Grades 5 & Up

Gr 11 Up—For this collection, each author was asked to write a story about a paradigm shift, a turning point when the world changes. It is an intriguing concept, and issues such as global warming, recycling, technological advancement, and political revolution are given interesting treatments. Ted Kosmatka's "N-Words" tackles cloning, racism, and evolution. Blake Charlton's "Endosymbiont" will be enjoyed by fans of Mary Pearson's The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Holt, 2008). Tobias S. Buckell's "Resistance" is an eerie take on voter apathy, while K. D. Wentworth's "Drinking Problem" is a hilarious look at recycling taken a step too far. All of the stories were written specifically for this book, and the selections give a good sampling of a wide range of science fiction voices. It also aptly illustrates the fact that this genre, while set in the future, can often be inspired by issues we face today. Each story is preceded by a biographical sketch of its author. An introduction by the editor unifies the concept of the anthology. While short-story collections can be hard sells, larger libraries with avid science fiction readers will want this title.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 6 Up—A well-written opening to a paranormal series. Chloe, 15, has the ability to see dead people, but before she can figure out what is happening, she has a breakdown, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and placed in a group home. She befriends some of the teens at Lyle House and tries to accept her treatment. However, two of her more mysterious housemates suggest that maybe she isn't crazy. Derek tells her to look up necromancy on the Internet, and she finds out that it's the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead. He appears to have superstrength, and his foster brother has magical powers. Chloe's roommate, who causes things to fly around the room when she becomes angry, is taken away to a hospital and never heard from again. When she returns in Chloe's visions, Chloe suspects foul play, a misgiving confirmed when the dead speak to her again and reveal that they were "supernaturals" who were experimented on, killed, and buried in the home's basement many years before. Together with her new friends, Chloe escapes Lyle House, only to be betrayed. This suspenseful novel sets up a secret underworld where some people support and help supernaturals, while others persecute them. Armstrong combines bits of horror, teen relationships, and a dash of mystery to create a page-turner. Readers will look forward to the next installment.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Fifteen year-old Miriam feels tired, average, and ordinary in her small German town. She passes the time daydreaming in class, arguing with her mother, smoking in the girl's bathroom with her two self-obsessed friends, blasting music, sitting/sulking in her room, and sneaking into bars. She is waiting for something new, something big to happen to her. Then she is attracted to a new classmate, attentive and engaging Laura, and Miriam comes out of her shell. As Miriam starts to embrace the more serious turns of their relationship, Laura becomes hesitant and circumspect, leaving the changed Miriam devastated, but ultimately not alone. Bach's writing and Tanaka's translation offer well-drawn, familiar characters and prose that's spare yet descriptive. Miriam's narration, alive with Bach's insightful handling and clever turns of phrase, provides a sense of depth to the highs and lows of teenage emotions like Miriam's small-town claustrophobia, her impatience, confusion, concerns, fear, anger, elation, and heartbreak. Underage drinking, profanity, drug use and sexual situations make this a book for mature teens.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 6–9—From the premise that Titania's night with the donkey-headed Bottom-as depicted in A Midsummer Night's Dream—resulted in a halfling child, Baker spins this modern fairy tale. Although she's used to being different, 15-year-old Tamasin is surprised when wings suddenly sprout from her back and her parents reveal that she was adopted. Meanwhile, in the land of the fey, Jak, another halfling, struggles to fit in with his goblin family. When his uncle sends him to the human world on a special mission to find and bring back a particular girl, he seizes the chance to prove himself. Jak meets Tamasin at school and invites her to a Halloween party. Together they fall through a gate and into the middle of a rebellion in the fairy world, pitting her birth mother, Titania, against his goblin uncle. Jak and Tamasin's friendship grows as they learn about one another and try to remain alive. Readers experience events from both teens' perspectives as the third-person narrative moves back and forth in time, alternating points of view. The author has left open the possibility of further adventures for Jak and Tamasin, but awkward transitions and far too many coincidentally helpful magic abilities make it hard to believe in this particular fairy world.—Kathleen Isaacs, Towson University, MD

Gr 9 Up—Kurt, a Canadian teen, is spending his senior year as an exchange student in Germany. His grandfather, Jäger, emigrated from Germany during the aftermath of World War II and refuses to talk about that part of his life. Kurt hopes to find out about his past, yet is afraid of what he might learn. The first 100 pages of the novel move slowly, and the metaphor of Kurt, a runner, running from his problems is tedious. The pace quickens when he meets Herr Brandt, the grandfather of his love interest and childhood friend of his grandfather. Herr Brandt's stories about himself and Jäger as members of Hitler Youth, as soldiers on the Eastern Front and the brutal fighting with the Russians, and remembrances of Germany in the fever of nationalistic pride preceding the war are well done and intense. Brandt, in his recollections, is a Casanova, and while the descriptions are tame, he does have several sexual encounters. Bass creates believably complex and sympathetic characters in Brandt and Jäger that, while in no way diminishing the horror of the Holocaust, makes it understandable how two naive young men could get caught up in Hitler's lies and dreams. The ending is too neat, but the book will have some appeal to fans of war novels.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

Gr 9 Up—Joseph, a 14-year-old living in an Australian suburb, draws a portrait of a reclusive neighbor for a school assignment. A Vietnam vet, Tom Leyton lives in his family home with his outgoing sister, Caroline, and devotes his time to raising silkworms. A nosy neighbor warns Joseph and his mum about rumors that Tom was asked to leave his teaching position due to improper behavior toward a student, but Joseph perseveres, with Caroline's encouragement. At first almost noncommunicative, Tom gradually opens up to shy Joseph, who in turn shares secrets regarding his absent father. Threaded throughout the tale is Joseph's fascination with the Running Man, a homeless person who jogs through the streets, and about whom he has nightmares. This nearly plotless story features strong character development and delves into the post-traumatic stress syndrome afflicting Tom. However, when he finally tells Joseph about the events in Vietnam that have left him so scarred, the dialogue becomes stilted and unnatural. Bauer's writing style veers between reserved and stiff, and the silkworm metaphor—"All their lives in a box!"—is troweled on too thickly. The Running Man, introduced early on, does not reemerge until late in the story. The explanation for Joseph's father's absence, especially as the underlying reason for the teen's reticence, is introduced so late that it merely interrupts the flow of the narrative instead of enhancing the climax. While this novel will appeal to students seeking a thoughtful psychological character study, it is marred by more telling than showing.—Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 9 Up—During spring break, overweight Riley Swain, 16, is headed to New Horizons, a school "for young ladies" specializing in body-image issues and eating disorders. Despite her best efforts to hide the truth from all of her rich Manhattan friends, a rumor has circulated that she is going to fat camp. She even lies to her best friend, Michael, with whom she is in love, about where she is headed. Upon her arrival at New Horizons she meets Eric, the son of the program director who is totally not her type, but to whom she is attracted. As she and Eric begin to develop feelings for one another, she begins to question her relationship with Michael. Riley is not a likable character and even though she changes drastically, her transformation seems forced. She has been painted as so shallow that it is hard to imagine her doing any type of soul searching. The plot is full of holes, and it becomes confusing to keep track of which boy she likes and why. The author never really addresses the issues of body image, and the story about this teenage love triangle is disappointing at best.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 6–9—This unusual debut novel is a fantasy set in the modern day. Teenaged Medford Runyuin has never really felt accepted by the island community where he's been raised. Orphaned after his parents drowned, he's being raised by Boyce, a wood-carver, and is training to follow his trade. Even though they trade with the Mainland for necessities, the community is self-sufficient and disdainful of technology. Its residents only name or create useful things, and their surnames denote what they do, like Baker or Tailor. When their children reach age 14, they Transition to adulthood and the Council Elders assigns them a permanent job and last name. Everyone's life is guided by "The Book," a compendium of household and etiquette tips handed down for generations and followed religiously. Citizens can be banished to the Mainland for committing infractions like making Unnameables—frivolous items. Despite the consequences, Medford has been secretly carving and hiding away beautiful wooden objects for years. One day, a part-man, part-goat washes up on the shore near his cabin. The Goatman can call up the wind but cannot control his gift so he was sent to the island to learn to master it. Both know it's just a matter of time before their secrets are discovered. The setting and the dawning rebellion of the island's inhabitants against tradition and conformity are well done. This novel, with certain plot points reminiscent of The Giver, will not appeal to all fantasy readers, but those who try it will find it has a style and charm of its own.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 5–8—On the island of Tatenland, in 1787, all of the men have mysteriously been turned to stone, and male babies are taken to the statue garden when they are born to meet their fate. When Lucy's brother is born, she is determined to save him, and after meeting with a local wise woman, she sets out for another island where he will be kept safe. Along the way she meets Snowcap, the orphaned daughter of the governor, who is herself on the run from the regent and steward who are intent on killing her. At first the 12-year-old girls don't get along, but they eventually band together to save themselves and solve the mystery of how the native men came to be turned to stone. While an interesting premise, the story seems to meander from one minor adventure to the next, and the climactic battle between the girls and the evil steward is snuffed out before it can fully flame. Lucy and Snowcap are nicely developed, but the villains and other minor characters lack substance. This is a serviceable story, with interesting characters and some adventure that will hold the interest of fantasy fans.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 6–9—Vladimir Tod wants be popular like his friend Henry and cool and carefree like Henry's cousin Joss. He would so enjoy putting bullies Tom and Bill, who have been tormenting him for years, in their place. And, of course, he longs to tell Meredith about his feelings for her. All of this should really be a piece a cake for him. He is, after all, the only vampire "living" in Bathory, and he possesses extraordinary powers. Unfortunately, luck does not seem to run his way. What is working for him is the opportunity to go to Siberia with his Uncle Otis to be trained by Vikas, one of the oldest vampires around. Vikas sharpens Vlad's skills, especially in the area of mind control, and educates him on vampire history, language, and culture. Vlad also learns about the prophecy regarding the Pravus, a powerful vampire born from a human mother who will not only rule over all of vampirekind but also enslave the entire human race. Upon his return to Bathory, he is pursued by a vampire slayer and attacked by another one. Could Vlad, whom readers have come to love, possibly be this evil Pravus? Brewer does an excellent job keeping readers on their toes with an intense plot full of many twists and turns. Her writing style is original, witty, and on target. It has a different intensity than series like Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" (Little, Brown) or Richelle Mead's "Vampire Academy" (Penguin), but teens will eat up this installment and be ready to sink their teeth into the sequel.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 6–9—Nathan Fox, orphaned gypsy and actor extraordinaire is recruited by England's spymaster general, Sir Francis Walsingham, to enter the service of Queen Elizabeth I. The 13-year-old is to accompany seasoned agent and ladies' man John Pearce on a mission to Venice in order to form an alliance with Italy against Spain. Nathan soon learns that his older sister, Marie, is a spy, as is his friend Will Shakespeare. Set in 1587, this novel covers a largely undocumented period in Shakespeare's life, allowing Brittney plenty of leeway to develop a story that places the boy in the position of intelligence gatherer for the playwright as well. Nathan is first sent for training in the art of defense. This portion of the plot, though necessary, drags a bit and may have readers jumping ahead to the "real action." Then John, Marie, and Nathan, under assumed identities, set off to Venice to meet, among others, general Othello and Desdemona. Through the interplay of the characters, readers are treated to a rich telling of the story of Othello. The author masterfully creates and sustains a mood of suspense and intrigue through the use of action and dialogue and builds strong characters. Nathan grows from a boy actor into a man as he witnesses firsthand the horrors of war and becomes embroiled in betrayal and murder plots. Brittney also brings to the surface relevant issues of gang violence, religious persecution, and discrimination. As the subtitle foretells, this is Nathan Fox's first mission, so readers can look forward to further adventures.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School Library, Fulton, NY

Gr 5–8—In a small town near the Canadian border, 12-year-old Sam has to make his own entertainment, often leading to encounters with Sumas's lone police officer. After the latest incident, he meets PJ, Officer Myrmidon's 17-year-old son. When they disobey PJ's father and steal a police car to investigate something suspicious at the border, the boys find something much more dangerous than they imagined: goblins. PJ, with the help of the guardians-a secret society dedicated to keeping the goblins from discovering the upper world and humans from discovering UnderEarth—must rescue Sam from the clutches of the great General Goblin, Eww-yuk. Set mostly underground in the creatures' lair, the book has lots of adventure, fights, and spilled blood that will attract middle-grade readers. Keep this on hand for those who want lots of action with some mild gross-out scenes.—Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 6–9—Summertime in Salt Lake City finds four friends falling in and out of love and lust. Ed, the goofball, works in a local DVD rental store with no-nonsense, regency-romance-loving Scout, who happens to harbor a major crush on him. Enter gorgeous, vivacious Ellie, who sweeps Ed off his feet with one toss of her hair, and for whom he devises a sexy, Brazilian alter ego named Sergio, as in Mendez, to impress. Meanwhile, Ed's computer geek BFF, Quark, pines for Scout. Crushes, confusions, mistaken identities, and lighthearted humor run amok in this well-written, clean, simple romance. The characters aren't exactly memorable, but they're cleverly drawn in broad strokes of jokingly concise dialogue, most of which will sound familiar to teen readers. They are bright, intelligent, and mature beyond their years. In the teen book world, unfortunately, this doesn't necessarily add up to attention-grabbing plot tension. What results is a solid, safe book that doesn't push any buttons, which may put off readers looking for something more dynamic.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—In a short introduction, Chen describes an ex-convict who was both an outcast and a sage in the village in China where he grew up. It was from this man that the author first heard the story he tells here. That prologue is immediate and vivid, placing readers in the world where Chen was a child. Unfortunately, the style changes in the novel, and the story of Miu Miu, who must avenge her father's death at the hands of the emperor, is never as personal or vibrant as those initial pages. The 15-year-old martial artist leaves home, disguised as a boy, with the intent of killing the emperor. On the way she meets Tong Ting, another martial artist to whom she was promised in marriage as a baby, and they work together to face the emperor. When they are unable to overcome him, the destiny written for them is death, but Miu Miu believes that her father would want her to live. There is likely to be a cultural disconnect for American readers, as the novel features the traditions of warriors drinking each other's blood as a pledge and widows hanging themselves as honorable deaths. If the character development were deep and genuine, these cultural gaps would fill easily, but the people in this story never become more than folktale figures. For its folkloric quality, the novel is certainly worth reading, but students looking for tales of kung fu and magic might be better off with Lawrence Yep's "Tiger's Apprentice" series (HarperCollins).—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 4–6—The cockroach clans have always felt at home at Pop's Corner. The venerable jazz venue has plenty of dark hiding places, an abundant food supply, and, best of all, no health inspectors. But now the elderly owner is heavily in debt and the club faces foreclosure. He refuses to tell his family, not wanting to worry them. The Elder Roach Council mobilizes for action, calling on the worldwide roach society for financial help. Meanwhile, young Impetuous (Impy) and his friends resolve to save their home. They hatch a plan that involves dropping hints to the humans and requires the help of the old man's grandkids—and several grateful jazz artists who got their start at Pop's—but can they pull it together in time? The idea of a secret cockroach civilization is amusing, particularly the contention that most human art and science originated with the insects. Although Impy gets title billing, the perspective shifts among various bug and human characters. While the multiple viewpoints can be distracting, they also allow considerable insight into the emotions and motivations of the peripheral characters, especially Pop himself. The black-and-white illustrations—full-page and vignette—present an engaging bug's-eye view of the action and help to "humanize" the insect characters. An acceptable choice for animal fantasy fans.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–8—Jomar, 14, and his younger sister have been forced to go to the city of Ur to bring income to their poverty-stricken family. Jomar will be an apprentice to a goldsmith, but Zefa has little talent for anything other than playing the lyre that her brother has made for her. He considers the instrument a toy and a burden, but Zefa's talent charms the siblings' way out of one dangerous situation after another. When they finally reach their destination, Jomar is warmly greeted, but Zefa is accused of stealing and runs away. The goldsmith's wife accuses her of stealing and she runs away. It is not until Jomar begs the help of a high priestess that he is able to clear the girl's name and entice her to play the honored temple lyre. This well-researched historical drama opens readers' eyes to the perils of starving farmers in ancient Mesopotamia. The simple story line, colorful descriptions, and endearing characters result in an entertaining tale.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 4–7—Sixth-grader Josh may be taking his love of the Captain Major comic books too far, or so the adults in his life believe. He is convinced that everything that happens to Captain Major's sidekick, Mascot, also happens to him. So when Josh discovers that the comic book's creator plans to kill off Mascot, Josh believes he could die as well. Enlisting the help of his friend Kelsey, aka "Large Lass," he embarks on an adventure that helps him cope with his father's disappearance and realize that people will like him even if he isn't a real-life superhero. David clearly understands the prepubescent male experience and successfully brings to life a character whom boys will relate to. Likewise, female comics fans will enjoy the way Josh casts "Large Lass" into a superhero's role. Additionally, David uses a voice-over technique for the moments when Josh imagines that he is actually Mascot, which is very funny. Josh and Kelsey do find themselves in slightly implausible situations but, given the superhero premise of the story, it's easy to suspend belief. Doran's comic-strip illustrations are action packed and dynamic, but there are too few of them. Is this great literature? Hardly. Will boys read it? Definitely. This is perfect for comic-book fans who are ready (or being pushed by adults) to move on to novels.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—Delacre has dedicated this slim volume to "all grieving teens," and while it is published as a work of fiction, the author's note explains that her 16-year-old daughter did, in fact, die in a car accident in 2004. She relates how her mourning process involved interviewing many of Alicia's friends about their relationship with the pint-sized, exuberant Puerto Rican American. Resources on teen grief and teen-driver safety, as well as a photo of Alicia, are appended. Though the point of view shifts from chapter to chapter, the narrative begins and ends with Alicia's mother, starting with the fateful night of the teen's date with a boy who speeds, loses control, and crashes into a telephone pole, killing her instantly. The chapters that focus on her friends, including the driver who survives the crash, don't provide any kind of cohesive narrative, reporting instead memories and events that form a two-dimensional portrait of Alicia: a perfect angel of a daughter, a true and fun-loving friend, a gifted dancer, and someone who always gave more than she took. Throughout the book, faint line sketches appear like shadows beneath the text. While reading the 13 nearly indistinguishable teen accounts of Alicia might be good bibliotherapy for those who have suffered a loss, this afterimage turns into an overexposure of pain that appeals to a sense of pathos without providing satisfaction as fiction.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–9—A solid and satisfying conclusion to the "Ember Saga," set in a post-disaster future. Hostilities have died down between the citizens of Sparks and the refugees from the underground city of Ember, and all are working together to survive the brutal winter. A roamer brings forth the barest remains of a book that intrigues Doon and Lina because it alludes to a mysterious device that may still be in Ember. They decide to go back to see if they can find any answers or, if nothing else, food. What they find is the Trogg Family, travelers who have taken over the remains of the city, scavenging supplies and making grand plans. Doon is caught and shackled, leaving Lina to try and make her way back to Sparks to get help. Once again, the teens, both remarkably self-sufficient and imaginative, are able to save themselves and figure out at least a small part of the mystery left behind by the Builders. In doing so, they help their community and ultimately the entire planet. And the epilogue gives the answer to a question raised in the series' prequel, The Prophet of Yonwood (Random, 2006), namely, what Hoyt McCoy was up to with that telescope of his. All the loose ends are tied up neatly and everything ends on a positive, hopeful note. Satisfying, indeed.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–7—Twelve-year-old Samantha, the narrator of this novel, is uncomfortable about escalating battles over her brother Evan's behavior. As a high school freshman, he continues to have difficulties meeting his teachers' expectations. His mother has long ignored their requests that he undergo testing for learning disabilities. Evan's parents expect him to be like his high-achieving, sports-minded older brother. Eventually, he discloses that he cannot read and reveals what he has long suspected: neither can his energetic, highly involved, civic-minded mother. Readers will appreciate the gently hinted-at optimistic ending: Evan's painting of owls in flight in the woods near his Orinda, CA, home earns a second-place ribbon in a local art contest he secretly entered. In acknowledging Evan's artistic talent, his parents open the door to getting him help as they start to confront his mother's secret. In spite of the cover illustration, which makes both Samantha and Evan look much younger than they are, readers will find a sensitively told story about the toll that hidden illiteracy has on one family. While the author clearly foreshadows the mother's inability to read, the theme does not overpower the story. More obvious is the symbolism of the owls in flight as a way for Evan to rise above his turbulent home life. An obvious choice for a classroom read-aloud or as a discussion opener on a topic uncomfortable for many families.—Ellen Fader, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 6–8—Matt Stevens is a seventh-grade Sam Spade who attends a middle school with an organized crime ring run by Vinny Biggs and his goons. Biggs traffics in forgeries, stolen exams, and candy, and has his competition regularly put in the "Outs" with humiliating water-pistol stains to the pants. A kid in the Outs is outcast for life—so when Nikki Fingers, Biggs's most-feared former hit woman, is taken down by an unseen assailant, Matt is hired by both her sister, Jenny, and Biggs himself to find the culprit. The result is a punchy, clue- and twist-filled plot that falls somewhere between Bruce Hale's "Chet Gecko" (Harcourt) and Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War (Knopf, 1974). Ferraiolo cleverly adapts hard-boiled whodunit roles to a slightly cartoonish middle school arena (Joey "the Hyena" is framed for the crime; Katie Kondo is the vigilant hall monitor chief; Jimmy Mac heads the school paper; Sal Becker runs a root-beer version of a dive bar in his toolshed). Matt's strained relationship with Kevin, a former best friend who's now working for Biggs, brings depth to his character, as do his crushes on both Jenny and Kevin's sister. An intriguing personal mystery involving Matt's father, who disappeared years earlier, remains unsolved by the end of the book, and Matt's mother has secrets yet to tell. Well paced, funny, and suspenseful, with some real commentary on bullying and mob mentality, this book will have fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this faux noir detective series.—Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

Gr 7 Up—In the range of things that can make one a misfit in high school, having a father who has been arrested on suspicion of being a serial killer is probably at the top of the list. Kevin Windor, 17, finds himself in that situation when his dad is apprehended at a crime scene where a woman has been brutalized in the manner of the DB25 Monster, a killer credited with 11 murders. Kevin cannot imagine how his loving, tech-savvy father could possibly be guilty, but lingering secrets about his parents' marriage and divorce and Dad's past eventually convince him that these ugly accusations may be true. His social relationships fall apart as the world dubs him Monster Junior; his dream girl ends up in his best friend's arms; he gets suspended several times; and tension grows as he and his mother face this horror. The guilt or innocence of Greg Windor remains a mystery through most of the book, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Some of the dialogue seems strained, and Kevin's reversal of opinion about his father halfway through the story is abrupt. Still, fans of Sean Olin's Killing Britney (S & S, 2005) and Elaine Marie Alphin's Counterfeit Son (Harcourt, 2000) will be pleased to discover another novel that will raise goose bumps on the backs of their necks.—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School

Gr 9 Up—When Dora is left on her own for the summer, deserted by her boyfriend and her two best friends, she takes two jobs to alleviate the boredom. As an assistant at an animal shelter, she is in dangerously close proximity to an extremely cute veterinarian as well as an abandoned cat in need of a good home. And, as a waitress at an exclusive Brooklyn racquet club, she meets captivating but morally vacant Stella, who instantly becomes her new best friend. With no one else to turn to, Dora learns some important life lessons as she temporarily embraces the party-girl lifestyle, gains and loses new friends, and, without realizing it, grows up. Dora is a wonderful character, a perfect balance of sensitivity, strength, and sass. Frankel effectively conveys the importance of her problems and still maintains a wicked sense of humor, keeping the mood of the book fresh and realistic.—Jessie Spalding, Tempe Public Library, AZ

Gr 5–8—The cast of The Mother-Daughter Book Club (S & S, 2007) is back. Now the girls are in seventh grade, each responding to the social and academic challenges of middle school and impending teen years. This year, the club is reading books by Lucy Montgomery, starting with Anne of Green Gables. Each member and her mother find something to relate to in the books, even the snarky Becca Chadwick who, with her dictatorial parent, joins the club. Different perspectives are provided as each chapter is told in the alternating voices of Emma (writer), Jess (farm girl), Cassidy (athletic tomboy), and Megan (fashion diva). The pace is fast, the concerns and emotions real. The girls are gutsy problem-solvers, with plausibly presented emotions. Adult characterizations, however, are almost clichéd (Emma's mother, for example, is especially bright as she's a librarian, and the patience of Cassidy's mom's love interest doesn't falter until the final pages). The resolution is a bit romanticized but satisfying. As in the first book, Frederick connects a classic title to contemporary problems.—Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at Washington DC Public Library

Gr 4–7—Though most girls love horses, Sophie has had only negative experiences with them. Mom had purchased a pony several years ago for Sophie's older sister to ride, but Really turned out to be a mean-spirited biter. Sweetheart, a trick-playing Arabian, and Fancy Free, a huge and intimidating Western Buckskin, were acquired soon after. Sophie is frightened of them. Though schoolmates at first befriended her to ride her horses, the truth about these particular critters soon gets out. Only stubborn Melissa, who is determined to ride Sweetheart, and Rachel, who has no interest in the animals, stick around long enough to become true friends. Sophie has a stubborn streak herself. Finding inspiration in heroes like Lawrence of Arabia, she dreams of galloping across the beach at her island home in Maine. She is determined, and, after numerous riding lessons, ultimately successful. Charming but infrequent cartoons accompany the text. Though there are some flaws with the pacing, the book eventually hits its stride. The horses' personalities shine through, and they become the real supporting cast. Sophie narrates her adventures with self-deprecating humor and genuine emotion as she faces her fears, confronts a bully, and learns the importance of self-reliance, and her well-developed character makes this short and sweet tale memorable.—Jane Cronkhite, San Jose Public Library, CA

Gr 5–8—A well-told ghost story with plenty of twists and chills. Eleven-year-old Zack believes that his mother, who died from cancer, haunts his New York City apartment, continually disapproving of his behavior. He is immensely relieved when Dad marries Judy, a kind woman, and they move to Connecticut. Unfortunately, Zack cannot seem to escape the dead. Shortly after arriving in North Chester, they meet Gerda Spratling, the last survivor of the town's founding family. The abrasive woman mourns the loss of her fiancé, making a weekly pilgrimage to the crossroads outside Zack's yard where a massive oak marks the spot where Clint died almost 50 years ago. When Zack sees this tree, he fears that something evil is trapped within, and after the oak is split open by lightning, it soon becomes apparent that a malevolent spirit has been set free. With the help of Judy and a new friend, Zack takes on the menace that is plaguing their town and riling up a plethora of ghosts. This riveting tale is written in short, easy-to-read chapters, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. Throughout the story, the main characters grow closer to one another and gain heroic traits while the "bad guys" reveal greater depths of wickedness and insanity. Readers will relate to Zack and enjoy the book's scare factor and adventure.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 5–8—This thoughtful coming-of-age novel, set sometime in the past in a world of privilege, tells the story of a pivotal time in the life of 12-year-old Cecile. Her family is once again spending the summer on tiny Gull Island at her grandfather's manor-like residence, and she's looking forward to swimming and soaking up the rays with her older sister. Unfortunately, Natalie, 14, has other plans that mostly involve locking lips with William, an "Interloper" who is vacationing on the island with his family. Despite Cecile's continued protests that she will never become obsessed with boys and appearances like Natalie, she finds herself facing changes as she buys her first bra, attends a dance at the club, and longs to catch the attention of a particular young man. Cecile is a likable and sympathetic individual who wants things to go back to the way they were last year, before her parents were fighting and puberty took her sister away. Readers on the verge of crossing the line between childhood and adolescence will relate to her internal struggles. In the end, Cecile realizes that while she cannot stop herself from growing up, she can do so at her own pace and in her own way, not necessarily following in Natalie's footsteps. The well-written book introduces a memorable main character.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 5–8—A lively companion to Just Ella (S & S, 1999). Cecilia, 14, has a secret. Despite her peasant appearance, she is the true princess of Suala, hidden from birth to protect her from the conspirators who murdered her parents. To evade capture, she leaves her village with her friend Harper and heads for the capital city to claim her throne. Imagine her surprise when Desmia, the figure-head princess, reveals 11 other "true princesses" locked in the palace dungeons. Visiting from Fridesia, Ella turns up to help Desmia, Cecilia, and Harper unravel this political intrigue. Palace of Mirrors sits nicely alongside Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 2007) and Shannon Hale's Princess Academy (Bloomsbury, 2005). Much of the humor stems from Cecilia's misconceptions, and from the wit of her friend-turned-beau, Harper. The plot will be a familiar one to genre readers, but they will happily travel it again to see Cecilia's identity unfold. The suspense builds to a well-paced climax and conclusion with few pauses in an action-packed story. While the setting is less defined than the characters and plot, readers will be too focused on the protagonist's many concerns to notice.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—Brianna, a high school senior, lives with her devoted motorcycle-fixing dad and has two popular best friends. A verifiable math wizard, she is sure to be accepted at MIT. Unfortunately, she also has cystic fibrosis and begins each morning with a chest-pounding, courtesy of her father, to loosen the mucus coating her lungs. The death of Molly, a friend who also had CF, haunts Brianna and she fears that she will be next. With her body slowly failing her, she sometimes doesn't see the point of applying to college or thinking about her future. Comfort comes from two unlikely sources. Adam, a dorky new friend from math class introduces her to Love, a 1960s band whose lyrics speak to her. Mr. Eccles, her calculus teacher, also facing his own mortality, teaches her about infinitesimals. These quantities are important in calculus: "Something which seems to be nearly nothing turns out to be crucial to everything." Brianna finds strength in this idea when confronting her own mortality and the value of her life. Although the end wraps up too quickly and offers little hope for people with CF, this is a heartbreaking story of courage, friendship, and acceptance, with some great math concepts to boot.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 7 Up—By day, chunky 14-year-old Shermie Thuff works in his grandfather's ice-cream parlor, but at night he dreams of reaching competitive-eating stardom. Only thing is, he can't handle more than 10 hot dogs before he barfs, literally. To break the record, he deduces he's got to lose weight fast, so he enlists his friend Gardo, a member of the school wrestling team, to help him drop the pounds. The story is a subtle cautionary oddity that's probably too long for its own good, and has a niche audience, particularly with the competitive-eating theme. On a broader scale, it's a story of a young sportsman with an eating disorder, which is a rare find in teen fiction. The only trouble is that the plot is probably much too winding to reach this audience, and, instead, will likely find its place among a much younger crowd, who may or may not be patient enough to sit through Shermie's huffing-and-puffing inner dialogue. The gross-out factor promises plenty of puke, however, and that may be enough in itself to hook readers.—Hillias J. Martin, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up-Marianne and Opal, two African-American girls, have grown up like sisters and sheltered one another from the racism of their small Pennsylvania town. Now in high school, Marianne has revealed a wild side. She skips school, uses drugs, and fools around with boys. Opal makes good grades and enjoys reading. Opal loves Marianne in a way that Marianne does not return. Suddenly, Marianne is dead. It's unclear whether it was an accident or suicide, but it doesn't matter. Opal is devastated and draws into a shell of remembrance of the good and bad times the two had shared. She copes by recalling a legend her family told to both girls about a slave who escaped from a Maryland plantation and fell in love during her journey north. After her lover gave his life to protect her, Hannah magically flew over a ravine to escape slave catchers—the same ravine in which Marianne died. In this coming-of-age story, Opal finds that time, family, and ultimately love actually can begin to heal wounds. Hegamin's first novel is richly imaginative as it deals with difficult subjects. Opal's and Hannah's parallel stories of love and loss blend seamlessly in this small book that packs a big wallop.—Janet Hilbun, Texas Woman's University, Denton

Gr 9 Up—Rico Fuentes, 15, hasn't had an easy life. He spent part of his childhood in a hospital, his mother blames him for her misery, his loving father is a drunk, and, because of his light Cuban skin, he's hassled by peers. With escalating problems at his 1960s New York City school and his friend Jimmy spiraling dangerously out of control because of drugs, Rico decides to run away, taking Jimmy with him. They head for Wisconsin and Gilberto, who's gone off to college and is living on a hippie farm. There, in the "land of milk and honey," Rico saves Jimmy's life and finds acceptance—by others first and, ultimately, of himself. The protracted narrative is by turns sentimental, humorous, and sad, but Hijuelos creates a memorable character who will resonate with readers wrestling with their own identity issues.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 8–10—Fifteen-year-old Lindsey's life is in shambles. Before the novel even begins, her father's psychiatry practice is closed by a malpractice suit, her older brother is killed in a car crash, and her mother has left for the other side of the country, leaving her ill-equipped father in charge. Lindsey's always been considered the good girl-an outstanding student and a responsible, respectful child, nominated by her principal to serve as the school's sophomore ambassador. With the recent upheaval in her life, she struggles to maintain her spotless reputation. Frustrated with her family and friends, she begins taking money from her father's wallet and shoplifting lip gloss in an effort to be noticed. Her problem begins to spiral out of control when school-wide locker thefts attract the attention of the police. The fast-moving plot doesn't allow for extensive character development, but its pace should appeal to reluctant readers. Although teens will find the subject matter interesting, there are almost too many issues to deal with in a book of this length. Occasionally, the conversations among the teens seem forced, but readers will likely overlook it for a plot that contains plenty of angst and a touch of romance.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 7–10—This reissue of a pulp-fiction Western from the 1930s, one in a series of many, has all the clichés required at the time for a successful shoot-'em-up. Lee Weston is a gunslinger from Wyoming who comes to town at the behest of his father, who sends word that he is having trouble with the local big-money character named Dodge. Lee arrives just in time to learn of Pa's death, and now he is riding hard to find the mangy dog who shot him. Along the way, he meets and falls for Dodge's beautiful daughter, so there is a bit of Romeo and Juliet woven in as Weston fights off the bad guys and tries to win the girl. In less than 100 pages there is a lot of action, blazing 45s, and cowpoke language. The glossary of period terms and phrases, a history of pulp fiction, and the biography of Hubbard are a big part of this book's attraction. Put Branded Outlaw in the hands of reluctant readers. The fact that they know exactly what to expect and that the characters are simple and straightforward can be a bonus for them.—Jake Pettit, Thompson Valley High School Library, Loveland, CO

Gr 5–8—Tally, 11, attends Delderton, a progressive boarding school in the Devon countryside, and though she doesn't want to leave her loving father, London in 1939 is not very safe. As it turns out, she thrives there, good-naturedly setting herself to solving the problems of students and staff alike. When Bergania, whose king has refused to let Hitler's armies march through his (fictional) country, announces an international children's folk-dancing festival, Tally convinces her school to attend. During their visit, the king is assassinated, and she and the Delderton troupe rescue 12-year-old Prince Karil and smuggle him to England. Kept virtually imprisoned by his snooty wellborn relatives, Karil longs for a normal life, and eventually finds a way to escape his royal obligations, attend the school, and be reunited with his friends. Tally has a bit of Sara Crewe about her; she is singularly compassionate and generous, beloved by almost all who meet her. Her worries and imperfections make her wisdom lovely rather than irritating. Prince Karil and several adults receive meticulous and fascinating character development, but many others remain one-dimensional, known mainly by their eccentric traits. The unsympathetic characters are easy to dislike, so unremittingly negative is their depiction. Although the battle between good and evil is painted with a broad brush, Ibbotson treats most issues with a wise, subtle, and humorous touch; her writing is sublime. The satisfying epilogue, set six years later, will have readers giggling through their tears.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—This book sends strong positive messages about making a difference without hitting readers over the head. At its core is a mystery: who is "defiling" or D-listing girls at Harewood Technical? Shrimpy Sherman Mack loves girls in more than just the way typical ninth-grade boys do, though he clearly has all those urges and obsessions, too. He stands up to champion some of those whose photos have gotten posted in school bathrooms with the D-mark of the pariah and who have had to endure a particularly nasty level of the high school inferno. When lovely, artistic outsider Dini starts dating a mega-popular lacrosse player, Sherman tries to warn her off. He takes up the case as a sort of teen private investigator in training, in part because he wants to help the victims, but also because his friend Vanessa admires his efforts—and he admires Vanessa. Vivid supporting characters add depth to Sherman's world: his way-too-hot bartender mother, whose hobby is burlesque dancing; his enthusiastic cooking teacher, who encourages his dinner-party project to fast-track him into the school's professional courses; and a range of eccentric friends and acquaintances from a variety of social classes and cliques. As if appealing to both genders and espousing integrity weren't enough, the story is often funny, with an endearing main character. Getting the Girl is a pursuit worth undertaking.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–6—Philippa Fisher's life is a disaster. Her parents embarrass her in front of her friends; they are party entertainers and drive a bright yellow VW camper with pictures of clowns and jesters and rabbits painted on the side. Then her best friend moves away and she feels totally alone. She is so miserable, in fact, that the ATC (Above the Clouds) sends her a fairy godmother from 3WD (the Three Wishes Department). But Daisy, the fairy godmother (called a godsister because of her age), has serious attitude and is vexed at being paired with a human. She and Philippa get off to a dreadful start when her charge unknowingly leaves the transforming fairy with a limp and bruises. Just wanting to get the job done, Daisy delivers three wishes that give the girl the opportunity to change her life forever, which results in near disaster. Philippa, a self-conscious 11-year-old who desperately wants to be part of the popular crowd, is forced to rethink what friendship and parental love are all about. It is her choices and the consequences that make this story so moving. Equally as charming is the way fairy magic has been modernized with MagiCell messaging and a fairy facing her own trials and errors. The gentle storytelling and theme of finding oneself will resonate with girls gong through their own emotional awakenings.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 6–9—In 1861, the Confederacy has just declared its independence from the Union, but life goes on much as usual in the quiet town of Gettysburg. Fifteen-year-old Lizzie Allbauer and her cousin Rosanna, recently arrived from Virginia, have big plans to attend the Ladies' Seminary together in the fall. Then Lizzie's father and brother enlist in the Union army and she must stay home to help her mother run the family butcher shop. Rosanna flees back to Richmond after a Gettysburg beau is killed in one of the early battles. Torn between her romanticized view of the war and her parents' conservative rules, Rosanna impulsively agrees to marry a former beau, John Wilcox. Within a month of marriage, he is injured, and Rosanna rushes to meet up with the Virginia Infantry so that she can care for him. Realizing that she has a gift for healing, she stays on with her husband's company as a nurse. Chapters alternate between Rosanna's journal entries of her life as a Confederate nurse and Lizzie's accounts of the events leading up to the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. While Klein's extensive research is evident, the alternating voices have only limited success: readers will be drawn to Lizzie's genuine warmth, but frivolous Rosanna's leap to the ultra-responsible wife and nurse and the stilted dialogues in her journal entries stretch credibility. Still, Klein's weaving of the young women's stories to a shared conclusion gives a fresh perspective on the complexities of the Civil War.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 10 Up—Ryan, a high school sophomore, is mourning the death of his younger sister, Molly, by smoking dope, semipermanently connecting to his iPod and disconnecting from his parents. When Charlotte, a popular schoolmate, falls from her horse and into a coma, Ryan is drawn to the hospital to talk to her. During his many visits, he meets the young patient next door who claims he can go to "Deadville" and talk to people in that limbo between life and death, including Charlotte. This prompts Ryan to begin to face his grief and explore the meaning of death. While the teen's introspection slows the pace of the story, Koertge masterfully maintains reader interest with rich, right-on dialogue and details about teen life, attitudes, and relationships. Some of the scenes in which Ryan and his friends get high are funny while others show the problematic consequences of each and every joint. Ryan's metamorphosis is clearly illustrated through changes in his choice of clothes and friends without being trite or clichéd. His choice of music goes from "What's Got Me Down?" by U.S. Mail Band to a Celtic folk song that, when shared with his dad, symbolically bridges the gap between them. Deadville provides some realistic, thought-provoking ideas about dealing with the death of a loved one. Readers who enjoyed John Green's Looking for Alaska (Dutton, 2005) will find another Miles Pudge Halter in Ryan as he eventually concludes that there are no simple answers about death and accepts that ambiguity.—Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School Library, Livonia, MI

Gr 9 Up—Sophomore Lily Noble, a privileged, private school "lifer," feels that she no longer fits at Vaughn, her academic home since preschool. Her parents agree to let her board there to see if she can sort things out. In the process, she befriends Hazel Tobias, a transfer scholarship student who challenges her to look at the school, her family, and her friends through new lenses. Lily is intrigued both by Hazel's attitudes and by her very different life circumstances-she was orphaned at age three, raised by her then-teenaged gay brother, and has jumped from school to school. Lily virtually disowns the life she has always known and goes in search of herself, entering Hazel's world. Koja's well-paced novel invites readers into the world of elite boarding schools. Narrated by Lily, the story is juxtaposed with personal reflections about the vagaries of the Vaughn experience as seen through the eyes of some of the secondary characters. Six of the chapters are told in flashback, referring to the months prior to the June Convocation, while the final episode propels the story into the following academic year. Thus, it is possible to see in retrospect the changes in the girls' relationships and the decisions that they both ultimately make. This is an excellent character study of both Lily and Hazel and an in-depth look at how real friendships demand a soul-searching dive beneath the nature of one's own feelings while trying to understand the complexity of another's.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 6–9—LaFaye presents a solid example of alternate-history fiction set in Mississippi in 1866, imagining what it would have been like if some Southerners had tried to treat African Americans with justice and respect. Fourteen-year-old Stella's mother just died from yellow fever, and now the bank will repossess Oak Grove unless she can find her father's will and payment book. The townspeople refuse to deal fairly with her as she shares his views about the evil of slavery; in fact, he had promised to sign over ownership of the plantation to the black workers. Her only hope for keeping Oak Grove and fulfilling her father's vow is to find a Yankee to buy the property at auction. Enter Mr. Dooley, a Philadelphia lawyer. At first skeptical about Oak Grove's management—the workers hold meetings to vote on issues—he gradually comes to respect and appreciate Stella's views, and the two become partners. While not all of the characters are fully realized, the Reconstruction-period details are spot-on. Side plots dealing with the personal lives of ex-slaves lend glimpses into the heartbreak inflicted by slavery. Stella's ideas and actions are extremely modern but readers feel her frustration at the social constrictions she faces as a girl and her bewilderment and anger at the racism she witnesses.—Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA

Gr 9 Up—A traumatized teen mother magically escapes to her own personal heaven in this daring and deeply moving fantasy. The characters, setting, much of the action, and even the very words of the title are taken from the Grimm Brothers' "Snow-White and Rose-Red," a sweet story of contrasting sisters who live deep in the forest and whose innocent hearts are filled with compassion for a lonely bear and an endangered dwarf. In the novel, Liga's daughters—one born of incest, the other of gang rape—first flourish in Liga's safe world. But encounters with magical bears and the crusty dwarf challenge them to see a world beyond their mother's secure dreamscape. Eventually the younger one, Urdda, and subsequently her sister and Liga are drawn back into the real world in which cruelty, hurt, and prejudice abound. But it is also only there that they can experience the range of human emotion, develop deep relationships, and discover who they truly are. The opening chapters vividly portray the emotional experience of a boy's first sexual encounter, mind-numbing abuse by Liga's father, and a violent gang rape. It's heavy fare even for sophisticated readers, but the author hits all the right notes, giving voice to both the joys and terrors that sexual experience can bestow without saying more than readers need to know to be fully with the characters. While the story explores what it means to be human, it is at its heart an incisive exploration of the uses and limitations of dissociation as a coping mechanism. Beautifully written and surprising, this is a novel not to be missed.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 7–10—With segregation still ruling the rural South in 1946, the friendship between Ansel Anderson, who is white, and Willie Benton, who is black, faces many obstacles. After the town eccentric offers the boys an opportunity to leave their homes and pursue their dreams, the 14-year-olds consider their options. However, when Ansel's father helps a mob lynch Willie's father for the murder of a white girl, the teens must pursue their destinies separately. After many years, Ansel stops by his hometown and encounters Zeph Davis, the actual killer. Lester's unconventional opening momentarily confuses readers, but they are soon drawn into the narrative. "Trees remember…. But some trees do not speak…because they are ashamed." Poignant and powerful phrasing overshadows spare character development and helps satisfy readers' desire to explore the deeper motivations for some behaviors. The understated violence, coupled with reflections on lynching, heightens the horror. Back matter includes an author's note that explains the genesis of the story, an appendix with lynching statistics broken down by state, and a bibliography of lynching-related titles. Detailing the death of a friendship and the drive to succeed, Lester's compelling tale is an excellent purchase for most libraries.—Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—In his third book set in South Brook High School, Lyga introduces Kevin Ross, the hometown hero revered for rescuing a local classmate from a serial killer. However, with each accolade and reward bestowed upon him, the teen becomes increasingly more depressed and filled with self-loathing. Only he knows why he was at the right place to save Leah Muldoon from "The Surgeon." Kevin's life becomes even more complicated when a local reporter photographs him throwing out "Support the Troops" magnets. Instead of explaining why he tossed them, the teen becomes politically engaged as he debates the relevance of the Pledge of Allegiance and examines what it means to support the troops. His unpopular opinions bring up his father's questionable past and ostracize him from his classmates and the community. As Kevin struggles to refine his opinions, he also questions his relationship with his estranged mother in California as well as with the Catholic Church. Readers will be interested in the mystery surrounding Kevin's obsession with Leah Muldoon and his father's dishonorable discharge from the military. Kevin's anguish and guilt are palpable; however, some of the situations, including the all-school assembly for an impromptu debate between Kevin and a classmate he has antagonized, stretch believability. Also, the plot takes on too many issues. Still, Lyga's fans will be rewarded by his authentic teen characters, his willingness to tackle tough issues, and, most importantly, his ability to encourage a dialogue that is crucial to democratic participation.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 4–6—Zane lives in a future in which everything is networked and microchipped. His bedroom talks to him, reads his temperature, and informs him when he will next need to go to the bathroom. His parents are wired, too—both are network broadcasters with studios at home—although Zane never sees them unless he makes an appointment. His best pal is his dog, Hugo, who wears a microchip installed by the family vet that allows him to talk when Zane wears a special earphone. But Hugo tells Zane things he isn't supposed to know—for example, that Dr. Gristle has been performing twisted techno-experiments on an entire lab full of animals, and that the boy is the only one who can rescue them. Techno-savvy kids will chuckle at this goofily satirical look at how adults use technology to keep their children "safe," and how that technology can also turn around and—literally—bite them.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 3–6—In this companion novel to No More Nasty (Farrar, 2001) and No More Nice (Scholastic, 1996), 12-year-old Parker is stuck on his great-aunt and great-uncle's ramshackle farm for the summer while his parents embark on a trip around the world. He can't get his cell phone, iPod, or computer to work and there isn't even a telephone in the house. Worse yet, Aunt Mattie and Uncle Philbert expect him to help feed the various critters, split wood, and fish. He's never done a chore in his life. When they refuse to sell the farm to make way for an impending interstate, Parker's lack of physical activity and excess of cowardice are put to the test as neighborhood tormentors young and old threaten both him and the farm. Hilarious antics ensue as the boy matures and realizes that there is more to life than the latest video game. Black-and-white line drawings enhance the lighthearted text. Children will treasure the larger-than-life characters, and they may even realize that their dependence on electronics is overrated.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Gr 4–6—It comes as a shock to 11-year-old Elijah to find his Aunt Serena and Aunt Agnes descend upon his family since his mother had never told her husband or son that she had siblings. Fifteen years earlier, the women had quarreled, were under a curse, and had broken a magic cauldron. And now the aunts have come because they needed their nephew to reverse the spell. These truly evil women "remove" his parents, kidnap him, and take him to their fiendish, squalid house to do their dastardly deeds. Unable to escape, he is put under spells, but discovers that he, too, has magical powers. It's a good thing because time after time Elijah and his new friend, Dez, are in deep trouble and need magic to escape. Set in 1927, the book has continuous action and piles of demonic atmosphere. While it lacks the sardonic wit found in Roald Dahl's gleeful tales about witches, it does have lots of suspense. And, at the end, timid, resourceful Elijah turns into a hero.—Lillian Hecker, Town of Pelham Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—Val, friendless and adrift, finds Francie and adopts her religious devotion to slutty ensembles and shoplifting. Off-kilter humor, moody narration, and twisted psychology make this sardonic exploration of suburbia thrilling—like pocketing lip gloss and walking right out of the store. In Madison's hands, tacky becomes fabulous and wrong weirdly morphs into holy. The girls rock conservative Sandra Dee High with gold lamé hot pants, big boobs, bigger hair, and heavy eyeliner. They travel daily to the glimmering Montgomery Shoppingtowne Mall to perfect the black art of stealing. Val and Francie zealously try to strip the place to its cement foundation. Contempt for false edifice and for the superficial frameworks behind home, school, and the mall fuel their obsessive devotion to thievery. Analytical readers will recognize metaphorical expressions of teen malaise throughout. A circuitous creek strings together teens living inside cookie-cutter houses with unnaturally green yards. However, Madison's metaphors, while fascinating, often remain too murky, and character motivations remain unclear. When Val finally dumps Francie, readers aren't exactly sure why. Francie's unfunny blond jokes and even Val's mysteriously dying brother never feel fully worked out, perhaps even in the author's mind. But Madison's tinkering with unclear, unexplained happenings also provides this imaginative novel with its wild-haired beauty. Dreamy collisions of reality and fantasy, of the nonsensical and impossible, make for a magical, slippery read.—Shelley Huntington, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—Being the new kid in school is often hard enough, but Annabelle finds that dealing with the idiosyncrasies of sixth-grade boys is truly daunting. She misses her friends and doesn't know how she feels about her mother's live-in boyfriend, Ted. Then her mother and Ted surprise her with a puppy and a dog-training manual that proves to be a partial answer to some of her school dilemmas. Annabelle discovers that strategies in the manual can be transferred and tweaked to solve some of the boy issues at school. Using a mixture of confidence, ingenuity, and some excellent Swiss chocolates, she begins to change some difficult situations and behaviors for the better. This clever and humorous premise is deftly handled to create a believable and enjoyable tale with a likable and resourceful heroine whose trials, tribulations, and triumphs will have others wanting a training manual of their own.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 9 Up—With heartbreaking honesty, Martin's debut novel gets into the mind of 16-year-old Nick Severson. Still dealing with the effects of his parents' divorce, he plans to have a vacation with no commitments. However, the summer takes an interesting turn when Sasha Jasinski enters the picture. Nick is intrigued by the connection they seem to share but also put off by Sasha's initial disappointment with his behavior. To the shock of his friends, Nick stops seeing Dani to pursue Sasha. They grow closer both emotionally and physically. When things start to get too complicated for her, she breaks off the relationship only to discover a few weeks later that she is pregnant. What raises this novel above the many other teen titles dealing with sex and pregnancy is the authentic voice and emotion of the protagonist. Readers struggle with Nick as he deals with the loss of his first love and the decisions related to Sasha's pregnancy. His story challenges stereotypical notions of reckless teen sex and careless abortions; teen boys will especially applaud this portrayal of a devastated and conflicted young man who makes the right decisions, but still finds that his mistakes have repercussions. Sex, drugs, alcohol, and abortion are each portrayed realistically, and the novel gives invaluable insight into the adolescent mind and the world in which teens live.—Lynn Rashid, Marriots Ridge High School, Marriotsville, MD

Gr 5–9—The lives of three young people intersect and transform against the backdrop of a total solar eclipse. Homeschooled Ally has grown up at the remote Moon Shadow Campground, which her family runs. An eclipse, which can be viewed only from this site, is approaching, and ahead of it come Bree, an aspiring model obsessed with popularity, and Jack, a reclusive artist and avid sci-fi reader. Ally's sheltered world is about to open up as she discovers that her parents plan to cede management of the campground to Bree's parents after the event. Neither Ally nor Bree is excited about the prospect, but as the teens interact they come to terms with the changes they face. Meanwhile, introverted Jack finds himself making friends and becoming a leader. As they go their separate ways, all three approach the future with a newfound balance between their internal and their external lives. The characters are well drawn and likable. Even the seemingly shallow Bree reveals hidden layers as the story progresses. The campground setting affords the youngsters independence, allowing them to interact freely and make their own choices. The astronomical details are fascinating and lyrically incorporated into the narrative. An author's note includes the date of the next solar eclipse in the mainland United States and additional resources. Readers who like quietly self-reflective novels like Lynne Rae Perkins's Criss Cross (HarperCollins, 2005) or Jerry Spinelli's "Stargirl" books (Knopf) will also enjoy this compelling and thought-provoking story.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 8 Up—In this fairy tale of India set during the early 1900s, Raka, a young bride who is awaiting certain death at the hands of her evil husband, spins a story for Lalit, a servant in the Rajah's house. In her tale, a con man and a thief, Farhad, is recruited to rescue the Hindu god Krishna's daughter from marriage to a demon king. He is aided by a sacred white tiger and carries a bloodstone that almost causes his death. As the two stories intertwine, the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred. The plot is fast paced and exciting, and the story gives an excellent overview of the conflicts of India at the time of British occupation, and of Hindu religious beliefs. The factual background adds to the overall feel of a wildly colorful and diverse country. The character development is also admirable, as readers see Farhad grow from a scared 16-year-old thief to a hero willing to die for his cause. What is most amazing about the story is the beautiful language and phrases that make readers feel as though they are sitting in India listening to Raka's story. A distinguished book for older fairy-tale fans.—Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Gr 7–9—When Daze discovers an animatronic version of her deceased mother's head in her father's laboratory, she sneaks in twice a week to talk to her but is quickly disappointed by the head's programmed responses. On one of these visits, she learns that her dad has a new girlfriend. When days later her mother's head goes missing, she is convinced that her dad plans to destroy it and embarks on a frantic search to save it. The story reaches a climax when Daze confronts her father and begins to deal with the circumstances of her mother's death. Realistic first-person narration draws readers into this short, fast-paced read. The author's use of technology to spark the characters' emotional revelations provides a unique plot element to this part realistic, part science fiction tale. Secondary characters, such as Daze's little brother, add to the narrative. Daze is a well-realized character, and her story gives readers the opportunity to speculate on the impact of artificial intelligence on future generations.—Kim Ventrella, Ralph Ellison Library, Oklahoma City, OK

Gr 6–9—On a future Earth, the people's way of life and technology have been turned back in a Reversal, and the very geography of the planet has been rearranged. The Users, who one might assume are today's superpowers, caused much destruction and the Reversal centuries before, and their books hold all of their dangerous knowledge, the Lost Art. In order to prevent such a tragedy from recurring, the books have been hidden away in a remote Russian monastery. Now, they have been stolen. The monastery is destroyed, the monks slaughtered. Only Va, a former soldier and assassin and now-repentant monk, survives. He sets off on a mission to recover the volumes. Meanwhile, Benzamir Mahmood and his enemies, traitorous former friends whose ancestors had escaped the User's destruction centuries earlier, have returned to Earth. Benzamir is seeking the books and his enemies in order to prevent them from interfering with life on Earth. Ultimately, Va and Benzamir join forces. Along with their various traveling companions, they go to the African desert where a final confrontation between Benzamir and his enemies occurs. What starts off as a promising novel is, in the end, disappointing. The idea of the Reversal, the Users, and the changes to society where there are pale Ewer slaves and Middle Eastern and African countries appear to be dominant is interesting and another way to convey the dangers of modern technology and our world. Yet the overly long story tends to drag in places, and there are too many competing story lines and characters, making it difficult to connect or empathize with any of them.—Jennifer D. Montgomery, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 6–8—Joseph Flood's mother's problems with drugs, alcohol, and men have kept them in a near-constant state of chaos. The 15-year-old's loving father tries to help, but his military career and repeated overseas deployments—the latest to Iraq—have made it difficult for him to do much to intervene. The turmoil reaches a new low with a move into a homeless shelter. With the help of a sympathetic and stable aunt and uncle, Joseph must navigate the difficulties of adolescence while learning to handle a mother who is in a continual state of adolescence herself. Despite Moses's earnest efforts at creating a realistic voice for her protagonist, Joseph's story never seems to get off the ground; the first-person narration is flat, too young, and strangely monotone, with none of the authenticity of a real adolescent dealing with a troubled family life. It's unclear who the intended audience is. Short, simple sentences and a limited vocabulary make this slim novel accessible to struggling and reluctant teen readers, but the book's lack of sophistication may fail to hold their interest. Meanwhile, the age of the main character and more teen-appropriate issues like (implied) sex and drug abuse may make the plot too mature for younger readers. Ultimately, Joseph just doesn't ring true as a coming-of-age story.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 4–6—Stanley Buggles returns to Crampton Rock, where another adventure awaits him. His discovery of a valuable amulet called the Ibis in The Wooden Mile (Roaring Brook, 2008) has awakened the Stormbringers, two pirate ghosts intent on reclaiming the artifact. Stanley receives help from the talking pike and the ghost of his Great-Uncle Bart as he tries to prevent the pirates from succeeding at all costs. Though even if he does, there is a risk that the Ibis's presence could create a greater threat, setting the scene for bigger adventures in future books. This offering has a more coherent and linear plot than the first title, moving through the action without the gaps and abrupt plot additions that plagued that book. The focus is still on action without much in the way of character development, but there is more substance. Fans of Philip Ardagh's work may find some similarities that will attract them. Mould's black-and-white illustrations are well done, particularly those of the characters.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 8 Up—Lost gold treasure, African royal ancestors, and betrayal are the foundation of family legends that Zac Baxter has been told repeatedly by his beloved grandfather. Zac loves the man but is skeptical about his stories until Sam Baxter's brutal murder convinces him otherwise. He promises himself to finish what his grandfather started no matter what the outcome. Zac is depicted as a regular British teen of African descent. He is likable, resourceful, and often terrified as his life is threatened at every turn. The British government clearly wants him out of the way. The characters he meets on his quest, both friends and villains, are unique and fully developed. This exciting narrative takes place in England and Africa; in jungles, dark caves, and on the sea. The Gold Coast slave trade comes alive with Zac's every historical discovery, while the parallel story told of the harrowing experiences of his ancestors puts a personal touch on the inhumanity of slavery. Zac begins his journey wanting vindication for his grandfather and personal gain for himself. However, he ends it with respect and pride in his heritage, confidence in his abilities, and finally with a sense that his grandfather would be proud and at peace with his accomplishments. Overall, this is a complex, masterful story for confident readers.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 6–10—In the Florentine countryside, Monna Elisabetta struggles to become the noblewoman she's destined to be. Although her father is challenged to keep his silk business thriving during difficult economic times, Monna's mother is planning to give her an elaborate 13th birthday party in order to meet a suitable husband. But upon Mamma's sudden death, the event is canceled, and Monna turns her grief into preparing meals and working alongside her father. His friend Leonardo da Vinci has introduced her to Giuliano de' Medici, who becomes smitten with her smile. When her father remarries into nobility, Monna is forced into an arranged marriage, despite the fact that she has given her heart to Giuliano. This tribute to the woman behind Leonardo's masterpiece is another wonderfully researched and well-crafted novel from Napoli. Artfully blending fact and fiction, the author tells a tender story of a girl coming of age during a turbulent time. Readers will be moved by the plight of this three-dimensional protagonist.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 4–8—This story unfolds in alternating chapters, written from the viewpoints of two young members of an Amazonian tribe. On their 13th birthdays, Takunami boys must face a rite of passage into manhood, guided through danger by a spiritual connection with their fathers, whose identity remains a secret until after the trial. Though they have lived very different lives, Tirio and Luka are both preparing for this mentally and physically demanding test. Considered weak because of his disabled foot, Tirio was placed on the river in a "corpse canoe" by his mother at age six and rescued and adopted by an American anthropologist. Now almost 13, he feels drawn back to his village and longs to prove himself a Takunami man. Though Luka has been training for the test his entire life, he wrestles with unexpected events that threaten his success. A clever plot device links the characters and their personal struggles together. The setting is strikingly described and provides a vivid backdrop for the action. The language, rituals, and beliefs of the Takunami are well developed, and will have many readers looking for further information about them. Youngsters may feel duped to discover, in an appended author's note, that the tribe is imaginary, "based on an idea, and not a representation of any known Amazonian people." Nevertheless, this is a fast-paced and remarkable adventure story with surprising twists along the way.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 9 Up—Todd Hewitt lives in a world in which all women are dead, and the thoughts of men and animals are constantly audible as Noise. Graphically represented by a set of scratchy fonts and sentence fragments that run into and over each other, Noise is an oppressive chaos of words, images, and sounds that makes human company exhausting and no thought truly private. The history of these peculiar circumstances unfolds over the course of the novel, but Ness's basic world-building is so immediately successful that readers, too, will be shocked when Todd and his dog, Manchee, first notice a silence in the Noise. Realizing that he must keep the silence secret from the town leaders, he runs away, and his terrified flight with an army in pursuit makes up the backbone of the plot. The emotional, physical, and intellectual drama is well crafted and relentless. Todd, who narrates in a vulnerable and stylized voice, is a sympathetic character who nevertheless makes a few wrenching m