Grades 5 & Up

Gr 9 Up—Like Summer Boys (Scholastic, 2004), this is a fun seasonal read. Jessica, Greer, and Lara couldn't be farther apart in style and personality. Jessica is the good-girl athlete hoping to replicate the wonderful summer days she spent with her older cousins, introduced in the first book. Her cousin Greer is the rich New Yorker who's never spent any time with her extended family, and Lara is the newcomer; her mom recently married into the family. The teens' mishaps and adventures are engaging and will hold readers' interest. There's plenty of romance, misunderstandings, and vacation fun, but the references to certain bands and celebrities might make this book dated before summer's end. Sexuality and drinking are referenced, but nothing is explicitly described. A good recommendation for readers wanting to wile away those long, lazy days.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

Gr 5–8—In her latest psychic investigation, Gilda Joyce, "fourteen years and 11 months," has slightly fudged her age to land a summer internship at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC. There she encounters a variety of characters, from spy museum summer campers to a former KGB agent, to her longtime psychic idol and mentor, Balthazar Frobenius. The humor, pacing, and story line are all top-notch, and Allison succeeds at breathing life into the entire cast. Gilda seems even more grown up and independent with as much, if not more, chutzpah than in her previous adventures. She retains and further develops her psychic powers that allow her to figure out and find the "dead drop," an agreed-upon place where spies leave crucial information for one another (and for government officials). Yet Gilda also shows some investigative restraint when it comes to equally important matters such as the questionable relationship between her brother and her best friend. This is a well-told story with a tenacious, yet completely endearing heroine. Allison creates a summer anyone would envy—anyone interested in intrigue, adventure, fashion, and the truth, that is.—Tracy Weiskind, Chicago Public Library

Gr 7–10—Mia is ecstatic. She is the "smart girl" who has finally been invited to the prom by the football team captain. But when she suspects that the cheerleading golden girl is making a move on her date, her insecurity gets the better of her, and she seeks refuge in the occult. A friend convinces her to purchase a "love spell" from a local "herbalist." Unfortunately, it is the wrong one, and she turns her entire school into flesh-eating zombies whose biggest craving is Mia. Enter Chase, a mild-mannered new kid who happens to work for the Department of Paranormal Containment; obviously, with Chase on the scene, the football captain is old news. Zombie Queen is light, fast-paced, and not particularly scary. Vaguely reminiscent of Men in Black, this book will quench the thirst of the Christopher Pike and R. L. Stine set.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 6–9—In this concluding volume, Midge is called upon once more by the Various, who are in difficult times and see the Orbis as the answer to their troubles. Midge's skills are needed to find her Great-Great-Aunt Celandine and learn about what happened to the Orbis so many years before. With tensions at the breaking point, finding the Orbis and reuniting it with the Touchstone is the only way the Various see for an end to their plight. Once again readers will be captivated by Augarde's wonderful descriptions of the English countryside and the emotions of the characters. Through Midge's fast-paced detective work, much of the backstory is filled in and it is easy for readers to pick up on what's happening, but familiarity with the previous two books is suggested, especially the first one, The Various (Random, 2004). All of the interconnected threads and subplots are neatly tied up in this title, and the questions raised in the previous books are answered in a satisfactory manner.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Distraught over his girlfriend's murder, Jo-Jo, 17, takes a gun to a secluded Baltimore ravine to kill himself. He discovers a naked dead girl who disturbingly wakes up, introduces herself as Max, and hauls Jo-Jo along to meet her dead friends, members of the Fiendish Lot, the most popular punk band in the Afterlife returning to Earth to test out their new material. Jo-Jo accidentally shoots himself and dies, waking up in the Afterlife where he reunites with the band and accompanies them on tour. In this gloomy place of second chances, the dead can search for their true purpose. Realizing that he squandered his life, Jo-Jo focuses on finding Violet, but his devotion is clouded by his feelings for sarcastic Max. Auseon's darkly humorous novel is outrageously inventive, chaotically plotted, overly long, and ultimately unsatisfying. Details of the Afterlife are intriguing, like the deads' bright interior "sols" that provide the only color in an otherwise monochromatic world. Despite a clever premise, too many random plot jumps derail the story, like Jo-Jo's stint in the Afterlife jail, and are dropped with little development. Vivid characters like Max's grandfather (whose sol literally burns out) are introduced and then abandoned, and attention given to the Fiendish Lot's sol-reviving performances is far too meager. Wildly imaginative and entertaining ideas and images here, sadly in need of focus.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 9 Up—This is a realistic and compelling story of a young man who finds himself questioning his sexuality. High school student David Dahlgren is a cross-country runner who develops feelings for his teammate Sean. Scared and confused by these new emotions, he tries to stifle them in various ways, including dating a girl and snapping a rubber band on his wrist whenever he thinks about Sean. When Sean begins to express a similar attraction to David, he couldn't be happier. But then David wants more than Sean is willing to give. Bantle describes the teen's emotional roller coaster in such an open and honest manner that readers will feel everything from his anguish to his elation. While this book will have wide appeal due to its universal themes of first love and the search for one's identity, it will be especially intriguing to readers who are struggling with their own sexuality. They will be able to understand and relate to David and his quest for self-discovery. This book will be an excellent addition to any library's GLBTQ collection.—Sarah K. Allen, Thetford Academy, VT

Gr 4–6—While vacationing with their parents in an English village, supersleuth siblings Xena and Xander, who are descendants of Sherlock Holmes, plunge into an old mystery about a local terrorizing beast. Sketches and comments from Holmes's own cold-case notebook, when he investigated the case nearly 100 years earlier, together with "strange howls" in the night and sightings of a shaggy beast lurking in the nearby woods propel the youngsters to search for more clues. Exploring the forest, they slide into several exciting and suspenseful adventures. Barrett throws in enough red herrings as well as solid clues to keep ardent fans of the genre turning the pages until the surprise denouement. She plants the siblings' two new friends, Trevor and Ian, in key scenes at just the right moments to allow for the possibility of either boy being culpable in part of the mystery. Xena's methodical and calm rationality balances with Xander's intuitive imaginativeness so that they complement one another. Fans of Ron Roy's popular "A to Z Mysteries" series (Random) will delight in graduating to this series.—James K. Irwin, Sandy Library, UT

Gr 5–8—Melodramatic Sophia St. Pierre, über-brainy Margaret Wrobel, and wisecracking Rebecca Chen are seventh graders at a Manhattan Catholic school. While sitting in her English class, Sophie spies someone in a window of the church next door, and she seems to be asking for help. The woman turns out to be a wealthy, elderly hippie who is trying to solve a 20-year-old puzzle. From that moment, these friends are embroiled in a mystery to find an ancient artifact, return it to its proper owner, and bring the villain to justice. The bright main characters have distinctive voices and unique personalities. Sophie is a witty narrator, whose asides, while sometimes distracting, are often as amusing as the long chapter titles. Along with sleuthing in the church, the girls are dealing with family and friend issues and first loves and preparing a Dickensian school skit. They get caught up in the engaging mystery, temporarily fall prey to misconceptions/misunderstandings, and proudly work out the teasing clues to find the treasure. This is a PG Da Vinci Code (Doubleday, 2003) clearly authored by a teacher (plenty of literary name-dropping) with a neat ending that is not immediately predictable. It's a clever way to combine some middle school math (graphs and grids included) with a fun mystery, great friends, and a bit of romance.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 7–10—After gorgeous Alison is elected president of her Beverly Hills High School freshman class, some well-placed criticisms lead her to pursue a new form of plastic surgery that promises even more beauty through perfect symmetry. A power surge disrupts the process and though she emerges as beautiful as ever, she also gains the ability to shoot fire through her fingertips. When a few ill-timed shots of flame and some backstabbing by her friends lead to the teen's fall from popularity, she teams up with the class nerd to use her powers to fight crime and assumes the secret identity of "Hottie." First-time novelist Bernstein's rather long book takes a while to get going; however, once Hottie is on the scene, the diagetic narrator moves the plot right along. No mere superhero story, the novel introduces a love triangle and a supervillain whose identity is revealed in a surprise ending. Like Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" novels (Little, Brown), Hottie drops brand names and Hollywood stars liberally; however, the book's funny but outlandish premise ensures that these details are not aspirational guidelines but more satirical asides.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 5–7—Annie Trewitt, 12, lives with her aunt and uncle, who barely tolerate her existence. When she overhears a conversation about sending her away, she decides it is time to leave on her own. She braves the dark night and its terrors (no moon or stars in Howland, and kinderstalk roam the forest) and becomes entwined in a series of adventures, among them a turn at a mine where children toil until they drop. Escaping, she intends to tell the king that crates of ringstone are being smuggled away. At the palace, Annie finds her sister, long presumed dead, and even more intrigue. Darkwood is engaging in concept. However, the pacing is a bit uneven with some parts seeming drawn out and others racing by, leaving readers wondering what they may have missed. The protagonist is solidly drawn, but the minor characterizations are thin. Better picks for readers looking for a creepy fantasy adventure include Avi's The Book Without Words (Hyperion, 2005), Suzanne Collins's "The Underland Chronicles" (Scholastic), and Derek Landy's "Skulduggery Pleasant" books (HarperCollins).—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 5–8—In this free-verse novel set during the Vietnam War era, 13-year-old Lyza Bradley lives with her professor father and hippie sister in Willowbank, NJ. Her mother deserted them two years earlier, a mystery that lingers in Lyza's thoughts. Cleaning out her recently deceased grandfather's house, the teen finds his legacy to her—an envelope with clues to the location of Captain William Kidd's lost treasure. She enlists the help of her friends Malcolm and Carolann to locate and excavate the site. Against this story, Bryant inserts poems describing Lyza's family dynamics, racism, and the draft. This book offers a meaty adventure alongside coming-of-age reflections. As Lyza follows Gramps's maps, she examines the trickle of desegregation (Malcolm is African American), the impact of the war, and the way her family grounds and connects her. The story's format yields spare sensory memories that emerge with little reliance on dialogue and lengthy narration. The one shortcoming is the conclusion. Lyza has kept the treasure hunt a tremendous secret, and its final revelation is less dramatic than Bryant's buildup promised. Kaleidoscope Eyes invites readers to visit the recent past and experience its rich complexity.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—Dade Hamilton is off to college in August, but until then, he must deal with a boring job in a dull city, his parents' failing marriage, and a rocky relationship with Pablo, a boy who publicly denies his homosexuality and doesn't seem to care for Dade except when they are alone. When Dade meets Alex, however, the summer begins to improve. Alex is handsome and mysterious; most importantly, he adores Dade and isn't afraid to show it. With Alex in the picture, Pablo slowly tries to regain Dade's attention. What results is a series of dramatic interactions and events that force Dade to examine his emotions, his life, and the people in it. Burd addresses the themes of family, unrequited love, bullying, and sexuality in a fresh and believable manner. His use of language is beautiful; his words paint clear pictures of Dade's deep and complex psyche. While his homosexuality is an important element of the story, it isn't the main focus. It's just a part of his character that readers accept without question. The Vast Fields of Ordinary is a refreshingly honest, sometimes funny, and often tender novel.—Sarah K. Allen, Thetford Academy, VT

Gr 9 Up—Quinn Hunt, 17, has been warned about the dangers of love all her life. Her mother, her aunt, and her grandmother are veterans of numerous bad relationships with men and have even posted a list of warning signs on the refrigerator. Quinn has recently reconnected with her estranged father, who is charming and exciting to be around, but her dealings with him are increasingly difficult because of his selfishness and narcissism. In a rapid succession of events, she discovers that her supposedly "safe" boyfriend has in fact been cheating on her, and she then finds that her father has a collection of treasured objects that he has stolen from his ex-wives and ex-girlfriends. Quinn and her younger sister, Sprout, team up with their older half-sister Frances Lee to go on a road trip to return all the mementos to these women. During the process, Quinn hears previously unknown details of her father's past and discovers real love with a musician who appears to be a bad boy but is really sweet and sensitive. This is a thoughtful, funny, and empowering spin on the classic road novel. There are many serious reflections on love, good and bad, voiced by the various women, but there are also a number of comic episodes to balance the seriousness. Because of its strong language and the mature themes, this is best suited to older teens, who will appreciate what it has to say about love, relationships, and getting what you need.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 6 Up—A popular TV show, Family Affairs, is in its last season of filming and teen star Kaitlin Burke is undecided about what to do next. She can't believe that she won't be returning to the set she has been on since preschool. Nobody understands how she feels, not even her best friend, Liz, who is busy with her own career plans. Feeling ignored and disoriented, Kaitlin starts hanging out with Lauren and Ava, two party girls featured regularly in the tabloids for their wild ways. And it's not long before Kaitlin joins them. After Lauren and Ava crash a photo shoot, she realizes these girls are not her friends and steps up to take control of her life before her career is damaged for good. Fans who enjoyed the first three titles will want this installment, which is filled with lifestyles of the rich and famous, designer clothes, and teenage angst. Readers will certainly recognize the similarities between Lauren and Ava and the party girls from today's tabloid news. Kaitlin is a likable character, but her constant whining and indecision about her next career move can be annoying at times. Fortunately, they don't detract from the story too much, and the novel moves quickly along with blog entries and tabloid news interspersed throughout. A quick, fun read.—Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 6–8—Samantha Montgomery is sick of her best friend's boyfriend taking her place. Mal used to call Sam first, sit by her at lunch, and do everything with her. Now it's Mark who's first in Mal's life, it looks like Sam will have to sit through an entire summer of their sickening sweet talk. Instead, she decides to volunteer as a counselor-in-training at a camp two hours away from home. There she finds three new friends, two hot guys, and one bitter enemy. Sleepaway Girls is a fast, uncomplicated read dealing lightly with issues of friendship, first love, and bullying. Though the resolutions seem a tad easy, they're appropriate for the tone of the novel. Sam and her campmates are believable characters and their bonding will make readers want to head for camp themselves. A perfect summer pick.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 6–10—When her younger sister is kidnapped, 13-year-old Abby endures the suspicion flung at her family and her loss of friends at school by befriending Tommy, a neighbor's tacitly angry biracial grandson. Both are social outcasts in this small Pennsylvania town, and their mutual support gives them the strength to weather their loneliness, turning eventually into a quiet romance. Abby's voice, resigned and mildly plaintive, rings true, as does the author's depiction of a family beset by the kind of grief a kidnapping might bring. The small cast of characters is sharply divided: the family members are complicated and wonderfully drawn, but the neighbors, police, and other teens are mainly surface. Abby, who tells the story two years after the kidnapping, when Becky's body is found, is likable, and readers are easily drawn along to follow her progress and to find out what happened to her sister, a question that is answered without sensationalism in the end.—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Anke, a high school freshman, is the only one of her siblings to escape her father's physical or sexual abuse as her mother cowers in denial. Anke is relieved, guilt-ridden, and jealous, as he hardly acknowledges her existence. She joins the volleyball team against his wishes. As she learns to make herself heard on the court, she builds the courage to out her father's abuses. While the first 10 poems or so of this novel in verse are maudlin and overwritten, Chaltas settles mercifully into subtler character development. The story picks up pace in tandem, and even reluctant readers will plow through it as moderate tension builds. Though her arc from mouse to lion is predictable, Anke's narrative and voice are increasingly affecting. Few of the poems here are legitimately poetic, but several hit in both rhythm and emotion. The verse in which Anke measures the plausibility of living in the bathroom is among the best—all show and no tell. A lack of background details leaves readers as untethered as the narrator, and the story feels generic instead of stark. Anke's father and mother are completely without pathos, unilaterally monstrous and meek, respectively. Because I Am Furniture is an uneven though occasionally moving addition to the genre.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Bee Wilson graduated high school a year early and attends Columbia University as a premed student. After her fashionably socially conscious boyfriend, Brian, dumps her, the teen drowns her sorrows in muffins, fancy New York brunches, and take-out Chinese. With an extra 25 pounds on a once-size-12 body, Bee is "discovered" and asked to audition for a Prada fashion campaign. Before she knows it, she rockets to the A-list as a "supe" (supermodel). Bee attempts to retain her status on the dean's list, craves the chance to get Brian back, and faces down a catty competitor. Still, at only 17, she has trouble balancing her relationship with her best friend, a potential romance with an up-and-coming rapper, and her reputation with fans. Plus offers fluff with heart, as Bee is something of a brainiac Cinderella who is taken by surprise that her looks can get her places that her smarts can't. Readers have little opportunity to get to know her before she is catapulted to fame but it is clear that she matures throughout the novel. While she must stare down critics of her weight, it is not the main focus of the story, which is a relief. The book has the same tone as Mary Hogan's Pretty Face (HarperTeen, 2008), as the protagonist loves herself and wants to be healthy. Contemporary music and fashion-label references will date this title, but it is still a first purchase.—Sarah Krygier, Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA

Gr 4–7—Even though her family encourages her to "Be true to yourself" and "Dare to be different," Clarissa Bartholomew is finding it difficult to do so. With a clear, middle-school sensibility, her narrative is refreshingly innocent and believable as she describes the struggles she faces as she tries to be independent without being left alone. As the school year opens, Rissa is faced with the changes happening to her "herd" of friends, some seeking new images, some more interested in boys, and some just plain irritating. She has many lessons to learn about how to find new friends, keep the old ones, and develop her own identity. While her story is a familiar one, Rissa's voice is fresh and entertaining.—Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 9 Up—Extremely well researched and full of additional Web site links to further information, Earthgirl is something of a fiction to nonfiction crossover and is a wonderful read for any aspiring or devoted activist. When a careless driver throws her fast-food castoffs out of the window of her parked vehicle, nailing Sabine with it, the teen gets off her bicycle and lays into the woman with a full force of environmental fury. Where this rage comes from Sabine is unsure. The video of her arguing with the driver soon appears on YouTube, courtesy of one of her friends, and Sabine quickly embraces her revived outlook on the state of the planet. Starting a blog, she develops something of a following as she discusses various environmental issues and conundrums. She meets Vray, a dedicated environmentalist with whom she begins an intense intimate relationship and becomes engaged in heightened eco-warrior actions. Switching between first-person narrative and Sabine's blog entries, the book gives insights into the teen's development from two slightly different angles. Her personality comes across well and her voice is a true reflection of a 16-year-old at a time of life when change is coming from every quarter. Curriculum links could easily be made with the conflict between the development of the individual versus the pressure of peers that is evident throughout the book.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 5–8—Thirteen-year-old Matilda and her friends Nicki and Ariel bury "sacred things" using a ritual from a magic book she found. Their lives change, getting worse before getting better. Matilda is a sensitive girl, sick of the gifts with pig themes that she gets for every occasion because of an obsession she had when she was four. Her father has left, and her mother is sinking into agoraphobia. Ariel, a gourmet cook at 13, won $200 for a recipe she plagiarized. And Nicki hides her baby brother's health problems from the other two. Close to death, he later recovers too easily. When the girls decide to sneak out during a sleepover at Matilda's house to undo the ritual, their plans collapse when Matilda's aunt finds out. Ariel and Nicki find solutions within themselves while Matilda, still believing in its magic, goes to undo their ritual herself. When she sees her crush with Ariel, she takes her anger out on her pig collection. Matilda's mother slowly, believably, gets better, the friends reconcile, and Matilda realizes that the pigs represent fond memories. Their San Francisco suburb provides a keen sense of place. Discovering Pig Magic is a reflection on friendship, responsibility, and hope. The author takes these virtues seriously, but her story needs to be livelier to be magical.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 4–6—Ab Peterson and Bean Carver are back for another exciting adventure on Penobscot Island off the coast of Maine. The danger-prone teens thwart drug runners, escape from federal agents, and side-rail assassins. When Ab first arrives on the ferry from New York, Bean is concerned that his longtime friend has grown up too much. She doesn't seem anything like his mystery-solving pal from the summer before. To make matters worse, she has brought along a spoiled Middle Eastern princess, Dahab, and her strict governess, Miss Termagaunt. Bean's feelings are hurt by Ab's snub, but he has bigger problems to handle. Meanwhile, Ab grows bored with her new lifestyle and vows to repair her friendship with Bean. She follows him and his friend Spooky, quickly realizing that the two boys are hiding a big secret. Readers will not be able to put down this fast-paced mystery that doesn't slow down until the neat conclusion. Fans of the previous two novels will enjoy seeing the romance blossom between Bean and Ab.—Julie Shatterly, South County Regional Library, Charlotte, NC

Gr 6–9—Tommy Latrella, 15, attends Xaverian High School near his home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He is trying to carve out an identity distinct from his idolized older brother, James, a firefighter killed in the 9/11 attacks. Skipping school, endlessly riding the subway, tagging, being a slacker—everything he does aggravates his dad but gives him some feeling of personal freedom and separates him from the mindless multitudes, the "sheep" he sees all around him. Having decided to chuck it all, he buys a bus ticket to Las Vegas, but can't resist playing one last prank, which has the unintended consequence of panicking people waiting at a subway stop. In the ensuing confusion, Tommy is knocked out and wakes up in 1918. A fish out of water, he teams up with a homeless boy, gets a job digging subway tunnels, and endures heartbreak when loved ones die during the flu epidemic. Subsequent leaps forward through time take him to a Depression-era Hooverville in Central Park and working for the Mob, then forward again to World War II army paratrooper training. At each stop, Tommy learns about the city's past as well as important lessons about hard work, personal responsibility, and freedom. While the premise is not original, the narrative is compelling. Tommy is an interesting, if not at first a particularly likable, guy. The pace is quick, the Big Apple landmarks will be familiar to many, and the history, while necessarily condensed, comes alive. A fun, exciting story.—Joel Shoemaker, South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 5–8—Zoe Bennett feels out of place at her progressive school. Her older siblings—one a talented actress and the other a math genius—deserve to be there, but Zoe isn't so sure that she does. And while it may be something that she's thought to herself, she isn't prepared to hear the head of her division suggest that she should "consider other options." On top of her school trouble, Zoe's best friend, Dara, seems to be pulling away, hanging with more popular girls, and the strange new student, Lucas, is convinced that Zoe has a gift for reading codes and ciphers. When encrypted notes begin appearing in the lockers of some of the popular girls, she is a suspect and all of her problems come to a head. Zoe's reactions are believable, and readers will follow along as she gains confidence and tries to figure out what she wants and where her passion lies. Keys for the ciphers in the book are appended, as is a short bibliography.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 4–6—This hi/lo story uses a realistic school setting to present an obvious moral with a little "magick" thrown in. The story follows Lizzie and Rachel's fight over who will date Kyle. When Rachel frames Lizzie so that a teacher thinks she cheated on a test, the wronged girl's new neighbor teaches her how to get revenge using a spell. It backfires, showing Lizzie that there are consequences to getting even. In the end, the girls learn that life is about more than being mean. This book will be useful as assigned reading or as part of a lesson, but it's too heavy-handed to have much appeal among general readers.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8 Up—It's the summer before college and Auden goes to her father's house in the small coastal town of Colby for some well-earned R&R. Having no plans other than to preread textbooks for her first-semester classes at Defriese University, the would-be bookworm's solitude is quickly disrupted by Thisbe, her colicky new half sister. Strolling the boardwalk with a fussy baby and late night coffee runs at the Gas/Gro lead to chance encounters with the locals, whose main pastime revolves around Colby's bike park. Auden's curiosity is piqued by Eli, a bike-shop worker whose reserved, solitary nature seems to match her own. Her social sphere widens when Heidi, her sleep-deprived stepmom, asks for some bookkeeping help in her fashion boutique, and Auden is drawn into the circle of girls who work and hang out there, including Maggie, the clerk also bound for Defriese in September, and sidekicks Leah and Esther. Auden joins in on evening rituals of "store-going," eating junk food, and house parties while keeping her budding relationship with Eli to herself. Even Dessen's minor characters are multifaceted and interesting. Readers will be most absorbed by Auden and Eli's romantic friendship, the type soul mates are born of, played out in the bike shop, Colby's all-night Laundromat, and coffee shops. This summer vacation-themed story will be savored.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 10 Up—This debut novel takes place over 24 hours in 1993, as sophomore Scotty Loveletter makes his way from Stillwater Academy in Connecticut to a Grateful Dead concert in nearby Freedom, NY. He and his drug-dealing roommate start out together, but then Todd abandons him in Grand Central Station, and he makes his way on his own. Subplots involving Scotty's unresolved emotions for his soon-to-be ex-stepfather and his collapsing friendship with Todd (symbolized by a handgun the boys wield with impunity) add tension but ultimately go nowhere. Pervasive drug use and references, raw language, and some callous references to homosexuality make this title appropriate only for older teens. However, they may not relate to the Dead Head culture, particularly references to Jerry Garcia's allure, song lyrics, and bootleg tapes. Most troublingly, the novel glorifies drug culture and Scotty's irresponsible ways. He claims to seek the "karmic serenity" of Jerry Garcia, but he belittles, frightens, or inconveniences everyone he meets along the way. Freaked aims to be a Catcher in the Rye at a Dead show, but unfortunately this long, strange trip is just a muddle.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 5 Up—For children, this book will serve as an introduction to classic Western tales, poems, and songs (no music included), and their parents will probably end up singing the theme from such selections as the 1960s television series Rawhide! or "Desperado" by Don Henley and Glenn Frey of the Eagles or "Rocky Raccoon" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The 72 entries include works by famous writers such as Stephen Vincent Benet, Walt Whitman, Brett Harte, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Folk songs include "Home on the Range" and "This Land Is Your Land." The ballads tell the stories of Daniel Boone, Paul Bunyan, and Pecos Bill, and references are made to television shows such as The Lone Ranger and Tonto. Historical-based entries tell the stories of the Little Big Horn and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Westerners of all genders and colors are represented. Colorful, often full-page, exquisitely produced illustrations by artists such as Frederic Remington, N. C. Wyeth, and Winslow Homer bring the words to life. Overall a visual delight, this stunning book is an excellent addition to art and literature collections and could be utilized for interdisciplinary teaching.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 5–9—It's 1939 and 13-year-old Daniel is aboard a ship filled with Jewish refugees fleeing Hitler's Germany. Having been turned away from harbors in New York and Canada, the exiles seek entry into Cuba. His parents were unable to get passage for themselves, and when he's finally allowed to come ashore, Daniel finds himself alone in an unfamiliar country. Two new friends help him to adjust and heal. David, an elderly Russian Jew, came to the island many years before and has assimilated into the culture. Paloma, 12, sympathizes with the exiles and keeps secret the fact that her father is a corrupt official with the power to grant or deny entry visas. As World War II continues and Cuba becomes unfriendly to non-Jewish German refugees, the three friends are determined to save an elderly couple from persecution. Engle's prose poems in this novel in verse are spare yet complete, conveying worlds in a few brief lines. The character development is convincingly realistic: Daniel not only comes to accept his new life but also learns to assist others; quiet Paloma gets braver as the story progresses, taking enormous risks to help refugees; and David's compassion is consistent and reassuring. This book is an outstanding choice for young people of all reading skills. Reluctant readers will be encouraged by the open layout and brief text, and everyone will be captivated by the eloquent poems and compelling characters.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 7–9—When 14-year-old Ernie's best friend, Mike, picks basketball camp for their summer getaway, Ernie is none too pleased. His biggest social hurdle is his stuttering, so new situations are stressful. Camp starts out rocky when he flubs some easy shots in a first-day pickup game and is nicknamed "Choke" by the camp bully, Rick Craig. To make matters worse, Mike has befriended Rick and his cronies. Then Rick, Mike, and the "cool gang" pass out in a shed after drinking and smoking and are trapped when it catches on fire, and Ernie averts a tragedy and becomes a hero. The camp even names an award after him: the Ernie Dolan Most Inspirational Camper Award. He now has the confidence to conquer the basketball championship and win the pretty girl at the neighboring soccer camp. In the final two chapters, Ernie, now 21, has won a one-year contract as a sports announcer for ESPN. Fink weaves a familiar story with predictable plot elements. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the detailed accounts of the action on the court and the camaraderie that comes with athletic camps. Reluctant readers, especially boys, will like this sitcom-style novel with its even pacing and easy-to-follow story line.—Mairead McInnes, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, NY

Gr 5–9—In this concluding book in the trilogy, George, 13, and Edie, 12, finally face their enemies the Walker, the Last Knight, and the Ice Devil in a battle that may destroy them. In a cold, snowy alternate London, the clock has struck 13, freezing time. An evil darkness has been released and the city's inhabitants have disappeared, leaving only taints (malevolent statues come to life) and spits (statues with a soul-like essence) to battle each other with George and Edie in the middle. George has discovered he is a maker and that only he can mend the rent in the Stone and vanquish the darkness. Edie's a glint who can see past events. She has seen her mother's and her own death at the hands of the Walker and wants revenge. A stone vein is climbing up George's arm and unless he can fight and win this final duel, it will continue to spread and turn him into stone. The children are aided and protected by the Gunner, a World War I memorial statue, a cat gargoyle, and a variety of other intriguing statues. George and Edie's action-packed experiences are told in alternate chapters. Their pasts are finally fully revealed, including a surprising connection between them. New readers of this series will be confused since the book does not stand on its own, but those familiar with the earlier titles will be satisfied.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 9 Up—Jordan, a high school junior in Everett, WA, is the best young climber at the local gym where he works, and where he meets his first serious girlfriend. Pete, Jordo's boss, lives for today, and his obscenity-laced speech is matched by Jordo and his friends' off-color banter. Jordo is counting the days till graduation when he has a vague plan to become a second-story man, breaking into homes to finance his adventures. In the meantime, though, he's stuck being one of the smaller boys in school, and he relies on his football star buddies AJ and Casey to protect him from the school bully. AJ is popular with everyone and often climbs with Jordo, but he is not careful enough, a shortcoming that causes a tragedy. If there's a weakness in this bildungsroman, it might be that the main character's life is too good to be true as, within a short time, he experiences his first kiss, first sex, first too-drunk-to-care, and first summiting of Mount Rainier. Only his lack of money causes problems. But the author maintains a quick pace, the descriptions of climbing are good, and the portrayal of high school life with a strong outside interest is enhanced by detailed descriptions of specific locales, crags, and routes. Foley's focus on a non-ball sport and the protagonist's relatively carefree sexual relationship bring to mind Terry Davis's Vision Quest (Laurel Leaf, 1991). In the end, the plot comes down, not to winning, but to death and its aftermath. Teens will likely find this book sobering and thought provoking.—Joel Shoemaker, South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 8 Up—Miranda Merchant arrives at Selkie Island to discover a place wreathed in mist and myth, but the practical, scientifically inclined teen has little use for the local lore. She's come from New York to help her mother oversee the disposal of a family summer home, inexplicably bequeathed to them by an estranged grandmother. As the 16-year-old reluctantly associates with the wealthy, privileged teens who summer on Selkie, she uncovers startling secrets in her family's history and starts a clandestine romance with Leo, a local boy working at the island's marine center, who may or may not be entirely human. Friedman is clearly of a more artistic frame of mind than her protagonist, as floridly romantic scenes and references to Shakespeare and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner abound. With its self-effacing heroine and forbidden, possibly supernatural leading man, the book is aimed squarely at the "Twilight" crowd, but folklore buffs may be disappointed to learn that these resident sea creatures are garden variety merfolk, not the Irish seal-people usually associated with the name. A decent selection where the demand for romantic fiction is high.—Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 8 Up—Seventeen-year-old Shawna Gallagher is the poised daughter of a high-powered physician and a mother who abandoned the family 10 years earlier. Raised to be a fine hostess, excellent student, and future doctor, Shawna finds her "perfect" world unraveling when she gets a fateful phone call from her mother's Jewish lesbian partner, Fran. Shawna's mother has had a stroke and is near death. The teen is thrown into a tumultuous period during which everything she has believed—about herself, her demanding father, her "crazy" mother, her mother's partner, and their family—is open to question. Drawn reluctantly into Fran's family story, Shawna finds herself torn between her father, who is always right and always in control, and these strange people whom she does not want to know, but who somehow speak to her sense of fairness and, even more strangely, family. Shawna's actions seem to bear out her own "split personality," as the consequences of her forbidden involvement with Fran reverberate throughout their lives. Garsee has created an intense, frank novel with fragile, resilient, believable characters. Some relationships almost border on the contrived, but, overall, this is a mature and gripping coming-of-age story.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 4–8—A cat survives a drowning attempt and makes her new home among a community of feral cats. Rachet also joins the wider natural community of foxes, raccoons, skunks, and owls; yet, her every thought, every move, is in line with natural feline behavior. Even Mike, the orphan boy who names Rachet and would love to adopt her, is characterized without sentimentality. He identifies with the cat's survival instinct and is learning to speak cat in his attempt to win her trust, which makes him seem remarkably enlightened compared to the other humans in the story. While George is consistent in her portrayal of the cats as creatures dictated by an instinctual standard of behavior, the book at times is too much science lesson and not often enough story. Pohrt's black-and-white illustrations provide a softer look at the felines, often catching them in the unguarded moments that cat lovers adore: rolling on their backs, enjoying a cozy bed, contemplating a blade of grass. Despite its attractive, almost bucolic cover, the story will appeal more to nonfiction readers than to fans of animal stories.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 7 Up—In this third installment, Aphra Connolly is in hiding in France along with her CIA-agent mother, Natalie. After seven months of peaceful anonymity, their location is discovered by one of The Mole's henchmen, a shadowy figure who wears snakeskin boots and has the distinctive smell of cheap French cigarettes. Aphra and her mother must escape and make their way to Paris, where they reestablish contact with the CIA. However, when Natalie's contact is found drowned with denim ligatures around his hands and feet and a cryptic note stuffed in his mouth, Aphra decides to embark on a dangerous mission to Italy to be reunited with her true love, Seth, and trap The Mole. Although lacking in well-developed characters, the breezy plot has enough fast-paced action to please mystery lovers and reluctant readers alike. This novel can stand alone, but most readers will want to go back to Death by Bikini and Death by Latte (both Sleuth/Speak, 2008) before diving into this fluffy read.—Amy V. Jackson, Homewood Middle School, AL

Gr 7–10—Kendall, 16, is less than enthusiastic about moving from Chicago to a small town in Georgia. Her first days in her new home are characterized by insomnia, strange aches and pains, and ghostly voices disturbing the small-town quiet. She befriends Loreen, the town psychic, and Celia, a budding paranormal investigator; and with their support and guidance, Kendall decides to explore the unusual phenomena that have recently plagued her. They assemble a small ghost-hunting team and prepare to take on the antagonistic spirit that is haunting city hall, where Kendall's father works. Unfortunately, this book fails to evoke more than mild creepiness, as most scenes involving ghosts are interspersed with extremely dry and detailed descriptions of ghost-hunting equipment and procedures. The trite, clichéd conversations are peppered with popular-culture references that will date the book quickly, and the characters exhibit overblown reactions and frequent, inexplicable shifts of mood and opinion. At the happy, sappy conclusion, every member of the ghost-hunting team is basking in romantic affection, and Kendall is left with the prospect of many more successful ghost hunts to fill the rest of her high school years. Die-hard fans of Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted might enjoy this book, but they will find it a poor substitute for the shows themselves.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 5–9—Freshmen at their San Antonio high school, best friends Olivia and Fatima form a strong bond with Vanna, a recent and reluctant transplant from Plano. The three met at summer band camp and are all in the marching band. Each one has her own issues: Fatima deals with being overweight; Olivia with shyness and the recent loss of her father; and Vanna with her parents' divorce. Goldbach has a deft touch as she tackles these problems, never drifting into melodrama and creating a very realistic story of friendship. Each girl comes across as a well-developed individual, and several of the supporting characters are equally interesting, including their book-smart guy pal, Alex, and cool indie rock fan, Jake. The parents are portrayed as decent yet flawed individuals who truly want the best for their daughters. The richly detailed descriptions of San Antonio and its cultural traditions add depth and flavor. While the author does deliver a predictable happy ending, she leaves things not quite perfect as these girls' lives are still very much under construction.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 6–8—With the closing of Drury Theater, orphaned Cat is without a home. Then Mr. Sheridan makes a request that keeps her from life on the streets. She becomes his spy in the French Revolution, as well as a French ballerina; the target of an angry mob eager for a hanging; the prisoner of a local gang leader; a thief; and liberator of her English friends, Lord Francis, Lady Elizabeth, and their parents, accused of treason and rotting in a French prison. Readers who missed the first two books won't understand the many references to prior events, friends, and enemies Cat has made since being abandoned at The Drury Theater. They might be compelled to continue reading for the interest they take in Cat, but it's best to start the series at the beginning in order to enjoy this fast-paced adventure in which Cat suffers more, learns to have faith in herself, and becomes a deeper character as a result.—Catherine Trinkle, Hickory Elementary, Avon, IN

Gr 4–6—After her brother's unexpected death from a rare heart ailment, adventurous Annie Richards changes into an overly cautious child who diligently tries to prevent any illness or accident happening to her. Each cut or bump is bandaged. Instead of racing her friend Rachel on her bike, the 10-year-old invents turtle racing to see who can ride the slowest. Games she deems too dangerous are avoided. Annie's neighborhood is filled with friends and neighbors who care, but too often she sees the "dead brother" look on their faces. Only when Mrs. Finch moves into the long-vacant "haunted" house in the neighborhood, and Annie attempts to sell her outdated Junior Sunbird cookies, do things begin to change. Friendship, shared moments, and some careful listening help Annie close her umbrella of sadness. As in The Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower (2008) and The Thing About Georgie (2007, both HarperCollins), Graff has created a lively, quirky individual who tells her story with frankness and humor. Annie's three friends come across as real kids who treat Annie's eccentricities with a mixture of understanding and occasional anger. A more complex read than Andrea Beaty's Cicada Summer (Abrams, 2008), Annie's story deals with death with sensitivity, love, and understanding.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 8 Up—Consumed with fitting in, 15-year-old Tamika tries to cover her hearing aids with her hair. She wants to be pretty and secretly dreams of being liked by her friend Jimmi, an 18-year-old war veteran who's been severely damaged by his experiences, turned to drugs, and cast out by society. But things don't seem to be going her way and Tamika copes by turning off her aids and shutting out the world. This angers her mother who is working two jobs to earn enough to pay for her daughter's auditory surgery. Tamika isn't sure she wants to hear again, until she meets and befriends Fatima, a vibrant illegal immigrant from Africa who comes to her Bronx neighborhood. Filled with uncertainty, identity confusion, and fear, the three teens form a friendship. Still, they are continually socially and physically abused by gangs and one day the threats go too far, Jimmi is almost killed, and immigration deports Fatima. Tamika survives to move on, with her mother's help. Griffin serves up hard-hitting descriptions of urban life and reflective street dialogue. This poetic, yet sometimes cryptic read is about being smart, resilient, and humane in an often-unforgiving world.—Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL

Gr 8 Up—Poe Holly's mother has left for South America, obviously caring more about healing sick strangers in the jungle than being a parent to her own daughter. Sixteen-year-old Poe is sent off to live with her long-absent father in her mother's absence. Starting a new school, making new friends, and getting to know the man who is her father would be enough for any teen, but not for Poe. After meeting her much-picked-on neighbor, a misfit boy nicknamed Velveeta, she also takes on the crusade to change the school's unfair policies and end the reign of the bully making Velveeta's life miserable. Poe is a likable teen who speaks her mind and stands up for what she believes. The bullying and the strong language are realistic, and the author does not shy away from the violence of Velveeta's situation. Brutal can be just that, but teens who pick up this book will discover well-developed characters and a plot that seizes their attention at the very beginning and holds it captive throughout the story.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 5–8—In Canada, in 1958, 11-year-old Carolyn Jamieson has seen too much travail come to the people she loves. Her mother works overtime to scrape together enough to live on; her neighbor "Aunt Jean" struggles to afford medical care; and her friend Jimmy, Jean's son, is transformed into a drooling, challenged, diaper-wearing young man as the result of an accident. Worst of all, contrary to what everyone is led to believe–that Jimmy fell from a swing–Carolyn knows the truth of happened to him at the hands of his abusive, drunkard uncle. Like a steady beat that pulses louder and louder, the story unfolds against a backdrop of postwar social and political concerns and Remembrance Day. Carolyn is a passionate and feisty character, delineated with love and precision, and readers will be drawn to her. A compelling and satisfying novel.—Emily Chornomaz, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—"I want my life to be how I see it, not how it is," says 12-year-old Junebug Cantrell. This vision is shown in her love of theater, and in her narrative that alternates between "Here's how I see it" and "Here's how it is." She has an outlet of sorts, working at her parents' summer-stock theater. This year, however, is one where "how it is" is tough. Junebug's father, Cassius, suffers a heart attack for which she feels responsible; her parents separate with little explanation why; there are signs that Cassius is having a dalliance with the lead actress; and most infuriating of all is the arrival of Trace Weaver, soon to be appointed intern. Junebug refers to him derogatively as "Thespis," after Cassius refers to him as "quite the young thespian." Junebug is puzzled then angered by Trace's odd, seemingly rude behavior: not making eye contact, stuttering, and a need to create order. After she blows up and says cruel, insulting things about him that he hears, she learns that he suffers from Asperger's syndrome, explained in a few lines with some pretty astute self-reflection from him. There is a peace-making between them, and he makes great strides in his ability to socialize, complete with eye contact and a cohesive, flowing conversation. This sudden transformation seems rather far-fetched. Regardless, this is an enjoyable read, especially for theater buffs.—Tracy Weiskind, Chicago Public Library

Gr 7–10—This sappy teen romance is set during the summer in "an itty bitty town on the Carolina coast." When Savannah, 15, meets out-of-towner Jackson, 18, it's pretty much love at first sight. Savannah is plagued with uncontrolled asthma, which is used to move the plot along and provide some much-needed drama. In fact, the asthma is a metaphor for Savannah's feelings about both her father (it started the day he deserted the family 12 years ago) and Jackson (she always seems to breathe easier when he's nearby). It also serves to mirror her feelings of control over her own life. Savannah and Jackson must endure a brief, but oh-so-painful separation when he has to return home to help his newly widowed mama cope with his brothers, but true hearts are meant to be together. Though the lesson is endearing, as both teens are supportive of and sweet to one another and to their respective families, the novel itself is uninspired. Southern dialect is used in the first-person narration as well as the dialogue, and the language (sprinkled generously with cuss words) quickly becomes tedious. While many of the emotions expressed are spot-on, even devoted romance fans will soon become bored with the book's underdeveloped characters, minimal conflict, and difficult-to-believe coincidences.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 4–7—Libby, 12, hails from a farm family that raises beef cattle in rural Indiana. Continuing in the Ryan tradition, she plans to compete in the steer competition at the annual Practical County Fair. The novel opens in September, when she picks two newborn calves. When Piggy, the favored one, injures his leg and must be slaughtered for beef, she is crushed. She had raised Piggy and Mule as pets, against her elders' advice, and now turns to vegetarianism. Libby's mother, meanwhile, has been urging her to enter the Beef Princess pageant at the fair, arguing that she would be a far better representative of the county than the rude, self-centered Darling sisters, cloyingly named Precious, Lil, and Ohma. Libby does enter the pageant, trading her holey jeans for a thrift-store dress, but another contestant wins. True satisfaction comes when Libby and Mule earn the Reserve Grand Champion in the steer competition, bringing pride to the Ryans and their farm. In victory Libby savors a delicious cheeseburger with her family and realizes that she has learned something about saying goodbye to animals she loves. Her narration inclines toward telling rather than showing the action, and several characters are not fleshed out, yet this first novel provides a robust glimpse of Midwestern farm culture while unabashedly championing the taste of quality beef.—Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT

Gr 6–9—School is hard enough without being gifted—and no, not gifted like a 2400 on the SATs. It's a completely different sort. On the surface, Amanda Beeson is the coolest girl at Meadowbrook Middle School, the unrivaled Queen Bee. Who would have guessed that she unintentionally body snatches, taking full control of anyone she feels sorry for? To her disgust, she finds herself living as Tracey, a nerdy nobody. Through Tracey's body, Amanda discovers the school's population of assorted freaks, a future fortune-teller, a sixth-senser, and others. Better Late Than Never continues the rapid page turning of Out of Sight. Jenna, a tough cookie who is able to read minds, meets a man who claims to be her father. Should she give in and finally trust someone, or is he someone to be feared? Kaye draws her readers in from the get-go, satisfying them in each book, but leaving them wanting more. Strong female characters take the lead in each title, but the author also brings in perspectives of the other "gifted" students throughout. Both selections are fast paced and entangling, giving them wide appeal, particularly for reluctant readers.—Emily Chornomaz, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—Calen, a young mage-in-training, is vaguely dissatisfied with his life. Learning magic isn't as exciting as he thought, he's alone much of the time and always in trouble with his master for something. Then he meets Princess Meglynne and an unlikely friendship begins. Meg has secretly a dragon baby she found and is discovering all sorts of complications with keeping it secret. Calen helps her learn more about dragons and through his studies finds out more about magic and his own unique talents. When they discover that treachery is afoot, they must find a way to save the kingdom with only their wits and their talents. This is an exciting fantasy that draws in readers from the start. Knudsen does a fantastic job of creating sympathetic and realistic characters that really drive the story. The tale is adventurous and exciting with many twists and turns along the way. The ending is satisfying yet leaves room for sequels, which readers will be clamoring for. A page-turner.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 8 Up—Set at the end of the Second Punic War, this exciting tale opens in Carthage when Sara, the daughter of a local senator and sea trader, hears the devastating news that her brother, a soldier, is dead, and that the Romans are coming. Grabbing only essential supplies, she and her father flee the city on one of the family ships, just back from a trading expedition. Sara, a feisty, clever, but proper Carthaginian young woman, shakes her father from his grief-induced lassitude and does what is necessary for their survival. As the voyage progresses, they take onboard an injured Roman soldier suitable for ransom, deal with a deceitful business contact, and join a Roman ship to defeat pirates. When Sara's father dies, she must find a way to chart her own course in a male-dominated world. Though Sara seems to adjust a bit quickly to her losses, she is well-rounded and complicated. While most of the other characters have fewer dimensions to them, they are believable. What is most engaging is Lawrence's ability to re-create the ancient Mediterranean world—the care of the wounded, shipboard life, the complicated trade that existed between cities—and to explore situations true to the historical period. A grand sea adventure and coming-of-age story.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

Gr 4–6—Fifth-grader Harper Lee Morgan has a lot on her mind. Her father left a year ago, her mother has fallen behind on the rent, and her five-year-old brother waits every day on the porch for his father's return. A talented writer, she desperately wants to enter an upcoming poetry contest. All of her worries can be forgotten when she is writing poetry or her mother is reading To Kill a Mockingbird to her and Hem. Then her family is evicted and they move to a local motel, where the children meet Lorraine and Randall Kelley, who live in a nearby tent encampment with their mother. Lorraine hasn't spoken since a fire destroyed her family's apartment. Hem and Harper meet Lorraine and Randall's friend Dorothy, an elderly widow who once owned the land that the motel is on and still lives in a cabin behind it. It is through these friendships that Harper discovers what really is important to her—poetry, family, friends, and the home you make with them. This is a timely tale of families on the edge with no fathers in sight, mothers struggling to keep it together, and the difficulties of recovering once you hit bottom. But the power of words—whether in poetry or a favorite book—to soothe, make things better, and give a new perspective is always there. Memorable characterizations fill the book with realistic individuals whom readers will root for and celebrate with when their lives finally begin to improve.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—The man who created "The Chronicles of Narnia" started practicing his craft at the age of eight by writing plays and stories set in another imaginary kingdom, Boxen. Lewis's juvenile writings, which probably ceased after he turned 13, were first published by Harcourt in 1985. This hardback volume is a repackaging of the older title with a few new additions. It retains "The History of Boxen" by Walter Hooper, once an assistant to Lewis, relegating it to the end of the volume. Douglas Gresham's brief, avuncular introduction, aimed at children, describes the circumstances under which Lewis—then called Jack—and his brother Warnie created the Boxen stories out of imaginary play with their toys. Two new pieces have been added, along with a larger selection of the boys' black-and-white drawings and maps. The glossy paper allows for a loving reproduction of watercolor paintings illustrating scenes from the Boxen manuscripts. Lewis's juvenilia, with its large cast of well-developed characters, reveals an early ability to develop plot and shift scenes for maximum drama, as well as an astute understanding of politics and human complexities. One character "carries an atmosphere of impudence and unpaid bills." Libraries may want to purchase this volume where interest in Lewis is high, but, however beautifully presented, Lewis's childhood writings have limited appeal outside the passionate circle of Narnia's fandom.—Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams

Gr 5–7—Cody Saron is a regular James Bond at the young age of 13. After exploring the world and fighting crime with his dad, an undercover CIA agent, he is sent to live with his aunt in Connecticut when things get a little too intense. For the first time in his life, he is attending a public junior high. Navigating the choppy social waters of school is far more difficult than all of the secret missions in Santiago. Logsted does a good job of combining crime-fighting action and middle-school angst with current issues. Cody befriends an older neighbor who has just returned from serving in the military and has lost an arm. Throughout the book, Cody has a feeling that he is being watched, and when his suspicions turn out to be true, he must rely on his years of defense training for help. He is a master at martial arts, and this skill makes for action-packed sequences. The secondary characters are a bit clichéd; the gym teacher is a complete blowhard, the assistant principal is wound too tight, and gangs of bullies attack the slow chubby kid. While not considered top-rate fiction, the story will hold the attention of reluctant readers.—Mairead McInnes, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, NY

Gr 9 Up—Both Tasha, a California beach babe who prefers fun in the sun to studying in the library, and Emily, her British polar opposite, are forced out of their comfort zones in this amusing story of a student exchange gone wrong. The only thing that these girls have in common is that they are both trying to escape something. For Tasha, it's the embarrassment of baring it all (literally) online and the reputation that follows. For Emily, it's an ex-boyfriend and, hopefully, her control-freak ways that caused the split. Now they are living one another's lives on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Can laid-back Tasha survive an intense course load and disapproving classmates at rigorous Oxford? Can Emily loosen up and learn how to be spontaneous and casual? This is a quick, enjoyable read about how finding oneself often requires leaving behind everything familiar and embracing the unfamiliar. It is also about discovering that the people you think you have the least in common with are sometimes the ones you can truly trust, as well as learn from. Tasha and Emily demonstrate that although they cannot change the past, they can accept it and become better people because of it. McDonald does an excellent job of presenting these lessons in a humorous and entertaining manner.—Robyn Zaneski, New York Public Library

Gr 8–10—This story swings between laugh-out-loud funny and tastelessly raunchy. Hector and his nerdy friends are losers, bullied at school, and don't stand a chance with any of the popular girls after whom they lust. Hector's fainting, vomiting, and headaches send him to a doctor; a brain tumor is diagnosed. The teen's often annoying, amoral tumor, introducing himself as "Jack," berates Hector into improving himself with a cool haircut, new fashion sense, and strategies for snogging the class hottie, Uma Upshaw (whose initials even look like "bra-busters"). In many ways Hector is a typical geeky teenager. His comments on life are often wise, sensitive, and hilarious; his first-person narrative voice is pitch-perfect. His Valium-addicted hippie mom provides a lot of opportunities for his humorous observations. Hector's fear about what is happening to him is palpable and draws empathy. An operation will mean the end of Hector or Jack or both of them. The love-hate relationship between Hector and his alter ego is engaging. But, the abundant penis jokes, sex gags, farting, and use of the f-word and other profanities are over-the-top. One tires of distended testicles, pubic lice, anal probes. The message that brain cancer need not mean the end of one's life and can actually help a teenager stop worrying about his peers is a good one. Too bad the message, Hector's insightful humor, and his love-hate relationship with Jack are buried in so much vulgarity.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 4–6—Elsa Hoff asks Sherlock Holmes and Watson to help her find the fake medium who frightened her Aunt Greta to death. Elsa's aunt genuinely believed that she had seen the ghost of her dead husband, and she dropped dead on the spot. Immediately, Holmes sends for his trusty sidekicks, the Baker Street Irregulars, a group of ragamuffin homeless children. Led by the trusty Wiggins, the Irregulars quickly discover the deceptive medium, but proving that he's a fraud is the real challenge. The boys persevere to unveil the truth but not before they discover hidden passages, savage dogs, and even more adventure. Characters are well developed. A few chapters at the end, such as a slang glossary, suggestions on the art of disguise, and interesting trivia on medium con artists, enhance the mystery. A great addition to an entertaining series.—Julie Shatterly, South County Regional Library, Charlotte, NC

Gr 9 Up—The year is 1815, and 17-year-old Lady Alexandra Stafford is out in society for her first London season: a long sequence of parties where debutantes are paraded in front of eligible bachelors, and finding a husband is of utmost importance. But Alex is an unconventional woman, and this world does not interest her. She prefers independence, despises the thought of an arranged marriage, and hopes to foil her mother's plans to find her a rich husband. Then a family friend, Gavin, the new Earl of Blackmoor, whom Alex had always thought of as a brother, arrives on the scene, and she suddenly realizes that he is not looking at her with brotherly affection. Unfortunately, he is distracted from romance by the suspicion that his father had been murdered. The attempt to solve the mystery of his death places Gavin and Alex in mortal peril. The author excels in her depiction of 19th-century England—the dialogue in the society scenes is spot-on. Alex's character is well developed; however, too many supplemental characters make it difficult to get to know them well. The love scenes between Alex and Gavin are fun and romantic, but too modern to be authentic. Readers of Jane Austen will find elements of this story too anachronistic, but fans of the movies of her novels and light historical romances will enjoy this book.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 5–9—Fans of Survivor will cheer for this hi/lo series. In Blizzard!, Owen and Gray, two teen community-service volunteers, become stranded on the highway en route to their awards dinner. Struggling through deep snow, they must use their combined knowledge (and will) to stay alive until rescue comes. In Shipwreck!, Skylar, Gabby, and Miles survive the sinking of a whale-watching boat only to find themselves stranded on an inflatable raft in the middle of the ocean. The teens endure blistering sun, storm swells, and a shark attack before being rescued. The realistically portrayed teens in both books don't exhibit unreasonable amounts of survival knowledge, which makes the story (and tension) believable. Mangalike black-and-white cartoons highlight key scenes and create interest. The oversize font and plenty of white space surrounding the short, engaging paragraphs make these books perfect for older struggling readers. A brief glossary, a true-life survival story, discussion questions, and writing prompts round out the books.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 10 Up—After the death of her best friend, Candice finds herself uprooted from NYC to a posh small town in Connecticut. Things are going reasonably well, until a midsummer escapade leads to her cousin Pen's near-death experience and possession by a vengeful pre-Revolutionary spirit. Sinclair Youngblood Powers wreaks havoc in town by using Pen's body, and when he tricks Dice into giving him living (and very handsome) flesh, the town goes wild. With Sin at the center, affairs and orgies abound from high school students to retirees. Sin is on a mission to make the descendants of the original settlers pay for his wrongful conviction and hanging more than 200 years before. Dice's growing feelings of love may be the town's downfall or only hope of salvation. Malkin takes a far-fetched premise and gracefully navigates it with intelligence and skill. While she doesn't skimp on the sexually charged atmosphere (the character of Sin and the importance of Dice's mission to stop him would feel hollow without it), she manages to describe the goings-on in a narrative somewhere between explicit acts and puritan pureness. Even the ending is satisfying. Long-term consequences of the tumultuous autumn are discussed, and while characters are left with contentment, they are not provided with pat happily-ever-afters.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 3 Up—This original tale introduces Dende Maro, a golden prince who came into being after the natural world was created and the ancient people longed for someone to show them how to live. The digital collage illustrations, done in vivid colors, provide a fresh interpretation of prehistoric African rock art, where familiar symbols have been colored and duplicated to create large colorful images of humans and nature. The text has a relaxed cadence that leads readers to pause and consider what it would be like to have been alive millions of years ago. Dende Maro teaches the people about the land, plants, animals, music, and art, and "how to care for all the animals and for each other." Younger students may not fully grasp the ideas presented here, but the text and stunning art will convey the sense that humans are connected through nature and art.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 4–6—Tammy is alone. No one else on her block sees through the lies 10-year-old Muscle Man McGinty, a foster child, tells them, her best friend moved away without saying a word, her brother left for college, and his best friend was sent to Vietnam. When Muscle Man declares he can single-handedly beat the entire neighborhood in kickball, Tammy looks forward to trouncing him unmercifully. But the ground keeps shifting under her feet, and it's only when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the Moon that anything begins making sense again. Set in the summer of 1969, Marino's first novel moves with a sometimes-humorous, conflict-driven plot. Some of the characterizations aren't particularly original—tomboyish Tammy can't stand her bossy—girly neighbor while her hardworking, tie-wearing father can't be in the same room with budding-hippie Tim. Still, Marino paints a detailed portrait of the seeming gulf that surrounds a person after loss and the surprising companionship one discovers in the face of desolation.—Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD

Gr 9 Up—Not much happens to high school junior Toni Jo; she doesn't have many close friends and has never had a date. That is, until Pan moves to her small, blue-collar town. He is everything TJ thinks she isn't—attractive, classy, funny—and, much to her disappointment, gay. Pan is also a loner at school. After realizing that they share the same birthday, they get to know one another and become inseparable. However, when TJ starts dating Caspar, her relationship with Pan changes dramatically. TJ is concerned about Pan being bullied at school and encourages him to report it. Ultimately, she feels torn between her best friend and the boy she's falling for. This promising plotline is partially realized through the witty dialogue between the well-developed characters. Beyond that, however, the novel falls flat. At times, the story moves too slowly, and at others, it feels rushed. Also, the idea of fago (introduced by TJ's English teacher as being "from a tribe in the Pacific Islands" and defined as "feeling both affection and worry for someone at the same time") is too heavy-handed throughout. The author leaves little for readers to interpret on their own. Finally, the attitude about sex seems rather cavalier, which does not mesh well with the deep and meaningful relationships that are formed throughout the novel. Readers interested in relationships, gay or straight, might find more satisfaction in works by Sarah Dessen, Julie Anne Peters, or Alex Sanchez.—Sarah K. Allen, Thetford Academy, VT

Gr 9 Up—Fans of the fey world will devour this sequel to Wicked Lovely (HarperTeen, 2007). The groundwork laid in that book makes navigating the world of the Summer Queen, Winter Queen, and Dark Court easier, although determined readers could make it through this book alone. Marr has created a world both harsh and lush, at once urban and natural, with decaying buildings covered with blooming vines, unkempt Victorian mansions, an overgrown park for the Summer Court, with living Rowan people, gazing ravens, and a mysterious fountain. This world exists within the mortal world and yet remains invisible to most. Aislinn moves uneasily between high school life (although she rarely seems to attend class or study) and her "job" as Summer Queen, a role that increasingly pervades every aspect of her life and draws her deeper into Faerie. Chasteness is not a particularly valued faery trait, and descriptions of interactions, while not explicit, have a mature sensuality and desire. Keenan, Seth, and "Ash" are respectful of boundaries, although the longing to be physically close is never far from the surface, and is sometimes acted upon. Tattoos, body piercing, pool halls, and smoking are portrayed as glamorous parts of teen life. Wicked Lovely, Fragile Eternity, and their companion, Ink Exchange (HarperTeen, 2008), would be good suggestions for fans of Maggie Stiefvater's Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Flux, 2008).—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

Gr 6 Up—In this follow-up to The Night Tourist (Hyperion, 2007), Jack Perdu wants to get the attention of Cora Flores, a fellow member of the Chapman High School Latin Club. She brings his rival, Austin, along for a date that Jack has arranged, but Jack gamely takes them both on some urban underground exploring. He leads them to the underworld where he is reunited with Euri, the suicide victim who was his guide on his previous visit. The presence of living, breathing humans sets off a security alert, which means that the teens can't get out the way they came in. And after three days, they will become permanent underworld residents. But there are secret ways out. With the clock ticking, they journey aboveground in nighttime Manhattan, and, with Euri's help, Jack tries to find the ghost who mapped the city's underground passages while at the same time avoiding security ghosts and the three-headed dog, Cerberus. The discovery that Austin is still in the underworld adds another layer to a mystery that involves Euri, who, it turns out, is a poltergeist. With its references to Greek myth, the book will remind readers of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series (Hyperion/Miramax). While the rules of the underworld sometimes seem arbitrary, the race-against-time narrative will keep readers flipping pages, and the characterization, especially Jack's selflessness, creates some genuine emotion. This one is for libraries in which fantasy is popular, which is probably most of them.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 5–8—In the tiny mountain town of Faith, CO, nothing much happens. When pets start disappearing, Rob and Phoebe look for clues on a nearby trail and soon find themselves face to face with a synapsid. This Permian Era creature, whom they call Sid, tells them that he's found holes in time and can travel through them. But he is not alone: another synapsid, a Gorgonopsid, can do the same and is refusing to return to their own era, which would mean that the human race would never exist as he is the crucial link in the mammalian evolutionary chain. His fate and that of Faith are inextricably linked, and the kids travel through time to set things right while also dealing with a ruthless human villain who is using the Gorgon for his own ends. This is an exciting story, but with several plot holes. How the synapsids travel through time is only vaguely explained and seems almost magical, and the scientific aspects—particularly details about the creatures—are murky. Occasional instances of awkward phrasing are jarring, and the meandering story line is occasionally distracting. However, the relationships between the characters, especially Phoebe and Rob, ring true. The villain is greedy and evil, with enough menace to make his downfall appropriate. Sid's character is too good to be true, yet readers will root for him anyway. While not a must-purchase, this book is appropriate for larger collections.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 8 Up—Marni is one of a foursome of the most popular, beautiful, and, above all, plastic girls in Bennington School's senior class. "The Diamonds" never do anything partway, so when opportunity knocks, they not only join a class originally designed to teach students about government by reenacting famous court cases, but also take it over. Under the direction of alpha-girl and ice-queen Clarissa, the activity morphs into a twisted version of peer mediation as the teens become judges and mete out punishments designed to bring Bennington's social order to its knees. When Marni gets drunk and is caught in a compromising position with Clarissa's ex-boyfriend, she finds herself in the defendant's chair. In stereotypical "sidekick who has seen the light" fashion, she spearheads a group of students from across the social spectrum to reveal to the administration Clarissa's draconian methods. This novel aims to join the ranks of the "alpha-girl lit" world, but it falls short of its peers. The characters are largely flat representations of social stereotypes and the adult endorsement of the Diamonds' status feels far-fetched. For intrigue, plot twists, and fully realized ice queens, send readers to old standbys like Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series or Lisi Harrison's "Clique" books (both Little, Brown).—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 4–6—Having saved Crampton Rock from werewolves and ghostly pirates in The Wooden Mile and The Icy Hand (both Roaring Brook, 2008), Stanley Buggles hopes that his island manor house is finally secure. Alas, Candlestick Hall hides the Ibis—an ancient relic that calls up a horde of even more evil pirate specters—including the fiendish Angel Cuzco, the most terrible buccaneer of all. The sinister spirits converge on the island, seeking the relic and the silver casket that it unlocks. Warned of the advancing armada by a Gypsy fortune-teller, Stanley calls on his friend Daisy and on the magical talking pike that used to hang on the parlor wall. Although the three adventurers don't know what the casket contains, they know that disaster will follow if it falls into the pirates' skeletal grasp. But what can a boy, a girl, and a stuffed fish do against the vilest scum that ever sailed the seven seas? Although this blend of pirates and ghosts has some scary moments, the plot action is uneven and depends heavily on the previous books. While the pirate talk is suitably salty, the kids' dialogue often seems rather stiff. The eerie, darkly humorous black-and-white cartoon illustrations will attract readers, but those unfamiliar with Stanley's earlier adventures are likely to be confused by this one.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 9 Up—Neri's novel catches readers' interest on the very first page and propels them to the end in this intense, funny, and exciting read. Logan lives in Southern California. He is planning to graduate with his best friend, Z-boy, and then spend the summer catching killer waves before he goes off to college. All seems well until one of his friends dies surfing, Z-boy is not able to graduate, and he learns that his college fund has been frozen to cover his alcoholic father's debts. With the world drowning him faster than a killer wipe-out, Logan can't figure out how he can make money until Broza, the local pot dealer, offers him and Z-boy a cross-country trip to deliver marijuana in Florida, a journey that involves a number of life-threatening situations. Reluctant readers will be hooked on this fast-paced, interesting adventure. Difficult and realistic choices face all of the characters, making the story one that teenagers can relate to. There is drinking, strong language, some drug use, and sex, so this is best suited to an older audience, but it is a definite buy.—Richard Winters, Wasco High School, CA

Gr 7 Up—Part romance, part problem novel, part cautionary tale, this book is full of drama. Kenisha Lewis's mother has just died, and the 15-year-old is having a great deal of difficulty accepting her suicide. Confused and angry, she makes choices in her troubled mental state that defy logic—adult logic, that is. Kenisha gets caught up in neighborhood violence, wild parties, and deception. She has "drama" with her father and with her former boyfriend's "baby mamma," and has fights in school. She also has best girl friends who are there for her; a wise, but strict grandmother; a big sister who is a role model; and a gentle, understanding new boyfriend. Norfleet captures African-American life as it might be experienced by an upwardly mobile young black female. The story has plenty of action and rapid-fire movement, which should make it a hit with reluctant readers.—Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ

Gr 9 Up—Matt and Francesca (Frankie) Perino and their neighbor Anna have been best friends since they were toddlers, but now Anna's feelings for Matt go beyond that. Then, on her 15th birthday, he kisses her. From that moment, their relationship flourishes—in private. Knowing Frankie will be upset, Matt wants to wait until his family goes on their annual summer vacation in Zanzibar Bay, CA, where he can talk to her alone. Anna promises to keep their secret. Tragically, Matt dies the night before they leave, and Anna mourns in secret while trying to save volatile Frankie from her grief and a never-ending streak of reckless behavior. One year later, Frankie and her parents return to Zanzibar Bay, taking Anna with them. Frankie declares that this summer Anna will lose her virginity. Anna is conflicted. Can she tell Frankie about Matt without breaking her promise to him? Does she risk getting involved with a new boy, Sam, or will that make her lose Matt all over again? Sex is regularly discussed, but never in explicit detail. The characters are richly developed; as the girls sneak out and meet boys, the differences in their personalities come through, and Frankie's parents' actions and reactions to their loss are well depicted. In the end, the lies that Anna and Frankie have told one another lead to an explosive confrontation. Often funny, this is a thoughtful, multilayered story about friendship, loss, and moving on.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

Gr 3–6—In this volume, Daniel discovers the secret to his amazing ability to shrink to toe size, and he and his toe-sized identical twin, Pablo, have humorous miniature adventures. They snowboard down a hot fudge sundae, surf in the bathtub on a carved bar of soap, and ride model rockets into the sky. These adventures are zestier than those in the previous books and deepen the boys' brotherly bond. Gilpin's pen-and-ink cartoons capture their feelings well and keep the comedy and plot snapping right along. Daniel and Pablo later concoct a plan to sneak into their older sister's locked fashion diary and write irritating notes inside it. But then a surprising turn of events shows Daniel just how much his sisters value him and he realizes that sneaking into Robyn's journal was a dumb thing to do. Family hugs then refresh and reunite everyone. Daniel's chatty, conversational tone increases reader sympathy.—James K. Irwin, Sandy Library, UT

Gr 6–10—This sequel to Airborn (2004) and Skybreaker (2005, both Eos) continues the fabulous adventures of Matt Cruse and Kate de Vries. In classic steampunk fashion, this book blends the best of Victorian society and science fiction. No longer content to be confined to planet Earth, Kate and Matt leap at the opportunity to travel into space when Kate is invited to be a part of the Canadian astralnaut program for her scientific expertise and Matt must undergo rigorous training before he is accepted as a crew member. Unexpected mechanical difficulties, friction among those onboard, sabotage, and encounters with strange alien life-forms test their courage and ingenuity and love for one another. Starclimber is a thrilling roller-coaster ride of a book, full of humor and derring-do and guaranteed to keep readers up long past midnight.—Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to The Comic Book Kid (Front St, 2001), Brian and his friend Paul travel back and forward in time to retrieve a valuable Honus Wagner baseball card. First, the boys go back to 1912 to meet Brian's long-lost relative who is traveling aboard the ill-fated Titanic. They wind up saving the ship, but change history in the process, which imperils their present lives. They must travel into the future and then back in time to a vampire's castle in Transylvania. Osterweil plays fast and loose with historical facts in this far-fetched tale, and breathless escapes and goop abound: "…seconds later I heard a loud slurping sound and an echoing burp. Some blob just ate my shoe!'" When the boys need answers, they turn to their TimeQuest comic or all-knowing Answer Box, which, during the course of their adventures, begins to relay answers in street slang: "Yo G, that pale dude ain't straight-up, and he be whacked, bro!" Though readers who enjoyed the first book will probably want to read this one, fans of time-travel adventures will be better served by either Jon Sciezska's "Time Warp Trio" series (Viking), or Dan Gutman's "Baseball Card Adventures" (HarperCollins).—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 6–8—In this latest installment in the life of a wedding planner's daughter, Willa is enjoying summer break on Cape Cod. She has a great boyfriend, a budding new friendship, and her mother is even letting her plan her aunt Ruthie's upcoming wedding. But things are not all perfect. Her best friend, Tina, has become friends with wealthy and popular Ruby. Her boyfriend is leaving for Florida for a month, and the citizens of Bramble are fighting with the Audubon Society over whether their beach should be reserved for an endangered bird habitat or for residents' enjoyment. The story has a few too many subplots, allowing very little room for actual development of any of them, and the author takes on too many issues, many of which are not resolved by the end of the story. Nevertheless, this is a wholesome summer read with a lot of conscience. Each chapter begins with a meaningful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and readers may enjoy exploring books from "Willa's Summer Skinny-Punch Pix List." Although secondary characters and previous situations are loosely explained, this story does not stand alone, and there is a whopping cliff-hanger at the end. Purchase where the other books in the series are popular.—Jessica Marie, Renton Public Library, WA

Gr 9 Up—Daniel "Sprout" Bradford, 16, does a lot of his thinking out loud, speaking directly to readers in a wisecracking voice about the differences between Long Island, where he used to live, and Kansas, where he and his dad live now. He also shares his thoughts about secrets, lies, friendship, and love. He'd be the first to tell you that he's gay and his hair is dyed green. With encouragement from his hard-drinking English teacher (and benign neglect from his hard-drinking father), the teen navigates the hallways of "uptight" Buhler High with Ruthie, Ian, and Ty, and prepares for an essay contest in Topeka. His advanced vocabulary and esoteric references to Samson, fucate objects, Guns & Ammo, the Borg cube, and a double-entendre on Cumbria will intrigue readers who enjoyed Lemony Snicket's built-in definitions in their younger years. Sprout's wiseacre voice is often very funny and tinged with irony. The flawed adults seem a little unrealistic. The physical scenes are not overly detailed, though the teen's word choices can be a little crude. He will sometimes interrupt a passage that might be getting a little intimate by instructing readers to "Get your mind out of the gutter," or noting, "I'm not going to tell you what we did exactly, but there were a lot of giggles and a couple of ouches." At heart, this is the story of a boy looking for love, all the while knowing that the storybook "happily ever after" isn't going to apply to him.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

Gr 7 Up—In this follow-up to Dead Is the New Black (2008) and Dead Is a State of Mind (2009, both Harcourt), Daisy Giordano and her sisters have just returned to Nightshade from Italy, leaving their mother behind to work on a mysterious case. All three girls have secured summer jobs. Daisy works the early-morning shift at Slim's, Poppy puts in her time at the Snack Shack, and Rose tediously toils for Dr. Franken at a research lab. The psychic siblings quickly find themselves in the middle of a multi-front mystery between a young and dangerous pack of Werewolves running loose on the streets at night and an invasion of some sweet-toothed doppelgangers whose mission is to wreak havoc and destroy the reputations of the citizens of Nightshade. To complicate things, Daisy's dad has returned to town, and the teens are left on their own to determine if he's the real deal or a "DoppelDad." Perez's latest tale does not disappoint as her upbeat writing consistently rings true throughout. While every plot thread isn't neatly tied up, readers are left with the impression that Nightshade is full of intrigue. Point reluctant readers who devour this title to other quick, supernatural reads like Brian James's Zombie Blondes (Feiwel & Friends, 2008) or Rachel Caine's "Morganville Vampires" series (Signet).—Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

Gr 6–9—This action-packed sequel picks up immediately where its predecessor left off, with 14-year-old Adam and Rachel fleeing their mother's childhood village in England after discovering that they are descended from an ancient alien-human pairing. Instead of going home to Manhattan, however, they are held prisoner at the remote Project Hope compound. Although the scientists claim to be engaged in archaeological research, they seem more interested in studying the twins' telepathic abilities and the supernatural powers of the Triskellion amulet that the siblings found in their previous adventure. Adam and Rachel escape the compound with another set of twins and are joined by Gabriel, the mysterious teen from the first book. Their quest to find the second Triskellion takes them across Europe to North Africa. Along the way they are joined by two more sets of twins, and the young people begin to hone their powerful talents. Peterson provides a short prologue with a thumbnail summary of the first novel, but there are still gaps that may puzzle and frustrate readers unfamiliar with it. Though imaginative and centered on two likable teens who are reluctantly uprooted from their normal lives, the novel is far too long. It begins to feel repetitious halfway through the story. Older teens with the patience to finish it may have a hard time identifying with Adam and Rachel, who sometimes seem much younger than 14. Despite these flaws, fans of Triskellion 1 (Candlewick, 2008) will probably enjoy it.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 4–7—This oversize volume follows the fictional musings of a girl in second-century Rome. Born into a wealthy Greek family, Iliona and her brother, Apollo, are captured by pirates while on a journey to Egypt and she is sold as a slave to a senator in Rome. The subsequent diary entries detail life, including relaxing at the public baths, doing chores, and watching gladiatorial games at the Coliseum. Elements of diet, religion, social customs, and politics are included in the clear text. The episodic narrative holds readers' attention while presenting characters from various aspects of Roman life, such as a senator, a soldier, field slaves, and entertainers. Parkins's color cartoon illustrations fill half the page, the text weaving round the images, while full-page illustrations occur at select moments in the text. Truthful to history, different-colored garments reflect different social classes: the vivid red of the legionnaire's uniform, the purple stripe of the senatorial toga, and the dry earth tones of the common tunic are all accurately portrayed. Six pages of factual content appear after the text, including information regarding the legion, games, religion, and engineering; black-and-white illustrations aid this material, including architectural cross-sections and details of legionnaire's equipment. This title should appeal to a broad audience.—Jeff Meyer, Slater Public Library, IA

Gr 7–9—Maisie, Kevin, Chris, and Shakes have been best buds since preschool. But something changes after Maisie spends eighth grade in Wisconsin, living with her mother. When she moves back with her dad and stepfamily to start high school, she finds that her friends are awkward around her, and well…she has boobs now and the boys don't quite know where to look. It's the start of a landslide of changes that confuse, attract, and ultimately blow apart the once impenetrable foursome. Over the course of the novel, Maisie looks back, struggling to understand the events that led up to one particular morning on the school bus and to define or perhaps to deny what really happened when the boys touched her breasts. Was it assault? Did she say "No"? Did Shakes really hold down her hands so she couldn't stop the others? What is hardest for Maisie to admit is that she might have played a role in what happened. It is easier by far to cry victim and she has the support of some angry adults to do that. But while readers will be as outraged as she by the events, something greater lies ahead as Maisie puzzles out the shards of her experience and builds a whole and more honest understanding of what really happened. Continued friendship might not be possible, but discovering her own integrity is worth the effort. This novel portrays early adolescence with all the confusion, denial, delight, and potential that it entails.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 7 Up—This novel is the latest incarnation of the popular and commercially successful "Emily the Strange" series of comic/graphic novels (Dark Horse). The lost days of the title refers to the protagonist's amnesia and the solution to the mystery of who she is, why she's in Blackrock, and her connection to the founder of Blackrock, Emma LeStrande. The story is told through diary entries and illustrations (done in the same black, white, and red color scheme as the comic series). In spite of the amnesia, Emily is still her usual sarcastic, cat-loving self, even when confused by the fact that she knows how to calculate terminal velocity and how to fix an espresso machine but can't remember her name or age or what a baby cat is called. The action moves along with no lulls, and none of the entries or illustrations are superfluous. This is a highly enjoyable read that will appeal to both readers new to the series and Emily fans alike.—Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL

Gr 5–9—The fates of all of the characters are decided, and the true meaning of the prophecy is revealed in this final book in the series. Crafting a finale that lives up to plot developments and expectations created by an ongoing series can be a somewhat daunting task, but Riordan has fashioned a suitably epic battle to wrap up his tale, which begins with a very literal bang as Percy and Charlie Beckendorf go on a mission to destroy Kronos's ship, the Princess Andromeda. Charlie sacrifices himself to ensure the mission's success, and Percy returns alone to Camp Half-Blood only to hear the prophecy involving the choice he will have to make on his 16th birthday in its depressing entirety. While there is a distinct feeling of sadness in leaving these characters, the ending also leaves an opening for stories about new half-blood kids in the future. While readers are sure to be satisfied by the way everything is resolved, there are a few too many deus ex machina rescues in the final battle. The book's message that the Greek gods will die unless we remember them might be a bit simplistic, but the fact is that the "Percy Jackson" books have done a great deal to revitalize interest in mythology. This book is a no-brainer purchase, since most libraries will already have the previous four titles in the series and will have readers anxiously awaiting its arrival.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 4–6—More than 35 years after Freaky Friday (HarperTrophy, 1972) was published, Rodgers introduces a new cast of characters in another tale of switching bodies. Hadley Fox is a geeky, overachieving middle school student who thinks her world is ending when she forgets to prepare for an oral presentation in English class. With her teacher prompting her, she tries to wing it. "What happened next sounds made up but I swear it is completely true." That sentence about sums it up. While reciting a line from To Kill a Mockingbird in unison with Ms. Pitt, they swap bodies. Hadley finds herself interviewing for the English Department Chair position while her teacher becomes a student again. Of course, both of them learn from the experience. Hadley realizes that there's more to life than academics, and her teacher sees the benefits of developing a social life and cutting back on the number of committees she chairs. After the lessons are learned, they accidentally recite the line that got them into trouble the first time and switch back. Rodgers covers no new ground here, but she offers a light story that should appeal to reluctant readers.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Gr 9 Up—In this contemporary coming-of-age story, 14-year-old Cora is emotionally isolated from her parents following the death of her older brother, Nate. As she begins high school, his absence looms large. His "bad boy" reputation makes mention of him off-limits. Only his best friend and accident survivor, Damian, knows who Nate really was. As Cora becomes his friend in art class, Damian slowly reveals Nate's true passion, character, and plans. But her parents blame Damian for the accident and Cora is forced to keep her newfound understanding a secret. Resolution eventually unfolds in a somewhat predictable but satisfying chain of events. Cora is multifaceted, well developed and appropriately contradictory. Her epiphanies about art being the answer to life's problems are overly dramatic but they do obviate the despair and longing for inner peace that she feels. Unfortunately Damian, the one readers are perhaps most curious about, remains more of an enigma. Sandell's story is richly textured with day-to-day complications including the loss of a best friend to a popular clique, budding romance, a father who is drowning his grief in gin, a suddenly overprotective mother, and Cora's own creative potential. But these complications sometimes distract and slow the pace. This book will appeal to students who have experienced the death of someone close, although the depth of that grief is more keenly presented in Brent Runyon's Maybe (Knopf, 2006) or Katherine Spencer's Saving Grace (Harcourt, 2006).—Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School, Livonia, MI

Gr 11 Up—Sixteen-year-old Amy, an honor student returning to school in the fall following a brief stay in an alcohol treatment center, has isolated herself from her friends as punishment for the death of her best friend, Julia. In letters to "J," Amy provides insight into her own character as she reminisces about their shared exploits, including shoplifting, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, and pregnancy tests. It is through these letters, along with Amy's therapy sessions and eventual conversations with family and friends, that the teen acknowledges her role in the fatal car accident. Amy's parents try to overcompensate for their initial ignorance of their daughter's problems but remain clueless as to how to relate to her. All the while, Amy is aware of her need for their attention as she appreciates little things like cooking with her mother. At times slowed by descriptions of school cliques and Amy's rejection of them, the plot is elegantly carried by her honest, clear expression of how she feels about what she is going through.—Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School, Livonia, MI

Gr 7–10—Isabella Leland didn't pick the best time to return to England. Three hundred years earlier she had escaped to the land of faeries after her mother was executed for witchcraft. Now it's the 16th century, and a wild-looking Isabella has mysteriously reappeared near a hermitage she used to visit. There she meets Elizabeth, a Roman Catholic teen whose family is mistreated for their religious beliefs. They form a friendship and share an association with the charitable Lady Catherine. Catherine pays Elizabeth to be her companion and "rescues" Isabella in an effort to tame her. To complicate matters, Elizabeth's family agrees to take in and hide a Catholic priest, putting them in grave danger. Lady Catherine develops a fondness for a priest hunter who stays at her estate while he scours the area for the missing cleric. The priest hunter has Elizabeth's mother arrested for suspicion of treason. The girls' fates twist together as Isabella calls on allies among the faerie folk to help Elizabeth gain her mother's release. Singleton draws a nice contrast between the natural beauty of the forest and the darkness of religious persecution. Readers will root for the girls as they narrowly escape danger and wish for the demise of the evil priest hunter and his entourage. While fans of historical fantasy are sure to enjoy this tale, the plot is rather complicated for less proficient readers, and those unfamiliar with this period will get less than the full story.—Nicki Clausen-Grace, Carillon Elementary School, Oviedo, FL

Gr 6–10—Linked stories set on seven consecutive All Hallows' Eves, from 1943 through 1949, relate Jimmy Cannon's teenage years in Rowlesburg, WV. Central to his story are his two older brothers, his friends, and especially his father, a formidable figure in a long succession of Cannon men who have worked for the B&O railroad. Why then, does Dad insist that Jimmy must not follow in his own footsteps? And what is his father's role in the secretive and mysterious "Society" of local men? This is nostalgia done right, as Jimmy describes the high jinks, the championship football game, the risks and rewards of his part-time job, and other significant events that shape his love for his small hometown at a time and place when the railroad was the town. Telling details and gentle humor help set the scene and reveal a great deal about these characters and their lives. The nature, membership, and duties of "The Society" slowly come to the fore as events transpire that sharpen Jimmy's perceptions and provide him with the insights to consider the possibility of an unknown and very different future than the one he had always imagined. A polished paean to a bygone time and place.—Joel Shoemaker, South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 9 Up—This first book in the new story arc in the "Vampire Diaries" series features the same characters who appeared in The Awakening and the Struggle (2007) and The Fury and Dark Reunion (2008, both HarperTeen). Elena Gilbert has been reborn but is trapped in a childlike state, suffering from amnesia. She not only possesses extraordinary superpowers, but is also a magnet to vampires everywhere. As she regains her adult mind, she loses the ability to control her powers. Damon, who never truly leaves at the end of Dark Reunion, becomes determined to have Elena all to himself. At the same time, a new evil descends on Fell's Church, something far worse and more sinister than anything the town has encountered before. This villainous creature possesses humans, particularly young teenage girls. Even worse is its possession and manipulation of powerful Damon, who is trusted by Elena and her friends. Controlled against his will, he inflicts harm on the people he has promised to keep safe. Smith writes from several different perspectives, which adds some dimension to the plot but it is disjointed and hard to follow. The story is dark, full of suspense, and, at times, extremely creepy. Unfortunately the magical and horror elements are not thoroughly convincing, and this new evil seems to come right out of a Japanese anime comic. Purchase where Smith has a fan base or there is a strong vampire following.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 3–6—During an Iowa summer, two sets of sibling neighbors—first-grader Emma and fifth-grader Henry, fifth-grader Roy and seventh-grader Susan—are getting bored. Luckily, adventure looms in the shape of a huge wall in the middle of a cornfield. When the children discover that it is magic and figure out its rules and parameters, they are transported to Merlin's castle, the American frontier, the home of "the worst pirate in the world," modern-day New York City, and an ice-cream shop and a movie theater. This book begins with a quote from Edward Eager's Seven-Day Magic (Houghton, 1999) and, as in his fantasies, the charm of the story lies not just in the magic, but also in how four kids figure out how it works, what to do with it, and how to get along at the same time. That magic, like everything else, has consequences is made clear to the youngsters, especially when their adventures saddle them with a large, wounded, lovable, homeless dog to take care of. Snyder's fresh, down-to-earth voice is complemented by Pham's energetic illustrations, which seem at once retro and modern. Fantasy fans will enjoy this novel, but so will readers who like stories about ordinary kids.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8 Up—As book three in a complicated trilogy, Cathy's Ring is like a series of inside jokes among friends that outsiders will never understand. The authors make a feeble attempt to explain the basics of the story, but characters and situations creep up that are impossible to comprehend without having read the previous two books. Figuring out how the characters relate to one another is too challenging at times to enjoy the action-packed thriller this book is intended to be. In the confusing plot, Cathy is being targeted by a group of professional killers who work for Ancestor Lu, who wants the anti-immortality serum that Cathy stole. Cathy is dealing with her immortal father and boyfriend while she grows older each day. She decides to leave town to escape the hired guns, but they seem to show up at every turn. Her friends convince her to stay and fight Ancestor Lu, and they develop a plan to use the serum to take him down. The story is fast paced and, coupled with Cathy's unique voice, could make for a compelling read for teens familiar with the earlier titles.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 7–10—Hunter LaSalle, 13, is devastated by the death of his foster father, Mike. Now he and his three foster sisters are left with their avaricious foster mother, Stephanie, who is cheap with maternal affection (particularly toward Hunter, whom she physically abuses) and exploits the children. Hunter is also bullied in school and negatively singled out by a teacher. Soon after Mike's funeral, an unseen force starts answering Hunter's altruistic and vengeful prayers. Hunter suspects it might be the angel Gabriel, leaving the boy yo-yoing between renewed faith and the possibility that he's going insane. After a violent confrontation with Stephanie, Hunter's guardian angel is (fairly predictably) revealed as Gabriel Salvatore, Hunter's spying, ex-con father. Kidnapped by Gabriel, Hunter quickly learns he's traded one dysfunctional, dangerous situation for another, and must make a choice: stay or run. This problem novel isn't light fare but is still age appropriate. Hunter's narration reveals a likable, self-aware teen starved for affection. Sweeney's prose is insightful and realistic, with cleverly delivered descriptions. The peripheral characters are believable, and the religious undercurrent supports the plot. Well-paced, and with a satisfying conclusion, this book will appeal to reluctant readers and fans of contemporary realistic fiction.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 9 Up—El Marini led a fabulous life, complete with everything money could buy. However, when this story begins, all of that is part of her past. She now lives in a small apartment with her mother and her sister. She misses her father, but he is absolutely not in the picture. She is resentful that her life has changed and that these circumstances are her reality. She is in a new school and she has made friends, tentatively, as she hopes to return to her old school soon. However, one of the things that helps her get through each day is the thought of Eric Callahan. He is beautiful, perfect, sporty, smart—and he has a girlfriend of the same caliber, Angelique. Dylan is a new student, like El, and they begin a love-hate relationship. El befriends Angelique, and it is Dylan who points out the flaws in the whole befriending-the-girl-who-is-dating-the-guy-you-like plan. El isn't ready to hear that yet, so she continues down the path she has chosen. There are disastrous results, but El uses all of the drama to learn about who she really is. There is great food for thought in this novel about friendships and what relationships mean, and the twist at the end should surprise readers. A solid choice that is sure to have wide appeal for chick-lit fans.—Emily Garrett Cassady, North Garland High School, Garland, TX

Gr 4–8—In the 1890s, Casey and his parents immigrate to Australia, to a homestead that they inherited from his grandfather. The 12-year-old finds the change difficult. He is bullied at school, and he misses his baseball team in Montana and his horse. Then he happens upon a magnificent wild stallion, and he is determined to befriend the brumby, whom he names Moonrunner. When the stallion is captured and resists all attempts to tame him, Casey knows that he has to save the horse and return him to the wild. This well-paced story effectively portrays the family's struggles. Casey is a strong, engaging protagonist whose interactions with the other characters are believable and interesting. His determination to defend both Moonrunner and another horse from an abusive owner will resonate with readers.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 5–9—It's 1920, and Hank Cobb, 16, is thrilled that his guardian, John McGraw, wants him to help out with the Giants' newest team member. Thinking that he is going to assist in breaking in a rookie, Hank discovers that instead he has the responsibility of taming the team's newest good luck charm, a Mexican wildcat named Bill Pennant. The animal does not travel well, so Hank is stuck in New York when the team goes on the road. Since the Giants and the Yankees share a stadium, it isn't long bef ore Hank catches the eye of Yankees manager Miller Huggins, who thinks that he might have a calming effect on Babe Ruth. By the time McGraw returns, Hank and the Babe have developed a friendly relationship, and McGraw sees Hank's work for the Yankees as a betrayal. This sequel to Chief Sunrise, John McGraw, and Me (Cricket, 2004) is every bit as engaging as its predecessor. Tocher deftly combines a fast-moving plot, fascinating sports history, and Hank's efforts to be loyal to the people he respects on both teams. Sports figures of the period fairly leap off the pages, and Tocher's treatment of Ray Chapman's unexpected death from Carl Mays's pitch is as sobering now as it was the day it happened. This is a must-read for fans of Chief Sunrise, but it easily stands alone. An author's note clarifies what is factual. Give this compelling story to readers who are ready for something a little more complex than Dan Gutman's "Baseball Card Adventure" books (HarperCollins).—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 3–6—Dave, 13, and a kleptomaniac gecko named Sticky team up to stop an evil treasure hunter, Damien Black. They visit his haunted mansion and battle mariachi bandits and Komodo dragons to retrieve ingots that give the wearer invisibility, flight, and wall-climbing abilities. Good prevails. Fans of Chet Gecko or Geronimo Stilton may like this series, but it could use some polish. The series title seems to refer twice to Sticky, which doesn't make sense, and it is unclear why he speaks Spanish. It is as though the Taco Bell and GEICO mascots merged. Besides characterization issues, the story has continuity problems. Readers are thrown into 100 pages of nonstop action, then have a strange pit stop for exposition, and finally speed up to a rooftop chase scene. Lastly, the style veers toward the campy. However, the repetitious humor is good for emerging chapter-book readers, and the dialogue is funny. Gilpin's drawings are a definite bonus.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 7 Up—The first part of a two-part epic fantasy is set in Eyrie, a bird-shaped land divided into dynasts, or large provinces. Aron Brailing is a humble farmer's son until the Stone Brothers, a noble order of assassins, come for their annual Harvest and choose him to join their order. It turns out that Aron has an untapped potential for magic. By custom, his family disowns him so he can join the Brotherhood, and he finds himself traveling with the formidable Stormbreaker and his apprentice; and Dari, initially a prisoner but then a party member in her own right. The group makes a perilous journey from Aron's home dynast to Triune, where Stone apprentices receive training. Pursued by malevolent manes, monstrous mockers, and warring dynast armies, the group members are drawn together by their common goal of survival. At last, the party arrives at Triune, and Aron faces new challenges, including rigorous training and the inexplicably vicious hostility of another apprentice. Episodic, and without a true climax, the book nevertheless contains a few meaningful characters and relationships. Several chapters come from the point of view of Dari, who is strong and independently motivated. Aron, whose impulsiveness occasionally strains credibility, is kindhearted but flawed enough to be sympathetic. This novel is best suited to voracious fantasy readers eager to devour another story of an unlikely hero caught up in an epic adventure.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 7–10—It is the summer before 10th grade and Cheryl is moving from a prairie town in Saskatchewan to an even smaller fishing village in Newfoundland, her third move in as many years. Her father is an anthropologist, researching the dying cultures of Canada for his upcoming book. Cheryl has a tough time making friends and adjusting. She yearns to return to her hometown, Montreal, and plans an escape. Along the way, she meets Jim, who shows her the wonders of the island and opens her heart. Her feelings for him are tested when he risks his life to save a girl who slipped on the rocks by the ocean. Cheryl's mother suffers immensely from Newfoundland's moist air due to rheumatism and decides to return to Montreal. Cheryl finally has a way to go home, but does she want to leave Jim, her first love? This book would be an excellent addition to collections of coming-of-age stories. Weber's depiction of Cheryl is true to life, an accurate account of an independent and intelligent teenager struggling with loneliness, acceptance of change, and her own approaching adulthood.—Melissa Houlroyd, Brighton Memorial Library, Rochester, NY

Gr 5–8—Each of these books examines a potential crisis, its historical causes, scientific background, and possible outcome if no action is taken. AIDS discusses the possibility of worldwide pandemics of influenza and other infectious diseases such as SARS, malaria, and meningitis. In discussing the prevention of AIDS, the author mentions abstinence and safe sex without explanation, while the case of Ryan White, who contracted the disease from a transfusion as a child, is given thorough coverage. Fuels makes the connection between climate change and the use of polluting energy sources, and the Kyoto Protocol's plans for the reduction of globe-warming emissions are considered. Overcrowded World cites many problems such as shortages of water, food, and housing; degradation of natural environments; and poverty. Family planning is mentioned only in passing while the consequences of high birth rates are more thoroughly discussed. Endangered Species, divided into sections by habitat, discusses declining and threatened animal, plant, and insect life due to global warming, habitat extinction, and overhunting and fishing. Each volume presents several potential scenarios for the year 2025 and a sidebar asks readers what they would do to solve or alleviate the urgent situations of the time, questions that could be used to spark class discussions. Full-color photographs, charts, and maps help illustrate some of the ideas and problems.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 5–8—Bardhan-Quallen includes stories and historical information about mummies, zombies, werewolves, and vampires as well as some of the lesser-known monsters such as the Cyclopes. In addition to providing myths and legends, the author also includes the probable explanations for these creatures and tries to debunk long-held truths that are now known to be fiction. Wetzel tells stories of haunted America from the White House to Hollywood. Although some of the places and people mentioned, such as the Amityville house and Rudolph Valentino, might be unfamiliar to younger readers, the selections are still good ghost stories. Murder and death are referenced throughout, but are not graphically described. Both books have an ample number of clear black-and-white and full-color photographs and illustrations. These would be excellent choices for children who have plowed through all of Alvin Schwartz's "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" books (HarperCollins)—plus, they include true stories, which makes them even spookier. Perfect for libraries that need a boost or an update to their scary-story collections.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

Gr 8 Up—An appealing presentation based on stunning photos taken by numerous space probes. Arranged according to the order in which robot probes visited and photographed the Earth, Moon, Sun, the other seven planets, their moons, and the asteroids, the book is a more visual introduction to the sights, landscapes, and diversity of the Solar System, with enough data to understand the photos and the basics of each celestial body. Beginning with a brief history of astronomy related to the Solar System, each chapter includes the historical development of human understanding of the Sun's family. Benson explains that Pluto and other dwarf planets, as well as comets, are not included, as they have not been photographed as yet by space probes. Text and captions effectively explain the outstanding color images, although a reference to the fictitious "centrifugal force" in explaining the shape of Jupiter is troubling. There is a thorough index; each photo is credited to the probe that shot it; and an excellent glossary helps with unfamiliar terms. Benson succeeds not only in showing young people the beauty of almost the entire Solar System, but also in reinforcing the value and relative low cost of uncrewed space exploration.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 4–6—Bial examines the history of the famed immigration station in similar fashion to his Tenement: Immigrant Life on the Lower East Side (Houghton, 2002). He looks at the socio-historical roots of the mass exodus to America and provides a detailed look at the immigrant experience from ship to shore, with Ellis Island in between. Primary-source quotes and period photos pair eloquently with the modern narrative voice and color photographs of the museum exhibits. Without chapter breaks, glossary, or index, this book is better suited for curious readers; for research, Ellen Levine's If Your Name Was Changed at Ellis Island (Scholastic, 1993) is more user-friendly. Bial does provide a helpful list of works consulted and children's books for follow-up reading. The generously sized period photos and Bial's museum shots tell a vivid and poignant tale for even those who cannot yet read the words. If one cannot get to the museum itself, this book is the next best thing.—Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Burningham's humorous text and personal approach will make readers feel like an older sister or cousin is chatting with them. The author uses celebrity quotes alongside quotes from real teens culled from the MySpace polling research she conducted for this book. From basics to boy friend vs. boyfriend to first dates and breakups, the text covers all points in between. Burningham's focus is on giving girls confidence to navigate the dating experience successfully. The chapter entitled "You Wear the Pants: Setting Your Boundaries," which deals with the physical side of dating relationships, is particularly good. The author doesn't belabor the point or make suggestions for what that boundary might be but rather empowers readers throughout to make decisions for themselves. The open layout and Smith's line drawings are also standouts. Well-written and smart, Boyology is a strong addition to books about relationships.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 7–10—Calcines's spirited memoir captures the political tension, economic hardship, family stress, and personal anxiety of growing up during the early years of the Castro regime in Cuba. From age 3 when the Communist revolution began in 1959 until his long-awaited exodus to the United States at age 14, the author shares startling, clear memories about his life in the Glorytown barrio of Cienfuegos. Soldiers appeared on street corners; his prosperous uncle and beloved father were arrested as traitors; food was rationed; and Communist mandates tore apart families and friendships. In the midst of this turmoil, Eduardo's youthful interest in girls, escapades and arguments with best friends, close relationship with his grandparents, defiant outbursts, and dreams of America defined his daily life. When his parents' exit visa application was at last approved, he bid a wrenching farewell to his extended family and homeland before boarding the plane to Miami. Although he left 40 years ago, Calcines writes about Cuba with immediacy, nostalgia, and passion. This personal account will acquaint readers with the oppressive and ironic effects of communism. Although social and economic equality and security were Communist goals in Cuba, economic deprivation and political intimidation became the reality for Eduardo and many others. Current speculation on Castro's successor and Cuba's future enhance the book's timeliness and significance.—Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Gr 5–8—This book examines aspects of life in four cultural spheres from antiquity: the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Vikings. Specific topics are covered in two-page sections, such as religion, fashion, pastimes, art and architecture, and food and drink. The volume is similar in format to the "Eyewitness Books" (DK), most notably in its heavy use of captioned images to re-create past lives and times. Its strength is in the quantity of the color photographs detailing artifacts, statuary, paintings, frescoes, ruins, and reconstructions, and in the paintings revealing everyday dress; the text weaves around the numerous photographs and illustrations that dominate each spread. In some instances, due to the volume's unique format, images from very different time periods appear on the same page (for example, a fresco from the Bronze Age is arranged beside a terracotta figure from a much later time, because both images depict food production in the Greek cultural hemisphere). While presenting a mishmash of cultural, social, and political aspects of ancient civilizations, the purpose of the work is ultimately accomplished: children will enjoy the heavy pictorial elements, all complemented by light, digestible text. It is also noteworthy that everyday tasks and items are included, providing a window into common life in ancient times. Though the text is not as substantive as the "Eyewitness Books" titles, young readers will be drawn to the visual orientation of this volume.—Jeff Meyer, Slater Public Library, IA

Gr 4–6—Cregan discusses the structure of the atom, key scientists, cathode rays and electrons, radioactivity, and atom smashers. Lee describes the difference between plant and animal cells, and their contents; diffusion; and cell storage, movement, and reproduction. Van Gorp provides an overview of matter and the elements and how the latter combine to form compounds; ionic and covalent bonds; the periodic table of the elements; reactions; and mixtures and solutions. The books have open layouts and large, easy-to-read type. Boxed areas highlight key topics and individuals, and "Did You Know?" bubbles offer additional facts. Large eye-catching and colorful photographs and illustrations appear on every page. Each of the books includes a simple activity. For example, Cells provides instructions for using two magnifying glasses and a newspaper to create a light microscope, and Elements provides instructions for combining compounds to create a bouncy ball.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 4–6—A readable overview of the growth of rail transportation. Beginning with a discussion of how railroads impacted his hometown of High Point, NC, Curlee turns to a description of the steam engine's evolution, followed by a look at how those engines were replaced by diesels. The smoothly flowing text is peppered with interesting details and explanations of how historical events shaped train technology. Some background knowledge in American history helps in understanding the material. Emphasis is on the emergence of American rail transportation, but when appropriate, mention is given to other countries. Curlee concludes by noting future train travel possibilities through "magnetic levitation" and suggests that upgraded rail transportation could be important in light of world energy problems and global warming. The lengthy pages of text are divided by occasional headings. Full-page color acrylic paintings with representation of different trains and historical time periods are the hallmark of the work and set this informational book apart from other titles on the subject. A few handsome spreads are sprinkled in among the other high-quality illustrations. Costumes worn by characters in the paintings nicely convey the changing eras. An appended diagram shows how a steam engine works; it's unfortunate that it wasn't placed closer to the pertinent passages in the text. Nonetheless, this is another solid addition to Curlee's body of work.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 3–6—An esoteric biography of the poet, religious student, and teacher who lived in 13th-century Turkey. Rumi was raised in the Muslim faith and studied the Koran fervently. Nevertheless, he felt that his faith came only from book knowledge and not from experience. Shortly after this realization, he met Shamsuddin, a learned man with whom he studied for three years. It was during this contemplative time that Rumi felt his creative energies unleashed and he began to write poetry. He went on to write more than 50,000 rhymed couplets and gained a reputation as a great Persian poet. During this same time, Rumi began to express his love for God through a whirling dance that was meant to unite heaven and earth. Those who practiced this holy dance were called "whirling dervishes." Demi's trademark, stylized illustrations are intricate and feature the gold paint that has become her hallmark. The story itself, however, is somewhat complicated with a substantial cast of characters and the illustrations are repetitive. While it is interesting to learn about Rumi and the origin of the term "whirling dervish," this biography is not for average students. Still, libraries looking for more diversity in their biography and poetry sections will find this unusual selection useful.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 7 Up—This solid volume explainss what allergies are and how to deal with them in a variety of situations. If read in its entirety, the book can be repetitive and dry. Many of the same bits of advice, such as being sure to carry an EpiPen in case of anaphylaxis, are repeated several times. That most of the people who die from such an emergency are between 10 and 19 years old is also stated frequently, and the text gets a little preachy at times when it discusses dealing with allergies effectively. The same basics can also be found in Edward Edelson's Allergies (Chelsea House, 1999) minus the repetition and imperious tone.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 4–6—These books show how each colony was shaped by its country's rulers and overseers and how the geographical regions claimed by each colonizer dictated how much exploration and expansion was possible. Each author talks about the lasting influences of the country's takeover and its remnants in our culture today. These general overviews provide solid background matter and introduce key people and vocabulary. They will be serviceable replacements for older materials on the colonies. They may also be useful in "compare and contrast" discussions.—Sarah Provence, Churchill Road Elementary School, McLean, VA

Gr 4–6—This book has 15 projects, primarily for clothing, toys, and edible treats for dogs, cats, and birds. The colorful layouts are eye-catching, and the easy-to-follow instructions are accompanied by step-by-step black-and-white drawings. Color photos show pet models and the completed items. A list of supplies and four templates are included. Offering a unique spin on the subject, this title would enhance craft collections.—G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Gr 3–8—This photo-essay introduces Iman Bright, a 13-year-old African-American dance student at New York City's Ailey School. After explaining how the school was founded, she tells of the rigorous exercises that start each practice session, the different techniques she is trying to master (including ballet, jazz, and West African dance), and the preparations that go into a final performance. She also discusses her family, friends, and academic and extracurricular activities. While the description of Iman's training is interesting and informative, the text lacks cohesion. Things are not presented in a logical order, making the narrative sequence difficult to follow. For example, the text mentions the five basic ballet positions, switches to talk about Iman's room at home, and then goes back to discussing the exercises. Ivey's photos are the strength of the book. Laid out amid blue, salmon, and gold backgrounds, the bright, well-focused images depict Iman, her fellow dancers, and aspects of her life both inside and outside the studio. The dynamic movement and rich colors in the photos make the dancers seem particularly animated. As with Bill Jones and Susan Kuklin's Dance (Hyperion, 1998) and Naia Bray-Moffat's Ballet School (DK, 2003), Gladstone's work is a celebration of this vibrant art form, albeit without the former's poetry or the latter's careful organization. Iman's story could have been an exciting vehicle for promoting dance for young people of color. Unfortunately, because of the rambling text, it is more likely to languish on the shelf.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 3–6—From "Stir-Fried Silkworms" (eaten in Suzhou, China) to "Dragonflies on a Stick" (eaten on Bali), the nine dishes in each of these titles will be unfamiliar to most children. Each one is covered on a spread, with descriptions opposite glossy, somewhat garish color photos. The texts are written in a conversational tone (Seafood describes how "When pulled out of the River Thames in London, long snake-shaped eels hardly look like dinner"). Readers will discover some intriguing facts, e.g., cheese maggots, eaten on Sardinia, should be consumed while wearing eye protection because the wiggling creatures can jump up to six inches. A map at the end of each book shows where the foods are eaten. Most are in Asian or African countries, although the U.S. is represented by waxworm salad (eaten at the annual "BugFest" in Raleigh, NC), cricket lick-its (lollipops with crickets inside), and a few other concoctions. While these titles are long on child appeal, they suffer from a somewhat superficial approach, as the "whys" (sociological, historical, geographical, etc.) behind the dishes are absent. Libraries that already own James Solheim's It's Disgusting and We Ate It (S & S, 1998) can stick with that title. But where patrons enjoy grossing each other out, consider these books.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 7 Up—This book offers readers a fascinating look at the life of the man who, at the age of seven, was taken by his father to a Roman Catholic institution for homeless and troubled boys for "incorrigible" behavior. The teachers and students at St. Mary's became his family, and Brother Matthias, the athletic director, instilled in him his love of baseball and became a lifelong mentor. In 1914, when Babe was 18, the owner of the Baltimore Orioles offered him a contract. So began his tumultuous career in baseball, which lasted more than 20 years, most of which were spent with the New York Yankees. Hampton's narrative gives baseball lovers plenty of detailed statistical facts, but as a whole, the biography is more a weaving together of the various elements of Babe's personality that made him the larger-than-life legend. His generosity, his inability to control his excessive appetites, his quick temper, and his fondness for practical jokes all come through in this recounting that is more accessible than Leigh Montville's The Big Bam (Doubleday, 2006). Carefully chosen photographs enhance the presentation, and the author is meticulous in listing his sources. His extensive research and engaging conversational tone combine to produce a chronicle of Ruth's life that both fans and novices will find hard to put down.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 4–8—Harley has written 18 poems, each one featuring a different animal. All are written as acrostics, with most of them based on the first letter of each line, but several with more unusual patterns, such as a double acrostic ("Eye to Eye"); a quintuple acrostic with a five-word message ("Impalas in Peril"); and a double acrostic concrete poem ("Hornbill's Hot Day"'). Much of Harley's poetry consists of carefully crafted descriptive word imagery that is right on target: "Carnivore-supreme/Open-opportunist/Dragon-eye-agleam" (crocodile); "Leather limbs in rhythm/Evenly swaying in step/Plod slowly over Africa" (elephant). Most of the full-page, full-color photos of the animals are perfect companions to the facing selections. Noyes describes in an endnote how she snapped many of the photographs while camouflaged in blinds near small watering holes in game parks and preserves in Namibia. Two pages of "Nature Notes" offer fascinating informational tidbits about each poeticized species. Useful as an entree to writing an unusual and enjoyable type of verse, this short collection offers pleasurable reading, with a nature lesson thrown in as well.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH

Gr 3–6—Large realistic paintings work with 20 narrative poems to describe the nitty-gritty details of pirate life. Nothing is sugarcoated. One young man is shown tied to a post, subjected to a whipping with a cat-o'-nine-tails. "Why is it always me?/Shouldn't a broke a rule…." The young man's face and body are tensed for the expected and dreaded pain. In another piece called "Trouble," a sunburned and tattooed crew member wonders if maybe he's about to be robbed of his share of the plunder. In "Captured," two pirates are shown in shackles, facing the hangman's noose. The final poem ends, "Farewell, then./I go to settle/for my sins." Burr's illustrations do a fine job of conveying the emotions of each poem and of showing the details of dress and shipboard life. An afterword further explains the unromantic world of piracy. This is a good choice for reading aloud in classrooms studying the topic, or for children interested in the real world of pirates.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 6 Up—This hefty volume surveys the role of women in American history from 1770 to the present, focusing primarily on health issues, paid work, home, education, beauty, amusements, and the arts. Each chapter includes a brief summary of historical events and then examines the common threads. Photographs, reproductions, and numerous sidebars convey information on pages filled with bright colors and lively layouts. Quotes, biographical information, facts, and vignettes place women in the context of the times. Outstanding highlights are the "Did you know?" and "Have you heard of…?" sections. There is good racial, ethnic, and age diversity in the text and in the illustrations. The bibliography offers general histories and specific chapter references. The book concludes with the authors addressing their female readers by asking "How will your passion and hard work pave the way for those still to come?…The next chapter of American history belongs to you and your children and grandchildren. What will that story be?" The book's innovative and direct approach is sure to capture the attention of young women. Classroom teachers can utilize the plethora of facts to liven social studies and history lessons, and the format is appealing enough to attract browsers.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 7–10—This biography paints a clear picture of the artist's life, work, and legacy. It covers from Monet's days of drawing caricatures to his discovery of painting outdoors and growing appreciation of nature. It describes the artist's frustration at not being accepted by the art establishment and his staging his own exhibits with others who would become known as the Impressionists. One of the strengths of this book is its discussion of how Monet's technique and style developed over the years and the challenges he took on throughout his career. The treatment of each technique is enhanced by an analysis of a particular painting or motif. The accompanying color reproductions of the artworks and black-and-white photographs of Monet contribute to the book's clean and attractive design. Kallen notes that his subject was not without his flaws—he tended to exaggerate his poverty to wealthy patrons to secure funds, and he had an affair with a married woman. This work stands out as a balanced description of the man's legacy and an enjoyable read.—Kristen Oravec, Flint Hill Middle School, Oakton, VA

Gr 5–8—When Diki Tsering gave birth to her fifth child, Lhamo Thondup, in a remote mountain village in Tibet in 1935, she had no idea he would become one of the most famous religious leaders in the world. This informative and readable biography begins with his identification as the reincarnated Dalai Lama when he was two and a half, and his ascension to the Lion Throne. Life changed for this little boy when he went to live in Lhasa. World War II was in full swing, and while China was involved in that conflict, it was also intensifying its efforts to annex Tibet. Kimmel successfully weaves the everyday world of this Buddhist leader into the cultural, religious, and historical aspects of his time. The narrative is interesting and, at times, gripping, especially the description of his dramatic flight into exile in India. In addition, the author is able to convey the warm and astute personality of Kundun, as the young monk is called, as well as the remarkable loyalty the people of Tibet have for him. A foreword by the Dalai Lama and many black-and-white photographs add to the work's usefulness. Because of the text's wide spacing, the book appears to be for young readers, but the need for some historical context and the sophisticated vocabulary indicate a book more appropriate for someone slightly older. For children in the middle grades, this work illuminates a time, a place, and a life whose influence is far-reaching.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA

Gr 8 Up—This handy reference offers basic information and addresses specific disorders, consequences, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, healthy eating, and more. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to understand. Sidebars provide extra information. The only downside is the lack of illustrations. This volume will provide plenty of facts for reports as well as browsing potential for students with an interest in the topic. Like other books in the series, some passages are repetitive, so it is not meant to be read cover to cover. The second-edition changes include some slight restructuring, with the subsection "Athletics and Eating Disorders" being absorbed into the "Specific Disorders" chapter. More specific disorders are listed and discussed in Part II as well. However, unless your library needs extremely up-to-date information on this topic, the 2005 edition will still suffice. The Web sites, additional reading suggestions, and organizations sections have also been updated.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 4–6—A lively and mostly lighthearted countdown to summer, beginning with #180, "A Sixth Grader Sees the Future." "In a billion years, A.D.,/Our sun will shine for none to see./…And I won't have to go to school." The selections feature a range of topics, including food, pets, school and teachers, and the natural world. Many are quite silly, though a few are serious, such as #76, "The Ninth Ward," which laments the fate of a victim of Hurricane Katrina: "Her miracle went to a passerby." There are limericks, concrete poems, riddles, factoids, and playful epitaphs. Holiday poems mark the passage of the school year: Columbus Day and Eid ul-Fitr, Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas, and on through the remainder of the school year. Cartoon illustrations keep the mood light and breezy. This collection may be most appreciated by teachers, who'll find it an appealing and accessible introduction to whimsical wordplay.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 7–10—Madden pieces together her subject's life with depth and insight, relying on research trips to Alabama to interview Lee's colleagues and neighbors and to visit places that figure prominently in the writer's story. Through this research, the author paints a nuanced picture of Lee's childhood in Monroeville, AL, and how it informed the writing of To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee's father is said to be the basis for the character of Atticus, Lee's childhood friend Truman Capote was the inspiration for Dill, and there was even a neighbor who resembled Boo Radley. The racial climate in the South and Lee's own observations of segregation and inequality played prominently in the novel and in the Academy Award-winning movie. With the author's new interviews and research, this biography is a valuable resource. There are a few black-and-white photographs and endnotes.—Kristen Oravec, Flint Hill Middle School, Oakton, VA

Gr 6–10—These serviceable volumes offer orderly looks at their topics. The authors describe the disorders, causes (if known), symptoms, treatments, and the effects on an individual, a family, and society at large. Detailed back matter includes source notes, key people and advocacy groups, and related organizations. The texts are factual without being dry, easy to read, and colorful. One drawback is that the illustrations, although aesthetically pleasing, tend to be a little simplistic. Also, readers will need to read the fine print at the bottom of the sections labeled "Primary Source Quotes" to understand the series' usage of the term. The quotations are really just a gathering of sound bites and text blurbs gleaned from doctors treating these illnesses and the patients and/or families of the afflicted. Still, these titles are solid entries for libraries needing to update their collections in these areas.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 4 Up—When Bob Marley died in 1981, he was a legend in the music world. He had taken the beat-driven music of his people, reggae, and placed it squarely on the world stage. As trite as the saying is, his music has lived on well beyond his death, and this biography in verse brings him to the forefront once again. Medina, clearly a fan, has created a series of poems that follow Marley's life from childhood through his death at age 36. Born a biracial child in poverty in Jamaica, Marley always felt uncomfortable about having a British father whom he saw as a member of the party of oppression. Marley knew he wanted to be a singer at a young age. Overcoming enormous obstacles, he attained what most can only dream of and used his fame and his Rastafarian religion to support his hope for peace in the world. Referencing Marley's songs again and again, the poems resonate with the artist's message throughout. Watson's arresting art sings of the highs and lows of Jamaica, both the abject poverty and the beauty of the island and its people. Copious back matter provides context for each of the songs/poems and helps neophytes understand the music and the man. Anyone interested in reggae music and its major voice will find this volume intriguing. Contemporary children, however, may need to be encouraged to read this book since Bob Marley is not someone they typically listen to.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Gr 3–7—A handy introduction to the history and culture of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A fictional family, the Taylors, serve as guides, and their lives and experiences are used to introduce topics such as how the British spend their leisure time and what constitutes a traditional English breakfast. Despite the initial effort to give equal time to each of the four countries, the focus is primarily on England—for example, the list of "Brilliant Britons" is almost entirely made up of English luminaries, with Robert the Bruce being an exception. The book is spiral bound with tabs for each chapter, much like a Filofax. This is a fun and handy way to flip through it, although the tabs are numbered instead of labeled. Appealing illustrations and speech bubbles keep the tone light and fun. There is no bibliography. Web addresses appear along the bottoms of the pages but they are a bit touristy and at least one is printed incorrectly. All in all, this is an appealing and informative guide for youngsters preparing to visit the UK.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 4–8—This irreverent yet fact-filled approach to science attempts to answer many of the crazy and not-so-crazy questions that roll around in kids' heads, including such gems as "Could you dig your way through the Earth to China?" or "What colors can't you see if you're color-blind?" The answers to these and many other inquiries are given in easy-to-understand, kid-friendly language. Topics range from the human body to dinosaurs to the future. The question/answer format is an effective, accessible one, and the short, descriptive answers are, for the most part, both funny and edifying. Occasionally, the explanations become confusing, as is the case when the author describes the planets' orbits and the Sun's gravitational pull, but simple analogies and hand-drawn diagrams help to clarify certain points. Students will find this a fun book to browse independently or share with friends. An excellent choice for reluctant readers in search of entertaining, informative nonfiction.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 6–8—These handbooks breeze through their topics and fail to offer solid suggestions. Stress considers anxiety related to studying and tests, offering tips on topics such as how to prepare and what to do on the day of an exam. Loss covers life and family changes, illness, and grief due to bereavement and other causes. Signals provides little information about body language, instead focusing on teen relationships and social situations. The books have a colorful, fun format with large color photos of teens of different ethnicities. Traditional prose is sacrificed for bullet-pointed text boxes containing bite-sized portions of information. Unfortunately, these "snacks" don't add up to a full meal. The format makes for choppy reading, and some statements are contradictory or confusing. For example, in Signals, the claim that "People who are lying are often very specific" appears on the same page as the statement that liars "…give you vague information when you ask for an explanation." Advice is shallow and examples are scarce, making the strategies difficult to implement. References for quoted studies are not provided. Ultimately, readers will walk away frustrated and seek answers elsewhere. Point them toward Alan D. Wolfelt's Healing Your Grieving Heart for Teens (Companion, 2001) and Deborah Reder's Chill: Stress-Reducing Techniques for a More Balanced, Peaceful You (S & S, 2008) for more thorough, grounded presentations.—Richelle Roth, Wilmington Public Library, OH

Gr 3–6—To nurture a desire to save these endangered creatures, Nichols shares his brilliant photography and professional experiences in the world of the gorilla. In addition to his highly entertaining stories and his insight into the next generation of photographers and researchers, he focuses on the condition of gorillas in the wild, including report-type data: a distribution map, habitat, physical features, and diet. These facts as well as fun insets teach young people "how to play like a gorilla," the differences between monkeys and gorillas, and, most interesting of all, "how to greet a gorilla." During a tour that got out of control, Nichols found himself suddenly thrust too close for a 400-pound gorilla's comfort, so he used his knowledge and experience to get out of danger. A concluding "Facts at a Glance" section strongly supplements report information, but it's Nichols's passion for gorilla conservancy and about life in the wild that raises this book above assignment fodder into the realm of pure inspiration.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Gr 6–9—Starting with the Romanovs' 1918 assassinations, this book then retraces the events that led to the Russian Revolution. O'Neill describes the Romanov dynasty, life as a serf, and the peasant revolts of the 19th century, and then switches focus to the intelligentsia who masterminded the Tsar's overthrow. Lenin gets most of the attention, although the bitter disputes between opposing Marxist factions are briefly explained. The author also makes a point of connecting the outbreak of World War I to the strengthening of the Bolshevik cause. The final chapter sketches Stalin's repressive regime and the Soviet empire, and ends with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The presentation is attractive but fairly standard, and the source notes are sparse. End matter includes an "Essential Facts" section that offers report-ready dates, key players and events, and even a quote.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 6–9—A peculiar entry in a series on historical events, this title covers the construction of the Great Wall from 221 B.C.E. to present-day restoration. O'Neill begins by noting the cultural value of the Great Wall, then outlines conditions in ancient China to explain the need for its construction. Although the book presents an overview of building methods, there are no diagrams of the construction, and the full-color photographs and reproductions are more decorative than informative. An additional purchase, probably most useful as a resource for providing extra material for geography reports.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 5—8— Energy briefly describes and illustrates a variety of forms of production. The author defines the force of the title as the ability to cause change or make something happen—a nonstandard definition for most students. He states that AC current has benefits over DC, but the differences are not clearly explained. In Pollution, many statements are generalized and lack factual backup, and a chart showing the pressure of overpopulation lists Buenos Aires as being in Brazil rather than in Argentina. The author avoids discussions of global warming, climate change, and carbon emissions, although acid rain is mentioned. Waste tackles the problems of toxic, nuclear, and hazardous wastes. Although re-use and repair are mentioned, they are not as thoroughly examined as recycling. Mentioning a tornado in a discussion of Picher, OK, a town severely polluted as a result of lead and zinc mining, makes it seem as though the storm was related to the pollution. A section in Water shows how much of the substance is used to produce common items such as soda cans and newspapers. While the effects of pollution are discussed, acid rain gets only one brief mention, in a photograph caption. In all the volumes, the many colorful illustrations often collide with the text, making for confusing presentations. No author credentials are given. Living Green (World Book, 2008) covers similar material and is more useful.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 7 Up—This up-to-date, excellent overview of Down syndrome addresses controversies and ethical issues associated with this genetic disorder. Parks also reports on current and potential scientific advances that may prevent it in the future and offer a better quality of life and opportunities for those born with it. HPV examines prevention techniques and treatments, explains scientific advances that might prevent HPV, and presents information about vaccines and controversies surrounding them. Important features in both volumes include primary-source quotations with citations, illustrations, facts, tables, and colorful informational sidebars. Useful for reports and for general information.—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

Gr 4–6—Peterkin states that by reading this book, "Your life is about to change forever." It's a quirky title about the world of refrigerators and the art that covers them. He includes the history of refrigerators, the inventions surrounding their existence, the psychology of using them, and the art of decorating one. While the book is written in a tongue-in-cheek style and is highly humorous, it also presents a wealth of factual information. The author explains how magnets work and shows how to use them in pursuit of a perfectly decorated refrigerator. He includes unusual themed days to decorate a fridge such as "Squirrel Appreciation Day," "Moldy Cheese Day," or "National Junk Food Day." He even goes into how one could possibly go into business and make money at refrigerator decorating. Cartoons add to the humorous tone of the text. Parents who value a clean refrigerator door surface should avoid this book at all cost.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 9 Up—This visually appealing introduction opens with a chronological history of the structures, showing the development of different types. The chapters that follow describe the various kinds in more detail; how they are designed and built, including materials used and site selection; unusual designs, such as pontoons; and a sampling of bridge disasters, including the Tacoma Narrows and the New York Thruway collapses. Occasionally, boxes and spreads focus on significant bridges, such as the Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges and California's Turtle Bay Sundial Bridge. The authors are at their best presenting specific bridges and when discussing design, history, and disasters, and they excel in their descriptions of older constructions and the innovations they represent. However, some of the more technical details, such as materials and methods and structural details, are more difficult to follow. Nevertheless, the valuable information, coupled with outstanding, current photographs (the 2007 Minneapolis I-35W collapse) and clear drawings (how an arch works) make this book a useful addition.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 7–10—These detailed treatments quite ably describe their respective histories. The issues involved (ill-fated construction in Panama Canal and post-World War II concerns with rising powers in McCarthy Era) are outlined in an objective tone, yet the books are as interesting as they are informative. In each one, five short chapters are interspersed with "For Your Information" pages, adding entries on the first people to consider a waterway through the isthmus of Panama, the Suez Canal, why canals have locks, and an overview of the project of the title (in Panama Canal); and the Cold War, the WWII campaign in the Pacific, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Edward R. Murrow (in McCarthy Era). The texts are further extended by well-placed black-and-white photographs, editorial cartoons, and period drawings. Similar in scope to Philip Brooks's The McCarthy Hearings (Heinemann Library, 2003) and Dale Anderson's Building the Panama Canal (World Almanac Library, 2004), these titles are sound purchases for larger collections.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 3–6—The photos alone make this attractive cookbook worth the price of admission: glistening grilled peaches, stacked mini fish cakes flecked with parsley, and noodles tangled around chopsticks. The design is eye-catching, with a sweet cursive font that girly girls will love and photos illustrating, step by step, how to complete each dish. There is even a section focusing on crafts, which includes instructions for invitations, place settings, and folded napkins. Safety warnings are included throughout. However, once the recipes are actually made, the problems arise. First, the dishes are for a somewhat sophisticated palate—average eaters aren't likely to go for jambalaya or green salad with broccoli, peas, and spinach. Additionally, some of the recipes can be very bland or odd-tasting. To its credit, the recipes cover a wide range of abilities, from the easy and versatile nachos to the more complex pizza squares (the homemade crust calls for yeast and kneading). Most of these dishes will appeal to adventurous eaters and their foodie parents. There isn't a lot of cultural diversity here, but the recipes are wrapped in such a pretty package that the book is likely to circulate based on looks alone.—Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—This replica of a scrapbook claimed to have been assembled by 12-year-old "Mike," son of a NASA scientist (even though CIP includes the statement, "written by Jerry Stone"), reproduces a wealth of mementos related to travel to the Moon and the Apollo project. The text is done in a font resembling hand printing, and it's essentially all captions to the contents, which include photos, note cards, a replica of the mission patch, press passes, a facsimile New York Times front page, and diagrams of space equipment. A tremendous amount of information is enthusiastically presented; topics include fictional accounts of space travel, the space race, the Apollo/Saturn V, the Apollo 11 astronauts, the mission launch, landing and exploration of the Moon, the return to Earth, subsequent space missions, and future possibilities. There is even a booklet rebutting the rumors that the Moon landing was a hoax. In many ways a younger companion volume to David West Reynolds's adult book, Apollo: The Epic Journey to the Moon (Harcourt, 2002), this "scrapbook" is a compelling collection of items. Some are made to look as if they are held in place by tape, staples, or paper clips; and many flip up to reveal more information beneath. The fragility of those items may make some libraries cautious about putting the book in circulation, but it will be an outstanding resource for programs, presentations, or prizes related to the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH

Gr 7 Up—These works, by content experts dedicated to promoting the understanding of Chinese history and culture, are comprehensive and enlightening. Strapp leaps from innovation to innovation, covering silk, paper, navigation, money, clocks, medicine, and mapmaking. Whitfield covers religion and philosophy and how they have been passed down using various precursors to books and printing. The few maps in each book do not show political borders and lack a color key. In addition, pronunciation assistance is inconsistently supplied. Worst of all, the text is set in a small typeface with tiny margins, making the books appear somewhat intimidating, despite the fine and frequent color photographs and reproductions. Readers will be rewarded, however, with clear, accessible writing, peppered liberally with entertaining stories from history. The authors' enthusiasm is evident, especially in the numerous sidebars and profiles of important figures. If your teens study China, these books are too valuable to pass up, despite their minor flaws.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 7 Up—This is an extensive guide covering the history of the sport as well as instructions for building boards. Stutt goes right to the nuts and bolts and discusses how to attach the trucks, types of wheels, grip tape, and the different types of ball bearings. However, the focus of the book is the description of basic tricks, as well as the more complex flip tricks, grinds, and slides. Breathtaking action photographs aid the visualization of the step-by-step instructions. The text font is tiny but allows space for these full-page, full-color illustrations of skateboarders in their element. Readers probably will ignore Stutt's admonition not to download skateboarding videos online for free or such cautions as, "You should not be skating anything over one to two feet tall in the foreseeable future." However, they will relate well to the author's flippant attitude and language as he outlines each trick. Adults will cringe at the book's too-brief mention of wearing protective equipment only to view almost all the skateboarders in the photographs performing without helmets or pads. Libraries that own magazines such as Thrasher or TransWorld Skateboarding can expect the same tone and writing style here.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Gr 3–6—These books emphasize modern China and how it is changing. Arts covers calligraphy, painting, opera, and kites, as well as modern pop music and kung fu movies. History includes chapters such as "The Early Empire," "China and the Media," and "Embassies and Consulates," and Land describes many different climates and natural beauty spots, paying particular attention to current environmental issues. Frequent large and bright pictures add interest, as do informative captions and pop-out boxes, though History is so heavily illustrated that many details of the culture's 5000 years of development are barely covered, inadequately explained, or omitted. With the exception of the Three Gorges Dam project in Land, most controversial topics are glossed over. This book is the only one that has maps, but they are inadequate.—Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

Gr 4–8—Like Whitehead's How to Speak Dog! (Scholastic, 2008), this pet-care book focuses on developing a relationship with a pet. The author states that the communication process is a two-way street, and she describes how readers can translate a cat's body language and vocalizations. Successful communication can lead to teaching the feline tricks, playing games with her, and even using a harness and leash for walking. Boxes throughout include quizzes, facts, and tips. While the layout, with its titled blocks of text, is sometimes confusing, the bright color photographs of children with their cats on every page will appeal greatly to readers. This is a fun book that offers a good understanding of its audience and subject.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Gr 3–6—Numerous photos of plants and animals in their habitats appear on these pages, accompanied by an explanation of the basic elements of a food chain and definitions of terms such as predators, consumers, producers, and decomposers. What sets these books apart from others on the topic is their "choose your own adventure" style. After transporting readers to an unfamiliar habitat ("It's July, and the Arctic tundra is in full bloom"), the authors instruct them to choose one of the region's carnivores and explore its food chain. Six animals (grizzly bear, snowy owl, Arctic wolf, polar bear, wolverine, and peregrine falcon) are presented in Tundra and four (dingo, saltwater crocodile, wedge-tailed eagle, Gould's monitor) in Outback. Choices result in returning to some pages more than once and sometimes discovering a "dead end"—a critically endangered or extinct animal. Then it's back to the beginning to select a new carnivore. The interconnections created by the choices effectively illustrate the complexity of food webs while providing information about the plants and animals that form the components. Lively, engaging writing helps sustain interest. The back matter will assist report writers, and the possibility of choosing among options to create numerous "plots" will entice a broad audience to learn about life in unfamiliar places.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato