Adult/High School

Adult/High School—This compelling story, set during both the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime, is told from alternating perspectives by the narrator as a boy and as a soldier. Niso grows up in an orphanage after his father joins the fight against the Fascists and his mother can no longer provide for him. Though he is surrounded by cruelty, the boy is both innocent and hopeful. However, his story as a child foreshadows who he is to become. On his deathbed, Niso's father extracts a promise from his son to retrieve the bones of the man who protected him from prison camp and provide him with a proper burial. After eight years as a member of the fearsome Foreign Legion, Sergeant Aleu returns to Spain and sets out with grim determination to fulfill his father's wish. Amid a cast of desperate, treacherous, and hopeless characters, Aleu tirelessly works to recover the bones of his father's friend. Suspense builds as readers are introduced to characters they fear will lead to Aleu's downfall. The powerful story engages readers' emotions while hurtling them toward the heartbreaking climax.—Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA

Adult/High School—This follow-up to Carey's The Devil You Know (Grand Central, 2007) returns readers to a modern-day London where ghosts and zombies have become part of daily life. The novel revisits the lives of many characters introduced in the first book, including the protagonist, Felix Castor, but it stands alone. Castor has returned to his life as an exorcist and quickly becomes involved in a "missing ghost" case that isn't as open-and-shut as it first appears. Similar in style and subject matter to Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Brimstone (Grand Central, 2005), the book combines the detective thriller with supernatural elements to create a plot filled with suspense, ghoulish apparitions, and the Catholic Church. The narration provides a nice mix of dialogue and action, with humorous undertones sprinkled throughout, as Castor must rely on the help of zombies, werewolves, and a succubus to solve the mystery. Although the story begins slowly, it quickly picks up and comes to a satisfying end, finishing Castor's current adventure with a few subplots that are likely to be tied up in the next novel in the series.—Kelliann Bogan, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—In good Victorian melodramatic fashion, the characters here are thoroughly unambiguous in moral terms. Told in turns by almost-30-year-old Elizabeth Martin of The Companion (St. Martin's, 2007) and Scotland Yard plainclothesman Benjamin Ross, with whom she is "walking out," the story involves a 17-year-old who refuses to believe her newborn baby is dead, the formidable aunt who runs the seaside manse where she is living, an itinerant rat-catcher who is murdered in their garden, a psychiatrist, and sundry household servants and villagers. Miss Martin is on hand to be companion to the young mother and sends for Sergeant Ross in response to the murder, both because she would like his comforting presence and to spare the household the unseemliness of having to reveal any of their secrets to policemen who may be less discreet. Manners rule the household more forcefully than civility, and Granger has fun creating characters who are simply foils for others' barbs. Teens with a yen for Victorian historical fiction will find this their cup of tea.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—Lee traces three generations of a Chinese-Canadian immigrant family in Vancouver, BC. The story is epic in scope, yet intimate in presentation. The first chapter provides a slow start, introducing the family through the eyes of the youngest granddaughter, Sammy, as she reluctantly returns home from Montreal to care for her aging mother. Sammy's memories of her grandfather, Seid Quan, abruptly usher in a retreat to the first decade of the 20th century, when he arrived on a boat from his small village in China. The narrative alternates between past and present, with fleeting appearances of the granddaughter that interrupt the more substantial saga of Seid Quan, then later his son Pon Man, and their march toward the future. Seid Quan toils in a barbershop to earn money to bring his family to Canada, and his Herculean efforts to protect and provide for them distance him emotionally. The story is steeped in descriptions of the streets and alleyways of Vancouver's Chinatown, a community and identity that bind the family together even as they struggle to break free. The intense devotion to family is both a sanctuary and a burden, and the constraints of circumstance drive Sammy's mother to the brink of insanity. The quiet struggles of Sammy's parents and grandparents are engrossing, while the fleeting passages focused on the granddaughter are introspective. As the novel concludes, there is a brief gap where the past and present can meet, echoing the space left open for the future, where Sammy may yet carve out an identity to call her own.—Heidi Dolamore, San Mateo County Library, CA

Adult/High School—This novel with multiple voices chronicles different points in a woman's life. The main narrative follows Natalie Ward, who leads a charmed life in Prince George, BC, during the 1960s. It is only a matter of time before reality interferes with the idyllic. The political uncertainty of the era comes knocking on her family's door in the form of a draft resister, Richard "River" Jordan. His resistance to the war in Vietnam causes tension on the Ward homestead. The plot moves somewhat predictably through Natalie's relationship with him, as well as her changing relationships with her brothers and parents as she moves toward adulthood. What begins as a vivid picture of the turbulence of the period devolves somewhat into a problem novel with a historical backdrop. The consequences of war, homosexuality, and early promiscuity are explored through Natalie's eyes, but the details seem almost trite. Teens might enjoy the depiction of Natalie's early life in the 1960s, but they may be turned off by other narrative threads, especially that of the adult Natalie, now grown and alienated from some of her family, dealing with her dying mother's illness. Milner's novel will appeal to teens who have raided their parents' shelves for psychological, plot-driven fiction by writers such as Sue Miller or Anita Shreve.—Caitlin Fralick, Ottawa Public Library, ON

Adult/High School—This novel offers a glimpse at the motherless childhood and adolescence of the Virgin Queen. A straightforward chronological narrative, her story is told by an omniscient narrator and divided into three parts. "The King's Daughter" describes her early years, including her "demotion" from Princess to Lady at age three, after the beheading of her mother, Anne Boleyn. "The King's Sister" covers the time after Henry VIII's death, when Elizabeth's younger brother, King Edward, is on the throne. Imagining Elizabeth's adolescence, Weir writes convincingly of the struggles to focus on studies and stay true to her vow of celibacy when confronted with the overwhelming emotions of a teenage crush. The final section, "The Queen's Sister," relates the tale of political intrigue that finally led Elizabeth to succeed her sister Mary to the throne. Weir's writing is clear and engaging, and although readers know that the protagonist will eventually rule, the story remains suspenseful. The main characters are well drawn, and the historical figures are recognizable, although sometimes the multitude of minor figures becomes confusing. A genealogy at the novel's beginning, and vivid descriptions of the British Court, royal attire, and the Tower of London orient readers to the story's setting. Recurring political and religious repercussions of Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church also permeate the novel. The Lady Elizabeth will appeal to teens interested in British history and orphaned-princess stories.—Sondra VanderPloeg, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—A fast-paced police procedural, set in semirural England. The action begins when an arrogant high school student is found bludgeoned to death. His mother, a reticent woman, is the next victim, but her murder appears to be even more hate-driven. Max, a police detective, and Jill, a profiling psychologist, work the case as they try to rework their personal relationship—the latter presented through snarky asides from each of them that will ring credible and humorous with readers. Complicating things at both a professional and personal level is the fact that Max's sons attend the same high school as the first victim—and then two more boys go missing. Wells does a good job of interweaving viewpoints and hinting at characters' motives that target self-preservation, whether from police inquiry or the scrutiny of intimates and neighbors. Both kids and adults are credible here, and the backstory is presented early enough that readers don't feel cheated of necessary information for solving along with Max and Jill. Teens who like puzzles and can enjoy seeing teachers' reputations skewered en route to a solution will find this a fast, pleasing read.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—Barnes does a fabulous job of providing the broad cultural context of the violence that took place in East St. Louis, IL, in 1917, exploring both what led up to it and how it became a symbolic rallying cry for civil rights activists. The city was one of the main migration points for Southern blacks searching for jobs and equality during an era when labor unions were organizing and workers were striking for employee rights; many companies took advantage of African Americans willing to work for less money by using them to cross picket lines. Spurred by job loss and old racism, the white population blamed the black residents for their problems, both real and imagined. Violence erupted between the two groups, culminating in coordinated lynching that ended with the murder of at least 150 black residents. It becomes clear, however, that racism was not just a local issue, as evidenced by the strong anti-black coverage in leading newspapers, actions by leaders as high up as Woodrow Wilson, and other riots across the nation. Key features of the volume include photographs of the major political players of the time and a detailed bibliography. Based on key academic sources and original research, this is a work of strong scholarship. But just as important, Barnes's journalistic style brings this nearly forgotten tragedy of U.S. history to a wide audience in an accessible and meaningful way.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School—This accessible book offers the equivalent of an introduction to both color theory and art appreciation worthy of a high school or community college course. Bartges provides clear explanations—well illustrated with both color wheels and famous paintings—of how color schemes work and how to achieve color balance in one's own paintings. His choice of emblematic works to deconstruct are better varied than in traditional textbooks, offering works by women, self-taught painters, and people of color as well as the expected Picasso, Sargent, and Degas. Exercises include images teens will appreciate, such as a slice of blueberry pie that looks truly mouthwatering. Although there are write-in spaces for some of the exercises, these are few and the volume is not a workbook. The small bibliography suggests texts librarians will recognize as standards but may lead novice teen artists to them for the first time. A final section called "Ten Quick Tips from the Studio" provides real gems that even first-time painters can appreciate.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—Thirteen chapters cover the body's various systems (circulatory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, etc.) and are preceded by a chapter on basic biology and followed by one on human growth and development. Each section consists of a series of questions and answers organized in a logical fashion, one flowing into the next and progressing from basic to more detailed. The answers are both simple and clear, and scientific and medical terms are succinctly defined when they first appear. The illustrations, drawn from a variety of sources, supplement the text. The format makes this an appealing title for curious browsers and a good quick-answer source for teens' questions about how their bodies work. Students interested in careers in health or medicine will pore over this book with the avidity their younger siblings devote to books about dinosaurs.—Sandy Schmitz, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—These selections work as an effective lens through which to look at and think about major political issues. Cohen's introductions to the speeches provide helpful insights into the history and themes of each period. History buffs will be interested in the mannered way the candidates spoke—about the Vietnam War, the economy, civil rights, and more. The book also functions as a strong tool to learn the basics of rhetoric. From the highbrow speeches of Woodrow Wilson and the folksy wit of Harry Truman to the polished prose of Ronald Reagan and the podium-pounding style of Jesse Jackson, each candidate had his own special way of addressing the people. Although many of the speeches are edited here, Cohen provides notes throughout to mark what has been removed and offers a Web site for anyone interested in reading the full texts. The concluding bibliographic essay functions as an effective pathway to even deeper research.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Adult/High School—Novices will find everything they need to gain confidence and knowledge to produce polished creations. The first two dozen pages provide a crash course in identifying the different components of jewelry and the terms that apply to them as well as the tools and techniques used in the projects shown. Bead composition and shape, including charts of size for regular and seed beads, are explained. Findings and metals are laid out and named so that shopping for materials can be done with confidence. Fox discusses how and where she finds inspiration for her designs and how readers can use her ideas as springboards for their own work. Each project starts with a chart of materials, tools, and techniques necessary to complete the piece, the finished size, and a simplicity scale. Large, clear pictures and written directions are given for every step. The projects are chic and satisfying, and range from a simple tied-leather-thong necklace to complicated chandelier earrings. For the most part they could be made in a day and worn that evening. A great resource.—Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Adult/High School—This beautiful biography celebrates the life of the distinguished author, poet laureate, playwright, and civil rights activist. It includes her letters, notes, and writings, and more than 100 photographs of family and friends. Gillespie and Long, two of Angelou's close friends, and Johnson Butler, her niece, examine the 80-year-old Angelou's life from her rape at age eight, through her flourishing career in the United States, Egypt, and England, to the delivery of her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993. This must-have, close-up account is a refreshing reminder that one can overcome adversity, succeed in life, and give back to community and friends.—Gregory Lum, Jesuit High School, Portland, OR

Adult/High School—With more than 250 photos and illustrations and in clear, lively prose, Miles portrays the development of the peace symbol from its modest beginning to its representation of an era of widespread protest and cultural revolution. On April 8, 1958, a small group of disarmament protesters marched from London to Aldermaston, the site of Britain's top-secret nuclear weapons factory. A few days before, someone decided it would be a good idea to have a symbol to put on their placards. One of the marchers, a textile designer named Gerald Holtom, volunteered to see what he could come up with. He decided on a combination of the naval semaphoric signals for the letters "N" and "D" (for nuclear disarmament) encased in a circle. Despite the initial apathy with which it was met, the simple and unique design has endured to become one of the most universally recognized symbols in the world. The author explores its life as an icon of chic style and its adaptation by Hollywood, the music industry, the art world, certain political campaigns, and environmental groups. He provides background leading up to the birth of the antinuclear weapons movement, as well as ample evidence of the peace sign's extensive, multifaceted use worldwide. Among the many stunning images are a photo of three Australian Aboriginals with the sign painted on their faces, a photo of the peace sign amid antigovernment graffiti on a wall in Algeria in 2001, and an overhead view of some 3000 people forming a torch-lit peace sign in Budapest in 2006.—Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—With a seamless blend of first-person observation, detailed anecdotes, and hard research, Royte explores the history and ramifications of those ubiquitous plastic and glass bottles. She addresses the economic, ecological, and cultural weight of water as she visits massive New York aqueducts, struggling rural villages in Maine, and high-tech treatment plants in Missouri. Her findings reflect the distressing trend of our heavy footprint on the environment and its resources. From petroleum-laden bottles and gas-guzzling shipping containers to serious flora and fauna shifts in small-town ponds, the "purity" of bottled water may be murkier than you might have imagined. This book will intrigue a younger generation of readers who might ask, "Wait, major corporations didn't always own water?"—Shannon Peterson, Kitsap Regional Library, WA

Adult/High School—For more than 25 years, the Schultzes have been interviewing and photographing civil rights activists who have been detained or brutalized, or just barely escaped harassment for such crimes as ethnicity, union organizing, political party affiliation, voter registration, rallying against war, eco-activism, and challenging the state to provide better opportunities for Americans who have been historically excluded. In each of 89 spreads, readers are offered a clear black-and-white candid portrait of the speaker, along with a first-person account of the life-altering event that engaged him or her in conflict with the U.S. government. From 1916, with a report on the Wobblies' Everett Massacre, through 2005, when American librarians stood up against the USA PATRIOT Act, both well-known and less-familiar moments in history are brought into clear and defining light: the McCarran Act, the Japanese-American internment, HUAC, the Black Panthers, policies against Palestinian Americans. The indexing provides quick access to issues, while the individuals presented make those issues—and how interacting with them changed their lives—vivid and provocative. Students in need of primary-source material will find this resource valuable, while teens interested in activism will find good models for their own lives, as well as cautions that are reality-based.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—This book brings grandmother's crochet to the high-fashion world with more than 20 patterns for everything from leg and neck warmers to dresses. The authors deserve credit for the sheer creativity of the designs, even if they're not always practical (one choker necklace pattern incorporates feathers into the stitching, and others weave ribbons and buttons into patterns). Some of the ideas border on the ridiculous—the "hip hanger" looks like a sideways knitted apron worn over pants, and the patterns for fringed halters and bikinis are a little over-the-top even for those with the body confidence to pull off such a look. Projects are packaged and modeled by young "downtown" type women, giving this book a feel that is very different from the majority of craft books for young people these days—think club wear and hip-hop-inspired designs rather than the indie-hipster looks in books such as Amy Spencer's Crafter Culture Handbook (Marion Boyars, 2006). As such, it will appeal to different readers and crafters, and the wide range of projects guarantees that anyone will find at least a couple of patterns worth trying out. A caveat: Double Stitch has limited introductory instructions for absolute beginners.—Caitlin Fralick, Ottawa Public Library, ON