Grades 5 & Up

Gr 7 Up—In Gift of the Unmage (Eos, 2007), Thea Winthrop, a double seventh who had shown no supernatural ability, learns how to use computers to weave worlds where she can use her magical power. In Spellspam, someone besides Thea has figured out how to manipulate emails to carry spells that attack the person who opens them. They begin with practical jokelike spells such as speaking a new language, hair growth, etc., that only last a short time. But the emails become more dangerous; people all over the world are disappearing, including Thea's environmental-science teacher. Thea and her friend Terry, a computer genius, are sent by the government to stay in the house of Professor de los Reyes, a mage and computer expert, to help discover who or what is behind the trouble. Alexander, like Thea, can weave worlds; she seamlessly blends together the worlds of fantasy, science fiction, myth, and contemporary teen life. The plot and pacing are a little choppy, with characters coming in and out at the speed of spellspam, but the story is quick and original. Thea is a likable character who struggles with feelings of being different and alone, something many teens can relate to. Recommend this one to fans of the first book.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT

Gr 7–10—As this charming sequel to Geek High (NAL Jam, 2007) begins, mathematically gifted Miranda is sandwiched between a screaming baby and a farting businessman on a flight to London to visit her mother. The teen is still glowing from her first kiss from new boyfriend Dex, and she can't wait to hear from him by email, so she's terribly disappointed as the days pass with no word. Cute Brit Henry fills the void and she manages to enjoy her stay, but when she returns home to Florida things are just not right. One friend is fighting with another and her best buddy is so wrapped up with her boyfriend that she seems like a pod person. Her father is fighting with his selfish wife and the whole family forgets her 16th birthday. Miranda also discovers that her math-team final competition is scheduled for the same day as a prestigious writing contest. In realistic fashion, not everything goes Miranda's way, but by the end of the novel some issues are resolved happily while others are minor disasters, or still ongoing. But the best part of the book is Miranda herself—a fully realized character with flaws and assets. Teens will empathize with her problems, cheer her successes, and will look forward to the next book featuring this winning protagonist.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—In a burst of panic about a nuclear attack, nine-year-old Eli, his sisters, and his parents move into an underground bunker built by Eli's billionaire father. It's an enormous complex, with rooms similar to those in the family's Seattle mansion. Only his grandmother and twin brother don't make it in. The first six years of the planned 15 have been fairly routine, but now some food has spoiled, and certain things just don't seem right, or even possible. Eli is starting to have doubts about his father's motives, explanations, and sanity. Readers might find the first third of the novel to be slow as a lot of time is spent developing Eli's character as a spoiled, self-centered child. There is considerable foreshadowing, and astute readers will likely figure out the ending. As the years pass, Eli is full of teen angst and anger that develops into a realization of what he must do in order to help his family survive. The novel becomes full of tension and suspense and turns into a true edge-of-the-seat thriller. There are numerous social issues addressed that could lead to great classroom discussions.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—"I'm sorry, little Dusty. Good-bye, little Dusty." These words, spoken by a stranger on a cell phone, are the same ones uttered by the British teen's brother before he disappeared. The boy on the phone claims he has overdosed and is dying. Dusty walks out into the snow to find him and enters into a supernatural puzzle beyond her imagination. She follows his snowy footprints to a place where they inexplicably vanish, but not long afterward, she learns he has not died. She soon finds herself pursued by vigilantes who are also looking for this boy. They claim he has abnormally snow-white skin and hair and is responsible for a number of reprehensible crimes. Dusty, convinced that he knows something about her brother, refuses to give him up to the mob before he reveals his secrets. Dusty is a bitter tomboy with many disagreeable characteristics, yet readers will find themselves rooting for her. The rest of the characters are flat. The mystery is creepy and compelling, and readers will want to know more. Unfortunately, that which is revealed is surface level, and the deeper mystery remains unsolved. Copious pages of dialogue thrust the story forward and will appeal to many readers; however, interpreting what has happened will take more effort than most teens will be willing to expend.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 7–10—In the summer of 1864, Louis Nolette, a 15-year-old Abenaki Indian from Canada, is living in New York when a Union recruiter convinces him that it's worth the bounty to join an Irish brigade marching from New York to Virginia. Bruchac fills the account of their battle-filled march with logistical and practical information about tactics, fortifications, and the daily life of soldiers, and some insight into Louis's family and past. Despite its setting, however, the text is remarkably devoid of conflict. Though he is the sole Indian in his regiment, Louis endures minimal chiding from his peers. Almost every battle scene is described in retrospect. Readers experience little action along with Louis, and no central plotline urges them forward. Fellow officers and soldiers are largely one-dimensional, and many characters (including an Irish sergeant, a woman dressed as a soldier, a captured Reb, and a member of a Negro unit) provide token wartime perspectives. Abe Lincoln, Indian General Ely Parker, Walt Whitman, and Clara Barton all make unnecessary appearances. Louis himself, who is predictably described as strong, silent, and valued for his animal-like hearing and vision, shows depth of character only in interactions with another Indian he meets along the march. He is ultimately rescued from a saw-happy field doctor by his mother, who has heard from "the trees" that he needs her. With an unconvincing resolution to an unremarkable narrative, this title will likely be used only by teachers needing a fact-filled supplement to Civil War lessons.—Riva Pollard, American Indian Public Charter School, Oakland, CA

Gr 5–8—Burg's debut novel, set in 1963, is told through the eyes of Addie Ann Pritchett, a seventh-grade African American. She finds herself embroiled in the Civil Rights Movement that affects her family and her little town in the Mississippi Delta in profound and personal ways. To start, there's the death of the richest man in town, who bequeaths his land to everyone in Kuckachoo so that, "together whites and Negroes shall plant a garden." Addie and her mother work as household help for a young couple in town, where the girl overhears hateful remarks made by members of the Garden Club, who have no intention of sharing the produce from Old Man Adams's land across racial lines. Meanwhile, Addie's brother accidentally breaks the leg of a white bully who is tormenting her cat and flees into the bayou. Elias disappears and is feared drowned. Weaving in and out of these serious concerns are the normal insecurities of a girl on the brink of adolescence. Addie's relationships with her family and friends are interesting and well developed. The civil rights issues that come to a head as Addie's uncle is arrested and in danger of being lynched will make the injustices of the era vivid for today's readers. The protagonist moves from protected innocence out to the larger, often-threatening world and finds strength in her family, her community, and herself. This is not a perfect book—some of the dialogue seems stiff-but it is a compelling story that doesn't oversimplify complex situations.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Rossamünd Bookchild has begun his training as a lamplighter, lighting the highways of the Half-Continent and fending off the increasingly frequent attacks by the varied and dangerous monsters of the land. The militaristic lifestyle is rigorous and lonely. His only companion is a fellow outcast, a haughty aristocrat's daughter who is the only girl among the cadets. Rossamünd's alienation grows with his increasing suspicion that not all "boggles" are evil—a philosophy regarded as treasonous in his society. Both the story and the accompanying 90-page "Explicarium" build on and expand the information in Foundling (Putnam, 2006), and reading this book without a firm grounding in the first is not to be attempted. Cornish's rich supporting cast brings together some of the best characters of the previous installment (most notably the captivating, mercenary monster-slayer Europe) with a host of intriguing new personages, including a former lighter who is physically and mentally scarred from a monster attack, a sinister surgeon, and a horrible half-human half-monster construct. Devout fantasy fans will welcome the return to the socially and morally complex world of the Half-Continent and eagerly anticipate the concluding installment.—Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 6–8—Growing up in Canada with her white South African mother, Kim van der Merwe does not know who her father is. Now, at 13, she goes to Cape Town for the first time, shortly after independence in the mid-1990s, because her mother, a journalist, is going to report on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Visiting and meeting her family for the first time, she decides that her mission will be to discover her father's identity. When Kim becomes involved in a friendship with the family who works for the van der Merwes', especially Themba, whose father was murdered by the police during apartheid, her life becomes more closely entwined with South Africa's political and social realities. As she gets closer to the answer she seeks, her mother becomes more and more unhinged by the horrors she hears about in her work. The climax packs a powerful emotional punch as the author dovetails Kim's personal odyssey with the pain, contradictions, and hopes of the country as it carries its devastating history into the future. The realities of the society are carefully and skillfully portrayed, so that Kim's story is truly the emotional heart of the book, and not a vehicle for ideas. Kim herself is a believable and likable character, and her relationship with Themba is tender and realistic. The author does not sugarcoat the realities of South Africa, or the details of torture that are revealed at the Truth Commission. Not just another multicultural title, by any means, this novel will really grab readers who appreciate realistic fiction about young people searching for their place in the world.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 7–10—Josh lives in Harpers Ferry, WV, in an aging limestone house with his two bullying older brothers, timid mother, and tyrannical father. Known for its connections to legendary historical figures such as John Brown and Frederick Douglass, the town attracts many visitors. Living in its fishbowl atmosphere brings shame and anger to Josh's father but evokes joy and creativity in their new neighbors, the Richmonds. Josh envies everything about Luke Richmond. He envies his new friend's normal brothers, kind father, and beautiful house, which is almost an exact duplicate of the abandoned house Josh's father grew up in on the outskirts of town. Explanations for his father's anger, the abandoned house, and other family secrets are revealed just as Josh's world comes crashing down around him. The pacing of the story is slow and the characters are one-dimensional and oftentimes stereotypical. The metaphors involving John Brown are often forced and the historical relationship between Brown's acts and Josh's experiences will be lost on many teens. The author attempts to address too many conflicts—family dysfunction, corruption in the Catholic Church, John Brown's legacy—and fails to bring about a convincing resolution to any of them. While there is some action and adventure, this title will appeal to a limited number of young adults.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 4–6—Sixth-grader Addy believes that she is suffering from the family curse, which started, according to Nana, when Addy's great-grandad chopped down a tree in Ireland, disturbing a fairy lair and burdening his descendants with bad luck ever since. Her father has died of cancer, her mother is dating a dweeb, her friend Jackie is angry with her—and the list goes on. Addy records many of her thoughts and feelings in her "autobiogra-strip," a blend of diary and comic strip. She has earned praise for her interviews—illustrated with her drawings—with people in the community, which are published in the school newspaper. As Addy begins to mature, she learns that much of the bad luck is due to her outlook on life, not a fairy curse. After apologizing to Jackie and making attempts to accept her mother's boyfriend, she realizes that she must take responsibility for her actions and keep living life, even as she grieves for her father. Peppered with authentic preteen conversations, the novel combines traditional narrative with graphic-novel stories, emails, and IMs. Though the happy ending is a bit too pat, the book is a fast-paced and interesting read. The graphic-novel sections are well done and break up the text nicely, making this light fare accessible to reluctant readers.—Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX

Gr 5–8—In this novel set in 1980, Madison is an awkward 12-year-old who is taller than most of the boys in her class. As summer begins, she finds herself on the outs with her friend Sara and thrust into the role of reluctant trailblazer as the first girl to play league baseball in her area of Southern Michigan. Madison's a gifted athlete, but she doesn't like being called a tomboy and she's not sure how she feels about baseball. She loves to pitch, but is uncomfortable with the pressure and the crowds and is self-conscious about her changing body. She struggles to fit in with her teammates, developing a crush on one boy and finding an unexpected ally in another. Also, she finds herself bristling at her mother's attempts to be supportive. The coming-of-age theme is familiar, but Madison's voice and perceptions ring true. At times, Day's plot feels a bit overcrowded and a few of the supporting characters seem one-dimensional, but these are small missteps in an otherwise engaging novel. Recommend this book to readers who enjoyed Kristi Roberts's My Thirteenth Season (Holt, 2005) and Dori Hillestad Butler's Sliding into Home (Peachtree, 2003).—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 5–8—Apprentice witch-hunter Tom Ward and his master, the Spook, must now travel into deep enemy territory. The three witch covens of Pendle Hill have been at odds for a long time, but somehow they've been persuaded to put aside old enmities. The aim of this unholy alliance is no less than raising the Devil himself. The key to defeating the witches may rest in a set of trunks willed to Tom by his mysterious mother, but they have been stolen by the Malkin clan, along with Tom's older brother and his family. Delaney does a good job of tying in information from previous books, but the prosaic writing style means the story only occasionally achieves an atmosphere of excitement and dread. Still, fans of the series will welcome the surprising revelations and further questions unveiled in this chapter of the tale.—Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 5–8— The Girl Who Saw Lions is an enticing narrative told in two parallel stories that converge in a satisfying ending. Abela, who lives in Tanzania, has become an orphan due to AIDS. After her parents die, her uncle schemes her away from her loving but poor grandmother, with the idea of selling her for adoption in England. Meanwhile, Rosa, who lives with her mother in England, has never quite fit in at school. When she learns that her mother is thinking about adopting a child from Tanzania, she is resistant because it might break up the special bond that they share. It is obvious just a few chapters into the book that there is a connection between Rosa and Abela—two very different girls who at first are separated both physically and metaphorically by a thousand miles. Doherty takes on multiple complex subjects including female circumcision, child trafficking, cross-culture adoption, and the death of relatives. At times, the number of issues threatens to overwhelm the story, but, ultimately, patient readers will be rewarded.—Ernie Bond, Salisbury University, MD

Gr 5–8—In Denver in 1973, Kate Hope, 14, has become an attorney in partnership with her grandfather after the death of her dad and brother in a car accident. The firm takes clients who are in need of representation but short of resources. At the center of the story are two cases: a man in the States on a work permit who has been charged with theft, and an elderly woman whose dog has been impounded. Kate is resourceful, deals with her grandfather's growing infirmity, and has a sometimes boyfriend who helps with investigations. The social issues of the day flavor the narrative, which is also laden with legal detail and discussions of justice that will appeal to aficionados of courtroom dramas. Although the writing is somewhat pedestrian, the book has a unique premise. In an afterword, Downing provides a legal basis for his invention of a protagonist who practices law at such a young age.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library

Gr 6–9— Londoner Connie Pickles, 14, achieves her dream of a two-week exchange visit to France in this second adventure. She imagines meeting her mother's estranged parents and effecting a reconciliation. A self-styled nerd, Connie also envisions staying with a family that's more sophisticated than her chaotic one. Instead, the daughter, Pascale, is a shoplifting Goth, her father a tyrant, and quiet Madame Blanc is having an affair with a driving instructor. Although Didier, the older brother, seems kind, Connie falls for the younger one, Philippe, who emits more charm than substance. Much of the book's humor stems from Connie's wry observations as her expectations crumble. Rather than visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, she parties with her friends, their hosts, and Pascale. Her plot to reunite her mom and grandparents ends up with her mom in tears but also with hope for future developments. Connie is thoroughly relieved when her old friend William shows up even though it's at the invitation of her London neighbor and friend, Delilah. Of course, William prefers Connie. She survives her disappointments with good nature and a firm knowledge of who she really is. Even though practically nothing goes the way she wants, the teen sensibly sees the fun in it all and manages to make readers feel that way, too. Although this book stands on its own, reading Cross Your Heart, Connie Pickles (HarperTempest, 2007) first will add to its enjoyment. Reluctant readers may be deterred by its British tone, but middle school girls looking for a light read will find much to like in Connie.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 5 Up—This World War II-era coming-of-age story relates Alejandro's experiences growing up on a South Texas farm, named for his mother's method of marking her chicks by cutting off their shortest toes. The vignettes are filled with nostalgia and range in tone from funny and tender to tragic and wistful. As Alejandro grows from a young boy terrified of the devil dragging him into hell to a young man intent on finally winning his father's approval, readers are treated to scenes steeped in cultural traditions and beliefs and Spanish phrases. Alejandro may be poor in life, but he is rich in family. The emotional intimacy and deep love between its characters is Chicken Foot Farm's greatest charm. Estevis's delightful book isn't only for young people; it's a gift for families to share.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 8 Up—Five-foot-nine Allee Rosen tends to look down her nose at the trendy wendies at her school, including her own kid sister, aka The Fluff. Therefore, Allee is shocked when she gets tapped by a Miami modeling agency for commercial work. Her? Allee Rosen? Brainiac feminist on the fast track to Yale? Granted, her grades will get her into an Ivy League school but her lack of moola won't. Maybe, just maybe, this surprising turn of events is the solution. So what if it goes against everything she believes. Surely she can don some heels and makeup for the sake of her future. Then a funny thing happens—Allee learns that modeling isn't so easy, people aren't always who they seem, feminism is more about empowering women than it is about being dismissive and self-righteous, and she—more than anyone—needs to quit judging a book by its cover. Fischer takes a fun, in-depth peek into the modeling world. With its catty glamour, larger-than-life personas, and Allee's painfully real journey from naive to self-assured, and geek to chic, Braless in Wonderland is a rabbit hole that teens will enjoy exploring.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 9 Up—Geena, 16, plans to spend her summer working at the local coffee shop in her Sonoma Valley town with her cousin Hero and her friend Amber. She envisions grinding out espressos and supersize iced mochas during the day and spending sleepover nights painting toenails and confessing secrets. Within the first few hours of her arrival home from a Connecticut boarding school, Hero falls in love with an Italian boy working at her father's vineyard and it's clear that she and Amber are not going to be friends. As the story unfolds through Geena's diary entries, readers discover each girl's strengths, flaws, and personality. Truly updating this story inspired by Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing, Gehrman includes a contemporary subplot in which John, whose affections Hero rejects, posts faked nude pictures of her on MySpace, thanks to Photoshop. To save her reputation, the girls concoct a complicated revenge plan that succeeds, revealing the popular and confident John for who he really is. While the drama of this situation might seem outlandish to adults, the author touches on a very real concern of Internet safety. Reluctant readers will be attracted to the hot-pink cover and "hot guy" plotline, but more competent readers will enjoy the novel as well. Gehrman blends realistic teen characters who use slang, curse, and talk about sex with skillfully descriptive writing, leaving readers with a double shot of a highly caffeinated and hard-to-put-down book.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

Gr 5–9—A sequel to The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1 (Candlewick, 2006). Johnny Turnbull, 14, is a "softwire" who can use his mind to communicate with any computer. He and fellow "knud-niks," who were enslaved to alien Guarantors on the Rings of Orbis to pay off their parents' debts, are sent to Orbis 2 now that their duties on the first ring are complete. Here they encounter harsher conditions, crueler Guarantors, and a web of political intrigue centered around the harvest of valuable crystals. JT is the only one capable of communicating with the Samirans, the gigantic aquatic aliens who have been cooling the crystals for many rotations and are now showing signs of unrest. The story and mysteries are compelling but complicated, and a working knowledge of the first book's events and vocabulary is essential. The characters are recognizable types, but the actions are morally nuanced: in one of the most memorable scenes, cruel Odran puts JT in charge of the other young human workers and forces him to punish Switzer, a bully, with an electric-shock device. Themes of family, political maneuvering, tension between races, and the desire to escape captivity are palpable throughout.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Readers create their own adventures with the flip of a coin that determines a course through 300 different plot choices. Warning: they will need a strong background knowledge of surfing to navigate this text. Avid surfers may be able to hang with Haber but landlubbers might find that the lingo impedes understanding. While every effort was made to facilitate bouncing from plot point to plot point, it's easy to get lost or distracted by surrounding text. The format also makes it difficult to get to know the other characters as their personalities seem to change with each reading. The novelty may engage reluctant readers, but the narrow scope of the text is sure to exclude others. There's an extensive glossary (more flipping back and forth) and a weak Web site link. Ultimately? Don't go there, dude.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 8 Up—In Snakehead, the world of the ancient Aegean comes alive, and Perseus, the only Greek hero to have a happy ending, gets a compelling treatment. He has long lived in the household of "Papa Dicty," the rightful king of the island Serifos. His mother, Danae, was a princess of Argos, and his father is Zeus. Perseus is less interested in this heritage than he is in keeping Papa Dicty's taverna running. When an earthquake sends refugees to Serifos, including the beautiful Kore (which means "girl"), Perseus realizes that things are coming to a head. As Kore, who is actually Andromeda, begins to reveal her secrets, the silent war between Dicty and his brother-usurper Polydectes heightens, and Perseus is sent on a mission to slay the monster Medusa, a once-beautiful woman who caused a feud between Athini and Poseidon, the god to whom Andromeda has been pledged as a sacrifice. Though there are some anachronisms in the story, for the most part the attitudes and understanding of the world experienced by the main characters are true to their setting: Perseus struggles with his identity as half-immortal, and Andromeda with her fate as a sacrifice. Readers of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" series (Hyperion) will be delighted to read a tale of that Percy's namesake, and lovers of Greek myth will find plenty of details and hints to keep them involved. The mentions of early Minoan civilization and the islands of Nexos and Fira, now called Santorini, all give the setting a realistic feeling.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 3–6—Zeke and Stephanie's Great-aunt Zenobia has disappeared, and the family has received a number of her belongings, including an old-fashioned toilet and a letter. As the twins are fighting over who gets to use it for a family-history project, two "agents" appear at their door, investigating unusual happenings in the neighborhood. The kids' cat takes advantage of the open door and escapes with the coveted letter in his mouth. Zeke, Stephanie, and their friend Hector chase Fitz, and all four fall down a hole into the land of Underwhere. Here, the story shifts to graphic novel format as readers meet its residents, who wear their undies on top of their clothes and believe that Zeke is a prince who has come to save them from the Underlord. The remainder of the book is a jumble of bathroom humor and rollicking adventure; the children travel back and forth between home and Underwhere several times, taking on zombies, thunder lizards, and eventually the Underlord, who is disguised as a rap star. A talking cat, a last-minute science project, and those pesky agents complicate the tale. While the mixed format is innovative, characters and objects in the illustrations are sometimes difficult to distinguish. The ending is clearly a setup for the next adventure.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI

Gr 7 Up—High school junior Kate is practical and unromantic and, after a relationship gone wrong, has sworn off love. When she wins a writing contest sponsored by the University of Verona, she spends four weeks in Italy studying Romeo and Juliet. The seminar is taught by Francesca Marchese, the academic archrival of Kate's father, a well-known Shakespeare professor. Kate arrives to find that she and the other participants are required to volunteer with the Juliet Club (an actual organization); they will answer letters sent to Juliet by those seeking advice on matters of the heart. But Kate; fellow Americans Lucy and Tom; and Italians Giacomo Marchese, Benno, and Silvia rapidly become involved in romantic entanglements of their own in a plot that combines elements not only of Romeo and Juliet, but of Much Ado about Nothing and Henry V as well. This Shakespearean update is an absolutely delightful read. The characters are believable and appealing, and the complicated romantic plotting never bogs down. Harper's descriptions of Verona and Italian life are wonderfully detailed and evocative.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 5–9—Brian Bain, 13, and high schooler Roni Delicata, the sleuthing pals featured in Snatched (2006) and Skullduggery (2007, both Putnam), return in another book that begins quickly and doesn't slow down. When Brian wins a paper airplane design contest, his picture is published in the local Bloodwater newspaper, garnering interest from several mysterious strangers. Meanwhile, Roni, who is browsing a missing child Web site, is amazed to find that the age-progressed photo of Bryce Doblemun, a three-year-old boy abducted 10 years before, is the spitting image of Brian. Like Brian, Bryce was born in Korea and adopted by Caucasian parents. Brian's parents seem reluctant to reveal much about his past, and he begins to wonder about his early years. Roni investigates the missing boy and turns up information about a suspicious fire, a shady father, and a large reward. The plot twists are fast and furious and the conclusion is satisfying as it resolves Brian's ancestral quest, an unsolved kidnapping, and a murder. Readers meeting these well-drawn characters for the first time will seek out the other two mysteries.—Sheila Fiscus, Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, PA

Gr 9 Up—In true Dickensian manner, this atmospheric, richly detailed story takes readers from the slums to the upper-class locales of mid-1800s London. Ivy is a victim throughout much of the book, trying to escape villains who seek her demise. Orphaned and living with uncaring relatives, she runs away at the age of five, after bad experiences during her first day at school. Lost, she is lured by Carroty Kate into a gang of thieves, where she becomes addicted to laudanum. Ten years later, Ivy is back with her family, who profit from her work as a model for a pre-Raphaelite artist with an evil, jealous mother. In a fog of addiction, Ivy lives at the mercy of her circumstances until she is finally able to take charge of her future. Quirky characters, darkly humorous situations, and quick action make this enjoyable historical fiction. An afterword about Dante Gabriel Rossetti and his wife Lizzie Siddal as the inspiration for this novel is included.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 7 Up—This installation in the series begins while James is attending Eton. The professor in charge of his roommate's crossword-puzzle club departs the school unexpectedly and leaves a cryptic letter to the boy explaining his absence. That strange note, combined with the clues from his last crossword contribution to the London Times, has the boys off on an adventure to solve the mystery and rescue Mr. Fairburn. They must decipher all manner of word clues, and the author does a good job of reviewing the last clue while moving on to the next so that readers don't get lost. James and his friends use their wits, but his agile athletic abilities also come in handy as they run after and away from the menacing bad guys. The plot is clever and well developed, and the boys and their actions are believable. An added bonus is the discussion of the medical oddities found at London's Royal College of Surgeons, which will be highly prized among teen boys for the gross-out factor. Students who cut their teeth on Donald J. Sobol's "Encyclopedia Brown" series (Delacorte) will love this more mature mystery, and will have fun trying to figure out the clues before Bond, James Bond.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School Library, Loveland, CO

Gr 5–7—Madeline Vandermeer wants to become a saint. She's already performed two miracles (moving a glass without touching it and having a premonition of her father's avalanche accident), so she figures she's well on the way—even though she isn't Catholic. She begins attending mass regularly, reads up on the lives of saints, writes to the Pope, and practices suffering. The suffering part is easy: her parents have divorced, and she is no longer able to take ballet class in Boston, an hour's drive from her Providence, RI, home. Also, Madeline harbors anger toward her mother, believing that Dad left because Mom is not sophisticated and beautiful like his new wife, Ava Pomme. However, during a family trip to Italy, Madeline comes to appreciate her mother for being all the things Ava is not. Hood's book is scattered, with minor plotlines trailing throughout. Some are dropped and others solved rather abruptly, but the overall story of Madeline's attempt to reconstruct her life after divorce comes together as she reaches a place of understanding: "This wasn't the life I would have chosen for myself. But I saw that my choices lay ahead of me. In this matter, my parents had decided. They had fallen away from each other, and I would forever be somewhere stretched between them." Hopefully readers won't become lost in the inconsequential and miss the touching story of how one girl deals with the breakup of her family.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 5 Up—Pia, 13, lives on the islands of Hawaii in the 1860s. He has a loving family and a lifelong older friend whom he sees as fearless, giving him guidance and direction as he grows. When Pia is discovered to have leprosy, he is shipped to Molokai, a settlement set up by the government to isolate those with the disease. He is angry about losing his family and feels betrayed by Kamaka, who abandons him when he gets sick. Once at Molokai, Pia must learn to survive at a place where people are ostracized like criminals and treated harshly. Readers follow him as he chooses between anger and love, revenge and forgiveness. The richly drawn characters and descriptions of living conditions give insight into the despair of the people and the hope that comes when a priest volunteers to live and work in the colony and bring order to its residents. This book is based on accounts of Hawaiians sent to Molokai and the work of Father Damien. However, the struggle to forgive, and the hope that love brings are timeless themes that are presented in a powerful way.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 7 Up— Flashdance meets Fame in Dancing on the Edge. Lee and Rosa attend City Arts High School across the tracks (aptly named Division St.) from their blue-collar neighborhood, and Lee isn't comfortable about going to school with rich kids. She must prove to her dance teacher, to the backstabbing class hotshot, and to herself that she belongs there. While Dancing is the more predictable of the two stories, it demonstrates the same urban attitude as Behind the Door. Jamal, Delmar, and Amos make an unlikely cast for a spooky ghost story. The streetwise trio hangs out in the basement of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Unexpectedly, a mysterious green door materializes in the wall. The boys pry it open and evil ghouls enter their world. When the ghouls inhabit the bodies of Delmar and Amos, Jamal goes for help and enlists Lee, the tough, savvy dancer from Dancing. When Jamal goes back to the basement to rescue his friends, he is pulled down into their world. An unresolved ending leaves lots of room for shivers, and speculation (not to mention a sequel). The quick pacing and unexpected urban setting create a fresh take on a well-worn genre. Unfortunately, the books' cheesy art contrasts with the cool edgy tone that the series is trying to cultivate.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 8–11—Natalie and Claire are more than sisters; they're also friends. Only two years apart, they've always shared secrets, clothes, and a bedroom, and Natalie can't imagine what it's going to be like in the fall when Claire goes away to college. Only Claire doesn't go away. At the beginning of the summer, she's struck by a car and suffers massive head trauma. The next time Natalie sees her is at the hospital. There are tubes snaking in and out of her swollen body and there's a crisscrossing of stitches on her shaved head. This is not Claire's story, but Natalie's. It takes place over the course of 12 days of grief and coping, and continuing to live when the unimaginable happens. Natalie, her friends, and her family are well delineated, but as the story is told from Natalie's point of view, hers is the most complete portrayal. Jocelyn captures a teen's thoughts and reactions in a time of incredible anguish without making her overly dramatic. Readers will fly through the pages of this book, crying, laughing, and crying some more.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 10 Up—Starting at a new school is always hard, but Michael Terny's size makes him a larger and easier target for bullies. His dad constantly pressures him to fight back, but the teen quails at the thought of physical confrontation. In dreams, however, he finds that he is the one in control, and begins to take revenge on his tormentors. Embracing his role as a self-proclaimed dispenser of justice, Michael tempers his vengeance by healing those in need. Ultimately, is he truly in control, or is he trapped between dreaming and waking? His older voice is at odds with the high school setting, and teens will feel as though the narrator is talking down to them. Though the fact that Michael's mother is dead creates some sympathy, the tenuous emotional connection deteriorates, as he stills seems too bland, even when breaking another student's fingers. An underdeveloped Australian setting nags at readers, gradually unraveling the cohesiveness of the plot. The Sixth Sense ending, asking readers to determine what was "all in your head" and what might be real, will leave readers frustrated, especially as the author is not generous with clues. Shooting for an introspective and suspenseful tale, Jonsberg instead creates a muddled Shyamalan imitation.—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 7 Up—Shelby, 13, and her three sisters, ages 16, 8, and 6, have different fathers. They live in early-1980s Chicago with their free-spirited mother, Helen, a striking and beauty-obsessed Japanese bombshell. Helen is a cult of personality unto herself, and the older girls happily care for the younger ones while Mom collects boyfriends. When she is in a disfiguring car accident, the girls separate to live with their fathers. Shelby's dad is a kind, level-headed Japanese greenhorn, while six-year-old Maddie's, an Anglo, is a patronizing, abusive bully. The four girls plot their escape—back to Helen, but really back to one another. The novel is oddly missing pop-culture references, so the '80s setting is perplexing and extraneous. The first chapters of the book are packed with contrived, purposefully madcap shenanigans and creaky, expository dialogue. Once the scene is set, though, Shelby settles into a more natural, thoughtful voice, and the surprisingly gripping plot gains pace and substance. The cloyingly devil-may-care mood of the opening turns mercifully more sober and suspenseful as the girls' troubles deepen. The sisters have distinct, authentic voices, and their conversations are smooth, snappy, and believable. The male characters are well drawn too, especially Shelby's sweet, hilarious father, who gets the best lines in the book. Shelby's running commentary on beauty is smart and poignant, as is her portrayal of a mother she both loves and reviles.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7–9—Conrad, a court jester by birth, attempts to escape the whims of Otto, an unjust lord. Set in Germany in 1365, the novel portrays the teen's search for a new master. In the guise of a boy, Christa, a "serving wench," demands to follow her beloved Conrad, and they tromp around Germany entertaining priests, burghers, and lords. They pick up strays—a boy they cut down from the gallows and another jester. Conrad immerses himself in trouble by defending the downtrodden, usually at the expense of his own hide. Bargaining the construction of a giant clock for the Fortress of Rosenberg in exchange for their freedom from their new master, Conrad and his companions achieve some independence and a home. After a stiff beginning, the story warms up with enchanting characters who keep the pages turning. It is hard to deny Conrad's Robin Hood charm or the gallows cheat's wit. The romance between Conrad and Christa balances plenty of fighting and details of medieval society, giving appeal to both genders. Beyond the story, readers will find food for thought in the religious practices described—jesters could not be baptized or marry. The novel has minor flaws, however. The conclusion lacks Karr's usual focus. Given the generally realistic treatment of medieval times, Conrad's newfound Seigneur seems improbably democratic; and the final jollity is a tad chaotic, with numerous characters and merging story lines. Nonetheless, for readers who like medieval fiction, this title is consistently entertaining.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 8 Up—Rosie's grandfather is slowly dying. Rosie's mother, who has not spoken to the man in years, is in the throws of an affair with a creepy married man, leaving the teen to sort through her grandfather's possessions to decide what to keep and what to toss. As she wades through his belongings, she has glimpses into his life as a younger man; his fascination with travel; and his love of music, dancing, and his wife. Rosie begins to plan a party for him. She arranges special food, special costumes, and most importantly, she enrolls at the House of Dance so she will be able to ballroom dance at the party. Although the portrayal of intergenerational relationships tugs at the heartstrings, the plot is a bit slow, and the writing, while often fresh and lovely, in other places is convoluted or confusing, giving the novel limited teen appeal.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 3–6—While looking for rocks with his cousin Daisy, Jesse finds a "thunder egg" that talks to him. Like the genie in the bottle, something says, "Let me out!" Thus begins the children's adventure. Jesse's parents are away on a mission trip, setting up a clinic in Tanzania. His aunt is off to Paris for an ad shoot, so Uncle Joe, Daisy, and Jesse have to deal with the rock/egg. After a dragon hatches, it needs to be fed-and finding out what to feed a dragon can be tough. What else? Google. Unfortunately, googling dragons, and even dragon food, results in millions of hits, so the cousins head to the library and find a listing for The Dragon Keeper's Guide. It's long out of print, but when they google the author's name, they are able to make contact with www.foundadragon.org and learn that dragons need calcium. The computer becomes interactive, and the cousins find the author talking to them, advising them of their new responsibilities and warning them to look out for Saint George. Illustrated with small black-and-white drawings to introduce each of the 11 chapters, this novel, with its unique and modern twists, is a great addition to the dragon genre for younger readers.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 9 Up—Living under the oppressive rule of a 2000-year-old Dark Queen, the inhabitants of the violent world of Saga are downtrodden. To survive, Ghost and her friends raid malls, ride airboards, and try to subvert the class-driven system. When they meet the swashbuckler Cindella Dragonslayer, first introduced in Epic (Viking, 2007), they are perplexed. Her clothes, her mannerisms, and her magical abilities are absurdly out of place. Saga is a virtual-reality game and Cindella is the avatar of Erik Haraldson, the winner of the previous iteration of the game. Saga's characters are now sentient beings, and the Queen has enslaved Erik's world with a drug that forces them to play or die. She will only release them if Erik makes her children immortal, but if he complies, the people of Saga will suffer. Erik and Ghost must each find their own way to defeat the Queen. The plot elements of this complicated, fast-paced novel are not fully integrated, and readers who have not read Epic will be puzzled by the importance of Cindella/Erik. The moral conflict between Erik's peaceful society and Ghost's violent one has the potential to be an interesting examination of how the worlds function, but this idea is never fully addressed. Despite these flaws, readers will find the adventures of anarchic teens on floating skateboards compelling. Give this to fans of video games and readers of James Patterson's "Maximum Ride" series (Little, Brown).—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 8 Up— Turf War tells the story of five teens who are not really a gang, but who consider their friendship and loyalty the most important ingredients in their lives. When another group wants to take over their territory, Xana, a newcomer, tries to convince them that all differences can be resolved without violence, but their pride overrides her common sense and advice. It takes a tragedy for the kids to understand that violence is never the answer. In Outrage, Connor can't believe that so much could happen in one day-two fights, suspended from school, fired from his job, and then accused of robbery. He decides to fight back and find the man who framed him. Fortunately, his instincts, along with the aid of the police, enable him to walk away with only bruises. The two books are fast paced and have realistic characters and situations. Two welcome additions to the hi/lo genre.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 5–9—In this sequel to Skulduggery Pleasant (HarperCollins, 2007), 13-year-old Valkyrie Cain and her mentor, the living skeleton detective, are faced with the return of the evil Baron Vengeous, who has been freed from prison. Vengeous is trying to reanimate the Grotesquery, a monster made up of pieces of a variety of evil creatures. If his scheme is successful, the Faceless Ones, "the terrible dark gods, exiled from this world," will return. Faced with treachery within the ranks of good magicians, Valkyrie and Skulduggery must rely on their own Elemental magical powers and a few trusted allies to confront Vengeous's magic and helpers, such as the vampire Dusk and Billy-Ray Sanguine, who has the ability to tunnel underground. One magical action sequence follows another as Valkyrie must find the courage to face what seem to be insurmountable foes. Humorous conversations between Valkyrie and Skulduggery add flavor to this generally dark and often-violent novel, as does the girl's appreciation of the dichotomy between her evil-fighting life and that of a quiet student lived by her reflection while she's off saving the world. Fans of the first book will particularly enjoy the new schemes and evil creatures found here. While the back-and-forth between Skulduggery and Vengeous's forces repeats a few too many times, readers looking for a mix of magic and action will find it here.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 4–8—Hazel Frump spends the week before her 12th birthday tackling two mysteries. She yearns to know more about her mother, who died long ago, and she faces the unexplained disappearance of her father, a Toronto art dealer. Hazel and her younger brother follow their father's paper trail, encountering shady art dealers and a long-lost branch of their family tree. The siblings join their newfound cousins on Ile du Loup in the St. Lawrence River, and together they piece together the hidden truths behind both of Hazel's mysteries. The Martello tower is a structure designed to guard a port or town, and it, too, plays a role in Hazel's discoveries. The novel contains enough red herrings and dead ends to build suspense and draw readers to its lively denouement. The ways in which family and art mix together emotionally ground the story and balance out occasional stilted writing and abrupt transitions. Lanthier has packed the story with a dizzying number of details, and the fact that the children end up without any adult presence seems contrived. That said, the mystery is tightly plotted, the setting emerges distinctly, and the art angle will please fans of Blue Balliett's Chasing Vermeer (Scholastic, 2004).—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 4–6—Ten-year-old Donald is miserable now that his father, the Sergeant, has returned home from World War II and moved the family to a farm in rural Montana, miles away from Wistola. Horrified at the lack of modern conveniences (their ramshackle house has neither electricity nor indoor plumbing) and angry at the Sergeant, Donald secretly plans to run away to Hollywood. However, as time passes, he and his younger brother begin to enjoy country living, riding their elderly horse, skating and playing hockey on a neighbor's frozen slough, romping with their new mutt, and making friends at their one-room schoolhouse. The boys also demonstrate their profound gift for imagination in the games they play outdoors. Donald's first-person narration is filled with humor and wit. Lemna conveys a true sense of farm life and all its difficulties, with each chapter describing the brothers' various adventures. The mood is light and playful throughout, with appropriately serious moments marking the maturity that Donald gains, particularly in his attitude toward his father. The narrative is simple, with a few choice vocabulary words that can be explored through language lessons. The historical references also lend an opportunity for curriculum connections; the book provides an accessible look at post-World War II American life and can initiate study of cultural differences between that era and our 21st-century lives. Well written and entertaining.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Las Vegas-Clark County Library, NV

Gr 4–6—This is a translation of Manolito Gafotas, a contemporary novel for children in Spain that has also inspired feature films and television shows. All of the neighbors in the boy's Madrid suburb know the 10-year-old as Manolito Four-Eyes because he wears glasses with thick lenses. The story focuses on his everyday life with some of his favorite pals, such as "Big Ears" Lopez and his heartthrob, the "One-and-Only Susana," among others. Manolito's sociologist mother has concerns about his behavior so he spends some time telling the school psychologist his life story. To be sure, the protagonist is a wild, spunky, dramatic, comical sort of character sure to be popular with children, who will probably find him, in Manolito's own inimitable words, a "whole lotta cool." Lively cartoon illustrations are scattered throughout.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

Gr 8 Up—In this novel set in 15th-century Spain at the time of the Inquisition, prejudice, bigotry, and ignorance destroy the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The effects of this dismal history are dramatized in this story of two teens—Ramon, a Converso or converted Jew, and Amir, a Muslim who has been brought as a slave to Ramon's family. Written in prose poetry, the story's focus shifts from Ramon to Amir and then back to Ramon. Amir is treated by the Benvenistes as another son, making Ramon jealous and straining the relationship between them. Each teen has to make compromises in order to survive, and Ramon's choice estranges him from his father. Both protagonists demonstrate their courage as they struggle against the mortal danger in which they are placed. This riveting story is peopled by flesh-and-blood characters and replete with horrific historical detail. The challenging format renders it most appropriate for strong readers. This selection would be a good companion to Alice Hoffman's Incantation (Little, Brown, 2006) and Kathryn Lasky's Blood Secret (HarperCollins, 2004).—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 9 Up—In 1958, eight-year-old Lowenstein and her family went to live in Burma, encountering a culture both alien and alluring. This book weaves her memories, family letters, and black-and-white photographs into an intriguing mix of memoir, science-fiction dystopia, and love story set in 2047. In the overpopulated Greater East Coast Metropolis, people regularly disappear into Quarantine, never to be seen again. After her parents are taken, 16-year-old Zeyya moves in with an elderly grandmother, who also takes in Jonah, a homeless, possibly mentally ill, certainly alien, stranger. Over time, Zeyya falls in love with the man who claims that his blue tattoos allow him to access the memories of his ancestors. She also becomes increasingly absorbed by her grandmother's memories of her childhood in 1950s Burma. The perspective of expatriate Americans in Burma's brief democracy is presented in documents that serve as chapter dividers (as do Granna's memories) and makes a splendid warp for the weft of the story line. Readers familiar with Lois Lowry's The Giver (Houghton, 1993) will recognize some elements, especially the end, but this is an original, unusual tale that may interest adults with expatriate experience as well as teens looking for a quiet love story.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 6–9—Grace, 14, has grown up knowing very little about her family and the traditions of her Cambodian ancestors. Then her grandmother dies, and she and her mother go to Florida for the funeral. Grace has never been to a Buddhist temple, she has never met the people her grandmother was close to, and she has never been told why her mother and grandmother left Florida for Pennsylvania. Grace doesn't even know who her father is. Embraced by her grandmother's old friends, she begins to learn about her heritage and about her grandmother's difficult life. She also discovers secrets about her mother's past and the identity of her father. The author peppers the text with Cambodian terms but doesn't explain them. Readers may feel as lost and confused as Grace is when thrust blindly into Cambodian society. The book is beautifully written, but readers will have to sift through the unfamiliar language to get through to the story. Still, the author allows family secrets to unfold carefully and explores them with sincerity.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 4–6—Jesse, 16, admires the dress uniforms and the soldiers of the Chicago Zouaves and eagerly enlists, looking forward to excitement and adventure. He soon discovers that the issues behind the fighting are much more complex than he had understood; during his travels, he meets an abolitionist soldier, befriends the daughter of a slave owner, and watches his fellow soldiers pillage a Southern town. The battle scenes are gripping and filled with descriptions of the life of a soldier. The book concludes with an 11-page section, A "Real History Behind the Story," which includes information about the Zouaves and the war itself, as well as a map and reproductions. The attention to detail sometimes makes the prose clunky, but readers interested in the Civil War will enjoy the story.—Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 7 Up—McRobbie thoroughly entertains readers with this charming and heartwarming collection of stories starring Wayne Wilson. Accompanied by his friend Squocka Berrington, the teen finds himself in a variety of hilarious and oftentimes precarious situations. Whether he is rescuing his grandfather's false teeth from his teacher's dog or negotiating with the school bully, Wayne's clever and optimistic voice always puts a funny spin on his antics. His active imagination is grounded by his supportive and somewhat eccentric family. Complemented by well-drawn supporting characters, Wayne clumsily navigates his way through the world of girls, employment, and school. While his initial charm is derived from his mischievous behavior and quick wit, readers will also be drawn in by his kind and perceptive nature. Although the collection is separated into 25 different stories, the narratives are unified by recurring characters and linear plotlines that help the compilation read like a novel. McRobbie's background in children's television programming is evident from his ability to create quick, entertaining snapshots of the lives of his characters. While many of the Australian colloquialisms will be foreign to American students, they don't prevent accessibility to the dialogue or the mood of the story. Many readers will relate to Wayne's honest and unique perspective. Recommend this one to readers who liked David Lubar's Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie (Dutton, 2005).—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 9 Up—In Bethan, ME, 1987, Maren is pregnant; she claims that she is still a virgin. The story of her daughter, Aslaug, follows. She is raised by her severe mother in isolation. Her homeschooling, which includes multiple languages, religious studies, and herbology, excludes much more than it includes. Then, in 2003, Maren dies, and Aslaug discovers that she has an aunt and cousins nearby and begins living with them. She is simultaneously fascinated and confused by her discoveries of social interactions and how the world functions. Fast paced and suspenseful, Meldrum's novel deftly and subtly maintains tension by judiciously revealing key plot points. Aslaug narrates events from 2003 and 2004, which come back to haunt her in 2007, when she finds herself on trial for the murders of her aunt and cousin. Her story fills in gaps and masterfully manipulates perspective, ingeniously pointing out how everything can change depending on one's point of view. Chapters on the courtroom trial alternate with Aslaug's account, which leads up to the deaths. Deep examination of religion and science and how they intersect pervade the text in an exploratory and informative way. The inclusion of rape and poisoning lends darkness and weight to Aslaug's already intense experience. Filled with herbal imagery and nomenclature, the descriptions, both beautiful and surprising, paired with the expert control of pacing, make for a riveting and mind-opening experience.—Amy J. Chow, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—Reluctantly agreeing to go to Camp Runamucka once she discovers that her friend Carly will also be there, Amelia is surprised to find that it is so much fun. Swimming, archery, hiking, and singing around the campfire are enjoyable pastimes, but the most fun of all is being selected as a cartoonist for the camp newspaper. Amelia is also pleasantly surprised to find that a second cartoonist is not only cute, but he also seems to like her. However, she soon learns that Carly has a crush on Luke, too, and the tension mounts as the two friends try to work out their problem. The angst and arguments over the boy lean toward the repetitious, but preteen girls will be interested in the resolution. Colorful illustrations add to the book's appeal. This is another entertaining "notebook" from a seasoned writer.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 5–8—On Winnie Perry's 13th birthday, she and her two best friends celebrate with makeovers at a swanky cosmetic counter. Over the course of the book, they stick up for and stand up to one another. Boys are also big on the social radar. The most touching scenes involve Winnie's family. Her sister is about to leave for college, and her six-year-old brother is baffled by the world, and watching a friend battle leukemia. Their mom is pregnant and overwhelmed, and her dad is calmly trying to keep everyone smiling, with tender and hilarious results. Each chapter is dedicated to one month of Winnie's 13th year, and the focus is on navigating tricky relationships. Winnie narrates in a convincing 13-year-old voice, and the characterizations of her friends are equally well done. This heartfelt and entertaining book follows Eleven (2004) and Twelve (2007, both Dutton), but it can be enjoyed on its own.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 6–8—This sequel to Eye of the Crow (Tundra, 2007) continues as Sherlock Holmes, 13, tries to prove his worth to Scotland Yard and become "a new sort of London detective, the scourge of every villain." Witnessing the tragic fall of a famous trapeze artist, he utilizes his limited resources, including a new mentor who happens to be a brilliant alchemist, and his own deductive skills to convince others that the fall was no accident. Sherlock pursues the case doggedly, even enlisting the help of a young street boss named Malefactor. The book ends with the young protagonist determined to survive alone, distancing himself from all friends. This is an exciting mystery, well written and fast paced, but reluctant readers may have a hard time adjusting to the language.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 6–8—Josh Greenwood, 13, lives with his mom in Boston, but he is shipped off to his dad in Chicago when she has to go to Florida to care for her mother. Once there, he discovers that his shoe-salesman father has lost his job and is now an Elvis impersonator. Dad's new girlfriend owns a vintage clothing shop and her daughter, Ivory, wears outfits that are wacky mismatched blasts from the past, and she has a boyfriend who wears a dog collar. "Hard" does not even begin to cover Josh's feelings about his new life. Of course, in true middle schooler fashion, he is unable to see anything except how this situation affects him. His potential for humiliation and embarrassment are central to his character and lead to an explosive division between him and his father. Through a wonderful and believable process of discovery orchestrated partially by Ivory and her mom, father and son come to understand one another. Pearsall has given Josh an authentic voice, and his first-person narrative is engaging throughout.—Genevieve Gallagher, Murray Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 8–11—In 2002, high school outcast Cora Holman's mom dies of a mysterious brain aneurysm, preceded by flulike symptoms. Then Cora, Owen Eberman, and two of their friends gradually come down with a similar ailment. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, 16-year-old computer genius and cyber-spy Shahzad, who is working for the U.S. government, has uncovered information about a terror threat called Red Vinegar, and he is taken to New York in order to follow the terrorist chatter more directly. Through the alternating narratives and interwoven lives of six teens (including the child of a terrorist working on behalf of North Korea), Plum-Ucci offers a compelling tale of bioterror. It is, however, unclear why she chose to depict a group of religious terrorists celebrating by "popping champagne and drinking forties," unless, perhaps, it is to indicate hypocrisy in their ranks. The characters, particularly Shahzad, are well drawn and have unique voices, and the unresolved ending leaves a lot of room for thought and discussion. Ultimately, this is a tautly paced thriller that will force readers to think about the complexities of living in a post-9/11 world.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 7–10—After her father's work injury and her older brother's disappearance, 14-year-old Nazia is pulled from school to join her mother for exhausting and humiliating work cleaning houses in modern-day Karachi. This change of status jeopardizes the girl's arranged marriage with her cousin back in their native village. Reminded by her mother of the Prophet Muhammad's words, "All children know that the gates of heaven lie beneath their mother's feet," Nazia is torn between her wish for further education and her need to be a dutiful daughter. Happily, what seems a terrible disgrace eventually frees her for more satisfying possibilities. Along the way, she comes to realize that her mother rightly characterizes the beloved men in her family as unreliable and dishonest, and she helps a boy essentially sold into servitude by his mother to escape; these story threads are not always smoothly woven into the narrative. Nazia's story is told in a limited third person but occasionally the author's voice breaks through, explaining her thinking for American readers. This first novel by a Muslim Indian-American provides a fascinating glimpse into a world remarkably distant from that of most American teens, and would be an excellent suggestion for readers who want to know about how other young people live.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 6–9—To document the impact of corporate change and suburban sprawl on their town, eighth-grader Leon Noside and his gifted-pool classmates stage a mutiny against a giant coffee franchise. They raise a pirate flag and change the retailer into an accounting office for a day with the help of the local staff. While recording the reactions of homemakers, hotshots, and school librarians who are being tested to see if they notice, Leon also has to face his conflicted feelings toward two of his classmates. The quirks of the authority figures will have a high appeal to teens; Leon's family members re-create awful dinners from old cookbooks and adopt matching personalities, which gives readers a chance to commiserate over weird families of all sorts. They will be disappointed in the mediocre climax of the book; the pirate theme tapers off as the students abandon the project after a low-key confrontation with an antagonistic gym teacher. Addressing similar issues as Stefan Petrucha's Teen, Inc. (Walker, 2007) but for a younger audience, this is a general purchase for medium to large collections.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—In the fine tradition of dystopian novels like Huxley's Brave New World and Westerfeld's Uglies (S & S, 2005), Singer has created a world in which society is not divided along racial or economic lines, but rather according to genetic status—those who have been genetically engineered and those who have not. Sixteen-year-old Maxo is the product of the GemX prototype, the ultimate in genetic enhancement. Physically perfect in every way, he seems to live a charmed life until something goes terribly wrong. A crack appears on his face. His frantic search for a cure is complicated when he falls in love with a Natural girl, a "Dreggie," who lives in a project outside of the Polis. While many of the loose ends are more or less tied up, there are strong hints of a possible sequel that appear, rather disconcertingly, in the last few pages. This intelligent, fast-paced novel will appeal to those teens who disdain warrior kitties and telepathic dragons and want speculative fiction with bite and satire.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Gr 7–9—In the (seemingly) not-so-distant future, the divide between the rich and the poor is greater than ever, with the wealthy having private helicopters and mansions, and the poor stuck in endless traffic and living in projects. Standardized tests determine which kids will be allowed to go to college and have a decent life. Ann's father works for Warren, the slumlord who owns the projects; when he tries to get the residents to rebel, Tony, the building manager, threatens Ann. Warren also owns the company that publishes the tests and has connections in Washington. Lep, a Thai immigrant, is asked to do illegal and dangerous things for Tony in exchange for the test answers. When Lep and Ann discover how much corruption is behind the tests, they decide to take action, thus putting their lives in danger. While the characters are somewhat flat and the writing is often repetitious, the plot is fact paced with short chapters that end in cliff-hangers, allowing the book to be a good read for moderately reluctant readers. Teens will be able to draw comparisons to contemporary society's shift toward standardized testing and ecological concerns, and are sure to appreciate the spoofs on NCLB. Although the novel wraps up too neatly, it still may be an inspiration for teens wishing to change their political/social environment.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—Ten short stories deal with the trials and tribulations of growing up. In "Seeing the Future," 13-year-old Letty Rodriquez has landed the cool guy, but wonders if keeping him is worth the sacrifices she will have to make. Lisa Torres is a dreamer. The scenes she sketches in "Capturing the Moment" testify to her unique vision and artistic talent, qualities those around her don't share or understand. In "Where Did I Go Wrong?" baseball leaguer Mickey Cortez has just struck out, ending a game, and he is feeling down. On his way home, he meets Raul, who offers him 30 dollars for a couple of hours of work, and all of a sudden his life is looking up. When the work turns out to be illegal, Mickey begins to wonder if Raul is that cool guy he envisioned and must decide what to do. Each story offers an insightful look at a moment in a young person's life. Soto writes with humor, wit, and a voice that will appeal to tweens and teens alike. This work is a terrific addition to the growing collection of literature that features Hispanic protagonists.—Sheilah Kosco, Bastrop Public Library, TX

Gr 9 Up—An unusual combination of Faerie, postindustrial Earth, and biblical places, The Dragons of Babel will immediately capture readers' interest. A war is going on, but the "dragons" involved are part machine and part magic. One crash-lands near a Faerie village and declares itself king. Teenaged Will, part mortal, is forced to become its lieutenant and carry out its commands to the villagers, which eventually causes him to be driven out after it is killed. He is rescued by female centaurs during a battle of giants and ends up on the train to Babel accompanied by Nat Whilk and his adopted daughter, Esme. The three of them wind up in underground Babel (think New York City with a postindustrial fairy twist) where he helps the downtrodden. In a world full of every fairy imaginable (and maybe a few that aren't), Will becomes the center of Tower of Babel itself. Readers will empathize with the teenager, who is struggling to find his place in this world, and growing both in stature and knowledge, and the zany characters who accompany him. Earthy, bawdy, and often brutal, it's a story that will keep science fiction/fantasy fans involved till the end.—June H. Keuhn, Corning East High School, NY

Gr 7–10—This sequel to The New Policeman (HarperCollins, 2007) picks up with J.J. as an adult with children of his own. Eventually it is revealed that he and his wife, Aisling, traded babies with a fairy couple. Since there is no time in Tír na n'Óg, the land of the fairy folk, the fairies' baby had to come to Earth to grow up. J.J. and Aisling will receive their own child back when she returns. Besides this, there is a ghost on the beacon (a hill overlooking the village and surrounding farmland) guarding a mysterious object that could mean destruction for all mankind. The last of the high kings for whom the book is titled has a small but pivotal role in the final resolution involving púkas, fairies, and monsters. Slightly disjointed at first, the narrative picks up steam about a third of the way through. Readers who enjoy fantasy will be intrigued with this unusual tale involving Irish legend and folklore.—Robin Henry, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX

Gr 6–8—Villareal takes on several important themes including illegal immigration, bullying, parent/teacher relationships, and bilingualism. When a beloved English teacher dies, her colleagues decide to honor her by naming the school auditorium after her. For the dedication celebration, they plan to have the seventh graders perform a play that she had written long ago. However, Miss Mac's take on the Battle of the Alamo turns out to be a racist, narrow-minded perspective, which does not go over well with the Hispanic students. Aspiring boxer Marco Díaz; his friend Izzy Peña; and Raquel Flores, an undocumented Mexican immigrant, face bullies while battling the ingrained attitudes of the community. When Sandy Martínez, the new Latina English teacher, raises questions about the script and a known bully being given a part because his father agrees to build the set, she's told by a veteran teacher: "There are times when we have to do things…that might not seem right or just. But we do them for the greater good…." The author sprinkles Spanglish throughout the novel, giving it a true mixed-heritage feeling. Though the ending is somewhat corny and the undocumented-worker angle takes a backseat to other story lines, Villareal does raise questions about what it means to be an illegal immigrant. He also shows how children sometimes blindly parrot their parents' ideas and bad habits. Ultimately, many of the characters—and readers—learn that there can be more than one truth, more than one point of view.—Terrilyn Fleming, Colby Public Schools, KS

Gr 9 Up—Frankie Torres Towers knows his older brother, Steve, is endangering his college scholarship by staying out all night with the local cholos and picking fights with his soccer teammates. Accepting of his sibling's good looks and macho charm, Frankie figures Steve is just looking for respect and covers for him, deflecting his parents' questions and picking up the slack at Los Torres, the family's New Mexican restaurant. Frankie's primary obsession is getting a date with Rebecca Sanchez for the Homecoming dance. When he exhibits some bravado against rich kid and soccer jock John Dalton, he only hopes to win her attention, but he unintentionally incites a series of incidents that forces his brother to defend him. Adding insult to injury, Frankie's working-class parents begin secretly negotiating the sale of Los Torres to the Daltons. Protected by his brother's squad of toughs, Frankie seeks revenge but soon learns what these warring factions of older boys are willing to risk. Frankie is as memorable a character as Sherman Alexie's Junior Spirit in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Little, Brown, 2007). He exhibits a resiliency that is hopeful, and his colorful language and humor both confirm and dispel ethnic stereotypes. Flecked with Spanish phrases and authentic street slang and colloquialisms, Frankie's story is as poignant as it is hip and funny and will be a welcome addition to collections serving teens.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 4 Up—This story of ecological doom and resurrection begins with an arresting cover portrait: a small, winsome creature (think part rabbit, part mole) looks straight out at readers from a lacy glade, alert but vulnerable. The book is divided into three sections by opaque pages resembling the opening countdown frames on a film. Brief oblique text relates how the creature's idyll in a sunny, bee-filled meadow is cut short by the arrival of "others" whose construction of towering, shadowy, noise-filled buildings ultimately blots out all light and all sounds. The small creature saves a bit of the natural world in the form of carefully nurtured wilderness plants. When the time is right, he releases the seeds into a pod-world. Once again a sunny, bee-filled meadow flourishes, and nature can begin anew. Filmmaker Craste's surreal digital paintings create three starkly contrasting worlds. The two meadow worlds, with their "whispering wind" and bird songs, are vast, open, and filled with light, both literally and figuratively. The industrial world, with its hopeless masses teeming far below its looming towers, is suffocating in its claustroph