Grades 5 & Up

Gr 8 Up—Fifteen-year-old Austin Gray has not had an easy life. Her father died one rainy Christmas Eve when his car skidded off a bridge into a lake. Since then Austin's mother has kept her close, not allowing her to experience life for fear of another tragedy. Dean Ottmer has been Austin's worst nightmare since fourth grade, tormenting her mercilessly. So when Dean harasses her at the No-Jesus Christmas Parade about her flat chest ("Austin, Texas, the no-hill country"), she decides that now is the time to change her life or spend the rest of it as the butt of his jokes. As she sets her plan in motion, joining Future Farmers of America and making new friends, she realizes that it is not friends or popularity that will protect her from Dean, but the confidence to stand up for herself. Filled with quirky characters, including Charles Dickens, the rooster she decides to raise, this is a warm, humorous story that touches on bullying and politics in a small town. Austin is a study in contradiction. On the one hand she is strong-willed and goes after what she wants, and on the other she shows little confidence, allowing Dean to torment her time after time. But it's Austin's mother who quietly steals the show. She is a tough, no-nonsense woman who believes in her daughter but rarely shows her emotional side. A refreshing picture of teen angst, with realistic dialogue and memorable characters.—Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 5–8—Jasper Dash is his school's last hope in the all-important Stare-Eyes Championship against their archrivals. Alas, the Boy Technonaut's concentration is interrupted mid-match when he receives a telepathic cry for help. His team blames their defeat on Jasper's loss of focus, but he is convinced that there is something unnatural about the opposing team. With his fellow sleuths Katie and Lily, he follows the Stare-Eyes squad back to the wild realm of Delaware. Long cut off from civilization by exorbitant toll-road charges, it is a dangerous region of lofty mountains, impenetrable jungles, and exotic cities, ruled by a crazed military dictator. In the hidden monastery where the man once studied, Jasper and his friends find that his old teachers are hostages. The crooks are using the monastery's arcane powers to create an indestructible army. What can our heroes do to stop a horde of thugs—especially when the monks are vowed to nonviolence? Detailed black-and-white illustrations, reminiscent of slightly skewed medieval woodcuts, add to the exotic atmosphere. Like the chums' previous exploits, this off-the-wall parody of Stratemeyer-style series fiction features mock-heroic dialogue, breakneck chases and battles, hairsbreadth escapes, and fiendish (if rather inept) villains. Along the way, there are lots of sly digs at rah-rah sports novels, gangster pulps, and even travel guidebooks. The author frequently "breaks page" to address readers directly with side comments, hints, and suggestions. Beneath all the absurdity, there is also a quiet message about loyalty and self-acceptance.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 9 Up—When Chloe Saunders escapes from a group home for troubled teens, she has no idea that she'll be dealing with a treacherous aunt; a nascent werewolf; a prissy witch; guns, guards, and ghosts; and the harsh everyday realities of being a teen on the run. She'd come to terms with the fact that the home was obviously not your run-of-the-mill state facility, or she wouldn't have discovered her powers as a necromancer or found the witch, Tori; the warlock, Simon; and the werewolf, Derek, also in residence. Now the four of them and the ghost of the recently deceased telekinetic Liz, are trying to find the one adult who can help them. Things are complicated by Simon's diabetes, Derek's imminent transformation, and Tori, who, despite her magical powers, is best described by a different word, which rhymes with witch. Armstrong does an admirable job of walking the fine line between making things too easy for the group and putting unnecessary obstacles in their path. Separating them from the adults, she delves into character and relationships among the teens, giving this title a depth that some supernatural fare lacks. It is easy to read out of sequence, and even surpasses its predecessor, The Summoning (HarperCollins, 2008). If you buy it, teens will read it.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, formerly at New York Public Library

Gr 6 Up—Basil has become accustomed to his large size as a powerful dragon, his new name, and his greater role in the fate of his world. With Avalon teetering on the edge of catastrophe, he and Merlin search for ways to squelch the violence erupting throughout the realms. The action is packed with battles between dragons and dwarfs, crows and terns, and many more creatures of Avalon. Readers will also find new love, loss, and relationships on the brink. Unfortunately, the book suffers extensively from middle book syndrome. Too many subplots cause Basil, Merlin, and readers to lose sight of Rhita Gawr. As for Doomraga, readers will have to wait for the cliff-hanger ending to learn who he is, and for book three to read about his revenge. Of course, even with the problems, no one can compare to Barron when writing about Merlin or Avalon. Once again, he brings texture, color, and love to the seven realms. His many fans will gobble up this new offering, but new readers will need to start with book one.—Lisa Marie Williams, East Gwillimbury Public Library, Holland Landing, Ontario

Gr 4–6—Shortly after her family moves from California to New York, 12-year-old Birdie decides that it is time to meet her maternal grandmother, from whom her mother has been estranged. Granny Mo turns out to be a warm and wonderful person who shares the child's love of plants. And as it turns out, they also share a deep family connection with the fairy world, called Aventurine. After Birdie inadvertently travels there, she meets Kerka, and together the girls attempt to rid an ancient and powerful tree of a life-destroying blight. Aventurine is filled with glamorous but uninteresting fairies, lovely scents, and flowers, and a magic wardrobe filled with the most fabulous clothes ever. Birdie's adventures here are uninspired and seem influenced by the online social network that is being marketed as the companion to this series opener. Rather, it is Birdie's growing relationship with her grandmother, her worries about her new life in New York, and her love of plants that ring most true and are the most enjoyable to read about, even if these sections are slower paced. Of possible interest to undemanding fairy fans.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 8 Up—In this ambitious novel, Cameron, a 16-year-old slacker whose somewhat dysfunctional family has just about given up on him, as perhaps he himself has, when his diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jacob, "mad cow" disease, reunites them, if too late. The heart of the story, though, is a hallucinatory—or is it?—quest with many parallels to the hopeless but inspirational efforts of Don Quixote, about whom Cameron had been reading before his illness. Just like the crazy—or was he?—Spaniard, Cam is motivated to go on a journey by a sort of Dulcinea. His pink-haired, white-winged version goes by Dulcie and leads him to take up arms against the Dark Wizard and fire giants that attack him intermittently, and to find a missing Dr. X, who can both help save the world and cure him. Cameron's Sancho is a Mexican-American dwarf, game-master hypochondriac he met in the pot smokers' bathroom at school who later turns up as his hospital roommate. Bray blends in a hearty dose of satire on the road trip as Cameron leaves his Texas deathbed—or does he?—to battle evil forces with a legendary jazz horn player, to escape the evil clutches of a happiness cult, to experiment with cloistered scientists trying to solve the mysteries of the universe, and to save a yard gnome embodying a Viking god from the clutches of the materialistic, fame-obsessed MTV-culture clones who shun individual thought. It's a trip worth taking, though meandering and message-driven at times. Some teens may check out before Cameron makes it to his final destination, but many will enjoy asking themselves the questions both deep and shallow that pop up along the way.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 6–10—Vladimir Tod just wants to be a normal teen. Unfortunately that is impossible for a vampire who is the only one "living" in the small town of Bathory. Now starting 10th grade, he faces some typical teen problems. His friend Henry seems to be dumping him to hang out with the popular crowd. Pesky Eddie is determined to expose him, thinking this will bring him the popularity and fame he desires. Meredith has agreed to be his girlfriend, and he can't believe someone so perfect would want to be with him. He is troubled by terrible nightmares, and the need for human blood is growing extremely difficult to resist, putting Aunt Nelly, Henry, and Meredith at risk. The wicked vampire D'Ablo is determined to get rid of him and steal his powers for himself. Vlad needs to act fast if he is going to save himself and everything he holds dear. The plot is full of twists and turns, but the tone is darker and more intense than in the earlier books as Vlad struggles to overcome the obstacles thrown in his path and come to grips with who and what he really is. The stakes are high and the ending leaves readers dying for more.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 4–8—This book explores the origins of the nemeses of the heroes featured in the Hero.com series. The book's promotional Web site uses unwieldy URLs—www.heroorvillianbooks.com and www.whichsideareyouonbooks.com—but the online content is slickly presented nonetheless. Jake Hunter is the leader of a gang of bullies at his middle school. However, despite his callous treatment of those he considers beneath him, he is ultimately a sympathetic character. When he stumbles upon a Web site with supernatural powers, the computer screen literally morphs into a gray appendage and taps him on the forehead, imbuing him with up to four powers at a time. Flying and the ability to hurl lightning bolts or acid are a few of the powers that Jake decides to try. Basilisk, his supervillain mentor, manipulates him time and time again into physical showdowns with armed military forces to forward his own nefarious schemes. Epic battles no doubt inspired by blockbuster action films crackle with energy, and the excitement pops off the pages. Plenty of stunning reversals are heaped on readers toward the latter half of the book, ratcheting up the dramatic tension. Kids who enjoy DC and Marvel style superheroes will like this superhero comic in novel format. Featuring plenty of fight sequences, secrets, and advanced or prototype technology, this book will appeal to fans of Alex Rider or Danger Boy.—Madigan McGillicuddy, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–8—Siblings Toby and Lorna and their friends Peter and Emily come across a mysterious Web site called Hero.com that beckons them to download superpowers. Intrigued by the idea, they pick powers from vague icons and then check a "job board" from which they can choose crime-fighting missions. A bank robbery piques their interest and they fly off, unsteadily, to their first adventure. Here they meet Doc Tempest, a criminal mastermind, who is intent on taking over the world under the cover of bad weather—he uses hurricanes and such to hide his exploits. They stop the robbery but they anger Doc Tempest, who then kidnaps Toby and Lorna's mother. The budding superheroes must now rescue her and the adventures continue. The concept of downloading superpowers is interesting, but given that the four youngsters don't know what powers they have and how to control them, the fact that they still manage to fight off an invincible outlaw seems implausible. Add to that clichéd language, flat characterizations, and obvious plot turns, and the book doesn't get high literary marks. But with its nonstop adventures and of-the-moment techy concept, it will appeal to science-fiction fans.—Shawna Sherman, Hayward Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—With this novel, Carey goes beyond common fantasy fare in several dimensions. Unusual for this day and age of series that go on and on, Stealing Death is a complete story in a single volume. "Pales" are immigrants who have fled south from their northern continent's troubles and who are looked down upon by the native Zolyans. One morning Kipp, 17, leaves his little brother in charge of lighting the stove so that he can attempt to capture a wild horse whose sale might save the family farm during this time of drought, when there is no money to pay the landlord. He fails and returns to find his home engulfed in flames. Kipp manages to save his sister, but not his parents or brother. It is at this moment that his Naqui powers come to him, allowing him to see the Gwali, "the collector of souls." Kipp cannot stop his family's souls from entering the Kwaja, the Gwali's sack, but vows to do whatever it takes to steal it and prevent others he loves from dying. Steal it he does, but that is only the beginning. Carey's wonderful language weaves family, love, wise teachers, and petty villains together in a vast landscape. It calls to mind Hilari Bell's "Farsala" trilogy (S & S), but this is truly a unique work. Verdict: This is quite simply fantasy at its best—original, beautiful, amazing, and deeply moving.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 9 Up—This collection's refreshing perspective—that gay, lesbian, and transgendered lives simply are, as Cart states in the introduction, "as wonderfully various, diverse, and gloriously complex as any other lives,"—distinguishes it. Twelve acclaimed authors contribute stories ranging from sweet and nostalgic to lyrical and desperate, capturing the blissful/painful process of self-discovery. Highlights include Margo Lanagan's retelling of "The Highwayman" from a voyeuristic stable boy's point of view and Gregory Maguire's story told from different points in time, in which an 18-year-old Iranian-American boy discovers the impact a summer of accidental love can have on his entire life. The formats and settings of the stories are as varied as the characters. Graphic novelist Ariel Schrag's "San Francisco Dyke March" gives funny tourist observations, and in "Happily Ever After," Eric Shanower illustrates how love, not genies, fixes troubled relationships. William Sleator's compelling Thai character finds a dangerous love. Francesca Lia Block, David Levithan, and Emma Donoghue customize the epistolary story. Julie Anne Peters skillfully voices two teen girls' trepidation and ecstasy during their first sexual encounter. Ron Koertge's "My Life as a Dog" is an ingenious metaphor for coming out, and in "Trev" Jacqueline Woodson gently allows Trev to accept his gender identity. This collection, with some detailed sexual descriptions, is sure to find its intended teen audience.—Amy J. Chow, The Brearley School, New York City

Gr 6–8—Readers who enjoyed Al Capone Does My Shirts (Putnam, 2004) will find this lively novel a worthy sequel. Most of the large cast has returned and, as in the previous book, the 1935 Alcatraz Island setting is well realized through glimpses of its infamous prison, inmates, and island life. The narrator is Moose Flanagan, whose father works as a prison guard. The 12-year-old baseball-loving boy is both naive and wise beyond his years. He loves Natalie, his developmentally disabled older sister, despite her unpredictable behavior; when she has good days, he says, "it feels as if the sun has come out after sixty straight days of rain." Along with the warm family drama, there's the intrigue that comes of living among notorious prison inmates on a tiny island. They are a source of free labor, and, once again, Moose finds terse messages in his laundry. Apparently inmate #85, aka Al Capone, engineered Natalie's acceptance into a special school at the boy's request, and now Moose receives a note saying, "Your turn." How he responds to this menacing correspondence makes for an involving yarn, and Choldenko layers her narrative with comical and poignant plot twists. At times, her canvas feels crowded with less-involving characters and subplots, but her sprightly writing ensures that this novel never loses its grip on readers' imaginations. This is superlative historical fiction, but it will be most appreciated by those familiar with the first book.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 7 Up—Every year in Panem, the dystopic nation that exists where the U.S. used to be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome battle to the death. In The Hunger Games (Scholastic, 2008), Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and Katniss's fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss and Peeta's mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta's subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels' symbolic leader. Though more of the story takes place outside the arena than within, this sequel has enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library

Gr 5–7—In Discoveries, George Shriver, of Gettysburg, PA, joins the Cavalry after the Civil War breaks out. As Union and Rebel soldiers march into town, his wife, Hettie, and daughters head for the presumed safety of Hettie's parents' farm. However, she soon finds herself tending to the wounded while the girls hide in fear. Cook vividly depicts the sights, sounds, and smells of the fighting and its aftermath. Unfortunately, the battle story is brief. The remainder of the book concerns the children discovering long-forgotten family items and reminiscing about their father, who died in Andersonsville prison. Although replete with facts about the war and the Shrivers, a real family, the novel lacks great storytelling. Cook's simple pencil drawings and photos from the Shriver House and Museum are welcome additions. In the gripping Witness Tree, sixth-grader Jake has moved with his family to Manassas, VA, where strange noises in his new house awaken him. Cold drafts chill his skin, and a hangman's noose appears on his bedroom wall. The boy enlists his brother, Danny, a Civil War fanatic, and their friend Raj to help uncover the truth about the house's poltergeist. Along the way they learn the history of the area and the importance of the witness tree outside the house. Readers will relate to Jake, whose voice is real and true to his age and gender, and will laugh aloud at his exploits. Both books' back matter includes historical facts and discussion questions.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

Gr 5–7—This humorous adventure, a sequel to The Runaway Princess (Farrar, 2006), captures readers' attention from the start and doesn't let go. Meg is an unconventional princess who has a mind of her own. When her pet dragon, Laddy, flies away, she is determined to go on a quest in search of him. Her parents reluctantly agree on the condition that she takes along a coterie of friends, including a wizard, guards, and a magic scarf to protect her. The ensuing story follows a route filled with surprises and intricate twists that keep readers wondering when, and if, Meg will reach her goal. She encounters unusual characters as she traverses an enchanted forest, but her unwavering courage keeps her steadfastly focused. Coombs cleverly incorporates references to fairy tales. The group rescues Spinach, a girl with unusually long hair imprisoned in a tower, who joins the adventure. They are forced to become playthings for a giant's daughter. Malison, the witch who ensnares Meg and her people, is the personification of evil and deviousness. Meg is a likable and multidimensional figure, as are her companions. The evil characters are richly drawn as well. Patricia Wrede's fans will love this offering, as will those who enjoyed Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted (HarperCollins, 1997).—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ

Gr 4–6—Some books are absolute magic, and this is one of them. The main character, an unnamed angel, is a plucky creature with a bumbling vocabulary that is laugh-out-loud funny as well as a sassy running commentary about the "peoples" who reside in a small village in the Swiss Alps. Kids will giggle at the mischievous side of Angel, who throws pinecones at irritating mortals and smashes figs for fun. Angel can only be seen or sensed by the book's children—first and foremost, by spunky Zola. She is a free-spirited young girl who wears a trio of rainbow-colored dresses at any one time and teams up with the angel to bring the tiny town out of a time-worn gloom with good deeds, namely rescuing a motley crew of orphans with touching and humorous results. Creech's protagonist is hugely likable. Angel has moments of self-doubt and impatience that are appealingly human, while there is a sweet exchange with Zola about the potential of people to already be angel-like in this existence by using their lives for good. Thanks to the author's signature eloquence in detail, readers will wish that they, too, could live in the village among the quirky cast of characters. Creech's offering deserves to be read out loud and more than once to truly enjoy the angel's hilarious malapropisms and outright invented words, and to appreciate the book's tender, comical celebration of the human spirit.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Gr 9 Up—Crutcher's fans will relish the reunion with some familiar characters in this collection of three stories set in the Pacific Northwest and thematically united around anger. "Kyle Manard and the Craggy Face of the Moon" takes Angus Bethune (Athletic Shorts, 1991) and Sarah Byrnes (Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, 1993) on a road trip to Reno to confront the mother who abandoned her years before. In "Montana Wild," student journalist Montana West (The Sledding Hill, 2005) defends her article on medicinal marijuana in a very public shouting match with the right-wing school-board president, who also happens to be her father. "Meet Me at the Gates, Marcus James" unexpectedly binds gay Marcus James, sole black student at his high school, with complexly devout Christian Matt Miller (Deadline, 2007) and sympathetic teacher John Simet (Whale Talk, 2001), when racist football players hang a pink noose on Marcus's locker. Subthemes packed into the mix include foster care, sexual awakening, body image, and hope, played out through lively plot and dialogue. Too many stereotypical characters weaken the stories' impact, including blindly bureaucratic school administrators and knee-jerk conservative Christians. The unnecessary conceit that all the characters attend an anger management course led by Mr. Nak (Ironman, 1995, all HarperCollins) remains undeveloped, and the stories end too abruptly. Despite these flaws, readers will encounter colorful characters and thought-provoking subject matter in a quick read.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 6–9—These short stories are narrated by secondary characters from the popular series, giving insight into some of Tom Ward's well-known companions. A "Gallery of Villains" section identifies additional characters and gives a citation to the novels. This teaser section makes this book invaluable for booktalking as these two- to three-page chapters leave readers hanging in just the right spot. This book would be perfect for pulling reluctant readers into the series. The occasional black-and-white illustrations add a creepy, atmospheric touch.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 8 Up—When Gina makes out with newly hot Bobby after prom, she gets more than she bargained for. Later, her boyfriend Chaz crashes his car and Gina finds out the hard way why the teen death rate is up in her Ohio town. She wakes up and claws her way out of the grave, adjusting quickly to the fact that she is now undead. Bobby meets her at the cemetery and they end up back at her house before sunrise. They are then captured and taken to a secret hideout where they meet Mellisande, a rogue vampire who seeks to build her own army and to fulfill a prophecy. She has turned a group of teens into vampires, but Bobby has special powers, including telekinesis, that the other vamps do not possess. Chaz and Gina's friend Marcy are among the new vamps who are training in combat skills to take on the vampire council, and Gina must step up to save her friends. This quick read is filled with teen slang and fashion consciousness; it's a lighthearted, action-packed, vampire romance story following in the vein of Julie Kenner's "Good Ghouls" (Berkley), Marlene Perez's "Dead" (Harcourt), and Rachel Caine's "The Morganville Vampires" (Signet) series. A sequel is in the works.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—Amelia, age 12 and the youngest of four princesses, feels that she is too ordinary to be royal. However, she's happy with her life and with the fact that she will never have to rule her kingdom. When a fatal illness strikes the land, the princesses are sent away. The queen and king fall victim to the illness, and an evil uncle is called upon to be king until the oldest princess becomes 18. He turns the three older sisters into a tree and two swans and wreaks havoc upon the kingdom. Amelia escapes his evil transformations, but realizes that it's up to her to save her kingdom. The story begins slowly but gathers momentum with many twists and turns. It contains numerous elements of the classic stories including the battle between good and evil, magic, and hidden identities. The characters are one-dimensional, the story is a bit too long, and the level of the vocabulary is uneven. However, the book would be enjoyed by younger students who read above grade level.—Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC

Gr 8 Up—Fifteen-year-old Devon Davenport lies on the sofa mindlessly watching morning TV. She is in physical pain, and her only recourse is to mentally disconnect. Suddenly her life turns upside down and she is left wondering what happened. Why is she being charged with attempted murder? Through a series of conversations with her court-appointed attorney, Devon begins to uncover deep-seated resentments and awaken to the fact that she had been pregnant, has given birth to a baby, and thrown the infant into a Dumpster. Devon begins as an unsympathetic character who grows, giving readers a better understanding of her choices. This is a skillfully written, emotionally raw story detailing one girl's difficult journey from denial of her circumstances to acceptance and redemption.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 6–9—In previous books, teenage sportswriters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson exposed a scheme to throw a game in the NCAA basketball tournament, unraveled a kidnapping plot at the U.S. Tennis Open, and uncovered a steroid scandal at the Super Bowl. Now they are assigned to cover the World Series, where the underdog Washington Nationals are meeting the Boston Red Sox. While checking out the Cinderella story of the 38-year-old Nationals' rookie pitcher, Norbert Doyle, the friends discover a shadowy incident in the man's past. Although Doyle, his children, and especially his agent attempt to deceive, manipulate, and intimidate them, in the end the two reporters base their decision about running the story on the good it would do versus the harm it would cause. As in the other books in the series, Feinstein brings his insider's knowledge of sports to bear, with good effect. The inclusion of real-life sports and media figures along with fictional characters is likely to appeal to knowledgeable fans. For libraries in which the other books have proven popular.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 6–9—Ninth-grader Francie Freewater is most at home in the kitchen: dashing from the counter to the stove, perfecting her recipes, and performing a cooking show for Nana's parrot, Rory. When she's not hanging out with her friend Holly, she's watching celebrity chef Lorenzo Larue's show with Nana and entering his cooking contests, as well as keeping busy making a fool out of herself in an attempt to impress her crush and chemistry partner, Tate. The status quo is shaken, however, when a new girl at school squeezes into Holly and Francie's friendship and wreaks havoc on Francie's boyfriend ambitions. She has started playing the clarinet in order to be in Holly's class, and a music competition paves the way for the teen to travel for free to the same town as Lorenzo Larue's traveling show. One part Alice McKinley, two parts Georgia Nicolson, Francie is a delight. Her own special brand of humor touches every aspect of the tale, from her inner monologue during Lorenzo's shirtless cooking to the way she responds to Harold Horvath's advances and how she lights her beautiful hair on fire with a Bunsen burner. More character- than plot-driven, this breezy, appealing read covers personal growth, the sacrifices of friendship, and the mistakes made along the way.—Jennifer Barnes, Homewood Library, IL

Gr 8–10—Molly O'Keefe has just cemented her girlfriend status with Trevor, the cutest boy at school. She lives with her dad, uncles, and granddad—all raucous transplants from Ireland. She seems to have it all. But Trevor is pressuring her to have sex, and Molly just wants to take it slow. Her mom died when she was young, and she wishes, more than anything, that the woman was there to talk her through this situation. Things take a turn for the worse when Molly catches Trevor hot and heavy with his ex. She seeks comfort in Girl Corps, a Girl Scouts-like organization to which her nine-year-old neighbor, Claire, belongs. Despite the intimidating leader, Rhondi, Molly loves being a mentor for the group; she might be 15 and everyone else 9, but the little girls teach her valuable lessons about being strong and independent, and she even learns from Rhondi in the end. Although Goldblatt's characters are a bit formulaic—overprotective dad; crazy best friend; guilty, lovesick boyfriend—the book's message is a good one. An additional purchase for realistic fiction or chick-lit sections.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

Gr 6–9—In this humorous sequel to Markus and Diana (Front St., 2006), the story's pattern is quickly established: 13-year-old Markus falls in love with a girl, and his best friend, Sigmund, tries to help him win her over (though Sigmund often has motives of his own), but by the time the two boys make anything resembling progress, Markus has already moved on to his next infatuation. Sigmund gets a girlfriend and, along with her best friend (also a discarded love interest of Markus), the four teens form a club called the Four-Leaf Clovers. They make it their mission to help Markus get together with the current light of his life, a beautiful new student named Alexandra. To this end they stage a ragtag production of Romeo and Juliet, a plot development original only in the hilarious ways in which it goes wrong. The characters are neatly developed, and the lighthearted tone is effortlessly sustained throughout. Mellower and gentler than most middle school fiction starring boys, the sweetness of the story and outdated cultural references make this book feel behind the times, but to many readers, this may come as a relief.—Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

Gr 5–8—Another well-done, action-packed mystery from Hahn. This book starts off as seventh-grader Logan Forbes learns that a murder had been committed in his family's new house three years earlier. Myrtle Donaldson, a bookkeeper accused of embezzling from the local amusement park, was found dead in her ransacked house and her killer is still at large. Logan's next-door neighbor, Arthur Jenkins, a sixth grader with a bottomless stomach and a quirky personality, is convinced that Mrs. Donaldson was falsely accused, and he wants Logan to help him find the real perpetrator. The boys discover a letter and puzzle left among the woman's possessions that convinces them they are on the right track. Their investigation includes visiting the abandoned and overgrown Magic Forest amusement park, a reporter with secrets, shady property developers, a menacing convict, and purloined library materials. It all culminates in a terrifying nighttime showdown among the kudzu at the Magic Forest where the truth is revealed. This is an enjoyable mystery with just the right amount of frightening and dangerous elements to entice readers. Logan is a sympathetic character—a new kid in town trying to find his place in the pecking order, almost immediately befriended by someone on the lowest rung who turns out the be the right friend for him.—Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Gr 7–11—In her fourth fantasy about the land of Bayern, Hale has created a strong stand-alone companion to The Goose Girl (2003), Enna Burning (2004), and River Secrets (2006, all Bloomsbury). Forest Born centers on Razo's sister, Rin, and her special abilities. The struggle that she goes through as she begins to recognize her talent of persuasion and her elemental connection to the forest brings the typical fantasy themes of good vs. evil to a place that makes them very personal. Rin discovered as a child that her words could be powerful. But that power left her feeling confused and wrong. Since that time, the wrongness has curled up like a snake inside her, making her doubt whether she can ever find peace. Rin encounters Isi, Enna, and Dasha from the previous Bayern stories and through them she finds hope; perhaps what makes her different could be a blessing, if she is able to find balance in her gifts. Lurking throughout the story is the tumultuous backdrop of diplomatic negotiations and threats of war. Everything finally comes to a head when Isi's nemesis from Goose Girl returns and kidnaps her son. All four women need to work together to defeat Selia, who has been completely corrupted and consumed by her people-speaking power of persuasion. Fans of the earlier titles as well as admirers of the genre will find Rin's journey a compelling read.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 5–8—Twelve-year-old Alfonso Perplexon is a sleepwalker. He climbs extremely high trees, skis, and performs other physical feats—all in his sleep. The appearance of his long-lost Uncle Hill leads to an explanation for Alfonso's unusual habit. They are from the hidden land of Dormia, whose inhabitants have perfected wakeful sleeping, performing complex tasks while deep in slumber. Hill reveals that the unusual plant Alfonso has nurtured in his sleep is a Dormian bloom, needed to save the last city of Dormia, and Alfonso and Hill travel to the Ural Mountains to take it home. Of course, they don't know exactly where Dormia is, and they find themselves traveling with unlikely—and perhaps untrustworthy—companions. While the complex setup starts out slowly, the action picks up rapidly once Hill and Alfonso reach Europe and find dangers aplenty, leading up to a battle for Dormia's future. Alfonso finds out about his own background and abilities as he travels, and readers learn about Dormia along with the likable young hero. The authors provide a wealth of detail, bringing locales as exotic as a cave city and a decaying icebreaker ship to life, though action often waits for the settings to be explored. Double-crosses and disguises add to the suspense as Alfonso nears Dormia, and readers will be left hoping for their own sleeping adventures.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 9 Up—For as long as she can remember, Jess has been friends with Bizza and Char. Lately, however, she has been finding that she doesn't have as much in common with them. She has become more interested in math and sewing, while the other two girls only seem interested in partying and hanging around Jess's older brother and his punk band. On their first day of sophomore year, Jess finds that her old friends have decided to go punk. In Bizza's case, this involves shaving her head and pursuing Jess's longtime crush, punk Van, and eventually performing oral sex on him at a party (contracting gonorrhea in the process). Jess decides to move on and becomes involved with a group of Dungeons and Dragons players that includes her new romantic interest, nerdy but adorable Henry. She agonizes over being called a nerd, but comes to realize that friends and how they treat each other are more important than labels. Halpern's descriptions of high-school cliques, particularly the punk posers and the D&D fanatics, are hilarious and believable, and characters who seem to fit particular stereotypes suddenly show unexpected traits. The story's theme could easily become clichéd, but this novel is particularly strong in showing how teen friendships evolve and sometimes die away, and how adolescents redefine themselves.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 6–9—It will take readers more than a few beats to find their bearings in this relentlessly inventive fantasy, but once they figure out the Lost (people who can send their senses out into the world and sometimes get lost from their bodies), the social relations among the colonized and colonizers of Gullstruck Island, and the physical world they inhabit, the story is gripping. Haithin is the nearly invisible viewpoint character, one of those people that you hardly realize is there, and the indispensable guide and interpreter of her sister, Arilou, who may or may not be one of the Lost. As members of a despised minority cast, the sisters are part of an elaborate scheme to convince outsiders of the worth of their village as a tourist attraction. Intrigue piles upon intrigue as the Lost are nearly exterminated and Haithin's people are blamed. Can the sisters survive the murderous crowds, fight their way through the jungles of Gullstruck, appease the violent volcanoes, and navigate the silly court life of the local ruler? Especially memorable are some of the secondary characters, including a traveling dentist who manipulates the masses while she drills teeth and a man who is nearly as unnoticeable as Haithin but who appears to be pulling the strings of state. Haithin's journey is, of course, epic. She faces hardship, tragedy, doubt, killer insects, and a river of lava and, in the end, becomes something of a myth herself. The author is as inventive with language as she is with social and cultural constructs. This novel is just plain fun.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 4–6—Homeschooled Stephanie has just moved and must now attend sixth grade at public school because of her mother's job. She's not taking it well, insisting on wearing black, eating only red foods, sleeping under her bed, and being called Svetlana. Is she turning into a vampire or just going through a phase? Her glamorous science teacher, who talks to Svetlana telepathically, might know the answer, but Ms. Larch has a vile odor (that only Svetlana can detect) and an evil smile. When three popular girls go missing, only Svetlana suspects Ms. Larch. Unlike most vampire tales, this story leaves readers truly wondering what's affecting Svetlana until about halfway through when her kindhearted elderly neighbor, Lenora Bones, reveals the truth. Svetlana's unusual abilities mean she's part of the Circle of Red, a group dedicated to protecting the innocent from the "grotesque and aberrant." At this point, the plot's pace picks up and races to a dramatic climax as Svetlana determines to take on Ms. Larch and rescue the girls. Svetlana comes across as a strong character who separates herself from her peers by casually referencing Sun Tzu and lurking in a tree house dubbed "The Oak of Doom." Her first-person narrative is fast-paced and witty, and her mild scorn for everything she encounters at school will appeal to angst-ridden tweens. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser, this is a perfect choice for fans of Charles Ogden's "Edgar and Ellen" series (Tricycle).—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI

Gr 7 Up—This stand-alone sequel to The Princess and the Hound (HarperCollins, 2007) examines and critiques humanity by contrasting animals and people. Here, in what the author calls a parallel novel, the legend of King Richon is told. Because of his cruelty to those with magic, he was transformed into a bear 200 years earlier. The hound Chala, from the previous volume, gradually becomes his constant companion. Meanwhile, "unmagic" is spreading, and they must travel back in time in order to save the kingdom. King Richon, who returns to his human form, aims to make amends for his tyrannical rule. Chala, choosing to give up her hound state, must reconcile herself to her human limitations as she wonders if she sacrificed too much. Their mutual respect and deep friendship subtly and convincingly grow into love while they explore their magical shape-shifting powers and restore peace to the kingdom. Told in third person, the chapters alternate between the points of view of the bear and the hound. The plot pacing is even and taught. Deep exploration of the main characters' flaws and values blends smoothly with an exploration of good versus evil. Some well-drawn descriptions of bloody battles between animals and humans may be too intense for some readers, but the love story is as compelling as the characters are strong and complex. The message of ecological responsibility is slightly heavy-handed but readers will find the relationship between independent Chala and pensive Richon appealing.—Amy J. Chow, The Brearley School, New York City

Gr 5–7—David Eliot is starting his second year at Groosham Grange. After he spent the first year fighting to get out of the school, he has now accepted his place there and is actually excelling. He has his sights set on obtaining the school's highest prize, the Unholy Grail, and he is very close to walking away with it. The only person standing in his way is the new star student. Vincent King is too good to be true, and David suspects him to be sneaky and untrustworthy. The headmasters (two heads on one body, due to an experiment gone wrong) have the boys engage in various competitions to test their overall magical powers. Due to multiple situations in which David finds himself in trouble, he is convinced that Vincent is not playing by the rules. There are lively, comical descriptions of the different classes offered at Groosham Grange and its quirky professors. Overall, this book will appeal to Horowitz fans who are looking for an adventure story with some horror undertones.—Mairead McInnes, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, NY

Gr 3–6—Recipes from witches, all with children as a main ingredient. A Japanese witch ("The Dishonourable Lady Soo-Shi") offers "Seared Tina in Boy Sauce on a Bed of Fragrant Lice." How do you prepare Tina for this dish? Tie her to a tree (by a riverbank) with ribbons, float some blossoms in the water, and then hack her up with a cleaver. This type of violence (not to mention cultural stereotyping) abounds, and certain kids will just love it. The Spanish witch is fiery and passionate, the Scot is dour, and one of the U.S. witches is a redneck, overweight biker. Some recipes are really funny; concerning Consuela del Diablo, "Last time someone drank her 'love potion' he ended up falling in love with three donkeys, a clam and his own moustache." Others are easy shots, like directions to add various types of "wee wee" to the concoctions. The many small and large humorous pictures throughout are prominent against the white pages. Stimpson has worked with Walt Disney Feature Animation, and his slick, colorful style shows it. An advertising section adds to the fun: anyone want to buy a HAG 3000 SuperOven, offered by Hansel and Gretel Industries? Overall, this is a rich dish that is likely to drive adults crazy, but read aloud by some children ad nauseam. If you work with those children, swallow hard, buy the book, and remind library catalogers NOT to classify it in the 641s.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 7 Up—Ernie and Will stick together to minimize or deflect the regular bullying aimed at them by a cruel group of five jocks. Ernie's mom and his Uncle Max provide a caring support system, but the boy is overweight. Will is lanky with bad skin and a mother who left him and his younger brother, Sam, with an alcoholic father. The friends enjoy fishing together until the day Sam drowns when their boat capsizes. Will's feelings of guilt about his brother's death and sadness about parental neglect cause him to attempt suicide. Luckily, perceptive Ernie recognizes his friend's signals and intervenes in the nick of time. Despite these circumstances, the bullies continue their harassment, until Will has had enough and plans to get even with a gun. Ernie and Will are sympathetically drawn characters who just want peace, one another's friendship, and the little joy that comes their way. Like Gray in Nancy Garden's Endgame (Harcourt, 2006) and Brett in Patrick Jones's Nailed (Walker, 2006), Will faces challenging family relationships plus the torment of bullies, and reaches a breaking point where he strikes back to end the pain. The open-ended conclusion offers readers hope that he gets the help he needs, and leaves them with a great respect for Ernie as he chooses to do what is right.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO

Gr 9 Up—When Emily Carson's parents are killed in a plane crash, she is left to struggle not only with the loss of her family but also with solving the mystery of her mother's cryptic last words, scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: "Emily please forgive me." She leaves her quiet Pennsylvania town to live in Manhattan with her Aunt Jolie, a famous make-up artist. With the help of her aunt and the woman's hair-stylist-to-the-stars friend, Emily gets a new look that allows her to fit in with the popular crowd at her new prep school. To her surprise, as well as that of the other students, Emily has sparked the interest of Owen, the most popular boy in school. While Emily may be confused, readers will know that Owen is a bad boy who will disappoint her, and that she will end up with her handsome but less-popular chemistry lab partner. Jabaley's debut novel is standard chic-lit fare complete with Manhattan makeovers and prep-school parties. The plot is predictable, with some inconsistencies—a Google search on Emily's mother yields only four hits, none of which deal with the media frenzy surrounding the tray-table message. The characters are two-dimensional with stereotypical reactions and language. However, chic-lit fans will forgive all these flaws as they devour the pages right up until the happily-ever-after ending.—Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD

Gr 7–10—How do you spend your time when you live in a dead-end town? Spencer Adams Honesty, one-half the population of Paisley, KS, revives his childhood imaginary friend, Chief Leopard Frog, for company and takes up photography. The boy's camera captures the ghosts of Paisley's ex-residents and sets off a chain of wonderfully absurd events. For example, a correspondence with Uncle Milton (President and Proprietor of Uncle Milton's Thousand Things You Never Thought You'd Find novelty catalog) leads to the man's publishing a collection of Chief Leopard Frog's bad poetry, and Spencer's romancing two "older" women (older by a few years) as he takes on the world of art photography by storm. Jennings has a dry wit, and the protagonist's matter-of-fact observations make the most outlandish scenes seem possible. This is a coming-of-age story/tall tale that's full of charm.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

Gr 9 Up—High school junior Eddie Corazon and his Mexican-American family live in a crime-infested town in New Mexico where kids are often pressed into service as drug runners if found on the streets alone. Eddie has his older cousin to look out for him, and he tells of the day when he was eight, and felt so proud to ride along with Enrique, drinking beer and smoking. But when Enrique stopped the car, knocked on a door, and shot the man who opened it in the face, young Eddie messed his pants, "smelling the stink of hopelessness that hung around my life." Eddie is now in an alternative high school and brandishing his role as juvenile delinquent until he meets Lupe, a bright girl with dreams of college. Keeping her as his girlfriend is the impetus for change, but poignant memoirs of a caring former teacher and the book The Four Agreements play a major role in Eddie's transformation into a reflective honor student. In the end, the future appears hopeful for the teen, though his change is a bit too didactic as he writes, "you can open a book and follow the words to some new place." Sometimes the first-person narrative is disjointed, and the story and characters don't always ring true. While the content may appeal to reluctant readers, the nonlinear story line will be a challenge. Also, the heavy-handed message could be a turnoff, and the numerous allusions to contemporary literature, while interesting, will be lost on most struggling teen readers.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Gr 6–9—Salt Lake City native Katie, 16, is planning a great summer with her friend Laura. She is registered for a fiction writing class and has scheduled daily tennis practices, activities that will keep her out of the house so that she can avoid her warring parents. Suddenly her mom announces that she and Kate will be spending the summer on Cape Cod, at her old friends' house. Although Kate is unhappy that her plans have been shelved, she looks forward to spending time with Sarah, the pretty, self-confident and super-cool hosts' daughter. Unfortunately, Sarah is clearly less than pleased to have a new sidekick. Kate determines to make the best of the situation and lands a job teaching tennis, and eventually Sarah mellows enough to be friendly and include her socially. Kate falls hard for good-looking, smart Adam, necessitating her to deal with a complicated romantic relationship while coping with her parents' possible divorce. In this engaging and satisfying novel, nothing earth-shattering happens but the dialogue is witty and readers will relate to the realistically described roller coaster of emotions of a typical suburban teenager. This is the perfect book to give to a someone who loves Maureen Daly's teen classic, Seventeenth Summer (S & S, 1981), or Kantor's earlier books.—Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—Never has 12-year-old Amelia Forrester found it so inconvenient to be a girl. Her mother and family friend, Estelle, can come all the way from Boston to San Francisco as businesswomen, but Amelia can't even sell a months'-old Boston newspaper without being assaulted and taunted by boys. While the two women—dressmakers by trade—adjust their business plan to make clothing for men, Amelia makes an entrepreneurial decision of her own. She chops off her long hair, dons a borrowed cap and trousers, and takes to the streets of 1851 San Francisco to hawk newspapers. Her nose for news soon leads her and her new friend, Patrick, to a much-hyped balloon launch. As fate would have it, they are invited to stand in the balloon's basket, but the men on the ground lose their grip on the tethers and the children find themselves soaring over the mountains. After a crash landing, Amelia is badly injured and brought to the mining town of Sonora to mend. Much to her dismay, orphaned Patrick finds a family with a French prospecting couple, while Amelia ponders her fatherless upbringing. She does finally recover, finds a newspaper editor who publishes her story, and returns home a hero. Ketchum nicely interweaves actual events into this engaging story. She also covers the topics of discrimination and same-sex couples with aplomb. Amelia is a well-rounded character: imperfect, persistent, unsure of herself, and likable. An educational and entertaining read.—Wendy Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY

Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Kyna must go to Lake Champlain with her adoptive parents, Mem and Pep, for summer vacation. But she is terrified of water because she witnessed the drowning of her family when she was a young child. Mem and Pep, who saved her, have helped her take "water steps" over the years to overcome her fear. This summer, they want her to take her final step. At the same time, they have a secret to reveal. Upset at the thought of spending the summer near water, Kyna sets out to make the best of it. She befriends Tylo, a fellow vacationer. He tells her he has seen silkies in the lake and wants to get a photograph of them to prove it to others. Kyna tells him there is no such thing, though Mem and Pep believe in them. As the story progresses, Kyna puts together clues about her parents to figure out their secret, though she doesn't want to believe it. Told from Kyna's point of view, the story ends with a neat resolution, and the engaging writing style flows smoothly and is well paced. The language is almost poetic with its use of sensory detail, alliteration, and precise word choices. A satisfying story of overcoming one's fears and discovering secrets.—Jennifer D. Montgomery, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 4–6—How does a child recover from unspeakable loss? For Aubrey, 11, it takes time, love, stability, and the emotional release that comes from writing letters. After her father and younger sister die in a car accident, Aubrey's mother becomes psychologically unstable and abandons her. Uprooted from her home in Virginia, Aubrey goes to live with her grandmother in Vermont. Along with Gram's love, she finds solace in spending time with the family next door and acquires a best friend in the process. When her mother materializes and begins her emotional recovery, Aubrey must decide whether to return home or to remain with her grandmother. Throughout the grieving process, her emotions are palpable. LaFleur captures the way everyday occurrences can trigger a sudden flood of memories and overwhelming feelings of renewed loss. She details the physical responses of the human body to emotional trauma with an immediacy that puts readers inside Aubrey's pain and loss. The child's progress is reflected in her letters, which are at first directed to her sister's imaginary friend, then to her dead father and sister, and finally to the mother who hurt her so deeply. While the grandmother's patience and insight at times stretch credulity, for those who want or need to experience grief vicariously, this is an excellent choice.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 7–10—Freshman Callie Leary wishes that her mother hadn't mysteriously disappeared, that her family still had money, and that her father wasn't drinking. So far she has kept the state of her family a secret, but it's becoming more difficult. Then one morning Callie is called to the vice principal's office with two other students, Hal and Nia. It seems that their classmate, Amanda Valentino, painted the vice principal's car with graffiti, left clues on their lockers, and then disappeared. Unsure of the connection between Amanda and themselves, they decide to follow the clues and solve her disappearance. But as they dig deeper, they find that Amanda wasn't exactly truthful about her life and finding her will not be easy. Billed as the first in a series of eight, this is a satisfying mystery with a few minor flaws. Callie is likable, and her emotions are genuine as she stumbles to find her way after her family falls apart. However, her realization that her friends are shallow and that she prefers spending time with Hal and Nia is too predictable. But, it's the many subplots and unanswered questions that will either leave readers annoyed or wanting more. Those who can put aside these minor irritations will find the book a page-turner, and with a Web site tie-in, it should prove pretty popular.—Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 8 Up—Claire and Peter are friendly acquaintances at their New York City high school. Jasper is a freshman in college. They attend a mutual friend's party, and Peter and Jasper make a date for the evening of September 11, 2001. They reschedule and have an excruciating date a week later. Claire and Jasper meet again by chance at Ground Zero when neither can sleep. Claire is called to action, Peter is reverent, and Jasper, a kind of "expert dodger," can't feel a thing. The three come to develop a deep friendship. Levithan's character development is quick and seamless. He defines the trio's personae by how they perceive the tragedy, how they interact, and how they observe the world. The author's prose has never been deeper in thought or feeling. His writing here is especially pure—unsentimental, restrained, and full of love for his characters and setting. Though the trio's talks and emails are philosophically sophisticated, Love Is the Higher Law is steadily paced and tightly, economically written. Discussion of the U.S. invasion of Iraq feels like overkill, but it brings the novel to an appropriately queasy end. Levithan captures the mood of post-9/11 New York exquisitely, slashed open to reveal a deep heart.—Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up—Described as "Cinderella…with a twist," Ash is in many ways the familiar fairy tale about a girl's move from comfort to despair to true love (with a little help from fairies and magic). Standard Cinderella images set up the story: after losing her mother and later her father, Ash is treated as a servant in the home of an unkind stepmother and two unfriendly stepsisters. She has ties to the fairy world, attends the royal ball in an enchanted dress, catches the eye of the prince, and finds love by the end of the story. However, while structural similarities exist, ideologically Lo's beautiful and dark tale takes the story to a new place. It is not about Ash being found and saved by a charming prince; instead, it is about her courtship with Kaisa, the King's huntress, a relationship that burgeons over time and is based on more than just initial attraction. Despite Ash's grief, oppressive guardianship, and dangerous flirtation with the fairy Sidhean, who promises to steal her away from her sadness, the protagonist finds her own salvation and chooses to live and love in the real world and on her own terms. Ash will appeal to readers looking for GLBTQ titles, but fans of romance, fantasy, and strong female protagonists will also embrace this fine debut novel.—Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA

Gr 6–9—Readers who missed The Boyfriend List (2005) and The Boy Book (2006, both Delacorte) will have no trouble keeping up, but they might still feel compelled to go back and read them. Sixteen-year-old Ruby brings readers up to speed on her dramatic history, in which a love triangle, a misplaced boyfriend list, and a dented reputation have left her almost friendless (aka a "roly poly," to use her coined term for a social pariah) and in therapy. The book chronicles her continuing social dilemmas, including ambiguous signals from former boyfriend Jackson, growing conflict over would-be boyfriend Noel, a lost job, a new pet, and panic attacks. Sessions with therapist Dr. Z punctuate the narrative, providing an opportunity for Ruby—and readers—to reflect on herself and her peers and unpack her feelings and fears. And despite her obvious insecurities, Ruby is funny—very funny. She expresses herself in a manner both self-deprecating and precocious, with a quirky use of language and an appreciation for the absurd that is thoroughly endearing. A definite purchase if you have the first two in the series; if you don't, consider getting all three for reluctant readers and lovers of chick-lit.—Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

Gr 6–8—In 1934, at the Saratoga Race Track, Jack finally gets his chance to be an apprentice jockey, or bug boy. Only 15 and on his own, he has to deal with a vicious thug who wants him to throw a race, a duplicitous girl "bookie," and his father's betrayal after he comes to Jack for help. He eventually triumphs over the adversities facing him as he also copes with the death of his favorite racehorse. This well-written, engaging story effectively captures the desperate times of the Depression and the hard-edged world of horse racing. Jack has a strong moral compass in contrast to the characters who are willing to sacrifice others to ensure their own well-being. Although he learns some bitter lessons, the teen still manages to follow his dream of working with racehorses.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Gr 3–6—Freddy Lupin has been waiting all his life for his first transformation into a wolf. Raised in a castle as a member of a proud and ancient werewolf pack, he has had a difficult time since his father's mysterious death. Prone to accidents and mischief-making, he often angers his uncle, Sir Hotspur, and spars with his young cousins, Harriet and Chariot. But when the auspicious night of "transwolftation" finally arrives, Freddy finds himself changed into, not a mighty wolf, but a little black poodle. As if this is not enough humiliation, his evil cousins capture him and have him dyed pink. After escaping the groomer, Freddy finally unites with some friendly canines, only to find himself in a horrible pound from which no dog has ever escaped. There, he learns the truth about his father's death and plots his return to the castle to save his pack from a deadly werewolf hunter. Character development is certainly not the point here, and readers never find out for certain why Freddy turns into a poodle, but the fast-paced action and numerous fart jokes will lure young reluctant readers.—Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA

Gr 4–6—In this follow-up to The Sisters Club (Pleasant Co., 2003), the two oldest Reel girls, Alex, 13, the actor in the family, and Stevie, 11, the singer, clash when they both try out for the lead role in a school production of Once Upon a Mattress. As in the earlier title, Stevie is the main narrator, in standard chapters; Alex's sections are in the form of scripts, complete with stage directions; nine-year-old Joey keeps a journal and makes lists, which she illustrates with doodles. The story is believable, as are the sisters' interactions. The different styles add to the fun and help move the plot along quickly. Fans of Meg Cabot's Allie Finkle and graduates of Judy Moody will enjoy this offering.—Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Gr 8 Up—In this companion to Water (Putnam, 2002), McKinley and Dickinson explore the range of their storytelling abilities. The settings of these five tales range from ancient to modern, but they are all united by encounters with magical creatures with an affinity for fire. In "Phoenix," Ellie's love for forests leads her to Dave and Welly, caretakers of the ancient Phoenix, displaced from its Egyptian home to damp, chilly Britain. "Hellhound" features animal-loving Miri, whose choice of a red-eyed shelter dog proves providential when she must face a malevolent spirit. In "Fireworm," Tandin spirit-walks to defeat the fireworm that threatens his clan, though in doing so he develops empathy for the creature and its mate and distances himself from his people. "Salamander Man" finds orphaned Tib caught up in a bewildering chain of events, which results in him taking the form of a flaming giant to free the salamanders and rid his city of corrupt magicians. "First Flight," the longest piece, deals with Ern, who helps a dragon with a missing eye find its way back into the Flame Space, which dragons use to travel quickly through time and space. All of these individuals learn something about themselves in their encounters with the fire beasts, and all are the better for it in the end. This collection of beautifully crafted tales will find a warm welcome from fans of either author, as well as from fantasy readers in general.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 8 Up—African-American Jomo Rodgers is a talented if somewhat undersized defensive back on his high school's football team. Overshadowed by Jayson Caldwell, his best friend and the team's star running back, Jomo, after much hesitation, decides to take the steroid route to fame, with tragic results for himself, his team, and those he loves. This is no simplistic "problem" novel—Jomo is a complex character whose ambitions are at war with his personal sense of morality. While the adults in his life are intelligent and caring, they seem too absorbed in their own issues to give him the guidance he needs. His father, a former college athlete and student activist who teaches African-American studies, is embittered by what he experienced and observed of the treatment of athletes (especially black athletes) at the college level. His anger and resentment have driven his wife away and led to excessive drinking and problems in his relationship with Jomo. Coaches seem oblivious to the signs of Jomo's steroid use until it is too late. High school football players in particular will recognize how mixed messages about pushing one's body to the limit can often lead young athletes to make bad choices. Jomo's self-serving rationalizations will resonate with anyone who has faced a difficult moral decision. Profane and scatological language abounds, but it is not outside the realm of what one could hear any day in a school locker room. Top-notch sports fiction.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 7–10—Tabitha, 15, and her four close friends wear purity rings symbolizing their commitment to abstinence before marriage. When Cara reveals she had sex with her serious boyfriend, Tabitha's best friend, Morgan, declares the breach of promise unforgivable and shuts Cara out, as does Cara's own best friend, Naeomi. Tabitha is caught in the middle, feeling empathy for Cara, yet still wanting to please Morgan, who reacts as if personally betrayed and chooses a new best friend. While sexual abstinence is one theme running through Pure (a book refreshingly free of sexual language, innuendo, or other titillation), the real themes here are the complexities of friendship and Tabitha's personal struggle to live out her Christian faith with integrity in her daily life. Her interactions with domineering Morgan are richly nuanced. The girls' religious beliefs and experiences are portrayed with respect and reflect authentic mid-teen maturity. While Tabitha extends forgiveness to Morgan, the ending is not pat or saccharine but shows personal growth. Tabitha's blooming romance with Jake and her positive relationship with her supportive, if somewhat quirky, parents add pleasant undercurrents to a book that girls of a spiritual bent will enjoy.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 4–6—This parallel novel to Martin's A Dog's Life (Scholastic, 2005), about a stray named Squirrel, tells the tale of Squirrel's brother and his search for a home. Unlike Dog's Life, only part of the story is told from Bone's perspective. Instead, it is also narrated by Henry, a boy desperately in want of a dog; and Charlie, who is dealing with the aftermath of his brother's recent death. Though it follows the standard "boy and his dog" story line, Martin's gentle tale also touches upon growing up, facing hardship, and the importance of companionship, no matter its form. The interconnected stories, told in alternating chapters, are thoughtfully written and crafted to a satisfying convergence. This is a touching and ultimately happy story that will appeal to fans of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Shiloh (S & S, 1991) and Fred Gipson's Old Yeller (HarperCollins, 1942), as well as to a wider audience.—Nicole Waskie, Chenango Forks Elementary, Binghamton, NY

Gr 9 Up—High school senior Jonny Fehey is unhappy with his position as a substitute on the soccer team and with his lowly status in the school's social hierarchy. In addition to finding himself outstripped both socially and athletically by his neighbor and life-long friend Kyle Saint-Claire, Jonny must also contend with his father's long-ago abandonment, bullying, the death of a girl with whom he had a summertime romance, and his failure to intervene in the drunken rape of an exchange student with whom he is romantically involved. All seem like a bit much? Well, it is. There are simply too many issues swirling around for any of them to be treated with any depth or complexity. The author is obviously knowledgeable about soccer, and his descriptions of the passion that young men bring to the game are genuinely engaging. However, even the most die-hard soccer fans are likely to be disappointed with this offering.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to Gods of Manhattan (Dutton, 2008), 13-year-old Rory, his sister, and the spirits of Manhattan lock wits over Central Park, where the spirits of the Munsee Indian tribe have been trapped for the last century. Rory struggles to find the clues that will allow him to understand the history of the mystical Mannahatta and the future that his powers as the Light will create. Bridget is no meek little sister following her brother's lead. She is strong and mischievous and integral to the tale. Off to a slow start, the story builds to a hectic and satisfying conclusion while leaving room for, but not making necessary, future books. History buffs will enjoy how figures from different eras all come together as gods in the spirit world of New York City, including Walt Whitman, God of Optimism; Jimmy Walker, God of Leaders Who Looked the Other Way; and Aaron Burr, a fallen god. Less-well-informed readers should still be able to follow and enjoy the novel on a different level. Mebus provides enough information for those new to the series, although certain characters take a lesser role here and have more depth if both titles are read.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, formerly at New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up—Leesie is a beautiful, straight-laced Mormon desperate to escape high school and the boys who torment her there. Michael is a scuba diver whose parents were killed on a dive trip. He desperately longs to dive again, but terrifying flashbacks of the hurricane that killed his friends and family plague him. Leesie is drawn to Michael's brokenness—she feels she can save him. He is attracted to her purity and beauty. Soon, all the rules Leesie has found easy to obey in the past (no hot-and-heavy kissing, no dating an unbeliever, no sex) are no longer cut-and-dry, and her plan to attend BYU no longer seems so important. Both Michael and Leesie must figure out what matters most to them. This book explores the teens' relationship through poetry, instant messages, and journal entries. Although the format is clever, the author doesn't fully commit to sharing this story in the characters' own words. Leesie's poetry is full of emotion and does a great job of expressing her feelings, but Michael's journal entries are unconvincing as the writings of a grief-stricken teen. Also, he is selfish and disrespectful of Leesie's beliefs, and she is too willing to forgive him when he has sex with a classmate. Their relationship is uncomfortably codependent, and when the teens split up at the end, it is a relief.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 8–11—This final installment in the "Dairy Queen" trilogy kicks off with Wisconsin junior D.J. Schwenk back at school, having spent several weeks away helping big brother, Win, with his rehabilitation. She's catching up with classes and best friend Amber (also newly returned). D.J.'s excited and nervous for basketball season, which might score her a much-desired college scholarship and a less-desired position literally calling the shots on court. Her ex, Brian, is neither out of sight nor off her mind. But reluctantly famous D.J., who generally craves anonymity, wants a boyfriend who acknowledges her in public. Enter energetic friend Beaner, an attention magnet interested in actual dating. When recruitment letters pour in, talented athlete D.J. feels the weight of obligations and expectations (yet again) from well-meaning family, friends, recruiters, coaches, and from herself. Will she be ruled by fear or will she step up and make the choices, whether between colleges or guys, that'll make her happiest? The self-conscious teen is socially anxious, hyper aware, and cleverly observant. Her fans won't be disappointed, but new readers may occasionally feel out of the loop, compelled to read the prequels for a more invested experience. Fortunately, Murdock successfully integrates fresh trials and pressures, well-developed primary and likable peripheral characters, and amusing introspection into the backstory. Occasional doormat D.J. is ultimately a responsible, realistically flawed, funny, endearing, and strong heroine worth rooting for whether on the court or on the page—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 7 Up—The setting is New York City, July 1863. Lincoln has just called up more troops after the devastation at Gettysburg. Tensions rise and then boil over into riots as Irish immigrants rail against the draft and direct their wrath at the city's African-American population. Fifteen-year-old Claire, daughter of a black father and white mother, finds herself at the center of the vortex. She is forced to grapple with the notion that her race has suddenly become the entirety of her identity while friends and family are pulled into different camps and a mob mentality consumes the city. The author revisits the screenplay format utilized to much acclaim in Monster (HarperCollins, 1999), yet here it serves a wholly different purpose. While the screenplay helped Monster's Steve reveal a creative identity apart from his mug shot, in Riot it gives a sense of the proportion and chaos of the times, as the camera pans across the city jumping from one incident to another, simultaneously tracking numerous characters. Myers crafts a sympathetic cast, which is excellent fodder for conversations about race and class, and the book is also a choice pick for reluctant readers who will relish both format and pacing. Once again, this master storyteller has delivered.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 8–10—When five siblings enroll at Marlowe, an elite prep school in Manhattan, a secret advantage allows them to edge out the competition in sports, class offices, and the hearts of the most popular students. They have all—knowingly or unknowingly—exchanged their souls for supernatural gifts: mind-reading, athletic ability, great writing, control over time, and extreme beauty. However, their evil governess, Madame Vileroy, is not content with what she has already taken from her children. She gets great pleasure in pitting them against one another, regularly offering them more power or accolades in exchange for more of their essential selves. But how far does her power reach? And when is it too late to turn away from evil? With several well-timed twists and numerous allusions to Faustian bargains throughout history, this juicy story will appeal to teens who enjoy the power grabs and backstabbing of Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girls" (Little, Brown), as well as to fans of dark contemporary fantasy.—Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA

Gr 5–8—Naylor takes up the issues of crossing class lines with a solid portrayal of Ivy June from rural coal country in Kentucky staying with an upper-middle-class family for two weeks over spring break and the return visit of the daughter of that household, Catherine. The living situations of the seventh graders are at two extremes and yet both girls have the humanity and distinctness that allow them to escape the confines of representing their classes. Make no mistake, this is Ivy June's story, and her hardships and family challenges are front and center in a way that Catherine's own family woes are not. The exchange program set up by the schools is a perfect showcase for looking at the role of wealth and poverty in our assumptions about one another. Ivy June's discomfort at having the wrong shoes is comparable to Catherine's squirming at being unable to wash her hair daily. Neither manages to overcome her own class assumptions. Despite the challenges, this is a warm and tender story of learning to care about the needs of the "other" while gaining appreciation for your own values and strengths.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

Gr 9 Up—Despite her seemingly humble role as a library clerk in a forgotten colony, Haly is the keeper of a remarkable secret. In a world in which books are both revered and feared, she has the power to hear the words of the tomes around her. When a rival group called the Eradicants, who believe that the books are evil, plots to destroy the ancient library where she lives and works, Haly is forced to make difficult choices to protect the lives of those around her. This debut novel is based on the premise of librarians as the protector of knowledge, defending literature from those who have abandoned the written word. With many references to well-known young adult works (listed in an appendix), particularly Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl, the author tries to create a world of magic, adventure, and mystery. Some of the faster-paced scenes have the potential to captivate readers, but becoming completely absorbed in the story is a challenge. How well this book succeeds will depend on whether teenagers are able to bond with the main character, and how much interest they have in the world of librarians.—Caryl Soriano, New York Public Library

Gr 3–6—Popeye thinks life is boring in Fayette, SC, where his grandmother keeps her mind sharp by reciting the kings and queens of England in chronological order and gives her grandson vocabulary words each week to keep his mind exercised. Life changes when a boy named Elvis and his nomadic, quirky family get their Holiday Rambler motor home stuck in red mud near Popeye's house. They meet and Elvis quickly names Popeye the senior vice president of the Spit and Swear Club. Popeye is impressed and longs for Elvis's interesting life. He, too, would like a paper plate with his name written on it in crayon and a mother who asks his opinion for rhyming words while writing her newest country-western tune. Elvis suggests they go on an adventure, which begins when they spot boats made from Yoo-hoo chocolate drink boxes floating down the creek carrying mysterious notes and they set off to track down the boat maker and the meaning of the notes. Like Eben in Betty G. Birney's The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs (S & S, 2005), Elvis and Popeye's journey reminds readers to look for and enjoy the small treasures in their lives. Save a spot on your shelves for this small adventure with a grand heart.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

Gr 8 Up—In this futuristic tale, two teens with mysterious and difficult pasts meet at the universe's most prestigious and demanding school: Academy 7. Aerin, a foreigner and fugitive slave, knows she does not belong here. Dane, the rebellious younger son of the Alliance's most powerful leader, enrolls partly to thwart his father's control over his life. From the beginning of the school term, Dane's cocky, contrary nature and Aerin's extraordinary combat and computer-savvy land them both in trouble with the school's administrator, a powerful member of the Alliance Council. Aerin, secretive and estranged from nearly all social contact, and Dane, bad-boy, rich-kid heartthrob, are unlikely allies. Each holds a key to information that could cause political repercussions throughout the Alliance, and an uneasy truce develops as they are repeatedly thrown together. The story's pacing, intrigue, and subtly romantic overtones are consistently engaging, but the use of pen and paper and easily hacked computer systems seem anachronistic, and a few futuristic details may need a strong visual imagination. Such effects hardly detract from Osterlund's impressionistic and evocative storytelling style, as the plot moves at light-speed, and the setting and characters are believable. Academy 7 is a satisfying, refreshing portrayal of two smart, desperate, and unhappy young people struggling to make sense of—and better—the world their parents bequeathed them.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 9 Up—Stylish socialites Madison, Spencer, and Regan are back in this fashion-packed sequel to GoldenGirl (S & S, 2009). With queen bee Paige in rehab, cello virtuoso and budding fashion designer Madison is filling the drama vacuum at exclusive Bradford Prep. She and Tyler, Spencer's boyfriend, have been sneaking around since the Hollywood Ball. The teen is also dealing with feelings of paternal neglect by indulging in shoplifting. It's only a matter of time before her extracurricular activities are discovered and she has to face the music. The novel is set in the wealthy Main Line region of Philadelphia, where Madison and her friends spend most of their time partying, shopping, and being pampered at spas. There is plenty of underage drinking, some sex (though not explicit), and mentions of drug use. The story is told through blog entries (mostly Madison's), emails, and IM conversations, and social network status updates. Fashionista's world extends beyond the book to the Internet. Though a fictional school, Bradford Prep has a Web site that includes student profiles and links to personal blogs, social networking and Twitter profiles, and email addresses. The story is straightforward and uninteresting; in the end, everything is wrapped up too neatly and the characters are back where they began. Madison's kleptomania is unconvincing, and the other characters have as much depth as her design sketches. This is a tamer alternative to the books in the Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (Little, Brown), of which it is a pale imitation.—Erin Carrillo, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

Gr 9 Up—Dylan, the most popular girl in school, is dating the most popular guy, and people will trip over themselves to help her out. At least, that's what she's counting on when she accidentally tosses her expensive purse into a mall fountain—but film geek Josh's help comes at a price. He'll retrieve it in exchange for her participation in his documentary about popularity, which he hopes will secure him a place at—and a much-needed scholarship to—film school. At first, Josh's professional drive to finish his movie makes him an overly accommodating doormat to Dylan's divalike behavior, but she softens as he grows a spine and they begin a tentative friendship. When the girl's popularity crumbles at the hands of her now-ex boyfriend, Josh has the opportunity to be the real friend she's needed all along. Dylan and Josh tell their story in alternating chapters. While his voice is that of a mildly geeky Everyman, Dylan's is spoiled and demanding. Her trivial rich-girl problems won't garner much reader sympathy, especially when compared to Josh's own financial status and social exile. The plot is predictable, and the compressed time line of one month seems unrealistic for such a close relationship to develop. Still, the writing is sharp and, at times, funny, so these flaws won't detract from teens' enjoyment of this riches-to-rags title.—Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA

Gr 6–9—The castle on Deadman's Island is seemingly cursed; when it opened in the early 20th century, a guest drowned. Then, throughout the years, a string of unexplained deaths and disappearances occurred. Now, it's 1942, and Graham, Neil, and Crescent, three friends who became amateur sleuths in Death in Kingsport (Tundra, 2007), are on their way to the island to warn Graham's Aunt Etta that she may be in grave danger. She has just inherited one-third of the castle and is spending two weeks there alone. Unfortunately, her two co-owners are not the nicest men in town. When the teens get to the island, they discover that she has disappeared. They find a secret passage, a child's skeleton, Etta's shoes, and a hidden suitcase and uncover a deadly plot. The mystery is set up well, but there are not many surprising twists. Kids may find that they know exactly what is going to happen before the characters do and become bored.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 5–9—Fourteen-year-old Finn is terrified of meeting new people, and conversation is painful. His true friend, Matthew, is talkative, overly confident, and sometimes a thorn in his side. The boy is content with books and Dylan, his canine companion. He's determined that his summer vacation will not be marred by the intrusion of people, and thus, the discomfort they cause him. Then he meets his pretty new neighbor, 24-year-old Johanna, who shares her joy of life with Finn and Matthew and employs Finn to help her create gardens in his sorrowful-looking backyard. Johanna's enthusiasm for research, compost, fertilizer, and all things garden break down Finn's barriers. When she tells the boys that she is a breast-cancer survivor, their initial trepidation shifts to friendship. As she trains for a triathlon to raise money for cancer awareness, Finn and Matthew join her team. Right before the race, more adverse reactions to chemotherapy thwart her run, and the two boys take up the torch. Johanna's spirit and optimism infuse Finn with courage and love, and he finds his voice. Paulsen's fans may miss his trademarks: the notorious exploits of boys, the page-turning wilderness adventures, or the sled dogs that often take center stage. Yet this candid and tender tale, told with his signature humor, is a salute to the bravest of the brave.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 9 Up—Des is bitter and despairing. Her parents packed her off to boarding school when she was seven, and she hasn't been home for nine years. She never makes attachments because she has a way of being kicked out of each school with regularity. While she is sulking by herself, a "visiting professor" asks her what she needs. She then proceeds to rip into him, indicating that all she wants is "one fair day" when the oatmeal isn't lumpy, when her parents know what it's like to be abandoned, and when the boy she likes gets extra credit instead of being assigned to trash duty. Then she rounds a corner to see a gorgeous, champagne-pink convertible idling, the door ajar. By astronomical coincidence, the boy is dodging his trash duty nearby. They manage to scoop up two classmates, and the four of them set off to grab their "one fair day." It is the road-trip adventure of a lifetime. On the way, they share profound secrets, including revealing why a family would completely estrange themselves from seven-year-old Destiny Faraday. This story is well conceived and beautifully executed. The tight plot effortlessly conveys masterfully drawn characters, and a touch of magical realism adds to the wonder of the day. Evocative of Judith Clarke's One Whole and Perfect Day (Front St., 2007), The Miles Between is every bit as poignant, but has much more youth appeal.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 8 Up—Sophie is one of the most popular girls at Kennedy High, and she's always in the top three of the school's weekly hotness poll. She has the best-looking boyfriend, cool friends, and anticipates getting the lead in the school play. Then a new girl, Angie, takes all of those things, leaving Sophie with a lesser part in the biggest thing that semester: Kennedy's production of The Taming of the Shrew. Now the former it-girl is on the outside looking in, while rumors about her circulate and she plummets in the hotness ratings. Sophie is a shallow, mostly unlikable character whose only goal is to get back her reputation, even at the cost of Monet, a friend who inexplicably endures almost anything while the misguided Sophie learns what is truly important in life. The plot has potential but falls flat. A quick read with little substance.—Julianna M. Helt, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Gr 4–7—Twelve-year-old Ryan goes kayaking and fishing on a California river with his older brother, Tanner, and his gripping adventures will pull even reluctant readers into his first-person narrative. As the boys shoot down rocky rapids, a jagged log in the chute slices into their kayak, toppling them into freezing water, injuring Tanner and leaving him unconscious. Using what he learned from his video games, Ryan is able to stay calm and survive some harrowing situations, and ultimately save both of their lives. Foreshadowing keeps the suspense rolling for careful readers. Safe back home, Ryan refuses to tell anyone except Tanner about his heroic deeds and flips on his favorite video game for solace instead of sharing his feelings with his family. The relationship between the brothers is refreshing; they clearly like each other, and Tanner is in touch with Ryan's needs and accepts him unconditionally. Some readers might wish to see some growth in Ryan as a result of his experiences, but it's more likely that he is having difficulty dealing with what happened and opening up about the events will come later. In theme, this is reminiscent of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet (1987) and Will Hobbs's Downriver (1991, both S & S).—James K. Irwin, Sandy Library, UT

Gr 3–6—Ten-year-old Newt Newman is used to fading into the background: his parents are workaholics; his brother, Chris, is a high school football star; and he and his best buddies, JJ and Cecil, are ignored at school. Determined to get noticed this Halloween, the three friends vow to come up with original costumes. But then Chris takes a hit and is knocked into a coma during the Big Game. Worried about his brother, and with his parent camped out at the hospital, Newt has no interest in creating a costume. When JJ and Cecil arrive at his house for trick-or-treating, they help him transform an assortment of Chris's outgrown clothes into a get-up for a new superhero: Captain Nobody! Enjoying the newfound confidence he experiences behind his mask, Newt continues to wear the costume, and opportunities start cropping up for him to save the day—whether helping a confused old man find his way home or stopping a jewelry store robbery, Captain Nobody gets the job done. But when it comes to his brother's coma, even Captain Nobody is powerless…or is he? Newt is a likable individual, albeit quite mature for 10. Secondary characters are somewhat stereotypical, but they don't get in the way of the story's fast pace and charm. Pitchford's screenwriting background is apparent: the book reads like a summertime feel-good movie. Kids who have longed for their own superhero powers will eat this up.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 7 Up—Four of Poe's morbid short stories are adapted for teens in this heavily illustrated presentation: "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether," "The Oblong Box," and "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar." Grimly intersperses his horror-infused ink-and-watercolor cartoon art throughout Poe's putrid prose. The effect is an offering that bridges graphic and traditional print formats. Great for readers who adore the gothic and the gruesome.—Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY

Gr 4–6—Fleshing out historical events with invented but credible details, Polacco retraces the 1840s flight of the Crosswhite family from slavery to freedom and the dramatic standoff between the residents (black and white both) of the Michigan town where they settled and a band of "paddy rollers" sent to fetch the fugitives back to Kentucky. In lightly idiomatic language ("'Hark now,' their daddy whispered. 'We is gonna cross water tonight!'"), the author relates most of the tale from the point of view of Sadie, the youngest Crosswhite, and threads the narrative with a typical depiction of strong family bonds—expanded here to include the loyalty displayed by a crowd of townfolk who not only held off the paddy rollers until the Crosswhites could escape to Canada, but later paid hefty fines for defying fugitive slave laws. The illustrations, which include scenes of a bloody whipping and a heavily scarred back, have an urgent, unsettled look that fully captures the sharply felt danger and terror of Sadie's experiences. Particularly telling is the contrast between the open, mobile, well-lit faces of the Crosswhites and the shadowed, menacing miens of their pursuers. An iffy claim near the end that Lincoln "gave all slaves their freedom" aside, this moving account effectively highlights a significant instance of nonviolent community resistance to injustice.—John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—At the conclusion of the first volume, wizard's apprentice Conn lost his locus device, which he used to communicate with his city's magic, so at the start of this volume he resorts to pyrotechnic experiments to communicate with Wellmet's magic instead. After his experiments go awry, he is exiled and joins a mission to the city of Desh, which may be the source of the evils plaguing Wellmet. With help from his friend Lady Rowan, leader of the mission, Conn uses his street smarts and his knowledge of magic to try to understand who is behind the malevolent Shadowmen. His goals and guesses are opposed by a variety of characters, leading to intrigue and conflict. Prineas's detailed magic has its own logic, and an abundance of clues to the evil will intrigue and confuse readers as they try to solve the mystery along with the protagonist. Conn's first-person narrative is paired with letters from his mentor and other characters, allowing Prineas to reach beyond the limits of the main character's viewpoint. Conn's relationship with Rowan continues to grow, providing both humor for the story and depth to both characters. A fun read for fans of fantastic adventures.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 7–9—Leigh Ann lives on a plantation in Roswell, GA, when the Civil War breaks out. Her family owns and operates the local cotton mill, but there has been something of a civil war within her own family. Her Pa has been slowly losing his mind, her Ma has basically left the family and taken up with other men, and the 11-year-old is being raised by her older brothers and sister. When Yankee soldiers arrive as part of Sherman's destructive march, they burn the mill, arrest Leigh Ann and her sister as traitors, and deport them. Rinaldi steeps the story in such complete historical detail that the setting almost becomes its own character. In fact, the burning of the mill is based on a true incident. The action moves swiftly, and there are enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked. The only flaw may be the rather abrupt ending; the family is about to make a crucial decision, but the outcome is left unresolved. The author acknowledges in a note that she did not decide on an ending. Overall, fans of Rinaldi's Girl in Blue (Scholastic, 2001), My Vicksburg (Harcourt, 2009), and Numbering All the Bones (Hyperion, 2002) will not be disappointed.—Kristen Oravec, Flint Hill Middle School, Oakton, VA

Gr 5–9—Eighth-grader Jake and his older sister Kady are invited to the British Museum to view the Mayan treasures their archaeologist parents discovered shortly before their disappearance three years earlier. Jake takes along what is left of their parents' possessions: a field log, a sketch book, and two halves of a gold Mayan coin (worn by the siblings around their necks). At the exhibit, Jake examines a two-foot-tall solid gold pyramid with a round hole in its side. He places the Mayan coin in the slot, which creates an explosion, transporting the siblings to another place and time. Calypsos is a land inhabited by dinosaurs, mythical and fantastical creatures, and people from long-lost civilizations. Upon their arrival, Jake and Kady befriend two teens, Pindor and Marika. Together they must save Calypsos from the banished Skull King who threatens to return and take over the land. The pace of the story is occasionally a little slow, but readers who stick with it will be caught up in the adventure, particularly those who are interested in Mayan culture. The characters are likable, especially Jake and Pindor, who experience the insecurities of most teens. Simple drawings add visual aid to the descriptions of Mayan glyphs and other objects. Unanswered questions surrounding their parents' disappearance and the connection between Jake and the Skull King will have readers eagerly looking for the next installment in the series.—Kelley Siegrist, Farmington Community Library, MI

Gr 4–6—Daniel's nickname, D-Man, came from his Uncle Clay, who has been more of a father to him than the boy's mean, beer-drinking, cigarette-smoking dad. One fall morning, Clay gives his nephew his Granddaddy's shotgun and they go out to bag a few rabbits. Daniel's queasiness about hunting is embarrassing, so he tries to mask his qualms, and, concentrating only on his relief at escaping detection, inadvertently shoots Clay. The 11-year-old's first-person narrative of the ensuing trauma describes a community doing its best to understand the accident and support the boy, except for his abusive father. Even as his mother, teacher, neighbor, school counselor, and friends attempt to help Daniel return to normal, guilt overwhelms him. Metaphors and similes abound, in fitting with the folksy rural Georgia setting but never outstripping the logical vocabulary of a kid, and giving the narrative a somewhat ordinary flavor despite the horrific events. Understanding or coping with an accidental death is seldom so directly connected to real responsibility or the need to make peace with such a mistake. Seagraves shows the best way for support to be given as well as how hard it is to forgive. These are tough topics to read about, but the book will bring up many discussions. An appendix provides statistics on gun violence and a list of sources to contact for more information.—Carol A. Edwards, Denver Public Library, CO

Gr 4–6—Andrew "Danger" North is a spy-in-training who must overcome the evil Dr. Cringe (his school's janitor) to steal back a spy machine (a confiscated calculator) that might blow up the world. Only then can he become a professional spy like his father and brother. Or at least that's what he believes since his older brother has been telling him all about the spy world for years. In the midst of this, the boy must sing a solo at his school music recital, which he believes the head of the undercover organization will be attending. It will be obvious to readers that Andrew's dad is actually an insurance salesman and that the boy attends a normal school. Selzer's plot plods a bit, and it is unclear in the end whether the protagonist has finally realized that his intrigue is made up or whether he still believes that there are real spies at his school. Still, Andrew has a great imagination, and his friends and moody teenaged brother are interesting characters whom kids could see as being part of their own worlds.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 7–10—Grubbs Grady, his magical mentor Beranabus, and their ally Kernel-all featured in previous volumes—battle their way through the alternate worlds of demons and other creepy creatures. They kill all the demons they can while hoping to learn more about the monstrous power that propels the demon forces to slaughter humanity. The teenager Grubbs, as readers know from earlier installments, carries a family curse that could turn him into a werewolf, and it takes all of his magical talents to keep that curse at bay. If that happens, he will be hunted down and killed by a group called the Lambs. When fellow demon-fighters Meera and Shark appear through a window from the human world, they ask for help. Grubbs's beloved Uncle Dervish has been attacked by werewolves and is near death, and the Lambs may have allied with Lord Loss, the series' main villain. Grubbs and the other demon fighters learn that things are worse than they thought (in the "Demonata" books, they always are)—the Lambs are now breeding werewolves at Wolf Island, a remote lab and fortress. Like all of the books in this series, Wolf Island is not for the squeamish; blood and death are gruesome constants and triumphs are only temporary.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 5–8—In this addition to the series, twins Grace and Connor learn their true origins and get into some romantic entanglements. Readers need to be familiar with the previous volumes, as this one picks up immediately following the events in Blood Captain (Little, Brown, 2008), with some new characters introduced into the fray. While Grace accompanies her mother to Crescent Moon Bay to see her father's grave, Connor is made an officer on Cheng Li's vessel. A new threat terrorizes the coast in the form of a ship crewed by female vampires. The Vagabond, captained by Lady Lola Lockwood, follows vampire Sidorio's ship and feasts upon his top crewmen, Jez and Johnny. Cheng Li is then tasked with destroying all Vampirates. Connor is conflicted since Grace is onboard the peaceful Nocturne, and he tries unsuccessfully to convince Cheng Li that not all Vampirates are evil. When Sidorio goes so far as to marry Lady Lockwood, Jez and Johnny tip off Cheng Li and Connor is charged with stabbing the Lady, known as Black Heart. Cheng Li's secret knowledge about Connor helps them to escape from Sidorio for the time being. This is a fast-paced adventure story with a few surprises along the way.—Corinda J. Humphrey, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7 Up—High school senior Jane Turner works part-time at a Chicago coffeehouse with her friend Em. She begins to notice that people order drinks that fit their personality, and soon she has created a notebook of entries for nearly all coffee orders. On a whim, she begins matching drinks, and therefore couples, together, and the matches are a hit. But when her competitive boss finds out, he decides to use Jane's matchmaker talents to rev up business, causing confusion in her personal life. This debut is compulsively readable in spite of a predictable plotline and dialogue that is contrived at times. Springer has created a lovable, naive young woman in Jane, and even those who don't drink java will enjoy the frothy story.—Melissa Moore, Union University Library, Jackson, TN

Gr 7–10—A thought-provoking novel about racism in rural Oklahoma. It's 1928, and Woodrow and his recently widowed mother relocate from Washington, DC, to Lawton, his father's hometown. The 13-year-old misses his father but hopes that his neighbor, Senator Crawford, who had lost his own son, will fill that void. Crawford takes Woodrow under his wing and introduces him to "the right kind of people." However, before long, the town's ugly secrets are revealed. Woodrow discovers that the senator is the imperial wizard of the local Ku Klux Klan and witnesses Crawford whipping a "Negro man" during a nighttime meeting. Afterward, the senator pressures Woodrow to commit to this way of life, and the boy struggles between wanting the acceptance and love of this father figure and following his own moral compass. Tensions build to a fever pitch, positioning Woodrow to make complicated decisions and perform hurtful actions that have consequences beyond his understanding. Eventually, he learns that knowing the "right people" and doing the right thing are not necessarily the same. Stanley's highly charged, emotional story tells of a very dark period in this country's history and can perhaps be incorporated into American History classes so that students can better understand racism and its ugly by-products.—Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Gr 5–8—Taylor delivers some fun, frightful fare in this high-concept debut novel. Fourteen-year-old Toby Magill, a closeted Food Network junkie, gets a summer job flipping dough at Killer Pizza. Hoping to learn some cooking skills, Toby is optimistic about his new position, and he instantly bonds with his two coworkers. However, the teens soon discover that the establishment is actually a front for a secret monster-hunting organization, and they are the newest recruits. Their focus shifts from making pizza to weapons training and stakeouts as they try to uncover the leader of a pack of grotesque monsters that can transform into human shape and are preying on innocent people. Clearly, this is not the job for which Toby applied. Always the underdog, he has to muster up the courage to take on these frightening creatures. The descriptions are creepy, but never over-the-edge gory. The author's screenwriting background is evident in the plotting of the nonstop action sequences that lead up to the satisfying conclusion. A delectable choice for horror fans as well as reluctant readers.—Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ

Gr 5–9—In this second volume in the series, the adventures of Magpie and the other fairies of Dreamdark forest continue as they quest to find the remaining five djinn that created the world. Two legendary clans with special magical gifts, the Mothmage and the Silksingers, both long-thought extinct, reemerge as Magpie and her followers search for the djinn Azazel in Nazneen. Evil is brewing there, and many surprises await the fairy heroes as they try to protect the world's tapestry from unraveling. Silksinger defies genre barriers. It certainly feels like fantasy, but it has elements of adventure and horror as well. With excellent world-building and deft pacing, this story is difficult to put down. The characters are well developed, and their close relationships and rapid-fire dialogue enhance the story. Make no mistake, these are not girly Disney-esque creatures. Taylor's fairies are tough and can take care of themselves. Occasional sword violence is offset by a rigid respect for all life in this fairy culture. While Taylor does a good job of weaving details from the first book into the second, Silksinger will be best enjoyed if it is read in sequence. This is series fantasy at its best: readers who loved Blackbringer (Putnam, 2007) will certainly gobble up this installment.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 9 Up—Leigh, a freshman at tiny Stiles College in California, is more uptight than her artsy roommate Ami, but not quite as stiff as her high school boyfriend, Andrew. She's trying to figure out how to navigate her way through a psychology major at a school that's putting more pressure on her than she expected while weathering Andrew's expectations for sex though their romance is dwindling. Added into the mix are Andrew's attractive but moody roommate, several "mean girl" types, and a healthy dose of quirky, introspective humor. Leigh's exceptional vocabulary is naturally worked into the story, which is also heavily laced with brand and celebrity names, music references, and esoteric comments about zombies and girlfriends who might like to cook your bunny rabbit. The idea that Leigh's kooky parents (who own a psychic B&B) would have her share a bedroom at their home with a young man because they want to save space for paying guests seems far-fetched, as does a contrived subplot that features an overweight matron-type who is too rigid to talk with any honesty about sex. The young woman's ongoing inner conversations about sleeping with Andrew are much more believable.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

Gr 7–9—Viola's parents dumped her in the middle of nowhere. Well maybe "nowhere" isn't exactly true and perhaps "dumped" is too strong a word. As documentary filmmakers, her parents follow their stories. While they are filming in Afghanistan, they send their daughter to Prefect Academy for Young Women in South Bend, IN. Away from her home and friends in Brooklyn, Viola has resolved to be miserable. Her only comfort is in her daily IM conversations with her BFF, Andrew, and her personal video diary, "The Viola Reels." Then she meets her roommates, who are too great to be indifferent toward. Her constant video-camera-toting lands her on committees for school functions. To top it all off she meets a boy who shares her interest at a school dance. Suddenly, the ninth grader is happy, busy, and feeling at home. She even enters a film competition. Through the help and support of her friends and family, it could just be the short film of her dreams, maybe even good enough to win the competition. Viola in Reel Life is a sweet, character-driven story. Viola is very real, as are her feelings, hopes, desires, and dreams. There is not a lot of action, but the relationships portrayed in the book make it well worth reading.—Melyssa Malinowski, Kenwood High School, Baltimore, MD

Gr 3–5—Taking a job cleaning for a rather spectacularly messy witch is the start of the biggest adventure in 11-year-old Clover Twig's life. Tidy and reliable, the child quickly puts Mrs. Eckles's cottage in order—despite the unintentional interference of the witch's accident-prone neighbor, Wilf. Clover knows there is something magical and special about the cottage, but she doesn't learn what it is until after Mrs. Eckles leaves to sell her remedies. During her absence, Clover and Wilf have their hands full trying to keep the magical cottage out of the clutches of the witch's greedy and jealous sister. All in all, this is an entertaining read with enough humor and action to keep the story moving. Clover is a plucky and capable protagonist, little fazed by the magical goings-on around her. Pen-and-ink illustrations are interspersed throughout, adding more life to several scenes. Fans of Roald Dahl or Eva Ibbotson may enjoy discovering the secret of the magical cottage along with Clover.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Gr 6–9—In this conclusion to the series, Charlotte and her mild-mannered English cousin, Zee, continue to go toe-to-toe with threatening gods, goddesses, and a menagerie of mythological serpents, nymphs, and demons. This novel begins after a pleasant family cruise runs amok and a surly Poseidon jettisons Charlotte halfway around the world, and she is compelled to face off against tumultuous and arrogant gods. This time, tsunamis, natural disasters, and monsters from Hades are destroying the world. Fate steers the cousins to Olympus to have a serious chat with Zeus, restore Earth to order, and save all of humanity. And Charlotte thought seventh-grade math was rough! The action rarely stops, gathers momentum, and goes extreme. Following the 13-year-old cousins as they duck in and out of trouble is half the fun; meeting the irascible and complicated cast of Olympian characters is the rest. From a cameo appearance of Apollo roller-skating around the crystal decadence of Olympus to the girls' eventual confrontation with a thunderously lusty but mostly ineffectual Zeus, the humor is raw and rich. Complementing the story's action, and tempering the humor, is the reappearance of the demonic Philonecron, Poseidon's psychotic grandson. He lurks and schemes in the shadows, creating ever more tension. The young mortals right the immoral wrongs of the gods, but it's the deft blend of intricate plot development, flippant tone, and a fresh twist on an ancient theme that gives this novel its winning finish.—Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY

Gr 4–6—Tristan Benway, a butler with stellar credentials, never felt appreciated. His work for a "lunatic-asylum" family left him agitated and yearning for his "Benway Family Oath of Fealty" to be over. Seems Horatio Bellweather saved his great-great-great-grandfather from drowning during a storm. Grateful to be alive, Nigel Benway returned the kindness by pledging to serve the Bellweathers for the next 200 years. As an unfortunate descendant serving out the final weeks of that oath, Tristan plans for the day he is released from the horrendous arrangement. He decides to write a tell-all book about his dismal life of taking care of a set of mischievous and irrepressible triplets, an activist daughter who bangs away on bagpipes and hides a circus family in her room, a son who takes in an endangered alligator and lets it roam free, a mistress whose obsession is painting the walls of their lighthouse, and a cranky professor. Then some unusual things start to happen, and Tristan reconsiders his position of airing the family's dirty laundry. Each installment of the story unfolds before he pens his sardonic take on events. The characters are pleasantly nutty, with each distinctive voice adding to the mayhem. The story's lighthearted fun promises to amuse with every turn.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Gr 6–9—Elissa's story, which began in Elissa's Quest (Delacorte, 2007), ends neatly in this final volume in the trilogy. After being raised as a peasant and having adventures around the world, Elissa finds her role as princess uncomfortable and she is horrified when she discovers that her father is arranging a marriage for her. Her situation becomes too much to bear when her motley group of friends is sent away, so the 15-year-old disguises herself and runs away. She manages to reunite her friends only to be captured by pirates and taken to their lair, known as World's End. All secrets hinted at in the previous books are revealed and each character has a role to play in assisting in the rebirth of the Phoenix. Each one also gets a happy ending and all of the villains their just deserts. Purchase where the earlier books are popular, but otherwise pass on this tepid fantasy.—Caroline Tesauro, Radford Public Library, VA

Gr 7–10—Edward is a high school sophomore who's more into the social scene than the academic one. After discovering that a classmate received extra time on a math test because of a learning disability, he concocts a plan to capitalize on his underachieving nature by inventing a disability of his own to get out of school work. He purposely fails a battery of tests in order to be classified "exceptional," which allows him into special-education classes on a trial basis. When he learns that beautiful classmate Elizabeth has the same designation, he does whatever it takes to keep up the appearance that his plan is working. Ultimately, the teen's teachers discover that he is lying, but in an ironic twist, they find that he actually is dyslexic. The protagonist and his friends ring true; Walters has a good ear for teen talk, and Edward is as charming to read about as he is in the classroom. The author deftly weaves subtle clues into Edward's character that will leave readers nodding in agreement with his true condition. The title also refutes the stereotype that special-education students are profoundly disabled, emphasizing that a child can be gifted and still have learning issues, an important identity concept for teens to explore. A refreshing read.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 8–10—As this sequel to Generation Dead (Hyperion, 2008) opens, Adam is just beginning to "regenerate" after diving in front of Phoebe, the girl he always loved, when she was going to take a bullet aimed at her currently undead boyfriend. He is having a difficult time gaining control of his speech and movements, while Phoebe is under the impression that a kiss from a "beating heart" who truly loves him can help speed the process. The story then reveals a whole zombie activist movement, as well as an anti-zombie conspiracy. Taken on a superficial level, the story is an action-packed romp through the zombie subculture, including such products as "Z, the body spray for the active undead male." Taken at a more cerebral level, the novel comments on societal attitudes toward race, disability, and sexual orientation. It could also spark conversation about the afterlife as it raises a disturbing question: If there really is a God, has he turned the zombie kids away? The book is supported by an amazingly well-maintained Web site, but its downfall is that it bites off more than readers can chew. There are too many characters, too many subplots, and too many switches in perspective. Kiss of Life clearly screams for a sequel—if not two or three. With so much going on, it is easy to lose track of which character is which, never mind who is dead or undead. That being said, it's a must-buy if the first title is popular.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Gr 3–6—In this leg of the worldwide scavenger hunt, Amy and Dan Cahill, accompanied by their au pair Nellie, are off to Egypt to find the next clue left by Ekaterina branch founder Katherine Cahill. Once there, they learn about the rivalry between the Tomas and Ekaterina branches of the Cahill family, discover a secret Ekaterina stronghold at an Egyptian hotel, and explore tombs of ancient Egyptians. They meet their grandmother Grace's friend Hilary, who gives them several items from Grace. While Hilary and her grandson Theo seem eager to help, looks can be deceiving. Run-ins with Irina Spasky, Jonah Wizard, and Alistair Oh add to the excitement and drama of the adventure. Amy and Dan discover Cahill connections to Napoleon, Thomas Edison, and Marie Curie along with paintings and hieroglyphs that will lead them on their dangerous hunt that's fraught with betrayals and reversals. Like the previous books, historical information is woven into the fast-paced adventure.—Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

Gr 7 Up—This is World War I as never seen before. The story begins the same: on June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife are assassinated, triggering a sequence of alliances that plunges the world into war. But that is where the similarity ends. This global conflict is between the Clankers, who put their faith in machines, and the Darwinists, whose technology is based on the development of new species. After the assassination of his parents, Prince Aleksandar's people turn on him. Accompanied by a small group of loyal servants, the young Clanker flees Austria in a Cyklop Stormwalker, a war machine that walks on two legs. Meanwhile, as Deryn Sharp trains to be an airman with the British Air Service, she prays that no one will discover that she is a girl. She serves on the Leviathan, a massive biological airship that resembles an enormous flying whale and functions as a self-contained ecosystem. When it crashes in Switzerland, the two teens cross paths, and suddenly the line between enemy and ally is no longer clearly defined. The ending leaves plenty of room for a sequel, and that's a good thing because readers will be begging for more. Enhanced by Thompson's intricate black-and-white illustrations, Westerfeld's brilliantly constructed imaginary world will capture readers from the first page. Full of nonstop action, this steampunk adventure is sure to become a classic.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 8 Up—Jane begins her tale with her childhood, as her recently widowed mother struggles to care for her family. While in New York City, they are assisted during an earthquake by the scientist Nikola Tesla, who explains that he caused the event with his latest invention, a device based on the concept that "everything vibrates." Inspired by this idea, and the possibility that it applies to the spirit world, Jane's mother decides to move her daughters to a community of mediums in upstate New York and support them by pursuing her "gift." When Jane is 16, she travels to New York City with her older sister to interview Tesla for a journalism contest and meets his assistant Thad, adding a romantic interest. Several months later, Jane's family travels to England for an international convention of spiritualists. Afterward, two of her sisters board the Titanic, and when their mother hears a prediction that the ship will sink, Jane tries to retrieve them, but is stuck onboard. She makes the ill-fated journey along with Thad and Tesla (who has brought several inventions that could either save the ship or destroy it). Told in gripping first-person narrative, this novel features interesting characters and creates a strong sense of time and place, while exploring the mysteries of the spirit world. An author's note separates fiction from fact and shares further details about real people and events.—Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT

Gr 5–9—Summer in London has begun to seem routine following the stimulating events of Christmas in St. Petersburg in The Infinity Code and Easter in Venice in The Ghost Machine (both Dial, 2008). STORM's three genius 14-year-olds are occupying themselves with their "normal" day-to-day activities such as working with the British Government to create a mind-altering spray, creating exploding ink, or hacking into printers across the UK to prove that secret documents can be stolen from a safe distance. When Will sneaks into an international conference to test some of his new inventions, he, Gaia, and Andrew are kidnapped. Their abductor, Abigail Pope, reveals that her uncle was one of six scientists working on a top-secret project. He is now the only surviving scientist from the group, but seems to be missing. Abigail hires STORM to locate and bring her uncle to safety. Young intersperses the teens' ensuing adventure in Interlaken, Switzerland, with new and interesting inventions like "Hard Wear" (body armor), an Invisible Glove, and cockroaches with built-in listening devices. These 14-year-olds climb mountains, blow up restaurants, make deals with ex-mercenaries, maneuver hydrospeed boards through dangerous caves, and discover more about their own abilities and relationships along the way. YAs will once again be sucked right into the secret-agent world of STORM. Well written and containing real explanations for the inspirations for all of the science and technology, this installment in the series is an excellent addition.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 8–10—Andy, an overweight high school sophomore, is bullied by his peers, overprotected by his mother, and ignored by his type-A, absent father. As the school year begins, his friend Eytan has plans for the pair to shine as representatives of Estonia at the model UN meetings, but Andy has his eye on new girl April. When he is recruited as center for the football team, everything changes. For the first time, he experiences parties, girls—including April—and popularity. Initially bogged down by the teen's self-deprecating comments and jokes, the plot begins to develop as Andy describes his new experiences with humor and wit. He is realistic as he shovels food into his mouth to assuage pain and embarrassment, struggles to maintain his friendship with Eytan after abandoning Estonia, and allows himself to be manipulated by teammates. But the author does not lead Andy down the expected path. When forced to make a decision, his choice is unique and the conclusion satisfying. Although these characters lack the intensity of Eric and Sarah in Chris Crutcher's Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes (HarperCollins, 1993), many readers will relate to Andy, his desire to be popular, and his insecurities. The possibly offensive locker room language is typical and lends credibility. More importantly, Andy's character is thoughtful and refreshing.—Sue Lloyd, Franklin High School, Livonia, MI

Gr 7–10—Donuts, friendship, corruption, religion, love, and motorcycle gangs all figure into this sweet, satisfying treat of a first novel. Emma, a pastor's daughter who is about to start her senior year, has some serious questions to figure out. A member of the family's Living Word Redeemer church has challenged her mother's right to preach, throwing her whole family into turmoil. Emma might be in love with a boy whose father just happens to be the one causing all the trouble. She has also had a falling out with her best friend. Emma wants to study journalism at a non-Christian college, which her father refuses to pay for. How do donuts figure into all this? A donut chain is opening a new store in Emma's town, and people are streaming in from miles around to camp out for the opening. When the local paper offers a scholarship to the student who writes the best article on the event, Emma is determined to win. Her ambivalence about religion is addressed with sensitivity; she respects her parents' faith while also questioning their beliefs about evolution and the Bible. The overall tone is airy as Emma interviews die-hard donut campers, including a born-again motorcycle gang, and admits her feelings to the object of her affections. Teens will enjoy this lighter look at some serious issues of faith and family.—Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Unified School District

Gr 5 Up—Aretha opens with an introduction to the four college students who orchestrated the famous sit-in at Woolworth's in Greensboro, NC, in 1960. He follows that with chapters that describe slavery, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow in terms of how they set the stage for the resistance efforts. The focus on the lesser-known sit-ins and the earlier "Journey of Reconciliation" bus rides, and the emphasis on integral but less-famous members of the Civil Rights Movement offers insight into the workings of the protests at the grassroots level. Individual anecdotes interspersed throughout the detailed narrative provide personal and effective accounts that go beyond mere facts. Black-and-white and some color photographs appear on almost every spread. The poignant conclusion profiles the later lives of the Greensboro college students who began it all.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 7 Up—Badcott takes readers on a colorful and captivating tour of Islamic civilizations from the 7th to the 20th century. He discusses the rise and fall of dynasties, along with their achievements and contributions in art, medicine, architecture, commerce, and science. The book focuses on the early Islamic world, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids, Seljuqs, and so on, through the Mughals. The writing style is easy to read, and all Islamic or Arabic terminology is italicized. Attractive color photographs of buildings, pottery, jewelry, art, and inventions help maintain readers' interest throughout. An informative but problematic for libraries 12-page detachable time line is included. Unfortunately, there is no glossary, and the suggestions for further reading are all adult titles. The contents and format of this book make it a highly welcome travel guide.—Fawzia Gilani-Williams, An-Noor School, Windsor, Ontario

Gr 3–6—These books explain how crime-scene investigators use science to analyze evidence and thereby solve crimes, providing easy hands-on experiments to help young investigators get started. Biological Clues discusses gathering and examining evidence left by humans and animals. In Crime Scene Basics, readers will become familiar with the tools used by investigators and how to set up a CSI kit, and learn techniques such as mapping the scene and measuring dimensions. Eyewitness Encounters covers interrogations, composite sketches, animal investigative techniques, and observation and memory skills. Each book contains the same 11-page overview of the field. The publisher includes links on their Web site for more information. Additional.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Gr 9 Up—The essays in this volume draw attention to the diversity within the Asian communities of the United States and Canada by exploring how authors of various backgrounds represent themselves in literature. This edition sheds new light on established authors such as Maxine Hong Kingston and Amy Tan, while sharing new insights about emerging authors of South and East Asian descent. Individual essays examine literature by North Americans of Pacific Island, Vietnamese, and South Asian descent. These selections follow Bloom's well-known appeal to examine literary works as aesthetic products instead of sociopolitical documents, but each scholar directly addresses how Asian-American writers reflect and shape their cultural identities in fiction. The entries make extensive use of academic jargon and contain notes and works cited, indicating that the volume is intended for scholarly audiences. Readers unfamiliar with the authors may glean useful facts, but the intent of each piece is to enrich students' understanding of works they already have read. This book will be most helpful in high school libraries serving students in advanced-placement literature courses, academic libraries, and public libraries with extensive research collections.—Mary Landrum, Lexington Public Library, KY

Gr 5–8—Each well-written, engaging book discusses the importance of the featured resource. Helpful basics include the layers of the atmosphere in Air and the composition of a water molecule in Water. Both titles also describe the ways in which humans endanger these resources, and the ways they can protect them. The authors approach conservation from an important global perspective, incorporating examples from countries throughout the world. The books' best feature is the conversational tone that simply and clearly conveys important, and sometimes complicated, scientific concepts. Illustrations and layout are well done, and include colorful photographs and charts. Excellent additions.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 10 Up—Students who have heard about Darfur in the popular media might be interested to learn more about the complex history of the country and its current political situation. Bashir took control of Sudan in a 1989 coup and has been working to establish an Islamist state throughout the country, a movement that began in the late 1970s. The imposition of Sharia law onto the largely non-Muslim south escalated tensions, and the south waged a civil war that lasted until 2002. Altogether, this is a useful and up-to-date look at an ongoing dictatorship. Chapters are organized into different aspects of the regime rather than being in strict chronological order. Photographs are well chosen, and sidebars give readers some background on issues such as Islamism, Sharia, and the Lost Boys of Sudan. Useful for current events collections.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 7–10—This trim and extremely readable biography portrays the 26th president's full and varied life. Cooper draws on many sources to weave a story of the sickly child who grew into a robust, energetic man with seemingly boundless energy. He covers various facets of TR's life: naturalist, cowboy, soldier, author, loving husband, doting father, civil servant, and unexpected (but very successful) president. While striking an admiring tone, the author stops short of painting only a glowing picture of Roosevelt. He discusses his subject's abuses of power and often-foolhardy behavior. Colorful quotations demonstrate TR's humor and character. Black-and-white photos and reproductions illustrate the volume. This title is more concise than Betsy Harvey Kraft's Theodore Roosevelt: Champion of the American Spirit (Clarion, 2003) or Matt Donnelly's Theodore Roosevelt: Larger Than Life (Linnet, 2002). It is a compelling summary of a man who is credited with enlarging our national parks, beginning the construction of the Panama Canal, ending a war between Russia and Japan, "busting" trusts and cracking down on corrupt big business, and being "the most popular man in America" at the end of his administration.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Gr 8 Up—This informative title reveals the continued concerns surrounding this killer disease and the possibility of a future pandemic. The text, though somewhat scientific, will help students to better understand the history of the virus, how it has mutated and jumped from animals to humans, and new concerns regarding more dangerous forms. A full-page insert clarifies the parts of each strain's identifying acronym. A chapter on historical accounts covers from Greece in 1250 B.C.E. and medieval European outbreaks, to possible 14th- and 15th-century New World illnesses and the catastrophic World War I Spanish flu, and concludes with a time line of pandemics throughout history. The book provides further information on the massive devastation caused by the 1918 flu, examines its spread throughout the population, and looks at continued research by the medical community to better understand this disease and to prepare for the possibility of an avian flu outbreak. Color and black-and-white archival photos, as well as reproduction of a three-dimensional rendering of the flu virus, enhance the text. Some scientific terms are explained within the narrative, and the short glossary has additional explanations. Useful for research and personal information.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 4—6—Star-Spangled Banner provides biographical information on Francis Scott Key, his friend Dr. William Beanes, and the historical events that inspired the anthem. William Penn details the founding of Pennsylvania. America's First Highway provides information on the history of paved roads and the creation of the Lincoln Highway, and Louisiana Purchase describes the events surrounding the transaction, including the French and Indian War and the westward expansion that began with the Louis and Clark expedition. The books feature bright, clear layouts, with primary-source photographs, reproductions, and documents filling the pages. Picture captions are in different colors and fonts throughout. Headings break up the chapters into smaller chunks of information. A particularly noteworthy feature of the books is the inclusion of graphic organizers throughout, which provide concise, visual representations of key facts such as causes and effects of events, flowcharts, and concept webs. Although these books are unlikely to circulate as pleasure reading, they serve their purpose.—Nicole Waskie, Chenango Forks Elementary, Binghamton, NY

Gr 5–9—This "wild and witty tour of the English language" is a fun read for kids who love words. The author writes in the voice of a detective who is working to uncover all the mysteries of the language. Beginning with a history of the alphabet, chapters discuss punctuation, word puzzlers (anagrams, lipograms, etc.), palindromes, code languages (Pig Latin, rebuses, rhyming slang), puns and tongue twisters, euphemisms and clichés, nicknames and eponyms, and texting. Each section ends with a puzzle or a code that, when solved, spells out a secret message. The author's tone is playful throughout. She offers many examples to clarify some esoteric points of grammar. The pages are illustrated with amusing line drawings and silhouettes. The silly manner makes what can be a dry subject lighthearted and interesting. Readers will also increase their knowledge about how English evolved to what it is today, learn some word games, and discover that LOL and texting have very old roots.—Geri Diorio, The Ridgefield Library, CT

Gr 4–8—Though this clear and informative book can stand alone, it opens with a page directing readers to a Web site that the publisher will maintain until 2014. It is followed by a simple map of the park and one of the state with the park highlighted and a spread of quick facts. The body of the book covers general information, history (both of the Hawaiian Islands and of the park), flora and fauna, environmental problems, and recreational activities. The illustrations are clear, bright screen shots from related Internet resources as well as black-and-white and color photographs, some of them covering entire spreads. Back matter includes an annotated list of the links that are found at the publisher's Web site.—Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Gr 6 Up—It is unlikely that Barnum ever actually said "There's a sucker born every minute," but he freely admitted to being a master of the "humbug"—a spectacle that both fooled and entertained the public. This highly readable biography uses primary sources, including Barnum's own words, to trace the man's roller-coaster life from his boyhood in Connecticut to his early career as the creator of the country's most famous "museums" (comparable to sideshows) to his later role as the master of enormously successful circuses, winning and losing several fortunes along the way. Fleming captures Barnum's exuberant personality and describes how his gift for promotion and dedication to delivering what the public wanted made him the world's most famous showman. She also reveals the private Barnum, a man who valued culture, had deep religious beliefs, and devoted considerable time and funds to charity and public service. Fleming is admiring of Barnum, but does not dismiss his weaknesses and faults. The text is supplemented with sidebars and reproductions of period photos and illustrations, including several of Barnum's advertisements. The bibliography includes Web sites and a selection of primary- and secondary-source books, and notes are done in paragraph format. This book goes beyond traditional biography to give students an objective and informative glimpse into the sometimes-exploitative world of 19th-century entertainment. An outstanding choice for all middle level and secondary collections.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 4–7—Nearly identical to Amazing Grace (Tundra, 1997), this slightly updated version of the story of the hymn and its writer is beautifully written, evocative, and heart-wrenching. With an emphasis on John Newton and his years as a slave trader, Granfield shares how the events in his life led him to become an abolitionist, a pastor, and a writer of hymns. Some wording and details about the hymn itself and how it is used today have been changed from the original text, but the tone is the same. Also updated are details about the timing of the abolition of slavery in the British colonies. Information is included about the conditions on a slave ship and how individuals were bought or captured in Africa, but the focus is really on Newton and his life. No source notes or bibliography are included, though direct quotations from Newton's own writings are peppered throughout. Full-color, full-page illustrations add grandeur and appeal to the story. Rich in texture and color, the artwork is somber in tone and content, including depictions of captured Africans in shackles and the cargo holds of slave ships. Jim Haskins's Amazing Grace (Millbrook, 1992) offers more detail about Newton's life and is written in a more child-friendly manner. Lyrical and lovely, this is a solid addition to any collection.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 6 Up—This book provides helpful information on topics such as time management, homework organization, note taking, creating outlines, studying for tests and quizzes, grammar, and writing a research paper. Greenberg breaks down each main topic into smaller, more manageable subtopics, giving examples to help illustrate his ideas. Each chapter is peppered with "Brain Ticklers," which are activities/questions to help students put their newly learned skills to use. While the book is aimed at secondary school students, it is accessible to a much larger audience. Much of the information would be useful to students of any age and to parents and/or teachers who work with them on a daily basis. Greenberg's writing style is clear and interesting; he references pop culture and sports icons, which students will enjoy. While the ending feels a bit abrupt, the book is nonetheless a solid resource for most libraries. Middle and high school students would also benefit from having a copy at home.—Sarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA

Gr 5–8—Tagged as a memoir, Gross's short chapters describe her experiences in Auschwitz and as a slave laborer as well as her postwar life. They read more like essays and are not always chronological. A selection of poetry is appended, and an essay, "Those with Sore Throats Disappeared," is randomly placed in the middle of that section. While the book includes powerful, poignant, and moving excerpts that might be useful to Holocaust educators, the total package will have difficulty finding an audience, especially with the abundance of compelling personal narratives, memoirs, and fiction already available, such as Livia Bitton-Jackson's I Have Lived a Thousand Years (S & S, 1997), Anita Lobel's No Pretty Pictures (HarperCollins, 1998), and Jennifer Roy's Yellow Star (Marshall Cavendish, 2006).—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

Gr 5–8—Clear language, embedded definitions, and interesting examples illustrate abstract concepts through both text and well-chosen photographs. The authors do not avoid difficult or controversial issues: Changing Life, for example, provides a clear and useful explanation of the theory of evolution, with multiple sources of evidence and a discussion of how it helps scientists to predict the implications of changes to the environment. Science Ethics discusses topics such as global warming and animal research, and their implications for decision-making by scientists, policy makers, and voters. Because so many issues are raised in this book, it will be especially useful as a research starter in both science and social-studies classes. In addition to describing relevant theories and the scientific explanations for observed phenomena, each book also discusses the impact of human activities on the issues discussed, whether the way humans impact ecosystems (Ecology) or how smoking and drinking affect sperm count and the unborn child (Human Reproduction). The main focus, however, is on the scientific concepts rather than applications—for instance, Human Reproduction does not discuss contraception except to note the statistic that "sexually active teenage girls who do not use contraceptives (birth control) have a 90 percent chance of becoming pregnant within a year." Each book also includes suggested activities to test ideas as well as a thorough glossary and a Webliography.—Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL

Gr 4–7—Conversational text, whimsical mixed-media artwork, and elegant book design combine to present an informative and entertaining romp through time. Succinct chapters treat a broad spectrum of subjects, beginning with the age-old human interest in measuring time, timekeeping in nature (from periodical cicadas to circadian rhythms), speculation about why early humans quantified regular changes in the world around them (Jenkins does a good job of explaining "why calendars and religion are almost always closely linked"), and the challenges of basing a calendar on astronomical observations. The story continues with descriptions of ancient calendars, the development of the Gregorian calendar, and the evolution of timekeeping devices. The final chapter briefly explains Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and introduces the possibility (and resulting chronological oddities) of traveling "at nearly the speed of light." Quite a lot of territory is covered here, but the clear, lively writing will keep readers focused, and the broad approach presents an interesting overview and invites youngsters to explore topics in further detail. Holland's precise-looking collages blend images of clocks, cultural sites, important locales, historical figures, and more to support the narrative while imaginatively interpreting the concepts and adding touches of humor. The fun continues in the layout, as the text is often shaped (like a pyramid or a planet) to echo the illustrations. Kids will find time flying as they pore over this book.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 6–10—This medical mystery is extremely interesting, easy to read, and well illustrated with period photos. It's the story of Walter Reed and his team of U.S. Army doctors who went to Cuba in 1900 to study yellow fever and determine how it was spread. It was important in light of the United States's involvement in a war with Spain for Cuba's freedom and for future developments in South America. Yellow fever outbreaks, such as the one in Philadelphia in 1793, had long plagued America and her neighbors to the south, but despite advances in bacteriology, no progress had been made in discovering how the disease was spread. Jurmain explains Reed's approach to the scientific problem and how it changed over time as more was learned. The individual doctors and volunteers involved are brought to life by the author's use of primary sources such as letters, reports, etc. How the team eventually discovered and then verified that yellow fever was spread by mosquitoes was a combination of luck, good scientific practices, and careful note keeping. Young people interested in medicine or scientific discovery will find this book engrossing, as will history students. End matter includes short biographical sketches of all the volunteers who took part in the experiments, at great risk to their own lives. Exemplary nonfiction.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 3–6—While this book is in part a biography, it mainly covers the history of the "Curse of the Bambino." This superstition dates back to the year that the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees, and many Boston fans believe it is the reason for the team's poor showing in the World Series. The book provides a modern context by describing the heartbreaking loss of the Sox to the Yankees in 2003. It goes on to give a brief but balanced account of the life of Babe Ruth, including some of the unsavory aspects of his behavior and personality. Kelly ends on a happy note, with the Red Sox winning the 2004 World Series. The theme of luck, both good and bad, runs throughout the tale. Play-by-play descriptions of important games will keep baseball fanatics reading to the end.—Kathleen Meulen, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 9 Up—Drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, Kohler got the chance to pursue his desire to make music when he was asked by his captain to put together a rock band. He recruited three other soldiers, found inexpensive instruments in the local town, and set about practicing and then playing for fellow combatants in the 127th Military Police Company. Soon, he became more serious and tried to get the Electrical Banana gigs in all the clubs in Qui Nhon and beyond. From his eye-opening perspective, Kohler draws in readers with some gut-wrenching accounts of warfare, lightening the mood with references to bands, songs, and his love of music. This memoir reads like an action-packed novel and pairs well with Walter Dean Myers's Fallen Angels (Scholastic, 1998). It could provide an outstanding cross-curriculum tie-in between social studies and English.—Dylan Thomarie, Johnstown High School, NY

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to The Weighty Word Book (Roberts Rinehart, 2000), the authors again use an A-to-Z compendium of short stories to help students remember the definitions and pronunciations of tricky vocabulary words through the use of puns and mnemonic devices. "Aggrandizement," "burdensome," "hibernate," "mystify," and "utilize" are examples of the selections explained here. Fun full-color illustrations accompany the stories and will help students remember some of the more challenging words presented, such as "furbelow," "jeremiad," "katzenjammer," and "nadir." While not a first purchase, this book offers a terrific way to boost vocabulary in an unconventional fashion.—Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN

Gr 6 Up—In this beautifully illustrated and concise adaptation of 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus (Vintage, 2006), Mann paints a superb picture of pre-Columbian America. In the process, he overturns the misconceived image of Natives as simple, widely scattered savages with minimal impact on their surroundings. Well-chosen, vividly colored graphics and photographs of mummies, pyramids, artifacts, and landscapes as well as the author's skillful storytelling will command the attention of even the most reluctant readers. Eye-catching sidebars and oversize chapter headings seem to pop from the pages. Mann constructs the narrative around three crucial questions that continue to confound historians today: Was the New World really new? Why were the Europeans successful? What ecological impact did Natives have on their surroundings? From the pre-Columbian genetic engineering of maize to the existence of pyramids older than the Egyptian variety, Mann's lucid answers to these questions represent current scholarly opinion and point the way toward future exploration and discovery. Students and teachers will benefit greatly from this engaging exploration of America's most overlooked and misunderstood historical periods.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL

Gr 7 Up—Monaque tells her own story of depression, which began at age 14. Recounting her experience from memory, the teen attempts to discern what caused the illness as well as to explain the process she went through to overcome it. Beginning with a physical illness that caused her to be separated from friends, Monaque's depression eventually manifested itself as anorexia and resulted in a monthlong stay in a mental-health facility for adolescents. Although she resisted medication, it became part of her therapy for more than a year. While the young woman's extreme introspection, which involves dissecting every thought and action, is intriguing in a clinical sense, the narrative becomes tedious in places. For example, the details of the first day after placement in the hospital take nearly one-fourth of the book. Monaque's story has a happy ending as she successfully battled her problems, finished school, and planned a career in medicine, perhaps as a psychiatrist. She is bright and articulate and paints a vivid picture of what depression feels like from the inside.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 5–9—These books examine the "science behind the structures that are part of our everyday lives." The authors discuss the sociohistorical and mathematical concepts behind, for example, "Mesoamerican Architecture" (Monuments) and "Transportation Canals and Locks" (Dams) in great depth. These informative books are a bit dry, but ideal for dedicated researchers. Diagrams, charts, and full-color photographs are appropriately placed and well captioned. An extensive glossary and index round out each of the meticulous surveys. Though textbook layout, dense information, and vocabulary-heavy sentences limit the titles to use as report resources, they will be welcome additions.—Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up—A wealth of advice on selecting the right college and being successful there is based on solid factual information as well as the authors' extensive university teaching experience. The text is straightforward, conversational, and easy to read and understand, with each chapter organized into numerous subtopics. Ten chapters cover everything from the decision to attend college and making visits to majors of study, acceptance, and covering tuition. Other information includes how to avoid common mistakes made in the selection process, basing a decision on teaching quality and reasonable cost, making an impressive application, and how to succeed both academically and socially. Sidebars throughout have additional material, and tables of statistics and figures pertain to cost comparisons, taxes, curriculums, etc. An extensive, categorized list of Web sites to access for current information is included. A lengthy bibliography and detailed index complete this useful volume.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 6 Up—In an effort to help students understand life's most extraordinary challenges, these titles provide current thoughts about the topic, historical background, and tertiary accounts from victims. Supplemented by fact boxes, large color photos, and color-blocked vocabulary, the volumes are visually appealing as well as informational. In Nature's Wrath, accounts of events such as the effects of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on Thailand, Montserrat's volcano, and Hurricane Katrina accompany historical tidbits about Pompeii and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. In Defense looks at wars in Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, though plenty of inset boxes cover other topics such as trench warfare in World War I, the Red Cross, and the American Civil War. Chilling first-person accounts relate stories of a machete-wielding Hutu who failed to see his Tutsi victim as human and an American sergeant who didn't realize he had killed an eight-year-old Iraqi girl until it was too late. Quotes about war in general, by notables such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Emanuel Kant, appear in red in the margins, and quotes from survivors of specific wars appear in boxes, in purple font. These narratives raise critical-thinking ideas; for example, Nature's Wrath discusses how we take the Earth for granted, only to be brought back to our senses by natural disasters. These books will be valued for their ability to generate empathy for survivors and their strengths and resilience in difficult situations.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Gr 5–8—These biographies of men who overcame racial barriers to become recognized leaders each opens with a dramatic incident from his life, followed by an overview of his entire life that includes personal details but emphasizes achievements. Schuman is generally admiring, but also includes discussions of weaknesses, including Douglass's reputation for arrogance and Thorpe's struggles with alcohol. Douglass is the better of the two, relating the man's struggles to gain an education, escape from slavery, establish himself as a free man, and become one of the country's foremost advocates of abolition and full civil rights for African Americans. However, it will not replace Alice Fleming's Frederick Douglass (Rosen, 2005) or Peter Burchard's book of the same name (S & S, 2003). Thorpe describes the Native American baseball player's birth in the Indian Territory of Oklahoma, his education at the repressive Indian schools, and his groundbreaking career as one of the most well-rounded and talented athletes of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the author includes too much play-by-play detail about individual games, making some of the chapters dry, but the book is still better suited for reports than Joseph Bruchac's fictionalized Jim Thorpe (Dial, 2006). Both titles are illustrated with a variety of period photos and art prints.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 5–9—If Bill Bryson wrote history books for middle graders, they might read something like Sheinkin's offering. The former textbook author claims to have included all the "funny, amazing, inspiring, surprising, and disgusting stories" that his previous editors made him omit. The result is an engaging (though not necessarily introductory) chronological medley of anecdotes about the Wild West in nine lively chapters starting with the Louisiana Purchase and ending with the Lakota massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890. Casual vignettes of famous figures and ordinary people come to life in an almost irreverent way. For example, a primary quote outlines Union Pacific vice president Thomas Durant's plan to get rich off the railroad: "Grab a wad of money from the construction fees—and get out." Sections on the Donner Party's tragic fate in the Sierra Nevada are entitled "Beware of Shortcuts" and "You Call This a Party?" A "What Ever Happened To…?" chapter follows up on notable individuals and lesser-known folks such as Biddy Mason (a former slave) and Catherine Sager (an orphaned pioneer child). The useful source notes include interesting suggestions for further reading on subjects such as territorial expansion, the gold rush, and Native Americans, and humorous black-and-white cartoons and caricatures decorate many pages.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–8—Being raised in then strictly segregated Columbia, SC, couldn't keep a smart young African-American man out of college, even prestigious Harvard University. Floundering in an unfamiliar milieu, Tyrone Hayes caught the attention of a serious science professor who recognized the potential of this struggling student and became his mentor. Turner's lucid text and Comins's clear color photos follow Hayes's developing career to his present respected place as a gifted member of the scientific community. Researching the effects of atrazine-contaminated water on vulnerable amphibians, he is surrounded by the "Frog Squad," a group of enthusiastic students pouncing on frogs in ponds or collecting careful data in the lab. Grinning from pierced ear to pierced ear (and that is a story in itself), the genial scientist nurtures his assistants, encouraging their enthusiasms while demanding serious work. Of the same sterling quality as Sy Montgomery's engaging The Tarantula Scientist (2004) or her exciting Quest for the Tree Kangaroo (2006, both Houghton), this new addition to a stellar series opens an upbeat window to the adult application of youthful enthusiasms.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4 Up—This innovative guide has a twofold purpose: to teach the Arabic alphabet and to provide a window into Arabic culture. The study of a language with an unfamiliar alphabet is daunting, and Arabic is particularly so, since the letters join in artistic combinations that are often referred to (even here) as "squiggles." The methods used in this attractive book to simplify learning the letters include putting the Arabic letters in the order of the English alphabet and matching the two, and teaching the actual writing with step-by-step drawings that fade at the end of a letter so that readers can tell when the following letter begins. Color is used effectively with bold red and black letters from both alphabets. Each English letter gets two or more pages with its Arabic equivalent, a writing lesson, and a nugget of historical or geographical information, often accompanied by relevant full-color pictures. The letter "B," for example, introduces Beruit, Bedouin, and borax. Vocabulary is included in amusing ways: "Our English word mummy comes from the Arabic moomya, which in turn came from the Persian word mum for the wax used in embalming." This book will easily attract children with its satiny pages, large clear block print, bright colors, and enticement to draw. However, the more difficult concepts of Arabic, such as vowels that are pronounced but not written, are presented nonchalantly and the idea of easily "writing your name in Arabic letters" is actually confusing. Ultimately, though, these are scant criticisms: this is a charming, accessible book for all ages. It's informative, fun, and useful.—Louisa Ermelino, Publishers Weekly