gruesome bits will keep some kids reading. Others will keep turning the pages to see if Sarah and her new friends are able to find their way out of their predicament. This book will appeal to youngsters with a taste for adventure and a willingness to suspend disbelief.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—These hi/lo books rely on typical sports fiction plots but stand out for their focus on unusual sports. In Board Rebel, Tanner finds himself ostracized when he and his family move to a planned community that doesn't allow skateboarding. In Go-Kart Rush, Tony struggles to keep up when he finds himself the youngest kart racer in a new division. Both stories are written at a second- or third-grade reading level but involve middle grade protagonists and problems—pursuing one's interests and fitting in. In both cases, the boys' dedication and skill earn them friends who help them resolve their issues. The writing, featuring plenty of sports action and dialogue, is surprisingly engaging, especially considering the constraints of a lower reading level. Each book utilizes the language of the sport at hand. Potentially unfamiliar terms are clearly defined in the backmatter; Go-Kart Rush even includes diagrams. Tiffany's cartoon illustrations have an edge of manga flair. They're eye-catching and support the story, although older readers may think they're a bit too young. The discussion questions and writing prompts at the end of the books add to their appeal for teachers and tutors who work with struggling readers.—Adrienne Furness, Webster Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—Malley paints a picture even grimmer than that in James DeVita's The Silenced (HarperCollins, 2007). In Anna's world of 2140, almost everyone on the planet has access to Longevity—a drug that arrests the aging process. Energy, food, and other resources are scarce, so around the world, humanity has made the same choice-no new humans can be allowed. In the U.K., any children born to Legals are Surplus. Catchers capture them and send them to horrid places like Grange Hall, where they are taught that their very existence is a sin and to make up for the resources that they steal from Legals they must pay with a lifetime of abject servitude. Surplus Anna is close to leaving Grange Hall and, she hopes, becoming a Valuable Asset when a new teenage Surplus arrives. Peter is different from anyone Anna has ever known. He gradually convinces her that he knows her parents and that they are kind and loving, contrary to everything that she has been taught. As their escape unfolds, readers also learn the backstory of the cruel House Matron of Grange Hall. The two stories collide in a startling climax. Malley combines issues of the environment, immoral incarceration, slavery, and torture into an enthralling tale. This novel will appeal to any teens who have ever felt their age held against them without evidence of any wrongdoing on their part.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 7 Up—This well-crafted thriller with mythic undertones plays on contemporary fears of psychopathic pedophiles, child abduction, and sexually motivated murder, but it also offers readers rewards beyond sensationalism. The central characters are five sisters, each with a distinct personality, who—taken as a group—provide a delightful composite. Sensible Beauty, the oldest, is inaptly named and longs for love; wise Mim keeps her own counsel; brave Stevie acts first and thinks later; Fancy is intellectually delayed, but emotionally centered; and Autumn, the youngest, doesn't yet have a sense of self and writes in the second-person singular. As their daily life unfolds, they are watched by today's predatory wolf, a lonely, nameless man who observes the girls with a growing obsession. The story is alternately told from the viewpoints of three of the sisters and the abductor, and much of the suspense comes from readers knowing more than any one character. When the stalker finally makes his move and kidnaps Autumn, the pace and anxiety amp up dramatically. Scenes between the child and her abductor are chilling, and the family's grief and guilt are devastating. But there is also wisdom here, as readers see how the crisis brings out greater depth and capacity in all five girls. It is Autumn, though, who must call on all the qualities "divided up" in her family in order to survive. This riveting story ultimately reassures readers that with determination, forethought, courage, and luck, even the youngest of children can meet overwhelming odds and find their way home again.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 5–7—In this sequel to A Mid-Semester Night's Dream (Holiday House, 2004), Morgan, 14, has some major upheaval in her life. Her father is now remarried and the family has moved to a new town. She and her stepmother and stepbrother are just getting used to living together and Morgan is just not fitting in at school. She misses her friends and the neighborhood, she misses belonging, and (reluctantly) she admits to missing Gretta, her fairy godmother (in training). Then out of the blue Gretta arrives, announcing that she is doing research for her book, A Fairy's Guide to Understanding Humans, and suddenly Morgan's life is turned topsy-turvy again. The story is told from both Gretta's and Morgan's points of view. This is a fun and uncomplicated read that's perfect for preteen girls who want a little "fluff" with no deep messages or difficult problems.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 7 Up—Sixteen-year-old Annie Hoffman, a talented violinist, lives in a small town in Alabama. When she receives a surprise invitation from her great-aunt to visit her in New York City, Annie has the opportunity to audition for Juilliard, but she is not accepted. At first, she is devastated but then, through an extraordinary series of coincidences, she lands a part on a hot new television series, Country Day, playing a wholesome young Southern girl who is a violinist. At first Annie is bedazzled by her new status as a celebrity and all the perks that accompany it, but as she becomes accustomed to the lifestyle, she starts taking everything and everyone for granted, including her new boyfriend. An outrageous incident of bratty behavior leads to tabloid headlines (Lindsay and Britney, anyone?), and Annie finds herself trying to salvage her reputation and recover her sense of self. This is a fun read, despite the implausibilities in the plot. Like Zoey Dean's "A-List" series and Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" books (both Little, Brown), there is the requisite mention of designer labels and hot clubs, but this is much more a cautionary tale about the hazards of fame and fortune. There are also quite a few sly digs at the artificiality of the television and celebrity worlds. Recommend this one to your Meg Cabot fans.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7 Up—Sixteen-year-old Ruby Crane has just published her first book to much acclaim. No longer the unpopular girl on the sidelines, she's signing autographs for teachers, dating a hot guy, and making the circuit of New York City literary gatherings with her agent and publicist. Then, suddenly, in unmistakable "ripped from the headlines" fashion, Ruby is discovered to have plagiarized the work of another novelist. Fleeing reporters, back-turning friends, and her life with her parents in the city, she retreats to the safety of her quirky aunt's home in small-town Whispering Oaks, NY. Ruby, who quickly becomes "Georgie" and attempts to toss away her former life with yesterday's newspapers, is forced to figure out who she really is. In the short space prior to the girl's public outing, she's already transformed from geek to chic. In her actions, thoughts, and words, she seems somewhat unbelievable as the erudite bibliophile she claims to be. Yet, while Ruby is at first underdeveloped and her path to self-discovery unfolds in a somewhat predictable manner, Michaels ultimately takes a topical scandal, shows the oft-unexplored side of the accused, and spins a tale filled with the stuff of any beloved young adult novel—growth, love, acceptance, friendship, and ghosts. (The supernatural element may diverge from the standard fare, but it does make for a quirky and poignant plot twist.) Readers will find themselves drawn to Ruby and will end up rooting for her redemption.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 7 Up—In the AA future (After Armageddon), karma has replaced cash as legal tender. A group of teens who appear to be sushi delivery people but who are actually members of the elite Karma Club find themselves up against an evil organization called The Tunnel that wants to reverse karma forever. The bad guys have created a mysterious green gooey substance that causes great property damage and also changes the outlook of law-abiding citizens, who then start committing crimes. The method by which the substance controls people is telegraphed so far ahead, and our heroes take so long to catch on, that readers might wonder just how advanced this civilization really is. This is a book that provokes a certain amount of thought and discussion, but too much thought will start to unravel entire plot points. Like, how would a monetary system ever be replaced by a karma system, Armageddon or no? And when characters use music to defeat their enemies, that's all very well and good but...how is that related to "karma," exactly? The flippant humor, wacky acronyms, and overly cute puns will alienate some readers and be just right for others.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—In this story of a teen who dreams of making it big in the NBA, Myers returns to the theme that has dominated much of his serious fiction: How can young black urban males negotiate the often-harsh landscape of their lives to establish a sense of identity and self-worth? Drew Lawson is a very good high school player who is staking his future on the wildly improbable chance that he will achieve professional stardom. He is not an outstanding student, and he feels that basketball is the only thing that lifts him above the ranks of the ordinary. As he surveys his Harlem neighborhood, he worries that if he does not succeed in sports, he will become like so many other young men he sees around him who continue to talk tough, but have stopped believing in themselves, and are betrayed by "the weakness in their eyes." Harlem itself is a looming presence in the novel: vibrant, exciting, dirty, dangerous, it is the only home that Drew has ever known and to a large extent it both defines and limits his outlook. Being no more or less insightful or articulate (or self-absorbed) than most 17-year-olds, he fails to connect with those adults who have overcome racism, bad luck, and their own missteps to find alternative ways to succeed. As always, Myers eschews easy answers, and readers are left with the question of whether or not Drew is prepared to deal with the challenges that life will inevitably hand him.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 5–8—While this novel tries to be a story of seeing people for who they really are, it is hokey and pat. Within the first few chapters, readers meet Old Maud, a fear-inducing "witch" who lives as a hermit. The townspeople are afraid of her and no one really knows where she comes from. Young Johnny Lightfoot, however, falls into a mineshaft one day and she finds him. When he seeks Old Maud's help to save his mauled dog, a friendship is forged and not long after, Johnny comes to realize that Maud was once the young woman who appears in a family picture. Everything falls into place a little too neatly to be satisfying. In the middle of the book, readers are suddenly introduced to two completely new characters, Luke and Charlie—an abrupt and strange shift. The story turns to one of finding these boys when they get lost in the mine. Many of the characters learn too conveniently from their mistakes to be believable and much of the dialogue is stilted. Luke's absentee father abruptly changes his ways and tries to become a good parent—again an unlikely and very sudden turnaround. The setting is Nova Scotia in 1942, and the book might have some regional appeal. Otherwise, it's all too unbelievable.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 7–10—In the year 2070, the world is a dramatically different place in Niger, West Africa. Technology has excelled to an all-time height, magic has become a normal way of life, and certain people have developed superhuman powers as a result of environmentalist war-bombs. Ejii was nine years old when she witnessed the beheading of her power-hungry father by the Red Queen of Niger, Jaa. The area she lives in was under constant political turmoil between Jaa and Ejii's father, who preferred that women wear veils and be subservient to men. Now 14, Ejii begins to feel a mysterious pull toward the queen from her paranormal ability to "shadow-speak." As Jaa begins to get ready for her journey across the Sahara, Ejii prepares to follow her. Armed with just enough food to get by and a talking camel named Onion, she must cross the desert, fight against the perils of nature, and come to terms with her father's memory. Although slow paced, the novel does have some interesting qualities particularly in its feminist ideologies and sci-fi elements, such as storms that have an actual consciousness and human-eating foliage. The novel is a good choice for readers looking for adventurous futuristic fiction in a fascinating setting.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This story takes place nine years after Here, There Be Dragons (S &S, 2006). John (J. R. R. Tolkien), Jack (C. S. Lewis), and Charles (Charles Williams) are summoned to the Archipelago to solve the mystery of who is kidnapping local children. Readers are taken on a journey of literary allusions that freely mixes Greek mythology, real people, and fictional characters such as James Barrie, Peter Pan, Daedalus, and Medea. There are moments that transcend the mixed genres, especially toward the end of the book, and one can see the brilliance of the concept. However, most of the novel is rather stilted with cardboard characters and overly elaborate dialogue. Young readers will not recognize the literary allusions, making this more of a choice for lovers of children's literature and less of a book for children and teens. Purchase only where the first book is popular.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 6–9—Brett thinks she knows herself pretty well: star soccer player, vocabulary ace, and best friend to Diane. But in eighth grade, Diane is more interested in the cheerleading crowd and everything is changing. A telephone prank backfires and Jeanne Anne, a new girl, manages to shift the blame to Brett, even though four girls were involved. Feeling victimized and angry, she loses her temper at school and punches Jeanne Anne, resulting in suspension. Within a few days, her social status has changed drastically, and the upheaval is mirrored at home when Brett discovers that her fun-loving grandmother is battling cancer. Over the course of the story, she moves from anger and obstinacy to a tentative exploration of the characteristics that really define Brett McCarthy. Although her path to self-discovery has its bumps, she ultimately realizes that the way she has thought of herself in the past has been more limiting than liberating. Padian's portrayal of the relationship between Brett and her Nonna is poignant and honest, especially as the cancer progresses and the girl must begin to let go. Chapter titles consisting of vocabulary words that Brett uses to describe her various emotional states ("apoplectic," "foreboding," "unprecedented," "surreal") give hints of things to come, but it is Padian's fully developed characters and ear for teenage voices that make this a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt isolated in the middle of a crowd.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 5–9—Likable sophomore Cindy is completely out of place in her materialistic Los Angeles private school, and her scathing anti-prom letter to the school newspaper only serves to diminish her status to pariah. Cindy can't believe that every single article focuses on the upcoming prom. Where are the articles on global warming, AIDS, or curing cancer? The student body is appalled by her missive, as are her twin stepsisters Ashley and Britney and her overly botoxed, clueless stepmother. The only people who understand are Cindy's BFFs, India and Malcolm; her IM pal, "BklynBoy"; and, surprisingly, her secret crush, Adam. But to the teen's dismay, even India and Malcolm elect to attend the senior prom, leaving her planning to stay home—until she discovers that BklynBoy has other ideas. This formulaic, fairy-tale-based romance will be a favorite with girls, mostly because Cindy is such a wonderful character—thoughtful, intelligent, pretty, and kind. The happy ending is predictable, but that doesn't diminish the enjoyment. A particularly refreshing feature is that while current adolescent issues (sex, drugs, anorexia) are mentioned, giving the novel greater depth, they're not the focus.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 6–8—Mieka's summer takes an unpredictable turn when she and her artist father suddenly leave Boston for Houston to see sickly and surly Grandma Baker in the hospital. They stay with her Aunt Kate's annoyingly perfect family, leading Mieka to feel inadequate about her thrift-store clothes and less-than-ideal face and form. Even her dad's sketchy income and her mother's absence become points of embarrassment, causing Mieka to feel as if chasing normal is as close as she is ever going to get to it. However, the more time she spends with her cousin and the other kids at their summer Bible camp, the better she feels about the artistic talent that sets her apart and gives her self-esteem a boost. As the family deals with the poor health and detestable behavior of a mean-as-a-snake grandmother, Mieka sees that even Aunt Kate and her crew, who appear to have all the advantages, have their own difficulties. Mieka learns that she hasn't been singled out to struggle, that most people have to face challenges, and that these struggles can actually season and enhance lives. While the characters are drawn to life, the plot is reasonably executed, and the writing is perfectly adequate, the moral is perhaps a little heavy-handed and the story is not terribly compelling. Nonetheless, some schools and communities may be drawn to a narrative with a strong Christian component as embodied in the form of the Bible camp experiences.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to First Daughter: Extreme American Makeover (Dutton, 2007), Sameera Righton, the adopted Pakistani daughter of President-elect and Mrs. Righton, has recently moved into the White House. During the transition, Sameera is faced with several challenges. Her romance with Bobby gets put on hold when he accompanies his family to India to be near his dying grandfather. While waiting for his return, and for permission from Bobby's grandfather for him to date her, she hangs out with her cousin Miranda, attends White House functions, and posts to Sparrowblog, which gives readers an insider's view of the White House, plus Sparrow's thoughts on subjects such as dating. But soon Sameera grows tired of "life in a bubble" and wants to attend school. She decides on an inner-city DC high school where she can experience the real world. For her 17th birthday, she throws a bash, inviting the entire junior class to come to the White House. Sameera's world is one of diverse political persuasions, faiths, and ethnicities, where kindness and understanding allow all people to get along. In a genuine online blog, as well as a MySpace profile, Perkins has created a life for Sameera that extends beyond the book. Readers who enjoy Meg Cabot's "Princess Diaries" (HarperCollins) and others of the same ilk will enjoy reading about Sameera.—Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Gr 3–6—Twelve-year-old Christine Bellamy (sometimes called Salt because her best friend is Pepper McKenzie) goes to London with her friend's family. Her 10-year-old brother is also invited, which is a drag, as Hal is a royal pain. The trip immediately becomes strange when they find that the manor they are staying in has garlic hanging in every window (with the exception of Hal's and the girls' bedrooms), and that their host, an old friend of Mr. McKenzie's, wears a big hunk of it around his neck. Indeed, Mr. Cubbington-Smith is serious on the subject of vampires, and before long one shows up—a teen named Simon Chelling—in the girls' room. When they refuse to spy on Cubbington-Smith, Hal goes missing, and the girls find themselves deep under the city looking for him. The three children end up helping Simon and getting themselves into all sorts of hot water. There's not a lot of character development; the plot is the focus. A breezy, fun read.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up—A significant look at the enduring ramifications of the Holocaust, set in 1995. Johanna, 18, is the granddaughter of Erhard Riemenschneider, an owner of an upscale department store and former Nazi party member. Recognized as a child of privilege in her German town, the teen attends an expensive preparatory academy that was originally a school for Jewish girls. When she takes a trip to Israel with her class to meet and interview eight elderly women who once attended the school, she discovers the truth behind her family's wealth. One of the women, Meta Levin, reveals that her family founded the store but were robbed of their business during the Third Reich by none other than Johanna's grandfather, "that goddamn Nazi." Johanna is haunted by the past throughout the rest of her senior year, which leaves her unsettled and confused as she wrestles with confronting her secretive father and finally challenges him to admit the injustice of their success. Pressler's lyrically translated, compelling psychological drama unfolds slowly through an omniscient narration guiding the protagonist on an emotional journey of family history through a series of intermingled imagined scenes and flashbacks. Themes of guilt, secrets, reparation, and injustice appear throughout, but are tied together with the main idea that silence is the greater sin. A powerful and thought-provoking novel for mature teens.—Rita Soltan, Youth Services Consultant, West Bloomfield, MI

Gr 5–8—Ghosts, demons, jinns, and deadly trees populate these 10 chilly short stories set in the late 19th century, with the language and black-and-white illustrations capturing the feel of Victorian times. Young Edgar hears these tales while visiting his eccentric Uncle Montague, and each one is connected to a strange object in his uncle's study. Trees are at the center of "Climb Not" and "Winter Pruning," the former featuring an elm with a murderous occupant, the latter a blind old woman and badly behaved boys who are transformed into trees that need painful pruning. "The Un-Door" is the passage to a life trapped inside a doll's house for fake spiritualist Harriet. In the particularly scary "The Demon Bench End," Thomas steals part of an old church bench that he is drawn to, only to find it possessed by a demon. "Jinn," the only story not set in England, tells the story of Francis, who ignores the children in a small Turkish village and ventures too close to what he thinks is a girl in rags. The mirror inside "The Gilt Frame" exposes Christina's horrible deeds, and in "Offerings" and "A Ghost Story" readers learn to pay attention to haunted-house tales. The last story reveals why Uncle Montague must stay in his house guarding the stories, objects, and ghosts he has accumulated. An enjoyable collection with enough creepy atmosphere (and some gruesome action) to hold readers' attention.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—Clovermead, now 15, is learning to live as Desmoiselle to Chandlefort. When a party from the neighboring Steppes arrives asking for help to defeat Lord Ursus and his bear-priests, Clovermead is chosen to be the emissary. Sorrel, her best friend, is chosen to accompany her, along with several other Yellowjacket soldiers. As Sorrel enters the Steppes where he was born and raised, he is forced to choose between his vows to Chandlefort and his duty to his family. In turn, he asks Clovermead to choose between their friendship and her own duty. So the stage is set for another encounter with the evil Ursus as he battles the light of Our Lady. This book, like the others in the series, has strong religious tones combined with bloody conflicts. Clovermead is a complex character who struggles both with her duty and with her ties to the bears, including her ability to understand their language and to turn into a golden bear. The other characters, especially the villains, are rather cardboard and even in dire need do not stray from their path or grow in any way. Additionally, the book gets rather bogged down in the middle with confusing geography and lengthy travel scenes. Despite these issues, the book has a strong heroine and an interesting setting. Recommended for libraries where Clovermead (2004) and Chandlefort (2006, both S & S) have been popular.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 6–9—In this companion to Streets of Gold (TreeHouse, 1998) set in 1901, Liam and his sister move from Kildare to Connemara to live with their uncle after their mother dies. There, the 14-year-old discovers that his peers hate him for his English father. Heading to New York City with Uncle Patrick to raise money for the Irish Republican cause, Liam is not sorry to leave behind a world where he will never fit in. He attempts to find out what happened to his father, who disappeared from Kildare, by stealing some letters his mother sent to her cousin, in whose house Liam's family is staying. Before Liam can read them, a nasty boy takes the letters and uses them to blackmail him into performing dangerous and dirty stunts. Often there are gaps where action that would seem more natural "on stage" is described after the fact. None of the grittier events of the story is pushed to the side, however. Liam witnesses a cockfight, attempts to bite the head off a dead rooster, and witnesses a horse being put down. Through all this, the boy grows and learns, but these changes take place in the gaps in the story, which makes the ending seem somewhat forced. While uneven, this title may be a worthwhile addition to collections in need of boy-friendly historical fiction.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6–8—This title continues the adventures of Holly, whose only wish is to live the ordinary life of a 13-year-old future veterinarian. But that's hard to do with a name like Hollywood Bliss, and Kandhi, international superstar, as your mother. This time, Mum hauls Holly across the Atlantic to New York City and ends up married to another megastar, who has an über-annoying but rather attractive son. Holly tries to maintain a crush on her old tutor, who is now miles away and truthfully too old for her, but finds herself slowly drawn to her new stepsibling. Meanwhile, she's trying to reconnect with her father, a washed-up musician who also lives in New York. This tame tale has a meandering plot, but will nevertheless entertain. Hollywood is an awkward, endearing protagonist to whom teens will easily relate, and whose ability to overcome challenges—like cooking fish in the wild—is inspiring. The celebrity magazine-like book jacket may give readers the wrong idea, as the book features none of the exploits that land today's teen stars on such covers.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 8 Up—Seventeen-year-old Jacey Chandliss has everything. The winner of Generation Next, an American Idol-style show for wannabe actors, she's just finished shooting her second movie. Her popularity has propelled her to the A-List of Hollywood starlets, and everyone from Ashlee to Zac is partying at her rented Malibu beach house. But all too soon, the dark side of stardom begins to invade her carefree life. With her friends at her back, Jacey must navigate some treacherous waters and decide how badly she wants to pursue her dream. This sequel to Starlet (Hyperion, 2007) is a light novel heavy with references to current hot products, people, and places. The characters are mostly likable, and the plot races along. There's some underage drinking and a dash of romance. Give this one to readers who aren't ready for the intensity of Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" books (Little, Brown).—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 5–8—Eight-year-old Christine is late for school every day because she is stopped by a white alley cat that insists on talking to her. They discuss math and loneliness and eternity. While at first Christine feels an affinity with the cat, it later repulses her. The conversations eventually come to an end once Christine stops believing that the feline has anything wise or useful to say to her. It acts the role of The Serpent, trying to lure the Eve-like Christine into doing and being what she knows is not right. There is even a discussion about the Tree of Knowledge and Original Sin at the end to hammer home the point. There is an abundance of unpleasant food imagery (starting with the fish smell that the cat leaves on Christine's hand whenever she touches it), male characters who are either incompetent or unfeeling, and an eclipse that represents the end of the world. It is hard to imagine a broad audience for this book.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 8 Up—When the rich girl whom Billy O'Reilly is secretly sleeping with is murdered, the Iowan farm boy turns sleuth to clear his name. A predictable mystery with a cinematic ending and stock characters, this is standard Ripslinger fare. The story moves ahead at a good plod, with some decent suspense elements provided primarily by the rural setting: a skeet-shooting bet, a dog sniffing up a buried corpse, lake swims under cover of darkness, and a hidden room. Billy is an unsympathetic clod whose self-recriminations get old fast. His parents are straight from "Smallville" (wholesome John and Martha Kent to a tee), and the subplot of their secret past and the mean sheriff antagonizing Billy similarly reeks of made-for-TV. Also overemphasized into melodrama—and thus difficult to chew—is the class distinction drawn between the farm kids (who never actually do any farmwork) and the wealthy townies.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 7–10—Here's another horrific, edge-of-the-seat gore fest that will be in big demand from anyone who has ever whipped through Shan's previous volumes. Grubbs Grady, the protagonist of the first and third novels in this series, returns to learn that he may not have escaped the family curse—the one that turns some of its teenagers into murderous lycanthropes—after all. At first, his life seems to have returned to normal following the horrible deaths of his parents and his sister. He has good friends in school, there's a girl he likes, and he's living comfortably with his magical uncle, Dervish. But he's plagued with nightmares of demons and blood, and when the moon is full, he feels as though there's a beast inside him ready to burst out. Grubbs, his friend Loch, and his half brother Bill-E dig up a spot near Dervish's house where a fabled treasure supposedly lies buried, and the boys soon unearth a cave that seems filled with a frightening power. Once they do, little by little, things get worse. And worse. There are no happy endings here—and that's just what Demonata fans want.—Walter Minkel, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—A hilariously gruesome comedy thriller set in England. Fergal Bamfield's an oddball kid who collects cans without labels from the reduced-price bins of supermarkets and spends a lot of time puzzling over their contents. Compelled to open a particularly lightweight can with an interesting rattle, Fergal finds a gold earring stud. In another, he finds a human finger. When he meets fellow collector Charlotte, he learns that she has opened a tin that contained a human ear and another with a ring—that perfectly fits the finger he found. When they find a slip of paper with "help" on it, they are sure someone needs rescuing. While Charlotte is on vacation, Fergal figures out the factory location from numbers on the can; is caught trespassing there; and becomes enslaved, along with other kids, filling and sealing cans of pet food all day. With a sixth sense that Charlotte will find it, he writes a note about his imprisonment and slips it into an empty tin. Will she find him? Shearer taps into the repulsive yet seductive appeal of urban legends. The pair, with all their eccentricities, will be reassuring characters to children who feel different. Quirky and original, funky and totally gross, this fast-paced novel blends several genres: crime, horror, mystery, and fantasy. Its black humor, balanced by a serious look at forced child labor, will keep readers hooked from the beginning.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5–8—Thirteen-year-old Davia and her parents arrive at a once-grand Louisiana plantation to spend the summer caring for her crotchety and terminally ill great-aunt Mari. While the elderly woman has worked hard to restore the "Big House" to rights, she has not been as successful at bringing the ghost of a mid-19th-century relative to peace. Emilie, the shade of a 13-year-old Creole girl, continues to haunt the plantation's inhabitants, sometimes spitefully and other times playfully. From her deathbed, Aunt Mari entrusts the release of Emilie's spirit to Davia, who overcomes her fear of a great many things to learn how to honor the living, the dying, and the dead. The novel lacks a unifying focus. It manages some spooky episodes but doesn't truly evoke the atmosphere of a horror tale. It involves family dynamics, such as fears surrounding Davia's asthma and the possibility that her mother's cancer, now in remission, may reoccur, but the characters never seem to connect. Though Davia unravels the mysterious circumstances of Emilie's death, the story isn't suspenseful, and the girl's encounters with the ghost often seem dreamlike. Still, the book will draw some readers through its subject matter and will thereby connect them with a character seeking to understand her family, her place in a larger scheme of things, and her glimpse beyond the natural world. This offering will appeal to youngsters who feel that supernaturally themed books need not be riveting to be consumed.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–7—Jarvey Midion, 12, and his friend Betsy continue the quest that began in Curse of the Midions (Dial, 2006). They are searching for Jarvey's parents, kidnapped by evil Siyamon Midion and imprisoned inside the Grimoire, a mystical book containing gateways to magical worlds. Unfortunately, wizards like Siyamon have often used it to create dark, twisted realities. Jarvey is nearly killed by the ghostly audience in a Victorian theater world that is home to a 19th-century Midion with thespian ambitions. Escaping to another "chapter" of the book, the two are hunted in a "Most Dangerous Game"-style by the cobras and gorilla guards of the Nawab, who proves to be another Midion. As the last of the clan, Jarvey knows that he can learn to manipulate the Grimoire, but the book seems to have a malignant power that amplifies destructive emotion. Can he use it for a good purpose without being corrupted by its influence? The weird settings of the Grimoire worlds are dramatically described. The haunted theater, with its shadow spectators and zombielike actors, is particularly eerie. Readers unfamiliar with the first book may have difficulty following the episodic plot. The action hurtles from peril to peril like the old cliff-hanger serials—the two friends get separated, meet danger, and are reunited for the next segment. As Jarvey begins to create his own Grimoire world in preparation for a final confrontation with Siyamon, the book ends rather abruptly, leaving many plot threads to be resolved in the final volume.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 4 Up—Working in classrooms and with tutors, San Francisco high school students have created more than 50 stories for this collection. The selections mix folktale motifs with contemporary language, and, like many folktales, they cross boundaries between imagined and real settings: forests, classrooms, a circus, and outer space. Results are varied but all reveal the voices of the writers and the ways in which they have borrowed from cultural traditions, television, and familiar themes such as sibling and school rivalries, the roles of luck and hard work, overcoming adversity or bad advice, and acceptance of oneself. Professional illustrators, who contributed one drawing and a decoration for each story, echo the tales in a diversity of styles and mediums. Some are action-packed or provocative, while others are decorative and static. The valuable endnotes reveal tantalizing bits about the authors and would inspire many writing and advanced art classes to try something similar.—Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA

Gr 7–10—With her pointed right ear, forest-green eyes, and mysterious wood allergy, 15-year-old Keelie Heartwood has always been a bit unusual, but she has ignored her unique attributes. Then her mother dies, and she is uprooted from her Los Angeles home and transplanted in the Colorado woodlands. Her estranged father, Zeke, is a carpenter who sells his wares at Colorado's High Mountain Renaissance Faire, and Keelie is forced into a world in which knights fight for honor, pirates cavort, and festivalgoers are "mundanes." When her strange allergy begins to act up, she discovers that she can sense the energy of trees and hear them calling to her for help and realizes that her supposed allergy was her mother's attempt at concealing her true identity as half elf. Like her father, Keelie is a tree shepherd, responsible for guiding and healing tree spirits. The appearance of a malicious red-capped dwarf tests her powers as he terrorizes the festival and threatens the safety of Keelie's new friends and family. An amorous Pirate Randy, a charming elven knight, and a troublesome yet wise cat color the narrative while moving the plot along. The dialogue is only slightly marred by several "yos," "dudes," and "girlfriends" that sound more like an adult trying to sound like a teen. Readers will overlook this flaw as the constant action, both magical and otherwise, will keep them interested in Keelie's fate. This first installment of a trilogy ends with a solid resolution that answers questions but leaves room for further adventures.—Danielle M. Margarida, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 5–8—Seventh-grader Baron Colfax dreams of becoming a tough, gritty detective. For practice, he and his friend-partner, Myles Monahan, run C & M Detective Agency (later renamed the Blue Whale Detective Agency), solving crimes for their classmates. When Rebecca Wilson shows up asking the duo to find her sister's lost whale, Myles is suspicious. Something in her story just doesn't add up. Wilson's subsequent apprenticeship with the agency triggers a series of misunderstandings that threatens to destroy it. Ultimately, all three junior detectives must come clean to one another in order to save their friendship. While a detective agency is an interesting backdrop for friendship and first love, Trembath's unrealistic teens aren't engaging enough to keep the pages turning. The plot is burdened by daydream sequences that worked for Bill Waterson's Calvin and Hobbes characters, but are simply disruptive to the story line here. Several subplots aren't developed either: Baron has epilepsy; Wilson has a dead sister; neither contributes to either character's development. The cover art suggests a much darker tale; teens will be disappointed.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 9 Up—On Ruby's 16th birthday, Beth is the first to call her, at 12:01 a.m., and even decorates her locker at school. Beth was there to help pick up the pieces after Ruby's dad walked out several years earlier. Now she is at her side again when he unexpectedly walks through the door as she is about to blow out her birthday candles. Ruby looks to her friend to know how she should feel about his visit. Indeed, she never questions Beth, who gives her enough advice to last a lifetime. Then she discovers that Beth has been dishonest with her, that she knows more about her parents' breakup than she is telling. Although the story gets off to a slow start, the plot eventually picks up speed, and the characterizations of the girls, their friends, and family are believable. Ruby's anxiety about her father and her friendship with Beth are portrayed with empathy. Engagingly written and with a surprise ending, this novel will appeal to teens.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 9 Up—When Tyrolean soldiers kill young Victor's parents, he leaves his hometown of Modena on a merchant ship headed up the Mediterranean coast. A violent spat with another crewmember casts Victor overboard and clinging to a gaff in the English Channel with almost all chances of hope gone. He washes ashore, and an elderly Englishman takes in the injured boy and nurses him back to health. The man then sells him to Tipple and Biggs, two undertakers who intend to teach Victor the mortuary trade. Victor is taken to London, where he learns of Tipple's and Biggs's questionable practices such as digging up the recently deceased to sell their organs to doctors, or worse, murdering orphans to increase their profit with "fresh subjects." Part historical fiction and part adventure story, the novel brings excitement to Victorian England through an elaborate plot of body snatching, greed, and street life. This is a challenging read, but competent readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Victor from Italy to England as he seeks to solve mysteries and combat the rampant malevolence of the period.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Life for Samara Tuttle is so not fine. Her mother is unapproachable and cold. Q, her mother's current worthless boyfriend, is a lazy, aggressive, slob. School is, to say the least, chaotic and uninspiring. Samara has no friends, except a strange affinity with Dru, an orangutan in the Philadelphia Zoo. She is waiting to graduate high school and start her own life…even if she doesn't quite know where it will lead her. Enter the dapper, older substitute English teacher, Mr. Jerome Halbrook, who regales bored high school students with readings of great poems by Andrew Marvell, Emily Dickinson, and Langston Hughes (reproduced at the end of the book for curious readers). Reluctantly captivated, Samara is intrigued and in serious crush mode. Who is this enigmatic, blue-eyed African-American teacher whom she calls "Mr. Brook?" Why is he teaching—in an expensive suit and tie, no less—in an inner-city Philadelphia high school? He is interested in her, but not in the way she'd like him to be. Samara is consumed for a time by adolescent obsession, but when "Mr. Brook" disappears from the scene, she realizes that she must find a way to begin to define a life for herself. Whittenberg's writing evokes stark images, and the poetic, often-staccato prose provides an interesting counterpoint between Samara's inner and outer world.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 7 Up—If Patti Yoon's life were like the multiple-choice SAT questions she studies for, it might look like this: During Patti's senior year she decides to a) Make her Korean parents happy and go to HYP (Harvard, Yale, or Princeton), b) Go behind her parents' backs and apply to Juilliard, c) Quit studying and become infatuated with a trumpet player who listens to The Clash, d) Eat Korean food made with Spam (recipes included) and be the PKD (perfect Korean daughter), or e) All of the above. Patti would pick E, but life isn't a multiple-choice test, so she has to decide among these choices while trying not to stand out as an overachiever (standing out is a no-no for a PKD). Yoo will have teens wondering if Patti can ever measure up, and how she will survive the pressure and heartbreak of her senior year. Short chapters, the teen's funny occasional SAT tips, and her top-10 lists make this a good options for reluctant readers.—Shannon Seglin, Patrick Henry Library, Vienna, VA

Gr 5–8—Children will be drawn to this book's cover, as it shows Washington astride his horse reviewing the soldiers during a snowstorm and has quotations from key players such as General William Howe, John Adams, Joseph Galloway, Tom Paine, and Joseph Plumb Martin on the back. However, it is the smooth-flowing narrative's balanced mixture of the well known and obscure that makes the volume so inviting. Readers will be interested to learn that John Adams once supported Washington but then came to oppose him. The book is profusely illustrated with full-color reproductions, many full-page, as well as documents, maps, and pictures of artifacts, such as playing cards and a chess set. The photograph of the Memorial Arch, which faces the epilogue, is impressive, and it's interesting to contrast the map drawn by Washington the surveyor to the one made by "Mr. Parker" the spy. The book is not only a valuable resource, but also a tribute to those men and woman who secured this nation's foundation.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 6–9—The Empire State Building, the tallest building in the world at its construction, is the most modern structure in this series to date. Banting discusses the technology that made it possible and the significance of its creation. Pezzi includes details about the Eiffel Tower's construction that were groundbreaking at the time and explains why it was an architectural marvel. Webster discusses the drive of Shah Jahan to build this mausoleum for his wife and explains why this masterpiece is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. All three books have full-color photos, but do not include bibliographies or any information about the authors. The chapter titled "Computer-Aided Design" is the same in every book and its connection to the content is not always clear. The "Further Research" and "Glossary" sections are helpful, but do not make up for the lack of source material.—Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT

Gr 4–8—What helps these books stand out from the pack is their high-quality, rich photography. The eye-catching, accessible layouts feature images that represent many aspects of the individual nations, from lush country vistas to colorful cityscapes; the photos provide as much information as the texts. The volumes are organized in standard country-book format of geography, history, people, nature, etc. Each chapter includes a detailed, easy-to-read map that highlights the particular topic. The writing is straightforward and solid. Frequent sidebars and insets bring attention to important figures, endangered animals, or other topics of interest related to the country. While the focus really seems to be on the natural world, brief mentions of political discord and other issues are made throughout, such as the recent presidential elections in Nigeria that were tainted by violence. Suggestions for ways to spice up reports and appropriate resources are included. Excellent choices for libraries looking to update their 900s.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 4–6—Principles from physics and chemistry are wrapped up in high-interest packages that kids will find more than cool. From "Host a Stink Fest!" (Odor Decoders) to "Awesome Air & Water Rockets" (Distance Assistants), "Fast Frozen Confections" (Dry Ice Devices), and "The Old Cane Trick" (Gravity Activities), the five to six projects in each title will attract boys and girls. Each book begins with the same upbeat introduction and three chapters about the scientific method, keeping a journal, and safety. A sidebar gives adults tips on working with children and setting safety rules. Background on the science concepts involved is presented along with a complete list of supplies (some will need to be purchased). Each project includes a specific list and an estimated time for completion. The numbered instructions are easy to follow and are accompanied by small, close-up photos. Each project includes sidebars with guiding questions, ideas for extensions, an explanation of the principles exhibited, and real-life applications. A conclusion encourages readers to explore the concepts further. The photos in these attractive titles present a balanced group of children, although the stereotypical nerdy scientist on the first page is questionable—but amusing. These books won't be chillin' on your shelves for long.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Gr 7 Up—These books focus on the historical aspects of these four religions, from their foundation to the present day. They include numerous maps, along with color photos, "Great Lives" mini-biographies, and "Facts and Figures." While the titles are attractive, they are flawed. Buddhism and Islam gallop through the centuries (and across the world) at breakneck speed, with much condensing and superficiality; Hinduism and Sikhism, due to more confined geography, have better results. But in all four volumes, many of the maps are of limited interest and some are actually irrelevant to the texts. Not all places mentioned in the chapters can be located on them; it's not always easy to figure out where things are in relation to the broader picture (only one map out of dozens has a helpful positioning insert); and the authors frequently refer to current countries, regions, and cities that are absent from the majority of the historical maps. In addition, the glossaries are incomplete, and there are internal inconsistencies (contradictory spellings and dates). The "Religions of the World" series (World Almanac Library) is far more practical and complete for younger students. "World Religions" (Facts on File) is the standard for older teens.—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—These titles examine both the culture and the mythology of various groups with mixed success. Ramen's book is the best of the three, skillfully reducing vast amounts of Indian history, religion, and mythology into this introductory volume. Nearly half of it is devoted to retellings of stories of Hindu gods and heroes, including brief synopses of the main plots of both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Brezina begins with a description of Celtic history and culture as we know it. She then sketches what we know about the religion of the Celts, with descriptions of the role of druids and bards as well as holidays. Along with Irish tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Cú Chulainn, and Finn mac Cumhaill, she also includes tales drawn from the Welsh Mabinogi and the later Arthurian tales. She describes the Celtic myths as much as she tells them, giving this a more scholarly and less appealing feel than Ramen's book. Roza gives a brief history of the Incan empire and culture. In his description of myths of creation, origin of the Inca people, and assorted natural phenomena, he is careful to mention variations from different locales. The back matter is a weak point for these latter books with the one on Celts including a Web site for a Neopagan Druidic order while the Incan volume includes some very general sites, such as that for the National Geographic Society. Ramen is clearly the best of the lot, with a nod to Roza for a topic that is scarcely represented.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 5 Up—From the backyard to the backwoods, this book is stuffed with information about gear, packing lists, where to go, what to do while you're camping, and what to do when you get back. There are 174 games, skills, projects, recipes, songs, experiments, crafts, and more to make, learn, play, and do outdoors. Activities include knot tying, campfire cooking, using a compass, marking a trail, identifying plants and animals, weather watching, and stargazing just to name a few. Line drawings give a clear picture of the instructions they represent. The book is well organized with a table of contents that gives descriptive chapter overviews and a handy index. Written on a kid's level from a kid's-eye view, this volume is perfect for would-be campers as it prepares adventurers to go into the great outdoors and have fun.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 7 Up—In this entertaining collection, the contributors' experiences range from the sublime to the hilarious, and they are related through essays, poems, a play, a his-and-her version of events, and two comic strips. Cecil Castelucci's story of secret kisses with a "bad boy" is one of the most intriguing, while Amy Kim Ganter's artistic rendering of her "third first kiss" with her future husband is romantic. The story of the grossest kiss ever is only for those with strong stomachs. David Levithan writes touchingly of a kiss between boys rehearsing a Shakespeare scene, while Jon Scieszka amusingly relates how his first kiss finally came about, saving him from life as a social reject. Most of the selections are so strong that the extra material—quotes about kissing, information on the history of the kiss, a list of the worst pre-kiss foods—seems unnecessarily tacked on. This is a fun, thought-provoking book that's bound to interest readers who have experienced blissful kisses as well as those who are still wondering what all the fuss is about.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 4 Up—In this engaging and helpful book, Conner has compiled more than 710 games and activities sorted by age level. Good old-fashioned play and fun are the motto here with simple props from around the house or just an imagination. The book is separated into three major parts: "Toddler Play," "Preschool Play," and "Grade School Play." Each has a section on solo play, ideas for parent and child, playing with others, and birthday-party activities. Each chapter and section is loaded with ideas and suggestions for simple crafts. There is such a wealth of information in this book; older siblings and babysitters should have a ball using it.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 8 Up—These stories come directly from the pages of Seventeen magazine. Each one includes a lurid description of the crime, followed by the punishment meted out by the criminal-justice system. The opening story features a preteen murdered by her mother after she confesses to losing her virginity. This is followed by a selection about "lesbian killers" who brutally stabbed one of the girl's grandparents and another entry about an eight-months-pregnant 14-year-old murdered by contract killers hired by the victim's adult boyfriend. One of the more appalling aspects is not only how many of the victims are young girls, but also how many of the perps are. Glossy, full-color, shocking photographs from each story appear in a centerfold. The tone and language are the typical pulpy standard set by the true-crime genre. For Law and Order and Special Victims Unit fans, these tabloid-tastic stories definitely hit the target.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 5–8—In short chapters, the authors explain the basic problem and examine a variety of points of view regarding each topic. Stem Cell Research requires that readers understand terminology such as sperm, egg, embryo, terminated pregnancy, and fertility treatments. It includes summaries of different religious groups' and countries' stated views and laws with regard to research. Global Warming is especially effective in laying out the information in a simple, logical format, and could be used with slightly younger students. Since both books feature topics that are currently being researched and debated, the information may be quickly dated. However, these titles will be useful for students who need introductory overviews. While periodical articles may provide more current information, they will not be as broadly focused. Photographs, charts, bibliographies, and lists for further reading are included.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 6–9—These nicely done titles present clear, succinct, and up-to-date overviews of each country, including history, landscape and climate, economy, culture and religion, global connections, and future challenges. Attractive color photographs, graphs, and charts illustrate each volume. A number of "Focus On" sections provide further detail about subjects such as traditional handicrafts (Turkey), the Karakoram Highway (Pakistan), and the Bamiyan Buddhas (Afghanistan), as well as "Did You Know?" sidebars that offer additional interesting facts. These books present current, accurate information in a way that is not too dry or overwhelming for the intended age group.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 5–9— Pyramids addresses why, by whom, and how these massive structures were created. While the majority of the book is devoted to the well-known Egyptian and Central American creations, George also introduces the lesser-known structures of South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe. King Tut explores Egyptian history, mummy making, the discovery and opening of the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922, and the events that happened after that. Much of the book is based on archaeologist Howard Carter's diaries and letters, and on period newspaper articles. The color photographs in these attractive books are excellent, and the readable texts are interesting. King Tut is a bit more sensational, focusing as it does on the so-called "mummy's curse" and the mysterious deaths surrounding those involved with the opening of the tomb. While not necessarily first purchases, given the number of books available on these topics, these volumes are well researched and will be useful for reports.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Gr 3–8— This lively, colorful companion book to the Gerasole sisters' Web site, where "Kids teach kids through video recipes," contains an enticing array of dishes both sweet and savory, easy and complicated. Each recipe lists ingredients and equipment needed, and there's additional material like a glossary and a section on basic skills, tools, and measurements. Beautifully reproduced color photos show the completed dishes and smaller photos show some of the steps. The seasonal arrangement includes dishes like "Bunny Salad" and "Mashed Potato Ghosts," plus sections on vegetarian entrées and snacks. Initial skepticism about some of the techniques, like the Yumbo Gumbo based on a roux made in the microwave, was overcome when tried. It was delicious! Overall, this book strikes a great balance between fun and practical. Several of the recipes assume a sophisticated palate and/or access to unusual ingredients, so this may not be the best basic cookbook for all kids. But it's got a slick design, an appealing collection of recipes, and a welcome tone of playfulness and encouragement.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 6–9—Informative but dry, these three titles offer short overviews of their topics. Colonial Virginia takes a European perspective, referring to the settlers as "brave" and "adventurous," while the Natives are depicted as causing trouble rather than defending their homes and families. Colonial America is the most engaging, opening with a story about trying to survive Jamestown's "Starving Time." By describing how the colonists ate snakes and rats, chewed shoe leather, and even resorted to cannibalism, this introduction succeeds in commanding attention. Beyond that arresting beginning, however, the book is utilitarian. It is, however, more balanced in addressing issues related to Native Americans. The Virginia Indians receive the most attention but the status of the Native people in Pennsylvania and New England colonies is touched upon as well. Texas jumps into Texas history in the early 1800s, when settlers from America began venturing into the mostly uninhabited areas. Mexican president and military leader Santa Anna is featured prominently. Although the books are short, a few references to sexual behavior make them more appropriate for older students. Maps, photographs, and drawings add visual interest. The well-designed "Voices from Colonial America" series (National Geographic) covers many of the same topics in a more readable style.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 5–8—Harness's panoramic approach to her subject is overwhelmed by too much background information and a lack of focus. The busy design includes full-page and spot pen-and-ink drawings and a running illustrated time line across the bottoms of most spreads. The spot art is tiny and requires close scrutiny and the hand-drawn maps are cluttered and difficult to read. The rambling text makes it challenging to follow Boone's life story. Discussions about the French and Indian Wars, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812 are complicated and it is difficult to discern what Boone's role was in these events. The last chapter, "On the Go," which covers modes of travel from the beginning of roads in America to present-day highways, seems an afterthought and not relevant to the rest of the text.—Kristen Oravec, Stephen S. Wise Elementary School, Los Angeles

Gr 7–10—This slim book offers high visual interest along with concise introductions to an important body of myths. Helft deftly organizes what can be confusing anecdotes about gods who often occupy themselves with governing and making war. (She doesn't discuss historicity.) Natural disasters afflict humans, who seek help from the powerful: a great flood needs Yu's civil engineering skills; a drought calls for Yi's intervention. The Queen Mother of the West, the peaches of immortality, and the paradise islands each get a brief account. The familiar tales of Pan-Gu and the Weaver and Herder earn several pages, as does the less-known story of silk. Interleaved pages describe a dozen cultural items (jade, yin/yang, dragons, etc.). Index, source list, and bibliography are lacking; there is a useful pronunciation guide, and the translation is smooth. Full-page and vignette illustrations in traditional style with strong ink lines emphasize vitality and movement. Chen's evocative and richly colored paintings add value to this compact collection.—Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI

Gr 5–8—These titles address the benefits and challenges of growing up in rural North American communities (including Canada) while dispelling the misconception that "rural" equates with idyllic farm life. The first book includes chapters on alternative communities, the history of the Amish faith, different ordnungs (rules), and selecting an Amish lifestyle. Concluding chapters discuss other alternative communities including monasteries and kibbutzim, and demonstrating respect for others. The second title covers stereotypes about migrant workers, child-labor concerns and legislation, health and safety hazards, schooling, housing, and barriers to success for migrant youth. McIntosh provides information on living on the reservation and in First Nation communities, the arts, sports, traditions, education, and obstacles such as health problems and drug use. Sidebars in all three books present additional information on pertinent topics. Bright photographs and artwork, most with detailed captions, enliven the straightforward texts while portraying various ethnic and religious groups in a positive light. Some fictionalizing (e.g., in Migrant Youth, Julia goes shopping for picante sauce, green beans, and cilantro) does not detract from chapter content and may ease struggling readers into the material. These volumes help to fill a void in many collections by neatly tying together adolescent-specific concerns, current events, and issues unique to rural America.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 7 Up—These sequential accounts feature lively writing and direct quotes, and are enhanced by many color and black-and-white photos, drawings, and illustrations. The first chapter of each volume summarizes and presents background information to set the stage. The historical developments in succeeding chapters present the brutal events that ensued as the wars broke out. Sidebars in both texts include additional information on well-known chiefs, more in-depth explanations of certain events, Indian tribes, and treaty agreements. Time lines present major events and time spans to help readers visualize the sequence of events. Detailed chapter notes and bibliographies support the research.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 5–8—Jedicke highlights inventions that changed people's lives, showing how innovations and technologies are interdependent and are continuously being improved to be safer and more efficient. For instance, air conditioners once used hazardous substances, but today the chemicals used are better for the environment. The text is simple, clear, and concise. Unfamiliar words are in bold to refer readers to the glossary, but are also explained within the text. Mehling takes a look at mass extinctions, specifically the dinosaurs, and explores why they happened. He also discusses way to conserve our environment to prevent future extinctions. The ideas in this book are more difficult, but clearly explained. Unfamiliar words are also in bold, but they are not defined in the text. Some potentially unfamiliar words, like "paleontologist," are not in the glossary, while other more common words, such as "predictable" or "mammal" are included. Both books have engaging narratives and captioned color photos throughout. These titles are worthy additions for libraries needing current information on these topics.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY

Gr 9 Up— Club Drugs and Inhalants pose questions about these substances—how they are harmful, how they affect society, and how they can be controlled or their use prevented. Cocaine speaks not only to addiction but also includes sections on punishments, treatment, and the war on the substance. Each title has an overview, primary-source quotes that clearly express varied opinions, glitzy statistical charts, and illustrations. Concepts covered include common street names, how the drugs affect the brain, and how they are ingested. Each volume ends with a list of key people and advocacy groups, a chronology of important trends and legislation related to a particular drug, and a list of related organizations. The purpose of the series is to cull information and organize it into a "compact, relevant, intelligent" format. While that goal is met, at times the books can be too simplified and repetitive and tend to spoon-feed readers.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY

Gr 5–8—"Clinton's Ditch" could have just as easily been called "Hawley's Folly." For in 1807–1808, Jesse Hawley wrote 14 articles from his jail cell about his idea for a canal that would link the Hudson River and Lake Erie based on information about the Iroquois Great Central Trail. Too many factors were prohibitive during his time, though, so it was left for other visionaries to undertake the mission, beginning in 1817. With ease and grace, Kendall explains what a daunting task it was. Her style of writing is casual, and her turn of phrase is humorous at times. "Most projects begin at the beginning, but the Erie Canal began in the middle." She talks of those who worked the canal and the obstacles that they faced: mosquitoes, which almost ended the project, and rattlesnakes. One map shows the region in 1817 when the canal was begun and another shows it as it exists today, indicating the importance that the canal was to growth in the area. The illustrated material evolves from reproductions and drawings in the beginning of the book to black-and-white photographs in the discussion of current use at the end. This is a fascinating story that deserves to be told.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 3–6—Ably evoking the stately pace and monumental scale of a pharaoh's public life and works, Kennett pairs brief general accounts of Seti I's burial and of Egyptian society during the long reign of his renowned successor, Ramesses II, with hundreds of paintings of scenes and artifacts that range from near-full-spread to thumbnail in size. He uses a broad brush for figures and faces, but borders, friezes and other decorations, jewelry, statues, tools, motifs, patterns, and representations of the gods are more finely detailed. Each page presents a richly colored visual mélange that will draw viewers in and leave them with new insight into what those ancient cities and immense temples must have looked like 3300-plus years ago. Considering the huge number of other introductions to ancient Egypt currently available, this one is too generalized to be a first choice for assignment use, but its unusual slant makes it first-class enrichment material.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—These clearly written titles are illustrated with large photographs and period artwork, and the pages are broken up with text boxes featuring quotes and interesting anecdotes. Through them, readers learn about the tedium, excitement, and danger of archaeological digs. The emphasis is on the excavations rather than the cultures themselves. Palenque begins with John Stephens's and Frederick Catherwood's visit to this Mayan site in 1840; their subsequent book introduced it to the world. The remaining chapters describe the excavations by Alberto Ruz Lhuillier, a Mexican archaeologist, in the mid-20th century, including his thrilling discovery of the burial site of a Mayan ruler beneath the Temple of the Inscriptions. Kops notes the tremendous difficulty of the excavations and explains the tension that developed between Mexican and American archaeologists around decoding Mayan hieroglyphics. Pompeii centers on the work led by Colonel Rocque Joachim de Alcubierre and Karl Jakob Weber in the 1700s and notes their many significant discoveries, including mosaics, statues, and frescoes. Sonneborn describes the bickering that took place among those in charge and the criticism raised by experts about the haphazard approach to excavation. Back matter includes maps of the sites, pronunciation guides, and "who's who" sections, which help readers keep the names and locations straight. Shelley Tanaka's The Buried City of Pompeii (Hyperion, 1997; o.p.) is for a similar audience but concentrates more on the ancient volcanic eruption than the modern excavations; James M. Deem's Bodies from the Ash (Houghton, 2005) focuses on what scientists learned from skeletons discovered at Pompeii.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 4–6—This worthy effort provides a detailed, fictionalized account of events from the composer's life and pairs them with his compositions. The text flows nicely, but the long columns of closely spaced type are decidedly imposing for the age group most likely attracted to a slim picture book. In contrast, the detailed color illustrations are an eye-catching partner to the 50-minute, well-edited CD, which contains excerpts from European performances of popular Beethoven selections (intended for playing as the book is read). A nicely detailed chronology and a discography for the CD are included. This is not a first choice for students seeking a report resource, and it is an additional purchase for most collections.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Gr 9 Up—Marley and his larger-than-life story are adequately portrayed in this serviceable biography. Miller describes his subject's birth in the Jamaican village of Nine Miles in 1945 to a black mother and white father. His mixed racial heritage and poverty made his childhood difficult. He began playing music and singing at an early age and later formed the Wailers with a childhood friend. The band became known for a distinctive reggae sound that made them famous around the world. The clearly written text provides a solid background by discussing Jamaican history, Rasta beliefs, and contemporary political events. The book is evenhanded, showing Marley's successes as well as his flaws, including his extramarital affairs, and also mentions his use of marijuana and an assassination attempt on his life. Black-and-white and a few color photographs add to the narrative, and source notes that identify the origins of the quotes appear throughout.—Kristen Oravec, Stephen S. Wise Elementary School, Los Angeles

Gr 7 Up—Raven's lengthy account of the legend is narrated in somewhat cadenced style—perhaps suggesting that of the ancient bard—by Wiglaf, the young warrior who (in this version) accompanied Beowulf when he slew the monster Grendel, its mother, and, in his final battle, the dragon. Wiglaf's own history is interwoven with the epic story, along with some personal information about several other warriors. Details of the attacks upon Hrothgar's men by Grendel and its mother, printed in italic type, are recounted from the beasts' points of view. Several other side stories, previews to parts of the tale, are also italicized. Two pages of short character biographies, an artist's note, and a map showing "The Lands of Beowulf" are appended. The volume is illustrated in several styles: delicately rendered, realistic colored-pencil drawings and expression-filled portraits of the main characters; meticulously detailed watercolor paintings, such as one showing the massive doors to Hrothgar's Hall; and soft, full- and double-page impressionist-style watercolor paintings of natural settings, two of them highlighting Hrothgar's Hall and the approach of Grendel. Collections in need of another version of the epic tale might consider purchasing this one. However, the authentic language, superb narration, striking illustrations, and overall format of James Rumford's Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold (Houghton, 2007) make it the finest edition of the poem currently available for young people.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 8 Up—Each volume contains biographical information; historical events during the subject's lifetime; and notable works with breakdowns of plot, themes and issues, analysis, symbols, and literary criticism. Both show the writer's place in literary history by comparing him to his contemporaries. What is so helpful about these books is that the authors have focused on novice researchers who usually need an idea of how to organize analytical research about a writer. Unlike Bloom's "BioCritiques" series, the language, pictures, and other references are user-friendly for younger researchers. The books are illustrated with photos and reproductions. Useful titles for circulation or for reference collections.—Lori E. Donovan, Thomas Dale High School, Chester, VA

Gr 4–7— This follow-up to The Art Book for Children (Phaidon, 2005) is similar in size, format, and tone to that volume. Each spread contains sharp, full-color reproductions accompanied by four or five paragraphs discussing the different aspects of art suggested by the particular work. The book includes well-known classics, modern concept art, painting, and sculpture. Renshaw alternates modern and traditional art, but otherwise there is no real organization to the book. The tone is casual yet energetic and the text is both interesting and thought-provoking. It is not condescending, but is easily accessible to even a fairly young audience. Renshaw answers some questions about the artwork, and poses questions on every spread for readers to consider. In a discussion of Winslow Homer's Snap the Whip, she states, "We know the boy is moving—but how does the artist make him look as if he's moving when, of course, the picture is totally still?" Reading the book is something like walking through an art gallery with a really good docent. This is a great choice for schools and libraries.—Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Gr 3–6—Colorful spreads, foldout sections, and built-in booklets introduce ancient Pompeii and its place in the Roman Empire, life in the city (commerce, religion, entertainment, etc.), people and homes, the specifics of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, and later excavations. The text provides enough detail to keep youngsters interested, and the pages are filled with clear maps, colorful illustrations, current-day photos of the site, and reproductions of artifacts. Three-dimensional paper sculptures of contemporary buildings allow readers to peek inside, and a pop-up image of the volcano is a real attention-grabber. While the contents of a pull-out drawer—a foldout free-standing replica of a Roman theater, a "wearable gladiator mask," and a pamphlet about the disaster's effects on nearby Herculaneum—may be easily lost, the book's movable parts are sturdy and will stand up to use by browsers.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 5–9—These books provide straightforward and comprehensive information about health issues that affect many people each year. The texts are clear and are balanced by anecdotal passages that help to illustrate the dynamics of the diseases. Inset boxes and photographs serve to elucidate concepts. A strong cause-and-effect relationship is presented through explanations, historical contextualizations, and information on prevention and treatment. Full-color photographs and illustrations support the texts. The back matter includes a question-and-answer section. These books will work well for reports or general information.—Joanie Terrizzi, Park East Day School, New York City

Gr 4–6—In the foreword, the author promises to make learning about the Constitution "Fun." Unfortunately, these books are not fun to read. They are dense with text that reads like lawyer lite. In 32 pages, including glossary and index, readers are presented with more facts, questions, and court-case details than any student would want to know or be able to understand. Each spread has at least one photograph or drawing that usually illustrates the ideas being presented on those pages. However, the accompanying text is small, dense, and intimidating. These titles look like easy and useful choices for young students, but they fail to present the information simply and clearly.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City

Gr 7 Up—This biography of the legendary jazz singer (1917–1996) does an excellent job of introducing her musical legacy to young adults. It focuses on her work, but offers insights as well into her personal life. Clearly written and well organized, the book describes her difficult and troubled childhood. Fitzgerald was shy, no great beauty, overweight, and black. Her musical skills, hard work, the support of key figures in her life, and a bit of luck brought her enormous professional and financial success. Stone gives readers a great appreciation of a rare talent, of a singer who could do things with a melody that few others could do, and they will come to share the writer's obvious love of her subject. A must-buy for teens who are familiar with Fitzgerald's music as well as for those who are not.—Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ

Gr 4–8—This clearly written and well-organized introduction to the world of the racehorse traces the history of horse racing, the breeding of both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, and their training. Information is provided on the different jobs that are vital to sustaining both the horse and the sport, such as exercise riders, jockeys, grooms, and farriers. The uglier side of the sport, which includes drugs, cheating, abuse, and neglect, is discussed. Tate also examines what happens to these animals when their racing days are over. She acknowledges that although groups and individuals try to find homes for them, many still end up being sold for slaughter. The numerous color photographs are well chosen and complement this solidly researched, knowledgeable text.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 6 Up—Plenty of white space, wide margins, color photos and illustrations, and more than a dozen full-page pictures of girls using the finished items all add up to an excellent presentation. The lively, easy-to-read text will appeal to beginners and experienced crocheters alike. The book includes a labeled illustration of a crochet hook; discussions and charts of hook sizes and standard yarn weights; clear explanations of pattern instructions, stitches, and techniques; and more. Each project lists "Skills" (such as single crochet), "Materials," "Finished Measurements," "Gauge," and "Pattern." There are instructions for a striped scarf, brimmed hat, sunglasses case, choker, tote, fingerless mitts, pillow, etc. Back matter includes sites for yarn companies. Similar in scope to the author's Get Hooked (Watson-Guptill, 2006), Judith L. Swartz's Getting Started: Crochet (Interweave, 2006), and Susie Johns's Ready, Set, Crochet (Quayside, 2004), this title is a welcome addition.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY