Grades 5 & Up

Gr 4–8—In the Renaissance kingdom of Pergamontio, Italy, young servant Fabrizio's master, a stage magician, is charged with plotting treason against the king and dealing with demons. Fabrizio knows he must help clear Mangus's name to avoid once again living on the streets and to convince the magician to take him on as an apprentice. The plot is thick, however, and Fabrizio bumbles along until he finally comes up with a plan worthy of a magician. Avi weaves in the introduction of the printing press, the belief in magic as an evil source of power, and the rarity of reading as a skill without ever making them seem like lessons. Fabrizio, because he lacks education, believes that magic is real, an understanding that gets both him and his master into more trouble. His bumbling makes it feel as though the story is pushing him along, rather than Fabrizio himself driving the narrative. Eventually, though, he learns enough about himself, and about the illusion of magic, to come through with glowing colors. An intelligent girl who is a "printer's devil" provides an excellent counterpoint to Fabrizio's worldview. The novel should appeal to reluctant readers, as the writing style is easy enough to follow despite the historical concepts.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 5–8—Joe makes his living in the sewers of Victorian London, working as a tosher, or garbage gleaner. For as long as he can remember he's sifted through refuse for lost coins and pieces of precious metal, and handed over his treasure to "Mother," a ruthless woman who exploits orphaned, impoverished children. Fate hands Joe an opportunity, however, when he crosses paths with Bess Farleigh, a girl from the country who has narrowly escaped her mother's attempt to sell her into prostitution. Acting against his better judgment, which places self-preservation above all else, Joe finds himself putting his own safety at risk to help Bess evade her pursuers. They are taken in by the local madman, who has his own secrets to share, and who plays a key role in their future. As the story unfolds, Joe must choose to trust his new friends, despite the fact that he has been betrayed many times in the past. As his character develops, his heart opens cautiously, and readers see a transformation that is both believable and endearing. A well-crafted story of adventure and friendship, Joe Rat is tightly paced and never dull. It is also a tale steeped in the sights, sounds, and smells of 19th-century London. The narrative does not shy away from the gritty realism of its setting, making the bravery and accomplishments of Joe and Bess that much more uplifting.—Emma Burkhart, Springside School, Philadelphia, PA

Gr 8 Up—On Sophie Blue's 17th birthday, a nurse at her father's lab gave her a mysterious injection and her father disappeared, leaving behind a swirl of rumors about what really happened to Sophie, who has gone Goth. A year later, she has strange dreams that involve being smashed by a Popsicle truck, hears a constant hum ("gotothelabgotothelabgotothelab"), and copes with her comics-obsessed and increasingly obese younger brother O. S., as well as her out-to-lunch mom. Kenny Fade, basketball star and school heartthrob, also hears and sees bizarre things and, like Sophie, fears for his sanity. And his mother is a nurse! Fade to Blue takes off with a crunch (that Popsicle truck!) and careens wildly to a thought-provoking screecher of an ending in a manic rampage of plot twists, crazy characters, dark comedy, and virtual reality taken to the extreme. A fast, highly entertaining read, this novel will appeal to graphic-novel enthusiasts, techies, and anyone looking for a cleverly written, inventive romp in which every detail counts.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 6–10—This book picks up where Sword of Waters (S & S, 2008) leaves off as Prince Edoran runs away from his palace in order to try to save the life of his only true friend, Weasel. Along the way, he joins forces with Arisa, whose mother, the Falcon, is threatening to take over the kingdom. Edoran allows himself to be captured by his former tutor, but escapes with the help of one of the Hidden of the old religion. He is spirited away to a fishing village where he learns that being a pampered prince is not the life he wants. Fate brings all three friends together again, and Edoran has the chance to save his friends and his kingdom, and truly embrace his destiny. This book stands on its own; by the end of the first chapter, the previous events are explained and the current story is satisfying enough to capture readers' attention. At first, the prince is portrayed as a selfish, spoiled brat but his character develops through the trials he encounters and he matures. The plot moves quickly, and though Arisa and Weasel are given little attention here, their personalities were fleshed out in the earlier titles. In the end, all major problems are solved, the prince is ready to accept his life, and plans for a better future for all are in the works.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Gr 6–9—Bemis's debut novel presents a unique way of creating fantasy by drawing on the themes and archetypes of Southern folklore and American legend. In place of knights and dragons are hoodoo conjurers, pirate queens, and sirens. Twelve-year-old orphan Ray Cobb has a lodestone his father gave him that is pulling him to the South from rural Maine. He jumps from an orphan train and connects with the Ballyhoo, a train that houses a medicine show with a blind sharpshooter, a snake dancer, a fire-eater, and a sword swallower. Ray learns that his father was (and perhaps still is) Li'l Bill, a Rambler who helped John Henry win the competition with the steam engine. Ramblers, like knights of old, are protectors. Their evil adversary, known as the Gog, is a captain of industry—a cold and calculating champion of the machine who desires dominion. The medicine show is hiding the last of the mythical Swamp Sirens from him as he wants her for her ability to lure people so he can feed his evil machine with ruined souls. As the Gog rebuilds an even more monstrous machine than the one John Henry destroyed, a new generation of Rambler heroes, including Ray, takes up the fight of defending the wilderness. While Bemis's setup is fascinating, the novel is as overblown as any tall tale. The convoluted plot is difficult to unravel, and the connection with John Henry and his hammer not clear for the better part of the book.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 4–6—In this powerfully written fantasy, Sylvie, whose mother drowned a year ago, becomes concerned when strange events begin to happen. First, her beloved dog, Mr Jackson, loses his voice. Then, a note from one of her father's musical instruments causes an explosion. As she begins to notice that the usual animal sounds have vanished, her father, a musician and composer, disappears; a frightening man appears at her house; and a fox she sees each morning is no longer there. The sense of menace grows alarmingly when the terrifying Woodpecker Man attacks the house with Sylvie and her friend George inside. They figure out that he works for the Songman, whose plan is to capture and hold captive all the world's songs. The friends embark on a dangerous adventure to find Sylvie's father and save the world from the fate of silence. Binding has created rich and interesting characters in Sylvie's friend George, her dog, and the fox that bites Sylvie's hand, giving her the power to understand the language and thoughts of animals. Sylvie herself is a likable and spunky character, even if she is a little too self-sufficient to be entirely believable. While the action lags a little in some sections, Binding's rich language and multisensory descriptions of the world of animals are absorbing, and Sylvie's terror at discovering that she has enemies all around her will have readers on the edge of their seats.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 9 Up—Charlotte Emerson is tall and beautiful, and lives by herself in a gorgeous mansion. She's also a vampire. Before she turned, she was a bright young woman with an idyllic life. Then her beloved twin died, and his death so devastated her that she had to find a way to dull the pain. Thus, she became a vampire, a decision that has haunted her for nearly 100 years. Now she is faced with another tragic loss: that of her best friend, Emily, to an apparent suicide. Lost and lonelier than before, she seeks comfort and solace in Emily's boyfriend, Jared. At first, he is bitter and angry with her, but she opens up to him, telling him about her past, and they eventually fall in love. But there is one secret that she keeps from him: she suspects that she may, somehow, be turning into a human again. When Charlotte's maker, William, returns to taunt her, Charlotte is forced to face a horrific mistake from her past that may cost her everything. In Pretty Dead, Block takes what has up to now been the norm among vampire novels for teens and attempts to turn it on its head. This is a startlingly original work that drives a stake deep into the heart of typical vampire stories, revealing the deep loneliness and utter lack of romance in eternal life.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 6–9—Fourteen-year-old Jenna lives in an unnamed country near the fictional country of Scandia. Her mother won't tell her anything about her past or her father, and she refuses to let Jenna participate in anything "vulgar"—like the movie audition taking place in their town. Jenna goes anyway, and can't believe it when she's picked over her pretty BFF to fly to Scandia to play a princess in the movie—and her mother unexpectedly gives her permission to go. Meanwhile, the real Princess of Scandia, whose father has just died, is missing, and the regent (her uncle) and his advisors are frantic to find her. As her final audition, Jenna is asked to impersonate Malena at her birthday gala. But she soon realizes she is a pawn in something larger: there is civil unrest in the country, the regent and his advisors are up to no good, and the Princess's disappearance has something to do with it. This often confusing story switches narratives to follow different characters and is soon cluttered with people and politics: rebel forces, conspiracy, kidnappings, disguises, bombings, lies, and family secrets. Readers are often many steps ahead of Jenna as she discovers her true identity, and revelations seem obvious. While readers may enjoy the classic "girl turns out to be princess" story in a modern setting, they may also get bogged down in the overly complex plot and tedious pacing.—Riva Pollard, Prospect Sierra Middle School, El Cerrito, CA

Gr 4–7—Longing to be as brave as his older brother, 12-year-old Miguel gets his wish when he accompanies his uncle on a trip from his Mexican village to Los Angeles to sell a herd of unbroken horses. Bandits, a fight with a gypsy boy, an unexpected swim, the birth of a colt, and a trail-concealing sandstorm are all part of Miguel's trip. The actual border-crossing is barely noticed. This resurrected 1930s manuscript reflects the early 20th-century era—a world of prosperous Mexican haciendas, cowboys and wild horses, and a Los Angeles in which Watts is a dusty suburb and automobiles are rare. An afterword details the history of the authors' efforts to write a positive junior novel about Mexicans, their unsuccessful attempts at publication (except for a condensed version in Jack and Jill in 1956), and the current publisher's discovery of the manuscript. Readers who get beyond the somewhat awkward introductory chapter will find that Miguel's adventures move briskly in self-contained third-person episodes with just enough detail to make the setting clear. Each chapter includes a carefully researched illustration. A period piece of particular interest to those who want to know more about the time and place.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 8 Up—At the end of their junior year, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend pulls a gun in the Commons, leaving six students and a teacher dead and many others wounded. Valerie is hit by a bullet in the leg trying to stop him, just before he ends his own life. Until that point, Valerie had no idea that the "hate list" that she and Nick created would be used to target victims in a vengeful shooting spree. For her, the list of tormentors was a way to ease the pain of being bullied and an outlet against the constant fighting between her parents. Although the police investigation reveals that Valerie had nothing to do with the actual shootings, many people in her community, including her parents, have a hard time believing that she is not at fault, too. With the help of a patient and insightful therapist, Valerie bravely returns to school after the summer to face the challenges before her. Told by Valerie in then-and-now chapters, with a few "excerpts" from local newspaper articles added for perspective, this is a startling, powerful, and poignant account of the incidents leading up to, immediately following, and continuing through the teen's senior year of realization and recovery. Valerie is stronger than she knows—a beautifully drawn character who has suffered pain, guilt, and incredible stress as she heals from the shooting, the loss of a troubled boyfriend she deeply loved, and difficult family circumstances. Readers drawn to Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why (Razorbill, 2007) and Brooke Taylor's Undone (Walker, 2008) will snap this novel up as well.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO

Gr 7–10—This overly long final book in the trilogy jumps 10 years into the future with Reiffen and Ferris's precocious daughter, Hubley, eagerly awaiting her 10th birthday and the beginning of her "real magic" training. Although the siege of Rimwich and the death of the two Wizards led to continuing peace, Reiffen grows increasingly fearful that surviving Wizard Fornoch plans to kidnap Hubley. Reiffen's loyal friend Avender joins forces with Ferris, Hubley, and others to try to prevent Reiffen's descent into madness. Fans of Avender from his role in the earlier novels will enjoy his appearance as a major character here, though the doomed love triangle between him, Queen Wellin, and King Brizen, grows thin by the middle of the book. Although Butler turns some of the conventional tenets of fantasy on their heads, he gives in to others in the form of stereotypical characters. The somewhat convoluted plot and occasional slow pace may keep all but die-hard fantasy fans away, and even those who do persevere may be disappointed in the bittersweet ending.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD

Gr 6–8—This clever and unusual mystery is tailor made for young mathematicians. Lady Di and Tom Jones live in Folsom Adjacent, a godforsaken trailer park named after the giant power plant that shares the small coastal island. When people start vanishing from this nuclear nowhere, the two 11-year-olds investigate, using mathematical cues left behind by their missing math tutor. Equations, right triangles, pi, coordinates, and slope help the kids and some of their similarly outcast friends negotiate a massive maze of underground tunnels to access the plant and discover a nefarious scheme that will destroy the island. Carey is particularly adept at creating setting: the landscape is raw, desolate, and nearly apocalyptic. Math moves the plot along, at times at the expense of character development. Replete with diagrams, charts, and illustrated problems, the book will appeal especially to kids who love geometry, but it will also reel in fans of less numbers-centric books such as Eric Berlin's The Puzzling World of Winston Breen (Putnam, 2007) or Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game (Puffin, 1992).—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5–8—In this final installment in this dystopian trilogy, Edgar scales Atherton's underbelly to reach its long-forgotten docking station. Boarding a mysterious vessel, he travels to the polluted Dark Planet's "Station Seven" and its "Silo." Run by hardened Commander Judix and two cruel taskmasters, the Silo's labor force is made up of children under the age of 12, who produce food for the planet's sickly inhabitants. Edgar escapes with four Silo workers and a crucial Silo powder block. On Dr. Harding's greatest creation, Atherton, Edgar reunites with Isabel and Samuel, who've once again adventured inside their world doing their part to help. Three plotlines, facilitated by Dr. Harding's convoluted planning, converge to one final revelation and the fruition of his ultimate goal—cleansing Earth. This is primarily action-driven sci-fi with unique settings populated by creative creatures. Familiar and new characters (including one very cool dragon) maintain readers' interest (none more so than the deceased Dr. Harding, whose childhood home and firebug holograms reveal a more brilliant, kinder man pre-madness). Once again, Carman's introduction provides background information and character biographies for readers unfamiliar with the series. He successfully incorporates similar information throughout the novel, but reading the books in order is recommended. Pencil illustrations, many appearing like full-page notes, better explain Atherton and Dark Planet phenomena.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ

Gr 8 Up—Katerina Larson is an overachieving high school senior whose only goal is to get into Yale, where her boyfriend is all but guaranteed a slot. So begins this light and funny novel. Cheva creates a believable character in Kate, who is trying hard to do what she thinks is right. When her double magically appears, zapped from a Simslike computer game, she actually can be two places at once. As Kate crams for tests and writes papers, she sends her double, Rina, out to hang with her friends and boyfriend. On top of dealing with her stressed-out, overscheduled life and her wild and carefree twin, Jake, her buddy from middle school, is now her physics partner, leaving her more confused than ever. Though this is lightweight territory, there is a strong message here about being true to yourself and balancing fun and work in your life. Teens faced with that ever-popular science-fiction reading assignment but who can't stand sci-fi will embrace this title. Cheva seamlessly combines contemporary realistic fiction with a twist and ends the tale with both Kate and Rina headed in the right direction. A quirky title with an appealing cover that features the real Kate and her digital doppelganger, this is sure to fly off the shelves.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 6–9—Adam's dad, a single father, is always on the verge of success. He's a computer programmer who has been working on the creation of an ultra-reality video game where the actions are created by sensors that detect the players' thoughts and commands. He leaves his 13-year-old son for what he promises will only be a couple of days to meet with a company interested in backing his project. When he doesn't return after nine days, Adam begins to worry. But nothing in his imagination could prepare him for what comes knocking at his door. It's like a scenario from a movie or a video game: men with guns, dark sedans, mysterious messages, and a man-eating dinosaur that destroys everything in its path and, oh, by the way, can make itself invisible. Cole has created a likable character who manages to come out on top in an extraordinary situation. The science aspects offer an interesting perspective and dilemma for a discussion on genetic engineering. In addition, the adventure, video gaming, and the perilous, sometimes bloody scenes will capture reluctant readers who may not normally devour their reading materials.—Genevieve Gallagher, Buford Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

Gr 9 Up—After high school, two best friends move to Los Angeles hoping to start "a new and amazing life," but their existence is anything but glamorous. Jane is an intern for a famous event planner and Scarlett is a freshman at U.S.C. However, things change quickly when a TV producer asks them to be in a new reality series along with Madison and Gaby, following their lives as they try to make it in L.A. After signing on, the two friends move into a posh apartment and get into the hottest clubs. Scarlett is skeptical about all the attention, but Jane enjoys being in the limelight. When Jane becomes the show's star, Madison is jealous and plots to bring her down. By story's end, Jane learns that having cameras follow you everywhere isn't what it is cracked up to be. The cliff-hanger climax indicates that there will be more to come. Conrad writes from experience (she stars in MTV's The Hills) and the result is a light read that will leave readers wanting more. The novel contains underage drinking and sexual liaisons, activities that are realistic for the lifestyle of the young women portrayed.—Shannon Seglin, Patrick Henry Library, Vienna, VA

Gr 5–8—Cooper offers a fictionalized account of an important figure in African-American history. Henry, the son of a white Kentucky state senator and a mulatto slave, is given, along with his mother, to a motherless infant, Harriet White, by the child's grandfather. As a boy, he serves as a house slave for Harriet, but at age nine he is separated from his mother and half-brothers and hired out to other plantations where he is beaten, starved, and humiliated. Time and again he tries to escape, only to be recaptured. This first-person narrative shows Henry growing in knowledge of his surroundings and of escape routes, codes, and assistance. At age 17, he marries and fathers a daughter. Determined to raise her free, he escapes to Indiana, with a promise to return for his wife and child. Cooper gives her protagonist a compelling reportorial voice and determined personality. An epilogue tells a little more of Bibb's story, including the fact that he published Canada's first Black newspaper, The Voice of the Fugitive, and founded literary, antislavery, and debating societies. No source notes are included.—Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Gr 5–8—Part historical fiction and part informational biography, this novel about the poet's life and times is told in the first person and captures both the struggles and achievements of Wheatley's remarkable life. Starting in Africa before she is captured by slave traders, the book recounts Penda Wane's memories of her family and her early education as a griot, a traditional role passed down in her family. The story moves quickly as she describes the deplorable conditions aboard the slave ship and then being sold to the Wheatley family on the docks of Boston, but the pacing slows noticeably in the second half of the book. The Wheatleys' experiment to see if a slave can be educated begins Phillis's other life, in which she grows to become a well-known poet, both in the colonies and in England. The mounting tensions of the American Revolution and the colonists' desire for freedom provide a backdrop that mirrors Phillis's own yearning for freedom and identity throughout her life. The writing is generally strong and engaging, drawing readers immediately into Wheatley's agonies of being forcibly taken from her home as a child, but the voice is of an adult remembering her youth, and not that of a child telling her story. Pair this book with Kathryn Lasky's A Voice of Her Own (Candlewick, 2003) or Maryann Weidt's Revolutionary Poet (Carolrhoda, 1997) to give a complete picture of this unique individual.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 4–7—The David family has delivered the Cooper County Caller to residents of Steele, PA, for as long as anyone can remember. Wil's 12th birthday signals that he will take over for his older brother, and he's been practicing his tosses from his bike. When the circulation manager phones the day before his start date to inform him that the Caller has decided to discontinue home delivery, Wil is devastated. The more he thinks about it, the madder he gets: folks in his rural community rely on that paper for important news and employment opportunities. Many are jobless since the factory shut down, and TV reception is iffy with no cable service. Putting his stubborn streak to good use, Wil goes up against the big corporation that bought the paper. Chapter titles resembling newspaper headlines foreshadow what is to come. Like the author's Free Baseball (2006) and 12 Again (2002, both Dutton), this novel has a likable protagonist, engaging secondary characters, realistic dialogue, and a fast-moving plot that both seasoned and reluctant readers will enjoy. While Michael Winerip's "Adam Canfield" titles (Candlewick) focus on the inside workings of newspaper production, Corbett offers a timely look at how increased dependence on electronic news sources is impacting small newspapers and their audiences. Youngsters who have grown up surrounded by cable television and online news will have much to ponder after they have turned the final pages of this thought-provoking story.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Gr 5–8—In 1941, when Germans occupy their small Greek town and the commandant comes to live in their house, 12-year-old Petros and his family hide their American connections and an escaping Greek resistance fighter as well. Based on Akila Couloumbis's wartime recollections, this novel is a grand read: an adventure full of the particulars of boys' play, and an unusual perspective on World War II lives. From the opening bird-shooting contest, it is clear that for Petros, his older brother, and his friends, these games will also be life-or-death matters. The suspense mounts as first they wait for the Germans, then for the commandant, and finally for a time when their cousin Lambros can move on. Details of farm life are woven naturally into the third-person narrative, with just enough explanation for readers to imagine their way into that world. The authors maintain the boy's perspective, including his conflicting feelings about the German corporal who encourages his play but represents the detested enemy. Realistic family dynamics include sibling rivalries stretching on into adulthood. The climactic violence is believable, and the resolution—though it takes place offstage—is deeply satisfying. Memorable.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Gr 8–10—A supernatural twist on the "Mean Girls" plot provides page-turning action. Cass McKenna sees ghosts. Her first spotting was her sister Paige, who failed to pass on to the afterlife following a drowning accident. Unfortunately for Cass, Paige and the ghosts that inhabit her school are her only friends. A junior-high bullying incident left her jaded and angry, and as revenge, she uses her supernatural informants to spill her classmates' juiciest secrets. When the student council VP discovers her covert ability, Cass unwillingly helps him contact his dead mother, leading to changes in her social status. Cass isn't the most lovable of protagonists, but her resentment is well developed and convincingly sustained throughout. Mysterious plot elements and the budding relationship between Cass and the VP will quickly engage reluctant readers.—Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY

Gr 4–6—This lighthearted, action-driven adventure features a boy with the ability to melt people into puddles of oily slime. Theo has been kept isolated inside a mansion by his guardian for most of his life, fed a diet of millet and greens, and put into a sort of radiation tube each night, ostensibly for his own good. One night, robbers break into the house. Theo discovers his powers when he confronts them and escapes from Empire Hall. He learns that his guardian is head of a sinister group, The Society of Good Works. The battle between them and the group who rescued Theo, The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance, takes place largely in an underground network of tunnels from the 19th century, complete with garghouls (gargoyles come to life), smoglodytes (creatures who form themselves out of polluted air), and other beings. Theo himself has a crucial role to play in this battle. Despite the nominally contemporary setting and the presence of laptops, the story has a decidedly Victorian steampunk feel with its old tunnels and machinery, along with pea-soup fog created by the villains. With the help of a cast of appealing characters, the nonstop action rolls to a satisfying conclusion.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 6–10—Thomas wakes up in an elevator, remembering nothing but his own name. He emerges into a world of about 60 teen boys who have learned to survive in a completely enclosed environment, subsisting on their own agriculture and supplies from below. A new boy arrives every 30 days. The original group has been in "the glade" for two years, trying to find a way to escape through a maze that surrounds their living space. They have begun to give up hope. Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and their world begins to change. There are some great, fast-paced action scenes, particularly those involving the nightmarish Grievers who plague the boys. Thomas is a likable protagonist who uses the information available to him and his relationships (including his ties to the girl, Teresa) to lead the Gladers. Unfortunately, the question of whether the teens will escape the maze is answered 30 pages before the book ends, and the intervening chapter loses momentum. The epilogue, which would be deliciously creepy coming immediately after the plot resolves, fails to pack a punch as a result. That said, The Maze Runner has a great hook, and fans of dystopian literature, particularly older fans of Jeanne DuPrau's The City of Ember (Random, 2003), will likely enjoy this title and ask for the inevitable sequel.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH

Gr 9 Up—Holly Hogan, 14, lives in a facility for troubled youth in England. Her dream is to return to Ireland, her birthplace, and reunite with her mother. When she is placed in a foster home, the dream resurfaces as she finds and tries on the woman's blond wig. Suddenly, Holly is gone and in walks Solace, a devil-may-care older version of herself, with "slim-slam hips" and the world at her feet. The name Solace comes from a winning horse Holly supposedly chose when her mother bet on horses. As Solace, the teen sets off on the road to ruin as she begins a runaway journey. All the while, her faded memories turn all too gritty as she remembers the true behavior and treatment she received at her mother's hands. She meets a variety of strangers, some kinder than others. And she does indeed make it to Ireland almost at the cost of her life. Through her alter-ego, Holly rediscovers herself and embraces the promise of a better life than the one she has been dealt. Written with dialect of both the English and Irish, the story has some words or phrases that may be unfamiliar to some readers. However, there is nothing to detract from the emotional power of this beautiful novel. Readers will keenly feel Holly's hurt, rage, confusion, sorrow, humor, and hunger for a sense of home, a sense of peace.—Tracy Weiskind, Chicago Public Library

Gr 4–6—A great start to a suspenseful new series. Thirteen-year-old Jon and 11-year-old Tania's mother works for a ghost-hunting television show and is married to the producer. When the siblings travel to Colorado with the show, Tania is shocked to discover that she can see the ghost of a sad young bride floating down the hotel stairs. Tania convinces her brother to assist her in solving the mystery of the dead woman's origins, and through many satisfying turns, her sad tale is revealed. Tania realizes that she has no choice but to allow the woman to possess her so she can be reunited with her heartbroken groom, whose ghost, the siblings discover, is stuck in the local cemetery. These brave kids take on this challenge without adult assistance, and the grown-ups are great supporting characters who let the kids do their own thing. Haunted is a fun read with some thrills and chills and has the added bonus of some genuine, compassionate personalities. Pair it with Mary Downing Hahn's Wait Till Helen Comes (Clarion, 1986), Cynthia DeFelice's The Ghost and Mrs. Hobbs (Farrar, 2001), or Peni R. Griffin's The Ghost Sitter (Dutton, 2001).—Julie Shatterly, South County Regional Library, Charlotte, NC

Gr 5–9—This concluding volume of Farmer's trilogy opens with a storm that brings new adventures and challenges for apprentice bard Jack, who is now 14. A destructive, restless spirit has been drawn to his village by the presence of a magical bell, and Jack, his friend Thorgil, and the Bard set out on a journey to the magic Notland, home of the mermaids, in order to set the spirit to rest. As in the previous books, there are challenges and enemies aplenty, and readers will enjoy revisiting characters from those titles, including Jack's changeling sister. The conclusion brings the characters to a new understanding of their own pasts and strengths. Jack and Thorgil's often-rocky relationship gives humor and humanity to both characters, and the Bard continues to be enticingly magical. As always, Farmer excels at the details that bring a magical world to life, from food to smells to travel inconveniences, and her merfolk are inhuman and powerful. Readers who appreciate strong fantasy with mythic roots will find this an intriguing read.—Beth L. Meister, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, WI

Gr 6–10—The children of the Norman and Jorgensen families have grown up together, with their family farms located on either side of Crabapple Creek. In 1917, the outbreak of World War I shatters their idyllic lives: strong-willed Muriel opposes it, but the two young men, Frank and her brother, Ollie, enlist and are soon sent overseas. Muriel's lively personality comes alive in free-verse poems that roam across the page like the free-flowing waters of the creek. "My mind sets off at a gallop/down that twisty road, flashes by 'Young Lady,'/hears the accusation in it—as if it's/a crime just being young, and 'lady'/is what anyone can see I'll never be/…." The poems of Ollie and friend Emma are written in "cupped-hand" sonnets; their rounded shapes resemble the crossing stones of the creek and record their growing love. While the young men find themselves amidst the horrors of trench warfare, their families attempt to cope with their absence. Muriel travels to Washington, DC, to be with her aunt Vera, a suffragist who is recovering from a hunger strike; joins picketers at the White House; and helps out in a settlement house. Back home, youngest sister Grace comes down with influenza. Frost's warmly sentimental novel covers a lot of political, social, and geographical ground, and some of the supporting characters are not fully fleshed out. But this is Muriel's story, and her determined personality and independence will resonate with readers, especially those who've enjoyed the works of Karen Hesse.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 3–6—Using several figures from Norse mythology, Gaiman has written a thoughtful and quietly humorous fantasy that younger Percy Jackson fans will enjoy. Twelve-year-old Odd hasn't had a good couple of years: his father died rescuing a pony that fell overboard during a Viking raid, his leg was crippled during a tree-felling accident, and his mother married a man he dislikes. So, in the midst of what should be spring ("Winter hung in there, like an invalid refusing to die"), he sets out for a cabin in the wilderness, figuring that anything will be better than home. Soon after arriving, a fox leads him to an enormous bear whose paw is caught in a tree; a large eagle circles overhead. Odd shows kindness and bravery when helping the bear, learning afterward that these three animals are gods who have been transformed by the Frost Giant. Odd is determined to help them, and his ultimate encounter with the Frost Giant is especially interesting, tweaking the tradition of small boys getting the better of giants. Readers will also enjoy Odd's interaction with the animals, Gaiman's simple and graceful writing, and the satisfying conclusion.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 5–8—This book begins where Found (S & S, 2008) left off: Chip, Jonah, Katherine, and Alex are falling through time. They find themselves in 1483 in the Tower of London where the famously imprisoned princes, Edward and Richard, are fearfully awaiting their fates. As was revealed at the end of Found, Chip and Alex are really Edward and Richard, spirited away to our current century by time travelers in a misguided attempt to save their lives. The four fumble through attempts to figure out how to save them from their historically presumed deaths. While the children know next to nothing about the real princes, they have a firsthand chance to watch history in the making, all the while hoping that they won't alter time too much and end up getting the princes killed anyway. Haddix ratchets up the tension here, letting it mount in moment-by-moment near misses and escapes. The kids' futuristic helper, JB, tries his best to keep them from causing too much damage to time, showing himself to be on their side. Full of interesting historical details, but muddy with the science of time travel, this is a fantastic follow-up to the first book. Haddix even poses an interesting "what if" about the real fates of Edward and Richard. By the book's end, Jonah still doesn't know who he really is, and readers will be just as anxious as he is to find out. The next installment can't come quickly enough.—Necia Blundy, Marlborough Public Library, MA

Gr 7 Up—In this compelling, tautly written novel, Mercy Kaplan, 16, feels the weight of endless daily chores and caring for her younger siblings. She has a loving family, but she longs for the freedom to be herself. Times are hard as World War I drags to an end. Mercy's family can no longer afford her keep, so she hires out miles away on the Bonner farm, and her dreams of freedom slip further away. Yet her troubles are just beginning. The influenza epidemic of 1918 sweeps across the country. No sooner does Mercy begin to feel at ease with the Bonners than tragedy strikes them, and she heads back home, only to find that her family has died. She soon gets a job as housekeeper and nanny for the widow Wilder's two small children, but there is something about the household that puts Mercy on edge. Is it the attention Daniel Wilder, the handsome, older stepson, pays her, or is it the peculiar behavior of Cora Wilder that causes Mercy's uneasiness and concern? In the end, events spiral into disaster, and Mercy struggles to be true to herself.—Roxanne Myers Spencer, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green

Gr 7–10—Blanche, a high school sophomore, does not want to be defined by her father. A renowned musician, Duncan Kelly disappeared at the height of his career, abandoning not just his fans but also his six-year-old daughter. Of course, no one at the teen's downscale prep school even knows her father is famous, and she treats her own songwriting like a dirty secret. Blanche is headed straight for college, no detours and no messing around—until she suddenly decides to start a band. Things go smoothly at first, but soon tensions develop among the band members, followed closely by an identity crisis for Blanche. Is she a freak, or an artist? The one thing she knows is that she is not a normal person for whom everything is certain, which is how she classifies her mother, many of her peers, and, eventually, her bandmates. It takes meeting her father to realize that the world isn't divided into those who made it and those who gave up. Tempo Change treads familiar paths and the plot is sometimes contrived, particularly the unreasonable premise that the entire novel is Blanche's memoir, written over the weekend at the request of a reporter. Still, readers will be drawn by the protagonist's frank narrative and her insider/outsider perspective toward music culture. Give it to fans of Cecil Castellucci's Beige (Candlewick, 2007) or Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist (Knopf, 2006).—Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

Gr 5–8—George and Annie, the middle-school cosmologists in the Hawkings' George's Secret Key to the Universe (S & S, 2007), return in a sequel that, if not spellbinding, will please fans of the first book. Annie's scientist dad, Eric, is called from the UK to America to oversee a robot probe bound for Mars. Soon after, Annie invites George to visit and join her on a "cosmic mission." When he arrives, she shows him a coded message she thinks may have come from aliens, which she found on her father's broken super-laptop Cosmos. It suggests that if they can't crack the code, Earth will be destroyed. With the help of Emmett, a super-geek genius, they repair Cosmos and can once again travel the planets and stars. Meanwhile, Eric's robot probe arrives on Mars and behaves bizarrely. Brief essays on cosmology interspersed between the chapters expand on the topics Annie, George, and Eric mention, plus color photos of heavenly phenomena. Fun cartoon drawings throughout carry along the unsubtle tale whose message seems to be "Wow! Isn't science great?"—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX

Gr 9 Up—By the time this series concludes on the 401st page of this volume, the Earth has been rent at least three times, two cats and one human have been reanimated, the Horned God and the Goddess have engaged in hand-to-hand combat, and Merlyn has been revealed as the fourth wise man. Although "Wicked" had ceased publication with the release of the fourth book, Spellbound (S & S, 2003), recent reissue as a pair of double volumes has reinvigorated its popularity. The series follows Holly and her cousins, sisters Amanda and Nicole, who discover their inherited power as witches, learn of their family's position of power among those who practice magic, and attempt to resolve a historic war between their family and a powerful clan of warlocks. Resurrection resolves the conflicts and dilemmas established in the earlier novels, albeit in a much higher fantastic mode than in the first installments. The narrative details past events that inform the characters' current situations and even allows the characters from the past and present to intermingle to dramatic effect. Readers of the original (or rereleased) novels will be interested to discover what becomes of the cousins and will find the conclusion outrageous, somewhat surprising, fantastic, and satisfying.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

Gr 9 Up—Five teens desperately seek to find their way through the darkness in Hopkins's latest epic novel in verse. Eden flees an evangelical household; Cody blocks out a family illness with gambling and sex; Whitney gives up her body in exchange for the love she finds so elusive; Seth struggles to define himself as a homosexual; and Ginger comes to terms with an awful truth about her neglectful mother. Burden after burden piles on the teens' shoulders until they resort to the unthinkable in order to survive. As they near rock bottom, their narratives begin to intersect. It is only when their paths converge that a glimmer of redemption appears out of the hopelessness. From the punch delivered by the title, to the teens' raw voices, to the visual impact of the free verse, Hopkins once again produces a graphic, intense tale that will speak to mature teens.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 9 Up—Trevor Saunders is dead, and he's left behind three confused girls. He owes Gillian a lot of money, and she needs to find where it's hidden in order to buy a one-way ticket back to Trinidad. Miya got in a huge fight with him the night he died and screamed some horrible things at him. And Aliya was Trevor's girlfriend, although due to her family's strict adherence to Islam, the romance was a secret. All three girls just want to talk to him one last time so they can get information, clear their conscience, or move on with their lives. They strike a plan to use magical practices from each of their cultural heritages to try to commune with him. Gillian visits an obeah man, Aliya focuses on a jinn, and Miya begins practicing the exercises described to her by a Japanese kitoshi. As the girls work, they find that they are growing to like one another. They also grow stronger and more confident. The culmination of their plan is a midnight rooftop ritual designed to draw Trevor back from the other side, but the results are not what they expect. Jolin's characters and their backgrounds ring true, including the dialect from the girls' native languages. However, the pacing is generally slow until the end, when everything is resolved quickly. Overall, though, this is a fine read for those interested in magic from other lands.—Laura Amos, Newport News Public Library, VA

Gr 5–9—Sixteen-year-old Marco Polo lives with his grandfather in their family home in Venice, waiting eagerly for his father's return from his voyage east and getting himself and his friend Amelio into trouble. In a devastating turn, Marco's uncle arrives without his father, explaining that Niccolo was captured by ferocious humanlike creatures that attacked their group. Determined to do anything he can to save him, Marco vows to join the rescue effort and bring his father home. Using an inscription from The Travels of Marco Polo as its inspiration, Jordan's novel plunges readers into a world of sorcery, unknown territory, and magical beings. Though replete with adventure and suspense, it suffers under the weight of anachronistic and chatty dialogue. While purporting to be a historical fantasy, contemporary phrases, sentiment, and colloquialisms prevent readers from getting lost in the world that Jordan creates. With so many other fantasy adventures available, it's easy to pass on this one.—Bethany Isaacson, Wheaton Regional Library, Silver Spring, MD

Gr 9 Up—Jessica Hunsucker has no life. Her father is long dead, and her mother is a distant, radically driven politician who has no time for her. While she is miserable, she is getting along as best she can—until she wakes up in the middle of the night on her 16th birthday to find a demon in her room. Brad has come to collect her, in return for her mother's successful rise to the Presidency of the United States—and perhaps beyond. Before she can blink, they are in Hell, in a tacky suburban ranch house. Oh, and she and Brad are supposed to be mates. He doesn't force the issue, and their lives fall into a sort of dull existence. Nearly bored out of her mind, Jessica follows her mother's campaign, learning of the world dictatorship she craves. The teen needs to find a way to stop the woman before she creates Hell on Earth. The story moves quickly, offering a very different view of Hell than readers have ever imagined. Brad and Jessica are entertaining characters, and readers will cheer them on as they attempt to save the world and work through their rocky relationship.—Melyssa Malinowski, Kenwood High School, Baltimore, MD

Gr 6–9—Emily thinks her ability to see the future should be great, but her visions never seem to make sense. Then students from her "gifted" class begin vanishing and she is determined to learn to use her talent and save her friends. Teen issues including fitting in, dealing with low self-esteem, and bullying are subtly woven into the fast-moving plot. Emily and her classmates are realistically drawn characters. Kaye pays special attention to hard-edged Jenna (a mind reader) and soft-spoken Tracey (who can become invisible) as they are Emily's two closest friends. As the girls struggle to deal with their special gifts and navigate the rough waters of middle school, they build an intense bond that will ring true with the intended audience. Even minor characters are given depth through Kaye's descriptive text. With both teen angst and tightly woven supernatural suspense, the book will have readers clamoring for the next volume.—Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI

Gr 5–7—Erec Rex and his friends Bethany, Oscar, Jam, and King Piter are back. So, too, are the mean Stain triplets and the evil mastermind Thanatos Argus Baskania. Erec is still on a quest to become king. The story starts out with him turning partially into a dragon while in a grocery store and soon after being captured by Baskania, who intends to remove Erec's all-seeing dragon eyes and use them to gain control of the world. The protagonist and his friends spend much of the book dodging Baskania and the triplets as they try to complete quests three and four. Quest three has something to do with a "behind," and Kingsley milks that and other incidents for all the toilet humor possible. Quest four, on the other hand, is inspired by Welsh mythology. Throughout, Erec searches for his true parentage and attempts to understand a vision of the future in which King Piter's castle is destroyed. The boy hero with the smart girl sidekick, the wacky magical items, and even the silly food are reminiscent of the "Harry Potter" books. The ongoing adventures that will eventually lead to rulership are suggestive of Garth Nix's "The Keys to the Kingdom" series (Scholastic). Kingsley doesn't have the skills of Rowling or Nix but the excitement keeps the story rolling along despite some clunky dialogue. The book is certainly of interest to readers of the earlier works in the series but is not an easy place for others to start.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 4–6—Having been abandoned by his parents in Dying to Meet You (Harcourt, 2009), 11-year-old Seymour Hope is happily living and writing at 43 Old Cemetery Road in collaboration with his friends, author Ignatius B. Grumply and 190-year-old ghost-writer-in-residence Olive C. Spence. The trio's serialized "true" supernatural stories are widely popular. Ambitious busybody Dick Tater, head of the International Movement for the Safety & Protection of Our Kids & Youth (IMSPOOKY), sees their somewhat irregular arrangement as an opportunity to push his anti-ghost, anti-Halloween agenda. Tater has Grumply committed to the Illinois Home for the Deranged, locks Seymour in a Dickensian orphanage, and announces that Halloween is cancelled. Only Olive's hidden manuscripts can save the day—if she can remember where she hid them. The story is told through letters, newspaper clippings, and interview transcripts. Text styles help differentiate the characters—invisible Olive types in an ornate outline font while Seymour's notes are hand written, often including black-and-white sketch illustrations. The names are amusing, although they don't always match the characters. (The local locksmith is Ike N. Openitt while the feisty librarian, who staunchly resists Tater's book burners, is called M. Balm). References to Grumply's incarceration in the "nuthouse" and "loony bin" and Seymour's "possible mental illness" are unfortunate in a book with an otherwise strong underlying theme of individuality and freedom of choice. All in all, the short, graphic-heavy text and broad humor will appeal to middle grade readers.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL

Gr 5–8—This story picks up where Playing with Fire (HarperCollins, 2008) leaves off. The skeleton detective and his 14-year-old sidekick, Valkyrie, have uncovered an evil plot to allow the Faceless Ones through a portal into our world, which will surely bring about the destruction of life as we know it. Banished from the department and branded a dangerous character, Skulduggery is not allowed to work the case, but he is able to uncover enough information to put the pieces together. The plot contains many twists and double crosses as dubious characters factor into the mystery. In the end, sacrifices are made and Valkyrie is faced with a difficult decision. This third installment has enough action to keep casual or new readers interested in what happens next. Kids who have outgrown Lemony Snicket will enjoy the series.—Karen Hoth, Manatee Elementary School, Fort Myers, FL

Gr 9 Up—Biracial Micah Wilkins, 17, is the quintessential unreliable narrator. On the first page, she readily admits she's a liar though now she wants to tell her story straight. She attends a progressive private high school in New York City. She's a bit peculiar, with extra-human speed and sense of smell, and has few friends. After another student, a popular senior named Zach, is found brutally murdered, it comes to light that he and Micah had a relationship outside of school. Now she is considered a suspect. Her suspenseful, supernatural tale is engrossing and readers will be tempted to fly through it, though the wise will be wary of her spin and read carefully for subtle slipups and foreshadowing. The chilling story that she spins will have readers' hearts racing as in three sections she goes from "Telling the Truth," to "Telling the True Truth," to "Telling the Actual Real Truth," uncovering previous lies and revealing bizarre occurrences in the process. Micah's narrative is convincing, and in the end readers will delve into the psyche of a troubled teen and decide for themselves the truths and lies. This one is sure to generate discussion.—Patricia N. McClune, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA

Gr 4–6—In this first book in a projected series, orphan Hannah, 15, tries to find success as a scullery maid in an upscale Boston household at the end of the 19th century. In addition to having to learn new rules and skills, she must contend with the family's three daughters, including demanding Lila and her sinister cat. Hannah knows that she is different—she leaves salt in the bathtub, becomes physically ill when away from the sea, and seems to be shedding odd crystals. When a famous painter arrives to do a portrait of the three sisters, he immediately senses Hannah's secrets but will not give her answers. Because Lasky stretches the mystery of Hannah's nature throughout the book, her decision regarding where she belongs becomes rushed and anticlimactic. The heart of the story lies in the day-to-day activities of the Hawley household, especially the lengths the family and staff go to to appease Lila, and the destruction she causes whenever she does not get her way. The resolution of this story will appear weak to some readers, but many will identify with independent and winsome Hannah as she tries to find her place in the world.—Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

Gr 7–9—Lieb's first novel is a comedy/sci-fi fantasy about Oliver Watson, an overweight 12-year-old from Omaha, NE, who fools his family and classmates into thinking that he is slow-witted when in fact he is the world's third-richest person. He overthrows foreign dictators, owns corporations, is a successful inventor and investor, and is on the way to attaining his goal of world domination. This evil supergenius, who makes Artemis Fowl look ready for sainthood, has the appeal of a cartoon villain. His father and arch nemesis is too involved in running a local PBS affiliate and too uninvolved in his son. What Oliver really wants is his dad's approval and attention. He decides that the way to get this is to win the election for president of the eighth-grade class at Gale Sayers Middle School. Lieb perfectly captures the wise-guy sarcasm and trash mouth of a seventh-grade evil genius. Readers will love the sci-fi/fantasy touches, from Oliver's elaborate underground lair to the transmitter implanted in his jaw and his installing root beer and chocolate milk at the school's water fountain (of course, only he knows how to make it work). The format—short blurbs of text interspersed with humorous black-and-white photos—will appeal to reluctant readers. Although the book has as little subtlety as its title, certainly the theme of a boy wanting his father's love is a universal one. This is a book kids will be talking about.—Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME

Gr 5–8—This well-written story handles the topic of foster and abandoned children with compassion and truth. Min, 11, has lived through a series of foster homes where she was cared for but not deeply loved. When her current foster mother decides to return her to the system shortly before Christmas, Min feels sorry for herself, but knows that she will not miss the Bangs family. From this point forward, her life improves. She is taken in by Jess Hart, a doctor who recently lost her husband and who understands the child's deep psychological pain because she, too, was once a foster child. While some elements of Min's story may seem to be too "pie in the sky," they are told with such warmth and detail that readers believe that Jess could be just right for Min. The child is finally given the chance to leave behind her fierce independence and for the first time in her life trust a caring adult who will not let her down.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

Gr 7–9—Petronella Arbuthnot's coming-out birthday party in Edwardian London goes awry when her guardian, Uncle Augustus, accidentally swallows a beetle and two important guests are kidnapped. Teaming up with her friend Jane; Jane's brother, Lord James Sinclair; and Uncle Augustus, who is now obsessed with eating bugs of all kinds, the 16-year-old sets out to discover what happened to Dame Carruthers, an actress favored by the king, and Generalissimo Reyes-Cardoza, a Panamanian revolutionary. What follows is part farce, part mystery, part political thriller, all told in Petronella's upper-crust voice, laced with sly humor, many bodice-ripping observations of James's virile charms, and a painless dose of history. Archetypical characters are skillfully drawn, time and place are clearly evoked, and excitement and intrigue abound amid the hilarity. It all wraps up nicely—well, almost—with a suggestion of more to come. Fans of Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart, Lloyd Alexander's Vesper Holly, and Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes will welcome this delicious heroine, who will likely lure new readers to the genre.—Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 3–6—Fifth-grader Nathan Abercrombie has more problems than just being unathletic and unpopular. After a particularly grueling day, he is convinced by outcast Abigail to try a new remedy developed by her scientist uncle called Hurt-Be-Gone, which kills emotions. When Nathan is inadvertently doused in the substance, he becomes partially dead. He no longer needs to eat, breathe, or sleep, and he doesn't feel any pain. With Abigail's uncle on the lam from the police, Nathan has only Abigail and his friend Mookie to restore him back to life before the remedy takes full effect, making him permanently dead. The first book in a promising new series introduces likable characters beset by unusual but humorous circumstances. The gross-out factor—Nathan gets a fork jammed through his nose, loses a thumb, and pulls off a little finger—will appeal to reluctant readers. This book will have a large following.—Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Gr 4–8—Thirteen-year-old Eric Mattias is new to Xavier's Institute for Gifted Students, aka X Men training ground. (Though with the world's lamest mutant power, it is highly unlikely that he will ever become an X-Man.) For Eric, it is not just an exaggerated complaint or cry for attention when he says that no one notices him. He can scream his head off, be tripped over, sat on (even on a toilet), and still, no one would notice. The few perks to this anonymity include being able to write a tell-all blog without getting in trouble and shadowing lone hero Wolverine on his adventures. True, the very presence of Wolverine on the book's cover makes it an easy sell, but it is Eric's voice that will keep readers thoroughly absorbed in the story. Tempering his glib and at times laugh-out-loud observations on superhero behavior are Eric's feelings of loneliness and alienation brought about by his power. Individual comic panels that function as posted pictures on Eric's blog make this an amped-up, Marvel version of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Abrams) that will simply fly off the shelves faster than Wolverine can retract his adamantium claws.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up—It's hard to be the only normal one in a family in which everyone has a Talent that allows them to do such things as disappear, control the weather, read the future, or turn people to stone. Tamsin is bitter that she does not have a magical gift and dreams of the day she can move far away. So when a mysterious Scottish stranger, Alistair, shows up at her family's bookstore and assumes that the 17-year-old is her very Talented sister, Rowena, Tamsin jumps at the chance to help him find the family heirloom for which he is searching. She enlists the help of her childhood friend, Gabriel, who has recently reappeared in her life. Tamsin and Gabriel travel through time to find what sinister Alistair wants, and in doing so they will set in motion a chain of events that could mean the destruction of her family. Although Tamsin is a well-rounded character, the other people in the book are fairly one-dimensional. What is lacking in character development, though, is made up for in plot. This is an exciting book, and readers will be captivated until the very end. With a fairly easy reading level, an exciting story, and an edgier heroine (Tamsin drinks and smokes), this book is a good choice to hand to older reluctant readers.—Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 5–8—A modernized version of Hansel and Gretel, with a few creepy, cannibalistic references. Sol, 11, and Connie, 8, move to Schoneberg with the man they believe is their father (he is their father's twin) and their stepmother. The children soon discover that the neighbor's pet dog has a habit of digging up human bones, and that "Dad" has a great motive for wanting them gone. The story alternates between the siblings' dawning understanding that nothing in the town is as it seems and the journal of their neighbor, a witch, in which she reminisces fondly about her past meals, including a Silence of the Lambs moment in which she enjoys one child "cooked with capsicum and washed down with a fine mead." Highly stylized illustrations do much to enhance the story. Readers of Dan Greenburg's "Secrets of Dripping Fang" series (Harcourt) may enjoy this tale. Readers of Donna Jo Napoli's The Magic Circle (Puffin, 1995), a more psychological Hansel and Gretel variant told from the witch's point of view, will find this is a very different retelling.—Kathleen Meulen Ellison, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Gr 6–10—In this installment in the series, Guinevere, 13, is just as uncertain about the path her life will follow. The prophecy that she will be a mighty ruler, a great beauty, and the highest lady in all of Britain weighs heavily on her mind and heart because she knows that there is a second part to the prophecy that has been kept from her. She continues to live a simple life as the ward of her uncle King Pellinore and Aunt Alyse, but everything changes when all of the Welsh kings are invited to a conference with High King Arthur. Arthur's sister, Morgan le Fey, takes an instant dislike to Guinevere, and when she finds out about the prophecy, she hatches a dark plot against her and her friend Llyr, an Old One who is charged with guarding Guinevere until her destiny can be fulfilled. However, many men at the conference are prejudiced against the Old Ones, and they begin to hunt him. When Morgan accuses him of a crime he did not commit, Guinevere must find a way to save his life without alienating High King Arthur or any of the Welsh kingdoms. McKenzie deftly weaves in bits of various Arthurian legends but maintains a strong focus on Guinevere and the other female characters. Using foreshadowing, she hints at what is to come, but never reveals too much. Readers who are familiar with Arthurian legends as well as those who are not will find this continuing story enjoyable.—Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI

Gr 8 Up—Ever since the car accident nine years ago, life for 16-year-old Megan has never been the same. Her father lies in a coma at the nursing home; her twin sister, Remy, who died in the accident, continues to haunt her; and her mom only seems to care about winning dog competitions with their purebred Fergus. Events become even more complicated when Megan decides to take a job working at the Land of Enchantment in order to keep an eye on her boyfriend, Ryan, and his "best friend," Samantha. There she meets Luke, who is psychic and, to Megan's relief, can also see and communicate with Remy. Megan is concerned because Remy's behavior is becoming violent. The natural attraction between Megan and Luke quickly becomes a problem for Ari Roy, whose family owns the Land of Enchantment. Ari feels that Luke is hers, and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Devoured is a murder mystery and a ghost story with a modern-day "Snow White" twist. The plot is fast-paced and full of suspense, gripping readers right from the start. Megan and Luke are well developed, but the ending, in which everything happens too quickly, can be a bit confusing. Still, the book will be devoured by fans of the supernatural.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 4–6—Mould whips up another concoction of morose humor blended with suspenseful mystery. Young Stanley Buggles now has to fight the marauding Darkling family as they try to usurp his home, moving into Candlestick Hall on the basis of a legal technicality. The Darklings descended from a man who was bitten by a werewolf and passed along doglike tendencies to his offspring, including lupinelike faces. Like the Wicked Witch of the West summoning her menacing winged monkeys, Mr. Darkling cries out in loud howls to signal crows to swoop down and peck and claw at Stanley and his friends. He even tries charming a two-headed snake into killing the boy. With help from a crystal-ball-gazing Gypsy and the use of secret passageways at Candlestick Hall, resourceful Stanley finds the ways and means to battle the Darklings and send them packing. Meanwhile, he and his faithful friend Daisy uncover clues hidden inside an ancient silver casket, guaranteeing more eerie adventures to come. Comically creepy illustrations harmonize with the macabre tone. The book doesn't really stand alone, but fans of the series will enjoy it.—James K. Irwin, formerly at Salt Lake County Library Services, UT

Gr 6–9—Bran Hambric is a foundling, left in a bank vault and taken in by Sewey and Mabel Wilomas, who live in the town of Dunce. In an effort to preserve the decency of the community, the town has banned even the mere mention of magic. During a harrowing accident involving a truck at the Duncelander Fair, Bran discovers that he is a mage. He also has to face the difficult truth that his mother was a mage as well as a criminal, in league with an underground group with a rather gruesome plan to overthrow the Mages Council. Bran discovers that people are trying to find him so that they can use him to help finish the job she started. This book is a clear reflection of the influence of the "Harry Potter" books on a new generation of writers. Sadly, the author's attempts at creative language and original ideas come across as silly. Nation creates a contemporary world that is a tool for social satire, but that feels flat and uninteresting. Beyond quirks of dialogue, he gives no real sense of who the characters really are, so it is difficult to have any empathy when they are injured or appear to have died.—Tim Wadham, St. Louis County Library, MO

Gr 7–10—Ronald Earl, aka Little Texas, almost 16, has been on the road with his Aunt Wanda Joy, elderly Sugar Tom, and Certain Certain for nigh on six years, preaching the gospel and performing healings in a long succession of small Southern towns. Lately he feels a fraud, bedeviled by recurring dreams of being with a beautiful blond girl, naked. Sincere in his faith, he's nevertheless beginning to doubt his work, his worthiness. Exhausted after a night's work, he performs one last healing on a girl, Lucy, that feels different. As the days pass, he can't stop thinking about her as she melds with the girl of his dreams. When a large, boisterous crowd in Mississippi cows him, he leaves the stage, unable to preach. Wanda Joy hatches a plan to get him back on track that will test his faith and may, if he's able, defeat the evil that ruined her grandfather on the same site, years before. Are the women in Ronald's life working for good, or ill? A substantial subtext about twisted souls ensnared by slavery leads to increasingly scary and disturbing events, culminating in a showdown with evil reminiscent of M. T. Anderson's climactic battle in Thirsty (Candlewick, 1997). Chapters are brief, the pace is rapid, and the tension is high as Ronald wrestles with demons both temporal and spiritual to find his place in the world. An affecting and sharply written story.—Joel Shoemaker, South East Junior High School, Iowa City, IA

Gr 5–8—Kira is almost 13 and, by law and at her parents' insistence, must be married by her birthday or be sent to prison. She is devastated as she secretly dreams of working with dragons, though she knows it's illegal. She goes for a walk, followed by her younger sister, Elspeth, who tends to shadow Kira's every move. While they are gone, their family is captured by Lord Dorcan, who believes that Kira's father has wronged him. Her father and brother are sent to the dragon army, a sister is imprisoned, and their mother is made a servant. Kira and Elspeth flee to a mountain where a rogue dragon lives, and Elspeth's powers with animals allow them to tame one of his offspring. The girls are befriended by a wizard who tells them of a prophecy that a girl with a dragon will bring down the king. The sisters and their brother Dane separately begin to bring about what the king fears most: the loss of his kingdom and power. The story alternates narratives between Kira and Dane, which serves to heighten the suspense as things race toward a confrontation. At times the events seem a bit too convenient, but on the whole the adventure is exciting and fast paced. The characters are well rounded and believable. Shadow will be popular with fans of Anne McCaffrey's "Harper Hall" trilogy (S & S).—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

Gr 5–8—On the day 11-year-old Meli draws a picture of a pelican that bears a striking resemblance to her teacher—and gets caught—spring is just around the corner in Kosovo. But along with the change in season in 1998 come life-altering changes for Albanian Kosovars, the ethnic group to which Meli's family belongs. Because she is forced to stay after class, her 13-year-old brother, Mehmet, heads home alone and is taken by the Serbian police, beaten, and dumped in a field to die. When he returns home after being nursed to health by the Kosovo Liberation Army, his family must flee. Surviving extreme hardship and violence, they arrive in a refugee camp, and at long last immigrate to the United States. All is well until the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when their family is mistreated for being Muslim, albeit nonpracticing. Kindness and forgiveness on both sides bring about healing and the realization that the Lleshis have truly found a home. The themes of family loyalty and living peaceably with others along with the exploration of ethnic prejudice are handled so as to make for meaningful discussion in a classroom or book group, and the span of the main characters' ages through their teen years makes the book an appropriate choice for a wide range of readers. The setting, complete with television and other fixtures of contemporary life, demonstrates that this sort of tragedy belongs to our own time and not just the distant past. While attempts to explain the political situation at times break the flow of the narrative, this little-known piece of history has been brought to life with sensitivity and grace.—Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL

Gr 5–8—It's been a long while since readers last enjoyed a season with Grandma Dowdel, and what a startling, hilarious, and touching season it is. It is now 1958, a time when Elvis is king and the glow of television sets has replaced sitting on the porch for an evening. Yet as much as things have changed, Mrs. Dowdel has remained pretty much the same, living alone in the last house in town, pushing 90 and still toting her rifle, cooking up a storm and taking down the neighborhood hoodlums. What's new are the PKs (preacher's kids) who've moved in next door, including the 12-year-old narrator, Bob Barnhardt, an unassertive boy who has the misfortune of being welcomed to town in a most unneighborly fashion. Mrs. Dowdel intervenes and helps out the Barnhardts in her own inimitable way, proving herself as clever, capable, and downright amazing as ever and allowing Bob and his family to see just what a gift of a neighbor she is. With a storyteller's sure tone, Peck has once again created a whole world in one small Illinois town, a place where the folksy wisdom and generosity of one gruff old woman can change lives.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–6—Jessica Warner, 13, plans to spend the summer helping out on her family's Nevada ranch, riding her faithful old horse, Rusty, and spending time with her friend Marybeth. When a fierce storm hits, the old barn catches fire. Rusty survives, but he can no longer be ridden. Jessica disobeys her father and begins working with a wild paint filly she has dubbed Storm Chaser. After the fire, the Warners decide to transform the working ranch into a vacation spot. When the first group of "dudes" arrives for a week of riding, weenie roasts, and swims at the lake, culminating with a cattle drive, things become complicated for Jess. One of the vacationers has her eye on Storm Chaser and makes a big show of wanting to buy her. Platt draws readers into life on the ranch and shares her knowledge and love of horses. The story unfolds at a smooth pace, introducing new characters and situations in a timely manner. The writing flows naturally with succinct descriptions and a light, yet exciting mood that is created from the beginning. Information on horse breeds and training ring true, and an author's note provides further detail on paint horses.—Bethany A. Lafferty, Henderson District Public Library, NV

Gr 5–9—Stuart Ballentyne, 15, keeps everyone around him at a distance. His mother is in the Air Force, which keeps him moving around a lot. He doesn't have time to make friends or lasting connections with people outside of his family. Things are changing in the Ballentyne household, however. Stuart's older brother has gone off to college, and his father is in Nevada taking care of his ailing grandmother and taking a break from Stuart's mom. Since she is busy with her new duties, Stuart finds himself more alone than ever. Billy, an eight-year-old neighbor, does his best to befriend the newcomer. Although Stuart doesn't like the boy tagging along, he can't help but let Billy become part of his new life. As he gets to know the child and his mysterious older stepbrother, Stuart feels that something bad is going on across the street, but he doesn't act on his suspicions. When he finally realizes he should speak up, tragedy strikes. The story offers both a realistic interpretation of teenage life on an Air Force base and the teen's feeling of powerlessness upon witnessing child abuse—both physical and verbal—in action.—Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library

Gr 4–6—This collection of free-verse poems is based on Russell's childhood and her journey to becoming an author. Yeung Ying leaves Hong Kong to spend the summer with her Uncle Five and his children in mainland China. When she recites classical Chinese poems for him, he rewards her with a special treat—a bowl of custard known as dan lai. She loves this treat so much that she vows to be a good student and become a writer. In 1960s China, many girls do not get the chance to have the education she receives, but she has financial support from her uncle, who appreciates her intelligence and determination, and her mother stands up for her right to an education. The story is revealed through Russell's tender poems that beautifully describe Yeung Ying's surroundings, her home life, her family, and her inner thoughts. The poems are simple, yet filled with images and language that create an atmosphere that brings the child's early years to light. Aspiring young authors will be encouraged and inspired by this patchwork of poetry.—Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Gr 9 Up—At 18, Zach finds himself in a therapeutic residential program as both an alcoholic and a post-traumatic-stress patient. In evocative and compelling language, Sáenz allows an at-first barely articulate, almost amnesiac Zach to show his progress toward remembering and integrating his past into a present with which he can cope. He is guided along the way by a sympathetic and wise therapist, a middle-aged roommate whose own recovery is on an arc ahead of the youth's, and several credible and interesting minor characters. The techniques and realities of such a facility are realistic and fully drawn: addicts who gather for cigarettes, nightmares, group sessions, breathing therapy. Sáenz weaves together Zach's past, present, and changing disposition toward his future with stylistic grace and emotional insight. This is a powerful and edifying look into both a tortured psyche and the methods by which it can be healed.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

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 them to slaughter humanity. 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. When his beloved Uncle Dervish is attacked by werewolves and is near death, and the Lambs may have allied with Lord Loss, Grubbs and the other demon fighters learn that things are worse than they thought (in the "Demonata" books, they always are). 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—A quiet novel about the relationships surrounding 12-year-old Abby on her family's rural horse ranch in 1960s California. Due to her parents' strict religious views (no TV or rock music), Abby often feels like an outcast in her small seventh-grade class and she is often subjected to ridicule by the popular girls. She finds solace in working with the horses (there are numerous detailed scenes of riding, jumping, and grooming) with the exception of Ornery George. To avoid attachment and to ready the animals for sale, her father names all their horses George or Jewel. Meanwhile, the family is dealing with the estrangement of 16-year-old Danny, who left home after an argument. Abby's voice tends to be far more intuitive and insightful than one would expect of her age, especially as she discerns the nuances and tensions in her parents' relationship. The occasional anachronistic word or phrase such as "wandering around the strip mall" (a term generally not in use until the 1980s) tend to distract. Ultimately, the subtle shifts in attitude that occur may be appreciated by adults but lost on the young readers for whom the book is intended. Intricate pen-and-ink drawings of horse equipment at the beginning of each chapter give the book an old-fashioned feel.—Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5–7—Twelve-year-old William S. Baggett always knew he'd run away from his abusive family someday, but when his older brothers flush his sister's guinea pig down the toilet, she insists it has to be right now and that she and their two younger siblings must go, too. Their destination is the home of their dead mother's sister, but escaping undetected from their small California town is fraught with complications. They are both helped and delayed by the intervention of a lonely rich girl, Clarice, who recognizes and admires William from his school performance as Ariel in The Tempest Eventually they manage to make the bus journey to Aunt Fiona's seaside town and are welcomed with open arms. Unfortunately, the children are discovered and returned to their cruel father, until Clarice steps in to save the day. William's love of Shakespeare is woven into the story and his acting out The Tempest to keep the children occupied is both a highlight of the story and an accessible introduction to the play. Character development is satisfying, and the 1938 setting is ably conveyed through references to Roosevelt's welfare program, pick-up sticks, and 25-cent hamburgers, but some anachronisms of language ("biological parents," "get their act together") mar the sense of the times. An old-fashioned bold typeface, used throughout for all quotes from and references to Shakespeare, is jarring and does not serve the story, and Clarice as deus ex machina strains belief, but this is, nevertheless, an engrossing read.—Marie Orlando, formerly at Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 9 Up—Because of her father's academic career, Beatrice Szabo's family has moved multiple times, most recently from Ithaca, NY, to Baltimore. In order to protect herself from the emotional fallout caused by the constant moves and her parents' troubled relationship, she has invented a cold, emotionless persona for herself called Robot Girl. When she begins her senior year at a small private school, she enters a class where the students have known one another since kindergarten. She finds herself drawn to outcast Jonas Tate, aka Ghost Boy, who introduces her to the Night Light show, a local late-night radio show. They form an intense friendship, complicated by Jonas's obsession with his mentally disabled twin brother, whom his father had told him died in an automobile accident years before. When Jonas discovers that Matthew is actually alive and in a local institution, events gradually spiral out of control as Jonas plots to liberate him. Beatrice begins to realize that her deep love and friendship for Jonas cannot help him overcome all of his emotional difficulties. This is an honest and complex depiction of a meaningful platonic friendship and doesn't gloss over troubling issues. The minor characters, particularly the talk-show regulars, are quirky and depicted with sly humor. Teens will identify with the intense emotions of Beatrice and Jonas, the reasons they are drawn to each other, and the ups and downs of their relationship. An outstanding choice for a book discussion group.—Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 5–8—Reynie, Kate, Constance, and Sticky return for a third adventure. This time, the megalomaniac Ledroptha Curtain schemes to regain his deadly Whisperer machine. As Constance develops her powers of mental telepathy, Reynie and the others use their gifted minds to puzzle through Curtain's master plan even as they fall prey to his kidnapping attempt. Imprisoned by well-meaning and sinister characters alike, the Society members face choices that test their loyalty as well as their intellect. Sequels sometimes lack the intensity of the original works, and Prisoner's Dilemma struggles with this syndrome at times. The children's unique talents, long since revealed, are past the startling sparkle of their introduction. As character development yields to a dominant plot, the story lacks the facile agility of its predecessors. On the other hand, the opening gambit is fresh and frightfully funny, as is Constance Contraire always and forever. The writing is replete with rollicking metaphors. Finally, as in the best of E. L. Konigsburg's novels, Stewart's introspective characters examine the significance of their experiences. Unlike most adventurers, these special children see the world surrounding their story and share it with readers. If this is the last Society installment, readers had better, as Reynie says, "acquire a taste for the bittersweet."—Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT

Gr 9 Up—Grace, 17, loves the peace and tranquility of the woods behind her home. It is here during the cold winter months that she gets to see her wolf—the one with the yellow eyes. Grace is sure that he saved her from an attack by other wolves when she was nine. Over the ensuing years he has returned each season, watching her with those haunting eyes as if longing for something to happen. When a teen is killed by wolves, a hunting party decides to retaliate. Grace races through the woods and discovers a wounded boy shivering on her back porch. One look at his yellow eyes and she knows that this is her wolf in human form. Fate has finally brought Sam and Grace together, and as their love grows and intensifies, so does the reality of what awaits them. It is only a matter of time before the winter cold changes him back into a wolf, and this time he might stay that way forever. Told from alternating points of view, the narrative takes a classic Romeo & Juliet plot and transforms it into a paranormal romance that is beautiful and moving. Readers will easily identify with the strong, dynamic characters. The mythology surrounding the wolf pack is clever and so well written that it seems perfectly normal for the creatures to exist in today's world. A must-have that will give Bella and Edward a run for their money.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Gr 9 Up—High school senior Holly Hirsh knows little about Paul Bennett beyond the fact that he is good-looking, popular, and has a "cool and put together" girlfriend. Seeking to fill the emotional void left by her mother's death, Holly loses her virginity to him and continues to see him. He demands that she keep their relationship secret, which exacerbates the complicated feelings she has toward her longtime best friend, Nils. When a school project provides a means for Holly to get to know Paul's girlfriend, her sense of betrayal becomes even deeper. The bare-bones plot elements seem soapy, yet first-time novelist Strasnick does a commendable job of tempering the dramatics down to a realistic portrayal of a teen needing to feel wanted, secure, and loved. Because of this characterization, regardless of Holly's mistakes and her excuses for Paul's caddish behavior, readers will find it easy to empathize with her.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9–11—When a high school student announces on her blog that she hates Lucy Cunningham and wishes her dead, no one takes her seriously—until a few days later, when Lucy disappears. Madison Archer is particularly shaken by the disappearance, as she was the one who drove the missing girl home and was the last to see her that night. In addition to her guilt over not seeing Lucy safely to her door, Madison is also trying to uncover the identities of a cyber stalker who sends her Facebook messages lecturing her about her cliquishness and an anonymous "friend" who leaves her hastily scribbled warnings and pleas for help. When the blogger posts another name, a second student goes missing. And then a third. Madison needs to find her missing friends before it's too late—for them and for herself. The action proceeds at a smooth pace and hits all the right notes of a teen thriller: revenge-seeking outcasts, betrayal, mysterious strangers, and some violence and torture (though it is not graphically depicted). Characters are distinct; readers will be able to tell even the background characters apart. The gimmick of incorporating blogging, chat, and Facebook is not as central to the story as the opening pages would imply, but the social-networking technologies are blended seamlessly into the narrative. Strasser's writing is more practical than poetic, but his gripping plot will keep readers turning pages late into the night.—Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA

Gr 5–7—Belladonna Johnson, 12, who has the family trait of seeing ghosts, appreciates the gift after her parents' car accident. They happily haunt the house, her mother still prepares meals, Belladonna still spends evenings watching Staunchly Springs with them, and her daily chore is to pick up a newspaper for her father. But suddenly ghosts start to disappear, including her parents. Elsie Blaine, the young Victorian ghost that haunts Belladonna's school, is the only one around, and even Steve, her mischievous chemistry lab partner, can see her. He becomes Belladonna's amusing sidekick on a quest to discover the truth. In the Land of the Dead, they meet strange Dr. Ashe and discover that he has something to do with the disappearances. Magical creatures, amulets, and verses are all a part of this delightful tale that leads Belladonna and Steve on a deadly adventure. Stringer maintains the humor and logic of preteens who are awkwardly coming into their magical destinies, which makes for an amusing first novel.—Nancy D. Tolson, Mitchell College, New London, CT

Gr 4–7—Teague doesn't hold anything back in his first full-length novel. Readers are treated to some of his classic storytelling elements including inquisitive kids, aliens of many varieties, and interesting gizmos. In 1956, Jack Creedle is just beginning his paper route when a flying saucer passes overhead and lands nearby. A week later Vern Hollow is mostly deserted when Isadora Shumway and her mother, a highly respected scientist, arrive there as their car gives out. Jack repairs it and he and the Shumways attempt to leave town with Jack's Uncle Bud. Of course, all four of them are captured by the alien skreeps, giant spiderlike beings from a vast and cruel empire. As in any epic, these heroes journey across strange landscapes, face difficult choices, receive unexpected help, and eventually triumph with their new allies. The author subtly weaves in commentary on the skreeps, who think only of themselves and who leave entire worlds barren in order to enjoy their resources. Teague's signature artwork livens up an already gripping story. This isn't hard science fiction, but talk of wormholes and other science fits the story well. It's a great story with engaging characters and a good deal of humor.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 7 Up—During a party-prepping trip to Safeway, friends Corbin and Darius flirt with Rubee, a local hottie manning the cash register. Darius invites her to the party, and the boys leave the market anticipating Rubee's arrival. At the party, he makes a play for her, and Corbin, in a jealous and alcohol-induced fit, attacks him. The party ends when Corbin passes out. (Gallant friend that he is, Darius remains with Corbin until he wakes up.) Without warning, the boys are jumped and severely beaten by hooded assailants. Corbin awakens in the ER and learns that while both he and his friend suffered severe head trauma, he is now under investigation for murder as Darius has died of his injuries. No witnesses saw the attackers, but the partygoers can attest to Corbin fighting with Darius. Corbin tries to resume his pre-assault life and find out who killed his friend, but his extensive injuries hamper his attempts. Likable flawed characters drive the plot in this gritty contemporary drama. The fast-paced read feels current and edgy without succumbing to inner-city staging. Riley Park will have both reluctant and struggling readers flipping the pages.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FL

Gr 7 Up—An amusing yet uneven installment in the series. Mallory's innovative new soap opera has garnered raves and Emmy nominations for her writing and for her mother's acting. Being a prodigy in the world of daytime drama is demanding enough, but the 16-year-old is also wrestling with boyfriend issues, formulating a plan to sabotage her mother's current relationship, and trying not to fail gym class. A story line leak to a soap-opera magazine leads to major friction between Mallory and her mother. The award ceremony can't come fast enough; when it finally does, with all its glamour, giddiness, and grotesquery, the show's stars and staff are in for some dramatic surprises. While the individual strengths of the three authors—Chris Van Etten, David Ozanich, and David Levithan—make for some laugh-out-loud moments, several scenes, particularly those that switch between Mallory's television and school worlds, don't flow well. The novel's best moments poke fun at daytime drama, from revengeful actors demanding more face time to implausible story lines, breathless dialogue, and rabid fan-club presidents. Scenes set at the Emmys are particularly funny, especially the inane and pretentious dialogue parroted by presenters and outbursts on stage. In contrast, scenes involving Mallory at school are quite colorless. Buy where the series is popular.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Gr 5–8—This is a fast-paced, engaging sequel to Vega's Click Here (to Find Out How I Survived the Seventh Grade) (Little, Brown, 2005). Erin Swift is a funny, bright girl who encounters some of the most typical (yet poignant) trials and tribulations that early adolescence has to offer. An overbearing, overprotective mother makes Erin chomp at the bit for freedom and adulthood. A first boyfriend (who she doesn't really like very much) and a breakup leave her confused about her tastes and judgment. A wild, intriguing new girl at school challenges her ideas about fun and friendship. Finally, a tragedy introduces the teen to loss, grief, and regret. Added to the mix are Erin's tech-savvy humor and matter-of-fact inner dialogue. Although some of the tech terms may soon be outdated, it is fun to read about a computer- and gadget-loving girl protagonist.—Nora G. Murphy, Los Angeles Academy Middle School

Gr 8 Up—From the first story, Gordon Korman's "Wimp of Sparta," to the last, Walter Dean Myers's "Midnight Bus to Georgia," this compilation is sure to find a wide audience. Characters such as boy farmer Avery Alexander, who is ordered to dress in a mauve Little Lord Fauntleroy outfit for his sister's wedding in Nancy Springer's "The Most Mauve There Is," and Grandpa Lee in Myers's tale of a family of cons who are trying to get Grandpa out of trouble and out of New York, will generate hearty laughter. Other tales, such as Sharon Dennis Wyeth's "Another Chance," pull at the heartstrings more than hit the funny bone. And the poems in Mel Glenn's "American Teen" showcase readers' similarities across lines of gender and geography. But all of the stories deal with family in their loving, and sometimes not-so-loving, insanity. This book will be devoured by reluctant and avid readers alike.—Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL

Gr 6–8—In the city-state of Agora (or "marketplace"), everything is for sale and all goods and services can and must be traded or bartered. Children are property until they come of age at 12, and those who are poor are sold like any other commodity. Two such children are Lily, an orphan who enters into a service contract with old Count Stelli, an astrologer. Most of Mark's family dies of the plague and his father sells him to Doctor Theophilus, son of the Count. Their lives intersect and diverge when they switch places. Lily questions the values of Agoran society and sets up a free shelter for citizens needing help. Mark is drawn in to intrigue and mystery as he becomes a prominent fortune-teller. There is a sense of darkness and danger at the heart of this society, which is embodied in the Midnight Charter, a document that predicts the coming of the Protagonist and the Antagonist, and that suggests that these two figures, possibly Mark and Lily, will alter their world forever. Whitley creates a number of memorable and full-bodied characters, along with a claustrophobic sense of a society set up as a utopia closing in on itself, and a morality that is at the extreme edge of reason. Exciting and gripping from the first heart-stopping line, this first book in a trilogy takes readers only part of the way to resolving the predictions of the Midnight Charter and its relationship to Mark and Lily. Readers will anxiously await the next installment as they reach the cliff-hanger ending.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City

Gr 9 Up—Helena, a 17-year-old rookie counselor at the Tennessee camp where she had been a camper for eight summers, learns that growing up and taking on responsibilities changes almost everything about the innocent fun of camp. One good change: Ransome, an older counselor at the neighboring boys' camp, is actually interested in her, and their flirtation grows more serious. Yet Helena experiences a change for the worse in the friendship department. Katie, her best friend, has a birthday too late to allow her to be a counselor this year, and the division in their status leads to a gulf between them. When older counselor Winn lets Helena into the inner circle of counselors, it's a dream; but when Winn begins treating Helena like a pariah after she and Ransome begin a physical relationship, the freeze-out by yet another camp friend is a nightmare. A terrible accident ensues, and all of Helena's hopes for the best summer ever are lost. This coming-of-age novel might deserve a spot in some summer-camp care packages, but Helena comes across as a bit whiny and weak at times. Those looking for outdoorsy girl-drama can find some here, though the ending is a bit abrupt.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA

Gr 4–7—Beauty Cookson's father spends lavishly on his wife and daughter. They have a beautiful, large house, but it is not a happy home as Beauty and her mother walk on eggshells to keep him from lashing out at them. Beauty's father reminds her frequently that she is plain and tries to make her fit his image with fancy clothes and inappropriate hairdos. Beauty is either bullied or ignored at her private school. Her mother, to help Beauty fare better at school, attempts to make cookies for the class with disastrous results. Still, she keeps trying, and cookie baking becomes their special time together. As Beauty's birthday approaches, her father plans an extravagant celebration with all of her classmates, even those who torment her daily. The event is a disaster. Later, when Mr. Cookson lets loose the rabbit that Beauty received as a gift from the one girl who befriends her and it gets killed, she and her mother leave him. With the help of new friends, the two finally feel safe and discover just how strong—and beautiful—they are. Wilson's talent shows again in this novel with strong, compelling characters and a plot that makes the book hard to put down.—Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Denton

Gr 6–9—This third story about the middle school investigative reporter and his coeditor, Jennifer, is a topical, timely, and totally entertaining read. With the Harris Elementary/Middle School paper, the Slash, recently banned as a school-sponsored publication thanks to a powerful local family, the pair look for other ways to keep it afloat. To this end, they enlist the support of the Ameche brothers, two precocious, streetsmart, and wisecracking entrepreneurs who sell enough ads to launch a privately funded print run and to build an accompanying Web site. Unfortunately, just as the coeditors and their staff begin unearthing juicy scandals—a state testing scam, a class presidential candidate trading votes for free music downloads, and a local bicycle-robbery ring—it becomes plain that the Ameche brothers, while great salesmen, need to be brought up to speed in terms of understanding "the wall" that separates commerce from ethical journalism. Ultimately, it is Ma Ameche, a prizewinning tomato grower and flea-market portrait artist—and one of a small but significant cast of sympathetic adult figures—who both helps instruct her errant sons and tries to keep the Slash viable. The novel is packed with memorable characters, breezy laughs, a bit of romance, and heart-tugging quandaries that deftly point up the real-life matters that have turned genuine, honest journalism into an endangered species.—Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI

Gr 6–10—Samantha Klein's meteoric rise from nobody to It-girl starts when the reigning popularity princess, Kylie Frank, moves in next door and Sam unwittingly discovers her secret to success: a magical "Skin," much like a nylon body suit, that gives the wearer complete popularity. When Sam steals it, she gains popularity while Kylie's rating declines, and Sam's oversize sweatshirts and frizzy hairstyle are adopted by the popular crowd. Before the end of the semester, she's on the pep squad and the Spring Fling planning committee, and has left behind her old friends in favor of cooler girls and the hottest guy in school. There is a catch, though: the Skin comes to its wearer with a set of simple rules—rules that Sam doesn't know. Before long, it begins to feel uncomfortably tight, and Sam must decide whether her newfound popularity is really worth it. Though the plot is fairly predictable, its touches of humor make it an enjoyable story. This fun, light read will appeal to teens who enjoyed Meg Cabot's How to Be Popular (HarperTeen, 2006) and Kieran Scott's I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader (Putnam, 2005).—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Gr 4 Up—For each day of the year, Alcorn presents a quotation from a person born on that date. Each weekly compilation devotes one side of the spread to the selected words. The facing page features a stylized portrait of a person born that week. The flat, static block prints with muted colors incorporate elements for which the person is noted. For example, Vincent Van Gogh's face is centered in a sunflower. Rosa Parks cradles a bus in her arms. Athletes, artists, musicians, politicians, scientists, authors, actors, and other celebrities range from Kurt Cobain, Madonna, Tupac Shakur, and Derek Jeter to Clara Barton, Nelson Mandela, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Amelia Earhart. A sentence or two about each figure appears at the book's end. Because the only index is by name, it is impossible to find quotations on a particular topic. The striking page design and intriguing portraits might appeal to graphic arts students, although the primary audience for this volume will probably be teachers, librarians, and other adults.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Gr 9 Up—This collection of 31 skits has a nice mix of female and male actors and works well in drama or speech classes. Each piece has a range of two to seven actors with options of up to a dozen, as well as suggested props and stage actions. The scenes are written with a superb sense of comic timing and portray authentic teen characters in high school settings. The selections are long enough to develop characters, and the two-person skits could easily be used for forensic competition. Because of its versatility and superior writing, this would be an excellent addition.—Terrilyn Fleming, Colby Public Schools, KS

Gr 5–8—These hi/lo books provide the basics on challenges that today's adolescents may face. All contain quotes from tweens and teens, quizzes, and short glossaries and resource guides. Neatly divided into easy-to-read sections, chapters cover such topics as "Why They Do It" (Behind the Screen), "Why Do I Look Like This? (Reflections), "Becoming Your Best Self" (In Crowd), and "What the Heck Is Happening?" (Sex Smarts). The books' design is dull and the stock photographs are merely decorative (though the photograph of facial herpes in Sex Smarts is jolting). The texts' staid tone treats each of the topics in an appropriately serious manner. Reluctant readers will find these titles helpful for basic report information, and the books will be useful to guidance and health instructors as starting points for discussions.—Elaine Baran Black, Georgia Public Library Service, Atlanta

Gr 5–8—Brigadier, a member of the Mounted Unit of the Toronto police force, was killed when a reckless driver plowed his van into the horse, causing injuries so severe that he had to be put down. The officer survived. This tragedy sparked a lot of media coverage when it happened in February of 2006. A large portion of the book focuses on finding and training the animal, and the author pays special attention to his gentle, comical, smart, and endearing personality. Children will fall in love with Brigadier, as did so many Torontonians. The author mentions the fight to bring "Brigadier's Law" into existence—the man responsible for the death of this amazing horse got a "slap on the wrist." Illustrations include occasional sketches that are quite lovely. All in all, a good story, tenderly told.—Corrina Austin, Locke's Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Gr 3–8—Perfect for Halloween and beyond, this conveniently organized, well-illustrated cookbook is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Following a somewhat lengthy introduction explaining Halloween fun from the author's perspective and "pointers for success" in using the book, Bowers dives in to the heart of the matter. Arrangement is by types of food (candy, cookies, cakes, drinks, etc.), and it's easy to find something to whet any appetite for scary fun. The I'Scream Cake is reminiscent of Edvard Munch's The Scream. Monster Eyeballs and Cheddar Eyeballs are more mouthwatering than icky. Ghoul-Ade with Fly-in-My-Ice is gloriously spine-chilling. While most recipes start from scratch, Bowers allows for substitutions such as store-bought cake mixes. Most recipes are complemented by a full-color photograph of the finished product. While young children will not be able to create these fright-fest delights without intense adult help, they will nevertheless howl at the promise of the outcome. Hauntingly appetizing.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 4–6—This well-written book focuses on the most famous exploit of the Culper Spy Ring, a trusted group based in New York City that provided intelligence to General George Washington. In 1780, they alerted him to the British fleet's movements while the Americans were awaiting the arrival of French troops and naval support. Without this information and Washington's counter ruse, the American chances of winning the war were nil. With some fictionalizing of dialogue and thoughts, the story moves briskly, focusing on individual members of the spy ring and their roles in conveying the message to Washington. The acrylic illustrations are detailed and authentic, although a few characters appear wooden. Overall, the paintings are a pleasing addition, helping to bring some lesser-known war heroes to life. The book concludes with a helpful time line, an extensive bibliography, and a list of places to visit referenced in the book. Also of interest is information about "sympathetic stain," an invisible ink that enabled messages to be passed secretly. John Miklos's How the Revolutionary War Was Won (Enslow, 2008) is not as specific as Upon Secrecy.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Gr 5–9—In this slim volume, 53 free-verse poems follow a young dancer's inner life as her mother enters and survives treatment for breast cancer. Fifteen-year-old Ann has concerns that most young readers will recognize—if she has the right dress for a party, whether her turned ankle will prevent her from dancing, if boys will ever notice her the way they do her friend Suzanne. But Ann's mother's cancer brings other worries. Who can she tell that her mother "had her breasts cut off"? How can she help her mother drink 80 ounces of water a day? Will their family life ever be normal again? Does Ann or her sister Jane have the "cancer gene"? Throughout the months of her mother's chemotherapy, Ann creates batiks, learns to knit legwarmers, listens to her older sister read poetry to their mother, and ponders the difficulties that other families face. It is only on the final pages, after the crocuses bloom, that her mother recovers enough to enjoy the homey tasks of housekeeping with her daughters. With spring, too, Mom's hair begins to grow back, soft and new. Delicate pen-and-ink illustrations convey thoughtful moments as well as the exuberance and vitality of the young dancer. This quiet story based on the author's own family's experience avoids confronting some of the deepest fears that cancer can bring, but it is reassuring in the gentle way it normalizes a teen's experiences and emotions as her family copes with major illness.—Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Gr 4 Up—From prehistoric to modern times, this expertly designed survey delivers a wealth of information. Much more than a mere time line, the focus shifts from artist to movement to medium with fluidity. Gallery pages examine how particular subjects are depicted in art from a variety of cultures and time periods. Hundreds of color reproductions are sure to hold readers' interest as they discover the interconnectedness of thousands of years of artistic expression. The vast amount of information presented is neither overwhelming nor superficial, due to effective design and organization. Offering more than can be absorbed in one sitting, this appealing, oversize volume will have readers poring over it again and again.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

Gr 4–8—This atlas is more text-heavy than most, consisting of maps and illustrations accompanied by extensive captions outlining the cultures of many civilizations. Each section begins with a map of a continent and a table of contents detailing which peoples will be discussed in it. Each civilization is covered in a chapter spread that includes a small map of the extent of each empire and many photos, pictures, and captioned drawings. Plastic overlays allow readers to look inside such famous structures as the pyramids of Giza and the Roman Colosseum. The inclusion of peoples such as the mound builders, Pueblo farmers, Australian Aborigines, and Pacific peoples make this a much more complete overview of the ancient world than most books of this type. The accompanying clip art CD contains images of many of the artifacts as well as of the maps found in the book. Though not an in-depth study of any of these civilizations, this atlas offers a wonderful introduction to them as well as solid geography basics.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 9 Up—This handbook is intended as a guide for patients who have been recently diagnosed with HIV. It opens with an introduction and a brief history of the AIDS epidemic in the United States and continues with chapters on prevention and testing, choosing a healthcare provider, medications, opportunistic infections, dental care, general wellness, and more. By far the most useful chapters are the ones dealing with medications and opportunistic infections. Though clearly written, the book suffers from repetition in several places of almost verbatim text, as well as an overly political view of the subject matter, as when Cichocki attacks certain political figures for their lack of action at a time when few yet understood the scope of the disease. Also, although the introduction states that the title's intended audience is HIV-positive patients, there are many occasions when it digresses into general information that is available elsewhere.—Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TX

Gr 5–8—The Boston Massacre is given a dramatic illustrated treatment here. Background about the political situation in England, especially its battles with France and need for capital from the American colonies, sets the stage. British soldiers are introduced individually almost as players in a theatrical production while tensions in Boston build to the climactic confrontation between the soldiers guarding the Custom House and the townspeople. Although Crispus Attucks is not mentioned by name, a man who appears to be African American is shown as a shooting victim. The black-and-white, pen-and-ink, cross-hatched art is done in a graphic-novel style but without panels or speech bubbles. All the faces are similar and blank, with slits as eyes, which distances readers somewhat from the events. The book is presented as nonfiction and John Adams is quoted directly, but no sources are listed. The ending is a bit abrupt. John Adams defends the British soldiers at their trial, then contemplates "a troubled future." Still, the book would be an intriguing addition to classroom discussion about the causes of the rebellion and how ordinary people became caught up in the conflict.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

Gr 4–8—In this manual for would-be secret agents, Earnest gives an overview of a spy's life, jargon needed for the position, tips and tactics for honing surveillance skills, and some true life stories. Activities help readers practice writing code and "learn to describe someone in ten seconds." Occasional pen-and-ink illustrations, numerous sidebars, and bulleted items enliven the presentation. Overall, the book is a fun read and most enticing to readers with an interest in intelligence gathering. Although it's not a comprehensive resource, it is one to add to collections that offer multiple perspectives on a subject.—Richard J. Snyder, Inglewood Junior High School, Sammamish, WA

Gr 9 Up—In this brutally funny and provocatively honest memoir, Friedman details her ambitious attempts to forgo a life of absurd obscurity in exchange for one of glamorous popularity. Having been bullied in middle school, and homeschooled briefly on her father's band's overcrowded tour bus, the author decided to take her destiny into her own hands and entered a prestigious boarding school as a scholarship student. She describes her "quest for cool" as she strived for the perfect wardrobe, perfect boyfriend, perfect GPA, and membership in the most popular clique. Though filled with wit and hilarity, the darker side of the story reveals that the author also had a drug habit, an eating disorder, and an identity crisis. While the insider's view of teenage popularity, casual social cruelty, profound academic stress, peer pressure, first love, desire for belonging, drugs, clueless adults, sex, and a friend's death are elucidating, the engaging nature of the exposition belies the very real dangers that some of Friedman's choices present. As such, this book would not be recommended for teens who are not reflective enough to understand these greater implications. Overall, though, this is a good choice for discussion.—Joanie Terrizzi, New York City Public Schools

Gr 4–8—Subjects pulled from the headlines are the focus of these books. Each chapter focuses on a person and highlights the drama and drudgery that combine to provide a clear picture of the career. The day-to-day experiences along with the educational requirements are included in the clear, easy-to-read texts. These books present a more in-depth look than Diane Lindsey Reeves's Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Science (Facts On File, 1998). Full-color photographs show the scientists in action and a chart with career information including salary potentials wraps up each book. These accessible portraits will open readers' eyes to a variety of fields that they might considered.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 6 Up—The well-designed What to Eat presents information about food and nutrition, including junk food; fast food; smart food; and nutritional components, such as calories, proteins, and carbohydrates. A chapter is devoted to physical activity and nutrition. The book also covers the dangers of social, emotional, and stress eating, as well as popular fad diets. Eating disorders and some of the medical conditions associated with obesity are also noted. Beyond Bruises discusses physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse, and the many environments in which they can occur. Using a combination of teens' personal stories, photos, and sidebars, this easy-to-read and well-thought-out book illuminates the factors of power and control underlying the problem. Up-to-date features in the titles include the latest version of the USDA food pyramid and popular trends among teens, such as vegetarianism and the use of the Dance Dance Revolution game for exercise in What to Eat and information about cyberbullying and sexual trafficking in Beyond Bruises. Some of the chapter notes in both volumes list citations as recent as 2008.—Caroline Geck, Newark Public Schools, NJ

Gr 4–8—The innovative efforts of nine men and one woman are presented here. Some of the names will be familiar (Galileo, Franklin, Edison, Curie) while others will prove less so (Isambard Kindgom Brunel, Glenn Curtiss, Sergei Korolev). Starting in ancient times with Archimedes, the chronology ends in modern times with Korolev, a Soviet-era rocket designer. Each section offers a succinct yet thorough biography of the inventors. Striking graphic-novel-style art is a visual aid to draw readers into each setting and era. Life-link boxes connect the inventors to one another. In this way Gifford demonstrates how they influenced, or were influenced by, other great thinkers. With the appeal of a graphic novel, and clear language, this title will draw in reluctant readers and provide enough information for brief reports.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Gr 3–8—This unique book gives each rock and mineral personality and pizzazz through the use of a conversational, first-person text. (Quartzite explains, "Nothing wears me down—I'm the definition of true grit!") Three interesting facts, a short description, and a list of basic facts (chemical formula, hardness, etc.) are provided about each one. Full-color cartoons of the rocks and minerals include faces and other human characteristics that enhance the personalities. Navigation is facilitated with sections being designated by a color and symbol. Readers will enjoy and learn from this fact-filled, accessible book.—Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA

Gr 6–8—The first title examines the complex politics of the 12th century as it follows the life of the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. It covers from his birth in 1157 through his rebellion against his father to his role in the Third Crusade. Thucydides focuses primarily on the Peloponnesian War rather than on the life of the one-time Athenian general and author of the History of the Peloponnesian War as only the outlines of his life are known. "FYI" sections throughout both texts offer additional information about the periods and individuals who had an impact on these men. Unfortunately, they read like term papers and convey little of the excitement surrounding the lives of these figures. The volumes include average-quality color photos of sites and artifacts, reproductions, and occasional maps, painting a picture of the worlds in which these men lived. These slim volumes might be useful for reluctant researchers.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 4–6—These books introduce scientific concepts and include related experiments. Explanations incorporate mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics for a whole-world understanding. Although attractive and simple on paper, a few experiments prove tricky to implement or yield subtle or underwhelming results. While accurate and complete descriptions predominate, some are simplified, such as the definition of zero decibels. An objective section on climate change in Weather refers to "the last few decades," which seems a bit vague. The books boast clear black-and-white and color photographs and full-color illustrations depicting everyday examples of these changing materials. Each title includes information on science museums to visit.—S. McClendon, Friends School of Atlanta, Decatur, GA

Gr 6 Up—At age nine, Keat was rousted from his bed by Khmer Rouge soldiers. After savagely murdering most of his family, they shot him three times and left him for dead. Miraculously, he survived, only to spend the next few years fighting for his life and running from the Khmer Rouge along with his remaining family members. Eventually, he and his siblings made their way to a refugee camp where his older sister bought his freedom. In this memoir, written with the assistance of his college professor, Keat paints a poignant portrait of life as a child in Cambodia in the 1970s. His skills, cunning, and sheer will to survive enabled him to endure devastating occurrences and difficult living conditions. The story is not for the faint of heart, as suffering torture at the hands of soldiers, subsisting solely off of rice chaff, and being forced to sleep among human remains are only some of the atrocities he suffered. Keat's story is compelling and concise, and readers will find themselves invested in his eventual escape.—Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL

Gr 5–8—Krull once again demonstrates her ability to balance a description of the personality of a genius with the significance of his contribution to science. In 13 chapters, she addresses the myths of Einstein as a poorly performing student who "bugged his teachers" and an unlikely genius known for his "bedhead." The author employs colloquial terms and concrete examples to make her work both engaging and accessible to young audiences. While delivering Einstein's theories is a task few biographers could accomplish, Krull's use of imagery, like Einstein's own thought pictures, will give readers a reasonable idea of his theorems. Einstein is depicted as a rebel student, absentminded scientist, and distracted parent who made mistakes and had his regrets, but who also retained his curiosity and continued to work on answering the questions he imagined. The final chapter explains why he was important, and how modern experiments continue to prove his theories. Kulikov's pen-and-ink illustrations offer lighthearted interpretations of the text. A useful list of quality resources indicates which titles are appropriate for young readers.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library

Gr 10 Up—This collection of 21 essays reprinted from a variety of magazines and newspapers aims to provide a broad, international overview of the complex issues surrounding the conflict. The four chapters cover the war as it relates to United States foreign relations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, international terrorism, and democracy. Pairs of opposing arguments are presented in essays such as "The United States Invaded Iraq to Protect Israel" and "Israel's Influence in Launching the Iraq War Is Often Overstated." The arrangement and selection of material encourage readers to consider the wider implications of the decision to go to war, especially as it affects Middle Eastern policies and attitudes. This work will be a useful tool in current-events classes, and its evenhanded approach offers plenty of substance for classroom discussions.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM

Gr 6 Up—This text will be a fascinating read for students who are curious about the development of the technology present in every aspect of their lives and the many people behind it. The five chapters are written in a lively, conversational voice. Lohr describes how many independent and creative thinkers helped to develop computers as we know them today. His history includes topics from software programs to animation, from FORTRAN to BASIC, and from Bill Gates to Steve Jobs, bringing technology to life along the way. The book emphasizes the powerful influence, positive and negative, of computers on our lives. It includes a few dark and grainy black-and-white photos. Throughout the chapters, references to a small collection of related articles reproduced at the back of the book help place the developments into historical context. The time line at the conclusion helps summarize major changes. A positive, upbeat, and enlightening read.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 5–8—An in-depth look at a vibrant ecosystem. Spilling over the Mexican border into Arizona and New Mexico, the Sonoran Desert is especially rich in varied plants, animals, insects, and other critters that call it home. Lynch shares his expertise and experiences in a clearly written, conversational text, lavishly illustrated with his own crisp color photos. From bighorn sheep to Gila monsters to creosote bushes, the author presents the variegated panoply of landscapes and life-forms in this challenging environment. More demanding than Kelley MacAulay's A Desert Habitat (Crabtree, 2006), which also focuses on the Sonoran Desert, this engaging work is eye-catching and informative.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 5 Up— Leaders features Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, and Frederick Douglass. A short biography is followed by a brief description of the individual's part in the Civil War. Causes is especially well written. Its eight chapters outline the economic, social, and political causes of the war. There are careful explanations of the importance of slavery to southern states, nullification and states' rights, the controversy of slavery expanding to western territories, and the impact of Lincoln's election to the presidency in 1860. Both books include many black-and-white and color photographs and reproductions. Though these texts rely upon secondary sources for quotes from individuals, these well-organized volumes are first-rate introductions for students beginning their study of the era, or for those who want a basic review.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 4–6—The life story of this daring news reporter, globetrotter, and advocate for women's rights is presented chronologically from birth to death. By seamlessly weaving her subject's accomplishments as a national figure with her personal life, Macy offers a masterful account of how Bly and turn-of-the-century American society shaped one another. There is at least one period photo, map, or artifact per spread, as well as several full- and double-page visuals. Insightful captions relate the illustrations to the surrounding text. This meticulously researched and elegantly presented account also provides readers and teachers with a plethora of additional material: a date-by-date time line of Bly's life, museums to visit, and videos to watch. The ample index features just about every supporting character mentioned in the book and uses boldfaced page numbers to indicate illustrations. Pair this book with a read-aloud of Bonnie Christensen's The Daring Nelly Bly (Knopf, 2003) for a riveting classroom discussion of American society, feminism, and journalism.—Rebecca Dash, New York Public Library

Gr 5 Up—Beginning with a single photograph of the cover of Anne Frank's diary and the quote, "One of my nicest presents," this small, beautifully formatted book is accessible, compelling, and richly pictorial. First published by the Anne Frank House under the title The Story of Anne Frank, the book immediately immerses readers in the girl's life via a series of family photographs, many previously unpublished. Divided chronologically, the accompanying text is enhanced by diary entries, resulting in a historically succinct yet descriptive presentation, even for those who have yet to read her actual diary. As the narrative progresses, the photographs grow thematically darker, including many black-and-white interior shots of the Annex taken a few years after the war, as well as several generic photographs of Jewish families in the concentration camps. The center of the book provides the most immediate experience of Anne's diary, with a series of full-page color photographs that are presented without commentary or translation. The miracle of Otto Frank's survival will not be lost on children as they view the haunting photo of him standing alone in the attic of the Anne Frank House on the day of its opening to the public in 1960. Even for those collections where Anne Frank is well represented, this is a moving and valuable book that creates a memorable introduction to both Anne's diary and her short, yet meaningful life.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4–8—Miller does an excellent job of presenting a synopsis of Franklin's life in a highly readable manner. She details his humble beginnings in Boston in 1706 through his slow, yet hardworking rise to gentleman status, and his eventual death at age 84 in 1790. His accomplishments as a printer, free-press advocate, inventor, scientific observer, and diplomat are also described. Imbedded in each chapter are asides that further elaborate on Franklin's life and times and activities that coordinate with the text or the historical facts presented. The directions are easy to follow and enhance the overall presentation, especially in terms of classroom connections. Illustrations accompany each project and reproductions of primary documents, renderings, and paintings provide added value.—G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI

Gr 4–8—Reading this book is an extraordinary experience. It has an elegant layout featuring ornamental lettering, watermarks, and gorgeous photos; were it not for the delightfully exuberant text, it would be a stately coffee table book. But kids will giggle about the central role of scat or, as Montgomery often writes, "poo," in the research of snow leopards' habits. Children will be swept up in the buoyant account of the journey through Mongolia led by Tom McCarthy, conservation director of the Snow Leopard Trust, in search of the elusive cat known as the "ghost of the mountain." He has devoted much of his life to studying these animals and persuading their human neighbors of the importance of their survival. Montgomery's enthusiasm translates well to the page and will have readers cheering for the entourage as they attempt to spot a snow leopard. This slender book abounds with information, including stories of McCarthy's rare, powerful past encounters with the cat, as well as zoological and cultural sidebars. Bishop's trademark stunning photography fills out the book with breathtaking views of the extreme environs of Central Asia and warm portraits of the charming people who live there. Author's and photographer's notes aren't typically as engaging as the main text, but the reflections of Montgomery and Bishop on their experiences with McCarthy's crew are eloquent, integral parts of the book. A great way to learn about a spectacular animal and its habitat.—Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR

Gr 5–9—"Why does pollen give you hay fever?" "Why don't big metal ships just sink?" These are but a couple of the questions that Murphy received on the Web site he set up to solicit inquiries from kids. Written in an informal, question-and-answer format, he delivers serious scientific information in an easygoing, humorous manner, with several pages dedicated to each topic. Questions, both quirky and straightforward, are organized into general categories with clever chapter headings such as "Science of Me" (the human body), "Climate Chaos" (global warming), "On the Move" (transportation), and "Brain Teasers" (the brain and how it functions). A few line drawings break up the text and sidebars highlight interesting facts or are, at times, simply funny. Sources for information are not included. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining, accessible approach to science that's sure to appeal to science buffs and general browsers alike.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY

Gr 4 Up—Nelson's syncopated poetry jives perfectly with Pinkney's layered watercolors in this look at the famous all-girl African-American swing band that toured the U.S., breaking attendance records, from 1937 to 1946. Nelson speaks in the voices of the band's instruments, reminiscing about their glory days from the shelves of a New Orleans pawnshop, recalling the excitement of the road and the difficulties of Jim Crow. Her poetry evokes the rich wail of swing music with varied meters, rhyme schemes, and free verse, calling up memories of the Dust Bowl, World War II, rationing, segregation, and music that momentarily lifted its listeners above hardship. Pinkney employs graphite, color pencil, watercolor, and collage in lusciously hued illustrations depicting night clubs, dancers, Victory Gardens, marching soldiers, and musicians in a vibrant volume that will be just as useful in high school history and English classrooms as for upper elementary general reading, not to mention music and art at any level. A chronology of the Sweethearts' history enhances the poetry.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO

Gr 6 Up—Much has been written about the Civil Rights Movement, but what has not been documented as well is the role that children played in propelling the movement forward. This book does just that as the Selma, AL, voting rights protests are examined through the eyes of its youngest demonstrators, whose spirit, humor, and grit are clearly exhibited. The book begins by introducing Joanne Blackmon, who at 10 years old was arrested for the first of many times as a result of her participation in freedom marches. The stories of several other young participants are also acknowledged. Through moving prose, their bravery in the face of uncertainty and danger is demonstrated to have clearly inspired and motivated the adults in their lives, including their teachers, parents, and grandparents, to join the fight for civil rights. Effective and meaningful archival photographs, quotes, poems, and songs are woven throughout the narrative, giving readers a real sense of the children's mindset and experiences. The bibliography, source notes, photo credits, and resources for further discussion and research are exemplary. An excellent addition to any library.—Margaret Auguste, Franklin Middle School, Somerset, NJ

Gr 7 Up—Based on Pollan's best-selling adult book of the same title, this (slightly) shortened version will appeal to thoughtful, socially responsible teens. The book is divided into four sections: "The Industrial Meal" (exemplified by the fact that only two companies, Cargill and ADM, buy nearly a third of all the corn grown in the U.S.); "The Industrial Organic Meal" (covering most of what's found in stores like Whole Foods); "Local Sustainable" (small farms typically based on grass, not corn); and what he calls the "Do-It-Yourself Meal" (where he hunts a wild pig and gathers wild mushrooms). Pollan has done an amazing amount of research, both of the typical kind (there are 16 pages of footnotes) and the more personal kind. His own research includes slaughtering a chicken himself and eating a fast-food meal in a moving car with his family. He explains complicated issues clearly, offers compelling evidence of the environmental damage done by what he calls the industrial meal, and urges readers not to look away from animal-welfare issues: "We can only decide if we know the truth." An afterword, "Vote with Your Fork," recommends simple actions that will improve the health of our bodies, our society, and our planet.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Gr 5–8—Quinn has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is a medical doctor; she addresses the types of AD/HD; who can help; differences between girls and boys with AD/HD; making friends; talking with adults about the condition; relaxation techniques; and medication. Her aim is to give girls a variety of ways to manage their disorders. She has created fictional AD/HD girls with various problems and situations that readers might face and then provides a variety of solutions. She suggests that her book does not need to be read in chapter order and that girls should begin with the topics of their greatest concern. The book is attractive and inviting with colorful cartoon illustrations, sidebars, and highlighted reminders. Beth Walker's The Girls' Guide to AD/HD (Woodbine, 2005) covers most of the same topics, but is not as visually appealing.—Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR

Gr 9 Up—One Jason is a poet and the other an artist. One is black and one is white. Heavy on dreams and light on cash, the aspiring young men move to Brooklyn, eating cereal and fried tuna while writing and painting wherever and whenever they can. Dancing the line between novel-in-verse and poetry collection, this autobiographical collaboration riffs on staying true to oneself, cultivating creative genius, taking risks, friendship, and becoming adults. The verse and dynamic artwork are simultaneously playful and desperate, but always expressive and fresh. The two are so tightly intertwined that one feeds off the other, adding layers of meaning for readers to peel away. Though this book will undoubtedly find broad appeal, because the Jasons set out on this journey in their early 20s, it may speak most directly to older teens starting to grapple with some of the same issues. If not for visual appeal or immediacy of tone and theme, teens will love the speed at which this unique book can be read. One thing is for certain—they will clamor for Griffin and Reynolds's next collaboration.—Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 6 Up—Using the works in the National Gallery, London, Richardson examines various ways of looking at works of art. Chapters include types of paintings (landscape, portrait, still life, etc.) and techniques. The author walks readers through the process of looking at composition, light, color, and symbols, and draws interesting comparisons between different paintings with similar subject matter. However, the design of this book, with its small typefaces and lack of pull-quotes, gives it a dense quality that the interesting text does not deserve. The author makes many excellent points, but the layout does nothing to draw attention to them. Sketchy, cartoony illustrations seem a little young for the intended audience, take up valuable page space, and look anemic next to the richly colored, fine-quality art reproductions. In addition, the title and subtitle imply a comprehensiveness that is not represented within: all of the art is from western Europe, almost all of it is by men, and all of the works are paintings. Antony Mason's A History of Western Art (Abrams) is more comprehensive; The Art Book for Children (Phaidon, both 2007) is more lively. This revision does not represent a significant update of the 1997 edition, although the color is better.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Gr 3–6—With its high-quality photos of artifacts, buildings, and artwork, this history of the Romans through the end of the Empire looks to be an exciting overview. Unfortunately, the writing falls short. There is no coherence between paragraphs, and the text reads as though random facts were thrown together. Fifteen chapters discuss different members of the populace, including "Senators and Generals," "Farmers and Foodmakers," and "Craftsmen and Artists." The text uses quotes from original sources and also includes the Latin names for many items and people, a good addition. However, some of the information seems misleading, as in the chapter on women, which describes the freedom they had without fully addressing the fact that they were still greatly restricted. Peter Connolly's Ancient Rome (Oxford Univ., 2001) and Fiona MacDonald's Ancient Rome (Heinemann Library, 2004) are much better overviews, although their photos aren't as spectacular.—Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Gr 4–6—The authors of Hidden on the Mountain: Stories of Children Sheltered from the Nazis in Le Chambon (Holiday House, 2007) return to France to uncover a little-known story. While they admit that "many of the details are destined to remain forever uncertain, with few facts proven to a historian's satisfaction," Ruelle and DeSaix feel strongly that the bits and pieces of information that they were able to unearth provide convincing evidence that the Muslims of the Grand Mosque of Paris saved Jewish lives. While the format and appearance of this title are similar to other picture books of rescue and resistance during the Holocaust, such as Carmen Agra Deedy's The Yellow Star (Peachtree, 2000) and Ken Mochizuki's Passage to Freedom (Lee & Low, 1997), the text provides more of a descriptive history of events than a retelling of a story. The oil-paint spreads are luminous and beautiful, but they belie the tone of the writing and the presentation of facts. Regardless, this well-researched book belongs on the shelves of most libraries.—Rachel Kamin, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, Highland Park, IL

Gr 4–8—This excellent photo-essay traces the history of the Dust Bowl from its causes to its resolution. In tandem, Sandler treats the role of the budding field of photojournalism. Forty-four spreads feature a page of clear, direct text with a large, well-reproduced image, many of which are set on color pages. Many of these, such as Dorothea Lange's "Migrant Mother" and Arthur Rothstein's "Fleeing a Dust Storm," have become iconic. The author repeatedly makes the point that it was in large part the force of these pictures that motivated the Roosevelt administration to take action in aid of both Dust Bowl farmers and migrant workers. Seldom has the connection between the arts and the general quality of life been made so clear. The text deals equally with those who fled the decimated Bread Basket for California and those who waited out the devastation and dust. Throughout, the use of primary sources is superb, with quotations from affected citizens, the photojournalists themselves, political and entertainment figures, and writers, giving a multifaceted picture of a seminal time in United States history. This book gives a more general picture of the time than Jerry Stanley's Children of the Dust Bowl (Crown, 1993) and is focused more specifically than Russell Freedman's Children of the Great Depression (Clarion, 2005). It provides a lesson in strength and perseverance that is certainly applicable today.—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA

Gr 7–10—These intriguing books examine social issues through stories of those who have experienced them. Sanna covers racism of all kinds, including genocide in parts of Africa; the deplorable conditions of Native Americans; anti-Semitism; racism against the Roma, better known as Gypsies, and against African Americans; and the conditions faced by some immigrants. The author emphasizes that there are many kinds of racism and that everyone should be aware of them. Simons travels a similar road, discussing the issues faced by women in this and other cultures. The book looks at rape as a weapon of war, honor killings, female circumcision, and the complex and often dangerous world of transgender individuals. Both titles expose the underbelly of society, explaining terms that might be unfamiliar and providing multiple examples of the issues. These are excellent introductions to some of the critical social problems faced by many cultures.—Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ

Gr 4–7—Following the same format as The Lion Encyclopedia of Christianity (2009), this is not an encyclopedia with alphabetical entries but, as the back jacket states, "an illustrated introduction to the beliefs, traditions and practices" of major world faiths. Information is organized by topic. Following an overview of ancient and Native religions, Self covers the six major faiths—Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. He also discusses, in less detail, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, the Baha'i faith, Confucianism, Taoism, Shinto, and modern religious groups. History, scriptures, worship, daily life, and holidays are all reviewed. Numerous color photos provide a truly multicultural framework. Unfortunately, there is no glossary, and the index is incomplete. Still, the book is thorough and up-to-date. Similar titles include Jennifer Glossop's The Kids Book of World Religions (Kids Can, 2003), which includes pronunciations and "Quick Facts" boxes; Myrtle Langley's Religion (DK, 2005), a book with lavish illustrations but no glossary; and Susan Meredith's The Usborne Book of World Religions (2006).—Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up—This book offers a basic introduction to creating a Web site, learning code, updating MySpace and Facebook pages, and creating a blog. The fun and conversational tone makes the book more accessible than others on the subject. If readers go through it chapter by chapter, they will have a fully functioning Web page by the end. The screen shots throughout are of Windows images, but the authors do frequently address Mac users. Since Windows and Mac OS X work similarly, Mac users should be able to follow along even though they won't have exact screen shots to follow. The chapter on updating one's social-networking site profile includes instruction on using code to further customize one's page. However, since these sites are always updating themselves, these instructions might become dated. There's also an informative chapter on blogs. The final chapter is a lesson on how to stay safe online. Since the tone of the book is pretty informal, the information on cybersafety doesn't come off as preachy or didactic. A good book for those who are new to social networking or creating Web sites.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR

Gr 7 Up—These books show that, in spite of one's circumstances, it is possible to overcome difficult situations. Students in Danger poses the questions of what makes schools safe and what makes them violent. After a discussion of the Minnesota school shooting and mention of others that have occurred throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, causes of violence are considered. Succeeding chapters examine school violence through the stories of survivors of the Columbine shootings, Virginia Tech massacre, and the shooting in an Amish school in Pennsylvania. A chapter on types of bullying includes the experiences of many famous personalities and also addresses the long-term impact such incidents may have on self-esteem and psychological health. When Danger Hits Home focuses on forms of domestic abuse—physical, psychological, and sexual, with other chapters sharing stories and information in greater depth on sexual, child, partner, and elder abuse. The last chapter provides the names of organizations to contact for help in the event of abuse. Both books include numerous captioned colored photos, diagrams, charts and graphs, as well as a variety of sidebars and text boxes. Definitions of terms highlighted in purple within the text are defined in the margins on the pages where they appear.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Gr 5–8—In a departure from their usual works, the Spinellis turn their skills to inspiring readers with quotes and promises for every day of the year. There is a single-page entry for each day, and each one begins with a quote from children's literature. For example, the quote for November 4 is, "When he was in school he longed to be out, and when he was out he longed to be in," from Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth. A quote for December 5 is from Dr. Seuss's The Lorax: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot nothing is going to get better." Anne Frank's birthday on June 12 is commemorated with a quote from The Diary of a Young Girl: "In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart." Each quote is followed by an explanatory note. Each note is then summarized into a short promise on which readers can reflect. For example, The Lorax entry tells readers to find one thing they care about and ask how they can make it better. The book covers a vast array of topics and themes, from serious to silly, and is inspiring and helpful. This is a book that that kids can dip into throughout the year.—Kristen Oravec, Flint Hill Middle School, Oakton, VA

Gr 3–6—The seven brief legends in this collection hail from a range of Native cultures. Mohawk artist/storyteller Taylor includes one from her own heritage, along with one each from the Mi'kmaq, Dakota, Coos, Ojibwa, Ute, and Cree. Despite the subtitle, the entries might more accurately be described as tales in which the natural and spiritual worlds overlap. In some of the legends, humans receive divine instruction on how to live in harmony with one another or with the natural world that sustains them. Others feature malignant spirits, such as the chillingly effective "Lodge Eater." Taylor's retellings are crisp and lend themselves well to reading aloud. Each story is accompanied by a lushly hued, surrealistic painting. The powerful images featuring fearsome creatures and tiny human figures balance the taut economy of the text. Designed as a companion to Taylor's Peace Walker (2004) and All the Stars in the Sky (2006, both Tundra), this well-crafted collection is an accessible and thoughtful supplement to Native American culture studies.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

Gr 4–8—Using a similar scrapbook format as the publisher's "ology" books, this is an engaging addition to the plethora of titles about Darwin that have come out on the 200th anniversary of his birth. Readers are immediately drawn into both the information on the man's life as well as his intriguing work observing the flora and fauna of the world, most notably in South America, where his theories on evolution first began to take seed. Detailed sidebars on topics such as hydrology, orchids, and beetles, while dry sounding, are actually quite fascinating. Excerpts from Darwin's own writings, as well as maps and drawings, lend substance to the book. Images are a combination of photographs, pencil drawings, color artwork, and diagrams, which add visual interest throughout. One drawback is that some of the fonts made to look like handwriting can be difficult to decipher, which may be a deterrent to some students. The handsome format will draw browsers, but the subject matter and the early look at evolutionary theory will hold readers. An excellent introduction to Darwin and his important work in the field of science.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Gr 10 Up—Burma (or Myanmar, as it has been renamed by the governing junta) is one of the most closed societies in the world. Than Shwe came to power after the explosive uprisings of 1988 and has largely managed to keep foreigners out. Unlike ideological dictators, he has no agenda other than maintaining close control over the country and the citizenry through oppressive measures covering everything from the distribution of food to travel from one village to another. Zahler outlines the nation's history and ably depicts life under Than Shwe's regime. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the pro-democracy movement, receives almost as much attention as Than Shwe. A Who's Who lists major figures mentioned in the text, and sidebars cover topics like Burmese prisons, torture, and the black market. Full-color and black-and-white photos appear throughout. A useful volume, especially given Myanmar's recent coverage in the media.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM