Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9–11—Living in Vegas, high school juniors Chloe and Lindsay are surrounded by imitations of the world's greatest places. They've always been like sisters and they plan to travel the world when they're older. Then, while Chloe and her family are on a European vacation, Lindsay is raped and murdered. Suddenly, in addition to mourning the loss of her best friend, Chloe must deal with the guilt of being the survivor. Complicating matters is her interest in Lindsay's brother, which she knows that Lindsay did not want her to pursue. Chloe finds she is unsure of who she is in a world without her friend. What Happens Here could easily be two different books. The beginning is a light teen romance taking place in Europe between Chloe and fellow traveler Danny. It is in stark contrast to the second half, telling of an anguished teenager coming to grips with loss and her own identity. It's a credit to Altebrando that she was able to make these two stories connect. Flashbacks to when Lindsay was alive show how affection and competitiveness complicate the girls' friendship, and go a long way toward explaining Chloe's feelings after her death. Despite the heavy topic, the novel is a quick-paced, contemporary story that encourages readers to make the most of life while they can.—Stephanie L. Petruso, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Odenton, MD

Gr 5–7—As a toddler, Joe went from being a Croatian war orphan to the adopted child of Hollywood A-listers. As a 13-year-old, he's convinced it was all a publicity stunt. When his parents decide it would be great PR for him to "write" his autobiography, ghostwriter Tom Dolan is hired. Joe, who feels as if he doesn't belong in this family, is determined to find out more about his birth parents, and Tom agrees to help him. A trip to Dubrovnik is planned, and Joe's father seizes it as an opportunity to kick off his campaign for senator by bringing the whole family—and a documentary filmmaker—along. Readers will most likely see before Joe does that his parents are guilty of nothing more than self-absorption, a flaw not limited to movie stars. But they will appreciate the widening of Joe's world as he makes friends with "ordinary people" connected to Tom and begins to see his parents through the eyes of others. Joe's belief that his birth father could still be alive adds some emotional heft, and the story's resolution makes for a satisfying ending.—Laurie Slagenwhite, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI

Gr 9 Up—When her mother moves to London to do research, Casey finds herself living with her grandmother in a rent-stabilized apartment in a posh building on the Upper East Side of New York City. The Bram is the home to an assortment of the rich and fabulous, including Madison, Phoebe, and Sophie, three of Casey's new classmates at the exclusive Meadowlark Academy. Casey quickly finds that her clothes and her pocketbook are not in the same league with those of the Bram Girls, but they form a wary friendship that will be tested by her budding interest in Madison's on-again, off-again boyfriend Drew. Switching points of view among Casey, the Bram Girls, and Drew, Banash tries to cram too much into the pages, and her characters suffer. Solutions to Casey's boy and money problems magically appear when needed. Sophie's struggle to accept the news that she is adopted takes place largely off-page, and her cutting habit is mentioned only in passing. Phoebe's adulterous mother is forgettable. Madison's sob story of disastrous first sex actually makes her more interesting than most. Furthermore, Banash's research is lacking. Her school scenes are unrealistic (AP Algebra?), her grannies play bridge like it's poker, and her name-dropping of clothing labels with every new outfit (from exclusive designers to Target brands) is quickly annoying. Fans of "Gossip Girl" who can't get enough of rich kids might enjoy this first in a series, but there are better offerings to be had.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—Two 15-year-old boys' lives are connected through parallel worlds—one medieval, one present day—in this debut fantasy. Leo's routine life in his medieval country of Malonia changes after he finds a powerful blank book that mysteriously writes itself in two stories. One reveals how the present King Lucien usurped the throne from his brother, the rightful ruler. Lucien had his brother assassinated but spared his young son, his nephew Prince Ryan. Aldebaran, Leo's great uncle, a powerful seer, prophesied that whoever harmed the prince would receive the same fate. Ryan is exiled to a mystical place called England where he lives while waiting to return to his homeland. A magical necklace belonging to Ryan's family also disappeared when he was exiled. Anna, 15, lives in modern-day England and inherits her grandmother's necklace. This is the first book in a proposed trilogy. The parallel worlds are well realized, particularly Malonia, but the characters lack depth. The book is confusing at times, and Leo's story goes on for too long. Several tragic events cause him to become depressed, and his constant crying gets tedious. There is more emphasis on his story than on Ryan's, but Ryan is more likable and his story more relevant to contemporary teens. Fantasy readers who like multilayered plots will pick up this lengthy book, but they may not stick with it.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 9 Up—When 16-year-old Audrey decides to dump her band-singer boyfriend, she has no idea that he will go on to write a chart-topping song about their breakup. Music lovers will appreciate Audrey's passion for her favorite bands and the song lyrics and music references that fill this novel. Other readers—particularly teen girls—will enjoy her reaction to sudden notoriety, as Audrey fends off paparazzi, unexpectedly finds herself in gossip magazines, and attempts to have a normal life despite it all. Her touching romance with an ice-cream-shop coworker hits some snags because of the situation, but Audrey perseveres. There are some good observations here about our society's obsession with famous people, but mostly this is a light read about a high school junior in an unusual situation. While Audrey sometimes comes off as overly passive as she tries to ignore the events around her, and the ending is predictable, the story will keep teens reading. Audrey's parents, her best friend, and her new love interest are all strong characters. An enjoyable first novel that's sure to be a hit.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library

Gr 6–9—This sequel to Mia the Meek (Bancroft, 2007), which follows the coming-of-age adventures of Mia Fullerton, an Iowa teen, takes place during the summer between her freshman and sophomore years of high school, when she discovers she is "the same…only different." Mia is separated from her best friend, who is spending the summer at a MENSA camp, and her boyfriend, who has gone off to his grandparents in Maine. She is forced to get to know the crazy characters at Little Tyke's Theatre, where she is working. Boggess does a wonderful job of taking a developed protagonist and stretching her in new directions. Mia stands up for herself when her boyfriend cheats, finds a new one, acts and sings onstage, and makes new friends. The novel is full of witty one-liners and hilarious descriptions of characters that keep the reading enjoyable. Mia's angst is more lighthearted than edgy, making the novel appropriate even for precocious upper-elementary readers.—Terrilyn Fleming, Colby Public Schools, KS

Gr 9 Up—For Pete, the summer after high school graduation is quiet and a bit lonely since his friends have drifted apart. When "the old gang" decides to meet one last time, Pete, Raymond, Nicole, Eric, and Pauly get together for a night of reminiscing and hanging out at a carnival. But their differences are now too big to overcome and the friendly gathering falls apart after too much drinking, drugs, and sexual tension. They make their way individually to the carnival, where the night ends badly. A former school friend, now a famous celebrity, goes missing, as does Raymond. Could these incidents be related? Could someone Pete thought of as a friend be a criminal? Pete gets drawn into the investigation, which puts his policeman father in a difficult position, and tries to do right by both the authorities and his friends—which are at odds with one another. All of the action happens in less than a week, yet the pace seems slow at times. This may be because of the ultrarealistic dialogue: "What?" "Are you sure?" "Yeah…I guess…." Still, the descriptions of places and events are evocative, the characters realistic, and the suspense gripping. Brooks has created a police procedural as well as a coming-of-age story. The ending leaves a big piece missing from the puzzle and may frustrate some readers.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 7–9—Cabot delivers yet another fun and frothy piece of escapism in this far-fetched but rousing roller-coaster ride of a novel. The plot centers on a freak accident at the new Stark Megastore. Emma Watts has a huge plasma TV land on her just as Nikki Howard, supermodel and the Face of Stark, enters the store and suffers a brain aneurism. Stark, determined to keep their moneymaking "face" alive, embarks on a risky venture that they have been doing for years, unbeknownst to anyone else. Now Emma's brain is in Nikki's body and her life will never be the same. If Emma tells anyone, her family will be slapped with millions in medical bills. Cabot pulls readers in and makes them care about Emma, her family, her best friend, and her secret crush. No one in the cast is completely fleshed out but there is some character development. This book is sure to fly off the shelves and leave readers breathlessly awaiting the promised sequel.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 6–9—In this sequel to The House of Power (Little, Brown, 2007), manmade planet Atherton continues its calamitous changes. With Vincent and Dr. Kincaid, good-hearted Edgar, 11, warns Tabletop of the approaching hungry Cleaners. The villagers and Highland refugees must unite to survive grotesque creatures and unstable terrain. Samuel and Isabel travel beneath the sinking Highlands searching for Atherton's secret water source. Interesting new locales inside Atherton and the altering lands above present fresh and familiar dangers and (somewhat predictable) discoveries. Answered are the mysteries of Edgar's unconventional roots and the fates of Sir William (Samuel's father) and Dr. Harding (Atherton's creator). With third-person omniscient narration, Rivers of Fire has thought-provoking commentary on social hierarchy and environmental concerns. The action, looming peril, and unique concept make this book. Characterization shifts like the planet. Bookish, curious Samuel continues to test his mettle and daring Isabel shows vulnerability. Orphan Edgar takes on the role of Atherton's caretaker, and evil Lord Phineus becomes a self-sacrificing parent. Readers will root for the perceptive, capable children and sympathize with their frustrations as they face well-meaning and sinister adults alike. The pencil illustrations, opening introduction, and character descriptions refresh and enhance the story. It's important to have read the first book to appreciate and understand this one.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 6–9—It has been 10 years since all the adult superhumans have been stripped of their powers, but their children have inherited superpowers too, and it's their turn to fight the supervillains. Danny is still reeling from the loss of his arm and his superpowers and the reality that for years, a misguided shape-shifting superhuman impersonated his father. Colin is imbued with acute hearing, sight, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. His cousin, Renata, has the ability to change form. After their identities are leaked to the press, they are forced to hide out in a secret location where new superhumans are trained. Unbeknownst to them, their old enemy Dioxin, long thought dead, has joined forces with a powerful cult leader bent on destroying them all. He's using Dioxin's desire for revenge to help him discredit, kill, and divide them. They suspect there's a traitor in their midst but it isn't until their safe house is attacked that they discover who it is. This fast-paced and humorous science- fiction adventure may not be wholly original, but, with its part superhero, part James Bond characters, teens, particularly fans of graphic novels and Anthony Horowitz's books, won't mind. They will eagerly await the next entry in the series.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to City of Bones (S & S, 2007), the nonstop action continues. The Shadowhunters are battling a world of demons that few people can see. Guided by the laws of the Clave, these hunters balance fighting with the other more mundane aspects of life—love, betrayal, and confusion. Jace, the fiercest teenage Shadowhunter, seems determined to make everyone around him angry, and is looked upon with suspicion because his father, Valentine, is out to rule the world. Meanwhile, love triangles abound, vampires are reborn, and general teenage angst blossoms among a group of friends and siblings. Set in an alternative present-day Manhattan, the story comes complete with Britney Spears references and even, ironically, refers to the scientific CSI. Well written in both style and language, it compares favorably to others in this genre. The human characters are well developed and quite believable. The whole book is like watching a particularly good vampire/werewolf movie, and it leaves readers waiting for the next in the series. Watch this one fly off the shelves.—Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Gr 4–7—Zoë Monday Costello has a talent for giving stellar advice to her classmates and teachers. Then she gets the chicken pox, and when she returns to school, sixth-grader Devon Sweeney has moved in on her territory, angling to become "the Devon Lama." He seems to be every ounce of perfection that Zoë is not, and the seventh grader must use all of her tricks and know-how to bring the usurper down. Naturally, she learns that sometimes, in the name of compassion and understanding, you need to know when to fold 'em and help out a fellow classmate. In this sequel to The Invisible Rules of the Zoë Lama (Dutton, 2007), Cohen demonstrates that she can create a spunky and sassy character. Zoë is a hoot, and her friends and her Internet-savvy "g-ma" provide amusement galore. The photographs, doodlelike illustrations, and chapter titles add even more zing. Along with the laughs, Zoë also has real concerns and fears: Will moving out of her apartment cause the memories of her late father to fade? Should she be thankful for what she has and just let go of her ill feelings for Devon? The story has a message but it's tempered by the humor. Recommend this stand-alone title to your feisty tween girls and hope that good karma will deliver another Zoë Lama adventure in the future.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Michael, 15, was bullied unmercifully in his old school and expects the same treatment in his new one. Unable to voice his fears, he retreats into an imaginary medieval world called Evgard, which he has created down to the last meticulous detail. When he meets fellow student Francis, he can't believe the boy is equally fascinated by Evgard and wants to participate in the fantasy game. But when Michael thinks that Francis has betrayed him and exposed their secret world to ridicule, he retaliates with catastrophic results. Unaware of the truth of his accusation, Michael accuses Francis of being gay to the worst of the school bullies. Echoes of Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War (Random, 1974) resonate throughout the novel as the Evgard narrative mimics the powerful themes of friendships gone awry, betrayal, and treachery, and characters in both the real and imaginary worlds are faced with impossible moral choices. While the book contains many Briticisms, the pace of the story keeps the pages turning, and the details—especially of the carefully constructed Evgard—are brilliant. The horrors of bullying in a British public school are emphasized by the acts of the sadistic Duke in the Evgard story. The device of parallel narratives that only intertwine symbolically is intriguing. The language is raw and events are painfully graphic in parts. A grim but ultimately satisfying novel for an older audience.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

Gr 6–9—Milo has always been "a sideline kind of guy," so his decision to run for President of the United States is a big step. Despite long odds and the fact that he cannot take office even if he receives enough votes, the campaign grows in momentum with local news coverage, a burgeoning Web site, and national television coverage. The story of his six-month campaign packs in elements of politics, teen romance, and self-realization with mixed results. The teen remains a regular guy throughout the experience—thoughtful, earnest, and likable—so most readers will empathize with his triumphs and struggles. At the same time, his ordinariness makes his successes harder to swallow. The issues he focuses on, such as changing the voting age, are not especially compelling, and his words and ideas don't seem unique enough to inspire the impact he makes on the nation. The mobilization of young voters by having a spokesperson their own age is appealing, though, and Milo's actions to capitalize on that potential seem credible. In the teens-for-president genre, Janet Tashjian's Vote for Larry (Holt, 2004) is more thought-provoking and exciting, and Dan Gutman's The Kid Who Ran for President (Scholastic, 2000) is funnier, but Condie's novel provides a sometimes intriguing look at the political process through the unlikely candidacy of a 15-year-old kid.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Gr 5–8—Atticus Higginbottom (Tick) is relatively happy, even though he wishes that he were a little braver or could make the bullies disappear. Then he gets a mysterious letter that begins a strange adventure into alternate realities. According to the letter, he and hundreds of other young people around the world have a choice: save the world by solving a puzzle or burn the letter and go on with their lives as usual. The 13-year-old is sure that it's a hoax, but once he begins getting the other clues from strange visitors, he is determined to figure out the puzzle. This book had great potential. The beginning of the adventure starts with a bang, but by the middle of the story things begin to drag. The immediacy gets lost in the daily struggle to figure out the riddles and the unending descriptions of Tick's life as he awaits the next one. Suddenly, he receives multiple clues at once and the fight to save the world occurs at bewildering speed. The conclusion is open-ended, indicating a sequel. Stronger choices of books with similar ideas of alternate realities include D. J. MacHale's "Pendragon" series (S & S) or Michael Lawrence's "Withern Rise" trilogy (HarperCollins).—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 7 Up—De Lint ingeniously incorporates Aboriginal mythology into an intriguing story. Miguel, 17, is minding his dad's funky comics and record store in a small resort community when a girl dashes in with her dog to escape the town bully. Miguel feels an immediate connection to her, but there is something strange about her dog. Gradually, he discovers that Lainey is a shape-changer, a magical creature from Australia's Aboriginal past, and the dog—really a dingo—is actually her twin sister. The girls are hiding from their father, who wants to sacrifice Lainey to the powerful Aboriginal spirit Warrigal, the original clan leader, who is trapped in a tree. Suddenly Miguel is catapulted into a rain forest fantasy world complete with a talking cautionary turkey, haunted ancestral bones, and mysterious spirits. Fantasy lovers will enjoy this tale of an initially clueless protagonist thrust into a dangerous situation where he's expected to become an instant hero. A somewhat unnecessary subplot involves the town bully, who actually has a heart of gold and a tender artistic side, and is drawn into the adventure when he falls for Lainey's twin. Still, the juxtaposition of contemporary teen life with fantasy is well done. Readers might be interested enough to investigate more about the complicated Aboriginal Dreamtime of Australia and its early clan spirits and creation myths.—Quinby Frank, Green Acres School, Rockville, MD

Gr 9 Up—It is 1981, and 18-year-old Fergus lives on the border between Northern Ireland and the south. His older brother, Joe, a member of the Provisional IRA, is jailed at Long Kesh and joins a hunger strike. The family is traumatized, and Fergus does his best to comfort his mother and to convince Joe that his "sacrifice" for the cause is not worth it. Fergus has been pressured (blackmailed) to smuggle packages for the IRA, but wants nothing more than to leave Ireland and study to become a doctor. His life becomes even more complicated when he and his uncle discover the body of a young girl while pilfering peat. It turns out to be 2000 years old. Thus begins a double narrative that involves a love story and a discussion of destiny and self-sacrifice. Fergus's story includes his struggle to understand his brother's actions and his growing love for the daughter of the archaeologist called in to investigate the Iron Age discovery. Interspersed is the story of Mel, the bog child, who makes the ultimate sacrifice to unite her people, and who finds love at the end of her life. The two narratives work beautifully together. The love story between Fergus and Cora is depicted with tenderness, and their adolescent sexuality is sensitively portrayed. Readers will come away with a strong sense of the time periods (especially of the "Troubles") through dialogue and action. This compelling read is lyrically written and contains authentic dialogue and challenging and involving moral issues. It's a first, and a must-have purchase.—Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD

Gr 7 Up—Told in four alternating voices, each one represented by a unique typeface, this is the story of Henry Hudson's final, fatal attempt to find the Northwest Passage. It relates the man's obsession with his quest, his crew's growing dissatisfaction and eventual mutiny, and the rivalry among European countries during the age of exploration. The first voice, that of Hudson's 17-year-old son, John, a sailor on his father's ship Discovery, is full of excitement over the long sea voyage. Eight-year-old Richard, left at home in London with his mother, tells poignantly of missing his father and brother. Isabella Digges, secretly in love with John despite her noble father's disapproval of a mere sailor as a suitor for his daughter, keeps a journal while the Discovery is away. In addition to her thoughts of John, Isabella recounts her own adventure in the Netherlands, where she has been sent to spy on the Dutch East India Trading Company on behalf of England while posing as a nursemaid/companion to the 14-year-old daughter of a prominent Dutch investor. Finally, Seth Syms, fleeing the enraged jealous husband of his lady love by posing as his cousin Nicholas for the voyage, tells his tale in a series of letters to his mother. The author's skillful juxtaposition of these four narratives creates an absorbing work of historical fiction that manages to incorporate the viewpoints of explorers, investors, sailors, governments, family members, and neighbors of those who played a part in this fascinating era.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to In the Cards: Love (S & S, 2007), 13-year-old Eve wants to become a star but everything seems to be working against her. The director of the school musical does not like her, and her dad thinks she should concentrate on bringing up her grades. But when the tarot cards reveal that Cabaret could be her first step to stardom, and when she finds out that a famous director may be in the audience, she decides to try out. She gets a part—not the leading role she wanted—but decides to stick with it and in doing so has to deal with the gossip, the meanness, and the jealousy of other cast members. With an unexpected conclusion and a lot of fun and intrigue, this story has it all—friendship, falling "in love," mischief, mayhem, humor, and a lot of growing up. The characters are fairly well developed and the plot moves along effortlessly. Readers do not have to be familiar with the first book to enjoy this one.—Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman's University, Denton

Gr 5–8—In this third offering in the series, Syd tells her story. She is often in the shadow of her friends Anna and Eve, each of whom starred in a previous book. Their stories revolved around tarot-card readings that seem to have come true. Syd, always reluctant to do a reading, finally does, but her cards foretell death and disaster, which frighteningly parallel her temperamental father's worsening alcoholism and career problems. Quiet Syd is a gifted pianist; but her father, a former musical prodigy who never reached his potential, warns her against risking disappointment by competing. Her other passion is animals, especially the rescued elderly cat whose medication she leaves in her father's hands when she goes out of town. The animal becomes so ill that Eve has to have it put to sleep. In this decent but not stellar tale, Syd works on forgiving her dad as he begins his recovery, explores her burgeoning feelings for Eve's older brother, and considers her own independence as distinct from her friends and her family even while she is still deeply connected and committed to them. Messages are positive while realistic, and the target audience will be glad to see how Syd plays the hand she is dealt. The books are best read in order.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 7 Up—Antonia Lucia Labella, 15, strives to become the first living saint in the history of the Catholic Church. She petitions various saints for any number of reasons, big and small, serious and amusing. Every month for the last eight years, she has written to the Vatican with a new idea for a patron saint for everything from fig trees to kisses and offered herself as a candidate for the position. Her first request after the death of her father was to become the Patron Saint of Daddy's Heart. Each suggestion has been met with silence, but Antonia hasn't given up hope. The teen's life revolves around working at Labella's Market (the best homemade pasta in Rhode Island), school, boys, and saints. Freitas brings to life the protagonist's experiences at a Catholic school and in an immigrant family. First loves and family feuds fill the pages. Antonia wants nothing more than to experience her first kiss with her longtime crush and is horrified when his advances indicate a desire for more. She takes her religion seriously, without proselytizing. With a satisfying ending, this novel about the realistic struggles of a chaste teen is a great addition to all collections.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—Aphra Behn Connolly lives on a tropical island at the resort her father owns. She misses her friends and mother back home in South Carolina, and has no chance to meet cute guys. Then a mysterious boy named Adam Smith and his parents arrive unannounced and without a reservation. The chemistry between Aphra and Adam is undeniable. However, her dad warns her to stay away from him. Soon after the Smiths arrive, a guest turns up dead on the beach, strangled with her own bikini top. Aphra does a little investigation into the Smiths' background and is surprised by what she finds. Readers will realize from the onset that the Smiths are on the run from something. This is a quick read, but teens who have any sleuthing skills will be able to figure out what is happening about halfway through the book.—Shannon Seglin, Patrick Henry Library, Vienna, VA

Gr 9 Up—Refreshingly lacking teen angst, Victor is a pensive, authentically innocent 16-year-old who seeks the isolated privacy of his family's Vermont cabin. He lugs an old Royal typewriter along with him and begins to write—in the buff—testing the idea that "you have to be naked to write." And it works; his words flow fast and smooth, until he spots a girl watching him, free-spirit Rose Anna. The teens meet at the cabin to write together, clothed and carefully respectful of one another, although Victor knows that Rose Anna also comes alone to "write naked." He is intrigued by her passion for nature and Wicca. Gould weaves a spell of nearly chaste sensuality, far more provocative than graphic sexuality, particularly in the emotionally charged yet controlled conclusion. Victor and Rose Anna are complex characters, coming to terms with the familial and personal forces shaping them into maturity. Despite minimal plot, the story holds readers' attention through their powerful character development and simmering romantic tension. Other aspects of the novel are less successful. The Vietnam vet who sells the teen the typewriter is overbearing as he holds forth on the immorality of war. Victor unflinchingly records his own flights of imagination, fleeting attention span, and faltering perceptions. In clumsy contrast, Rose Anna's story is a juvenile ecological fable of three newts traveling to a "summit meeting" on global warming. The didactic, condescending tone of her tale brings the exquisitely subtle intensity of the book to a screeching halt.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 7 Up—"One minute the teacher was talking about the Civil War. And the next minute he was gone." Just vanished—along with everyone else over the age of 13 in a 20-mile radius around Perdido Beach, CA. The children left behind find themselves battling hunger, fear, and one another in a novel strongly reminiscent of William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Things go from bad to worse when some of the children begin exhibiting strange powers, animals show signs of freakish mutations, and people disappear as soon as they turn 14. Though an excellent premise for a novel, Gone suffers from a couple of problems. First, it is just too long. After opening with a bang, the initial 200 or so pages limp along before the action begins to really pick up. Secondly, based on the themes of violence, death, and implied sexual intimidation, this is clearly written for an older teen audience who may not appreciate the fact that no one in the book is older than 13. In spite of its faults, Gone is a gripping and gritty read with enough creepy gruesomeness to satisfy readers who have a taste for the macabre. Give this one to the readers who aren't quite ready for Stephen King or Dean Koontz.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Gr 4–7—From the author of Fly by Night (HarperCollins, 2006) comes this contemporary fantasy. After Josh, Ryan, and Chelle steal coins out of a decrepit wishing well in a nearby village, they discover that they are now in the debt of the well witch, who expects them to serve her by fulfilling all the wishes made by people who have tossed coins into the well. At first they go along with the idea; having received special, if unnerving, powers from her, it's an intriguing challenge to make wishes come true. But some wishes are vengeful, misguided, or downright evil, leading Ryan and Chelle to finally stand firm against the angry witch. Josh, however, becomes swept up in his own increasing powers. There is an undercurrent of creepiness that runs through this story, whether it's the sinister, centuries-long influence of the malignant well witch or the ways that ordinary people can become warped, and many scenes and images are deliciously shiver-inducing. The tone is down-to-earth, quirky, and quietly witty, just like Ryan, whose intriguing perceptions of the people and things around him are a vital part of this book's appeal. Fans of dark fantasies such as Neil Gaiman's Coraline (HarperCollins, 2002) will find this tale irresistible.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—These volumes present classic American and British tales that are commonly covered in high school and college literature courses. The stories are all ripe for classroom discussions on irony (The Ransom of Red Chief), social conventions (The Lottery), unreliable narrators (The Cask of Amontillado), and aesthetic philosophy (The Happy Prince). Each slim volume has a well-spaced typeface with notable passages printed in brightly colored font. A short essay of literary criticism citing textual evidence follows each tale, along with a concise author biography with photographs or paintings. The literary essays may be used as examples for student writing assignments. However, the spot artwork is more decorative than illustrative, and the books' textbooklike appearance will not win any fans among students. Seek more attractive editions if these tales are absent from currently owned anthologies.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 9 Up— Suckerpunch is as powerful as its title implies. Marcus is quiet and artistic; his younger brother, Enrique, is a charismatic ladies' man. Both boys have been scarred by their father's constant physical abuse directed at Enrique and witnessed silently by guilt-ridden Marcus. The man left a year earlier, but the boys are far from healed. Enrique turns to fighting and dating and dumping girl after girl, while Marcus gets stoned. Then they get the news that their father may be returning home, and it sends both siblings, along with Enrique's girlfriend, Ashley, and Marcus's friend Oliver on a road trip that will change their lives forever. Using dark, descriptive text and explicit dialogue, Hernandez paints a very realistic portrait of the aftereffects of abuse. Not only does he create memorable and sympathetic characters in Enrique and Marcus, but he also brings life to Oliver, who is dealing with paternal demons of his own, and headstrong but caring Ashley. In the end he does not tie everything up neatly, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions. Older teens looking for gritty urban drama are sure to embrace this gripping, well-written story.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to My Big Sister Is So Bossy She Says You Can't Read This Book (Random, 2005), 10-year-old Effie Maloney is concerned about keeping her athletic friend Aurora in their private Catholic school instead of transferring to a public school that lets her play on a basketball team, and where she feels more comfortable. A second plot surrounds the adult males in Effie's life. Her father is in prison for embezzling, and a priest who is a college friend of her mom's is facing a crisis and has temporarily moved in. The family is supposed to keep his profession a secret, but Effie's sister gets religion. When Effie and her friend Nit plan a slumber party with a pirate theme, chaos reigns, with an uninvited guest, disastrous hair dyes, and a surprise visit from a monsignor. Each chapter opens with drawings of the characters featured in it. Full of too many plots and too little action, this book drags and seems a little petty. Public school children are made to look like ogres. Other characters are stereotyped or unbelievable. Readers would be better served by Marissa Moss's "Amelia" books (S & S) or Rebecca Rupp's Sarah Simpson's Rules for Living (Candlewick, 2008).—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Gr 8 Up—In 1989, 15-year-old Jude is devastated when she learns that her family will be moving to Prague for a year while her mother completes her art fellowship. Before they leave New York, she begins to act out with spells of anger, despair, and recklessness. Her arrival in Prague only magnifies these feelings as she realizes that Soviet Communist policies not only limit her freedoms, but have also wreaked misery and poverty on the people of Czechoslovakia. Angry and naive, Jude sneaks out of her house to see an anti-Soviet demonstration and is horrified by the violence she witnesses. Her uncontrolled actions begin to worry her family. Her break with reality is apparent when Jude flees to the countryside, wrecks a car, and winds up in a German hospital. Confronting her mental illness, Jude struggles to regain control of her life. The story starts off slowly as the teen leaves New York and the political and social details of Czechoslovakia are presented. While some less-savvy readers may be alienated by the historical context and setting, others will be drawn in as it becomes apparent that Jude is struggling with more than the usual teen angst. Other novels do a better job of illuminating the realities of teen mental illness; what makes this novel unique is the context in which it takes place.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 5–8—Twelve-year-old Angela Kato is not thrilled at the prospect of leaving her home in a San Francisco suburb in order to spend the summer with her disapproving Grandma Michi, her strange Aunt Janet, and her good-natured grandfather in their unattractive, crowded house in smog-filled Los Angeles. Her time will be spent folding origami "1001-cranes displays," considered good luck for weddings, for her grandparents' business. Besides missing her friends, Angela knows that her parents are separating again, and that her dad has already rented an apartment. Once in LA, Angela meets several new people who have burdens of their own. A younger girl, Rachel, has just been adopted, and Angela observes that her grandmother acts far more lovingly to this child than she does to Angela. Next door, two sisters-in-law seem to hate each other even while they are involved in planning a celebration for their parents-in-law. Unexpectedly, Angela meets a boy who wants to date her, and she tries to keep him a secret from her watchful family. Her colorful, bold voice captures the excitement of her first love as well as the anxiety of not understanding the many secrets of the adults around her. By experiencing her family's support, by learning about her Japanese heritage, and by acknowledging the various ways that love is expressed, Angela emerges into a strong, caring person.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Identical teen twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne share a picture-perfect California life that is rank with dark, dangerous secrets under its surface. Their mother, who is running for Congress, leaves them at home with their father, a district court judge who is addicted to liquor and OxyContin. Daddy regularly molests Kaeleigh, using her as a stand-in for his absentee wife, and controls every aspect of her life. Raeanne sees every detail and reacts to her father's favoritism by acting out sexually and getting high on pot whenever possible. Written in free verse from alternating viewpoints, Identical tells the twins' story in intimate and often-graphic detail. Hopkins packs in multiple issues including eating disorders, drug abuse, date rape, alcoholism, sexual abuse, and self-mutilation as she examines a family that "puts the dys in dysfunction." The tension builds slowly and subtly, erupting in a shattering climax of psychological disintegration and breakthrough that reveals the truth about the twins and their father's own childhood secrets. Gritty and compelling, this is not a comfortable read, but its keen insights make it hard to put down.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 4–6—An abandoned puppy meets Tazar, leader of a pack of dogs that ekes out a precarious living in Central Park. The animals accept him and name him Waggit, after his constantly wagging tail, and he gradually learns how to hunt and scavenge for food and negotiate the many hazards of the park. Most important of all, he learns to distrust humans, or "Uprights." Then Waggit is captured by animal-control officers and taken to the pound. When a woman adopts him, he discovers what it's like to be a companion dog and to be treated kindly by a human, even though it means being completely dependent. This is an engaging story, and the various canine characters are depicted in loving detail. Howe does not romanticize the lives of feral dogs; Waggit, Tazar, and the rest of the pack contend with hunger, illness, and serious injuries. However, the tone of this book is less somber than Ann M. Martin's A Dog's Life (Scholastic, 2005), which deals with similar subject matter.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7 Up—Charlotte User, an invisible loser, dies just before enacting a plan to catch the cutest guy in school and achieve popularity. She refuses to accept her fate (death by gummy bear) and returns as a ghost with a mission: to go to the Fall Ball with Damen and get a midnight kiss. Hurley combines afterlife antics, gothic gore, and high school hell to produce an original, hilarious satire. Charlotte ambles through death's door and remains a pitiable, selfish, and somewhat annoying heroine. Readers root for her, but cringe at her blunders, too. She blows off her new dead-kid school and classmates, unable to give up her living, breathing crush. Hurley's pitch-perfect dialogue and clever names (Petula, Rotting Rita, Principal Styx) keep readers laughing. Dark, meditative song lyrics and poetry start each chapter while campy, Gothic illustrations frame the pages. Tim Burton and Edgar Allan Poe devotees will die for this fantastic, phantasmal read.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This sequel to Bad Kitty (HarperCollins, 2006) finds 17-year-old Jasmine in Venice, Italy, where her father has relocated the family in an attempt to distract Jas from the amateur sleuthing she has pursued in the States. When the body of her Italian-class friend is found in a canal and the police rule the death a suicide, Jas tries to convince them that Arabella would never take her own life and that, in fact, she had suspected that someone was stalking her. The police refuse to listen, and Jas decides to solve the mystery on her own. The arrival of her cousin Alyson and Alyson's friend Veronique (whom Jas dubs the "Evil Hench Twins") complicates her investigation; however, the surprise appearance of Jas's best friends from home is an unexpected boon. Narrated in the teen's breezy, slangy voice, the story is interrupted by interpretive footnotes that become more lengthy and numerous as the caper continues. The mystery at the heart of this novel proves satisfying and features a number of red herrings and unexpected twists that will intrigue fans of the genre. Unfortunately, Jaffe's sometimes convoluted and note-laden narrative threatens to overwhelm the plot and limits the book's appeal. Nonetheless, fans of the previous novel and lovers of Meg Cabot, whose literary influence is clearly felt here, will find Kitty Kitty a welcome addition.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 9 Up—Jenkins has created a taut and compelling reimagining of the vampire legend, with well-developed characters that transcend horror-novel cliché. When Cole is summoned to the Building in upper Manhattan, he's not sure what to expect, having spent decades away from the place. While other hemovores relax in one of the few safe havens available to their kind, the austere and self-sufficient Cole prefers the freedom of the open road, despite the obvious risks: the difficulty of attaining one's next meal, the necessity of hiding one's true identity, and, of course, a little problem with sunlight. The reason for Cole's presence at the Building soon becomes clear when Gordon, an inadvertently created heme with a bad attitude and a dangerous lack of experience, nearly kills a young woman in an overzealous feed. Heme leader Johnny asks Cole to take Gordon out on the road, where he can be trained in the skills he'll need in his new lifestyle, away from the too-easy comfort of the Building. Success is paramount: it simply isn't prudent to have an uncontrolled blood-drinker on the loose, and should the effort fail, Gordon will have to be disposed of. The plot is suspenseful and well paced, with hints of romance as Cole's worries for Gordon call up dark memories of his own past. A surefire hit for vampire-loving teens.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 6–9—Sixteen-year-old Jennifer Snow, resident of Kansas-by-the-Sea, FL, is bored. Daily she sits on Turtle Rock, watching the ocean and yearning for danger. Her wishes come true in the person of Captain Cooper Deville, the 18-year-old descendant of Bluebeard and owner of the pirate ship Reprehensible and a verbose parrot, Ruthless. Smitten with Jenny, Coop sets out to captivate her, and the two end up participating in a treasure hunt for the lost pearl totem of the Ugiri-Tom Caribbean tribe. Despite minor setbacks—a pirate mutiny and the misguided help of Jenny's crackpot great-uncle Daschell—the two teenagers succeed in locating the remains of the totem and Jenny reconstructs it with her mother's glue gun. Originally published in serial form, the story is episodic, with each chapter ending on a cliff-hanger. Jennings's writing is dry, ironic, and clever. The ennui of suburban life emerges as a hilarious foil for the actions of moronic pirates, an elderly academic with short-term memory loss, and the sad truth about dating a buccaneer (it never works out). While readers might wish for a tighter conclusion, they will smirk at this yarn, which blends pirate lore with details of modern-day culture and provides tongue-in-cheek commentary about 21st-century life. Give this story to adventure-loving teens for an off-kilter alternative to Pirates of the Caribbean.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 3–6—In this sequel to Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat (Holt, 2007), Emmy discovers the fate and whereabouts of the five missing girls pictured on evil Miss Barmy's cane. Although the woman is no longer Emmy's nanny—in fact, she is now a rat—her plots are as wicked as ever. Using the powers of their talented rodent friends to change sizes, the protagonist and her friends seek to thwart Miss Barmy's attempts to subvert the rodent community while also attempting to rescue the girls, who are the four-inch-high prisoners of Miss Barmy's nasty parents. Emmy's uncertainty about her ability to make human friends and about her role within the rodent community cause her to make bad decisions when these two worlds come in contact with one another; luckily, she redeems herself by the end. The plot moves in fits and starts, lacking the fizzy energy of the first book—possibly because the sassy Rat plays a smaller role this time—but fans will find plenty of adventure, fun, and all the rodents they could wish for.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—In this sequel to Tips on Having a Gay (ex) Boyfriend (Flux, 2007), Belle is dealing with new issues in her life. As she finishes her final year of high school, she must come to terms with her dashed hopes of a future with Dylan. She must also deal with the many changes that seem to be taking place in the people around her, including her mother, who is seriously involved in a new romance. The main focus, though, is Belle's relationship with her new boyfriend, Tom, who at first seems reluctant to have sex with her, and a crisis situation with her friend Em and Em's boyfriend. Throughout the story, Belle copes in her own quirky way by playing folk music on her guitar and making lists, and the book concludes with one final list, "Things I Am Right Now." This is a thoughtful and often humorous read, and while there are almost too many different issues going on here (teen pregnancy, physical abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, gay bashing, life-threatening allergic reactions), Jones manages to make it all work. Her descriptions of life in a small town where everyone knows your business are spot-on, as are her depictions of high school. An occasional character is over-the-top, but Belle herself is a likable, believable character whose emotional crises will resonate with teens.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 7–9—Thirteen-year-old Scott MacLeod has been an underage pilot since his dad, a Korean War-era ace and flight instructor for Vietnam War jet pilots, secretly let him take the stick of his Cessna at age 12. Now, dad's letting him take occasional control of a "Tweet," the two-engine jet trainer he uses to ready "fresh meat" for duty in beefier aircraft. Though Scott, a quick study, handles the airborne aircraft well, he's never had to do the most difficult thing—land a jet aircraft. That changes suddenly when a fluke occurrence forces him to land a damaged plane himself, possibly ending his father's career. The incident arouses the interests of NASA officials who, in a top-secret program, have been sending chimps into space as a rehearsal for manned Apollo missions. The agency thinks that the diminutive Scott would be a perfect candidate to accompany two trained chimpanzees on a scaled-down test mission to orbit the moon in preparation for the upcoming Apollo 11 moon landing. In order to save his dad's career—and to satisfy his own thirst for adventure—Scott convinces his reluctant father to allow him to serve as the first tween-aged astronaut. Accompanied by two endearing primates, he will do everything the adult astronauts are scheduled to do—except actually land on the moon. Unless, that is, he decides to go the distance and take the mission into his own hands. Allusions to things like sneaking cigarettes, beer, and peeks at Playboy magazine are authentic and realistic. This is a gripping and well-researched piece of space-age historical fiction.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 9–11—Megan, 16, and her older sister, Lucy, attend the Chesapeake School of the Arts in Baltimore. Lucy is the beautiful and talented school darling, majoring in drama. Megan is a techie, one of the unattractive nerds majoring in set design. She has lived in her sister's shadow, but their relationship has always been loving, with Lucy supportive of her younger sibling. Then, on the night of the school's fall festival, Megan overhears Lucy making negative comments about her looks and overstuffed dress. Overwhelmed with feelings of betrayal, anger, and grief, she runs out of the building, stopping only when she is hit by an oncoming car. Months later, the bandages come off and she is well enough to return to school—as one of the beautiful people. Reconstructive surgery has given her a face more stunning than Lucy's and has wrought more changes in her life than she thought possible. Her secret wishes are coming true, but at what price? The constant attention and focus on her beauty is confusing to her, and she's no longer sure of who she is or what she wants. The protagonist has a strong voice and is a good role model for teens who think that life is easier if you're the pretty one.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 7 Up—At the end of the 19th century, 14-year-old Siki is a member of Arizona's (fictional) Black Mountain Apache, and an orphan who lost both parents in battles with Mexicans. When she witnesses the brutal slaying of her four-year-old brother, Tazhi, by Mexican raiders, she vows to avenge his death and earns an unusual place, through her skills and relentless training, as a warrior among the men of her tribe. In an overwrought, floridly poetic first-person narrative (e.g., "the wind flowed in [Tazhi's] veins, and the sun itself seemed to shine through his eyes when he smiled"), Landman takes readers on a complex adventure full of jealousy, romance, visions, dark family secrets, bloody battles, daring rescues, and painful dealings with Mexicans and double-crossing "White Eyes." Historical accuracy is questionable, despite research evident not only in an extensive bibliography, but also in Siki's copious explanations of tribal ways and customs. Landman states in a historical note that every tribe and place name is fictional, and that she's "made no attempt to produce an accurate historical novel." Despite some efforts to create complex, "real" human characters and interactions, readers will certainly take away a notion of the Apache as wronged but brutal, doomed, vengeful warriors, and 19th-century Mexicans as heartless villains. Exciting, but problematic, to say the least.—Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

Gr 4–6—Mortimer Moon, Concord's new tree warden, and his wife Margery move next door to the Halls, and Mr. Moon starts chopping down the trees on his property and around town. That same day, a sapling sprouts between their properties. The tree grows at an exponential rate, and Mr. Moon sets his sights on leveling it to the ground. But Eddy and Georgie Hall take up the cause to protect it from their maniacal neighbor and his chainsaw, rallying their friends and standing guard day and night. Mr. Moon's second cousin three times removed, Emerald, the couple's "maid-of-all-work," is trapped in a miserable life and can only witness the events behind closed curtains. Then the Hall kids notice something unusual about the leaves, something that changes everything. Readers of the series will enjoy the trials of Eddy and Georgie Hall in this eighth book in the family's adventures. Mortimer Moon serves as a truly despicable but tortured villain. The story line is sometimes whimsical, sometimes laced with danger. The fast pace will hold the attention of young readers, and many children will appreciate the many literary references sprinkled throughout.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 5–7—Lawrence explores Houdini's attempts to expose the spiritual fakery of mediums and séances in this novel set in June 1926. Thirteen-year-old Scooter King's mother is a medium; his hero is Houdini. When the great escape artist appears at the Orpheum, it is Scooter who finds a dead man in Houdini's Burmese Torture Tank. Certain that the killer meant to get rid of his idol, Scooter is determined to identify the culprit. Then, two more killings occur. The book is full of period references—to Stanley Steamers, flagpole sitting, the Charleston, etc., as well as slang, such as "the bee's knees," "the cat's pajamas," "the eel's hips," all of which at times bog down the story line. Houdini's eccentric personality is evident, and Scooter is a well-developed character. Secondary figures, however, are one-dimensional. Kids will enjoy learning how some of the illusions and tricks used by mediums work. Most touching is Scooter's coming-of-age awareness that mediums, even his mother, are likely fake. Tom Lalicki's similarly well-researched Danger in the Dark: A Houdini & Nate Mystery (Farrar, 2006) integrates history into mystery in a more lighthearted, entertaining way. An afterword explains how Lawrence became interested in Houdini and which parts of the story are true.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 4–6—Eleven-year-old Galena and her older sister, Anya, are Russian-Jewish immigrants living with their parents in a one-room tenement apartment in New York City. Six days a week the girls walk to work at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. Each morning Galena asks to see the pictures of family members inside the gold locket Anya wears around her neck before she and her sister part to work on different floors. Low wages and poor working conditions cause Anya to consider joining a union, whereas Galena remains conflicted and loyal to her "Old World" mother, who forbids such activities. Galena resents the growing friendship and influence Dmitri, a young man working at a unionized factory, has with her sister. When fire breaks out at the Triangle and Anya dies, the pair must search for her body (identifiable by the locket). Galena comes to understand the fear behind her mother's resistance to change and chooses to attend a mass funeral and union meeting with Dmitri. Woven together in perfect compatibility, the historical background and fictional plot give readers a clear insight into Jewish immigrants and ritual (sitting shivah after a death in the family), and unfair labor practices, and there is excellent foreshadowing of the fire. Back matter includes a discussion of the disaster and archival photos.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 9 Up—"I am all girl." That's the mantra that Jill desperately chants to herself whenever she feels the inevitable approaching—her body transforming into Jack. Four days a month, prior to menstruation, Jill's body mysteriously morphs into a male body, complete with sex organs. Despite countless hospital visits and hours of research, there is no explanation for this frightening phenomenon. In order to deal with the situation, the teen has developed a "Plan B," consisting of visualization techniques and chanting. Despite missing school and the necessity of giving noncommittal answers about her absences to her friend Ramie, Jill has ordinary teenage worries. Prom date issues are her prime concern, including garnering the attention of an elusive male student. Jill's situation grows treacherous when Jack rebels against the restraints placed upon him. The family has managed to keep him under control, but now he desires life outside the four walls of Jill's bedroom. His resentful attitude toward Jill causes significant upheaval and damage to her social life and causes a startling development in her friendship with Ramie. Themes of bisexuality, porn addiction, and gender identity make this best suited for mature readers. The writing is witty without being overly precious or self-conscious. The nonjudgmental attitude of some of the teen characters may not be entirely realistic, and the ending is abrupt and inconclusive. Still, Jill's real-life secondary concerns will ring true for many readers.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Gr 9 Up—Maggie's sense of self was shattered, along with her leg, in a car crash that killed her mother two years ago. Now 15, she is reborn in the alternate identity of "LaSamba," an eager follower in the wild, creative fantasy world of her intoxicating new classmate Dahlia ("Tiki") and her mentally ill mother. In this emotionally powerful and realistic story set in the 1990s in a small town in Connecticut, Maggie loses herself completely in her new identity, and slowly but surely comes to find a true, new self that includes the indisputable—but scary—fact that she is a lesbian and in love with Tiki. Readers are swept along with Maggie's swirling feelings, making it easy to understand how easily this fragile, sensitive girl could lose herself. Secondary characters also have complex emotions and motivations. Had this novel been published 15 years ago, it would've been a groundbreaking addition to LGBT literature; as it is, it still stands strong as a period testament to the anti-"lesbo" feelings of that era, as well as simply a well-written tale of self-discovery. Sex scenes focus on emotion and are not overly explicit.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 7 Up—In this sequel to The Navigator (Random, 2007), earthquakes, tidal waves, and general environmental turmoil are on the rise, and Owen is called into action again. The moon's orbit has altered, and the very fabric of time is running out. Owen teams up with his friends from the first book and embarks on a quest to Hadima, the City of Time, to seek out a tempod and try to reestablish stability of time. Faced with deceptions, double-crossings, and the icy power of the Harsh, Owen and his friends are challenged physically and mentally at every step of their adventure. Pacing and story details are excellent with just the right amount of suspense and withheld information to keep readers wanting more. Characters are unique and suitably delineated with an appropriate balance of protagonist and antagonist attention. City of Time reads like a stand-alone novel; all pertinent details are explained. However, it would help more astute readers to be familiar with the first book. Naturally, situations are set up for the final book in the trilogy. City of Time will certainly enjoy as much reader attention as the first book.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 8 Up—Molly is soon to be high school valedictorian in her small town of Le Sueur, MN. She is a genius at science, hopelessly unpopular, and desperately in love with her angsty and mysterious lab partner, Mark Dahl. At first, it appears that he only pays attention to her when he needs to copy her chemistry test answers, but when she announces that she'll be attending Columbia in the fall, Mark starts to take an active interest in her, knowing that he will be living in nearby New Jersey. Life in New York City is a completely different world for Molly. She has two loyal and loving dorm mates who make it their mission to help her come out of her shell. So when Mark asks the new-and-improved Molly if he can crash in her room one night, she thinks that they will finally have their romantic moment. Then she learns that Mark is gay. Although she is crushed at first, the teens are able to build a strong friendship. This breezy novel chronicles the 12 months from graduation to the end of Molly's first year in college. Lovable characters and fun scenarios keep the story moving, and more serious issues regarding the difficulties of coming out elevate this novel from being pure chick lit. Readers are left with the message that the love of a true friend can be just as meaningful as the love of a boyfriend.—Michelle Roberts, Merrick Library, NY

Gr 6–10—A story loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Wild Swans." Alexandra, 15, is the daughter of a powerful king and a wise queen. Like her mother, she has the gift of the ancient ways, but her talents aren't fully developed. The queen takes her into the ancient woods to celebrate her coming-of-age, and while there is attacked by an unnatural beast. Alexandra, in spite of her magic and healing skills, cannot save her mother. The king, plunged into despair, spends every day hunting for this beast. One day he returns with a beautiful woman who seems to charm everyone in the kingdom, except his children. Even though they believe that Zella is the shape-shifting beast that killed their mother, their father marries her. When they try to break her enchantment, Alexandra is banished to live with her aunt, and her brothers are turned into swans. It is with her aunt that the teen begins to understand her power, grow in maturity, believe in herself, and find love. She also realizes that if she is to save her family and her kingdom, she must take matters into her own hands and fight. Well written with vivid details, this rich tale has a little something for everyone—love, adventure, intrigue, betrayal, friendship, and murder. Fans of Robin McKinley and Donna Jo Napoli will love it.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 6–10—Mikaelsen's sequel to Touching Spirit Bear (HarperCollins, 2001), the much-lauded novel exploring the psychology and community dynamics of bullying, is likely to draw a split decision among potential audiences. While teachers and counselors may find it to be an inspiring, timely, and instructive piece of bibliotherapy, street-smart students might find it improbable, pat, and didactic. The story picks up with newly reformed bully Cole Matthews and the boy he once beat mercilessly, Peter Driscal, returning to the demoralizing realities of their beleaguered urban high school after having spent extended therapeutic time exploring their inner lives on a remote Alaskan Island. While Cole had realized genuine peace and personal insight in exile, he can sense his old rage beginning to resurface when Peter, whom he now considers his best friend, becomes the target of gang attacks. Ultimately, in the wake of the suicide of a bullied classmate, Cole decides that the only real hope for changing the self-destructive attitudes and behaviors in his high school is to appeal to his principal to let him lead an attempt to heal its overall spirit using some of the same techniques his Tlingit mentor, Garvey, had employed with him. She does agree, of course, as obstacles tend to topple just a bit too easily in this overly whitewashed sequel.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 8 Up—In this conclusion to the trilogy, Seeker, a Noble Warrior, is using his extraordinary powers to track down and kill the last two remaining savanters, evil creatures that drain the lir (life) out of their victims in order to prolong their own. Seeker has tracked them from the ends of the Earth, and to kill them is his final mission. What starts as a hunt turns into a philosophical debate. Each of the three Noble Warriors is presented with both an external battle of swords and flesh and an internal battle of faith and understanding. The setting for this story is a pastoral world much like our own 150 years ago. There are deserts and mountains, green valleys and deep seas that Seeker spends most of the book running through, which keeps the tempo of the story up. The other main characters seem to sit and contemplate their existence, occasionally moving for a fight or a short trip. Their focus is on the nature of the world, their place in it, and whether their god—the All and Only—exists at all. Unfortunately, the theme is sometimes too obviously superimposed on the plot. Relationship patterns and scenes among the characters are recycled over and over again. Wildman and Caressa, for example, have the same argument numerous times, and it's hardly worthy of two military leaders such as themselves. Still, the book is worth purchasing for fans of the series.—Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Colby Cavendish's plans are tossed overboard when her parents decide she should spend the summer with her aunt on a remote Greek island. They are jeopardizing her hard-won spot as ultracool Amanda's "new best friend," and now that she's hooked up with hottie Levi Bonham, how is she supposed to hang on to him? Crazy Aunt Tally, who talks to her plants and sells handmade jewelry, doesn't have a cell phone, TV, or Internet access. Colby's feelings and experiences are relayed through clever, but sometimes typographically confusing, emails, journal entries, letters, postcards, and a "Cruel Summer" blog. (The island has an Internet café.) The story is one of understandable teen frustration and resentment: adults don't make sense to her, and she's insecure about her new social status. She's far away from the usual connections, electronic and otherwise, that she and many comfortably middle-class, modern American teens rely on. An islander, Yannis, complicates her feelings for Levi, and Colby finds herself becoming involved, against her will, in the rhythms and lifestyle of this charming, remote place. The protagonist's venting and observations are alternately whiny, wistful, strident, and hilarious. Despite typical teen self-obsession, Colby is likable and ultimately well intentioned. As she deals with her feelings, she blunders her way rather charmingly into a new maturity.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 7 Up—An asteroid knocks the moon closer to Earth, and every conceivable natural disaster occurs. Seventeen-year-old Alex Morales's parents are missing and presumed drowned by tsunamis. Left alone, he struggles to care for his sisters Bri, 14, and Julie, 12. Things look up as Central Park is turned into farmland and food begins to grow. Then worldwide volcanic eruptions coat the sky with ash and the land freezes permanently. People starve, freeze, or die of the flu. Only the poor are left in New York—a doomed island—while the rich light out for safe towns inland and south. The wooden, expository dialogue and obvious setup of the first pages quickly give way to the well-wrought action of the snowballing tragedy. The mood of the narrative is appropriately frenetic, somber, and hopeful by turns. Pfeffer's writing grows legs as the terrifying plot picks up speed, and conversations among the siblings are realistically fluid and sharp-edged. The Moraleses are devout Catholics, and though the church represents the moral center of the novel, Pfeffer doesn't proselytize. The characters evolve as the city decomposes, and the author succeeds in showing their heroism without making them caricatures of virtue. She accurately and knowingly depicts New York City from bodegas to boardrooms, and even the far-fetched science upon which the novel hinges seems well researched. This fast-paced, thoughtful story is a good pick for melodrama fiends and reluctant readers alike.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—In this prequel to the "His Dark Materials" trilogy (Knopf), Texas aeronaut Lee Scoresby meets armored bear Iorek Byrnison for the first time. In this short, fantastic adventure, young Scoresby finds himself on the Arctic island of Novy Odense, a community set in an alternate past world. The rich mining company Lars Manganese is trying to control the town, Ivan Dimitrovich Poliakov is a corrupt mayoral candidate, and Captain van Breda is prevented from unloading his cargo unjustly. Scoresby takes on the captain's cause, resulting in an Old West-style shootout. Many readers will likely enjoy this book because of its quick pace and action-filled plot, but some Pullman fans may be disappointed when comparing this short text to the trilogy. Characters are less developed, and events sometimes happen a bit too quickly. The ending is neat and tidy, though it does leave the door open for future adventures. The inclusion of documents and black-and-white engraved illustrations add a nice touch, and the board game Peril of the Pole is tucked into the back inside cover as a bonus.—Jennifer D. Montgomery, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 7 Up—Stable and stoic Elena is a high school freshman when her beloved older sister, Dora, is hospitalized for depression. Elena takes it upon herself to look after her sibling when she comes home, while Dora and, ultimately, the entire family fall to pieces. In the end, Elena, with the help of her friend Jimmy Zenk, comes to realize that she alone can't make her better and that Dora has to help herself. With few words, characters are expertly fleshed out. For example, telling details reveal Elena's personality: "Matching socks was generally acknowledged to be my specialty." Schumacher eloquently describes the devastating effect that depression can have on a family. The writing is spare, direct, and honest. Written in the first person, this is a readable, ultimately uplifting book about a difficult subject.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 10 Up—Danielle, 18, has been a thief all her life. Moving from town to town, she and her mom stay around only long enough to canvas the rich and steal their silver. When she was 15, they moved on at Danielle's request, after she had sex for "the first and only time" with her mother's 20-year-old boyfriend. It's a lifestyle the teen is used to, but she's beginning to long for something more. She wants roots, friends, and a place to call home. When they hit the small resort town of Heaven, Danielle knows the routine. Her mom will chat up the men for information and she, now using the name Sydney, is supposed to do the same with her peers. Only something goes wrong, and "Sydney" begins to make friends with the mark, flirt with a local cop, and generally do everything her mom's always told her to avoid. And when it's time for the heist, Danielle is no longer sure she can follow her mom's demands. This story is deceptively touching. Danielle and her mother are both fully developed, as are the secondary characters of Allison (the friend) and Greg (the young cop). The overriding theme of living up to a parent's expectations instead of following your own path is universal, but the twist of a family of thieves gives the story originality.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 6–9—Flamel and company return in this fast-paced follow-up to The Alchemyst (Delacorte, 2007). The immortal human Nicholas Flamel; Scathach, the veggie vampire warrior; and the mortal twins of legend, Josh and Sophie, are still on the run from the malicious Dr. John Dee. Flamel retains two of the pages of the legendary Book of Abraham, and Dee will do anything to get them. After hopping a ley line to Paris, our heroes barely escape the machinations of Dee's partner in crime, Niccolò Machiavelli. While finding shelter with fellow immortals (Joan of Arc turns out to be a particularly helpful ally), Josh attempts to deal with the fact that his twin sister is now incredibly powerful. Having had her powers "awakened," Sophie's new abilities make him surprisingly jealous—a fact that Dee may find useful. Scott tapers down the sheer breadth of gods, goddesses, legends, and myths already introduced in his first novel, which is a bit of a relief. Even though the plot moves forward at breakneck speed, the author is careful not to lose sight of his characters' struggles or inner demons. Fans of the previous novel will certainly find much to love, root for, and fear in this successful second installment.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 7–9—Aiden and Lana are an unlikely pair. He's a novice monk, practicing to be a scribe; she's an illegitimate peasant with a penchant for mischief. Their worlds collide due to a Viking invasion that brings violent destruction to their families and homes. Hiding from the raiders, they discover that they have more in common than they could have expected. Aiden is able to sense the energy given off by living things, which he feels as the humming of numbers, while Lana can communicate with trees and use their wood to work powerful magic. Together they weave a plot to help their townspeople cast out the invaders, falling in love in the meantime. Aiden decides to leave the monastery to marry Lana, finally accepting that their magic is not the work of the devil. This is a strong story that will get skeptical students excited about historical fiction. Teachers will appreciate the accuracy of the book, which makes clear the scarcity and value of illuminated manuscripts in the 10th century, as well as the grim realities that women faced (Lana herself has been the victim of sexual violence). Although their decision to marry seems a little premature, and Aiden's position as the monastery's first lay scribe is a convenient ending, the book is a great read. Filled with nature lore and compelling action, it will appeal to many readers.—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School

Gr 5–8—The year is 2017. Aliens have just eaten both of 12-year-old William's stepparents, and he is left to fend for himself in the midst of an invasion. Fortunately, he is able to find his secret crush, Sophie, whose parents have only been abducted. With the help of his Uncle Maynard, they come up with a rescue plan. The youngsters are nicely developed, and, refreshingly, they act as you'd expect kids to behave in such a stressful situation, not like miniature adults. O'Connor's artwork adds to the humor. While the illustration of severed feet on the cover may put some readers off, it does a great job of setting the tone of the book as a send-up of old-time alien-invasion films. Simmons has a light touch, and readers will laugh through his explanation of how William came to be living with two stepparents and the aversion aliens have to eating human feet. The self-awareness of the narrator makes the opening chapters evocative of Lemony Snicket's work. Given that the novel begins in such a humorous vein, the poignant ending may come as a bit of a surprise. Alien Feast will leave readers waiting eagerly for the next installment. This title will be popular with fans of Adam Rex's The True Meaning of Smekday (Hyperion, 2007) and those who have outgrown Dan Greenburg's "Secrets of Dripping Fang" books (Harcourt).—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 4 Up—This outstanding collection consists of six readable and engaging stories. In "Don't Say It," Brian attempts to break out of a batting slump. "Stuffed Eagles" is a humorous account of a football team's last-gasp effort to keep from being scoreless for an entire season. A soccer player notes her team's lack of teamwork in "I'm Open." A gymnast overcomes her fear on the balance beam in "Crack-Crack-Crunch." In "A Mountain of Wood," Candace focuses her energy on breaking a wood board with her fist as she completes the test to earn her brown belt in karate. A teen gains the confidence he needs to perform well in a pick-up basketball game in "Makes Me Wanna Holla." Each story illustrates a particular q