Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up—While there are a few illustrations at the beginning of the book and a two-page "comicalized" passage at the end, most of this book is a straightforward novel. However, the subject of manga, whether it be doujinshi (self-published) or even yaoi (gay love stories) permeates the book. Familiarity with Japan's truly bizarre maid café phenomenon will be helpful to readers who might otherwise be dumbfounded by waitresses who refer to their customers as "Master" and "Mistress" and who create designs on their customers' dishes using only ketchup and their imagination. This story is told by Aaliyah Kominami, who aspires to be the best maid ever but who often fails because of her clumsiness and her inability to think on her feet. She has several crises at the café, involving belligerent coworkers, an overly amorous waiter, and Masters and Mistresses whose problems cannot be easily solved. American readers may wonder how satisfying this job could be if maids are expected always to be pleasant, subservient, and smiling. But then again we don't live in Japan, where maid cafés are as popular as Starbucks here. Manga enthusiasts and other otaku (extreme nerds/fanatics) will be delighted with the deep immersion in Japanese culture that this book provides.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Octavian, the 16-year-old slave whose story began in The Pox Party (Candlewick, 2006), continues his search for identity in this brilliant, affecting, and philosophical sequel. Octavian and his tutor escape from Octavian's master to relative safety in Boston where Octavian finds work as a violinist in a military band. After hearing of Lord Dunmore's promise of freedom for slaves, he enlists in the Royal Ethiopian Regiment. Following a loss at Norfolk, they then take up quarters aboard British ships, barely fending off starvation and smallpox. Octavian's uncertainty and doubt are tangible throughout. His detailed first-person narration is written in the richly expansive 18th-century prose introduced in volume one. He records the story while reviewing (and revealing to readers) his diary entries from the past year, so that "none of this shall pass from remembrance." He endures abuse, shame, grief, and humiliation, and comes close to despair; however, he is ultimately hopeful that humanity can aspire to more than warring and despoiling. Teens will identify with Octavian's internal tumult, how he experiences events as being acted upon him, and his transition from observer to participant, from boy to man. More than fascinating historical fiction, this is also a thoughtful and timeless examination of the nature of humanity and a critique of how society addresses (or ignores) identity, freedom, and oppression. Anderson's masterful pacing, surprising use of imagery and symbolism, and adeptness at crafting structure make this a powerful reimagining of slavery and the American Revolution dazzle.—Amy J. Chow, The Brearley School, New York City

Gr 4–7—Twelve-year-old March Anne expects this summer to be like all others—spending time with her girlfriends, helping on the family's Georgia watermelon farm, and learning from her grandma, who has been raising March Anne and her brother since their mother died nine years ago. But in July, the girl's world is turned upside down when Grenna suffers a heart attack and is bedridden. March Anne valiantly tries to cook the dinners, but her misadventures only serve to highlight the void that her grandmother's absence will leave. Things gradually settle down, and March Anne regales Grenna with stories about school, especially the antics of three previously irritating boys. When Grenna insists that a hummingbird has stayed for the winter, March Anne assumes her grandmother is "wonky," but the creature soon makes itself known, remaining nearby until the February day when Grenna passes on. Afterward, March Anne must come to terms with her grief not only for her grandmother, but also for her mother. Her friends are there to help, and her family draws closer as her father opens up about his repressed heartache over his wife. While the vocabulary is poetic, the Southern idioms and clichés are exaggerated, and March Anne's first-person narration never entirely engages readers. The tone is somewhat saccharine and preachy, and the themes are presented with a heavy hand. An additional novel about friendship and loss.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7–10—Summer Smith is thrilled to be asked to spend the summer in Florida with her aunt Mallory and cousin Diana, and her trip starts off with a real bang when she meets gorgeous Seth on the plane and ends up with a dreamy kiss. It's pretty clear that Diana resents her presence and seems to be angry for no reason, but sensitive, nice Summer gives her the benefit of the doubt and forges ahead making new friends, getting a job, and meeting lots of handsome guys, including Diana's former boyfriend. If only the summer would never end and she didn't have to return to Minnesota. There are several references to sex and alcohol. This is an overly long and totally predictable teen romance, but girls will enjoy this beachy paperback and will pass it along to friends. It may be formulaic, but it works.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 4–6—"Why can't everyone just accept everyone else?" Alice Bunt asks her father when she discovers that popularity and individuality do not always go hand-in-hand. The 11-year-old has just moved to the Boston suburbs from the city and is looking forward to making friends with kids who share her interests. She soon finds Zen, a flamboyantly dressed, fashion-magazine-addicted boy who is definitely a far cry from sports-minded, go-kart-building Alice. When middle school begins, she quickly realizes that a friendship with him could lead to ridicule by classmates. The less-challenging path is to mirror the behavior of the mall-going in-crowd. Alice's dilemma is familiar—to conform or not to conform—with one key difference: Zen. Alice's journey from impressionable naïveté to courageous pluck is a convincing lesson on friendship and tolerance. The story line is a bit contrived, and many of the characters are not fully developed, but Alice's struggle to just be herself is an important one. The happy ending, though manufactured, will give hope to readers experiencing similar conflicts.—Erin Schirota, Bronxville Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—Fourteen-year-old Early Whitcomb's family is trying desperately to hold onto their Iowa farm during hard times. The local banker is pressuring the Whitcombs to sell their land to the Chicago and North Western railway, promising to foreclose on their mortgage if they refuse. This prompts Early's Uncle Jesse, 19, to head west and find gold, disappearing under suspicion of bank robbery. After he writes that he has found gold but suspects that it will be stolen, Early sneaks away and signs on to a wagon train destined for Cherry Creek and Pike's Peak. A representative of the railroad is also traveling with the wagon trains, and the boy suspects that he wants to find Jesse and prevent him from helping his family save the farm. Early makes an unlikely ally in Lizzy Bunderly, the free-spirited daughter of his wagon-train employer, and the two friends face heartache, hardship, and loss while learning the value of endurance on this journey that takes them across the wild, unsettled territory. The novel deals with difficult times in the life of a young person, but emphasizes Early's optimism and hope for better days. The lessons he learns as a result of the choices he makes, as opposed to those made by his uncle, reveal the importance of making decisions wisely. The period reproductions add much to the understanding of an earlier way of life. The chapters are short and broken up into diary format so as to mimic travel journals of the early wagon train adventurers. A rewarding addition.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 6 Up—Set between Barron's "Lost Years of Merlin" and "Great Tree of Avalon" series, this book focuses on Basil, a unique lizard that sets out to understand his identity and his destiny. While small, Basil has a magical ability to create smells, and he uses his talent and his wits to escape a number of foes. After a series of encounters with the wizard Merlin, including attending his wedding, Basil learns from the good spirit Dagda that the evil spirit Rhita Gawr has entered the lands of Avalon and that Merlin is in grave danger. With the wind sister Aylah, he travels to all seven realms, learning about each one and about himself in his quest to save Merlin and all of Avalon from the magic-devouring kreelix. While this adventure starts out slowly and spans almost 40 years, the pace picks up rapidly during the second half. Basil is a prickly and entertaining hero, and his comments about life at the start of each chapter add tone and humor. Barron's return to Avalon will be welcomed by his many fans, who will have the patience to explore the lands with Basil and learn more about their history.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 7 Up—Natalie's mother left in mid-sentence. At least that is what Natalie remembers. Now four years, four months, and fifteen days later, the 16-year-old is traveling on a bus from Connecticut to Florida to ask her mother exactly what she had meant to say. The teen remembers that it was something about love, and, in her present predicament, she really needs to know. She is in a one-sided obsessive relationship with Adam, with whom she experiences her "ultimate passage into womanhood"; she has alienated her best friend; and her father thinks that she has gone skiing in Vermont. During the trip, Natalie encounters a variety of people with whom she briefly interacts, but who leave an impression on her. Their stories are inserted into the narrative as cameos, and she comes to understand that she can be loved for who she is—and not because she was a girl whose mother did not love her enough to stay. A moving coming-of-age story.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 6–8—Quintessential good-kid Milton Fauster knows all about his sister Marlo's life of petty crime. So, when they are both killed in a freak marshmallow explosion, he isn't surprised that she doesn't qualify for Heaven, but he's shocked to find that he isn't going there either. They end up in Heck, an unearthly reform school that isn't quite Hell, but certainly not a place anyone would want to stay in "for all eternity—or until they turn 18, whichever comes first." Principal Bea "Elsa" Bubb figures that there is something irregular about Milton's soul contract and keeps a close eye on him. Milton, meanwhile, plans to escape. During a dreary class, he meets Virgil, who has a map of the Nine Circles of Heck. Unfortunately, the only way out is through the sewer pipes, literally "down the toilet." The torments of the darned are described in vivid and often grotesque detail. Errant toddlers nap in gingerbread coffins while Boogeypeople read them Edgar Allan Poe. Milton and company make two graphically described voyages through the underworld plumbing. There are numerous classical and historical allusions, many of which will sail over the heads of the intended audience. ("I have an ax to grind with you," snarls home-economics teacher Lizzie Borden, after giving the celery 40 whacks.) In the end, the clever, if somewhat disturbing premise is overwhelmed by slow pacing and relentless descriptions of garbage, sewage, and other heckishly unpleasant things.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 7–10—When readers last saw the unlikely duo of starry-eyed Sir Michael and his reluctant squire (and former thief) Fisk in The Last Knight (HarperCollins, 2007), the teens were headed toward Michael's home to face the music. Despite his father's instructions, the young man has refused to bring back a woman falsely accused of murder, and the punishment for this failure is harsh. Michael is declared "unredeemed" and tattooed with marks that will declare his newly despised status to any that see his wrists. What's worse, Fisk has been called back home by his sisters to help them clear the name of a man he dislikes. Michael comes along but somebody has it in for the two, and it will take all of their wits to keep them out of either jail or a hangman's noose. In a story that's part buddy comedy, part Don Quixote, and part mystery novel, Bell outdoes herself with this intrepid pair. Michael's insistence that he is a knight, an occupation that is "two centuries out of date," has waned and now it is Fisk taking center stage. The story line moves swiftly and without a stumble. Count on this book's humor, suspense, and plot twists to keep readers coming back for future installments.—Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—In 1990s Tampa, a week after Johnny's 13th birthday, his father dies in a horrible auto accident, his mother shuts down, and the boy is left to cope for himself. While somehow managing to maintain his grades and pay the bills, he also takes up the goth lifestyle and begins drinking so heavily that by 16 he ends up in a hospital from an accidental overdose. After a stint in rehab where he first hears and falls in love with singer Debbie Harry, Johnny is shipped off to live with his paternal uncle in South Carolina. Bullies at Langley Prep taunt him because they think he is gay, but with his supportive new girlfriend, Maria, and understanding Uncle Sam, Johnny finally realizes that he has more than a fixation on the performer. He wants to sing and dress like her. Maria encourages him to enter a competition as Debbie Harry at a drag club in Atlanta, and his uncle reveals surprising details about his father. With such a problem-heavy novel, at times the book comes close to overpowering the real "problem"—Johnny's transvestism. Still, having a straight, cross-dressing protagonist is groundbreaking YA fiction.—Betty S. Evans, Missouri State University, Springfield

Gr 4–7—Katani, the Beacon Street Girl gifted with business savvy and fashion flair, is on her way to Jamaica. A distressing letter informs her that Great Aunt Faith must have surgery and needs Grandmother Ruby and Katani to assist with her famous Banana Bliss Bakery. Thrilled to visit and help out, Ruby and Katani are concerned about the news that another bakery is attempting to run Banana Bliss out of business. And so begins this lighthearted adventure. Always jotting down ideas for future business endeavors, Katani is completely taken with the local color of the island, as well as its lore. She immediately connects with cousins Olivia and Selvin, but remains in touch with the other Beacon Street Girls via snappy emails and snapshots, describing the events of her wonderful trip. A number of unusual situations, from raising goats to on-the-shore horseback rides to the introduction of a mysterious old woman and a lost heirloom, add interest. A lively introduction to Jamaica's rich history, culture, and lifestyle.—Andrea Tarr, Corona Public Library, CA

Gr 5–7—Travis, 13, is trying to adjust to his family's move from Salinas, CA, to a brand-new development. To him, his new home and neighborhood are like Camazotz, the planet from A Wrinkle in Time where everything is the same. His parents seem to work all the time to support their current lifestyle, leaving him on his own. An almost magnetic pull draws him back to his old neighborhood and his favorite place, the John Steinbeck Library, only to discover that it is in jeopardy of being closed. The focus of the novel changes as Travis becomes immersed in the campaign to save it. His friend, Hilario, becomes involved as well. The mysterious underpinnings of the story begin when Travis cycles by Steinbeck's house and sees a boy writing in the attic window. Steinbeck's stories haunt him, and he starts to see characters from them. The second half of the book is the most absorbing. When he, Hil, and an elderly author go into the hills of Corral de Tierra, they have magical experiences that bring them closer to Steinbeck's world. There are some convenient plot twists and stereotypical characters. The protagonist, however, is well drawn. This novel would have greatest appeal to readers familiar with Steinbeck's works.—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 7–10—In the words of his teacher, PJ is a lost soul. He drifts through his classes and he's the third wheel with his friends Billy and Henry. Brian Carson is an obnoxious jerk who bullies him. When PJ accidentally takes Mrs. Jordan's journal, he knows he should give it back. But maybe it holds the key to the problems in his life, like whether to trust the guys who want his help to blackmail Brian. While PJ and his friends register as realistic teenagers, and Mrs. Jordan and Coach Lockwood are believable educators, other characters are one-note. Too many issues are touched on within a structure that doesn't allow satisfactory resolution. While readers are meant to infer that reading the journal helps PJ understand Brian's actions, this connection is tenuous. The story unfolds easily in spite of the extra plot points, and Carvell's talent for characterization and setting are well displayed. Readers will probably finish this story to see how PJ gets out of these bad situations, yet might find themselves wondering what the main point is. An optional purchase.—Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick, MD

Gr 6–8—In this first installment in the series, half-elf, half-human Sebastian Darke sets out to follow in his dead father's footsteps. The problem is, his father was a jester and Sebastian isn't that funny. However, his flatulent, talking buffalope sidekick, Max, is. They set off to make their fortune at the court of King Septimus and meet the tough but extremely small Captain Cornelius along the way. The three heroes then rescue shallow but beautiful Princess Kerin, niece of King Septimus, from a group of Brigands (from Brigandia). When they finally arrive at court, they discover that they have foiled an attempt on the princess's life that was planned by their host, and they must not only save themselves, but also the princess. The story is well paced and quite funny. Lea's occasional full-page, black-and-white illustrations enhance the story. There is not time in the weeks in which the story unfolds for the maturity that occurs as Princess Kerin grows into her title, but it's really the relationships among Sebastian, Cornelius, and Max that make the story flow so well. While Caveney doesn't have Terry Pratchett's deft touch with humorous fantasy, this title will appeal to fans of The Wee Free Men (HarperCollins, 2003) and its sequels.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 7 Up—Alicia's best friend, Bobby, has gone to New York to scout out colleges, and she realizes that sooner or later she is going to have to tell him that she wants more than just friendship. As she faces the possibility that he is leaving her behind, and is still dealing with her blindness, a new problem crops up. At one point Bobby became invisible, and now there is another invisible person named William stalking him. He follows Bobby home, FBI agents are dropping by, and Alicia wonders just what's going on. Does William just want to return to normal? Is the FBI trying to steal the technology to turn people invisible? Or is William the real threat? Alicia's internal monologues are long, repetitive, and stilted. The plot gathers steam near the end, but Alicia's constant angst over Bobby detracts from it. Their relationship does not seem to have grown any deeper at the end of the book other than the fact that they have kissed. The language and writing seem a little too simple for the YA crowd, but fans of Things Not Seen (2002) and Things Hoped For (2006, both Philomel) might enjoy this installment in the series.—Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Gr 8 Up—This tale has likable and realistic teen characters. It takes place over an event-filled week, with Rhiannon, Nicole, and James telling the same story from their individual perspectives. Rhiannon is devastated by her recent breakup with Steve. Nicole has broken up with Danny for no apparent reason, and he is determined to win her back. James, who has always been Rhiannon's best friend, is finding his feelings for her undergoing a dramatic change. Many humorous events occur, including Rhiannon's surefire plan to get Steve back that backfires. Readers will be intrigued by how the same incidents can be seen in so many different lights. They may also gain perspective on how one action can have very different consequences for people. The story also addresses several difficult and all-too-common problems that many teens face. Nicole realizes that Sheila is being physically abused by her boyfriend and is able to get her some professional help. Nicole has her own dark secret—her father is sexually abusing her. It's through her interactions with her friends that she is finally able to acknowledge the abuse and start to get on with her life. Teens who are dealing with their own problems will benefit from the hopeful resolution of this story. While this book's main appeal will be with girls, guys will enjoy hearing the male perspective.—Sheilah Kosco, Bastrop Public Library, TX

Gr 5–7—In this Depression-era tale set near St. Louis, Gene receives visits from some sort of specter, as if he is temporarily possessed by a presence that speaks to him in vague threats and riddles. When he learns that the death of his pal Sonny's father was preceded by a voice urging him to kill himself, Gene assumes that his specter is the same ominous being. This spirit urges him to solve a mystery many years old with little in the way of concrete clues. Gene gains the help of Sam, daughter of the local paper's editor, and the two find stories about the purchase of the old Toffey farm by oil speculator-con man, Ernest Gallen. Gene learns that the spirit of the con man wants revenge on the lynch mob that killed him as well as on Gene's grandfather, the judge who sent him to a low-security cell. The novel features mostly flat characterization and dialogue that subdue any real tension. Even the spookiest episode, in which the three kids explore the Toffey farmhouse and find a noose with a dressed skeleton on the floor, doesn't create an eerie atmosphere, and the story has several lapses in logic.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 9 Up—This novel follows a clique of high-class Old Blood vampires, led by heiress Lilith Todd, who attend a private New York City high school, and their run-in with a strange New Blood girl, Cally, in the park. It turns out to be an ambush by the Van Helsings, vampire hunters, and it leaves one of the Old Bloods dead and the others fleeing for their lives. Peter Van Helsing cannot bring himself to harm Cally, and they begin a forbidden relationship. It turns out that she has a human mother and an Old Blood vampire father whom she has never met. He sends her off to Bathory Academy—where, you guessed it, Lilith and her cronies are not at all happy to see her. Lilith already wants to rip Cally apart, but actually attacks her after she sees her promised husband flirt with the newcomer. This is a light read with some intrigue. It is clearly the set-up for a series. A glossary explaining the origins and terminology of vampire mythology is included.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7 Up—In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator." Book one of a planned trilogy.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Gr 6–8—A delicious collection of nine funny, frightening, and thoughtful short stories. Coville has a true gift for creating characters and setting, such as the creepy pond at her Auntie Alma's that Margaret is mysteriously drawn to, or the haunted mansion where young ghost communicators Nine and Chris find themselves stranded on a stormy evening. There is something for most readers—a bit of fantasy, a smattering of humorous reality, a dose of science fiction, and a dash of mystery. An author's note explains the origins of the stories. Teens are sure to find the author's insights entertaining and will certainly gobble up these eerie tales.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 7 Up—When high school sophomore Liam is called up to play varsity basketball, he finds the team in some distress. Darius, the only black member and the leading offensive player, quits during the half-time of Liam's first game, feeling dissed by the coach. Liam then attends an invitation-only Athletic Fellowship meeting at a teammate's house, where he is manipulated into joining in the reading of a "Champion's Prayer," strengthening his doubts about the amount and kind of prayer that the coach directs at every pregame and half-time. The teen is secure in his Catholic faith, but fears he'll lose playing time, at least, if he rocks the coach's boat. Using the Internet to investigate and then press the separation of church and state, he indeed suffers the wrath of his coach, administration, and former teammates, so that he, too, quits the team. He and Darius are recruited to toughen up the varsity girls' team as they make their run at State. Coached by the art teacher who runs practices akin to a yoga workout and assigns poetry as well as scrimmages is a welcome change for Liam, who makes serious strides both on and off the court. The message that one must choose one's own road is certainly worthy, and the combination of basketball action, Liam's thoughtful responses to off-court issues, and the involvement—and final game—between the boys and girls will appeal to many hoops fans.—Joel Shoemaker, Southeast Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 5–9—Gatty, the irrepressible peasant girl first introduced in Crossley-Holland's "Arthur" trilogy (Scholastic), comes into her own in this sweeping, vibrant story set in the early years of the 13th century. Her pure singing voice helps her secure a position as serving maid to Lady Gwyneth of Ewloe Manor, and she joins a disparate band of souls when her lady declares her intent to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Gatty is a headstrong adolescent whose impulsive behavior both exasperates and delights the other pilgrims on the journey, causing delays and difficulties but also, in one instance, saving a life. Written in a style that is both lyrical and earthy, this book serves as a companion novel to the "Arthur" books but stands solidly on its own as a completely satisfying coming-of-age story. Similar in tone to Karen Cushman's Catherine, Called Birdy (Clarion, 1994) and rich in detail like Frances Temple's epic journey tale, The Ramsay Scallop (Scholastic, 1994), Crossing to Paradise gives today's readers a glimpse into the turbulent years of the Crusades—events that sowed so many seeds for the current Middle East conflicts—through the eyes of a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve.—Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 9 Up—No matter where he lives, 16-year-old Danny Lopez is an outsider. At his private high school in wealthy northern San Diego County, "nobody paid him any attention…because he was Mexican." It didn't matter that he was half white. But when he visits the Mexican side of his family in National City, just a dozen miles from the border, Danny feels "Albino almost" and ashamed. He doesn't even speak Spanish. Rather than learning to blend in, Danny disengages from both worlds, rarely speaking and running his mind in circles with questions about how he might have kept his absent father from leaving the family. He decides to spend the summer in National City, hoping to get closer to his dad's roots and learn how to be "real" and stop feeling numb. Instead, he finds that, by the end of the summer, he has filled the void through unexpected friendship and love. In this first-rate exploration of self-identity, Danny's growth as a baseball pitcher becomes a metaphor for the conflicts he must overcome due to his biracial heritage. Dialogue written in a coarse street vernacular and interwoven with Spanish is awkward to read at first—like Danny, readers are made to feel like outsiders among the hard-edged kids of National City. But as the characters develop, their language starts to feel familiar and warm, and their subtle tenderness becomes more apparent. A mostly linear plot (with occasional flashbacks), plenty of sports action, and short chapters make this book a great pick for reluctant or less-experienced readers.—Madeline Walton-Hadlock, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 8 Up—Frustrated by her parents' divorce two years earlier, 15-year-old Victoria convinces her mother to let her travel from Connecticut to stay in New York with her father for the summer. She witnesses a teen speaking harshly to her toddler son and sees her leave him in the train's bathroom. Victoria watches as the young woman and a man argue on the platform. Before she knows it, Victoria has the toddler in her possession and is barreling past her stop. She begins with the best of intentions to protect the child from an abusive situation, but, without much thought, she takes the boy, whom she calls Wills, on a train ride to Georgia. Victoria finds a large stash of money, hastily stuffed in her backpack by the boy's mother, and begins to receive threatening calls on her cell phone from the man on the platform and worried calls from her father and various police agencies. Victoria must find a way for Wills to be safe and believes that staying on the lam is the best solution. DeKeyser accurately describes the thought process that Victoria goes through as she comes to the realization of what she's done. While at the heart of her choices is her anger over her parents' divorce, the author does not oversimplify the situation. Teens are sure to find this an interesting read.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 6–10—In this sequel to Powder Monkey (2005) and Prison Ship (2006, both Bloomsbury), Sam and his friend Richard have a rocky voyage from Australia back to England on a merchant ship. Meanwhile England is at war with France, and the British navy is sending out press gangs to "recruit" sailors. When Sam is in London, he barely escapes a gang and decides to accept Viscount Neville's offer to purchase him a post in the navy as an officer. He is on the same ship as Admiral Lord Nelson and fights with him in the legendary Battle of Trafalgar. Sam's sailing story starts slowly, taking several chapters for the wind to come into the plot sails. Even then, it feels more like a choppy travelogue than an adventure story. One can only wish that Sam mused less about what he should and should not do. Dowswell, however, does give a wealth of historical detail about 19th-century sailing without detracting too much from the plot. The author is at his best describing the Battle of Trafalgar and the funeral of Admiral Lord Nelson, which he based on eyewitness accounts. Fans of the series will be interested in this new segment of Sam's life, and teens interested in sailing stories may be willing to swim through it as well.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT

Gr 4–7—Born on a slave ship, Calepino is an orphan in 17th-century Cartagena. He has been raised by a Spanish noblewoman and acts as a translator for Father Pedro, who takes food, water, and medicine to the captives on the slave ships that dock in the area. On one visit he meets Tomi and his pregnant mother. They are sold to a cruel merchant, and Calepino is determined to help them escape. He has been helping Dr. López, who cares for the patients at the leper colony, and he uses his contact with the doctor to get them away from their brutal master. Then Dr. López is accused of being a Jew and imprisoned. It is, after all, the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The novel ends when readers discover that Calepino has been writing this story for him while he's in prison. Durango tells of the horrors of the slave trade by bringing it down to a more personal level. It's an involving story, but some confusion could result without background knowledge of the Inquisition or the social stigma of contracting leprosy at that time.—Diana Pierce, Leander High School, TX

Gr 4–6—Like a television show that loses steam in its second season, Durst's sequel to Into the Wild (Penguin, 2007) seems less fresh and therefore not as much fun as the original. Once again, 12-year-old Julie struggles to control the fairy-tale world imprisoned under her bed. Most of her family has escaped the nightmarish, repetitive life of fairy tales and are happy to try to exist in the real world, but when The Wild spits her father out, his unfamiliarity with life outside jeopardizes the future of the world. He's Rapunzel's prince and only knows about rescuing princesses, so Julie must protect him as she tries to attend to her friendships and a budding romance. Even readers who relished the first book will probably find this one stale.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 6 Up—Ethereal, sepia-toned photos meld with folklore elements to create an evocative glimpse at the indiscernible boundary between reality and fantasy. In journal format, photographer David Ellwand employs descriptive text and eerily beautiful images to describe his rambles in the English Downs and his discovery of an ancient flint stone. Looking through the hole worn into this "devil eye," he sees a ball of light and follows it to a tumbledown house, where he finds an antique chest containing some unusual relics and an old phonograph recording. Part Two, also illustrated with photos, presents the transcript of this recording made in 1889 by Isaac Wilde, a photographer hired by Dr. Gibson Gayle to document the excavation of a Neolithic flint mine. Though the site is rumored to be haunted by fairies, the arrogant archaeologist intends to quell all superstition through "the faithful transcription of objective reality." The strange events that transpire at Pixhole evoke mystery and suspense, as the "world of reason" collides with "the hidden life of the natural world." Throughout, verbal and visual images are perfectly intertwined to create a magic-infused mood and propel the plot. Whether landscape pictures of gnarled tree roots or close-ups of "artifacts" (e.g., a delicate suit of armor made from oyster and mussel shells), the photos are effective and eye-catching. This intriguing, perhaps slightly unsettling tale can inspire discussion about perception and different ways of seeing.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 5–7—Though he experiences typical middle school troubles—being bullied, fighting with his older brother Bane, thinking his parents don't understand him, and feeling like a misfit—Oliver is a vampire. Like others his age, he still consumes only animal blood, but Bane, who has recently bonded with his otherworldly demon to become an adult vampire, now enjoys human blood. Despite the ironclad prohibition against associating with mortals, Oliver is attracted to the daylight world and fascinated by Emalie, a human girl who has been exploring the ruins above his family's crypt home. He soon learns that she suspects the existence of vampires and intends to write an exposé—something the highly secretive undead want to avoid. Oliver agrees to help her, even guiding Emalie and her cousin into the hidden subsurface city to consult Dead Désirée, the weird keeper of secrets and powers that even vampires fear. He soon realizes that there is something mysterious about his background, and that danger threatens not only his human friends, but also himself. This volume devotes considerable space to background exposition about the vampire meta-world. While the pacing is slow in spots, the details help to fully realize the idea of parallel human and undead worlds, and the cliff-hanger ending promises more excitement.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 4–6—In the blistering heat of summer 1961, during the phase of a new moon, Janine and her family are visited by a strange skinny man who emerges from a cornfield on their lonely Texas farm. Janine's father recognizes him as the man who saved his life during World War II, and invites him to stay in spite of the fact that he's out of work and the family is struggling to make ends meet. More than anything Janine's younger brother, Ricky, wants to build a go-cart, but he suffers from a debilitating illness that makes Mama overprotective and keeps the children inside more often than not. Hot and bored, they are fascinated by Mr. Lunas, who, as his name suggests, changes shape with the phases of the moon. As the moon wanes, Ricky grows sicker and the money grows tighter until Mama's nerves reach the breaking point. The situation suddenly seems beyond repair, until Mr. Lunas gives Janine the vision to make Ricky's last wish come true. This well-constructed novel satisfies on many levels, with wonderful dialogue, a vividness of place, and memorable characters that allow even the magical elements to ring true. While the story is Janine's, each member of the family is well drawn, particularly Mama, whose worry and strain become understandably palpable with her son's worsening condition. Mr. Lunas wanders through the book like a mysterious moonlit spirit, offering mild counsel and encouragement to those who will listen. Still, Janine is the focal point as she struggles to find her place and purpose in a family with too many other things on their minds. A worthwhile read with a satisfying conclusion that will be long remembered.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—This sequel to The Birchbark House (Hyperion, 1999) and The Game of Silence (HarperCollins, 2005) continues the story of Omakayas, an Ojibwe girl who in 1852 is now 12 winters old. She and her family have been displaced by the United States government and are looking for a new place to live. When Omakayas and her younger brother become separated from their family during a night hunting expedition, Pinch has a run-in with a porcupine that he decides to keep as his medicine animal. The little gaag does indeed seem to bring them good fortune for a time, and Pinch is thereafter known as Quill. As Omakayas's extended family travels north toward Lac du Bois, where Mama's sister has settled, Erdrich's resonant descriptions of their day-to-day experiences give the narrative a graceful flow. The peaceful rhythms are all too quickly broken, however, when a party of Bwaanag captures two of their men. Soon after, Auntie Muskrat's no-good husband, Albert LaPautre, leads a raid on the small group, making off with all of their provisions, leaving them destitute as the winter months approach. The family finally reaches the big lake, and as they learn to find their places in the larger group, Omakayas must come to terms with her transition to womanhood. The events in this installment will both delight and appall readers. While the novel can stand alone, it will call new readers to catch up on the first two installments. Erdrich's charming pencil drawings interspersed throughout and her glossary of Ojibwe terms round out a beautiful offering.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 9 Up—While taking pictures in Nashville's Dragon Park, 16-year-old Vaughn Vance meets Sophie Birch, small, lithe, and bad-girl pretty. Sophie hangs with Vaughn to escape her depressing home life with a single mom who is housework challenged. This odd couple become fast friends and Sophie becomes Vaughn's muse. After her mom moves away, she accepts an invitation to move in with Vaughn and her caring parents. The teens remain friends until Vaughn makes the mistake of kissing Sophie's ex-boyfriend, the breakup too new for Vaughn's indiscretion to be seen as anything short of serious disloyalty. The rest of the book is essentially Vaughn consumed with whether Sophie will ever be her friend again, an obsession that flirts with homosexuality at one point. References to pop culture are current but are at times forced attempts to relate to the teen audience, with such adjectives as "gimungus" and "pube-curl" and a drink made from fruit punch and vodka called "Sex on the Rag." The novel loses whatever momentum it had as the characters start school and Vaughn uses photography and the peace of the darkroom to forget about Sophie. The author goes into depth about the process of bringing photos from the shutter to the exhibit, but it is not enough to keep readers' interest.—Stephanie Glass Shteirman, High School in the Community, New Haven, CT

Gr 9 Up—Ozzie Eaton, an exchange student from Australia, introduces the rugby style of play to a Texas high school football team and helps to turn their season around. American readers may be put off by the unfamiliar terms used in the opening chapters set in Australia, and their elders may be equally put off by the casual attitude displayed toward teenage drinking. The author's credibility with knowledgeable fans of American football will be compromised by his gaffe-ridden descriptions of the sport—he has a young Texan referring to football players as "footballers," he attributes a quarterback sack to a collapse of the defensive line, and he invents a scoring play called the "penalty fieldgoal." The book's naive, superficial, and almost unrelentingly negative portrayal of American culture is merely annoying; patently offensive is a scene in which an American girl, speaking of a corrupt Mexican policeman, says, "You can see why us Americans have no sympathy for countries like that. They deserve everything they damn well get." There are many fine books written from a foreigner's perspective that help to illuminate the American experience. This is not one of them.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 5–8—Somewhere in the U.S., in a small farming community called Lowland County, a girl named Piper McCloud is born to a simple, God-fearing farmer and his wife. Piper has a special talent: she can fly. What follows is an uneasy mix of fantasy and science fiction that has plot points that are fairly derivative. When her talent for flying is discovered, a charismatic director of a special school takes Piper under her wing. She arrives at an amazing place with multiple floors and discovers a lot of other kids with extraordinary powers, too—as well as a nefarious plot to remove their special talents by altering their DNA. Character development is achieved by the author telling, not showing, readers, and speech patterns are not always successful. Piper's rural, colloquial manner of speech seems out of place in a time period that appears to be present day and borders on caricature, especially when she utters phrases such as, "Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit!" The writing style is clunky, and the author strives to be clever with wordplay. For example, the evil director of the school is named Dr. Letitia Hellion, and the German professor, whose accent is almost unintelligible, is named Dr. Mumbley. The acronym for the school, or institute, is I.N.S.A.N.E. (Institute of Normalcy, Stability, and NonExceptionality). The book ends with the kids taking over the school, and the affirmation of everyone's differences, and everyone's right to "be themselves." Libraries looking for engaging fantasy will want to look elsewhere.—Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD

Gr 5–9—Fusilli combines his knowledge of music, love of New York City, and respect and ear for precocious teenagers into a fast-paced mystery. Marley Zimmerman, 14, is jolted from a daydream in her boring math class when she and her friend Marisol are summoned to the vice principal's office. Marisol is accused of stealing a rare violin from a Juilliard display. Even though the theft is caught on videotape, Marisol denies all knowledge of it, and Marley is convinced that her friend, a talented violinist, would never take such a rare instrument. Soon Marley and her friends, members of a new and mostly unrehearsed band called the Kingston Cowboys, are on the case. The teens move across a New York City backdrop that incorporates locales such as the Zimmermans' brownstone, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park, hunting clues and gathering suspects. Unshakable in her conviction of Marisol's innocence, intrepid Marley employs all of her abilities and resources to save her friend. Marley is a fully drawn character, and the supporting cast members are developed well enough to make them compelling and interesting. This mystery keeps pages turning to its surprise ending.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 8 Up—Despite his intimidating build, 14-year-old Ray is a tongue-tied, sensitive street kid with a penchant for reading anything and everything, from Scientific American to Siddhartha. After a stint in juvie, he and his best pal, reckless and charming José, are "on their own and on the run." The teens squat in an old railway stationhouse by Ten Mile River in a wooded area of New York City, stealing what they need to survive and pulling small jobs for extra cash. When they befriend a girl and her hairdresser aunt, they have the chance to make a clean living, but their choices are complicated by their loyalty to one another. Like the works of Adam Rapp and K. L. Going, Griffin's novel is introspective street lit, an illumination of petty crime and parentless childhoods that's more gritty than glamorous. The realistic dialogue, which is often quite graphic and filled with sexual innuendo, propels the plot, and the author specializes in capturing the vernacular: "Psh, I'd go behind m' boy's back like that? Psh, insultin me, man." The boys come to life on the pages, as does their relationship, and their conversations are often laugh-out-loud funny. Though the threat of violence looms through most of the book, the author doesn't quite evoke the shock or fear he's going for. Still, the plot defies predictions, and some memorable scenes and the strongly drawn characters lift the story above other urban tales of woe. Fans of Paul Volponi, take note.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 4–6—Fifth-grader Trip Dinkleman gets roped into helping set up the school's book fair, a loathsome task for a boy who hates to read. While attempting to move a particularly heavy crate, he loses control and a number of volumes come crashing down on his head, knocking him out cold. Trip then finds himself in various implausible scenarios—from playing in the Super Bowl to landing on the moon. He wonders if he will ever return to reality or be stuck as a book character forever. Each chapter represents a new genre. The result is a mixed bag of humorous scenarios and underdeveloped story lines. Gutman succeeds when he delves into historical fiction and humor, but falters when attempting to mimic the styles of science fiction, horror, and "girl fiction." The novel is not helped along by an undeveloped main character whose odd actions make him hard to root for, and the transitions between the chapters confuse readers. The ending comes suddenly, and they are left wondering how the events even came to pass. This one is only for die-hard Gutman fans.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 5–8—This book is just as delightful as Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest (Putnam, 2007). It continues the story of Samuel and Martha, along with their Norwegian aunt and uncle and the trolls who live in the neighboring forest. The siblings are starting school, which is not an easy thing when you only speak English. Samuel has enough problems without the arrival of Troll-Son, who is hiding from the Betterer, an adult troll who uses various torture techniques to make the trolls more human. Meanwhile, Martha is becoming friendly with Cornelia, who has motives other than friendship for spending time with her. When the worlds of the trolls and the humans fully connect, there is no guessing what will happen. Enthusiastically portrayed with all of their quirks, the characters are engaging. Fast pacing adds to the readability of the book, and the combination of fantasy and broad humor is very well done.—Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Gr 6–9—Soli, nicknamed "Shifty" for his ability to talk his way out of problems, has had a hard life filled with transition homes and foster families. He's happy to have landed at Martha's house with seven-year-old Sissy and baby Chance. However, while the woman genuinely cares about her foster children, she neglects simple tasks like buying food and relies on Soli to run errands and look after Sissy. Though he's only 15, Soli has shown Martha a fake learner's permit, so she allows him to drive her van; he occasionally uses it without her knowledge, leading to run-ins with police and a near towing. When Martha is unexpectedly hospitalized overnight, Soli is left in charge. Sissy's friend Darlene insists on coming over, which leads to a web of lies and trouble from Darlene's parents. Soli must also deal with the new social worker, who is looking to cite Martha on any infraction. Thinking on his feet, he manages to save her from getting into trouble. Though they must say goodbye to Chance, who is going to a permanent home, Martha is determined to get her act together and adopt Soli and Sissy. The novel's San Francisco setting is clearly delineated, but the ending is too clean, with hardly any consequences for Soli's or Martha's actions, a seemingly unrealistic outcome. Still, the characters have warmth, and readers will feel empathy for this makeshift family.—Nichole King, Morgan Hill Library, CA

Gr 8 Up—Robby Fielder is a varsity soccer cocaptain and decent student, but his parents continue to compare him to his football-star older brother and find him lacking. When he and his best friend share a few beers, it doesn't seem like a big deal, but then Jim continues drinking and totals his car, causing his parents to pull him from the team, where his goalie skills are sorely missed. Meanwhile, Robby is attracted to Pet, whose bleached hair, nose ring, and outspokenness make her an object of derision among their classmates. She opens up to him, revealing a dark secret about her past, and he admires her honesty and longs to keep her trust. Robby's teammates begin to question his commitment to the squad, and, indeed, as his relationship with Pet develops, it seems that the team's cohesiveness unravels. Robby is forced to make decisions about where his loyalty really lies: putting the team first will help him to realize his dream of a soccer scholarship, but at what price? Hazuka's first young adult novel realistically depicts one teen's struggle to prepare for the future without compromising the present. There are enough plot twists to keep readers guessing, and soccer fans will appreciate the author's obvious love of the game. While adult figures are fairly two dimensional—the wise teacher, the win-at-all-costs coach—the dialogue and interactions among the teens are spot-on. A solid choice where Chris Crutcher and Mike Lupica have a strong following.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 6–9—In 1903, school lets out for summer vacation, and Joseph Michtom dreams of visiting Coney Island. But the 14-year-old's plans have to be placed on hold while he helps out in his father's toy-making business. The family stumbles on an idea that leads to the creation of the first teddy bear and achieves financial success. Set in Brooklyn and narrated by Joseph, the novel portrays the joys and heartaches in the lives of Russian-Jewish immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. Alternating with this story line is a parallel narrative devoted to abandoned children who forge a life for themselves under the shelter of the Brooklyn Bridge. Readers will have a hard time putting down this compelling story.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 3–6—Heyman and Rodríguez, who paired their talents for The Big Book of Horror (Sterling, 2006), have produced another winner with this collection of classic adventure stories. The selections, which span the 18th and 19th centuries, have been expertly abridged and adapted for modern children. Some of the stories may be familiar, such as Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, but children are also introduced to Emilio Salgari's Sandokan and Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost, as well as seven others. Rodríguez's stylized cartoons will entice children. The text is often placed on top of the artwork in such a way that infuses it, as when molten lava flows under a passage from Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth. Each story is prefaced by a brief biography of the author, focusing on those dramatic tidbits that made these men as colorful as the characters they created. A good choice for some old-fashioned thrills.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Gr 9 Up—The year is 1892, and Tess and Tobias Goodraven are not your typical newly married couple. Avid musicians, they are also 17-year-old ghost hunters, possessing a special talent that enables them to feel the presence of spirits and communicate with them. On a mission to put to rest the spirit of Mary Dutton, a victim of the Salem witch trials, the ghost reveals to them that there is evil associated with the trials that needs to be dealt with. They learn that three "witches" escaped and fled to nearby Blackthorne where they were caught and executed, and they board a train bound to a winter ice festival there. When it derails, killing many passengers, the Goodravens realize that they are in grave danger. Hightman's dark and intricate story is full of plot twists and turns in which the dead stalk the living. It will leave readers dazed, disturbed, and, like any true ghost story, full of terror that keeps them on the edge of their seats.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 3–6—Told through letters written between Annabelle and her great grandmother, this novel touches on issues of friendship and getting to know one's family. At first, Annabelle writes to Gran because her father wants her to learn how to use her computer and improve her typing. It is clear from the beginning that the two are not very familiar with one another, and at times don't understand each other's lifestyles. Initially, Annabelle comes off as rude, telling her grandmother, "I wish you'd make an effort" and "maybe you couldn't care less." Gran, on the other hand, does not understand Annabelle sometimes either, such as why she would want to go see Titanic on a sunny day. Originally published in France in 1999, the novel seems dated. Additionally, the title will most likely lead readers to think of email, and Annabelle is actually mailing her letters. There are also subjects that she studies in school that American students will not recognize. A notes section explains certain terms, but unfortunately they're at the back of the book. As the letters progress, a true and tender friendship between Annabelle and Gran develops, and readers become involved in their stories.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

Gr 9 Up—In this addition to the popular series, 17-year-old Nick discovers that he has the power to travel between his home in contemporary London and 16th-century Talia, a country in which some magic and sorcery is possible. In his own time, Nick struggles with dyslexia and is insecure about his relationship with popular, beautiful Ayesha. In Talia, he reads effortlessly and is apprenticed to a printmaker in the city-state of Padavia, where he befriends Luciano, a teenager from his own time and the protagonist in the first book in the series, Stravaganza: City of Masks (Bloomsbury, 2002). Together, the two young men and Luciano's betrothed must find a way to stop a plot by the powerful de Chimici family to take over Talia. Secrets stands on its own, though teen fantasy and history buffs will likely clamor for the first three books in this wonderful series. The author's richly detailed, fully imagined world of Talia comes alive for her characters who "stravagate" there, and for readers as well. The action moves seamlessly from present to past as Nick struggles to maintain a balance between the two worlds while becoming stronger and more secure in both.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 4–6—This dark, sinister tale, which reads like a cross between Lemony Snicket's books (HarperCollins) and R. L. Stine's "Goosebumps" series (Scholastic), involves maniacal parents, supernatural monsters, and some difficult choices for its characters. David Eliot's parents make the Dursleys from "Harry Potter" seem like a loving family. Not only are they mentally abusive, but they are also horrifyingly physically abusive (Mr. Eliot throws a knife at David and is nonplussed when it ends up in his wife's chest instead). After David is expelled from school, a mysterious letter arrives, offering him a place at a boarding school located on its own island off Norfolk, England. On the train trip to Groosham Grange, David meets a boy and girl who have also been sent away for not measuring up to standards. Once they arrive, they discover strange, otherworldly teachers and students who behave in a secretive manner, rising from their beds at midnight and disappearing without a trace. David and his friends must discover the secret of Groosham Grange before their 13th birthdays, when they will be forced to make a difficult decision that will change their lives forever. Though the author portrays punishments and moments of cruelty as absurd and unrealistic, these instances may disturb some readers. Still, the mysteries, elements of witchcraft and the supernatural, and occasional instances of humor may appeal to fans of (mostly) bloodless horror.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 4–7—This is Horvath's most luminescent, beautifully written novel yet. Jane Fielding lives what seems to be an idyllic life with her poet mother and three younger siblings in a house on the beach in coastal Massachusetts, where they gather mussels, pick berries to eat, and lay in the warm tidal pools. But at 12, Jane no longer wants every summer to be exactly the same. She prays for adventures, 100 of them, and gets 14, each of which gives her insights into understanding herself. She delivers Bibles from a hijacked hot-air balloon, is tricked into babysitting for the five messy Gourd children, is fleeced by a fortune-teller, and meets several men who could be her father. Horvath's latest offering certainly has some eccentric, unforgettable characters and some dark humor and irony. Yet the author has significantly mellowed in this quieter work, which will have wider kid-appeal. Indeed, it is Jane's honest, clear voice—that of a young girl on the natural cusp of separating from her family—that drives the story and engages readers. The author is a gifted writer, a word alchemist. She has an eye for exposing the miraculous in the mundane. The book is filled with pithy observations and memorable passages that invite immediate rereading and admiration. This is Horvath at the top of her game, and that's saying something.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 7–10—It's not easy moving every few months, but after six years, there are some constants upon which 15-year-old Hannah can rely. The small-town cops will always uncover her father's past, the creditors will find them eventually, and the popular girls are always easy to spot. She knows the type: blond, pretty, athletic—the cheerleaders. Maplecrest is no different. They sit at a central table in the lunchroom, so alike they resemble clones. There is something almost inhuman about them, but that doesn't mean Hannah is willing to believe her new lunch-table friend, Lukas, when he says they're zombies. Nor is she willing to pass up the chance to join the cheerleading squad when asked, even as classmates are disappearing and the number of empty houses in town increases. James has created a believable novel about starting over, making friends, bullying, and ostracism, while adding a dash of the supernatural. However, with every part of the book screaming that the cheerleaders are, in fact, zombies, Hannah's continued refusal to see the truth becomes unbelievable. One almost begins to hope that they aren't zombies, and that Lukas is just a crazy kid making Hannah's adjustment that much harder. Though not really suspenseful, readers will still give a rousing cheer to James's take on teenage issues.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up—Stacie and Cole have been dating since ninth grade and are now 16 and thinking about having sex for the first time. This causes a conflict with Stacie's dad. Her sister was kicked out of the house when she became pregnant and their father is overprotective, especially since his wife left him. Cole's mom has a new boyfriend and Cole is angry that he hasn't seen his dad in three years. When he learns that his father is at the local homeless shelter, he finds him and encourages him to come back home. In the meantime, Cole and Stacie try to figure out their relationship, and Cole's previous girlfriend gets involved. These African-American teens must come to terms with making their own decisions and dealing with the consequences. This urban novel is written on an easy reading level for reluctant readers. The love-triangle plot is predictable but provides for a dramatic conclusion.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Thirteen-year-old Jo Larouche lives quietly in the California desert with her adoptive Aunt Lily, an eccentric former film star, and longs for something exciting to happen. She gets her wish and then some when Lily's annual costume party is crashed by an elderly Russian colonel ruled by his digestive system and a giant talking cockroach with a flair for the dramatic. Soon Jo and Lily are swept up by the Order of Odd-Fish, a group of knights devoted to researching useless information, and taken to the fantastical world of Eldritch City, where Jo learns the truth about her birth and destiny. This debut novel has many of the trappings of popular young adult fantasy titles, including an exotic setting, a dangerous villain, and a coming-of-age quest. However, Kennedy's clever plot, rich and fully realized setting, and often witty dialogue cannot compete with his dense, ridiculous prose (e.g., "He could not even think about the Belgian Prankster for too long before he would feel his soul dwindle and teeter on the precipice of being blasted to nothing by the sheer demonic grandeur of the Belgian Prankster."). Very few teen fantasy fans will be willing to wade through the text, no matter how likable the heroine and how fascinating the world of Eldritch City.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 8 Up—Memphis, TN, in the summer of 1954, is on the brink of the Civil Rights Movement and the rock-and-roll era. When Johnny Ross, a 15-year-old white boy steeped in the social conventions of a segregated society, discovers the blues and the music scene on Beale Street, "downtown for Negroes," he begins to question the racial boundaries that he has taken for granted all his life. His new friend, an aspiring young musician named Elvis Presley, moves with ease between the white world of his family and the black world of the music he loves. As Elvis makes one successful recording after another and gains a wildly enthusiastic following, Johnny enjoys being at the heart of the excitement while at the same time becoming aware of mysterious elements about his past. Why, for example, does African-American Will Turner, the longtime gardener, handyman, and chauffeur for his mother's employer, object to his son Lamont's developing a friendship with Johnny? Why does Johnny's mother warn him against spending time with Lamont? And who was Johnny's father, who disappeared before his son was born? This novel is a fascinating glimpse into the musical world of Beale Street, the society that was the segregated South, the origins of rock and roll, and one teen's quest for the truth about his father. Accurate historical details are skillfully woven into what becomes an absorbing search for personal identity.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 4–7—For Kat, life in Medford, NY, is complicated. Her mom's a professional medium, communing with spirits. After Kat's 13th birthday, she starts seeing ghosts, too, and she fears being ostracized and perpetually friendless. She becomes friendly with Jac, a talented cellist who lugs around her instrument but hasn't played since an incident of intense stage fright, and together the reluctant medium and reluctant musician share their secrets, Kat's new dog, and a supernatural experience in the school library. The ghost of a flute-playing former student needs their help. This is middle-grade fiction meets Ghost Whisperer, combining a spectral plot with a stereotypical adolescent setting that kids will relate to—catty peers and dealing with the social hierarchy mapped out in lunch tables. The book isn't scary, but there is a creepy moment during a predawn school "break-in." The main characters are likable, and the mystery's clues are well paced. There is occasional unnatural-sounding dialogue and odd/old slang. Pop-cultural references abound. Unresolved conflicts remain but are interesting enough to merit reading further installments.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 9 Up—Senior quarterback Bobby Framingham is gay and tired of keeping it a secret. He confides in a close friend who promises not to tell, and then does. Suddenly Bobby is in the spotlight, and raw emotions come into play. His best girl friend is hurt and disgusted. His coach insists that he's not really gay. His teammates' reactions range from supportive to freaked out to furious. In the meantime, his father undergoes treatment for cancer, and the football team comes together to prepare for a championship game. The sports-action sequences are well drawn and engaging, and the bond among teammates is strong. Character interactions are believable and often surprising, and Bobby is a likable narrator. A few repetitive scenes are a small price to pay for a thought-provoking, funny, and ultimately uplifting story of self-actualization that masterfully defies stereotypes about both coming out and team sports.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—It's the 1960s, and after Itch's beloved Gramps dies, Gram relocates them from Florida to an Ohio trailer park. Itch is apprehensive, but, guided by her memories of irrepressible Gramps, she enters this unfamiliar world with aplomb, starting sixth grade in a new school and even making friends with the popular, baton-twirling Gwendolyn. Itch's mother deserted her long ago, but her grandparents have raised her with common sense and love, and Itch must draw on her inner resources and Gramps's wisdom when she discovers that her friend is being physically and psychologically abused by her mother. "'Speaking up takes courage,' he once told her. 'Growing up helps, too.'" The dramatic ending is emotionally satisfying, the story is layered with insight for the daughters of abusive and/or abandoning mothers, and the author's pleasure in language is contagious, but this novel's greatest strength is its indelible characters. Gramps is more alive in Itch's memory than most of the breathing people around her, making his physical loss even more palpable. Itch herself is a quirky and endearing heroine who grows as she forges her way through loss and grief, the tangled lives of adults, and the trials of middle school. Gwendolyn is no pitiful victim, but a believable child, somewhat twisted by her mother's sad ambitions. For all the tough subjects that this book contains, it has a buoyancy that lifts it above the category of problem novel. Itch's coming-of-age is a rich and satisfying journey.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 5–8—In the final volume in the trilogy, Peer and his friend Hilde join Vikings raiders Gunnar Ingolfsson and his son Harald Silkenhair, Gunnar's young wife, and their crew aboard a longship bound for Vinland. Eventually the travelers reach land, returning to Gunnar's previously established settlement. When Peer discovers the evidence of a murder, relations with the ruthless Vikings begin to deteriorate. After a near-deadly confrontation with Harald, Peer flees and finds refuge with a civilization based on the Native American Mi'kmaq people. They help him to recover and treat him with kindness. When it's discovered that Harald has cold-bloodedly murdered two of their warriors, the tribe is bent on revenge. Peer must find a way to free Hilde from the Vikings and shield her from the violence to come. Langrish skillfully weaves Norse and Native American mythology among the fantasy and adventure elements. Mythical creatures and mystical elements abound, and magic is an everyday part of the characters' existence. Peer and Hilde are now teenagers, and their changing relationship—from friendship to romance—is believably depicted. Fans of the first two books will enjoy this one.—Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 7 Up—In a small town in Illinois, Jesse, a 15-year-old orphan with an unknown past, is trying to live a normal, inconspicuous life with his latest foster family, and wants to avoid being in trouble with Homeland Security again. His well-developed instinct for self-preservation is swept away when he meets Honor Clarke, who has just returned from Bali, where her father was murdered. Soon, strange and disturbing occurrences become too all-encompassing to explain away as mere coincidences. Jesse realizes that the resurrection of the Balinese Demon Queen is the cause of the trouble and that he is the only one who can stop it. The main characters remain for the most part quite flat. Headless bodies and one-liners solidly entrench the story in "B-grade Hollywood horror movie" mode, as Jesse quips. But for all the gory events (for example, a young man is found tied to his bed with turkey intestines), the mood is somewhat light. Despite the mystery, there is little suspense. Supernatural elements instill a sense of incredulity and the absurd, with a touch of humor, instead of stomach-wrenching horror and fear. A live mask, a time- and space-traveling Balinese priest, and a mynah bird that transforms into a spirit monster will appeal to fans of Darren Shan and those wanting to move on from R. L. Stine's "Fear Street" series (S & S). Readers will soak up the over-the-top, gloomy atmosphere and blood-smattered, monster-filled action. The open ending will leave them eager for imminent sequels.—Amy J. Chow, The Brearley School, New York City

Gr 6 Up—Thirteen-year-old Paula Becker is Deaf during a time when people with disabilities are ordered to be killed in Hitler's Tiergartenstrasse 4, T4. Through the help of a priest, she is hidden on the farm of a retired teacher and, when almost discovered, is moved to a homeless shelter in a church until she can return home. Telling her story through first-person free-verse poems, she draws readers into her world, sharing her fear, desperation, and uncertainty as she struggles to survive. Even though this is a short and quick read, this novel will have a lasting effect on readers, giving insight into an often-forgotten aspect of the horrors of the Third Reich. The unique writing style makes this a good choice for reluctant as well as proficient readers.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 9 Up—This story opens with 16-year-old Dylan Fontaine in a Brooklyn police station being held for shoplifting a package of tighty-whities underwear while holding a bag of marijuana in his pocket for his older brother. The shoplifting was merely an accident; Dylan ran out of the store when he thought he saw his mother, who left their family weeks ago. Though he wants to get bailed out of jail, what he really wants is for his mother to come home (she ran off with her art teacher), his brother to act responsibly, and his dad, a doctor, to begin living at their home instead of the hospital. As Dylan reels from the effect of all these events, his best friend and love interest, Angie, decides it is the perfect time to make him the subject of her summer school movie project, capturing the teen's struggle with chaos and control with a quirky, film-school flair. Lurie tells this story from Dylan's point of view, in the voice of a responsible, but confused, teen. As he sorts through his issues with his brother, father, mother, and Angie, he gains confidence and courage, and his voice becomes stronger and more defined. Brooklyn and Manhattan's West Village settings are appealing. The story successfully walks the fine line of blending humor and drama, and the cinematic ending is sure to please.—Emily Anne Valente, New York Public Library

Gr 6–9—Savvy Christopher and her older sister, Callie, each have their own "one thing," and when they move from Arizona to Rhode Island, that's what they rely on to help them adjust. Savvy quickly shows her stuff when, not yet in high school, she is accepted on the elite 18-and-under basketball team. Callie's passion is cheerleading, but stress has caused her to gain weight, and she is devastated to find that she no longer qualifies to be one of the fliers on the squad at her new school. She goes on a strict exercise and diet regime, and Savvy, realizing how quickly her sister is losing weight, brings it to the attention of their parents. They put a stop to Callie's use of over-the-counter diet aids, which does nothing to improve the already strained relationship between the sisters. In October, one of Savvy's basketball games is interrupted by a detective who has been alerted to a bag of steroids in her locker. She insists that they are not her pills, but the fact that she has been on prednisone for a bad case of poison ivy does not help her case. Savvy and her coach are temporarily suspended, and Savvy finds that even close friends regard her innocence with some doubt. As with Mad Cat (HarperCollins, 2005), Mackel has turned a tough subject in the world of teen competitive sports into a highly readable blend of intense action, interfamily relationships, and intrigue. Readers will come away with a better understanding of the controversy surrounding steroid use, and with an appreciation for a talented voice in young adult literature.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7–9—Callum and his parents recently moved to Winnipeg from Glasgow, Scotland, where he was brutally knifed by a group of hooligans a year before. Still recovering physically and mentally, he adjusts slowly to Canadian culture but makes two friends, Tyler and Aiden. Trouble begins on the first day of ninth grade when Callum meets Cindy. She has an argument with her friend Rick, an older and bigger student, and Callum is caught up in a brawl with one of Rick's buddies. The boys continue to bully and hurt Callum, bringing back memories of his attack. Meanwhile, Cindy strikes up a relationship with Callum. He discovers that she has an abusive, alcoholic father and promises himself to remedy the situation with or without her consent. Rick, who also wants to help, becomes his ally. However, when Cindy's father is arrested, she angrily lashes out at both of them. Tyler, who has had a crush on Cindy for years, attacks Callum with a knife. Events come to a dramatic climax as Callum shows the other teens his scars, also revealing the lasting affects of violence. The book starts off slowly, but the momentum builds as the numerous plotlines begin to come together. Throughout, Callum struggles to strike a balance between living with his fear and having the courage to stand up for himself. The straightforward language makes this book a good choice for reluctant readers.—Marie C. Hansen, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—An easy-to-read but sluggish novel about a family with an autistic child. Brian (10 or 12) narrates the story, centering on the odd behaviors of his 6-year-old-brother, Joseph. Mammay understands the difficulties faced by autistic children and their parents, and she conveys those emotions through a ser