Grades 5 & Up

Gr 6–10—From birth Abisina has been an outcast because she doesn't have light skin, blond hair, and blue eyes. Only her mother's status as Vranille's only healer has saved the 14-year-old from being abandoned outside the village walls, prey to centaurs, dwarves, and worse. The arrival of the long-awaited Charach, the Deliverer, is a disaster. He incites the community to slaughter the outcasts, Abisina's mother is killed, and the teen barely escapes. Armed with her mother's necklace and not much else, the girl heads off to find Watersmeet, and, hopefully, her father. She encounters a plethora of otherworldly creatures, becomes the reluctant traveling companion of a dwarf, loses a toe to evil centaurs, and finally makes it to Watersmeet, where creatures of all kinds live in harmony. She meets her father, who is much more than she could have ever imagined, and reluctantly participates in the battle to save the world from Charach. While there isn't anything particularly new here, this book has a positive message of tolerance and acceptance, and the ending, while abrupt, is ultimately satisfying and leaves the door open for a sequel.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 6–9—Although it begins like the average high school misfit story, Alender's novel quickly takes an unexpected turn. Alexis, a self-described anti-cheerleader, defiantly embraces her role as bad student and social outcast, skipping class and spending her time in the darkroom, until the increasingly odd behavior of her little sister, Kasey, draws her into a world of evil spirits and dangerous games. At first, inexplicable dreams and eerie balls of green light hovering around Alexis's house seem like fringe occurrences in a story otherwise concerned with family, friendship, and a tentative romance. But soon, bizarre happenings take over, and Alexis comes to realize that Kasey is demon-possessed and hell-bent on murder. It's difficult to reconcile a teen coming-of-age story with a ghost-populated murder mystery, and Alender succeeds somewhat awkwardly. However, Alexis's story is compelling, and her voice is funny and authentic despite the creepy situations in which she finds herself. A good additional purchase for girls who like to be scared a little—but not too much.—Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

Gr 7 Up—The conclusion of this trilogy finds Thea back at the Wandless Academy for a new school year, where she discovers that her friends have grown apart over the summer. Fortunately for Thea, the Federal Bureau of Magic once again needs help, and she and her friends are called on to open a mysterious elemental cube. The cube turns out to contain Nikola Tesla who, in the world of Worldweavers, is the only elemental mage in history able to control all four elements. Thea is also declared an elemental mage, though her powers still appear to be primarily over computers. This change in her status appears to be an authorial device to put her and Tesla on equal footing. An overly complex plot to help Tesla regain his powers and release him from the cube makes the story slow going. In fact, the world building is ever-so-slightly off pitch. New technologies, characters' abilities, and magics are created seemingly at the whim of the author and don't feel the least bit organic. Sadly, the relationships among the teen characters, which were critical to the appeal of the series, have fallen by the wayside here. The ending is oddly open-ended and lacks the typical closure found in final installments.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 5–7—The faery world is crumbling. During a disaster called the Sundering, these small, fragile, winged creatures lost all of their magic save that which allows them to fly, and they live inside a great oak tree, fearful of people and animals. True friendship and love are foreign to them. Worse, they are falling victim to a kind of dementia they call the Silence, and are dying. Into this picture comes Knife: tough, brave, adventurous, and soon taking on the job of Queen's Hunter. While defending herself against an attacking crow, she is rescued and taken home by a human. Knife becomes convinced that the mystery of their lost magic and the dementia are connected to the faeries' fear of humans and becomes committed to saving her community. The heart of the book lies in the relationship that develops between Knife and the human Paul, who is a paraplegic. Anderson draws on echoes from countless fairy tales and legends about the relationships between human men and faerie women to enrich this gripping and involving story. While the main characters are vividly drawn, some of the secondary characters and background story are sketched more hastily. Though the book looks like it's for a younger audience, middle-school readers who are willing to stay with the story through its first third will find ample rewards as the relationship between Knife and Paul evolves.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 5–8—With her innocent and geeky younger brother Milton having been the first person ever to escape from Heck in the first book of this series, Marlo Fauster, a blue-haired, street-smart, 13-year-old shoplifter is punitively sent to the second circle of Heck, Rapacia. There, greedy dead kids are meant to endure suitable punishment by being torturously tantalized in Mallvana, a sprawling, shimmery showcase containing compelling consumer goodies they're doomed to achingly desire but never possess. As Marlo tries to figure out how to play Heck's ambitious administrators against one another and maximize her position in this underage underworld, Milton, back on the Earth's surface and uncomfortably undead, is trying to figure out how to, as his body and soul degrade, right himself so he can return to Heck to rejoin—and possibly save—his sister. Complete with a touching and instructive ending, this book is the second cornucopia of corny humor and creative characters in a series that seems destined to, Dante-style, drag readers through all nine levels of a hilariously imagined Heck. If so, librarians and parents might want to go along for this boisterous ride over the River Styx and share this series aloud as it unfolds; a good chunk of Basye's witty allusions reference 20th-century pop culture and are bound to tickle adult funny bones even more than they do those of middle-level readers.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 4–7—The whiz kid from The Puzzling World of Winston Breen (Putnam, 2007) returns to reason through his second mystery. Winston and his two friends, Mal and Jake, are sent to represent Walter Fredericks Junior High in a daylong puzzle competition sponsored by the eccentric owner of Simon's Snack Foods. Their teacher, Mr. Garvey, is determined to win the $50,000 prize for their school and constantly chides the boys to take the day seriously. As Winston's group scrambles around town tracking clues and solving riddles, they are waylaid by a saboteur they suspect is connected to one of the competing schools. They also encounter ethical questions: Is it okay to bend the rules to win? In the end, Winston and Mr. Garvey face a moral dilemma and emerge with a better understanding of one another. Berlin refreshes traditional themes, including the importance of good sportsmanship, with oodles of mind-bogglers for readers' enjoyment. While some puzzles are integral to the plot, others can be solved at a later point (an answer key and additional puzzles are appended). The interlocking mystery contains all the information needed for its unraveling. The subplots are well integrated and the dialogue is snappy. Suggest this fine brainteaser to fans of Siobhan Dowd's The London Eye Mystery (Random, 2008) or Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society (Little, Brown, 2007).—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—From Trekkers to science geeks, Buffy fanatics to Dungeon Masters, nerds of all persuasions are sure to find themselves in the pages of this anthology. It contains fun reads such as Black and Castellucci's "Once You're a Jedi, You're a Jedi All the Way" in which a Klingon wakes with a Jedi in her hotel room while at a sci-fi convention, and Tracy Lynn's "One of Us," in which a cheerleader enlists the school nerds to teach her the basics of geekdom so she can impress her Trekker boyfriend. The collection also includes more profound fare such as Kelly Link's moving and masterful "Secret Identity" about a 15-year-old girl who has pretended to be her 32-year-old sister on an online RPG. She must face the consequences of her lies when she arranges to meet the man with whom she has developed a relationship. Also included are stories by YA lit greats such as John Green, Libba Bray, Scott Westerfeld, and M. T. Anderson. Each story is followed by a comic-book-style illustration offering information or advice such as "What Your Instrument Says About You" and "How to Look Cool and Not Drool in Front of Your Favorite Author." Simultaneously addressing the isolation and loneliness that geeks can feel as well as the sense of camaraderie and community that can be found when one embraces a world or ideology in which he or she can completely invest, Geektastic is a completely dorky and utterly worthwhile read.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 9 Up—Introverted Owen, brash confabulator Audrey, struggling lesbian Jin-Ae, and alcoholic Frank don't seem to have much in common, but they bond online over a shared interest: to commit suicide. Some of them have already made repeated attempts, and now they make a pact. They take a cross-country road trip from New Jersey, visiting the graves of famous people who have killed themselves, that will culminate at Death Valley. There, they will take their own lives—no backing down, no changes of heart. But as they crisscross the states, these isolated, unhappy teens begin to connect over more than just their desire to die; as they share their darkest secrets and most cherished wishes, real friendship and even romantic love develop. As the end of their trip grows closer, the time comes to decide: Is life worth living in spite of the pain, or do they keep their deadly promise? Borris's understanding of the emotional lives of teenagers shines through in his nuanced, well-developed portrayals of the protagonists, particularly Owen, the narrator, who emerges as a wry and wise observer of his companions. The action never feels pat or predetermined, and the author's depiction of the complexities of depression and suicide is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and ultimately hopeful. This first novel is a gripping addition to YA collections.—Meredith Robbins, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, New York City

Gr 9 Up—From the beginning of this novel, fear and suspense are palpable as 14-year-old Blade is chased and savagely beaten by a gang of ruthless teenage girls. He is a gritty, British street kid constantly on the run for his life, but readers don't find out why until the end. He has amazingly keen instincts and startling skill with a switchblade, and he knows how to seem invisible, to go unnoticed and stay alive. Blade watches silently from the shadows to learn whether homeowners are in or not, and then uses unoccupied houses as snugs, safe havens where he sleeps, eats, and reads. Books are Blade's one solace, and his love of books softens the character of this streetwise thief. This is a solid choice for reluctant readers who are willing to accept the British slang, which is easy enough to interpret in context. "Quite a few nebs here too but they're all muffins" translates to, there's lots of people out in the neighborhood, but they're harmless. Bowler's use of short, clipped sentences creates a breathless tone that keeps readers on edge and turning pages at breakneck speed as Blade eludes murderers, drug users, and thugs.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Gr 9 Up—The all-star lineup of authors of these supernatural tales will attract readers, but none of the selections truly surprise. The settings range from the French countryside to a Jamaican villa and the protagonists include a vampire, a witch, and a couple of normal girls whose vacations turn into nightmares. The most winning entry is Maureen Johnston's "The Law of Suspects," in which two sisters are exposed to a story that turns its listeners into killers. It succeeds more as a black comedy of errors than as a chilling horror story. Bray's "Nowhere is Safe" is refreshing because the narrator is male and the characters don't fit the blond-haired, blue-eyed mold. But the author makes such a to-do about her characters' Haitian, Japanese, and Jewish identities that it feels sort of like an after-school special, and the Slavic village's sacrifice ritual is neither funny nor particularly scary. Overall, this is a good beach read for some, but the collection won't attract a diverse audience.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 4–6—This genial parody owes much to Kenneth Robeson's iconic "Doc Savage" novels (Bantam) and the eldritch tales of H. P. Lovecraft. Like the original Man of Bronze, Doc Spartacus Wilde is an international adventurer—he's a master of martial arts, chemistry, disguise, and pretty much every other skill a true champion needs. Moreover, he has trained his children, Wren and Brian, to follow in his outsized footsteps. Every pulp hero needs a colorful sidekick or two, and the Wilde family has brawny Irishman Declan and dapper English attorney Bartlett—fast friends who bicker and spar constantly. When Grandpa Wilde is kidnapped by froglike beings, Wren and Brian accompany their dad's team deep into the Amazon rainforest to the hidden country of Hidalgo. The local militia commander seems friendly enough, but the Wildes aren't sure they can trust him. Sure enough, they discover that Don Gongoro is high priest of a cult devoted to the evil god Frogon, and he and his mutant-frog minions plan to use Declan in a ritual to open a passage to Frogon's dark universe. If the Wilde team can't stop the ceremony in time, civilization is doomed. The action bounces breathlessly from crisis to crisis, with the Wilde family's scientific gadgetry and arcane skills in constant demand. The mock heroic dialogue is sometimes a bit exaggerated, but for the most part, everything is played with a straight face. Kids won't be familiar with the adult-oriented sources, but the book's small format, breakneck pacing, and broad humor will appeal to middle-grade adventure fans.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 9 Up—This fantasy, shot through with romance and suspense, is set in the same world as Graceling (Dial, 2008), but on the far side of the mountain barrier in the kingdom of the Dells. Here there are monsters, enhanced and exceptionally beautiful versions of various animal species. Fire is a human monster, so beautiful that she has to hide her hair for fear of attack by both raptor monsters and human men. She is able to enter other people's minds and exert power over them. It is a tumultuous time in the kingdom, as various lords are preparing to overthrow the king, and Fire is drawn into the fray. With a larger cast and a more complex canvas than Graceling, the story begins slowly and takes its time establishing itself. Fire's path is not immediately clear, and although full of action, her quest is largely internal. While the plotting is well done, there are a few quibbles about Cashore's world-building and about the role of a major character from Graceling, Leck. But, this is Fire's story, and readers will fall in love with her as she struggles with her pivotal role in the war effort as well as her complex relationships with her oldest friend and lover, Archer; with Prince Brigan, whose mind is closed to her and who becomes central to her life; and with her monster father's fearsome legacy. More adult in tone than Graceling, this marvelous prequel will appeal to older teens, who will not only devour it, but will also love talking about it.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 4–7—A forced pen-pal exchange turns into an opportunity for real communication between Illinois sixth-grader Abby Carson and Sadeed Bayat, the best English-language student in his Afghan village. When Abby's first letter arrives in Bahar-Lan, 11-year-old Sadeed is asked by the elders to compose his sister Amira's reply; it isn't proper for a boy and girl to correspond with one another. But soon Sadeed can't resist telling Abby that it is he who has been writing to her. The third-person narrative alternates points of view, allowing for inclusion of intriguing details of both lives. Never a scholar, Abby prefers the woods behind her family's farm and the climbing wall in her school; in the afternoons, Sadeed works in his father's grain shop. In spite of their differences, Abby and Sadeed connect through their imaginations, and their earlier readings of Frog and Toad Are Friends. They learn, as Abby reports, that "people are simple, but the stuff going on around them can get complicated." Full-page pencil illustrations throughout add to the book's appeal. Clements offers readers an engaging and realistic school story and provides an evenhanded comparison between a Midwestern girl's lifestyle and a culture currently in the news.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 7–10—With summer camp over, Marissa and her best friend, Sterling, eagerly await the beginning of sophomore year. Reality kicks in the first day of school though, and, according to Marissa, "it majorly sucks." Sure, Derek is at least smiling at her, but her history of anxiety and depression still haunts her, even though she is determined to put it behind her. Nash, her old friend and next-door neighbor who has not spoken to her in several years, is assigned as her lab partner. She enjoys talking with him but thinks he is much too nerdy for her. As the school year progresses, Derek breaks up with his girlfriend and he and Marissa begin to date. Everything is going well until she realizes that Nash has fallen for her, her parents are splitting up because her mother has had an affair, Derek and his ex are spending a lot of time together, Sterling is about to hook up with a guy she met online who is at least six years older than she is, and her depression is returning. Marissa can become a bit tiresome and the story's pacing is uneven—parts of it seem to go on forever—but the teen and her friends are realistic as they struggle to make sense of high school, romance, and families and as they realize that not one of them has a perfect life and that they all need each other's friendship and love.—Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Denton

Gr 7 Up—Avery Pirzwick is not at all dull. He pretends to be, since being different can be dangerous. He keeps his superpowers (he is incredibly strong and able to fly) secret from everyone, even his parents. Convinced that with great power comes great responsibility, he patrols his town, trying to right wrongs. After a few "strength malfunctions," he's sent to an alternative school for troubled youth and eventually meets some other teens who are equally extraordinary (e.g., Darla is a super genius, Catherine has razor-sharp fingernails, and Nicholas has a dangerous vortex raging in his chest). Together, Avery and his pals realize that they are not freaks; they even become heroes when they catch a mugger and rescue a lost scout troop. Meanwhile, the icy, mysterious Cherchette—an adult with superpowers—promises to help them reach their full potential if they will live with her. The kids eventually learn the truth about her nefarious plans, and a sequel is obvious at the book's end. Avery's narration, generously peppered with swear words, is hip, witty, funny, and sarcastic. His voice is the major strength of the novel. The secondary characters are less well drawn. Teens who enjoy science fiction/fantasy will chuckle over Avery and also be attracted to the characters' unique abilities.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 8 Up—Intrigue, romance, and period details abound in this riveting story of Tudor England. While many novels about this time period focus on Queen Elizabeth I, Crowley has chosen to ponder a historical mystery—the fate of Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr and Thomas Seymour, about whom virtually nothing is known. Was the orphaned child spirited away somewhere? Did she die in the plague like so many others? Told from the point of view of Katherine Bab, a country girl of unknown parentage, this novel offers a plausible scenario. Kat has always wondered who her parents were, but could never get any answers from the woman who raised her. When her caretaker dies, she uncovers what looks like a royal necklace from among the items that supposedly came with her as a baby, and she decides to go to London to find some answers. Her talent as an embroiderer gives her entry into Queen Elizabeth's court, where, surprisingly, she is chosen to be one of the queen's maids of honor. Her quest for answers about her past brings her closer to the queen and closer to danger. Readers who are ready for something more complex than Grace Cavendish's "Lady Grace Mysteries" (Delacorte) or Carolyn Meyer's "Young Royals" series (Harcourt) won't be able to put this book down. The sophisticated writing flows well, and the author does a terrific job of integrating historical details, though some previous knowledge of the era would be helpful.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 6–10—On the day Nell's parents are taken away by the gravediggers, her destiny changes because she bears an uncanny resemblance to Princess Joan, daughter of King Edward III. Worried that his military campaigns, as well as the burgeoning plague, could put his daughter in danger, the king decides that 15-year-old Nell should serve as his daughter's body double. As Nell and her brother George are traveling to Spain with the princess for her marriage, Joan's brother, known as the Black Prince, carries out a treasonous plan that leaves the princess dead in France and Nell forced to take her place in a phony marriage to the Prince of Castile. Realizing his treachery, Nell, George, and Henry, a soldier, try to escape the Black Prince. As they try to make their way through Bordeaux, they are joined by one cast of characters after another, and eventually find themselves in the clutches of the Black Prince once again. The three are taken back to England to be tried for treason, and they pray that King Edward will believe their story. The author's writing style is appealing, but the novel is largely plot driven and episodic with little character development. Additionally, the suggestion that the Black Prince has supernatural control over the plague-infested rats introduces a jarring element of fantasy in what is otherwise strictly historical fiction. The open-ended resolution leaves room for further adventures of Nell, George, and Henry, but readers will want stronger characters with whom they can develop a connection.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 3–6—Mining for gold in 1890s Cripple Creek, CO, is dangerous, yet it's the way of life for the frontier families who call it home. When 10-year-old Mary McHugh's father loses his leg in a mining accident, their peaceful existence is destroyed. The once-jovial man becomes sullen and depressed when he can no longer support his family, and Mary's mother grapples with trying to make ends meet while keeping her subservient role in the household. Mary's dad has always carved wooden "Reminders" of the family and their special times, and these carvings bring both pain and comfort to the child. The story alternates between the present and past as Mary remembers happier times. She tries desperately to remind her family members of them as she schemes for a way for her father to support them again. Shelley's India ink and pen illustrations add to the historical feel of this gentle, yet gripping story. This is a heartwarming novel about overcoming hardship, but it may need to be booktalked or read to children, who may not discover this little gem on their own.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Gr 7 Up—This book owes clear debts to Zoey Dean's "A-List," Jen Calonita's "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" (both Little, Brown), and Lola Douglas's True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet (Penguin, 2005). However, the author's characteristically good-natured and breezy writing style distinguishes it. Devon Dubroff, a 16-year-old Lindsay Lohan type, is back from rehab and determined to restart her career; Livia Romero is the newly svelte 16-year-old daughter of a famous movie director; and Casey West is the naive best friend cum personal assistant of Summer Garland, an up-and-coming star and prima donna. The teens meet in Saint-Tropez, where each of them is involved in the production of what is supposed to be Devon's comeback. Faux gossip-column items interrupt the narrative, often contrasting or questioning the novel's primary plot and revealing the manipulative streak of the girls' nemesis. While each protagonist struggles with romance, Devon's story line introduces an element of mystery that leads to the cliff-hanger ending. Fans of de la Cruz's "Bluebloods" (Hyperion) and "The Ashleys" (S & S) will enjoy this book, and the "behind-the-scenes" premise and lightheartedly gossipy tone will win over general readers of popular fiction.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 4–6—On a perfectly ordinary day, Peter Augustus Duchene goes to the market square of the city of Baltese. Instead of buying the fish and bread that his guardian, Vilna Lutz, has asked him to procure, he uses the coin to pay a fortune-teller to get information about his sister, whom he believes to be dead. He is told that she is alive, and that an elephant will lead him to her. That very night at a performance in the town's opera house, a magician conjures up an elephant (by mistake) that crashes through the roof and cripples the society dame she happens to land on. The lives of the boy, his guardian, and the local policeman, along with the magician and his unfortunate victim, as well as a beggar, his dog, a sculptor, and a nun all intertwine in a series of events triggered by the appearance of the elephant. Miraculous events resolve not only the mystery of the whereabouts of Peter's sister, but also the deeper needs of all of the individuals involved. DiCamillo's carefully crafted prose creates an evocative aura of timelessness for a story that is, in fact, timeless. Tanaka's acrylic artwork is meticulous in detail and aptly matches the tone of the narrative. This is a book that demands to be read aloud.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 3–6—Ten-year-old Liberty has never been let out of her decrepit house on 33 Gooch Street, and her massively obese mother, Sal, doesn't dare leave either. Only Liberty's dreadful father, Mal, a self-described "friggin' genius," comes and goes. As Liberty discovers one day, he really is a genius (the evil sort) and has invented, among other things, potions for communicating with animals and for levitating. Using these devices to escape, Liberty sets off on a search for what she feels must be heaven on Earth—a boarding school called the Sullivan School—meeting friends, dodging scoundrels, and having adventures along the way. Liberty's reactions to the quirky folks and talking animals she meets and the strange situations she finds herself in are naive and full of wonderment, but also commonsensical. While the circumstances are reminiscent of those in Roald Dahl's work, particularly the many intensely nasty grown-ups, the understated humor and friendly, imperturbable tone of the narration bring to mind the fantasies of Eva Ibbotson. The charming illustrations sprinkled throughout add immense appeal to this warm, delightfully odd fantasy.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–7—Bird McGill regards her dad as her best friend. He takes her up in the planes he repairs and lets her take the controls, and he encourages her dream of becoming a pilot. But a special bulletin disrupts her 11th-birthday afternoon: Japan has attacked the military base in Pearl Harbor, and Bird's world is turned upside down. During the next few months, the local airstrip is turned into a military flight school, and her dad is shipped overseas. When a Japanese-American boy joins Bird's class that spring, he is met with distrust. Although his uncle, with whom he is staying, is a longtime resident of Bird's Rhode Island town, they are both thought to be spies, or at least loyal to Japan. Circumstances compel Kenji and Bird to join forces one day to escape Farley, a class bully, and in the process they stumble on evidence of an enemy submarine in the area. When they attempt to report what they have seen, nobody believes them. Their problems are compounded when Farley's shiftless father is murdered and the local engine factory is sabotaged: Kenji's uncle is blamed. Only Bird can clear Uncle Tomo, but the murderer has threatened to kill her family if she speaks up. Well-developed characters make this story of friendship amid hostilities shine. While the coincidences surrounding the murderer can stretch credulity at times, this action-packed first novel is full of engaging twists and turns, and readers learn about the injustices done to many Japanese Americans during World War II. First-rate historical fiction.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 5–8—An agreeable, fluffy expansion of "Sleeping Beauty," this novel conflates the traditional story with that of an American teenage boy. Talia (the princess) has the world's most overprotective parents—not without reason, of course. Seventeen-year-old Jack's parents think about him only when they are criticizing him. When he awakens Talia with a kiss, she is thrust more than 300 years into a future in the 21st century. The learning curve is steep (and not entirely consistent) but readers will laugh at the pair's escapades as they depart Europe for Florida, try to pass Talia off as a modern Belgian girl, and come to new understandings with their respective parents. No more than fun, but plenty of that.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—The summer before Christopher Newell is set to start college, he gets a job in the morgue because it's his life's goal to become a spy and working there should teach him about forensic pathology, if nothing else. Instead he discovers a murder cover-up that points to town officials and close friends. As he works to discover whodunit, the plot thickens with bribery, blackmail, murder, and revenge. With everyone suspect, and danger deepening, it seems that the only person Christopher can trust is Tina McIntyre, an insanely hot, brazen reporter who wants to boost her career with a killer story. Together they might discover the truth, but at what cost? Ford makes his debut with a solid mystery infused with dry wit, but it's his likable, quirky detectives and their crackling chemistry that make The Morgue and Me anything but stiff.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 6–8—After an awesome summer at Wilderness Discovery Camp, eighth-grader Katya dreads going to public school, which she finds "stupefying." She convinces her parents to homeschool her so she can enjoy her newfound interests in science and nature. Their idea of homeschooling is very different from hers. She spends most of her days working in her mother's beauty shop and doing lessons from the incredibly boring DIM (Daily Instructional Matrix) instead of wandering the area examining plants and animals. She begins dating Milo, a violin prodigy who is homeschooled as well and hates it, and they form the Homeschool Liberation League in order to change their parents' approach to education. With the help of Katya's friend Francesca, a reporter for the school paper, Katya and Milo work to achieve the outcome that they desire. Various local residents assist with Katya's schooling, particularly Eddie Horton, a regular customer at the beauty shop. The main characters are engaging, and the teens' actions and emotions realistically show the struggles that come with adolescence. Frank includes text messages and emails, which lend authenticity to the way these teens interact. The story is well crafted and moves at a good pace.—Laura Amos, Newport News Public Library, VA

Gr 9 Up—At the age of seven, Dara Cohen was so adorable and so talented that she won the title of Little Miss Maine. Now 17, she has definitely become plus-sized. When her English teacher assigns a multimedia autobiography project, Dara decides to use some of her old pageant footage to create a project called (Re)Think Thin and make a statement about how our society views overweight people. Her parents are so angry and humiliated that they pull her out of school and insist that she go into therapy, straining what is already a difficult relationship. Dara decides to contact her sister, whom she has never met and who has been estranged from their parents for years. She spends the summer with Rachel at Jezebel Goat Farm in rural Massachusetts, a collective farm that also serves as a haven for lesbian women and others who are not accepted by their families. As the summer progresses, Dara learns more about herself, her sister, and her family history, and proves that she is indeed talented and beautiful. This is a highly enjoyable read. There are some great references to singer Cass Elliot, who becomes a positive role model for Dara. The teen's relationship with her parents, particularly with her controlling mother, is tense and believable, and the characterizations of the eccentric residents of the goat farm are entertaining and appealing. The happy ending is predictable, but acknowledges that Dara still has many challenges ahead of her.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 4–6—Twelve-year-old Lidie must leave her beloved home in Brazil for a new life in New York. She reunites with Pai and her older brother, who left shortly after Mamãe died five years earlier. Lidie's father and Rafael train racehorses for a wealthy benefactor. When she meets the filly Pai has dubbed Wild Girl, Lidie remembers her mother calling her by that name. The horse's story parallels hers, as they are both plunked down into an unfamiliar, sometimes harsh environment. But when at last Lidie rides Wild Girl, it is as if their spunky, spirited souls gloriously merge. This brief tale of the sense of powerlessness that accompanies childhood is magnified by the perspective of an immigrant girl. It also addresses the pain of separation from loved ones, and animal cruelty. These issues are dealt with in an evenhanded, never too sorrowful or desperate way. Readers will find hope and resiliency in this coming-of-age story.—Tracy Weiskind, Chicago Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Gustavo and Gabriel are less than thrilled when their father announces that he is moving the family from their Texas home to California for the summer to pick fruit, just as he did when he first came to the United States from Mexico. Upon arriving at the farm, the family must live in a small shack with no running water or electricity, line up for their weekly pay, and survive the unwritten rules of their new society. Themes of prejudice, equality, machismo, and interdependence ring throughout González's work, painting a picture of life that most students do not see. Although the story is heartfelt, it comes across as disjointed and awkward at times. Conversations are forced and do not flow well, serving to drive the themes of the novel rather than reveal the spirit of the characters.—Richard J. Snyder, Inglewood Junior High School, Sammamish, WA

Gr 4–7—The Hanging Hill Playhouse has a long, dark history as Zack soon discovers. The 11-year-old, who has the ability to see ghosts; his stepmother, Judy; and his dog arrive at the theater for rehearsals of Curiosity Cat, the musical Judy has written. They are unaware of anything sinister until a series of mysterious ghosts appears and strange things begin to happen. Zack and Meghan, a young actress, nose about while the "psycho" director loses himself in necromancy. An endearing element in the novel is the warm relationship between Zack and his stepmother. The plot is fast paced and there are numerous characters, especially toward the end, with frequent scene switches that demand a lot of readers' ability to visualize the goings-on. All in all, this successor to The Crossroads (Random, 2008) is a successful stand-alone. The story line is hauntingly delicious as the fully fleshed-out creepiness comes tempered with humor. It's a throwback to the kids' matinees of yore.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 7 Up—When Emery and sometimes-friend (and full-time troublemaker) Richard play "Nicky Nicky Nine Doors," the age-old game of knocking on neighbors' doors and running away before being caught, they don't anticipate that the harmless prank can have lasting consequences. Richard suggests that they put flaming bags of "stunt poo" on the doorsteps and videotape the unsuspecting participants as they extinguish the flames. However, the game veers wildly out of control. When the boys are mugged and kidnapped, they realize that they are no longer in control of the game and that all the players aren't entirely what they seem. Realistic action and dialogue, along with a fast-paced plot, will keep reluctant readers turning pages. Savvier readers may be turned off by predictable characterization and an incredible plot twist at the end, but Doors is a solid hi/lo choice.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 4–6—When Zaria Tourmaline and her fairy classmates receive their wands at age 12, she is shocked to discover that she and her friend Leona have extraordinarily high levels of magical ability and power reserves, talents that have become almost unheard of in Feyland. For Zaria the news is tinged with bitterness, for she cannot share it with her parents, who disappeared three years earlier on a mission to Earth. Despite (or perhaps because of) this, she is drawn to the human world, and creates a stir when she is spotted by a pair of children. Now Zaria must face the consequences of her carelessness while fending off the attacks of her sinister mentor, Lily Morganite, who seems determined to get her hands on Zaria's powers. Themes of classism and responsible use of power are touched on but get lost in the uneven plotting. The fairy world and Zaria's struggles with Lily make for a solid fantasy adventure, but the story grinds to a halt when it moves to Earth, where the action feels perfunctory and extraneous.—Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 7 Up—Kayla Madison is excited about spending the summer as a sherpa in the dense national forest. She gets to reconnect with her friends from last year's guide group, including the mysterious and extremely attractive Lucast. Kayla is also hoping that the park is a chance to come face to face with the demons from her past. It was here that, at the age of five, she witnessed her parents' accidental murder by hunters who mistook them for wolves. Kayla's adventures begin with her 17th birthday and the opportunity to lead a group of scientists under the guidance of Dr. Keane into the park to study wolves and their behaviors. Things soon begin to spin out of control as Kayla discovers what Dr. Keane and his group are really up to. She faces difficult choices that not only make sense of her past but will also have life-altering effects on her future. Hawthorne expertly weaves romance with the supernatural, cloaking them with danger and suspense. The plot is fast paced and full of action but ends a little too neatly and at times seems a bit rushed. However, the author does a good job giving readers a natural view of the legends and myths behind werewolves and their evolution. This is a good series to watch and a must-have for those libraries with a vampire/werewolf following.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 4–8—It's 1849, and though 12-year-old Zeb would rather remain in their familiar log cabin with his six siblings, Pa places him onboard a steamship bound for St. Louis and Great-Uncle Seth's tannery to learn a trade. Feeling lonely and unhappy about the prospect of working "with a bunch of smelly old hides," Zeb is thrilled when a fine gentleman strikes up a conversation with him. Chilly Larpenteur's specialty is helping wealthy travelers share their riches—through rigged card games. He asks Zeb to become his apprentice upon their arrival in St. Louis, assuring the boy that his work is philanthropic since he donates part of his winnings to orphans. Zeb accepts, but it's not long before Chilly's true colors show and the boy realizes that he has been flimflammed. However, he's made real friends along the way, including a blind old Indian chief known for his visions and a grouchy slave who burns everything he cooks. How they beat Chilly at his own game makes for a tale that Mark Twain would be proud to call his own. It takes a lot of gumption to create a protagonist who follows in the footsteps of Tom Sawyer, and Helgerson succeeds. Full-page illustrations, an author's note about 19th-century life along the Mississippi, and a hilarious glossary are added bonuses.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 8–11—After 6 months and 218 kisses, high school junior Zoë is blindsided when her boyfriend dumps her—he wants to focus on his band, he says, and not have a girlfriend right now. Obviously he's made a big mistake, and Zoë sets out to prove it to him. Her best friends discourage her efforts to win him back (which include stuffing her poetry through his bedroom window, snooping through his email, and flirting with his friends) and tell her she's acting crazy, but she can't help herself. She has been completely wrapped up in Henry since they started dating, to the exclusion of her own friends and activities, and now that he's extricated himself from her life, she has trouble coping with this loss of identity. It's a common story and realistically told. Zoë is believably self-centered, but her friends' lives center on her, too, offering advice and encouragement (and, in the case of one male friend, offering himself as "excellent boyfriend material"). The rushed conclusion shows hope for Zoë as she makes efforts to find the self she jettisoned for Henry. Girls will relate to the teen's heartbreak and healing, though her self-pity and manipulations may irritate more than amuse.—Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA

Gr 7 Up—In Ghostgirl (Little, Brown, 2008), Charlotte choked on a gummy bear and died, and, in this latest installment, she is still struggling in her unlife. After Dead Ed, she moves on to answer phones for a hotline for troubled teens, hardly her idea of Heaven. However, the appearance of a new friend helps to soothe her hurting heart. Maddy seems to understand Charlotte and when all of Charlotte's Dead Ed friends abandon her to take on their new "lives," Charlotte and Maddy bond. There is something more than meets the eye about Maddy, though. Meanwhile, Petula has gone into a coma due to a staph infection caused by a bad pedicure. In her quest to get her sister back, Scarlett has also entered a comatose state. Will Charlotte be able to guide the girls back home while managing the events in her own life? With its equal blend of humor and heartbreak, Hurley's novel is sure to find an audience. Make sure you have the first volume on hand. Readers will definitely want both for the full picture.—Emily Garrett Cassady, North Garland High School, Garland, TX

Gr 8 Up—In post-World War I Austria, Englishman and self-made magnate Guy Farne buys a countryside castle as part of an elaborate plan to woo Nerine, the woman he loved and lost as a penniless teenager. Meanwhile Tessa, Pfaffenstein Castle's headstrong young heiress, revels in the anonymity of life as a junior wardrobe mistress at the International Opera Company in Vienna. When Guy commissions the company to stage a production of Mozart's Magic Flute at Pfaffenstein, he and Tessa meet and bond over their love of art and music. He is unaware of her connection to his new estate until her identity is revealed at a lavish ball held to introduce Nerine to Austrian society. Though drawn to Tessa, Guy stays faithful to his deliciously snobby fiancée. In the meantime Tessa fields the dogged (and comic) marriage proposals of a local prince. Predictably, the star-crossed pair eventually get their well-deserved happy ending. The novel opens with too much telling instead of showing, but Ibbotson hits her stride once all the players assemble at the castle. Vivid details bring supporting characters to life. German phrases and literary allusions may escape young readers, but do not detract from the overall flow of the narrative. There is nothing groundbreaking here, but this is satisfactory historical romance for future fans of Philippa Gregory.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

Gr 5–8—Dinah Galloway is a fiery 12-year-old who is preparing to be the singing voice of the 2010 Olympics in British Columbia. Actress Violet Bridey, aka Beak-Nose, has escaped from prison and is out for revenge against Dinah, who was responsible for her conviction. To escape all of the mishaps that have been occurring in Dinah's life, she agrees to go to Salt Spring Island—The Fat Farm—with her singing competitors to shape up. Dinah is completely against the new healthy lifestyle and is very vocal about her unhappiness while always keeping a watchful eye out for Beak-Nose. Suspicious events continue, and the old adage "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" rings especially true. The cast of characters, like Talbot and Pantelli, from previous books make appearances and add to the humor and adventure. Dinah's fans will enjoy this new escapade. However, readers not familiar with the series may have difficulty understanding some of the characters. Body-image issues and the underlying message of "personal best" are strong themes throughout the book. There are many plot twists to keep readers guessing who is trying to sabotage Dinah, but her thorough detective work and help from true friends will catch the "Queen of Disguise" in action. Readers will appreciate this strong-willed, sassy heroine who has a heart of gold.—Mairead McInnes, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, NY

Gr 6–8—As this book begins, all seems right with the world: The Sorcerer King has been defeated, Tania has returned to Faerie with her human parents in tow, and Cordelia's wedding is underway. But a child falls ill and dies—a seeming impossibility in the immortal land of Faerie. Soon, as others become sick, it is evident that this is not just an isolated incident. Oberon puts the plague victims in an enchanted sleep that can only last as long as he has the strength to keep awake. It is assumed that Tania's parents carried the disease with them into the kingdom, and they are banished, and once again Tania must choose between Faerie and the Mortal World. Meanwhile she must seek the cause and cure of this illness if her kingdom is to survive. Readers with an idealistic notion of fantasy and faeries will be pleased with Jones's romantic depiction of this magical world, and those who have enjoyed the series up to this point will not be disappointed with this latest volume. However, the dialogue is self-conscious and reads like someone's idea of how fantasy should sound. Also, there are some places in which internal logic is abandoned. Ultimately this is a fun story with very little substance.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 9 Up—Alex is a shy and socially awkward boy from Oakland, and although he is straight, everyone thinks he is gay because he is a ballet dancer. Kyla is a beautiful party girl from Los Angeles who drinks too much and sleeps around. Her parents are divorced, her mother is clinically depressed, and her father is uninvolved in her life, except for an occasional check. One night, the teens meet online, and they develop a relationship, gradually opening up more and more to one another about their lives. When they meet in real life, however, the conflicts between them threaten to derail their budding romance. This is an English translation of an award-winning Swedish book, Sandor Slash Ida, originally published in 2001 and later made into a film. At times, it shows its age, but its essential appeal is in its portrayal of how two very different teens manage to connect with each other, despite all their insecurities and missteps along the way. Kadefors also has fun with subverting some of the usual stereotypes. Of the two, Alex is the more sympathetic. Kyla does some cruel things to him and other people, actions that are only partially explained by her painful family situation, and it is often difficult to understand why Alex would continue to be attracted to her. Parts of the plot have not translated well from the Swedish setting to contemporary California, but this book may appeal to some readers because of the online angle and the romance between opposites.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 8–11—In this debut novel, Kaplan has created a teenager who actually talks, thinks, and acts like one. Angeleno Becky Miller, 16, like most of her friends, has parents in "the business": Mom has a talk show and Dad is an entertainment attorney. Although both of them have good intentions and love their children, they have little time to interact with them on a daily basis. Becky and her younger brother pretty much manage their own lives. The stress of this lifestyle really affects her, and she shows signs of OCD and severe anxiety, which heavy medication only partially relieves. Becky knows that she needs to keep her life together while everything else, including her parents' marriage, is falling apart, but it's tough when you don't have much control over such matters. This pivotal semester is a true test of her character and endurance, and as she stumbles through, readers will relate to her difficulties and cheer for her successes. Kaplan is an author to watch.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 6–10—Kaida Hutchenson, a purple-haired 15-year-old student at Buchanan High School in St. Denis (right outside "Hollyweird"), never expected the school field trip to Carlsbad to go so wrong. She thought that the worst part of it would be riding in a van without her best friend, Maria, and dealing with arrogant Zeke Anderson and laid-back Joy Tallon. But after the van crashes in the desert, catches on fire, and it begins to rain, the three enter a cave that strangely transports them to a parallel dimension in which everything, including their families, is the same—except that being ill is kept a secret and finding a cure is illegal. Kaida's narration of the events will keep readers' interest as they feel her frustration and confusion as to why she can't find an aspirin for Joy's throbbing arm or use any words associated with health care or medicine because the wrong people might hear. The mysteries unfold and dangers are explained through Kaida's new love interest, Ozzy, the rebel with a cause in a world without health care. This is an ideal concept for a story that is smoothly paced through new romances, new friendships, and suspicious family members while dealing with the underworld trafficking of medicine that can become deadly. Unfortunately, the ending is rushed, some seemingly important characters are left undeveloped, and there's no explanation of how and why the split in the parallel worlds came about. This powerful topic had great potential but it falters in its delivery.—Nancy D. Tolson, Mitchell College, London, CT

Gr 8 Up—Back in New York after a year of breathtakingly dangerous adventures in which he saved the Earth's oceans in Firestorm (2006) and the Amazon in Whirlwind (2008, both Farrar), Jack Danielson hopes to blend in with the crowds in Manhattan, where he has taken a job as a construction worker and resumed his relationship with his girlfriend P.J., now a student at Barnard. Unfortunately, his destiny as Prince of Dann a thousand years in the future makes life as an ordinary 21st-century teenager impossible. He soon finds himself kidnapped and whirled away into a future where much of the Earth is desert and the Arctic has been almost completely destroyed. In this world, Jack's real father, the king, is about to be executed by the forces of the Dark Army, and his real mother is waiting to join Jack on a death-defying quest to free his father from a seemingly impenetrable fortress, defeat the Dark Lord, and save the dying planet. Every bit as fast paced, thrilling, and similar to a gripping computer game as its predecessors, this final volume in the trilogy will keep readers absorbed while presenting them with a valuable warning about the need for environmental awareness.—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 7–10—Charlie West lived the life of an ordinary teenager—good student, black belt in karate, motivated—until he wakes up strapped in a chair next to a table of blood-splattered instruments of torture. He manages to escape from his unknown captors only to discover that an entire year has passed, of which he remembers nothing. Finding himself pursued by those he perceived as the "good guys," he must run to save himself and to discover the truth. Yet when Charlie learns of a plot to assassinate a government official, he risks all to save a stranger. This first book in the series may lack cohesiveness, but it remains a compelling thriller. The first half unfolds in painstaking, if not excruciating, detail, while the second half speeds to an ending with no real resolution. Readers presumably will have to hope that the sequel will explain more fully this tightly wound mystery. Klavan spends a good deal of time aptly portraying Charlie and other key figures, but some patriotic characters may come across as overzealous and off-putting.—Tara Kehoe, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

Gr 9 Up—Ellie has sex with boys who make her feel wanted and beautiful and then never call again. Even seemingly decent Josh, a virgin, leaves right after their tryst and never speaks to her again. It turns out the condom "slipped off" (?) and she gets pregnant. The next nine months are narrated by four charaters—Ellie, Josh, and their best friends, Corinne and Caleb. Ellie's and Josh's families are filled with stock dysfunction—from Ellie's shrill, uptight mother and perfect-on-the-outside home to Josh's washed-up, hard-drinking father and hapless mother. The plot of this novel is tired, but Corinne and Caleb, at least, are mercifully convincing and thoughtful. Each, of course, comes from a stable family. Caleb's single mother is the novel's moral center. The blaring contrast between stable kids from loving families versus lost kids from dysfunctional families oversimplifies a complex subject. Knowles writes fluidly, and though Caleb's and Corinne's scenes shine, Ellie and Josh never engage enough to set Jumping Off Swings apart in the genre.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 8–10—Fifteen-year-old Laney has plenty to complain about, but readers will tire of her whining and foul language long before the end of her six weeks at a truly abominable summer camp. She starts out as a Manhattan diva with friends who drink too much, then displays the interests of a tween. Jonas Brothers, Disney TV-movies, and a blankie? Her three nasty bunkmates—Aiden, Aidan, and Hayden—wear shorts with suggestive words across their butts, and her cabin leader is a perky pest. Her other bunk mate, Sylvie, who is slightly more rounded, becomes her best friend. Despite camp rules that keep girls and boys separate except for special events, Laney decides to get Sylvie a boyfriend. She finds herself falling for Ryan, a guy she's secretly liked but who is an outcast from her cool crowd in New York. Here in the Poconos, he passes for the hottest thing at camp. To the author's credit, camp activities never improve for Laney but having two friends makes all the difference. That touch of realism and some funny lines and situations are not enough to make up for the unbelievable plot and lack of character development.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 5–8—The orphanage at Delphi Keep is a great place for Ian and Theodosia to grow up. They love exploring the tunnels all around the White Cliffs of Dover. One day, they happen upon a silver box in one of them. When Ian wedges it free from the sand, a vicious hell-hound, the servant of an evil sorcerer, begins to chase them. The two soon find themselves embroiled in a wild adventure involving a prophecy foretold by the oracle Laodamia about the coming of the Nazis and the end of the world. It hinges on an old legend about the Demogorgon fathering four children who control the elements and who are bent on destruction. Now, the two children, along with their friend Carl, their teachers, and an old antiquities professor, must race against half-demons and piece together the clues of the prophecy. If they don't find several important objects mentioned in it, the world could be destroyed. While the story begins well and has several breathtaking action sequences, it quickly meanders and loses steam. Laurie has too many plot strands to tie together and she does so haphazardly, leaving the story overloaded with characters, especially villains. The characters themselves seem more like archetypes than real people, and the dialogue is sometimes unrealistic. With an overlong, complicated plot and long stretches of low action, the story is unlikely to find a wide audience.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 4–7—Amy and Dan Cahill are now on their way to Japan. In the dramatic opening chapter, while boarding a flight to Tokyo, they are outfoxed by two of their cousins, also in search of the Cahill family secrets. Separated from their au pair, Nellie, and cat, Saladin, they are forced to find alternate transportation in their Uncle Alistair's private jet. Though they never fully trust him, Amy and Dan must rely on his knowledge of Japan and of their Cahill ancestor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous warrior whose stronghold may harbor their next clue. Lerangis continues the formula of the earlier "39 Clues" books: plenty of action and surprises, but little in the way of characterization or description of the setting. The small tidbits of historical information about ninjas are not well integrated into the story. Nevertheless, this is sure to be popular with fans of the series who appreciate Dan's bad jokes, the double-crossing Cahill relatives, and cliff-hanger endings. (Note: Library edition does not include the playing cards.)—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 4–6—Edward Macleod, a 14-year-old orphan, has been sent to a school for difficult children by his guardian aunt. When strange things start happening to him, such as being able to move objects with his mind and wings sprouting on his back, he attempts to find out what he really is and where he belongs. When evil Whiplash Scruggs tries to cut off his wings, Edward flees with the help of a mysterious Mr. Spines, even though he's not sure this half-man, half-porcupine can be trusted. From him, Edward learns that his mother is trapped in the Afterlife and needs his help to move on. This is a fast-moving story about a character who arouses sympathy from the moment he is introduced. Taller than other children but gentle and harmless, Edward has no idea of his powers or abilities. Life hits him hard but he finds the strength to push forward with the hope of finding something better just ahead. The ending leaves readers wanting more. The introduction of demons, angels, and myths could confound less sophisticated readers, but the strong story line and characterization help overcome any confusion and allow them to accept the narrative as it unfolds.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 4–6—Billy Bones and Millicent are back in this sequel to Tales from the Secrets Closet (Little, Brown, 2008). With the villainous Commissioner Pickerel ensconced inside a magical red vase, the cousins feel safe to take on another adventure, but they get more than they bargained for when an even more nefarious character, Shadewick Gloom, pops up on the scene. Billy's Uncle Grim blew the whistle on Gloom when he created Nevermore, a banished wasteland of lost souls, and now Gloom has a score to settle with him, so he snatches away Grim's head and Millicent during a routine soul-catching mission. Billy soon learns that his family members have been dropped in Nevermore, and he embarks on a dangerous journey to get them back. The story is action-packed and filled with colorful characters, but can be confusing to readers unfamiliar with the first volume. Many of the important elements—Billy's transformation from a skeleton to a boy, the secrets closet, Millicent's parents' predicament—are lightly touched upon, but not explained enough to provide a full understanding of events. Purchase if the first book is popular.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 5–7—Moving to a new city every time her father finishes building and selling a house makes it hard for 12-year-old Paris Pan to make friends, so when two girls immediately seek her out on her first day at school and invite her to a party, she is thrilled. The catch, as Paris learns, is that the party is for Mayo's 13th birthday. It turns out that 20 years earlier, a girl was dared to spend the night in the woods alone and disappeared. Her body was found weeks later, and the cause of death was never definitively proven. Since then, all girls turning 13 take the Dare as a kind of rite of passage, and Mayo expects Paris to sleep in the woods with her and her friend. To make matters worse, Paris discovers that Beth disappeared where the Pans now live, and when she begins hearing noises at night, she wonders if the dead girl is haunting her. Paris's character is convincing—particularly in scenes in which she struggles internally while Mayo cruelly teases the class "freak," Robin. The ghost story/urban legend that drives the plot is well presented. Less well developed are the relationships in the Chinese-American Pan family, and Paris's parents speak in broken English that doesn't seem natural. Overall, though, the book is well paced and Paris's desire for friendship will ring true with middle school readers.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 6–9—Fifteen-year-old R.D., part Mexican, part Cheyenne, lives in the San Joaquin Valley with his grandmother and her long-term boyfriend, Earl, until she splits town with a new man. Meanwhile, R.D. gets suspended his first day repeating eighth grade when he stops a fight between two "brown girls" wearing rival gang colors and doesn't correct the assistant principal when he assumes otherwise. Then Earl suddenly dies. The teen's mom is in prison, and his migrant, Mexican father is MIA, so, in order to avoid a group home, he decides to cover up the fact that he is now living on his own. On the surface, Lynch paints a story that could appeal to reluctant readers. However, R.D. has none of the discernable life skills a boy in his situation might pick up, such as doing laundry, and this unrealistic portrayal could be a plot killer for many readers. Also, his bad decisions—like forging the signature on and depositing Earl's Social Security and pension checks—are brushed aside, and things are neatly resolved when the executor of Earl's will helps R.D. avoid criminal consequences and secure his independence.—Adrienne L. Strock, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

Gr 5–8—From the time he was a young child, Frankie's dreams invoked meaningful colors and seemed like premonitions that he was powerless to change. In his waking hours, he sees himself as just an average kid—a skateboarder whose dreams are beginning to freak him out. Then he dreams he has wings. As he struggles with this possibility, he happens upon an injured Wilson's storm petrel and tries to save it. He also begins to overcome his fear of horses when his father signs him up at a horse farm's therapeutic riding program to work with an autistic child. He develops an unexpected friendship with an unpopular classmate whom he is convinced is a mind reader and who also sees colors. The dilemmas faced by Frankie and some of the other characters are intriguing as they struggle with their fears, disappointments, and aspirations. The story has several touching moments and unexpected turns in a plot that intertwines the everyday vicissitudes at school and home with some seemingly supernatural twists.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 5–7—Young Viola is masquerading as a boy so that she can travel with impunity with her Uncle Matthew's strolling players. When the troupe arrives in Stratford, 11-year-old Will Shakespeare drives them to distraction with his incessant questions. He promises to keep Viola's identity secret, however, and, when Matthew is falsely accused of murder, Will devises numerous plans—all of which fail—to try to prove the man's innocence. The tale concludes with a dramatic finish—dead bodies all around—in the best tradition of Shakespearean tragedy. Each of the brief 21 chapters begins with the "nut" of a Shakespearean quote, and some readers might recognize bits of dialogue from various plays. The chapters themselves logically reveal the twists and turns of the plot in concise, readable prose. The realistic details put flesh on the bones of not only the primary characters, but also of the secondary personages as well. The joy here, of course, is in seeing the boy Will through the eyes of Viola, a protagonist who views him not with wonder but with disdain. She does admit to his talents, however: his cleverness, his love of intrigue, and his poetic prowess. MacDonald's debut novel is sure to entice readers, both as a story in its own right and as a prompt to explore the life and career of the most famous writer in the English language.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 5–8—The early 1960s might be pretty turbulent everywhere else, but for 10-year-old orphan Carolina and the self-sufficient mountain woman she calls Auntie Shen, life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina is homegrown, hand-preserved, and intrusion-free. After Carolina is orphaned, Auntie Shen takes her in, knowing full well that things are changing even in their remote piece of the world. Meddling do-gooders and social services overpower informal, off-the-grid arrangements like theirs with increasing ardor. But Auntie Shen and Carolina manage just fine—until Auntie Shen suffers a stroke. The situation is quickly declared unacceptable, and Carolina is forced away from her home. Desperate with worry for Auntie Shen, and indignant at being handed around against her will, the child flees two foster situations. She seeks refuge anywhere she can before finally stumbling onto Harmony Farm. There, Miss Latah, Mr. Ray, and Lucas gently help Carolina rebuild her trust. She isn't sure why or even whether the Harmony family wants her. But in the end, her happiness—and her beloved makeshift family—are finally made whole. McDowell's prose reads easily and creates a wonderful sense of place. The author occasionally jolts readers awake with jarring reminders that Carolina lives in a particular time, as well. Odd references to the civil rights struggle and the war in Vietnam are strangely, startlingly incongruous with the rest of Carolina's surroundings. Or perhaps they're a fitting complement to the startling strangeness of the child's entire world.—Catherine Threadgill, formerly at Charleston County Public Library, SC

Gr 4–7—This funny book features poor, hardworking Martin Wettmore and rich prankster Trixi Wilder, who are forced to work together on the school newspaper. These stereotypical characters move through a predictable plot that is enhanced by a photocopier that folds origami animals and fills the answers in when tests are copied and faulty sprinkler heads that ruin every item in the library. Martin loves reporting only the facts, has high standards of spelling and grammar, but is unable to sell copies of the newspaper. Trixi creates her own misspelled versions of events, featuring teachers losing their voices, a sword-swallowing crossing guard, and snow in September. These papers sell out. The newspaper's future remains uncertain as Martin and Trixi continue to produce separate editions. Of course, when they work together, they make a profit and raise money for the library. Readers may enjoy the zany mood and creative photocopier.—Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Gr 7–10—When 13-year-old Cashay's beloved younger sister is accidentally killed in a drug-related shooting and their mother relapses into drug addiction, this African-American resident of Chicago's notorious Cabrini Green housing projects seethes with resentment and anger. Enter Allison, a white stockbroker who agrees to mentor the teenager. Their relationship benefits both participants, as Cashay slowly begins to heal, and Allison learns to open up her heart to others. This short, accessible novel is predictable, with a curious lack of tension during scenes that should be very scary, but also with moments of humor ("We're reading stupid books—books about white people who lose pets") and of touching pathos ("He was born just so he could cry"). It is peopled with stock characters, oversimplifies the world, and puts its protagonist through all the stages of grief in a mere 166 pages. However, there is no mistaking the ring of authenticity in Cashay's voice and in the details of life in modern-day Cabrini Green (or what's left of it).—Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Abby's whole life has been planned: she is dating the "boy next door," whom she met shortly before she turned four, her parents are organizing the same bowling birthday party they've thrown for her for 14 years, and she and her best friend plan to be college roommates. Then Dante, a tall, dark, and handsome Italian foreign-exchange student, arrives at her high school, and everything gets turned upside down. Suddenly, she is having passionate feelings for him that she never had for her boyfriend, and she is willing to entertain possibilities that she never before considered. The closer she gets to Dante, the more her life spins out of control. Dante has secrets: He always wears leather gloves that cover his wrists, he disappears for days, and time literally stops when Abby is with him. The more she finds out about Dante, the more danger she is in. This novel has an exciting premise and moves along at a brisk pace. Unfortunately, the supporting characters are all caricatures of high school students, Abby and Dante have very little real chemistry, and the dialogue is stilted and frequently either clichéd or superfluous.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 8 Up—Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, a sarcastic, likable 17-year-old, must find a way to make herself invaluable to the Théâtre Illuminata or she will be forced to leave the only home she has ever known. How she arrived at the theater as a baby is somewhat of a mystery, and through the years she has been allowed to run free and cause mayhem of one kind or another. Beatrice proposes to restage Hamlet set in ancient Egypt and promises it will be the sell-out performance that will restore the Théâtre to its former glory. If that were all, the story line would be fairly straightforward. However, the Théâtre Illuminata is no ordinary theater. Characters from the world's major plays live inside, summoned forth by pinning a note on the Call Board. They are bound to the physical confines of the theater by the pages in The Complete Works of the Stage, an enchanted book. Scene changes happen magically by command, though human Properties and Scenic Managers argue over which pieces belong to whom. The fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream provide the comic relief, and Ariel and Ophelia provide some of the action. Readers who have some knowledge of or interest in theatrical productions will have the easiest time following the twists and turns of the plot, which is especially confusing in the beginning. However, wondering what crazy thing will happen next will keep them going. The ending is a little unsatisfying, and it is clear that a sequel is coming. Nonetheless, the story is clever, if a bit melodramatic at times, and Beatrice is a fun character.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 6–9—This tale of the last surviving heir to the Ruan throne fails to deliver an emotional punch amid all the flying kicks. Just before she turns 16, orphaned Zira narrowly escapes death when the temple in which she lives is razed by a tyrannical Sedorne usurper. By literally passing through the fire, she discovers her true identity as Zahira, a princess who everyone believed was dead. She immediately takes responsibility for leading the temple survivors to safety and forging a political and potentially romantic alliance with a sympathetic Sedorne Lord. Though the novel has some feisty fight scenes and a number of reliable fantasy themes—love between enemy rulers, evil kings who desire redemption, and rebel forces who arrive at the last moment—the characters' emotions aren't convincing. The most vividly realized details are found in the menus: pistachio pastries, sesame seed bread rings, sour black cherry jam. They suggest a Middle Eastern setting, but the fashion, weapons, rules, and religions are generic medieval European. The story poses some interesting leadership dilemmas and there's plenty of plot, but the narrator has a bad habit of telling readers what she's feeling rather than making them feel it.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 9 Up—The story of Hamlet seems tailor-made for YA literature; it includes angst, unrequited love, drama, obsession, family issues, and self-doubt. In turning Shakespeare's play into a novel, Marsden has made it very accessible. The book is brief and the story moves quickly. Hamlet's indecision does not stall the action, but rather drives the narrative—readers wonder what, if anything, he will do. The setting is contemporary, but feels timeless. Marsden stays true to Shakespeare's text, while modernizing the dialogue. He makes the prince a sympathetic teen who is struggling with his hormones, his grief, and the fact that his uncle is now his stepfather. He is lonely, not only because of his royalty, but also because his drive to avenge his father has caused him to commit murder. Hamlet wants to be a man, but he's not sure if he's quite ready. This is a wonderful treatment of the play: engaging, gripping, dark, and lovely.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 9 Up—Ninth-grader Finn's story begins in the middle of winter as her life continues to fall apart. Her parents are headed toward divorce, and she is trying to cope with her own private trauma from an incident that happened in September. Matters are made worse when her best friend, Audrey, is sent to live with relatives during the summer, leaving Audrey's boyfriend, Jersy, alone. As everyone else in Finn's life becomes distant, she and Jersy drift dangerously closer. This novel is difficult to read because the time line jumps forward erratically, with little transition between days and months. Only important events in Finn's life are narrated, which gives readers little insight into the characters' thoughts and actions and creates a jarring effect instead of a flowing narrative. An interesting plot will occasionally make up for a lack of character development, but that simply doesn't happen in this book.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 7–10—Fifteen-year-old Ruby, her mom, her new stepfather, and her younger brother move to Marin County, CA, just before school begins. Her older brother, on whom she depends, has decided to stay in Cottonwood, several hours away, with their father and stepmother. Ruby feels alone and is upset with her parents for divorcing. Even though her Christian family is religious, she questions the nature of faith, and she struggles to make sense of her situation. Marin High is filled with students who are rich and privileged. While working part-time at her aunt's Underground Coffeehouse & Theater, she joins a group of film students who are making a movie, and her enthusiasm is ignited. Throughout the novel, Ruby remains reflective, and she begins to resolve her conflicted feelings about the past and the present. Readers will enjoy this comforting and current coming-of-age story.—Lori A. Guenthner, Baltimore County Public Library, Randallstown, MD

Gr 8–10—Dana, the heroine of Melling's The Light-Bearer's Daughter (Abrams, 2007), returns in this epic final volume in the series to defeat a dark force that threatens both the Faerie and Earth worlds. The portals between the two worlds have been destroyed, and it is up to Dana, half fairy, half mortal, to restore the balance. The 13-year-old has been uprooted from Ireland and is now living miserably in Canada with her father and Indian stepmother. She frequently escapes by spiritually transporting herself back to Faerie. Her fairy queen mother tells her that she must find the Book of Dreams that will help her fulfill her destiny. On her travels, Dana, who can shape-shift; and Jean, a cute French classmate who is a loup garoux, journey in a spirit boat that flies through the air as if it's on water. Along the way, they encounter an impressive array of mythological and legendary characters including giants, trolls, dragons, St. Brendan, and Sasquatch. Fans of the series will be happy to know that all of the characters from the previous books play a part here. Melling's lyrical writing and exquisitely detailed descriptions of the Faerie world and geographical locations in Canada easily make up for the book's length. This novel is being touted as a stand-alone but the references to plot details from the previous titles make it worth reading the series in order.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Gr 4–7—Orphaned by "the Disease," Sam is taken by his aunt to live in her rural Malawi village, leaving behind his computer, his private school, and the comforts of city life. Slowly he comes to terms with his loss, and with his new and confusing world, one with no electricity and quite different ideas of family and sharing. Though his adjustment is difficult, Sam finally begins to accept his circumstances and finds comfort in the people who surround him. The contrast between urban and rural lives is exemplified by the issue of Sam's blue running shoes, a gift from his mother before her death, but the object of envy and ridicule where people wear flip-flops or no shoes at all. For young U.S. readers with only a hazy idea of life in this part of the world, this moving story will go a long way toward adding detail about both modern city life and the more traditional village ways.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 5–10—Fearing for the safety of their British cartographer parents who have been searching for the fabled lost city of Ur-Can, Doug and Becca MacKenzie railroad their chaperone into going on a perilous mission to find them. Armed with research papers found in their parents' study, and accompanied by a pet Bengal tiger, the teens leave their home in India for the deserts of Sinkiang, China. This third book about the Honourable Guild of Specialists, a secret group of scientists and explorers, revolves around four gyrolabes that contain Tembla symbols that, when put together, reveal the whereabouts of Ur-Can. Knowing their parents may be the only ones able to decipher the code, the siblings have a race against time and a Russian bad guy who is certain to use the lost city for evil purposes. Returning to this installment is Julius Pembleton-Crozier (former Specialist and good guy gone bad) and Liberty da Vine, the MacKenzies' American pilot-chaperone who channels Amelia Earhart with her daredevil moxie. Historical fact and fantasy intertwine as technological marvels of the 1920s, such as the hydrogen-filled gondola and the Vickers Vimy fighter plane, are detailed in wonderfully illustrated gatefolds. These factual elements, which include a map of Sumatra's Toba volcano eruption, sidebars about such things as mustard gas, and illustrations of Cossack flamethrowers, make the hard-to-swallow elements about secret societies, codes, and technologies entirely believable. A great romp for history and mystery fans.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 8–10—This paean to sisters is flat-out wonderful, full of emotion and bittersweet teenage confusion. It tackles faith, racism, sexism, and the tug-of-war close siblings can engage in while establishing their identity. Free-spirited sophomore Carly reacts against the consumerism of the girls' upscale Atlanta neighborhood while she enjoys what it has to offer. Freshman Anna relies on Carly at their prestigious private school, Holy Redeemer. She has developed large breasts that grant her unwanted attention. Carly helps her sister to face down a bullying coach, and the girls support each other against their über-critical father. Everyone but Carly can see that dependable Roger could be her "love boodle," but she has a crush on Cole, who has "soulful eyes." A sleepover when the girls' parents are away develops into an out-of-control party, and the sisters' trust in one another frays when Carla finds Anna with Cole. Ultimately, however, their bond strengthens. Language is realistic with some swearing. These are girls with hot tempers, bruised egos, and great love for one another. Readers will love them, too.—Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 3–7—Soon-to-be sixth-grader Alex loves video games and longs to own AlienSlayer: 3-D!, which comes with a holographic-projection unit and two motion-sensor suits. But Alex's parents have other ideas: there's a new jungle gym in the yard and his mother has planned a "playdate" with Herbert, an inventor/genius. To his horror, Alex discovers that his nerdy neighbor has "modified" two AlienSlayer: 3-D! suits. However, instead of allowing their wearers to pass through objects as planned, the suits somehow transform Alex's slide into a wormhole that transports the boys 100 years into the future. There, G'Daliens—squidlike aliens who wear toupees—have taken over Earth, with mostly positive results. But one extraterrestrial is bent on proving just how stupid and unnecessary humans are and tries to ruin the fragile peace between the two species. Now, through a series of gaffs and mishaps, it's up to Alex and Herbert to save the world. With its amusing cartoon drawings and zany adventures, this is sure to be a hit with reluctant readers. The numerous illustrations are integral to the story, adding detail and keeping the action moving quickly. The plot is slight, but readers won't care. Give this to kids who have moved beyond "Captain Underpants" (Scholastic) but want something just as silly and funny.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 7 Up—Micheal, Tommy, Mixer, and Bones aren't so much viewed as troublemakers at Tattawa High School as they are personas non grata. On the fringe, the four friends struggle their way through school and to survive their dysfunctional families. When Tommy disappears, his friends write it off as another one of his escapades until Mr. Haberman, their remedial English teacher, starts speaking in riddles that lead them to believe that he may have killed the boy. Despite an interesting cast of flawed misfits and an edgy concept, Northrop doesn't bring the gritty tale to its full potential because of a slogging pace and meandering narrative.—Terri Clark, Smokey Hill Library, Centennial, CO

Gr 7 Up—Parker's well-known detective hero, Spenser, reminisces to his beloved wife, Susan, about his Western childhood and workingman values bestowed upon him by his father and two uncles. The flashbacks derive from the lad's motherless household, in which Spenser is encouraged to throw punches at his uncles, who were accomplished boxers, and to learn how to defend himself against bullies. In another memory, young Spenser comes face to face with an angry black bear while bird hunting and stands his ground, though he is ultimately saved by his father's more powerful gun. This incident mentally prepares him for the dramatic tracking and rescue of a friend who was abducted by her abusive and alcoholic father. Parker's portrayal of Spenser's bravado in facing the bowie knife-wielding individual and escaping downriver is a compelling page-turner, and the man's demise shocking. This glimpse into the past explains much of the adult Spenser's backbone, though the stop-and-reflect method of storytelling may appeal more to adults than to teens who like their action uninterrupted, such as in his Edenville Owls (Philomel, 2007). Parker's dialogue-driven style and spare vocabulary are comparable to Gary Paulsen's The Beet Fields (Delacorte, 2000).—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 7–9—In this installment in the series, Max, the super-spunky, flying, mutant bird-girl and "kick butt warrior," and her flock battle evil, ecologically thoughtless foes. Fast-paced thrills spill from the pages and pull readers in, starting on page one when a suicide sniper cyborg/human aims his automatic pistol at Max as she flies in an air show over Los Angeles. To help publicize her mother's environmental group, Coalition to Stop the Madness, Max has agreed to lead the flying flock in these touring shows. Performing soon endangers her life, however, by bringing her identity and relationship with the CSM to the immediate attention of Mr. Chu, whose business has dumped radioactive material into the ocean around Hawaii. These toxins are killing millions of fish and causing grisly mutations to other sea creatures. Mr. Chu almost kills Max and then kidnaps her mother, holding her for ransom in a submarine. With the flock members' extraordinary abilities—Gazzy's inventiveness, Max's strength and intuitive "voice" in her head, and Angel's telepathy and her ability to speak to some helpful mutant sea creatures, Max rescues her mother. Patterson weaves humor into the dramatic action. In addition, Max's romantic relationship with Fang ripens to a more serious level than in the previous books. Hints of an approaching apocalypse, repeated references to Max's "mission in saving the world," and a few lingering questions such as her precarious relationship with her father all leave open the possibility of a sequel.—James K. Irwin, Sandy Library, UT

Gr 5–9—Torak is living with his foster father Fin-Kedinn and the Seal Clan when his friend Bale is murdered. Vowing revenge against the soul-eater who killed him, Torak and Renn discover that there is a bigger plot at work, one that threatens all of the clans of the forests. Torak must see past his hatred and vengeful quest to stop the evil that has taken root. Once again Paver blends her knowledge of animals and the ancient European landscape with magic and legend to add a new chapter to this story. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 5–8—Fleeing their burned village in the Guatemalan highlands, 13-year-old Tomasa, her two brothers, and her storytelling father make their way first to the capital and then north to Mexico City and across another border to Arizona. They reunite with her mother and another brother, who are safe thanks to the Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s. Artistic Tomasa loves to sketch and to re-create her world in her weaving and embroidery. Through her narrative, readers can envision her family and village life as well as the sights of her journey from the mountains to the cities and north to America. This well-paced first-person account is full of suspenseful moments, but also psychologically convincing as the author shows Tomasa consciously burying her own emotions while her younger brother, Manuel, adopts another woman in place of the mother who left him behind to save her 14-year-old from the army. Although Tomasa's journey takes a year, the pace moves along quickly. Still, there is room to recount Guatemalan folktales and show many details of village life as well as the refugee experience. A short background explanation, a glossary, and a map complete this harrowing but ultimately hopeful immigration story based on the author's work with refugees.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 9 Up—Unicorns are not magical, sparkly creatures of fairy tale, but violent, venomous beasts that could only be killed by virgin girls descended from Alexander the Great and that were hunted to extinction more than a century ago—or so Astrid Llewelyn's mother always told her. Naturally, the 16-year-old is dismayed to learn that all but the last part is true. Like her ancestors, Astrid fits the criteria for a unicorn hunter, and her obsessed-with-glory mom sends her off to Italy to train for battle against the latest wave of unicorn attacks. The scientifically inclined Astrid is reluctant to enter this mysticism-laced world, but her interest is piqued by research into the Remedy, a panacea somehow connected to the unicorns. Astrid is a believably strong and reluctant heroine, but only a few of her fellow hunters emerge as fully developed characters. Bloody battles abound, but the book is at its best when the characters discuss the moral and social aspects of their situation. How does a cloistered order dedicated to exterminating a species fit in with modern ideas of feminism and environmentalism? The hunters must be virgins, and Astrid and the others discuss the fact that they often feel pressured by their peers to have sex. A solid addition for libraries needing to beef up their girl-centric fantasy-adventure collections.—Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO

Gr 3–6—Biking home at night from hockey practice, Jonathan spies a stunned baby squirrel in the road and, after trying to return it to a tree, takes it home. With his parents out of town, he and his older brother try various foods and comfort for the sickening animal, finally going online to find Sandy, a wildlife rehabilitator who points out that this wild creature needs to be eventually returned to the woods. Sixteen short chapters alternate between the squirrel's thoughts and feelings and Jonathan's thoughts and actions. The nearly anthropomorphic squirrel sections evoke reader sympathy and identification: the squirrel nipped his brother "even though his mother told him not to"; knew it was "useless to go up this strange tree because his mother wasn't up there"; and recognizes smells "that made him worry." Jonathan, in trying to do the right thing, feels guilty for removing the squirrel from the wild and is concerned that when he gives it to Sandy, Mr. Wellington may not make it. Parker's inconsistent line drawings and murky ink wash often suggest rather than delineate the characters and lend a foreboding tone to this story with an eventual upbeat ending. Some well-embedded information about wildlife rehabilitation, Jonathan's very real emotions, short chapters, and frequent illustrations make this an appealing choice for reluctant readers.—Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA

Gr 3–6—In this story set in Australia, 12-year-old Max Quigley intimidates his weaker classmates while his best mate, Jared, acts as the physical enforcer of his friend's ideas. Max sees himself not as a bully but as a prankster capitalizing on the obvious shortcomings of his peers. His primary target is a pale, bookish boy, Triffin Nordstrom ("Nerdstrom"). Through an attempt to end the conflict, Triffin's quirky mother and Max's parents devise a plan to have the boys spend time alone together on a weekly basis. Both children detest this arrangement, although glints of hope manage to break through when, at the end of the story, Max comes to Nerdstrom's aid during a particularly harrowing time for him. Roy has created a totally unlikable character in Max, especially since he refuses to accept any responsibility for his cruel and sometimes dangerous actions. Many of the atrocities inflicted on his victims may have a perverse humorous intent, and the adults do not always challenge these behaviors effectively. Line drawings "by Max" depict his attitude well. This book could prompt discussion in a variety of situations.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 5–8—Runholt's second mystery starring 14-year-old best friends Kari and Lucas offers readers light intrigue in a lush Scottish setting. When Kari's mother, a magazine reporter, is sent to Edinburgh to interview Seneca Crane, a 15-year-old piano prodigy, the girls get to tag along. Upon meeting Seneca, they realize that the young pianist is not only talented, but also very lonely. She is under the constant tutelage of her mother, stepfather, and overbearing tutor. The three girls quickly become friends despite Seneca's hectic rehearsal schedule. When she is kidnapped after a performance, Kari and Lucas sidestep some shady characters and supersleuth their way to a daring rescue. Readers will admire the girls' independence and tenacity, even if Kari's narrative voice is a bit silly at times. (She uses the word "meep" as a substitution for foul language.) Reluctant readers will enjoy the pacing, which neither rushes the mystery nor drags out the clues. The author skillfully weaves facts about Scottish culture and geography into the narrative while the rainy Highlands setting offers a bit of drama to a somewhat tame mystery.—Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ

Gr 3–6—Jane, a British 11-year-old, is intrigued by the new girl, Staffa. The two enjoy all sorts of activities together, and Staffa's rather bombastic mother, Lady Matilda, invites her to visit them for the summer. Unbeknownst to Jane, if she accepts, she will become a pawn in a vicious plot that will prevent her from ever going home again. Through the vehicle of a dollhouselike box, Jane travels from her own world to that of a magical kingdom terrorized by Matilda, the dictatorial queen. She befriends the Eckers—the queen's fieldmouse-like subjects—and learns of their plans to overthrow the tyrant. When their revolution seems almost doomed, Jane courageously agrees to lead a rescue mission to free the imprisoned king. With the victory complete, Jane is able to return home. Children cannot help but be entranced by this Borrowers-like fantasy that mixes just enough otherworldliness with the realities of home, family, and friends to make one willingly suspend disbelief. The short chapters, introduced by well-executed black-and-white thumbnail sketches, are fast paced and clearly written. The many details, particularly those from the perspective of creatures much smaller than humans, add interest to an already-captivating story. While the rescue plan may be a bit contrived and the ending is predictable, they don't deter from the lively spirit and spunky characters that fill Saunders's text. The plot twists and turns enhance the tale and make one eager to buy into the protagonist's adventures. Furthermore, Jane's willingness to befriend those who are different will be a welcome message for today's readers.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 8 Up—In quaint, Scandinavian Nordby, WA, orphaned high school sophomore Katrina Svensen lives above her grandmother's struggling old-world coffeehouse. College applications are due, and she's desperate to discover a true talent, like best friends Vincent, a trophy-laden swimmer, and Elizabeth, an artist, have. Opening the coffeehouse one morning, Katrina discovers a young man prostrate in its alley. Assuming he's homeless or on a bender, she leaves him day-old pastries and fresh coffee, then locks herself inside and calls Vincent. The next time Katrina sees the handsome vagrant, Malcolm, he's declaring in school assembly that he must reward Katrina's unselfish deed with her greatest desire. Malcolm's a messenger angel, but his several attempts to grant the girl's heart's desire go awry. Naming this desire proves difficult for her as she wonders whether she should choose to keep the rival coffeehouse's owner away from her grandmother's business and his daughter away from Vincent, find her passion, or perhaps keep the handsome Malcolm around. Readers may relate, but may also lose patience with Katrina's constant self-criticism. Sometimes this more-tell-than-show book fluctuates between frothiness and weighty drama. The adults portrayed are often pliable, unrealistic, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate. But a G-rated supernatural romance with interesting twists at its neatly tied up conclusion will appeal to readers looking for light chick-lit.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 8 Up—Winter Break is over, so it's back to a prestigious prep school in Aspen for Peggy. At a local coffee shop, she overhears a conversation between Amber, the vapid super-gossiping barista, and Sylvia, a Prada-wearing snob. Peggy is devastated to learn that her friend Mary's boyfriend Stephen is cheating on her with a girl from "down valley." When Mary finds out, it leads to a maze of drama, gossip, and strange alliances. The front flap claims that this book is a "modern retelling of Clare Boothe Luce's The Women." While all of the characters are female (male characters manifest themselves only by phone or text messages), that is where the similarity ends. The novel degrades into a lackluster, stereotypical vignette of the teenagers' lives. The girls are shallow and have no moments of insight. Despite dumping the cheating males in their lives, there is no real empowerment, no real message. That being said, The Girls is a quick read, with all plotlines neatly tied up by the end. The writing is easy to read, possibly appealing to reluctant readers. Fans of private-school dramas might like this book, but it lacks the intricate and sophisticated plot twists of other novels of that genre.—Melyssa Malinowski, Kenwood High School, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5–7—In this sequel to Changeling (Viking, 2006), Neef is sent to Miss Van Loon's School for Mortal Changelings. She had known there were other mortals in New York Between, a magical New York City filled with the Folk (elves, sprites, nymphs, ogres, and every other kind of otherworldly creature), but she hasn't met many. Suddenly she must go to school—and get along—with 200 of them, from all the rival Neighborhoods—snooty East Siders, hipster Village types, techie geeks from Columbia. If learning hundreds of new rules isn't bad enough, Neef must go on a quest to find the Magic Magnifying Mirror of the Mermaid Queen before its loss leads to inter-Neighborhood warfare that could destroy Central Park. Although the focus is on Neef's new mortal friends and enemies, the Folk of New York play a big part in her adventures. Whether benign or sinister, they are usually tricky and always fascinating; a guide in the back explains who and what they are. Plenty of humor, a brave and likable heroine, and a nice balance between lunchroom chat and wild adventure combine to make this that rare beast—a cheerful urban fantasy. Spiced with just enough background information, it works just fine on its own, but it will create immediate desire to read Changeling as well.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7–10—This book has as rocky a start as the road trip it describes. Emma, 16, feels disconnected from her family of academics and brilliant people. Rather than compete for attention, she's happier being alone. Then she discovers a reason for her feeling of isolation. She had a twin brother who died two days after they were born. Emma, determined to find out more, sets off on a road trip from New York State to North Carolina to see her brother's grave. When her car breaks down in New Jersey, she calls her neighbor Peter, who arrives in a stolen yellow convertible. Along the way, Emma adopts a stray dog, makes peace with her family, and learns that there's more to Peter than his interest in maps and the Civil War. Told in alternating chapters by Emma and Peter, the plot moves jerkily from the present to the past, then back to the present. After an uneven beginning, however, the novel becomes more engaging as Emma seeks answers to why she was never told about her brother.—Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick, MD

Gr 3–6—This sequel to Dodger and Me (Feiwel and Friends, 2008) continues the adventures of Willie Ryan and his invisible friend, Dodger, a blue chimp with magical powers. While attending school disguised as Willie (with the help of a magic potion), Dodger agrees to run for fifth-grade class president with Willie's friend Lizzie as running mate. Willie thinks the election is a lost cause, since their opponents are "popular kid" James and "scary tough kid" Craig, but his friends encourage him to stick with it. His little sister Amy (whose suspicious nature is sometimes annoying and sometimes surprisingly helpful) rounds out the cast. Told in the first-person colloquial, leavened with ironic silliness and mild gross-out humor, the narrative will be familiar to readers of James Proimos and Jeff Kinney. There's also a bit of depth, especially when the less sympathetic characters show more complexity than most grade-school villains. But some of the humor is a bit forced and kids who have not read the earlier book will definitely be in the dark about Dodger and his magic. Purchase where the first title has a following.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 6–9—Suspicious of her family's secretive lifestyle, 15-year-old Sherica finally decides to investigate her past. Just why do she, her older brother, and their father move so frequently, always assuming new names and changing their hair color? Why do Daddy's stories about her mother keep changing? Why don't they have family photos, cell phones, or Internet access? She summons up the courage to apply for her first library card so she can use the computer to search online. When she discovers a picture of herself at age five accompanied by the message, "Help this girl's desperate mother find her," she runs from the building in shock. With the help of a geeky teenage library employee, who learns her secret when he assists the next computer user, Sherica gradually decides to contact her mother while attempting to avoid getting her father into trouble with the law. The plot of this book is ridiculously unbelievable and the characters are flat and undeveloped. Because the topic of child abduction is of great interest and the author is known for other, far superior works, many youngsters will be drawn to this novel only to be disappointed. Those looking for a worthwhile read on this subject should stick with Caroline Cooney's perennially popular The Face on the Milk Carton (Delacorte, 1990).—Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA

Gr 8–10—When Delia Truesdale learns that her mom's expedition ship has vanished somewhere between southern Chile and Antarctica, she alone is certain that her mother is still alive and she's determined to find out what happened. Unfortunately, her research will have to be done far from her Palo Alto home: per her mom's will, Delia will move to New York City to live with an aunt she's never met. Starting her junior year in a strange city is hard enough, but Delia is also trying to decipher garbled messages left on her cell phone and the cryptic notes she grabbed from her mom's files before leaving California. Even with the assistance of a psychic, a private investigator, and two new friends, there's not much to go on—except one lead that points to a conspiracy involving at least two companies, her mom's business partner, and her own crush's dad. All of the major characters have strong, distinct voices, and their actions are realistic and consistent. However, while the mystery of T.K. Truesdale's whereabouts is ultimately solved, there is no satisfying explanation for it, leaving the story feeling unfinished.—Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA

Gr 8 Up—Rebellious and resentful Bobby, 14, is ripped from his world of drugs and theft in Dublin and forced to move to a seemingly sleepy farm community. After stealing and demolishing a car that belonged to a man who inexplicably disappeared, he is required by the simple, very human Dooley family, from whom his mother is renting a house, to make amends in the form of farm labor. At home, his mother is too worn out and irresponsible to care about her son's indiscretions unless they impact her directly. And they both ignore four-year-old Dennis when he talks about his new nighttime friend, "a little woman." Bobby makes grand plans to escape the farm and the Dooleys' imposed servitude for the wild nights of Dublin. But when his city friends sell him out and he is left wandering the streets alone, the honesty and integrity of sore muscles and a hard day's work become more appealing. Bobby is a powerful character, hard and devoid of feeling, initially, due to the harshness of his own reality. His transformation is empowering, however, and the Dooleys demonstrate how the smallest pat on the back can change the course of an entire life. This novel will draw in reluctant readers with the mysterious supernatural element as well as the mayhem and defiance. Once hooked, they will be moved by the way that Bobby reassesses his expectations for himself due to the kindness and mentoring of a neighbor.—Kat Redniss, Brownell Library, Essex Junction, VT

Gr 5–8—The Earth Stone has lain silent for 10 centuries, until now. Six-year-old Lilibut is the new Stone Voice who can wield the power of magical stones. During her journey to Kiva, a safe haven where her abilities can be honed, she is kidnapped by Syxx, a timeless evil being. Subjected to torturous experimentation for five years, she's left brain-damaged and broken. Lilibut ends up at a group home where her recovery is remarkably swift. She and several foster children, led by 13-year-old Todd, run away after an earthquake and set out to find Kiva, pursued by Syxx and his forces. Descriptions of violence and dead bodies push this desert mountain adventure into darker territory. A number of unbelievable premises, problematic morality relating to the acceptability of killing depending on whether the victim is "good" or "evil," and uneven pacing due to time and perspective shifts detract from the overall quality. Too many belief systems cobbled together (Native American, Christian, and the Stone Voice mythology) create a muddled, loosely constructed world. However, the children's relationships are compelling and their adventure has momentum enough to propel the lengthy story forward. The secondary characters' experiences often serve the purpose of revealing Lilibut's character, but readers care for them, too. Though flawed, this is a satisfying enough story that will attract fantasy readers willing to suspend disbelief.—Amy J. Chow, The Brearley School, New York City

Gr 9 Up—Grieving over the recent death of her Uncle Seth, 17-year-old Chloé Rodriguez enjoys nothing more than riding her Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster, which her uncle left her, down the open highway. But her freedom is threatened by her parents' ultimatum—bring up her failing chemistry grade or lose Lolita. Gordon is assigned to tutor her, and even though he is so not her type, they fall hard for one another. Meanwhile, Rock, Chloé's best friend since third grade, suddenly tells her that he loves her and always has. Chloé is torn over what to do, but the decision is made for her when Gordon decides his life plan does not include her. And Rock? He is there to pick up the pieces, as always, and Chloé learns that there are no guarantees in love but that sometimes you have to take a chance. What starts off as a cheesy premise—girl riding motorcycle—soon turns into a surprisingly well-developed story. Chloé and Rock are strong characters on an emotional rollercoaster ride trying to make sense of their feelings for one another. Even Gordon, although unwilling to change for love, draws sympathy from readers. And, the breakup between Chloé and Gordon is particularly heartbreaking. The authentic teen voices and tangible emotions make this book a satisfying read.—Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 6 Up—Though a sequel, Moribito II stands on its own as an engrossing story of redemption, with seasoned warrior and bodyguard Balsa back in the center of it all. Seeking to relieve the emotional burden she had been carrying since her foster father died more than 20 years earlier, she returns to her native country of Kanbal. Just a few steps into her homeland, she rescues two children and duels a cave-dwelling mountain spirit. This encounter becomes a catalyst for two worlds to eventually mingle: the human one full of political conspiracy and a reawakened mythological one. Both come alive with the wonderful attention to detail, from descriptions of the geography, food, and social structure to the ceremony where humans come face to face with their gods. Fast-paced action scenes (frenzied but not overly violent) help lessen the weightiness of this epic, where themes like a boy's coming of age, family betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked ambition are also explored. So steeped in anime sensibilities that one could almost imagine commercial breaks between chapters, this series serves as a smooth transition between manga and straight narrative.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Ellie's beloved, artistic, and wild older sister disappeared two years ago. By chance, Ellie finds one of Nina's drawings in a donation box at a thrift store, and with the help of her friend Amanda, who works there, she tracks down the guy who donated the box, leading her on a chase all over the country to find her missing sister. At a party in town, she meets Sean, a guy from a local prep school who thinks fate brought them together. His brother died a few years ago, and he'd do anything to get him back, so he relates to Ellie, and the next thing they know they're driving from their suburb in Illinois to Nebraska, Colorado, and California, following clues. An unbelievable plot—Ellie's mom doesn't care that her daughter is missing for days, Amanda lets her friend run off with a complete stranger, and Nina has made no effort to contact her family despite the ability to do so with the help of police and the Internet—combined with sloppy writing—makes this one hard to recommend, despite the intriguing premise. The story takes an abrupt turn toward a Lifetime movie when Ellie figures out that Sean murdered his brother, who was, in fact, Nina's boyfriend, and that he plans to murder both her and Nina. This road-trip novel pales in comparison to John Green's Paper Towns (Dutton, 2008).—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 4–7—There are two Mark Geoffrey Hoppers entering seventh grade at Ivy Road Middle School in Greenburgh, MD. One is a straight-A student, very conceited, and obnoxious. The other is friendly and an average student. Since only one Mark Hopper is registered for school, both boys spend a confusing first day. Much to their chagrin, a teacher assigns them to be study partners. The "mean" Mark deviously creates a plan to promote himself as the first seventh grader to enter the Mastermind tournament. He needs to list two talents to be considered for the contest. He can use his music ability but is at a loss for the second one until he sees the other Mark's amazing artistic skills. He takes his drawing, which is on display in the school art show, to submit as his own for the tournament. Taking advantage of Mark's easygoing personality, he convinces him to take part in the team-building part of the tournament since "mean" Mark has such difficulty "playing with others." Although the use of identical names gets confusing at times, Weissman steers readers through the plot with clear distinction between the characters. The concluding chapters shed light on the reasons behind "mean" Mark's behavior and lead him to see by the other child's integrity what it means to be a true friend.—D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Gr 9 Up—Whitman has cleverly fit an ancient story into a trendy modern formula—a beautiful, innocent, privileged girl (Persephone) meets a powerful, wealthy bad boy (Hades). In this retelling of the myth, Persephone falls head over heels for Hades and willingly leaves her overbearing mother to become queen of the underworld. Teens will likely relate to Persephone, who cannot stand the thought of spending eternity in the prison she feels her mother has constructed for her, and her transformation from girlish dreaminess to strong, thoughtful woman will resonate with them. Though the author perhaps tries a bit too hard to use metaphor and symbolism ensconced in flowery language, there is an interesting story here; the hints at Persephone's lusty relationship with Hades, combined with the contemporary tone of her first-person narrative, will capture some readers. An endnote gives an overview of the original tale, which may lead to exploration of this and other Greek myths. Purchase where alternative chick-lit is popular.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 6–9—Three months after rescuing youngsters from an illegal fight club in Fight Game (Scholastic, 2009), Freedom Smith, now recruited into the elite crime-fighting organization Phoenix, is confronted with another abduction case involving several kids, including his romantic interest, Java. Born with phenomenal strength, the 15-year-old struggles between committing to the Phoenix team and acting solo. He's also wracked with guilt because he unknowingly endangered Java by forwarding to her a "Screamer" email containing subliminal messages. The rescue takes Freedom from England to Malta where he undergoes underwater ventures, hand-to-hand combat with Goth kids on rollerblades, and a face-off with the demon kidnapper. To complete the mission, he must defeat warriors trained in the ultimate fighting technique, Dragon Fire. The book reads like a fast-paced action-adventure cartoon; characters and subplots remain suitably undeveloped, and the good guys prevail. While the majority of fight scenes are well described and engaging, the dialogue in more tender moments is sometimes overwrought. Fans of James Patterson's "Maximum Ride" (Little, Brown) and Joe Craig's "Jimmy Coates" (HarperCollins) series will enjoy Freedom's exciting second mission.—Amy J. Chow, The Brearley School, New York City

Gr 5–8—When siblings Tyler and Lucinda are sent to spend their summer with distant relatives at Ordinary Farm, they soon find that the farm is anything but ordinary. The animals include a variety of mythical beasts, and even though the siblings have been sworn to secrecy, no one wants to explain to them how these unusual creatures and a variety of unusual human residents have come there. A magical library and its ghosts provide hints to the answers, but it's up to the children to put the clues together and continue their family tradition as the caregivers of Ordinary Farm. While they work to understand its secrets, Tyler and Lucinda also have action-packed roles to play in thwarting a rich businessman who's planning on taking over the property. Williams and Beale have created a gripping fantasy with realistic but appealing characters as well as scientific magic that explains the appearance of legendary creatures. Boy-girl protagonists and nonstop adventure make this a good choice for fantasy fans and reluctant readers of both genders, who will be left, like Tyler and Lucinda, looking forward to their next visit to Ordinary Farm.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 3–6—As the people of Boston go about their business unaware, the Feathered Alliance—consisting of sparrows, swallows, pigeons, and other city birds—prepares for battle. The raptors, who previously occupied the adjacent woods, have been routed by clearing of the land. Now they seek to take over the city, and their superior size and might assure their victory. When Ragtag, a small and insignificant swallow, stumbles onto an eagle that is tangled in ropes and sets him free, the bird of prey promises to stand with the Feathered Alliance. But then he disappears, and Ragtag must find a way to prove to his friends that he was not lying about the eagle. In the vein of Erin Hunter's "Warriors" series (HarperCollins) and Kathryn Lasky's "Guardians of Ga'Hoole" (Scholastic), this novel opens up the world of these lively feathered creatures and their way of life. The story line moves quickly, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. The qualities of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice are themes explored as Ragtag and his friends battle for their lives and homes. An enjoyable read that could easily become a series.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 5–7—Twelve-year-old Molly and her best friend, Tanna, discover an antique machine that accurately predicts who you are going to marry. Tanna is ecstatic about her rich, British future husband, while Molly is less than thrilled to learn that hers is an obnoxious fifth grader she already knows, and is even more dismayed to learn that her father might marry Phyllis (aka the Claw). Both of these scenarios lead Molly to question whether the future is set, or whether the machine's predictions can be altered, and she sets about trying to change both her father's and her own readings. At the same time, she reluctantly agrees to charge her classmates for appointments with the Who-Meter (or Ewmitter, as it comes to be called). This brings about unforeseen complications that further trouble Molly: a girl with multiple future spouses, and a boy with no match at all. The internal struggles that Molly faces when she uses the Who-Meter are the highlight of this title.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 7–9—In this alternative history, a magical barrier protects most people from the dangerous magical creatures of the Wild West. Eff is a 13th unlucky child who supposedly will cause doom and misfortune, and is twin sister to Lan, the lucky and extra-magical 7th son of a 7th son. This novel covers a lot of ground both in time, following Eff from when she's 5 until she's 18, and in distance, as Eff's family moves to the Western frontier when Eff's magic-professor father and practical mother decide that the move will hide Eff and Lan's differences. Then Lan's potential is revealed after he causes an annoying classmate to float. When he leaves to go to school back East, Eff follows her own path to learning more about magic, including assisting in caring for the magical creatures at her father's college. Her narration provides background about life in this version of early America, where magic helps with daily chores but brings its own dangers. Eff's life in Lan's shadow will ring true to all siblings of a particularly talented child, but at the conclusion it's Eff who uses her own magic to rescue her twin. Reminiscent of Orson Scott Card's "Alvin Maker" books (Tor), this is an interesting, but often slow-moving tale.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 4–6—When you're one of seven kids living in the only purple house in a conservative town with an artsy mom and all her "weirdo" sculptures on display every Halloween, it's tough to fit in. Yet, on the first day of middle school, bright, impetuous Calliope quickly sizes things up in pursuit of popularity. In this chatty, authentic first-person narrative, the icing on each chapter is a pithy list of "Callie's rules," such as, "Don't finish your work first." "Don't sit on the boy side of the cafeteria." When Sandy Van Dine, mother of the perfect and popular Valeri, petitions for Halloween to be banished and replaced by the politically correct and patriotic "Autumn Fest," Callie has to choose acceptance or Halloween. Abandoned by her best friend, and embarrassed by a counter petition that fails, Callie's rules become more perceptive: "There are always a lot more unpopular kids than popular ones. That's the way the popular kids feel they're special." Zucker shoots an ambitious arc for Callie's emotional and artistic growth, but nestles her in a warm, kind, and extraordinary family, which provides her with the courage to overcome peer anxiety, and the lawyerlike discernment to break the "dumb" rules while honoring the necessary ones (like reading the assigned book, not Jane Eyre). Readers will cheer on this emotionally complex, budding writer.—Sara Paulson-Yarovoy, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City

Gr 3–7—Lavishly illustrated with large photographs, a family tree, maps, and insets with political quotes, this journal of the historic rise and election of Barack Obama is both informative and stunning. The president's family, education, political life, and 2008 campaign are all given extensive coverage. Political terms such as "delegate," "primary," and "caucus" are explained in colorful sidebars. Useful for research and recreational reading, this title will engage readers from start to finish as they relive these recent events. Descriptions of the Obama campaign include the use of texting and the Internet to raise funds, promote the candidate, and examine party issues. Also highlighted are insights from those who participated with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement and the focus on "change" coming to America. The writing, research, and photography are of superior quality. A must-purchase.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary, Laramie, WY

Gr 5–8—Chapter spreads in these books open with a one- or two-sentence summary and then discuss the topic in three or four paragraphs. Each chapter also includes a sidebar, a time line, a quote, and at least one photo or illustration, which is often tinted. There are a few maps to help students locate battles and follow campaigns, and Causes has full-page maps of the European and Pacific Theaters. The scope of the books is broad, but the texts are so brief that both subject coverage and analysis are superficial. They are further weakened by errors about casualty numbers and the numbers of Germans and Italians detained by the United States. The titles (especially Women) emphasize topics more related to the British than to the American war experience, and there is more on the war in Europe than in the Pacific. The brief coverage will draw some browsers and will work for those seeking information on a particular battle or campaign, but most students will find the books in the "American War Library" (Lucent) to be better choices for both research and reading.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 8 Up—The narrative poems in this short book are accessible and have important things to say about the state of the human race. "Off 2 Hell with teacher Aesop" reads a text message the hoodie-wearing protagonist composes in his head for his parents. As in a scary movie, he awakens in a strange and frightening forest. A dark man appears and introduces himself as the tale-teller Aesop: he is to be the teen's escort through Hell (much like Dante used the poet Virgil as his guide). As the pair travels through the Circles of Hell, they see the sins of mankind. They see the gluttons forced to stuff their faces for eternity and those who were indifferent stung by wasps and flies. They also see scientists and artists such as Einstein, Homer, and Euclid forced for eternity to repeat some aspect of their creation. The pair visits the city of Dis, where "everybody disses everybody." As our hero travels through Hell, he is trying to find his Good Fairy, his Beatrice. Some British terms might make a few sections a little tricky for American students, but savvy readers should be able to figure them out. The scribbled, heavy-lined black ink and watercolor illustrations convey exactly the right mood for a book about a modern-day expedition into Hell. This will be a great book to pair with a discussion about Dante's Inferno and/or poetic structure.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 7 Up—The eight chapters in this edition, originally published in 2005, present opposing views on legal and illegal immigration, border control, and the establishment of a national language. Only the section on border control is new to this edition; the rest of the text is barely changed, with the introduction and conclusion updated only slightly. Some sidebar articles, tables, and a few color photographs are included. While this is a well-rounded title on the subject of immigration policy, it's an unnecessary purchase for libraries that have the first edition.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 4–6—Before 1935, fluorescent colors did not exist. Barton discusses how two brothers worked together to create the eye-popping hues. Joe Switzer figured out that using a black light to create a fluorescent glow could spruce up his magic act, so the brothers built an ultraviolet lamp. They began to experiment with various chemicals to make glow-in-the-dark paints. Soon Joe used fluorescent-colored paper costumes in his act and word got around. Through trial and error, the brothers perfected their creation. The story is written in clear language and includes whimsical cartoons. While endpapers are Day-Glo bright, most of the story is illustrated in black, white, gray, and touches of color, culminating in vivid spreads. Discussions on regular fluorescence and daylight fluorescence are appended. This unique book does an excellent job of describing an innovative process.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 5–8—Villainess or goddess, a great queen or a selfish and overly ambitious woman—readers get to decide. They will be drawn into this biography by a description of a legendary magnificent banquet given by Mark Antony for Cleopatra. The lively narrative maintains interest from her birth in 69 BCE to her death in 31 BCE. Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII became rulers of Egypt in 51 BCE. Her reign, however, was characterized by conspiracy and intrigue. Her alliance with Julius Caesar solidified her position as queen but brought ill feelings toward her from the Romans. The birth of their son, Caesarion, angered the Romans further. Again, either for expediency or love, Cleopatra found her next ally in Mark Antony. As before, this union had disastrous results. Embroiled in a civil war, Mark Antony faced opposition from his own people and from Rome's allies. The struggle ended with his suicide and Cleopatra's in 31 BCE. Sidebars, color photographs, and reproductions appear throughout. As the author states, "A record of Cleopatra's reign written during her lifetime does not exist…. If her role had not been so important to Rome…we would not know anything about her at all." This book leaves readers fascinated and eager to learn more about her time in history.—Lana Miles, Jackson Elementary School, Rosenberg, TX

Gr 3–7—This revision of Barack Obama: Working to Make a Difference (Lerner, 2006) updates that work through the 2008 election. Laden with photographs and interviews with former teachers, coaches, coworkers and friends, the text introduces interesting details and anecdotes about the president. His is an inspirational life but not without hardships or bad decisions. He felt the humiliation of racial slurs and tried drugs before turning to books by black authors to help him find direction. His work as a community organizer was challenging, and he could have given it up to work at a high-power law firm, but he chose to help people solve their problems, register to vote, and become advocates for themselves. The strength of this book is in the background information that it provides, but it, too, is already dated.—Nancy Baumann, Indian Paintbrush Elementary, Laramie, WY

Gr 3–7—This handsome collection of folktales showcases seven empowering females, each with her own unique strengths and abilities. Clayton describes Hippolyta's fatal encounter with Hercules in "Queen of the Amazons," powering the plot with dramatic touches and putting a clever twist on the traditional tale's climax. In a Siberian tale, a maiden straps on her dead brother's dagger and bravely rides off to find the Northern Lights ("twelve shining girls, each lit with a different coloured light") to convince them to restore his life. Other selections feature a Chinese girl who conquers a hungry seven-headed dragon, a Sioux heroine determined to count coup, a demon-slaying goddess from India, an English serving girl who outwits an evil bandit, and a Middle Eastern warrior princess who refuses to marry until she finds an equal. Filled with lively language and fast-paced action, the tales introduce a pleasing range of characters and moods. An author's note and sources are appended. The illustrations employ swirling lines and vibrant color washes to reflect the setting and tone of each tale. The stories are separated by two-page interludes that provide brief facts or activities. Shared aloud or read independently, this upbeat book can stir up interest in courageous women and inspire modern-day heroines.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—This unique title uses geometry to discuss the varying strengths and capabilities of different animals. In a chatty tone, Davies starts off by describing the strict rules that control what bodies can and cannot do. She goes on to explain how the strongest animals are much smaller than humans. "Some important features of bodies—like how much food and air they need—depend on volume and weight. Others—like the strength of muscles—depend on cross section or surface area." This is the basis for the BTLT (Big Thing, Little Thing) Rule: "If you DOUBLE the length of something, its surface area and cross section go up FOUR times, while its volume and weight go up EIGHT times!" BTLT is used throughout to explain why humans cannot fly, yet Arctic terns can travel 20,000 miles every year from pole to pole and back again. Humans cannot lift buses, but the rhinoceros beetle can lift 850 times its own weight. The author uses clear language and engaging examples throughout. Cartoon illustrations add humor and clarity to the book. A handy introduction to animal sizes.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 5–8—Many of these projects are unique or innovative, featuring ideas like growing your own pizza ingredients and making a foosball game out of recycled corks, clothespins, and plastic fruit baskets. One of the best projects provides tips on making sure a bike is road ready, offering advice on checking the cables, gears, and oiling the chain. The book also includes sections designed to increase environmental awareness, including information on carbon footprint and "eco all-stars." Interactive elements, like a game board, should appeal to children. Illustrations are hip collages of full-color photographs and cartoons.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 7 Up—Almost 800 authors, ranging in age from 13 to 19, contributed to this thought-provoking collection of individual memoirs. Based on the interest resulting from the publication of Not Quite What I Was Planning (HarperCollins, 2008), the editors of SMITH Magazine decided to challenge teens to write the story of their lives in a few brief words. The result is a compelling compendium that will provoke laughter—"Mom just revoked my creative license"; sadness—"Grandma is dying while I'm out shopping"; and empathy and thought—"In the nest, twigs are sharp." Less than a dozen of the selections, most of which are not as good as those by "obscure" authors, are written by famous teens. The short length, relevant topics, and authentic emotions will ensure that this book will appeal to a wide variety of teens, including reluctant readers. English teachers, theater teachers, and student book-club sponsors will revel in the instructional possibilities that could spring from this anthology. It may require some initial hand selling, but ultimately this book will find broad appeal in most collections.—Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

Gr 5–8—Jack, Abby, Mateo, Jen, Chris, and Michelle are the middle school students of various ethnicities who take readers through this slim, interactive guide. Chapters cover such topics as friendship dilemmas, so-called friends, when friendships aren't working, crushes, and making new friends. Each chapter opens with a scene played out by the students in cartoon panels. Next, bits of text, along with a multitude of side boxes, address the topic at hand. Sidebars of different "FILES" ("Real Friend," "Labeled and Judged," "Quit Pressuring Me") quote actual tweens and teens. "Need to Know?" bytes recommend relevant books and Web sites. Lists of questions are offered, along with the answers. There's a lot packed into this colorful title that falls somewhere between self-help and peer advice.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 7 Up—Slavery, in all of its inhumanity, is a practice that has been prevalent in nearly every corner of the world in some fashion. Long ago, the slave trade was banned, yet incredibly, even in today's informed, global society, it still manages to exist. A topic this complex and all encompassing would seem to be too difficult to explain in one volume, but DK, with its signature style of stunning visuals and accompanying brief but detailed text, makes an excellent effort. Grant addresses the history of slavery from its beginnings in ancient Greece and Rome to its spread throughout Europe and the Americas in intricate and fascinating detail. Each chapter covers a different aspect of the topic, beginning with a comprehensive and informative time line. A section called "Voices" in each chapter contains enlightening and powerful first-person accounts of those directly involved, including slaves, captains of slave ships, abolitionists, and the leaders of slave rebellions. Simple, yet informative tables and statistics offer fascinating bits of information, such as the fact that the last president to own slaves was Ulysses S. Grant. The concluding chapter highlights a United Nations study estimating that 20 million people around the world, many of them children, remain enslaved today. Overall, a great asset to any library.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 4–8—Employing the same illustrative style used in Adrian Dingle's The Periodic Table: Elements with Style! (Kingfisher, 2007), Basher has created a portrait gallery of personified planets, comets, space probes, galaxies, several kinds of stars, and an array of other celestial bodies in a hyper-cute, pastel cartoon style reminiscent of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami's more extravagant flights. Along with short bulleted lists of additional information, each figure offers a fact-based self-description, from the Sun's exuberant "I'm a total star—the center of everything, baby! A fearsome fireball burning 600 million tons of hydrogen every second" to snotty Space-time's "Because you're used to seeing in only three dimensions, you cannot even imagine what I look like." Though the closest star to the sun is misidentified as a "brown dwarf" (it is actually Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf, which is correctly categorized on a later page), Green's astro-narrative is both accurate and spiced with seldom-mentioned details, such as Pluto's three moons and Saturn's weirdly hexagonal polar cloud. This won't replace more conventionally written and illustrated surveys, but it could kindle (or in undermotivated older readers, rekindle) interest in the topic. And it's fun!—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–7—These volumes provide basic information on topics such as climate, physical features, and plant and animal life. Deserts discusses where the biome occurs in various World Wildlife Fund ecozones, but does not include a map. Coniferous Forests includes a chapter on "The Nonliving Environment" caused by the dense canopy of trees that blocks sunlight, and Deciduous Forests outlines the advantages to trees of losing their leaves. Oceans considers factors such as currents and light zones, while Tundra compares and contrasts Alpine and Arctic environments. Small photos in each book are adequate but unexceptional. The authors discuss factors such as climate change, pollution, logging, and irrigation that alter a biome and threaten plant and animal life, and changes that might reduce the harm. The further-reading lists include links to conservation-advocacy groups, government agencies, and commercial sites. The number and quality of Web sites identified vary by title—the site for Deserts boasts 16 links, whereas those for the other books list between 2 and 8 resources each. Supplementary choices where demand for report material is great.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 5–9—This lively collection of brief essays (and a poem) by 100 outstanding children's and young adult authors teaches through example. Each selection highlights a small step (or steps) taken by the writer toward a greener Earth. From Mem Fox's very serious "When the Rain Refuses to Fall" to Robert Lypsyte's silly "Captain Mean-Green's Ten Rules to Save the Planet," readers are encouraged to reduce their consumption (and waste) of energy and goods. The essays are grouped by location: "Your Home," "Your School." "Your Community," etc., and most end with a practical, doable suggestion, from the humble—use a clothesline—to the more complex—set up a worm compost. The essays also provide insight into the lives and thoughts of many familiar and beloved authors such as Laurie Halse Anderson, Ralph Fletcher, Gary Schmidt, Lois Lowry, Susan Patron, and Rick Riordan. Several pages of Web sites offer a starting point for action and information. Highly useful for classroom and family discussions and science-project ideas.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Gr 4–6—Unlike some immigration titles, Hammerschmidt's book makes a point of mentioning the importation of slaves as one way in which people came to the United States, and it never refers to the country as "a nation of immigrants." Both legal and illegal immigration are given a reasonable amount of space. Though there is more space devoted to Ellis Island (east coast) than to Angel Island (west coast) arrival, overall the coverage is solid. Maury addresses many of the same topics, but also describes the naturalization process and citizens' rights and responsibilities. Each book has many sidebars and full-color, captioned photographs (many of which appear in both volumes). These accessible books will primarily be used for reports, but are good choices to round out a collection on immigration and citizenship topics.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 7 Up—This book is divided into three well-organized sections. Part one provides a narrative overview detailing the events leading up to the attack, the attack itself, and the aftermath, including the U.S. victory in the Pacific as well as the occupation and reconstruction of Japan after World War II. Part two is composed of eight two- to three-page biographies of the important figures such as Yamamoto, Roosevelt, and Doris Miller, the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross. A final section of primary documents from the Japanese attack plan to Truman's announcement of the end of the war provides insight into the war in the Pacific. The quality of Hillstrom's clear prose and meticulous research is first-rate. Events are clearly and extensively chronicled to give readers a sense of what transpired. Black-and-white photos appear throughout. This work is a must-have for reports and assignments; it makes an excellent companion to Jacqueline Laks Gorman's Pearl Harbor: A Primary Source History (Gareth Stevens, 2009).—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 4–7—An opening time line commences with the 1642 marriage of Newton's parents and closes with his death in 1727, and a general introduction describes the man and the times in which he lived. The text touches on Newton's childhood in Woolsthorpe, his studies at Cambridge, which led to his three laws of motion, and his time as master of the Royal Mint and president of the Royal Society. The activities elucidate, for example, concepts in mathematics ("What Are the Odds?") and physics ("Create Optical Illusions"), and reveal more historical details. For example, in a section on the 17th-century plague, readers are provided with instructions on how to make a mask like those worn by doctors of the time. The activities will generally not be suitable for science fairs, but are likely to engage readers. Lengthy sidebars provide additional information about pertinent subjects ("Comets," "Churches, Kings, and Freedom of Speech") as well as individuals and events that influenced Newton's work. The writing is clear and detailed, but is best suited for motivated readers. Black-and-white illustrations on every spread consist primarily of reproductions of art and of scientific diagrams. Some of the further-reading suggestions, including two tiles by Newton, are for adults. This will be a handy supplement to a physics curriculum and would be a useful selection for school and public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 4–8—All kinds of entertaining and random facts are found in this quirky book. Tips for naming pets and companies are given, in a chapter each, along with hints for remembering people's names, explanations of conventions in other countries, and the system of choosing hurricane monikers. Sports, people, and geographic locations all have different sections. Black-and-white cartoons add a bit of humor. Students will navigate this book with ease.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

Gr 5 Up—On that immortal "Second of July," in 1776, 56 men described by King George III as daring and desperate affixed their names to the most celebrated document in American history. Or did they? With this work, Kiernan and D'Agnese present readers with astonishing individual portraits of all the signers in an attempt both to dispel some of the mythology surrounding the document as well as to establish a place in the historical discourse for those men not named Jefferson, Hancock, Franklin, or Adams. The marvelously arranged work lends itself to either straightforward reading or skipping around. The table of contents, divided by state, sparks readers' interest from the very beginning with its "the Signer who…" format, a feature that also allows great accessibility for reports and assignments. An entertaining and effective narrative of about three to five pages per individual is presented, and the full text of the document, a brief time line, and a section on the "Miscellany of Independence" are appended. Readers will delight as they discover just which signer "was the first to die," "slept in caves," "had the worst penmanship," and "went broke on shady land deals."—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 4–7—Kroll describes, in a chapter each, the way of life for Goths, Huns, Vikings, and Mongols; the political, economic, and societal pressures that caused them to leave their homes; and the leaders who successfully changed their boundaries of influence. Byrd's watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations add a level of detail that will help children visualize the dif-ferent groups of men, women, and children. Full spreads as well as smaller border pictures depict a representative home and some aspects of the community, including agricultural practices, style of dress, building materials, etc. Religious beliefs, including the relationship between paganism and Christianity and the practice of scapulimancy (predicting the future by reading the cracks in burned animal bones) are explored. The dense text is presented in a small-sized font, making the book best suited for older elementary or middle school readers. While the layout and art may indicate a younger audience, elementary-grade children who take the time to explore the work will be rewarded by a thought-provoking, action-packed glimpse into a less-familiar part of history. A detailed time line helps unite the four parts of the book and sets the stage for the Europeans' expansion during the "Age of Discovery" in the 1400s.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 4–6—Two handsome series entries by two husband-and-wife teams of researchers/photographers. Both books are lavishly illustrated with outstanding color photos. Orangutans pulls readers headlong into the disappearing jungles of Borneo as the authors track these large but elusive primates, offering excellent data along the way. Wild Horses enters the world of the mustang of the American West and engages readers not only in the story of a young foal, but also in equine global distribution and the role of the Bureau of Land Management in mustang survival. Each book offers sections on "How You Can Help," "It's Your Turn," "Facts at a Glance," and a fascinating column of "Research and Photographic Notes." Intensely personal and informative, with eye-arresting covers, these attractive titles invite readers to walk companionably with specialists hard at work in the wild.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 6–9—Latta interviewed a variety of Antarctic scientists and volcanologists in order describe their diverse experiences, responsibilities, and educations. Both books contain scientific terminology and explanations. Lava Scientist, in particular, contains some textbooklike explanations of plate tectonics and other geologic terms that could be difficult for struggling readers. The final chapter describes careers in volcanology. Ice Scientist looks at life on a research vessel and offers a bit about the primary specializations in the field of oceanography. The books' greatest strength is in the variety of firsthand accounts and the scientists' breadth of experience. Both books have appealing color photographs and an attractive design that will appeal to general readers as well as to those interested in pursuing these exciting careers.—Marcia Kochel, Olson Middle School, Bloomington, MN

Gr 10 Up—This offering "focuses on key historical and contemporary court cases that helped mold the issue as we know it today." The introduction describes how, throughout its history, America's juvenile justice system aimed to strike a balance between punishing juvenile offenders and caring for misguided delinquents in order to lead them to productive lives. Issues are discussed in a chapter each and include the state's role as parent, a juvenile's right to due process, balancing privacy and safety in schools, and the morality of the death penalty for juveniles. Each issue features excerpts from legal opinions or articles by lawyers or professors of law, with articles for and against each position. Minority and gender concerns are addressed as well. Students might stumble over the legal jargon, and the professional writing is thick and dry; however, the information may be useful for teens interested in careers in criminal justice or law. Purchase for topical interest only.—Richelle Roth, Wilmington Public Library, OH

Gr 4–7—McElroy's concise biography briefly touches upon Kennedy's childhood, school years, marriage, and political career, including his work on brother John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign and his years in the Senate. Personal tragedies, including the assassinations of his brothers and the 1964 plane crash that left him with a broken back, are also discussed. At times, some of the senator's poor choices, such as his expulsion from Harvard for cheating and his involvement in the accident at Chappaquiddick, are oversimplified and are not convincing about the "lesson about honesty and integrity" that McElroy claims Kennedy learned. However, the book is still an appropriate title for those seeking a slim yet informative biography. The text is well written and clear, and is enhanced by black-and-white and full-color photos.—Michele Sealander, Hamburg School, NJ

Gr 8–10—McNeese presents a thoroughly researched, clearly written account of the ill-fated Donner Party and the events and decisions that conspired against this early wagon train headed from Springfield, IL, to California. Arranged chronologically, the book describes early migration to the western United States, including a brief portrait of the Stevens Party, whose journey was one of the first to reach the Sacramento Valley. Originally traveling with a much larger party, the Reeds and Donners made the decision to separate from the group and take the Hastings Cutoff to save time, despite numerous warnings. What they didn't know was that Lansford Hastings, the man who wrote the guidebook encouraging this route, had never actually taken it himself. In addition to being severely misinformed, the Donner Party also suffered from personality conflicts, violence, a distrust among members, and plain bad luck, which ultimately led to starvation and cannibalism, described here in ghastly detail. Of the 87 members, only 47 survived. Each of the 11 chapters has a brief essay highlighting political or historical events (such as Manifest Destiny and the Mexican American War), placing them in the context of the journey. Photos, reproductions, drawings, and primary-source documents as well as a detailed chronology make this an excellent resource.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 6 Up—Novel-sized, and with a novel's worth of action, romance, betrayal, and irony, this immensely readable account of the entirety of Chinese history is sure to captivate readers. The chapters are broken into one- or two-page sections, with many brief sidebars, making the book accessible and unintimidating. Plentiful illustrations—photographs as well as reproductions—enliven nearly every page. Mah writes in a personal, friendly tone, at one point warning readers to "jump two paragraphs if you don't like violence." Clearly, she is telling stories that she knows well, and she doesn't skimp on the details, which can be gory, tragic, slightly saucy, or merely entertaining. Well-labeled, good-sized maps are provided on a regular basis, as are metric and English measurements and currency conversion where appropriate. This is an authoritative and entertaining account of the plucky orphans, egotistical monarchs, raving beauties, and scheming empresses who made China what it is today.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 3–6—This addition to Scholastic's series of nostalgic-looking activity books is packed with suggestions for boredom-banishing projects. Brief chapters introduce more than 50 indoor and outdoor activities, from growing tadpoles and gardens to making perfume and sachets, to simple sewing and cooking (recipes range from chocolate-chip muffins to a "Fresh Pasta Feast"). Some endeavors are artistic such as creating a pop-up card, making placemats, or customizing a T-shirt. Also included are directions for games and magic tricks and suggestions for planning a picnic and a spa day for mom. The instructions are clearly presented, and icons indicate when adult supervision is necessary. Black-line illustrations of a mother and her children engaged in various tasks appear throughout.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 5–9—Marrin begins with an overview of the natural history of the Great Plains, describing its unique geography and delicate ecological balance. Next, he discusses how the American ranchers and farmers who migrated into the region "invited disaster" by "changing the ecology" of the area, destroying native plants and animals and using farming techniques that left the soil vulnerable to the heat and droughts of the 1930s. The Dust Bowl and the human suffering it caused are put into the larger context of the Great Depression. New Deal efforts to change farming practices and the implementation of conservation measures are also explained. The book closes with a warning about the worldwide dangers of overuse of land and expanding desertification. Numerous sidebars provide more information about topics mentioned in the main text. The author writes with his usual clarity and flair and uses excerpts from primary-source accounts and literature to give voice to the people who explored and settled the plains as well as those who suffered through this environmental disaster. The narrative is supplemented with several maps and large, riveting reproductions of period photos and illustrations. This title covers much of the same ground as Diane Yancey's Life During the Dust Bowl (Gale, 2004), but Marrin's outstanding writing and the high-quality illustrations make this cautionary tale a worthy addition.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 4–8—Students will find plenty of advice here on stances, moves, and even how to eat right for competition. After a short introduction to the sport and the basics of competition, the book launches into performing the moves, giving step-by-step instructions for throws, pins, and choke holds. The images use arrows to show the direction of movement, a technique that largely works to describe what both partners should be doing, and that will be enough for students already studying judo. Unfortunately, the book does not stress the importance of practicing with an instructor, and some of the more advanced techniques could be dangerous if tried alone. A short section describes tournament rules.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 4–7—This concise biography discusses the creator of the popular computer and trading-card games. Students will enjoy learning about Tajiri's love of video games and his long, difficult journey to create them. The short, fact-filled chapters boast plenty of color photographs and are well organized with colorful subheadings that will help readers to navigate the book quickly and easily. The index is comprehensive, and difficult bolded vocabulary such as Asperger syndrome (which Tajiri has been diagnosed with) is explained in the helpful glossary. Students will be drawn to the cover image of the popular Pokémon character Pikachu and will want to discover what is inside this biography.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

Gr 5–8—In a chapter each, Technology describes advancements sparked by the Civil War: the creation of new ships and weaponry, the use of the railroad to move troops and supplies, and of the telegraph to speed dispersal of information, and improvements in medicine and photography. The book also outlines how many of the inventions and innovations of the period laid the foundation for America's economic growth in the following decades. After a historical overview, six chapters in Women present information on female roles during the war. For example, fighting assumptions that they were weak and that hospitals were no place for them, women worked as nurses and caregivers and organized aid and relief societies such as the Sanitary Commission. Hundreds disguised themselves as men to fight and others worked as spies and saboteurs. They were forced to oversee and run family farms and plantations or to find employment in factories or government offices. A chapter on African-American women reviews how the war impacted their lives and mentions significant figures such as Harriet Tubman. Sidebars, quotes from primary sources, color and black-and-white illustrations, and historical photographs are scattered throughout these clearly written, well-organized texts.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 4–8—"It is terrible to march slowly into danger, and see and feel each second your chance of death is surer than it was the second before." These words from a Union officer begin to provide some reckoning of the horror that was the 1862 Battle of Antietam, which surely changed the course of the Civil War and provided Lincoln with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Murphy provides readers with a lucid and compelling narrative, drawn mainly from firsthand accounts, of the deadliest day in American military history. From the drama that unfolded in the cornfield to brutal confrontation on the sunken road, the unflinching prose compels readers forward in anticipation of the events yet to unfold. Ever-present throughout the narrative is the dichotomy in leadership styles between the two generals. Lee is presented as firm and resolute, while McClellan is crippled by his fear of Lee's "phantom soldiers." Replete with excellent-quality archival photos, reproductions, and maps, this is an outstanding account of a battle that was truly a "savage thunder."—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 4–7—This book cleverly weaves together the supernatural and the scientific in an entertaining read that answers questions about ghosts, UFOs, vampires, werewolves, and how long a decapitated head can remain conscious. Examples depicting such things in classical fiction and popular movies are seamlessly interjected between the factual explanations. Each page is filled with detailed black-and-white illustrations, emphasizing the sometimes-humorous, yet often-macabre descriptions. This should appeal to kids who love scary stories, while introducing them to hard science and critical thinking in the process.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3–7—History and hands-on activities introduce children to the Latino cultures that are shaping our society. The book addresses a broad historical scope, from pre-Columbian culture in the Americas to present-day debates about undocumented immigration to the United States. Petrillo does not shy away from the thorny aspects of this debate, and she gives both sides their due. Her simple, direct prose clearly explains events and issues in language elementary-school students can understand. Interesting informational sidebars are included; for example, "Sea to Shining Sea" explains how Spanish words such as barbacoa (barbecue) and rodeo entered American English. The more than 50 activities, games, and crafts help to bring Latin American cultures to life. Children can learn how to dance the merengue, celebrate Christmas Mexican-style by making farolitos (lanterns), and more. The book focuses on the most dominant Latino groups in the United States; Mexican Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Dominican Americans all get their own chapters. But Petrillo does an outstanding job of illustrating the rich variety within Latino cultures by describing how Central and South Americans contribute to United States culture and economy. An excellent resource for enriching children's understanding of these cultures.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 6–10—Phillips explores the grieving process and reflects on the loss of parents, a sibling, relatives, friends, and pets. In general, the book does not speak directly to young adults who are grieving, but rather to those interested in reading about how people, particularly teens, experience the process. Quotes, including some by adults who experienced loss in their youth, are interspersed throughout the book. The final chapters are most helpful, detailing typical responses and reactions to grief as well as how to find support and to be supportive. Unfortunately, Phillips's recommended resources are spare and outdated. The contact information of the nine organizations listed (Survivors of Suicide, Teen Age Grief, Inc., and others) includes mailing addresses and phone numbers—no Web addresses. The list of Internet resources is bare bones (four listings). Bold subheads, interior color photos, and pull quotes break up the text. This would not be the book to hand to a young person dealing with grief. While there are nuggets of important information, they are overshadowed by the volume's impersonal aspects. Keep this title on the assignment shelf.—Emily Chornomaz, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 5 Up—Piddock discusses future possibilities in biomimetics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and other fields. The opening message discusses futurology, a "discipline of predicting probable future events based on scientific, systematic, and pattern-based studies of the past and the present," and how it is used. A full-page photo of a man using a bionic hand to play an electronic keyboard and a full spread, illustrated time line of important milestones in technology follow, serving to pique readers' interest in this stimulating subject. The subsequent chapters examine specific aspects of futurology. A look at the existing use of robots in auto manufacturing and police work leads into a discussion of developing machines capable of expression and showing emotion, and some applications of robotics to surgical procedures. Other chapters examine, for example, the development of bionic body parts such as hands, eyes, and even portions of the brain; the copying of useful traits of plants and animals in biomimetics; and how nanotechnology is used in cancer treatments and heart and lung repair. The volume ends with predictions and possibilities for life in 2025. This fascinating book combines an outstanding layout with a well-written and enticing narrative and vivid, detailed photographs.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 6–10—This engaging and detailed biography will be valued for its accessible style and honest portrayal of one of America's icons. Reef's account of Hemingway's life is riveting and unglamorized, acknowledging the subject's flaws and tenuous relationship with his stern, pious mother (who regularly banned books and challenged her son's seventh-grade assignment, The Call of the Wild, for its coarseness). At 17, Hemingway volunteered for the Red Cross as an ambulance driver in Italy during World War I. Returning home wounded provided fodder for the short story "Soldier's Home" and made Hemingway realize he wouldn't stay home for long. Europe energized the budding writer and with the first of his four wives, he returned to Paris and Italy. Gertrude Stein, Sherwood Anderson, and Ezra Pound provided friendship and support for his writing. Hemingway was a romantic and unfaithful in marriage, and followed in his father's footsteps by committing suicide in 1961. Captioned black-and-white photos appear on nearly every page, chronicling Hemingway's family, friends, and the places he traveled. Some excerpts of his writing are integrated into the narrative, offering readers a good sense of the work's conception and structure.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 5–8—This environmental-science primer introduces a range of important concepts necessary to understand climate change and global warming. Topics include the carbon cycle, water cycle, long-range carbon emissions data, biological evidence of climate change, and much more. The authors have an extensive background in science education, and their text exhibits an excellent balance of concept thoroughness with ease of comprehension. Attractive photographs and colorful graphics, including many charts and diagrams, are incorporated throughout. This is a great title for general reading; it may be less useful for research as the table of contents is rather vague and there's no glossary.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 5–8—The first chapter in this slim volume discusses our energy use, dependence on fossil fuels, and the environmental impact of these practices. The remaining chapters are packed with facts and suggestions on reducing our carbon footprint. These sections are divided into tips for home and for school. The home section focuses on the laundry, the garage, the bathroom, and the bedroom. The school section is largely devoted to directions and forms for conducting an energy survey. The survey is presented as a blank chart, allowing students to evaluate a variety of different spaces, such as the library, cafeteria, and hallways, and their adherence to environmentally friendly practices. The survey is just one of the many fill-in-the-blank activities in the book, making it less practical for libraries than for personal ownership. The authors' background in science education is evident, as the writing style is clear, precise, and kid-friendly. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations provide excellent visuals for many of the recommendations.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 7–10— Those Who Remain focuses on both individual and large-scale tragedies with the discussion of loss as a result of the plague, an airliner crash in Peru, a heart attack, and a coal-mining disaster in which 116 elementary school children in Aberfan, Wales, were smothered. Sanna briefly explains each incident, talks about elements of surviving, mentions Kübler-Ross's stages of grief in chart form, and gives examples of how the people touched by these tragedies learned to cope. Many photos appear throughout the book; 10 pertain to the children's cemetery in Aberfan. Other graphics include two-page landscape spreads meant as a form of inspiration. Each one is accompanied by a quote; however, why the authors of these particular quotes merit inclusion is a puzzle. The World Gone Mad begins with a short history of terrorism. A 30-page chapter on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict briefly covers how the nation of Israel was created, the displacement of the Palestinian people, and each side's perspectives on the never-ending violence. Almost half of this title is devoted to a discussion of the 9/11 attacks on the United States. There are many images, including pictures of history's tyrants like Robespierre, Stalin, and Mussolini as well as the ordinary people who have lived with terror every day. Both books include numerous highlights to explain concepts, political terms, or events. Many words are defined in marginal sidebars, which can become distracting. With much of this information available in other texts, neither of these volumes is an essential purchase.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY

Gr 5–9—Chock-full of information, these titles provide in-depth explorations of the topics covered. Sidebars, summaries, and points of interest are cleverly highlighted under tech-savvy headings such as "Pop-Up," "Download," "Blog," and "Tool Bar," in an obvious attempt to appeal to today's computer-literate youth. Each title begins with a brief history of its subject—identifying key scientists and breakthrough discoveries-and then moves into an exploration of current advances in scientific understanding. The material is well organized and accessible in Adaptations and Heredity. Cloning assumes that readers have a substantial background in cellular biology and as a result is more appropriate for older audiences. In each title, interest is maintained through countless fascinating examples, such as, in Adaptations, one of the many defensive adaptations described is the hognose snakes' ability to play dead. In Cloning, much attention is given to the possibility of gene therapy and cloning to cure disease. Heredity describes hybrid animals such as the zeedonk (zebra and donkey) and the wolphin (killer whale and dolphin). Each title includes a "Search Engine" section that lists books, magazines, and Web sites; the URLs to articles in Cloning are particularly thorough. Illustrations and color photographs enhance texts. If your genetics collection needs updating, these volumes are good resources for reports, though the age range of the target audience varies.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 4 Up—This art book follows the letters of the alphabet found in words printed on signs, etched in concrete, and painted on various surfaces in downtown Toronto. Each photograph is paired with a clean white page containing the particular letter (in both upper and lowercase) and the featured word (printed in a clean bold font). Though the photos are clear, the lettering is occasionally indistinct and conveys the individuality of the people who created the original markings. The medium (including spray paint, vinyl decals, and ink) and location of each image are identified (e.g., for "Love," the caption reads, "Carved in wood. Tree-trunk monument"). Most inspiring is the potential for youngsters to use this urban alphabet as motivation to go out and find words where they live, discuss their purpose, and hear their own city speaking to them.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 4–8—Scientists at Harvard Medical School are developing a "smart" anesthesia that uses chili peppers to target pain-sensing neurons in the brain. With only these neurons shut down, anesthesia used during surgery has the potential to be safer and have fewer negative side effects. Readers will learn about this and other interesting new brain research in this title, which includes a basic discussion of the parts of the brain, their functions, and how neurons send messages throughout the body. Information is also included about the role of the brain during sleep, dreaming, and various emotional states, as well as explanations of the various technologies available to measure brain activity. This is a well-organized, compelling introduction, sure to pique the curiosity of many children. Full-color photographs and illustrations enliven the text. Good for general interest, this title will add depth to science collections, but it is not comprehensive in its scope.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 4–6—An eye-catching cover will attract readers to this amazing look at some of the world's insects, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The focus is on animals small enough to fit in a child's hand. Siwanowicz showcases each creature with a spread containing a full-color, high-quality, close-up photo surrounded by multiple factual asides. A tiny silhouette map indicates where the animal lives, and is accompanied by information on the creature's status on the threatened species list and its scientific name, normal life span, and size. The book is packed with interesting material that captures the author's fascination for small creatures. This is a fascinating browsing title that will also work as a starting point for reports.—Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH

Gr 6 Up—This follow-up to Mythology (Candlewick, 2007) again uses the voice of a fictional 19th-century scholar. Here, Lady Hestia Evans offers a guide to elements of Greek myth for her two children, providing information in "lessons" (e.g., "Life on Olympus" or "Religion in Ancient Greece") with exercises based on each topic. Some of the activities encourage students to do further research (look up Hesiod's "Heroic Age"), while others suggest that they draw new monsters, write hymns with the Muses' help, or design a new pentathlon for the Olympics. Mazes and a word search (using Greek letters) are also included. Unlike its predecessor, The Mythology Handbook does not have many pull-out parts, but a selection of stickers that will not circulate well is appended along with a small envelope containing a letter with a message written in Greek for youngsters to decode. More ambitious readers may have already picked up Edith Hamilton's Mythology, which offers far more in-depth versions of the selections touched on here. However, the activities are engaging, and the illustrations of creatures and maps of the ancient world will add to the knowledge of even more experienced myth fans. This is a worthwhile addition to libraries where the "ology" books circulate well, and for classrooms seeking activities to tie into mythology units.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 4–6—An olio of "AHA!" moments in natural science. Who knew that a Burmese python's heart enlarges to aid in digestion? Or that a parrot might comprehend human language and be able to use it creatively? Such are the tidbits in this browsable book. "Fun Facts" and "Fast Facts" boxes abound, and a color photo pops up on almost every page. With a lively text, this interesting pastiche will be enjoyed by kids pawing through the classroom library seeking an engaging nonfiction read.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 6–8—Taylor-Butler combines an introduction to Everest's Sherpa residents with a history of climbing expeditions on the fabled mountain and the contemporary ecological damage caused by tourism. She chronicles the early climbing efforts of the 1920s and 1930s and those by Sherpas and outsiders since the initial success of Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The informative text is amply illustrated with well-chosen black-and-white and color photographs. It concludes by describing some of the conservation efforts now being employed. Children are apt to find Jonathan Chester's The Young Adventurers' Guide to Everest (Tricycle, 2005) and Laurie Skreslet's autobiographical To the Top of Everest (Kids Can, 2001) more appealing reading, but this serviceable compendium will be a useful supplement.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 5 Up—This heavily illustrated guide encourages budding artists to learn some basic skills and decide what works for them. Before jumping into project ideas, Temple explains some drawing tools and the basics of color theory. She provides clear, step-by-step instructions while reminding children that there is no right or wrong way to draw. Then, in nine chapters that each cover a particular technique or type of subject ("Drawing in Perspective," "Drawing Animals"), readers are encouraged to sketch objects found around the house, a cat, a Ferris wheel, and even a person. Projects use a variety of mediums, including colored pencils, markers, and oil pastels. The balance of detailed text and color images is visually appealing. Children will enjoy honing their observation skills as they practice using color in new ways.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 6–9—An update of a book published in 2008, with a new final chapter reflecting events since then. Thomas clearly chronicles his subject's experiences with his grandparents, parents, and the cultures in which he grew up. Much is made of the stories about his absent father. The author portrays the sole meeting between Barack (at age 10) and his dad vividly, leaving readers with an understanding of this young man's confusion about his heritage and place in society. Thomas then recounts Obama's schooling, his eventual contact and involvement with black contemporaries, and their ideas. His exposure to prejudice takes all forms, including neglect from fellow Kenyans while he visited there. The last six chapters succinctly trace his rise to the presidency. Readers are left with little doubt that Obama believes in the possibility of change—in the possibility of looking at the world through the eyes of humanity, not "different colors of humanity." The volume concludes with a map depicting Obama as a citizen of the world due to his heritage. Photographs and quotations throughout the book bring Obama and his philosophy to life.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY

Gr 3–6—A sprawling, unique overview of the various scientific fields. Although students will have to hunt through the dense layout to find facts, they will likely encounter what they are searching for. The index is an indispensable tool. The layout is intentionally busy, with tiny, colorful characters known as the Brainwaves jam-packed onto each page. Cracking jokes and demonstrating scientific principles, these lighthearted Lilliputians mostly serve to add levity to the proceedings, but occasionally provide helpful examples. Topics, which include the periodic table, force, and future science, are each presented on individual inventive spreads with facts in short bursts of text that intermingle with the illustrations. Appealing enough to inspire pleasure reading, the book will also serve those looking for scientific facts.—Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

Gr 7–9—This utilitarian biography of the French heroine has noteworthy, plentiful visuals. Unfortunately, the writing is awkward, repetitious, and dull. Yeatts has all the facts but doesn't seem to know what to do with them; consequently, the book is a plodding recitation of events and lacks depth. The glossary omits key terms (such as "dauphin"), while others are inconsistently defined in the text instead. The map is useful but doesn't appear until page 82. The source notes are highly confusing as Yeatts uses limited title abbreviations (JAIFH and JAOW, for instance) rather than authors' surnames. Polly Schoyer Brooks's Beyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of Arc (Houghton, 1999) has no footnotes but is exceptionally well written and full of interesting details, and will both challenge and enthrall readers.—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY